The Golden Age of American Jews Is Ending. Franklin Foer at The Atlantic with an in-depth report on the resurgence of anti-semitism on the right and the left.
I’m re-reading “Everybody’s Fool,” by Richard Russo (or, more precisely, listening to the audiobook). One of the heroes, Donald “Sully” Sullivan, is old, he has slowed down, he’s sick, and he’s disabled by injury. Sully is deeply flawed. But he’s still a better man than most and certainly better than the dimwitted, narcissistic villain.
The book was published in 2016, but it can be read as a political metaphor for the present day. That only just now occurred to me, more than halfway through my re-read of the 544-page book.
Are we dating the same guy? Facebook groups offer intel but upend lives [Brittany Shammas and Marisa Iati / The Washington Post]. Trial by gossip works well but fails badly.
What in Tarnation Is ‘Tarnation’ [Mental Floss]
I asked the AI-powered Perplexity search engine “Who is Mitch Wagner?”
Mitch Wagner is a versatile individual with various roles and achievements. He is known as a talented journalist and creative editor, as well as an athlete in CrossFit Games[1][2]. Wagner has been involved in the CrossFit community, showcasing his dedication to fitness and competition[3]. Additionally, he has had a successful career as a trial lawyer in San Diego, being involved in notable cases such as the 2007 wildfire litigation against San Diego Gas & Electric[4]. Wagner’s commitment to excellence is evident in his pursuits both in journalism and athletics.
Citations:
[1] www.linkedin.com/in/mitchw…
[2] games.crossfit.com/athlete/2…
[3] swolverine.com/blogs/ath…
[4] jcfsandiego.org/individua…
[5] www.bodybuilding.com/content/m…
Three people. Those are three different people, all named “Mitch Wagner.”
Minnie says good morning.
Today’s memes: Dr Wiggles Weiner Wagon
This is me Tuesday morning. I am both these people.
A Department of Veterans Affairs official tried to ban the famous Kiss photo, taken on VJ Day after World War II, from hanging in VA facilities because it “depicts a non-consensual act.” The department quickly rescinded the decision after predictable anti-woke shrieking. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2…
Cory Doctorow: Exxon CEO Darren Woods says the quiet part out loud: The problem with renewable energy sources is that they “don’t generate above-average returns for Exxon’s shareholders.” pluralistic.net/2024/03/0…
The sun generates virtually limitless and free energy, with much of it available in the form of wind and tides. And we’re already well under way to harnessing that energy.
On the other hand, fossil fuels and uranium are limited and expensive, so Exxon can make money on them.
If you sawed open my skull and examined my brain (and I’m not actually asking you to do this!), you would find that the portions devoted to writing, reading, drinking coffee and memes are huge, while everything else is shriveled raisins.