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Why We Need a Voter’s License 0
- Culture
- September 23, 2019
License. My online dictionary defines that word as “a permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade (especially in alcoholic beverages).” Our society abounds in licenses. Getting a driver’s license is a coming of age ritual. Want to get married? You’ll need a license. Want
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Different Parties, Different Planets 0
- Culture
- September 20, 2019
When people try to explain why the United States is so politically polarized now, they frequently refer to the concept of “echo chambers.” That’s the idea that people on social media interact only with like-minded people, reinforcing each other’s beliefs. When people don’t encounter competing ideas, the argument goes, they become less willing to cooperate
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Child Hostages Obey Their Climate Captors 0
- Politics
- September 20, 2019
On Friday, schoolchildren around the world will be prompted to walk out of class as part of the “Global Climate Strike.” These young “climate strikers” will protest alleged inaction on climate change and promote an end to fossil fuel use. “Our house is on fire – let’s act like it. We demand climate justice for
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Dave Chappelle and the Public Thirst for ‘Sticks and Stones’0
- Culture
- September 20, 2019
Sticks and stones might not break your bones, but Dave Chappelle’s new Netflix special will likely hurt your feelings. Defending Louis C.K’s questionable home practices, and Kevin Hart as “four tweets shy of being perfect,” Chappelle takes 65 minutes to launch stones through the window of PC culture, right onto the heads of his audience. The
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In Defense of Jane Eyre 1
- Culture
- September 20, 2019
Jane Eyre is a perennial novel for me. Yes, I teach it every year, but more importantly, I reread it every time. Not just a skim. A full read. And this is why. 1. Jane is a character of such growth. I know, I know. Brontë includes much of her own life and experiences in the
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Winning the Lottery Every Day 217
- September 20, 2019
It’s mid-September, and I am privileged to spend five nights at a beach house on the Outer Banks of North Carolina at the invitation of a long-time friend, John. Two of John’s other friends, Susan and Franklin, are also here. The weather so far has brought ocean breezes, blue skies, and moderate temperatures. The house
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