Global Crisis

I've been thinking a lot about writing and the internet lately. Here are a few opening thoughts.The internet provides the means for creative individuals and groups who are either very big (celebrities) or very small (me) to do pretty well. What it's lousy at is providing the means to make a living. I don't know that this is a problem, per se, but it...

A few weeks ago, I hosted an essay on the Pro-Information movement and the threat it faced in the wake of a new law passed in Louisiana, with my comments the next day here. Pro-information is a short-hand for an approach to making sure that women who have received a pre-natal diagnosis...

Heather Digby Parton, aka Digby, is one of the most important voice out there talking about police violence, with a particular focus on the TASER issue. In Salon, she has a piece in response to the chokehold death of Eric Garner and subsequent video of other use of the illegal restraint.Digby writes:The New York police commissioner has promised to...

The very first public display of the new BMW i DC quick chargerBMW stole the show today at the start of Plug-in 2014 in San Jose, California by not only announcing a new DC quick charger that will charge an i3 to 80% in 30 minutes, but also by saying the use of these chargers...

The ACLU has a new petition on up-to-date guidance and training for police in dealing with people who are Deaf. I've signed it. It's a good idea. Here's some text.For Pearl Pearson, a 64-year-old deaf man, a routine traffic stop led to a brutal assault by police. When an officer shouted instructions, he attempted to show the patrolman that he...

If you listen to BMW marketing, they'll have you convinced that the only place to really experience the full benefits of the i3 is to drive it in a city environment. Pretty much every description they offer for the i3 includes how it's a car made for the Megacities of the world....

I had three essays published in the Chronicle of Higher Education this week, 2 planned (they normally won't post on the same day) and one a reaction piece.I'm exceptionally proud of my university's work on undocumented students, and in general of the way that many Catholic universities have responded to this issue. Making decisions about policy...

I have a new piece up on Chronicle Vitae on the alleged (but really not alleged) plagiarism by Senator John Walsh (D-MT) in his final paper at the War College, where he received his masters. In the piece, I talk about what we do and don't need from military elites in terms of citation. Details of Chicago Manual of Style? No. Honesty about sources?...

On Thursday July 24th I got an up-close look at the all-new Buick Regal With OnStar 4G LTE Technology. Yes. It’s a Buick. And its has a Wi-Fi Hotspot inside of it — a powerful available Wi-Fi connection that travels with you at 4G LTE speeds. Keep everyone connected with up-to-the-second...

I'm interested in disclaimers in comedy, as well as offensive language and its permutations more generally (see here and here). In general, I argue that the speaker doesn't get to control whether or not something is offensive. The speaker only controls whether or not he/she cares.Right now, I've got a piece working on comedy, disability, and disclaimers...

Resource Posts on "How Did We Get Into This Mess?" provide full or partial transcripts of relevant documents, organized links, and minimal commentary on issues. A fellow parent and internet friend alerted me to a show on This American Life in which Wyatt Cenac, former Daily Show correspondent and comedian, made some jokes about Down syndrome....

There are many attractive reasons for Angelenos to own the all-electric Nissan LEAF: single-occupant access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes; an available California state tax rebate of $2,500; much lower operating costs than a gas-powered car and now, free public charging.Nissan...

The Lexus RX 350 is a mid-size luxurious crossover SUV. I was very impressed because you know I'm a fuel efficiency fan and are you ready for this??? The RX 350 averaged 18 MPG driving around the city and 26 MPG on the highway. ohhhhh yeeeaaa now Let's dig into this beautiful vehicleBlame...

Today in the US Senate Finance Committee there is a hearing on the ABLE Act. It's the kind of bill that ought to pass more or less instantly, as it allows people with disabilities to save some money for care without costing them their essential benefits.And yet, in this Congress, it's stalled. We clearly won't get a vote before the August recess. I'm...

Eden Foods Beans for Sale, Whole Foods, Ogden Road, LaGrange IL 7/18/14Eden Foods is on sale at Whole Foods stores across the country (often quite a bit cheaper than in Illinois. Thanks to everyone who sent pictures). Let me be clear - I am not accusing Whole Foods of a conspiracy...