Another interesting essay

Fascist America, in 10 easy steps

From Hitler to Pinochet and beyond, history shows there are certain steps that any would-be dictator must take to destroy constitutional freedoms. And, argues Naomi Wolf, George Bush and his administration seem to be taking them all

Old Friends

So Friday night I met up with my high school classmate and free speech co-conspirator Dr. John (I call him that ‘cuz he’s a real doc now – of philosophy, no less). This was the first time we’d seen each other in about twenty years, though we’ve been e-mail pals for much of that time.
Was there much conversation, reminiscing and general catching up? That bottle there to the left was full when we started. ‘Nuff said?

Something I Want To Remember To Read More Closely Later, When I Have More Time

What Is Conservatism and What Is Wrong with It?

The word “inaccurate” has become something of a technical term in the political use of public relations. It means “differs from our message”.

good lord!

This is so freaking beautiful.

Formed in early 2007, The Zimmers are not only the oldest gigging band in the world (with an average age of 78), they are also the most celebrated, having recorded their debut album at the famous Abbey Road Studios, under the watchful eye of Acclaimed Producer Mike Hedges.

(h/t BoingBoing)

Good Friday

Eh. As I’ve said before, it was more of an OK Friday, actually.

¡GERALDO!

Seems like I’ve spent more than a fair amount of time making fun of ol’ Jerry Rivers, but I’ve got to admit I admire the f*ck out of him for this:
Geraldo vs. Bill O’Really

The Sweet Horrible Freedom of Leisure Time

For some time now, I’ve been idly working through a theory about how the rising diagnosis of depression (just about everyone I know is on some sort of antidepressant) is linked to the fact that we, as a people, don’t have to spend our days, sunup to sundown, actively trying to survive. Because life is now, for most – at least in first-world countries – a lot easier, we have a lot more time to develop neuroses.
Hence, more depression.
Looks like that idea isn’t as brilliant and original as I thought it was:

How we learned to stop having fun

“…could this apparent decline in the ability to experience pleasure be in any way connected with the decline in opportunities for pleasure, such as carnival and other traditional festivities?”