Jonathan Miller's Blog, page 410
June 21, 2011
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Music
The Politics of Music
Weezer, who are one of my favorite bands (even their newer stuff), released a cover of Radiohead's Paranoid Android which is every bit as epic as the original. One of my all time favorite songs, performed by one of my favorite bands–I was excited to hear this. So should you be. [Weezer]
Lil Wayne is back, kind of, with a new love song. It's a popular track, but he is singing instead of rapping. My advice to Weezy: stick to what you do best. [How To Love]
A song was...
Jeff Smith: On Rudy Guiliani's Chances in 2012
As Joe Biden famously said during the 2008 primaries, each sentence in Rudy's stump speech consisted of a noun, a verb, and 9/11.
So if Republicans want to spend next fall talking about the shining moment of the Obama presidency (the successful Seal raid), Rudy would be the perfect nominee.
No, I don't think he could win New Hampshire. But even if he did, remember that New Hampshire – won by Buchanan in '96 and McCain in '00 – has been far from dispositive. South Carolina has been the key to...
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of the Media
Future New York Times executive editor Jill Abramson just joined the world of Twitter. And though she's only tweeting fellow NYT staffers so far, she looks like she knows what she's doing! [NY Magazine]
Speaking of social networking… Do you think it's time to deactivate that Facebook page? Good Magazine talks you through the decision in flow-chart form. [Good Magazine]
A new survey from the Pew Institute reports that Facebook users are more politically active. [Pew Institute]
And this is why...
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Fashion
The Politics of Fashion
Newest fashion trend? Eco-friendly caps and gowns! Congrats to all of the grads! [L.A. Times]
You can now shop for your little one(s) at H&M AND support a good cause at the same time! [WWD]
Want to know what everyone else is buying in the fashion world? Say hi to Net-a-Porter Live! [SHEfinds]
One step forward: in its third year, Full-Figured Fashion Week is in full force! [Bed-Stuy Patch]
Snooki + Flip-Flops + Pickles = Fashion? Hmm…I'll let you decide! Check it...
The RP: Top 5 Pretty Boys I Begrudgingly Admire
Never fear, it's time for the latest version of my prosaic performance of a half-Letterman: a top five pop culture list.
(If you missed my earlier gems, check them out here: My Favorite Breakup Songs , My Favorite Hoops Books, The Most Jew-ish Gentiles, and My Favorite "Docs" who Weren't Doctors.)
Today's list emerges from my admission a few weeks ago that I never liked John Edwards because he reminded me of the pretty-boy jock in high school whom I envied and privately despised. Turns out...
June 20, 2011
UPDATE on The RP's Anti-Semitism in the Bible Belt Piece
Today has proven to be one of the most trafficked days in The Recovering Politician's short history. The RP's piece in The Huffington Post — "Choose Another People! Anti-Semitic Taunts Will Backfire in the Bible Belt" – has generated considerable attention both in Kentucky and nationally.
Within the past hour, the National Jewish Democratic Council weighed in on the controversy:
Former Kentucky Republican gubernatorial candidate Larry Forgy inappropriately injected anti-Semitic language into...
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Tech
The Politics of Tech
Al Franken (D-MN) has taken the initiate in regards to companies collecting information on consumers. He has introduced a bill that aims to "close current loopholes in federal law to ensure that consumers know what location information is being collected about them and allow them to decide if they want to share it." [ars technica]
One of the most promising contenders for the best artificial heart yet made. It produces no heartbeat, no pulse, and a flat EKG, but it works...
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Faith
The Politics of Faith
Ministers in the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church write an open letter to Governor Robert Bentley, Senator Scott Beason, and Representative Micky Hammon protesting what they describe as "the meanest immigrant legislation bill in the nation" and "an embarrassment to our state" that "does not represent the spirit of hospitality of our churches." [North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church Blog]
While public protests in Saudi Arabia are...
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend: What Makes Life Worthwhile? GDP Won't Tell You
I recently spoke in Pesaro, Italy at a conference on new ways of measuring the well-being of nations and communities. For the past half-century, the yardstick for measuring national progress has traditionally been GDP. But in the last few years, a growing number of economists, concerned citizens, and even heads of state have been asking whether there is more to happiness than a big pile of dollar signs.
Politicians, at times, see what should be done, but can't quite persuade citizens to...
The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of the Web
The Politics of the Web
The return of Harry Potter? J.K. Rowling's mysterious new website has the internet buzzing. [CNN Tech]
An explosion in the universe of internet names is about to take place. [New York Times]
Google's "I'm feeling lucky" button may have finally run out of luck: read about its alleged demise here. [CNET]
Breathing new life into old technology: programmers create a video game utilizing an old printer, and lots and lots of paper. [Engadget]
