Jonathan Miller's Blog, page 444

The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of the Diamond

Politics of the Diamond

What a terrible day for George W. Bush–Josh Hamilton, brightest star on the Texas Rangers, slid into home and broke his arm.  He's out six to eight weeks.  If you don't know much about Hamilton, he has one of the most amazing stories in baseball.  I've linked an old interview with HBO's Real Sports that you ought to watch.  [Lone Star Ball] [Real Sports]

Barry Bonds' perjury trial is almost finished, as the jury is currently deliberating about charges of him lying to a g...

Artur Davis: "Then Everything Changed"

Political novels are a dying breed, and the death has been a long, slow one. But into the void steps Jeff Greenfield with a smart, well conceived set of political short stories called "Then Everything Changed". In less than 400 pages, Greenfield, one of Robert Kennedy's best speechwriters and an accomplished journalist, pulls off what is arguably the best political fiction in the last generation: it will and should endure for its skill and its contribution to our imagination.   The book is ...

Tomorrow at The Recovering Politician

We will lead off hump day with the introduction of our fifth recovering politician. He was a young, rising U.S. Congressman, who tried and failed to make the leap to the Governor's office in his home state. He now is a widely respected practicing attorney.

Rather than follow the pattern of previous contributing RPs, this former official will share with you a new book that has inspired and entertained him. And if you enjoy historical fiction, you'll love the book as well.

Hope to see you...

BREAKING: Miller/Brown III to Challenge Miller/Brown IV in 2037

The race is officially on. Less than 26 years before the filing deadline, we now have two slates running for Governor in 2037. You may have caught the RP's announcement earlier today that he was running with 17-year-old John Y. Brown, IV as his running mate. Now read contributing RP John Y. Brown, III's statement in response:

Although we were hoping to keep our plans under wraps until 2036, it looks like [The RP] and Johnny have smoked out Emily's ([The RP's] daughter Emily, that is) and my...

The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Tunes

The Politics of Tunes

Eric Clapton's greatest album of all time–Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek and the Dominos–recently received a remaster.  It's fantastic.  [Layla]

The RP himself confessed his love for Adele a few days ago.  Her disc, 21, has been burning up the charts.  It's also really good.  [Rumor Has It]

Radiohead dropped an album a few weeks ago.  It's always worth it to check it out when that happens–they did write Kid A and OK Computer once upon a time.  Radiohead is...

BREAKING: The RP Announces Bid for Governor…in 2037

This past weekend, the RP showed up as a guest on "Kentucky Newsmakers," the long running talk show hosted by living legend Bill Bryant.  The RP waxed nostalgically about his career in politics and shared his vision for The Recovering Politician. 

Inadvertently, he also made some news when Bryant asked him about his political future:  The RP announced his bid for Governor in 2037, with running mate, John Y. Brown, IV, the 17-year-old son of contributing RP John Y. Brown, III.  Watch the...

The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Swing

The Politics of Swing

Much has been (and will continue to be) written about this year's Masters—especially the spectacular battle to the finish and Rory's agonizing implosion on Sunday. This piece from Golf magazine (normally less hyperbolic than many sports magazines and websites) caught the attention of the RP because news of Tiger Woods' death may be greatly exaggerated. Check out, in particular, the comments following the article. Coarse dialogue is no more unusual in sport than in...

The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of the Media

Politics of the Media

Legendary CNN sportscaster Nick Charles is fighting terminal bladder cancer with strength and courage. In this story, Charles reflects on his successful career and prepares goodbye videos for his young daughter. [CNN]

In its 20 years, Comedy Central has transformed from a late-night last resort channel to a legitimate news source and a staple of all cable TV packages. The New York Times celebrates Comedy Central's life and its future. [New York Times]

A studio in Taiwan...

The RP's Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Fashion

The Politics of Fashion

Forever tragic or forever young? Forever 21 is now selling your daughters' next prom dresses:   [Huffington Post]

Plan on traveling to the fashion capital of the world? You won't be booking a flight to Paris or Milan – try Singapore:   [Channel News Asia]

When planning to buy your next pair of heels, try a high-heeled pair of Crocs or wedge heels by Ugg. They are sure to turn heads, literally:   [SHEfinds]

Who knew you could buy pineapples, toothpaste, and a one million...

RPTV EXCLUSIVE: Fifteen Minutes of Fame with Ashley Judd

Of course, politicians are not the only victims of sensationalist journalism — entertainment celebrities have it far, far worse.

Take Ashley Judd's new book.  (Seriously: Take it — there's a link to buy below.)

If you'd believe the breathless coverage, the memoir is just another celebrity tell-all, a lead-in to a sobbing appearance on Oprah's coach.

In fact, All That is Bitter and Sweet is an important book:  a sobering diary of Judd's humanitarian work in some of the very poorest areas of the g...