Our Dark Universe

You might think you learned in high school that the universe is made of atoms and molecules, protons and electrons. stars and galaxies, but over the last few decades astronomers have concluded — not happily — that all this is just a scrim overlying a much vaster shadowy realm of invisible “dark matter” whose gravity determines the architecture of the cosmos.

— Dennis Overbye

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The Social Network

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More Education Than Money

But American populism has almost always concentrated its anger against the educated rather than the wealthy. So much so that you might describe contemporary American politics as a class struggle between those with more education than money against those with more money than education: Jon Stewart’s America versus Bill O’Reilly’s, Barack Obama versus Sarah Palin.

— David Frum

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It’s just my blog, O.K.?

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I get the best comments!

A new comment on the post "My Son's Random Film" is waiting for your approval:

Author : sami 
Comment: 
good mornng

 

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Peter! My Man!

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On Sarah Palin

When Palin talks, my whole being wails, like Nancy Kerrigan after Tonya Harding’s ex-husband knee-capped her: “Why? Why? Why?”

— Nancy Franklin

 

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Text 28

oh beautiful one

your smile

intoxicates

 

no matter

how hidden

by lotus flowers

— Gosvami

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Scarier than Saw 3D?

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The Left-Handed Dollar by Loren D. Estleman Forge $24.99

Even before Robert Parker passed from the scene it was my firm belief that Loren Estleman’s Amos Walker series was the finest continuing Private Eye series in the universe and The Left-Handed Dollar only confirms that belief. Private Eye books are always better when the protagonist has a personal stake in the case at hand, and in this book that’s true in spades, as Amos is hired by hot shot lawyer “Lefty Lucy” Lettermore to exonerate an mobster for an old conviction. The only problem is that the crime was attempting to blow up reporter Barry Stackpole, the guy Amos calls “the” friend. Since the attempt caused Barry to lose a leg, feelings run high, but when Amos starts taking a closer look at the case, yesterday’s witnesses start getting killed in the here and now. The plot spins smoothly with the right element of surprise, but Estleman always provides the total package, with memorable characters from major to minor, razor sharp sketches of Detroit and environs, and punchy prose, all delivered with a strong shot of sheer wit. It’s all so effortlessly done that Estleman’s mastery can be underestimated – that is until you read a book by anybody else who has a hand in the P.I. writing game and realize how Loren trumps them all.
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Transparency note: I would have written all of the above even if the book wasn’t dedicated to my wife and myself!
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