Monthly Archives: January 2019

Haven’t Enough to Keep You Awake at Night? Try the Doomsday Clock for a Truthful State of the Union

Andrew Wheeler, by Nancy Ohanian

Tick Tock. The good folks at the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists have returned to wind their Doomsday Clock. Last Thursday at the National Press Club a group of well-credentialed speakers, including former California governor Jerry Brown and former Secretary of Defense William Perry, underscored the organization’s warning that we have established residence in “the new abnormal.”

Music, Movies and Meditation

scene from the movie Zama

If you’re flying to LA, take some time out to explore its musical history and get closer to the places which inspired the music you love... See the full list of the top films of 2018 by Film Comment’s contributors and editors, including Zama, the top film of 2018.

Anniversaries, Passport Photos

Bruderkuss (Fraternal Kiss) Graffiti at the Berlin Wall

Leave it to London to have one of the most festive atmospheres for Christmas. The British city goes all out with large light displays, towering Christmas trees, pudding races, ballet performances, and cheerful holiday markets selling local handicrafts and treats (including many mulled wines). Make sure to plan your trip in advance to make the most of Christmas with the Queen.

Carpe Diem: In Search of Horace in Venosa

statue of Quintus Horatius Flaccus (Horace) in Venosa, Italy

Shards of rain and near-freezing temperatures in the middle of December did not prevent me from making a desperate pact with Horace. As a financially hopeless traveling boy, I often asked dead authors for help. I showed up at their graves and pleaded, “I’ll keep writing, you just show me how to pay the bills. Show me how to make a living.” That’s what I said, or some variation thereof.

Make Sure YOU Visit This “Take Your Breath Away” Village in North Wales

inside Port Meirion Village in North Wales

Have you ever visited a village that was a worldwide TV star? If not, I urge you to stay at the unique Port Meirion Village in North Wales. It became famous as the result of a decidedly offbeat British TV show and, as you will see if you go there, there’s a marvelous collection of eccentric houses, homes and other buildings that were not only shaped in unconventional sizes, but that were also painted in a multitude of garish colors.

Wife Sharing

Wife Texting preview

Hi Mark, This is Tom next door. I've got a confession to make. I've been riddled with guilt for a few months and have been trying to get the courage to tell you face-to-face.