Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Buy Danish!: Now fanatics are issuing death threats, boycotting products and demanding that a democratic government apologize for the actions of its free press. ... I know what I'm doing.
Update -- Hey, great minds think alike. (We independently posted at the same time. I swear!... Buy Danish!) ...
Update II - 2.1.06 -- Now a French newspaper is publishing the cartoons as an expression of support for free speech. ...
'A ticket you can trust?': I can't recall the last time the local MSM and blogosphere actually seemed to agree on something, i.e. the head-scratching response to Tom Reilly's selection of Marie St. Fleur as his unofficial running mate. Some of the MSM reactions here and here. Some of the blogger reactions here and here and here (via Adam). With few saying the selection is inspired genius, should we be wary of instant CW? I'm cynically tempted. Maybe all of this will fade into insignificant campaign background. But I really don't see how St. Fleur can help Reilly -- and I don't see how Reilly's vaciliation and his angering of other Dems can help him either. I do see, however, how it all helps Deval Patrick. ...
Update -- Carpundit has more. ...
'Padding out a term paper': Hub Blog is a minor fan of Bernard-Henri Levy and not a big fan of Garrison Keillor. But when you have a book on America panned with anti-French gusto, my sympathies instinctively lean toward Keillor. ... Is the book really that bad? Or are liberals upset with Levy's somewhat conservative (for a Frenchman) view of the post-9/11 world? I'll probably never know, for I have no intention of reading the book. But some of the Levy passages cited by Keillor (and other reviewers) sure sound dumb. ... P.S.: I can recommend this book. Lots of Frenchmen, Americans, English and Indians fighting it out for control of North America. Enjoyed it immensely. ...
Update -- Reader No. 1 on Levy: "Difficult to find myself agreeing with Keillor too. I found Levy's serialization in the ATLANTIC tedious, unreadable, and not a good advertisement for renewing my subscription. I guess he means well."
Update II -- At least John Farrell's new book has won high praise. Congrats, John! ... Also see John's lengthy critique of Tom Bethell's past science writings.
'When he was with us': The Celts lost to Minnesota last night -- thanks to ex-Celtics taking it to current Celtics. ... The evidence builds for the argument that the 'blockbuster' trade was another mediocre bust. ...
Update -- And Reader No. 1 again: "It's too soon to judge the Celtic trade a bust after 3 games (remember we won the first 2 with Antoine Walker wearing #88 last February). But I agree that the gut says it's unlikely to make much difference. Adding a top 5 talent like Shaq or Duncan might make a difference, but they ain't walkin' in that door."
Update -- Hey, great minds think alike. (We independently posted at the same time. I swear!... Buy Danish!) ...
Update II - 2.1.06 -- Now a French newspaper is publishing the cartoons as an expression of support for free speech. ...
'A ticket you can trust?': I can't recall the last time the local MSM and blogosphere actually seemed to agree on something, i.e. the head-scratching response to Tom Reilly's selection of Marie St. Fleur as his unofficial running mate. Some of the MSM reactions here and here. Some of the blogger reactions here and here and here (via Adam). With few saying the selection is inspired genius, should we be wary of instant CW? I'm cynically tempted. Maybe all of this will fade into insignificant campaign background. But I really don't see how St. Fleur can help Reilly -- and I don't see how Reilly's vaciliation and his angering of other Dems can help him either. I do see, however, how it all helps Deval Patrick. ...
Update -- Carpundit has more. ...
'Padding out a term paper': Hub Blog is a minor fan of Bernard-Henri Levy and not a big fan of Garrison Keillor. But when you have a book on America panned with anti-French gusto, my sympathies instinctively lean toward Keillor. ... Is the book really that bad? Or are liberals upset with Levy's somewhat conservative (for a Frenchman) view of the post-9/11 world? I'll probably never know, for I have no intention of reading the book. But some of the Levy passages cited by Keillor (and other reviewers) sure sound dumb. ... P.S.: I can recommend this book. Lots of Frenchmen, Americans, English and Indians fighting it out for control of North America. Enjoyed it immensely. ...
Update -- Reader No. 1 on Levy: "Difficult to find myself agreeing with Keillor too. I found Levy's serialization in the ATLANTIC tedious, unreadable, and not a good advertisement for renewing my subscription. I guess he means well."
Update II -- At least John Farrell's new book has won high praise. Congrats, John! ... Also see John's lengthy critique of Tom Bethell's past science writings.
'When he was with us': The Celts lost to Minnesota last night -- thanks to ex-Celtics taking it to current Celtics. ... The evidence builds for the argument that the 'blockbuster' trade was another mediocre bust. ...
Update -- And Reader No. 1 again: "It's too soon to judge the Celtic trade a bust after 3 games (remember we won the first 2 with Antoine Walker wearing #88 last February). But I agree that the gut says it's unlikely to make much difference. Adding a top 5 talent like Shaq or Duncan might make a difference, but they ain't walkin' in that door."
Friday, January 27, 2006
Ubiquitous blandness? Part II: Last July, I was hoping against hope that I was wrong about the Greenway. But the latest evidence indicates it's indeed going to be a big disappointment. They didn't even measure the depth of dirt before agreeing upon a streetscape design? Perhaps they should plop the 'Partisans' statue somewhere along the new parkway. At least it'd cast off shadows. ... John says it all.
'The War That Made America,' Part II: The second part of the PBS series was quite good and it even mentioned William Pitt. I'm impressed. ...
The latest Celts 'blockbuster' trade: You know you're down on the Celts when they make another big trade and the only thing you can think is: 'So how long does it take before its mediocrity becomes apparent?'
Friday, January 20, 2006
'Satisfying work environment': I was all set to say Theo's return is a sign how screwed up and silly the Sox organization has become. Then I read that You Know Who also thinks the move is 'embarrassing.' So I'm now reassessing my opinion. ... OK, I've thought about it. It's still embarrassing. ... Dan Kennedy has more on our new sports power broker. ...
Thursday, January 19, 2006
'The War That Made America': Not local blogger wars. Not King Phillip's War. But the French and Indian War, tonight at 9 p.m. on WGBH. ... Not a big fan of docudramas. But this looks good. ... Don't forget two recent books on the subject: Fred Anderson's 'Crucible of War' and local historian William Fowler's 'Empires at War.' ...
Update - 1.20.06 -- Saw it last night and it was quite good. One quibble: If the second half of the series finishes without mentioning William Pitt's brilliant overall war strategy, then pick up copies of the books above. ... One high praise: The episodes last night didn't descend into PC sermonizing, i.e. Europeans, bad; Indians, good. Yeah, there's a PC moment here and there, such as how the practice of scalping victims alive was described as a 'custom.' (I can't imagine someone at PBS downplaying the hangings of witches in Salem as a 'custom.') Those PC lapses aside, the series does a good job showing the complex interaction between the Indians, French and English. ...
Update - 1.20.06 -- Saw it last night and it was quite good. One quibble: If the second half of the series finishes without mentioning William Pitt's brilliant overall war strategy, then pick up copies of the books above. ... One high praise: The episodes last night didn't descend into PC sermonizing, i.e. Europeans, bad; Indians, good. Yeah, there's a PC moment here and there, such as how the practice of scalping victims alive was described as a 'custom.' (I can't imagine someone at PBS downplaying the hangings of witches in Salem as a 'custom.') Those PC lapses aside, the series does a good job showing the complex interaction between the Indians, French and English. ...
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
'Striking': Good comments over at Adam's site on the sudden and sad disappearance of the 'Partisans' statue on Boston Common. It was indeed a 'striking' piece of art that will be missed. ...
All Quiet on the Blogger War Front: All quiet on the ... wait! The BPD blog is calling out the Globe. Adam catches it. John, who for years didn't tell readers where he worked, comes out with a 'full disclosure' and lectures the Globe on 'transparency.' ... My long-time standard non-click disclosure: I work at the Herald.
All Quiet on the Blogger War Front: All quiet on the ... wait! The BPD blog is calling out the Globe. Adam catches it. John, who for years didn't tell readers where he worked, comes out with a 'full disclosure' and lectures the Globe on 'transparency.' ... My long-time standard non-click disclosure: I work at the Herald.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
The Strangers and the Separatists: Finished Nathaniel Philbrick's new 'Mayflower.' Terrific. Another big thumbs up. It's all there: Miles Standish, the Winslows, the Mayflower Compact, Massasoit, the Mohawks, Pokanokets, Nipmucks, King Phillip etc. I was aware of the broad sweep of the area's early colonial history. But I really didn't know the detailed history. ... Two things stand out: 1.) The Puritans, in their early years in Plymouth, were much more flexible than one would normally associate with religious fanatics. It's why they survived. I came away with deep admiration for them. 2.) Philbrick really brings the Indians and their complex societies and tragedies to life.
Monday, January 16, 2006
‘Tone down the snark and grumpiness,’ Part III:
You know, I just reread the Part II post below and I'm not too proud. I thought Johnny Bag O'Donuts ended his post on a classy note. I didn't. No excuses. Sorry, Johnny. You deserved the first hit. Not the over-the-top second, proving non-anonymous writing certainly doesn't guarantee thoughtful writing. ...
Update -- Interesting discussion about anonymous blogging over at Blue Mass. Group. ... FYI: Not for a second do I take back my remarks about anonymous blogging. Stand by them. As well as the advice about writing, criticism and careers. I just thought JBOD acted in a gracious way at the end -- and I didn't. ... More discussion over at JBOD. Question: How the heck do you launch a 'personal attack' on an anonymous person?
Update II -- As if on cue via John, a WaPo story on blogs, students, colleges and future employers. ... What a coincidence. There are consequences, folks. JBOD, take note. And that's not a dig.
You know, I just reread the Part II post below and I'm not too proud. I thought Johnny Bag O'Donuts ended his post on a classy note. I didn't. No excuses. Sorry, Johnny. You deserved the first hit. Not the over-the-top second, proving non-anonymous writing certainly doesn't guarantee thoughtful writing. ...
Update -- Interesting discussion about anonymous blogging over at Blue Mass. Group. ... FYI: Not for a second do I take back my remarks about anonymous blogging. Stand by them. As well as the advice about writing, criticism and careers. I just thought JBOD acted in a gracious way at the end -- and I didn't. ... More discussion over at JBOD. Question: How the heck do you launch a 'personal attack' on an anonymous person?
Update II -- As if on cue via John, a WaPo story on blogs, students, colleges and future employers. ... What a coincidence. There are consequences, folks. JBOD, take note. And that's not a dig.
‘Mr. October’: I’m not going to link to any of the Pats coverage. It’s too depressing. But here’s something from Reader No. 1:
“In the 'Look How Wrong You Can Be' Department - I did pick the number of points scored by the Steelers and Redskins on the nose, and missed Denver by one point. Of course, very little else went as expected. On the other hand, down the road very little of this may look unexpected.
"I know you issued an injunctional against blogosphere cruelty but... a new nickname for Peyton Manning: Mr. October.”
‘Tone down the snark and grumpiness,’ Part II:
Oh boy. Almost feel sorry for Johnny Bag O’Donuts. But not that sorry. Turns out he’s a grad student studying journalism. I suspected as much. Anyway, the post is nice but still inadequate (personal name and name of school, Johnny; see point 3 below). And here’s some career advice in general and advice specific to writing and blogging, JBOD:
1.) An earlier generation of Americans had a saying: Try to be nice to people when you can. You never know who’ll be sitting on the draft board.
2.) An unofficial Rule No. 1 of the blogosphere: Don’t be so foolish as to harshly criticize your boss or, in your case, your future bosses. It’s just not worth it. No one is going to respect you in the blogosphere for being so dumb.
3.) The best editing tool in writing and blogging is: Putting your name and credibility on the line. You say you’re trying to practice writing. Fine. Now practice writing by attaching your name to what you write. I think you’ll find it’s an entirely different experience, one requiring more thought and care, etc. etc. It’s much harder, but ultimately more satisfying.
… Sorry if this sounds condescending. But, well, it’s meant to be condescending. …
Egads! A truce has been reached on this blog front. But a separate local blog war has broken out! Is there no respite from these terrible wars? … I’m also rather partial toward the French F1 Steel Helmet w/Camo Cover.
Update -- Adam's remarks sent me looking: German Imperial Spiked Helmets. Ooooo. I should have thought of that before. ... And then there's the British Safari Zulu Desert Helmet. ... But are they practical in today's blogger wars? That's why the French, Israeli or British Army Issued Kevlar Helmets are preferred. ... I'm not a big fan of the modern American helmets.
“In the 'Look How Wrong You Can Be' Department - I did pick the number of points scored by the Steelers and Redskins on the nose, and missed Denver by one point. Of course, very little else went as expected. On the other hand, down the road very little of this may look unexpected.
"I know you issued an injunctional against blogosphere cruelty but... a new nickname for Peyton Manning: Mr. October.”
‘Tone down the snark and grumpiness,’ Part II:
Oh boy. Almost feel sorry for Johnny Bag O’Donuts. But not that sorry. Turns out he’s a grad student studying journalism. I suspected as much. Anyway, the post is nice but still inadequate (personal name and name of school, Johnny; see point 3 below). And here’s some career advice in general and advice specific to writing and blogging, JBOD:
1.) An earlier generation of Americans had a saying: Try to be nice to people when you can. You never know who’ll be sitting on the draft board.
2.) An unofficial Rule No. 1 of the blogosphere: Don’t be so foolish as to harshly criticize your boss or, in your case, your future bosses. It’s just not worth it. No one is going to respect you in the blogosphere for being so dumb.
3.) The best editing tool in writing and blogging is: Putting your name and credibility on the line. You say you’re trying to practice writing. Fine. Now practice writing by attaching your name to what you write. I think you’ll find it’s an entirely different experience, one requiring more thought and care, etc. etc. It’s much harder, but ultimately more satisfying.
… Sorry if this sounds condescending. But, well, it’s meant to be condescending. …
Egads! A truce has been reached on this blog front. But a separate local blog war has broken out! Is there no respite from these terrible wars? … I’m also rather partial toward the French F1 Steel Helmet w/Camo Cover.
Update -- Adam's remarks sent me looking: German Imperial Spiked Helmets. Ooooo. I should have thought of that before. ... And then there's the British Safari Zulu Desert Helmet. ... But are they practical in today's blogger wars? That's why the French, Israeli or British Army Issued Kevlar Helmets are preferred. ... I'm not a big fan of the modern American helmets.
Friday, January 13, 2006
‘Tone down the snark and grumpiness’: Oh, man, World War III has broken out in the local blogosphere. Bruce is calling for a jihad against Ron Borges. Mark Jurkowitz runs an anonymous rebuttal from someone who thinks fan ‘blogs have no business lecturing professional journalists.’ Mark, meanwhile, comes in for criticism from Herald blogger Sean for the space he devotes to the Globe, a post that catches the attention of Adam who throws in an anti-Herald tirade from Johnny Bag O’Donuts. John, who not so long ago subtly lectured the Herald about its 'reliable' sourcing, lavishes praise not once but twice on the fearless anonymous Johnny Bag O’Donuts, who seems to take pride in his ‘mostly bitter, angry and ultimately hypocritical media criticism.’ …
… Anyway, three points:
1. I recommend the 1.1Kg British para army helmet in times likes these.
2. My name is Jay Fitzgerald. I’m a journalist and blogger. I work as a business reporter for the Herald. Your turn, Johnny Bag O'Donuts. What’s your name, occupation and employer? Is there a conflict of interest here? If you’re in journalism in some way, weren’t you taught (and/or don’t you teach) about the dangers of anonymous sources? Would you get in trouble if your name got out?
3. I think the non-anonymous LCL has it right: “Tone down the snark and grumpiness.”
Update -- Now the self-described bitter and angry hypocrite is going after Brian McGrory. ... What a class act. ... It's OK to be critical. It's even OK to be vicious if that's your style. But for bloggers to criticize journalists (and justifiably so) for overreliance on anonymous and/or shoddy sources and then to regularly link to this anonymous guy with an apparent axe to grind, well, the word 'hypocrisy' does jump to mind.
‘Game of the decade potential’: From the fearless anonymous Reader No. 1 (who at least I know – which shouldn’t be confused with those who link to those they don’t know):
“Football picks:
“** Seattle 28-10. The usual 4 pm Fox NFC snoozer (at least we can eat dinner in peace).
“** Pats 31-28. I don't know how they do it, I think this is the toughest game the team has faced in 5 years of Belicheck. I freely admit to my Pat fandom. Has game of the decade potential (at least for this week).
“** Colts 35-21. I can see Indy shaking the rust early, coming out of the gate with a bang and winning rather comfortably. Be interesting to see if they can sustain 60 minutes at this point after the slippage.
“** Panthers 3-2. Bet the Bears wish they had Jim Miller or Doug Flutie quarterbacking.”
Hub Blog? I have bad vibes. I’m optimistic about the Pats winning. Which isn’t good due to my superstition that my pessimism is good.
… Anyway, three points:
1. I recommend the 1.1Kg British para army helmet in times likes these.
2. My name is Jay Fitzgerald. I’m a journalist and blogger. I work as a business reporter for the Herald. Your turn, Johnny Bag O'Donuts. What’s your name, occupation and employer? Is there a conflict of interest here? If you’re in journalism in some way, weren’t you taught (and/or don’t you teach) about the dangers of anonymous sources? Would you get in trouble if your name got out?
3. I think the non-anonymous LCL has it right: “Tone down the snark and grumpiness.”
Update -- Now the self-described bitter and angry hypocrite is going after Brian McGrory. ... What a class act. ... It's OK to be critical. It's even OK to be vicious if that's your style. But for bloggers to criticize journalists (and justifiably so) for overreliance on anonymous and/or shoddy sources and then to regularly link to this anonymous guy with an apparent axe to grind, well, the word 'hypocrisy' does jump to mind.
‘Game of the decade potential’: From the fearless anonymous Reader No. 1 (who at least I know – which shouldn’t be confused with those who link to those they don’t know):
“Football picks:
“** Seattle 28-10. The usual 4 pm Fox NFC snoozer (at least we can eat dinner in peace).
“** Pats 31-28. I don't know how they do it, I think this is the toughest game the team has faced in 5 years of Belicheck. I freely admit to my Pat fandom. Has game of the decade potential (at least for this week).
“** Colts 35-21. I can see Indy shaking the rust early, coming out of the gate with a bang and winning rather comfortably. Be interesting to see if they can sustain 60 minutes at this point after the slippage.
“** Panthers 3-2. Bet the Bears wish they had Jim Miller or Doug Flutie quarterbacking.”
Hub Blog? I have bad vibes. I’m optimistic about the Pats winning. Which isn’t good due to my superstition that my pessimism is good.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
'Where are the hoop gods?': The Celts lost a crusher last night to Dallas. But it was a great game and I was encouraged. ...
'With tears welling up in his eyes,' Part V: Tom Reilly simply won't let it go. Now he probably can't let it go: The man who acted as a 'spokesman' for the Murphy family turns out to be dot-com king Bob Davis, who organized a $10,000 fundraiser for Reilly last June. Reilly's office won't say if Davis contacted the AG about the Murphy tragedy. ... I'm beginning to reevaluate my reevaluation of my original 'severely' hurt assessment. ... FYI: Reilly was sticking foot in mouth over the weekend, keeping the issue alive. Why?
Update -- This just in: Reilly says he talked to Davis about the case. This changes the dynamics of the controversy, clearly. It's no longer about 'only $300' in campaign contributions. ...
Update -- This just in: Reilly says he talked to Davis about the case. This changes the dynamics of the controversy, clearly. It's no longer about 'only $300' in campaign contributions. ...
Monday, January 09, 2006
'Perfect ambush': Jill Carroll, a freelance journalist for Boston's Christian Science Monitor, has been kidnapped in Iraq while on assignment. Here's the CSM, AP and Reuters versions of the story. ... Her proud sister, Katie, had been blogging about Jill's exploits at "Lady of Arabia" (I found a cached version). What an awful event. One can only pray she's released soon and unharmed. ...
Update -- Here's more.
Update -- Here's more.
'I can't help hating Chris Bangle': Self-appointed aesthetic visionary Chris Bangle and his Bauhaus-BMW modernism get the modern blogger treatment from Mickey. If only Mickey and Tom Wolfe had been around to counterbalance the first Bauhaus movement in the '30s. ... Rick Wagoner's non-aesthetic financial acumen gets the local blogger treatment from Carpundit.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
'There’s a tipping point you reach': The owner of Centerfolds is trying to open a megacafe in the North End 'for his children to run.' North End residents are expressing 'skepticism.' I wonder why. ... Let's do a Google search.
'Either Indianapolis or Denver next weekend': Hub Blog was pessimistic going into last night's Pats game. But that's good. The Pats won. Superstitions are important. ... The question now is: Which opponent am I more pessimstic about playing next week -- Indianapolis or Denver? Answer: Denver. But am I being overly optimistic about my pessimistic superstition? Does a tradition of humiliating Peyton Manning override a superstition? My pessimistic divining wand is failing me at this moment. ...
'With tears welling up in his eyes,' Part IV: Eileen, Joan and Margery are letting Tom Reilly et gang have it. ... Reilly clearly deserves the lumps. But how will it play in the gubernatorial election? As noted below, I suspect a lot of voters will file the incident away in the memory banks and retrieve it for review if and when Reilly blunders again.
'Culture wars between Islam and the West': A lot of talk these days about Europe, Islam, Western civilization and culture wars. Denmark is now grappling with the issue. Mark Steyn is also tackling it (via Reader BK). And so is James Lileks. The right has been debating the issue for a while now. The left, caught in its own multiculturism web and its vain 'counter-intuitive' criticism of all things West, has been dodging it. But, as Denmark now shows, many on the left are beginning to push back at extremists who have used multiculturism to promote a most un-multicultural vision of the world. ...
I'm not a terribly big fan of Mark Steyn. But, man, is this a good zinger about an aristocratic promoter of multiculturism: "Lady Kennedy was arguing that our tolerance of our own tolerance is making us intolerant of other people's intolerance, which is intolerable." ... FYI: By bashing 'multiculturism,' I take aim at how it's practiced, not it's theoretical ideal. The way it's practiced is to hurl extremely harsh criticism at Western civilization (i.e. the vain 'counter-intuitive' criticism that makes lefties feel like they're being 'honest') while denying that other cultures are even more oppressive and dangerous to hard-won liberties (i.e. extremist Islam). ...
I'm not a terribly big fan of Mark Steyn. But, man, is this a good zinger about an aristocratic promoter of multiculturism: "Lady Kennedy was arguing that our tolerance of our own tolerance is making us intolerant of other people's intolerance, which is intolerable." ... FYI: By bashing 'multiculturism,' I take aim at how it's practiced, not it's theoretical ideal. The way it's practiced is to hurl extremely harsh criticism at Western civilization (i.e. the vain 'counter-intuitive' criticism that makes lefties feel like they're being 'honest') while denying that other cultures are even more oppressive and dangerous to hard-won liberties (i.e. extremist Islam). ...
Saturday, January 07, 2006
'For a minute he fooled me ...': Reader No. 1 on a strange sounding voice from a face from the past:
"Caught part of Theo's Big Show interview driving home yesterday and was struck how differently he sounded talking about baseball - happy! Not the pleasant, if tightly wound and lawyerly guy of the press conferences and particularly, daily Red Sox radio pregame shows. For a minute he fooled me and I thought he was on announcing his return... but then I realized he was having fun because as he confirmed, 'I don't work for the club anymore.'
"Welcome JT Snow, but note the real story: Francona announces Kevin Youkilis IS going to play 1st base. Here's a 6 week lead on a great spring training story: not only with Youkilis play 1st against lefties, he will (a) play 3rd against many righties, (b) be our 2006 LEADOFF HITTER replacing Damon - please see and note his OBPs (his Boston on-base percentage in 2005 was higher than Damon's).
"Hey, is there is a football game this weekend? No dropkicks tonight, just Vinatieri..."
"Caught part of Theo's Big Show interview driving home yesterday and was struck how differently he sounded talking about baseball - happy! Not the pleasant, if tightly wound and lawyerly guy of the press conferences and particularly, daily Red Sox radio pregame shows. For a minute he fooled me and I thought he was on announcing his return... but then I realized he was having fun because as he confirmed, 'I don't work for the club anymore.'
"Welcome JT Snow, but note the real story: Francona announces Kevin Youkilis IS going to play 1st base. Here's a 6 week lead on a great spring training story: not only with Youkilis play 1st against lefties, he will (a) play 3rd against many righties, (b) be our 2006 LEADOFF HITTER replacing Damon - please see and note his OBPs (his Boston on-base percentage in 2005 was higher than Damon's).
"Hey, is there is a football game this weekend? No dropkicks tonight, just Vinatieri..."
'Hey guys': A Hub Blog brother sends along the following note and a link to a site with color photos from World War I:
"I came across these on the net and thought you might be interested in seeing them. I didn't even know they had color photography in WWI. They look like they were taken yesterday and have a much more modern feel to them."
I didn't know either. At first I suspected the photos were colorized, similar to the way B&W films can be colorized. But the French army, via the Lumière brothers, apparently did take color photos during the war. ... P.S. -- At this site there's some discussion about whether the photos were digitally 'colourized,' though there seems to be no doubt color photos were taken during the war. ... And here's a terrific site on WWI photos in general. At left is a section on color photos. At bottom is a section on the 'American Expeditionary Force.' ... P.S.P.S. -- Glenn was posting on the subject last night and has more links. (In case you're wondering, the Hub Blog family is big into WWI. Our grandfather faught in the war.)
"I came across these on the net and thought you might be interested in seeing them. I didn't even know they had color photography in WWI. They look like they were taken yesterday and have a much more modern feel to them."
I didn't know either. At first I suspected the photos were colorized, similar to the way B&W films can be colorized. But the French army, via the Lumière brothers, apparently did take color photos during the war. ... P.S. -- At this site there's some discussion about whether the photos were digitally 'colourized,' though there seems to be no doubt color photos were taken during the war. ... And here's a terrific site on WWI photos in general. At left is a section on color photos. At bottom is a section on the 'American Expeditionary Force.' ... P.S.P.S. -- Glenn was posting on the subject last night and has more links. (In case you're wondering, the Hub Blog family is big into WWI. Our grandfather faught in the war.)
'The outlaw sea': A quickie Hub Blog book review gives William Langewiesche's 'The Outlaw Sea' a solid thumbs up. The first spotlight review on Amazon is spot on with its praise and small digs. ... Langewiesche is author of 'American Ground: Unbuilding of the World Trade Center.' ... Next up: Nathaniel Philbrick's new book 'Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War.' I got an advance copy and can't wait to read it, especially the part about King Phillip's War and especially after reading Philbrick's classic 'In the Heart of the Sea.' Philbrick, a Nantucket resident and National Book Award winner, likes his local history and we can all be glad for it.
'With tears welling up in his eyes,' Part III: The spinning continues in the Murphy girls tragedy. Worcester District Attorney John J. Conte has "no idea" why Tom Reilly called him, while Conte also takes swipes at Northborough police chief Mark Leahy, whose star isn't shining as bright. ... I now agree with Reader No. 1: I'm not sure this is going to play out into a big issue. Talking to people yesterday, I sensed they understand what Reilly did was both decent and stupid. I.e. it'll be a wash and not a severe blow to Reilly -- though voters do mentally file such things away and recall them later when a politician does another stupid thing. In that sense, Reilly has been hurt.
Update -- The sad affair brings to mind a pet-peeve: 'The ongoing Prohibition.' Society is literally forcing kids to secretly drink at modern teen speakeasies, without any adult guidance or supervision. And any parental attempt at guidance and supervision -- whether at an adults-sponsored party or at the dinner table -- is illegal. Our drinking laws are ludicrous, counterproductive and deadly.
'With tears welling up in his eyes,' Part III: The spinning continues in the Murphy girls tragedy. Worcester District Attorney John J. Conte has "no idea" why Tom Reilly called him, while Conte also takes swipes at Northborough police chief Mark Leahy, whose star isn't shining as bright. ... I now agree with Reader No. 1: I'm not sure this is going to play out into a big issue. Talking to people yesterday, I sensed they understand what Reilly did was both decent and stupid. I.e. it'll be a wash and not a severe blow to Reilly -- though voters do mentally file such things away and recall them later when a politician does another stupid thing. In that sense, Reilly has been hurt.
Update -- The sad affair brings to mind a pet-peeve: 'The ongoing Prohibition.' Society is literally forcing kids to secretly drink at modern teen speakeasies, without any adult guidance or supervision. And any parental attempt at guidance and supervision -- whether at an adults-sponsored party or at the dinner table -- is illegal. Our drinking laws are ludicrous, counterproductive and deadly.
Friday, January 06, 2006
'With tears welling up in his eyes,' Part II: Make no mistake whatsoever: Reader No. 1 does not think Tom Reilly has been severely -- and he means, not severely -- hurt:
"I don't think Reilly's actions will make much difference in whether or not he gets elected Governor for reasons you cite in your post -- a lot of voters (not least parents) will silently agree with your point that 'Both arguments are right' and call it a wash. It is very much in line with how the majority of people (including voting parents) look at abortion. In a very difficult and life-changing situation, we're willing to live with something we don't like, an inconsistency in theory and practice that could be called hypocrisy. Nobody is perfect.
"Note: I do not think he should have stepped into this case. I suspect most voters will agree. But they will also understand and live with that imperfection.
"The polarizers in politics and the press have a vested interest in polarization and this story is no different. Reilly will or will not get elected Governor based on whether he demonstrates leadership qualities. In that regard, this event is more minus than plus, but it's just one example of his decision-making. The bigger story is how this particular incident comports with the accumulated evidence of his public career."
'With tears welling up in his eyes': Make no mistake whatsoever: Tom Reilly has been severely -- and I mean, severely -- hurt by revelations that he intervened in the Murphy girls case to quash a report about their drinking before their deaths. The emotions in this tragic case are -- and will be -- as raw as you'll ever see in a politicized atmosphere. The passionate office-cooler debate will fall roughly along two lines: A.) Reilly nobly acted to protect the privacy of a friend. B.) Reilly did not act in the best interests of the commonwealth as a whole. Here's the catch: Both arguments are right. Some will embrace only the first point. Some will only see the second. That split is bad enough for Reilly. But many people will absorb and synthesize both arguments. Therefore Reilly can't win. He is damaged goods. ...
... No one is looking good in this. Romney looks too eager to score political points. Worcester District Attorney John Conte looks like he abided by Reilly's wishes. Even the Murphy girls' grieving father, while understandably protective of his daughters' innocence and image, will probably come under some fire for not using the case as an opportunity to warn other parents about the danger of teen drinking and driving. ... The only person who might come out unscathed is Northborough Police Chief Mark Leahy, who had the common sense and decency to say when asked whether he was concerned that charges weren't filed: "I am not disappointed. This is my job. It's not a personal crusade." ...
Update -- Brian comes down on the privacy side. It's a very valid argument. But there are equally valid points on the public-interest side. That's why Reilly can't and won't win the argument outright. It's all damage control now. ... Peter (sub. req.): "Instead of driving her parents’ Land Rover into a utility pole at 60 mph, what if 17-year-old Shauna Murphy had veered into the path of an oncoming car?" Answer: Then the privacy issue wouldn't be an issue.
"I don't think Reilly's actions will make much difference in whether or not he gets elected Governor for reasons you cite in your post -- a lot of voters (not least parents) will silently agree with your point that 'Both arguments are right' and call it a wash. It is very much in line with how the majority of people (including voting parents) look at abortion. In a very difficult and life-changing situation, we're willing to live with something we don't like, an inconsistency in theory and practice that could be called hypocrisy. Nobody is perfect.
"Note: I do not think he should have stepped into this case. I suspect most voters will agree. But they will also understand and live with that imperfection.
"The polarizers in politics and the press have a vested interest in polarization and this story is no different. Reilly will or will not get elected Governor based on whether he demonstrates leadership qualities. In that regard, this event is more minus than plus, but it's just one example of his decision-making. The bigger story is how this particular incident comports with the accumulated evidence of his public career."
'With tears welling up in his eyes': Make no mistake whatsoever: Tom Reilly has been severely -- and I mean, severely -- hurt by revelations that he intervened in the Murphy girls case to quash a report about their drinking before their deaths. The emotions in this tragic case are -- and will be -- as raw as you'll ever see in a politicized atmosphere. The passionate office-cooler debate will fall roughly along two lines: A.) Reilly nobly acted to protect the privacy of a friend. B.) Reilly did not act in the best interests of the commonwealth as a whole. Here's the catch: Both arguments are right. Some will embrace only the first point. Some will only see the second. That split is bad enough for Reilly. But many people will absorb and synthesize both arguments. Therefore Reilly can't win. He is damaged goods. ...
... No one is looking good in this. Romney looks too eager to score political points. Worcester District Attorney John Conte looks like he abided by Reilly's wishes. Even the Murphy girls' grieving father, while understandably protective of his daughters' innocence and image, will probably come under some fire for not using the case as an opportunity to warn other parents about the danger of teen drinking and driving. ... The only person who might come out unscathed is Northborough Police Chief Mark Leahy, who had the common sense and decency to say when asked whether he was concerned that charges weren't filed: "I am not disappointed. This is my job. It's not a personal crusade." ...
Update -- Brian comes down on the privacy side. It's a very valid argument. But there are equally valid points on the public-interest side. That's why Reilly can't and won't win the argument outright. It's all damage control now. ... Peter (sub. req.): "Instead of driving her parents’ Land Rover into a utility pole at 60 mph, what if 17-year-old Shauna Murphy had veered into the path of an oncoming car?" Answer: Then the privacy issue wouldn't be an issue.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
'Well, we couldn't stop them': I thought USC would win. But I was hoping Texas would, especially after all the pre-game hype clearly favored USC. Texas won. The USC juggernaut has been stopped. ...
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
'I don’t feel welcome': Rick Pitino confesses to his failures as the Celtics' coach in an amazingly open interview. ... I now feel bad for the guy. He honestly loves Boston and feels like he can't even visit here. Read the whole thing. ...
Colossal waste of resources: Adam and Dan are doing a terrific job covering the coverage of the mine tragedy in West Virginia. I can't blame the media for running with a story when the governor of West Virginia -- who one would assume has multiple law enforcement and other state agencies reporting to him -- confirms something. ... But what amazes me is the colossal waste of resources the media expends on these types of tragic stories. There were probably scores if not hundreds of reporters down there, mostly attending the same briefings and reporting the same thing -- whether it was accurate, inaccurate or understandably inaccurate. How is the public served by such redundancy -- and ultimately redundant accuracy or inaccuracy? Didn't one reporter on site say, "No, we're not running with this"? If so, give him or her a medal.
Update -- This breaks your heart.
Update II -- Greg, John and Joan all weigh in on the media-mine story. Joan points out the advantages of broadcast and web coverage: They can turn on a dime when mistakes are made. The newsprint side of newspapers can't. ... FYI: I tinkered with my own post a couple of times yesterday -- taking full advantage of the web's main advantage of flexibility. FYI II: I still think my point about the colossal waste of resources, though off on a tangent a bit, is somewhere at the heart of this fiasco. Whether 200 or two reporters showed up, it looks like they still would have gotten the story wrong as long as everyone was relying upon the AP. So why the coverage overkill? I know, I know. It's all about bylines. But it's still a complete waste of resources. ...
Colossal waste of resources: Adam and Dan are doing a terrific job covering the coverage of the mine tragedy in West Virginia. I can't blame the media for running with a story when the governor of West Virginia -- who one would assume has multiple law enforcement and other state agencies reporting to him -- confirms something. ... But what amazes me is the colossal waste of resources the media expends on these types of tragic stories. There were probably scores if not hundreds of reporters down there, mostly attending the same briefings and reporting the same thing -- whether it was accurate, inaccurate or understandably inaccurate. How is the public served by such redundancy -- and ultimately redundant accuracy or inaccuracy? Didn't one reporter on site say, "No, we're not running with this"? If so, give him or her a medal.
Update -- This breaks your heart.
Update II -- Greg, John and Joan all weigh in on the media-mine story. Joan points out the advantages of broadcast and web coverage: They can turn on a dime when mistakes are made. The newsprint side of newspapers can't. ... FYI: I tinkered with my own post a couple of times yesterday -- taking full advantage of the web's main advantage of flexibility. FYI II: I still think my point about the colossal waste of resources, though off on a tangent a bit, is somewhere at the heart of this fiasco. Whether 200 or two reporters showed up, it looks like they still would have gotten the story wrong as long as everyone was relying upon the AP. So why the coverage overkill? I know, I know. It's all about bylines. But it's still a complete waste of resources. ...
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
'Nothing's easy in Boston': It seems the South End vs. Roxbury debate has been settled -- meaning there was indeed a vast conspiracy to scare the hell out of the South End and boost newspaper sales. ... Yet, still, the debate doesn't end: 'But it's not in Roxbury. Really, it's not.' ... Adam has his Roslindale/Hyde Park boundary tales. I have my own boundary weirdness in the area north of Beacon Hill. Now we can all agree that the West End was bulldozed and eliminated by the city in the '50s to make room for the Charles River towers development, right? Well, the city is now putting up signs in baby-blue lettering saying 'Welcome to the West End' -- as you enter the North Station area. Huh? Let's get this straight: The city destroys a neighborhood and then decades later welcomes you to it -- as you enter another neighborhood. Which, BTW, is called the 'Near North' area by business boosters there. ...
'Tale of two speeches': I was kind of scratching my head on that one too. ... The mayor didn't 'ignore' the crime issue. But he certainly didn't 'tackle' it either -- unless you consider a resumption of his anti-anti-snitchen' campaign and criticism of doom-and-gloomers to be a form of action against people who are, well, killing other people -- and they're not using T-shirts and rolled-up newsprint to kill, folks. ... Now comes Council President Michael F. Flaherty with a more concrete proposal: Hire 350 cops. Finally. Someone saying the obvious. But isn't the police force down something like 200 over the past ten years -- and not 350? How did he arrive at 350? Even if you accept the 350 number, with the new police contract the mayor signed, can the city really afford hiring so many? Hub Blog's suggestion: Concentrate on building up the detective force (catching criminals is a form of deterrence, after all) and hire enough street and gang officers for the affected areas (preventing crimes is a form of, well, prevention). If all else fails, blame it on the South End and cede the neighborhood to Quincy. ...
'Tale of two speeches': I was kind of scratching my head on that one too. ... The mayor didn't 'ignore' the crime issue. But he certainly didn't 'tackle' it either -- unless you consider a resumption of his anti-anti-snitchen' campaign and criticism of doom-and-gloomers to be a form of action against people who are, well, killing other people -- and they're not using T-shirts and rolled-up newsprint to kill, folks. ... Now comes Council President Michael F. Flaherty with a more concrete proposal: Hire 350 cops. Finally. Someone saying the obvious. But isn't the police force down something like 200 over the past ten years -- and not 350? How did he arrive at 350? Even if you accept the 350 number, with the new police contract the mayor signed, can the city really afford hiring so many? Hub Blog's suggestion: Concentrate on building up the detective force (catching criminals is a form of deterrence, after all) and hire enough street and gang officers for the affected areas (preventing crimes is a form of, well, prevention). If all else fails, blame it on the South End and cede the neighborhood to Quincy. ...
Monday, January 02, 2006
The Kick: A 'pick-me-up' or arrogant overreach? It was the former. ... Kind of funny hearing the Pats say they wanted to win. But the Kick, according to a Miami Herald columnist, clearly showed otherwise: "It was then, as jubilant teammates swarmed Flutie, that game-long suspicions were confirmed beyond doubt: The playoff-qualified Patriots had no interest in winning this game." ... The piece is not written with bitterness -- but in admiration. ... Apparently Pats players told Miami opponents on the line of scrimmage just before the play, "Wait'll you see this!"
'Concentrated population of the destitute': Efforts to revive -- or create -- Los Angeles' downtown make you appreciate Boston's City Hall Plaza a little more. ... I think the historian has it right about how LA is 'uncertain as to its urbanism.' I grew to like LA after a few trips there. It's just different. But the elite there have always had a bad case of Manhattan envy while the rest of the population seems content. Sound familiar? ...
'Instrument -- electric chair, for gangsters': Wartime cabinet meeting notes are being released in London. Churchill sounds like, well, Churchill. Gotta love him. ... His insistence that a trial for Hitler would become a 'farce' is in the process of being confirmed decades later. ...
'Instrument -- electric chair, for gangsters': Wartime cabinet meeting notes are being released in London. Churchill sounds like, well, Churchill. Gotta love him. ... His insistence that a trial for Hitler would become a 'farce' is in the process of being confirmed decades later. ...
Sunday, January 01, 2006
'Decades of looking at this disaster': City Hall Plaza has been designated the ugliest open space in the world. ... Don't blame Mayor Menino. He tried to change the plaza. But the feds nixed his idea. ... Strange but true: Place de la Concorde in Paris was rated right behind City Hall Plaza. I'm not sure about that one. ...
'They are fundamentally flawed': Danny is talking change for the Celts -- again. ... We're now coming up on the 20th anniversary of the Celts' last NBA title. ... Here's a good overview of the Celtics. ... Why I won't rant against Danno: There are some truly promising stars on this team. Why I should rant against Danno: The Celts still suck without a burly inside game. ...
... Hint on what Celts need via a pop quiz: What is the significance of Joe Barry Carroll and Rickey Brown? (Reader No. 1 reminded me of this one a few days ago. Quiz answer here.)
... Hint on what Celts need via a pop quiz: What is the significance of Joe Barry Carroll and Rickey Brown? (Reader No. 1 reminded me of this one a few days ago. Quiz answer here.)
