Monthly Archives: May 2014

UR Explainer: Kaley v. United States

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: In the Washington Post, George Will highlights one of the more rotten fruits of this country’s War on Drugs — the government’s use and abuse of civil forfeiture laws. Under these “laws,” the government is authorized to … Continue reading →

Posted in Law, Politics and Economics | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Towards a New Old Architecture

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Sir Barken Hyena

Sir Barken Hyena writes: Formerly in my post on Antonin Gaudi and Neo-Gothic, I mentioned that some innovative technologies were being used to speed the construction of the Sagrada Familia. Together these new techniques might make possible a revival of masonry artistry … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture | 8 Comments

Sydney Symphony Orchestra: “Elektra”

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Eddie Pensier

Eddie Pensier writes: Possibly the key thing to know about Richard Strauss’ Elektra is that this opera is LOUD. Delightfully, magnificently loud. How loud? Well, most Mozart operas are scored for 50-60 orchestra members, most Verdi calls for 70-80, and even … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Performers | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Architecture Du Jour

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: Red House, Bexleyheath, London. Source. Click on the image to enlarge.

Posted in Architecture | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Quote Du Jour

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: Against war one can say: It makes the victor stupid, the vanquished malignant. In favor of war: Through both of these effects it barbarizes and thereby makes more natural; it is a sleep for culture, and man emerges … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Economics | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Linkage (Unhealthy Vices Edition)

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Eddie Pensier

Eddie Pensier writes: Electronic cigarettes are making tobacco cigarettes obsolete. The “molecular archaeologist” who studies ancient beers and recreates them. I want his job. Plain packaging for cigarettes is a stupid idea. Canadians are drinking frozen beer. Philadelphians are eating … Continue reading →

Posted in Linkathons | 4 Comments

Ike, Tina, and the Ikettes

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Fabrizio del Wrongo

Fabrizio del Wrongo writes: In the recent documentary “20 Feet from Stardom,” which is pretty good, one of the interviewees claims that sexy female backup singers are tools of The Man because they cater to hetero male interests. This person is … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Performers, Sex | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Music Du Jour: Brook Benton’s “Hotel Happiness”

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Paleo Retiree

Paleo Retiree writes: From 1965 on Hollywood A Go Go, here’s an elegant, unforced yet sexy, very masculine groove that I really adore. First, check out the suit Brook Benton is wearing, as well as how he wears it. It’s understated yet … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Tagged , | 2 Comments

“300: Rise of an Empire”

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Sax von Stroheim

Sax von Stroheim writes: I went to see 300: Rise of an Empire the other day, because it’s the only movie playing right now that seems important enough to get me out of the house. Everything else can wait for … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, Performers | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

“OSS 117: Lost In Rio”

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Fabrizio del Wrongo

Fabrizio del Wrongo writes: This second in the “OSS 117” series of spy spoofs is so glancing in its approach that its surreality sneaks up on you. Certain bits — a riverbank interlude involving the spit-roasting of a rubber crocodile, a hippie beach … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, Performers | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments