From veteran writer/editor John Cassidy, blogging for The New Yorker: When Romney decided to run in 2012, the best argument for his candidacy was that he had nothing to do with the Bush Administration and could appeal to moderate voters. But rather than trying to make a break with the Bush Administration and portraying himselfContinue reading “John Cassidy: Start the blame game — it’s over for Mitt”
Author Archives: Kit Stolz
California (and the world) in 3012, with massive warming
Almost a decade ago, Chris Wayan took the George W. Bush idea of how things should go on the planet — a Business as Usual scenario, but without nuclear disasters — and projected it, with sea level rise, on to maps of the world. He calls the result Dubia: Suppose we avoid war, plague, andContinue reading “California (and the world) in 3012, with massive warming”
Different views, different news: Two polarizations
Four years ago the national consensus was that the economy had gone to hell, with handbasket potential for further destruction and damage. In the politer words of Pew Research: "Amid the nation’s financial crisis four years ago, there were virtually no differences in how Republicans, Democrats and independents viewed economic news. About eight-in-ten in eachContinue reading “Different views, different news: Two polarizations”
EPA appoints chem co rep to regulatory position
From the Chicago Tribune: As a lawyer and scientist for one of the world's largest makers of flame retardants, Todd Stedeford vigorously defended chemicals added to scores of household products — often by concluding the substances are far less dangerous than academic and government studies have determined. Studies, legal newsletters and letters he wrote orContinue reading “EPA appoints chem co rep to regulatory position”
Make It Green: Roger Ebert’s idea for a 9/11 memorial
Published on 9/14/2001, in the Chicago Sun-Times, by Roger Ebert, about a memorial for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Called Make It Green. If there is to be a memorial, let it not be of stone and steel. Fly no flag above it, for it is not the possession of a nation butContinue reading “Make It Green: Roger Ebert’s idea for a 9/11 memorial”
Romney and Obama, at convention, on global warming
MItt Romney, in his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention: "President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and to heal the planet," Romney said. "My promise is to help you and your family." He got a standing ovation [for promising inaction on the threat of climate change] President Obama, inContinue reading “Romney and Obama, at convention, on global warming”
Digital movies: The New York Times and the AP
Today the juggernaut also known as the New York TImes had a thoughtful conversation between two of their excellent critics, A.O. Scott and Manohla Dargis, on what digitization means for the movies. An excerpt: Within the next few years digital projection will reign not only at the multiplexes, but at revival and art houses too.Continue reading “Digital movies: The New York Times and the AP”
John Muir, meet RuPaul. RuPaul, meet…
You have to know hiking/backpacking is surging in popularity when TV stars take it up. From the fluffy Saturday section in the Los Angeles Times, a charming interview with the famous drag queen/unway artist RuPaul: How has your life changed since you picked it up? I feel great throughout the day because I've gotten so muchContinue reading “John Muir, meet RuPaul. RuPaul, meet…”
The conventions and global warming: Let’s forget
Jonathan Chait points out some perfectly obvious but little noticed national jujitsu that Bill Clinton threw us for last night: In an otherwise factual and persuasive speech, Bill Clinton made one argument so astonishingly brass I half-expected the crowd to laugh him out of the hall. It came when Clinton cited his own presidency asContinue reading “The conventions and global warming: Let’s forget”
Al Gore calls out media on Arctic ice: Editorials follow
Last week Al Gore called out the media for failing to cover the shocking decline in Arctic ice this summer, and made the point that our democracy itself is in peril when enormous stories go unreported because they might be unpalatable or difficult for the right: The whole North polar ice cap is disappearing in Continue reading “Al Gore calls out media on Arctic ice: Editorials follow”
Kit Stolz 