Monthly Archives: April 2010

The Armenian Genocide: Agreeing on the boilerplate

You know someone who died from cancer. Imagine that every time you tell somebody how your friend died, you have to explain the concept of cancer and wonder if they believe you. You also find vitriolic arguments all over the … Continue reading

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Finally saw “Amadeus”

I saw “Amadeus” when it first came out and I was a kid. I don’t remember much beyond the powdered wigs and the music that my frustrated piano teacher was trying to teach me — only it sounded better. Then … Continue reading

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Quit slagging on “Shutter Island”

“Shutter Island” got pretty mediocre reviews. Thankfully I didn’t actually read them. I was surprised by the movie in pretty much every way. I was surprised by the story, and surprised how much I enjoyed it. I didn’t have particularly … Continue reading

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“Game Change” and why I won’t go into politics

“Game Change” reminded my why I will never go into politics. It mostly recaps the 2008 presidential election with few shocking surprises. About 50 pages in, I was thinking “I’m wasting my time with this. I have a crap memory, … Continue reading

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Six great trips in “Routes of Man”

Ted Conover closes his fascinating new book with a Springsteen quote from “Thunder Road,” and that’s not even the best thing about it. I couldn’t put this book down, and every page was enlightening and surprising. In fact, it made … Continue reading

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