On Veteran's Day

In 1983 CBS aired a Peanuts special, What Have We Learned, Charlie Brown. In the film Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (And Don’t Come Back) Charlie Brown, Linus, Pepperment Pattie, Marcie, and Snoopy went to France. What Have We Learned picks up shortly thereafter, with the kids visiting Flanders and the beaches of Normandy where theyContinue reading “On Veteran's Day”

On Rumsfeld and War Crimes

I just realized. I may hold the odd distinction of writing the only Star Trek story to name-check Donald Rumsfeld. But what might that have to do with anything? Former Defense Secretary Rumsfeld may be facing a new challenge in the weeks and months ahead: war crimes prosecution. Charges will be filed in Germany nextContinue reading “On Rumsfeld and War Crimes”

On Voting and a Recurring Dream

I’ve had a recurring dream the past few days. The first time it happened I woke terrified. It haunted me after I woke in the morning, as much from its subject matter as its vividness. And I’ve been gripped with a terror ever since. In the dream a space shuttle crashes. It’s coming in forContinue reading “On Voting and a Recurring Dream”

On Hugh Laurie's SNL

Hugh Laurie, of Blackadder, Jeeves & Wooster, and House fame, hosted Saturday Night Live tonight. Unfortunately, it wasn’t especially funny. Laurie’s monologue was amusing. The joke he made about being “bottom” in the Royal Shakespeare Company was quite inspired (even if the audience seemed slow on the uptake). The skit based on Most Haunted wasContinue reading “On Hugh Laurie's SNL”