Author Archives: olneyce

A new study says the Oprah Book Club doesn’t cause more book sales. To which I respond: who cares? Why are book sales a relevant measurement of our literary culture? In general, I would rather people read one Anna Karenina … Continue reading →

Little Talks – Of Monsters and Men If there’s one thing I need right now, it’s a dark, weird, Icelandic musical romp with big horns and an energetic chorus.  Fortunately, here is Of Monsters and Men, ready to provide just … Continue reading →

Probably ten times in the last couple days I’ve heard variations on the following argument: “the delegate count is what we really ought to be focusing on.  Narrative shouldn’t really matter.” Usually this is accompanied by claims that we shouldn’t … Continue reading →

Here’s a poll on the favorability ratings for the 50 states. Which leads me to wonder: is there any state worse than Delaware? I have a hard time coming up with an argument for anywhere else. What do the rest … Continue reading →

High – Feeder This article from Slate (I know, easy target, but still) is almost a perfect example of how the form in which you pose a question reveals far more than the answer you try to provide. It asks … Continue reading →

Thunder Road (acoustic) – Bruce Springsteen Some odds and ends: – My home state is just about to legalize gay marriage. The crucial vote was in the Senate, where the 25th vote necessary to ensure passage eventually came from my … Continue reading →

Today, in incredibly frustrating false equivalencies: Here’s an uninhibited insult that the professional “life” and “choice” agitators can listen to for free: If these groups cared as much about the issue as they claim, and didn’t have such strong financial … Continue reading →

No Children – The Mountain Goats I’m puzzled by the ‘new’ Gingrich allegations. Okay, I tell a small lie. I’m not really puzzled—more irritated. We already knew that Gingrich had a long-running affair with a staffer, who he eventually married … Continue reading →

Nothing Happens; Twice – Celestial I don’t always predict well (as Senator Coakley of Massachusetts and Nominee Pawlenty can confirm), but I do a pretty good job predicting Republican primaries. I insisted in 2007 that John McCain (even when he … Continue reading →

Sunny Day (Sesame Street theme) – Reid Jamieson It’s a strange thing: when I’m walking around, the tune that’s most likely to be playing in my head (out of all the tens of thousands of songs I listen to) is … Continue reading →