Tuesday, March 24, 2020

A review of PBS's “Influenza 1918” (American Experience)

›
“I had a little bird Whose name was Enza, I opened the door and ‘ in-flew-Enza .’ ” – A popular ditty sung by children, at the time t...
Monday, March 23, 2020

A review of “The Plague” (History Channel)

›
The greatest outbreak of disease in recorded human history (the Black Death) … It is still the greatest outbreak of disease in recorded ...
Tuesday, March 17, 2020

A review of Dan Snow’s “How the Celts Saved Britain” (BBC)

›
Every year on the 17th of March, Christians around the world celebrate “St. Patrick’s Day,” particularly if they are of  Irish  descent. ...
Friday, March 6, 2020

Setting maximum healthcare prices doesn't really help consumers (price controls never do)

›
You're applying for a dream job at a particular organization. You “just know” that this occupation is right for you – or, at least, th...
Friday, February 21, 2020

Some thoughts about foreign language education

›
“What do you call someone who speaks three languages? (Trilingual.) What do you call someone who speaks two languages? (Bilingual.) What d...
Saturday, February 15, 2020

A review of David Grubin's “The Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha” (PBS)

›
For practicing Buddhists, Siddhartha Gautama was just the first Buddha … At the time I write this, I have watched eight other films by ...
Tuesday, February 11, 2020

A review of PBS's “Edison: The Father of Invention” (American Experience)

›
“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” – Thomas Alva Edison The great “geek” questions: “Edison or ...