I still find it surprising that Christmas is on the exact same date every year.

My family used to see a movie the day after Thanksgiving, and lots of US residents shop for Christmas presents in the three days after Thanksgiving. Instead, I saw the new Harry Potter movie yesterday, …

According to Freedom House (via an article in the Atlantic Monthly, December issue), Russia is now less free than it was in 1990. This week's MC Masala is "Mourning the Russia that liberated me". Meanwhile, …

Slate published an excerpt from Mike Daisey's monologue Monopoly!. I may have embarrassed myself by guffawing at length in my cubicle. Invincible Summer By simultaneously exploring the bizarre history of the Manhattan Transit Authority's epic …

At Susanna's request I hereby link to my wantlist. If you are determined to give me a physical object rather than donate to a worthy charity or simply wish me happy holidays, you might pool …

I Will Alarm Islamic Owls and Hen Gonads still make me laugh.

I have jerky customers, but at least I escape constant profane tirades blaming the worker for outsourcing. And OF COURSE the Indians who work in those call centers will generalize from their experiences, and begin …

Sometimes jerks are right and "he is a jerk" is not a sufficient reason to ignore his criticisms and suggestions.

I almost never link to Amazon.com deals. But this is a fantastic deal: both full seasons of Arrested Development for $31.94. Via Wil Wheaton's weblog.

Please refrain from giving me more dreams like the one last night. Hugh Laurie is fine; anxiety about seeing a Hugh Laurie performance is not. And term papers and transportation anxieties are right out. In …