On learning that the suspect aboard Northwest Flight 235 on Christmas Day was a young Nigerian born to privilege and wealth, I again thought of a girl I once knew—I’ll call her Alice Kim. When... Read More

Most cities have some signature annual event that celebrates a unique aspect of their local culture. While New Orleans’s Mardi Gras is a massive, multi-day festival, most are more on the scale of Binghamton, New... Read More

I seldom go to the movies. It's as expensive as a Washington Nationals' game and has about the same (overwhelming) chance of being a flop. I am nearly alone in this sentiment, however; the Los... Read More

“This is so cool! This is so cool!” a thirteen-year-old boy repeated as he squeezed rounds from a real M-16, picking off “enemy combatants” in a video game while perched atop a real Army Humvee.... Read More

The recent burqa controversy, plaguing France has produced yet another headache for liberals, humanists, and lovers of democracy who feel themselves trapped between conflicting principles. While the term “burqa” (a head-to-toe covering) is commonly used... Read More

Bad law can result in bad decisions. Californians found that out February 28 when the 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled that parents wishing to home school their children must have teaching credentials. I don't... Read More

I have a fantasy that I participate in a debate against Christopher Hitchens, the best-selling author of God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. The debate topic is identical to the one Hitchens took... Read More