20 Nov 2005, 17:44 p.m.

Post-Thanksgiving Traditions One Week Early

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, …

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20 Nov 2005, 10:05 a.m.

Mourning Russia

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, …

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18 Nov 2005, 16:25 p.m.

Mike Daisey Makes Me Laugh

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 …

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18 Nov 2005, 8:27 a.m.

Christmas Suggestion

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 …

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17 Nov 2005, 16:37 p.m.

Old Anagrams

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

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17 Nov 2005, 10:44 a.m.

Terrible And Inevitable

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 …

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16 Nov 2005, 16:00 p.m.

Hard Lesson Number 5823675

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

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16 Nov 2005, 14:06 p.m.

Exception

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.

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16 Nov 2005, 7:58 a.m.

Request to Morpheus/Sandman/Subconscious

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 …

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15 Nov 2005, 15:57 p.m.

Kris Loves The Bones

So this MC Masala is for him, and for a great biology teacher. I don't remember his words. I remember that femur landing softly on my lab table.... Mr. Porter reminded me that excellence was …

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