| Public Intellectuals, Inc.
In looking back, I would like to comment on Emerson, in whose work there is the promise of a compromise between mere academics and mere public intellectuals; in looking forward I would like to suggest that we consider abandoning the academic-public intellectual dichotomy and establish a new category that might be called the "corporate intellectual" — a term more consonant with the values of the new academy as well as with the public-private sector. Transcendental Scholars In his 1837 address to the Phi Beta Kappa society, “The American Scholar," Emerson envisioned the American scholar as a person who would do whatever possible to communicate ideas to the world, not just to fellow intellectuals. Emerson regarded the American scholar to be a whole person while thinking.
DREAM COME TRUE ...
DREAM COME TRUE ... UNDERWATER: Rinspeed yesterday released this picture showing people aboard Rinspeed's new model, the sQuba, the world's first real submersible car that will be presented at the 2008 Geneva car show in March. The zero-emission electric sports car, with power supplied by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, can perform a submerged stabile flight at a depth of 10 metres. Rinspeed boss and James Bond enthusiast Frank M Rinderknecht said: “For three decades I have tried to imagine how it might be possible to build a car that can fly under water. Now we have made this dream come true." "> .
Was George Plimpton a Literary Giant?
Readers of Exit Ghost will recognize that I'm referring to the extended critical reassessment of the late sportswriter and fireworks enthusiast that Philip Roth weaves into the climax of his novel. (For Stephen Metcalf's more comprehensive assessment of Exit Ghost, click here.) Yes, I know that Plimpton was also editor of the Paris Review, an important literary magazine. But Zuckerman focuses on Plimpton the writer. Yes, I am further aware that Zuckerman, the protagonist of a series of short novels of which Exit Ghost, Roth says, will be the last, is a fictional character who should not be mistaken for the author's proxy. Even so, Roth has always invited readers to take Zuckerman's literary sensibility more or less at face value. Zuckerman's ruminations about George Plimpton's underappreciated genius therefore left me scratching my head.
Harvick goes for rare repeat at Daytona
Last race: Dale Earnhardt Jr. used a late pass to snatch the exhibition Budweiser Shootout away from the two-time champion Tony Stewart. The victory ended a nearly two-year winless streak. Last year: Kevin Harvick edged Mark Martin in a wild final lap, forcing Martin to settle for second place in the Daytona 500. Notable: Richard Petty (1973-74), Cale Yarborough (1983-84) and Sterling Marlin (1994-95) are the only drivers to win the Daytona 500 in consecutive years. Jimmie Johnson, who is trying to match Yarborough's record three straight series championships, won his second Daytona 500 pole on Sunday. This is the 50th anniversary of the race. NASCAR NATIONWIDE Camping World 300 When: Friday, qualifying (ESPN2, 3 p.m.); Saturday, race (ESPN2, noon) Where: Daytona International Speedway Distance: 300 miles, 120 laps Last year: Kevin Harvick, who ran away with the 2006 title, started the 2007 season with his 27th career victory in the series.
Strikewatch: Live from L.A.'s Shrine Auditorium
The strike is over. I just got back from the big WGA meeting at the Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles, and I am 97 percent sure of this for two reasons: James L. Brooks, who has three Oscars, 19 Emmys, one measly Golden Globe and cocreated a little show called The Simpsons, told me, "I think we're gonna be good. I think the strike is over."A kid named Jerome borrowed my pen so he could write down the phone number of a guy he was networking with, because Jerome just lost his current job—as a strike assistant. Check out our news story to get the exact timeline of what will happen next, including when the TV business will be back at work (midweekish), but for my eye and earwitness report of what went on at the big show, read on... Names and Numbers Recognizable faces in the crowd included writers Tim Kring (Heroes), Ronald D.
Citizenship applicants fear delays imperil vote
For the 25 Hispanic immigrants taking a citizenship class Tuesday evening in downtown Houston, voting is a fundamental right they hope to gain. The students, attending the nonprofit Houston International University inside a shopping center, answered enthusiastically as their instructor quizzed them on American history and civics topics they must know to pass a citizenship test. They are part of an unprecedented nationwide surge of 1.4 million legal immigrants who applied for U.S. citizenship in the 2007 fiscal year. But now many of those immigrants fear a bureaucratic backlog may prevent them from becoming citizens in time to vote in this year's presidential elections. ''Maybe if I pass the exam and become a citizen, I can vote," said Antonia Landeros, a 38-year-old Mexican immigrant who works for a Houston janitorial firm.
Romney gets aggressive with Republican rivals
For church goers: less money to insur. companies and more to the church- lots more. Srs on Medicare: save way over $100/wk. Because no more medigap, long term care & dental insur. needed. No more drug bills." But if we the American people fail to bring enough pressure on our current politicians to get HR 676 passed into law before the elections. We will have to identify, and replace all the politicians standing in the way of passage of HR 676. And, I think the best first place to start is with the politicians that blocked the bipartisan SCHIP bills for the kids. Passed by congress twice. But what about the President. It was Bush after all that blocked the bipartisan SCHIP bill passed by congress to assure more health coverage for Americas kids. So which of the presidential hopefuls do I think will be most supportive of implementing the demand of the majority of the American people to have HR 676 (Medicare For All) passed into law immediately! We have some very fine presidential candidates who would make good presidents.
Bali hero to sell his medal
He was in Bali on leave from a secondment with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in East Timor and walking back to his hotel when the Sari Club went up in flames, the paper reported. Const Britten rescued the injured woman from the venue and then worked for hours moving dead bodies from the nightclub into waiting trucks. He sustained burns to his arms, deep cuts to his feet from exploded debris, and risked injury from gas cylinder explosions, as well as infection from blood-borne diseases. The paper says Const Britten's Cross of Valour and another bravery medal awarded for his police work in Western Australia could attract bids of more than $150,000 at the auction in Loganlea, south of Brisbane. The CJ Medals auction catalogue says: "Tim has decided that it is time to put the past behind him and concentrate on a fulfilling and less traumatic future.'' The auction starts at 5.30pm.
A Porsche for 2,039kr - but don’t call it luck
Controversial reverse auction site Bidster has done it again. Back in December young Stockholmer acquired a very nice apartment for 5,383 kronor. Now, a 34 year old man from Smland (whose residents are known for their love of a bargain) has just picked up a brand new Porsche Cayman for 2,039 kronor. Ordinarily such a motor would set you back 595,000 kronor. But Bidster's business model is under investigation by the Swedish Gaming Board, which reckons that it is breaking laws against running lotteries in Sweden. Unlike most auctions, at Bidster it's the lowest unique bid that counts. That makes it nothing but a lottery, says the Board. Nonsense, says Bidster, it's not luck - tactics are required to pick an amount that nobody else will pick.
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