Monthly Archives: January 2012

Yeah, That’s Cool

Posted on January 31, 2012 by profmondo

One of my favorite actors was Robert Mitchum — which isn’t surprising, as he was in two of my favorite movies. Tom Loewy talks about Mitchum and some noirish stuff, and shares this great story from the making of Angel … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture | 3 Comments

Popping Bubbles

Posted on January 31, 2012 by profmondo

Charles Murray’s new book seems to be drawing considerable attention from the chattering and blogospheric classes. His contention, in the words of NRO‘s David French: Our class divisions are increasingly framed by differences in marriage and family status, with rich … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Politics | 11 Comments

In Which the Prof Is a Month Late or Eleven Months Early

Posted on January 31, 2012 by profmondo

The other night I was goofing around with my bandmates, and we came up with the idea of polite Doors songs (“Father!” “Yes, son?” “May I borrow five dollars?”/ “Mother?… Please fix my OATMEEEEEAL!”). From there, someone suggested a Doors … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Music, Why I Do What I Do | 1 Comment

Some Recommended Reading

Posted on January 30, 2012 by profmondo

Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist with an interest in moral choices. In recent years, he has considered the psychology of political orientation. One of the things he has decided is that conservatives understand liberals far better than liberals understand … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Education, Politics | 3 Comments

Now They Worry About Big Government…

Posted on January 30, 2012 by profmondo

The President has decided that one of his sales pitches this year will involve encouraging more people to go to college, and as part of that, he’s calling for a close examination of college affordability. As the Chronicle of Higher … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Education, Politics | Leave a comment

Happy Aquinas Day!

Posted on January 28, 2012 by profmondo

Per my Catholic friends, today is the Feast Day of one of the reasons I love being a medievalist: St. Thomas Aquinas. My firsthand engagement with his work began through my research into the Seven Deadlies, and those Mondovillians who … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Faith | 4 Comments

“It’s A Long Way to the Top If You Wanna Rock and Roll.”

Posted on January 27, 2012 by profmondo

“Got to pay your dues/ If you want to sing the blues/ And you know it don’t come easy.” — R. Starkey. As I’ve mentioned on numerous occasions, I was born in Nashville, spent my first thirteen years (less six … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Music | 6 Comments

“A Dose of Rock and Roll”

Posted on January 27, 2012 by profmondo

Stuff I’ve been listening to this week includes: The Ides Of March — “Life Has Been So Good To Us”. Not the famous one-hit Chicago-based band that did “Vehicle”, this was a snotty teen combo from Essexville, Michigan. I love … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Music | Leave a comment

Best Thing I’ve Read Since the Last Best Thing I Read

Posted on January 25, 2012 by profmondo

Conor Friedersdorf at the Atlantic puts in his take on last night’s clip show SotU, and while I don’t go for everything he says, I think he makes an interesting point toward the end. He quotes the President: All that … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 12 Comments

Best Thing I’ve Read Today (So Far)

Posted on January 25, 2012 by profmondo

… is this 2005 interview with Walter Williams. It’s like a QotD goldmine: [M]ost people around the world—unfortunately including the United States—have contempt for the principles of personal liberty and private property rights. I think they believe that one person … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Politics | 1 Comment