TRUMP LIES LIKE A RUG
HOW CAN ANYONE TRUST A PATHOLOGICAL LIAR? As Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan famously said, “You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to our own facts.” Succinctly, … Continue reading
PARNELL THOMAS AND SAM SPADE??
GEEZ, HOW IS SAM SPADE LINKED with Parnell Thomas?? Spade was the classic sleuth of The Maltese Falcon, The Kandy Tooth Caper, and numerous other adventures, 1946–1951, recounted these days … Continue reading
ADMIRING THE ART OF MITCHELL JOHNSON
ART CRITIC DONALD KUSPIT IDENTIFIES THE APPEAL of Mitchell Johnson by noting this artist’s fusion of abstraction and realism. My introduction to Johnson’s oil paintings came from their occasional appearances … Continue reading
OUR QUEENS FELON’S MOB
I’VE HARPED ON THE QUEENS FELON MOB all too often at this website (I’d much rather write about my usual topics). Nevertheless, I was gratified that I’m not the only … Continue reading
MANNING UP—1947 STYLE
EARLIER THIS YEAR, SIMANAITISSAYS WAS “Skeptical of Superman??” in the Man of Steel peddling costume jewelry to fellows and girls. Geez—but guys wearing charm bracelets? Image of Superman appearing in … Continue reading
DON’T FORGET THE SYMPHONIC SNEEZE
THERE ARE FASCINATING SOUNDS IN CLASSICAL MUSIC: the Anvil Chorus in Verdi’s Il Travatore, 18 anvils in Wagner’s Das Rhinegold, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with its bells ringing and cannon fire, … Continue reading
THE SMITHSONIAN’S QUANDARY
IN 1829, ENGLISH SCIENTIST JAMES SMITHSON bequeathed his estate to the United States to establish an institution for “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” The Smithsonian Institution followed in 1846 … Continue reading
SCOTUS AND GERRYMANDERING
LIKE PONTIUS PILATE, CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN G. ROBERTS has washed his hands on a matter affecting humanity. As described by David Daley in “Trump Isn’t the Only One to Blame … Continue reading
FACTS, OPINIONS—AN AUTHORITARIAN’S “REALITY” PART 2
YESTERDAY, WE BEGAN DESCRIBING “Trump’s Efforts to Control Information Echo an Authoritarian Playbook,” by Peter Baker, Chief White House Correspondent for The New York Times. We continue this today in … Continue reading
FACTS, OPINIONS, AND AN AUTHORITARIAN’S “REALITY” PART 1
PETER BAKER, CHIEF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT for The New York Times, absolutely nails it in “Trump’s Efforts to Control Information Echo an Authoritarian Playbook,” August 3, 2025. Here, in Parts … Continue reading
Simanaitis Says 