The importance of not being visibly earnest

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013 The Weekly Screed (#657) The importance of not being visibly earnest by David Benjamin “Hipsters seeking Sel Rrose restaurant last month were startled to see…” The New York Times, 9 Dec. ‘13 MADISON, Wis. — My first encounter with the term “hipster” in its new — pejorative — formulation was in…

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Saving Captain Miller

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013 The Weekly Screed (#656) Saving Captain Miller by David Benjamin MADISON, Wis. — In the film, Saving Private Ryan, when Tom Hanks’ character, Capt. Miller, reveals his civilian job — “I’m a schoolteacher” — it comes as a chastening surprise to his rebellious squad, and to the audience. Although it should…

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The Night before Christ…Mouse?

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2013 The Weekly Screed: Christmas Bonus The Night before Christ…Mouse? by David Benjamin … with apologies to Clement Moore and all those who are sick and tired of silly parodies (To be read aloud, with gusto, between renditions of “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Baby”) ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through…

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Hairbreadth Harry and the great Christmas escape

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013 The Weekly Screed (#655) Hairbreadth Harry and the great Christmas escape by David Benjamin MADISON, Wis. — I’ve always loved Christmas… after a fashion. From the first time I could figure it out (after getting past the big Santa Claus deception), I grew more and more fond of Christmas as an…

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