George Bleecher re-examines Thorstein Veblen’s The Theory of the Leisure Class, and looks at the similarities between the Gilded Age and today.
Month / May 2004
Cold Mountain, Cold Fish?
Charles Frazier is to be honored by his hometown. North Carolina residents plan to burn dollar bills to celebrate Frazier’s $8 million advance.
Just Imagine How Much Trouble It Is To Buy A Pack of Trojans
Singapore is lifting its chewing gum ban, but not without a few stipulations: (a) only 19 medicinal brands will be allowed, (b) anyone dealing black market gum will face two years in jail, and (c) you will need a license and an identity card to buy a pack. (And, yes, that’s all true.) No word yet on whether Singapore has taken a cue from the Brady Bill and plans to add a 30 day waiting period.
It Ain’t Just Birnbaum, Sarvas and Newton Out There
Trashotron has an audio interview with Tom Perrotta. I plan to listen to it later, but my hope is that they clarified the goldfish controversy. (via Sarah)
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The Real Question: Which One of the Two is Goofier?
In one of the most inspired and frabjous convergences of online talent, Yankee Pot Roast talks with Robert Birnbaum.