Posted on November 28 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Rush, Thomas Jefferson & Thomas Paine (and many other Deists) had it right in the 18th century. But unfortunately, their wisdom is getting lost again. Religion belongs in temples of worship and politics belongs in government buildings. And ne'er the twain should meet!

On Taking it too personally

Posted on November 19 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the meaning of "Phantom of the Opera" is a little deeper than you've described here. It can be seen as a metaphor for any woman who aspires to be the absolute best in what she does (whether opera singing or figure skating or accounting or whatever) and the inevitability that she will find a conflict between the time and effort - and perhaps even evil - necessary to be this very, very best performer (represented by the Phantom) and the need for love and family (represented by Raul). Christine Daie (and most women) choose their Raul but not all do (the poor choices made by one-time "world's best" track star Marion Jones come to mind).

In fairness, men can face the same choice and literature is filled with the stories of those who chose career over family rather than the reverse.

On Old horror movies

Posted on November 19 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm delighted to see how well-rounded a freshman's education at Bryn Mawr can be. You might be interested that "Art" (in English) was a featured production at Capital Rep in Albany this season. And if you at all expect to live the remainder of your life in this area, be sure to pay attention to learning about opera. Carl Strock did a column last year about what a hotbed of opera viewing this area has become. Last year, two screens at Crossgates' Cinema 18 sold out weeks in advance for several "Live in High-Definition" performances at the Metropolitan Opera (on Saturday afternoons, yet). And finally, no student can ever learn enough about history (and that even includes Canadian history)! As for calculus, you have my sympathy.

On Back to class

Posted on November 18 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Most people think the Capital District has no zoo but I guess they haven't considered visiting the State Legislature in session?

On In the monkey house

Posted on November 18 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was wondering if the beautiful Phillipine tourist might be Mrs. Strock?

On Mexico photos

Posted on November 14 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How about some info on the courses you're taking and your instructors, with likes & dislikes, of course.

On Market a year-round treat

Posted on November 8 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If you want to get a good laugh at a polling place, just before you enter the booth, ask one of the election inspectors, "Who's ahead?"

On Participating in democracy

Posted on November 5 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Life's most enjoyable emotional tonic is to make a new friend.

On Now what?

Posted on November 3 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm still waiting for an explanation of the proposed amendment to the State Constitution that will be at the head of the ballot tomorrow in either the print or on-line edition of the Gazette. Perhaps you're expecting the ACORN volunteers to provide it to voters on their way to the election sites?

On ACORN to offer rides to polling places

Posted on October 31 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is from the on-line editor who complained that my political leanings affected my comments? From the tenor of this blog entry, it sounds like Mark will be handing out "Vote for the Republican" cards himself! Maybe an editor who produces slanted entries like this one (and others written by him throughout the campaign season) isn't really doing much more than calling the kettle black! I continue to be amazed that a Gazette editor could be so unprofessional.

On Treadwell to close campaign with 72-hour district-wide tour