It counts as an event worth having lived long for. Barack Obama’s  inauguration came as the fulfillment of so many hopes and dreams. This day was a long time coming. For me, it brought deep-down joy.

I watched the events of last week’s Tuesday in a large room mostly filled with college students. They impressed me with the seriousness they showed during the proceedings. They applauded a few times but for the most part they greeted the events with silent attention, while obviously feeling joyful at Obama becoming president.

Continue reading →

Love birds on the operatic stage and in real life, the two stars appeared on the huge screen singing their hearts out. Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna, in high definition, seemed to relish playing in Puccini’s opera La Rondine. The audience of over 300 clearly enjoyed watching them perform in this simulcast from the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Continue reading →

The United States lacks the power to transform the Greater Middle East.

Almost one-and-a half billion Muslims live in many countries ─ north, south, east, and west ─ within the huge area stretching from Iraq to Pakistan. Expecting to reshape these nations is thoroughly unrealistic.

This is the first of five lessons that Andrew Bacevich imagines sharing with Barack Obama as the latter assumes the presidency next week. He judges it vital for the new president to lead the way in breaking with the myths that, since 9/11, have been shaping U.S. foreign policy.

Continue reading →

Some family heritages are worth celebrating in a book. That view finds support in a handsomely printed volume that comes from Bill Buffett, currently an Arlington resident but born and brought up in Omaha, Nebraska.

Entitled “Foods You Will Enjoy: The Story of Buffett’s Store,” this book recounts the history of a family business that endured for a century. It also shares the atmosphere of a developing American city, one located almost exactly halfway between the east and west coasts.

Continue reading →

To mark the arrival of 2009, let me share with you my list of best wishes. In addition to positive selections, be warned about finding here some negative ones as well.

In fact, the negatives may outweigh the positives on this scale of values. As the Protestant theologian Paul Tillich once wrote: “Man’s negations are more powerful than his affirmations.”

Continue reading →

For fear you will fault me for not having yet published any resolutions for the New Year 2008, here now is my list.

You will be edified, I trust, to see how sweeping a character reformation I have planned for this, the newly arrived year. Even though other people tend to keep such resolves in the breach rather than the observance, I pledge to give them the force of solemn vows.

Continue reading →