Saturday, June 27, 2015

Stretched Out Style


I noticed a little headline on the NY Times web page: "NBA Draft Needs a Men's Wear Makeover."
"Oh no you don't." I cried.  "You're not going to ruin one of my favorite fashion shows of the year."  I don't know these young players, or any of their stats.  I show up for the outfits.

When your legs reach higher than the interviewer's head, you don't buy off the rack.  These custom made suits are amazing.  The number one pick in the NBA 2015 draft goes to:  the electric blue suit with the skinny tie.  The number two pick are the silver porcupine shoes.

All of the lottery teams are winners.  They got NBA fashion at its finest.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Outside the Lines




I am following with interest the controversy stirred up by Laura Kipnis.  She is the Northwestern University Professor and author.  I knew her when I was married to her father. Since then, I have applauded from the sidelines as she occasionally hits the headlines with her provocative points of view.

Laura says that the current across-the-board bans against university professors dating students is caused by “sexual paranoia” on campus.  In retaliation, some NU students sued her for sexual harrassment under Title IX.  Which led to Kipnis’ argument that this is an absurd stretch for the use of Title IX.  The University has stood behind her, the suit went nowhere, but the controversy remains.

Ah, Universities.  Let’s go back for the football, basketball, or maybe a class reunion. 

Ah, Academia.  Outside the sight of those who scratch for a living.  Or, remembered fondly by those who are living their lives, and can barely remember what Ulysses was about anyway.

Ah, Professors.  Still fighting for the world of ideas and taking seriously the concept of rational thought.  The powerful have long since bent rationality to serve their material or ideological interests.

Good for you Laura Kipnis.  She says “bring it” and is smart enough to take what comes her way.




Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Kudos to Kerr



The NBA finals start this week.  No Bulls, but plenty to get excited about.  LeBron vs. Steph.  Star Power vs. Team Power.  Two down-on-their-heels cities (Cleveland/Oakland) that deserve some fun.

I'm for the Warriors and it's because of Steve Kerr.  Yes, he was a sharp shooter for the Bulls.  And yes, he made a game-winning finals shot inches away from Michael Jordan.  But, there's more.

Steve Kerr was born in Beirut, Lebanon. His parents were teachers at the American University of Beirut.  He father Malcolm was an international expert on the middle east and he wrote with compassion about Arab life.  That didn't stop a terrorist from shooting him dead.

Steve was back in the U.S. attending college.  He was 18.

Let's tip the scales of life a little for Steve.