Miscellaneous | Miscellaneous

Finding America at a Back-Roads Gas Station – American Greatness

DICKERSON, Md.—Everything happens for a reason.

At least that's what people tell you when your plans go south.

Driving from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., recently, I did as I nearly always do: I clicked the "avoid highways" option on Google Maps and c

Entertainment | Celebrities!

Celebrities on Planes in the 1970s: The Photos

In these photographs from the same decade—when air travel wasn't the nightmare it is today—​movie stars and musicians relax, party, and pose on their private jets.

Music | Music

KEXP Celebrates World Goth Day

Politics | Op-Ed

The Conventional Wisdom About Millennial Suffering Is A Myth

Despite a sense of unearned victimhood, millennials haven't had it harder than those who came before them. In most ways, the opposite is true.

The only suffering that involve them is the pain they inflict on the rest of us with their stupidity, ignorance and whining.

Politics | Politics

Middle-Class Americans Are Sick of Elite Privilege - The Atlantic

If Democrats want to address simmering middle-class anger, they need to deliver justice.

Travel | Israeli Culture

From Small Marketplaces to the Culinary Markets: The Evolution of Food in Israel

When did cooks become chefs and then cultural idols? When did we become so addicted to food and cooking blogs? How did breakfast become a culinary event?...

Miscellaneous | Other Stuff

How To Combat Our Culture’s Rampant Self-Supremacy Problem

The terms self-supremacy and self-supremacist capture the intent and the ultimate agenda of power elites. Self-supremacists are control freaks.

Travel | Travel

Things Americans didn't realize were American until they went abroad - INSIDER

Cultural differences can lead to moments of confusion for Americans traveling abroad. Here are 10 things that have surprised Americans outside the US.

News | Israel & The Jewish Community

We’re Jews, We’re Not White, We Define Ourselves | Jewish Journal

Last Sunday, I took my son Alexander, 9, to hear a performance of the Hebrew Choir Festival, which “aims to promote Hebrew as the common global Jewish language.” He didn’t want to go — it was a gorgeous afternoon — but I increasingly prioritize stuff like this.

This is a great article about an important subject. When I was growing yo 30-40 years ago, race wasn't NEARLY as much of an issue as it is now. It was in the 60s and before, and has become increasingly important since the 90s. But we're regressing. We never considered ourselves to be "white" (a completely meaningless term anyway). "White" people were the WASPS and other Christians. How could we be "white" when we were never really a part of "white" society (we have different holidays, different names, and yes - a different language, even if we didn't speak it), and they were putting us in ovens just a few decades before? None of the Holocaust survivors I knew thought of us as anything but Jewish. The idea that we are "white," isn't one of acceptance. It's an attempt to erase our identities because we are, literally, living proof that racism can't be boiled down to skin color alone.

And never would I have dreamed that there would be a day in America where Jews are routinely called "white supremacists." It is the one of the most vile things you can say about a Jewish person. And where are the "white Muslims" and "white Arabs"? The fact that you don't hear those terms demonstrates what this is really about: de-legitimizing the Jewish claim to Israel, our ancestral homeland, where we are the indigenous people. "Sorry," but none of us are Europeans. We know that intuitively, but the Europeans made that fact more than clear to use for millennia, and they continue to today.

News | Israel/Jewish Community

Dershowitz: Jews Must Never Be Afraid to Use Their Well-Earned Power

No other group is ever accused of having too much power and influence. That false claim – dating back to times and places where Jews had little or no influence – is an anti-Semitic trope that tells us more about the anti-Semites who invoke it that it

Advice & Self-Help | Psychology & Relationships

Hook-Up Culture is Making Us Miserable

How Dating Culture Became Hook-Up Culture

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

San Diego Tiki Culture, Then and Now, To Be Featured in New Book

It includes profiles on local bars and restaurants, plus cocktail recipes

News | Israel & The Jewish Community

Now they call us ‘White Jews’: A new American antisemitism

If you remain silent when you hear the term “white Jews,” you are not doing your part to stop this creeping hatred.

This is a VERY important article. The origins of All Jews in the Middle East. More importantly, the idea of “white Jews” is absurd when you are speaking about one of the most persecuted minorities in human history. It is another, newer, form of antisemitism. This article brilliantly explains why.

“If you don’t use the term “white Muslims” then you must not use the term “white Jews” and anyone who uses the term “white Jews” must be immediately confronted as to why no other religion gets this “white” definitional treatment.”

Politics | PC Culture

PETA Strikes Again: Stop Using 'Anti-Animal Language'

On Tuesday, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) issued a tweet calling for human beings to stop using “anti-animal language” and using “speciesism” in conversations. PETA demanded some changes to everyday language, including:

G-d these people are morons.

Miscellaneous | Interesting stories

The Story Of 'Whittier Blvd.,' A Song And Place Where Latino Youth Found Each Other

One of the first Chicano rock bands, Thee Midniters were often called East L.A.'s Beatles. Their instrumental track "Whittier Blvd." was a regional smash that pointed to a coming cultural movement.

REALLY interesting story about 60's Chicano culture in LA and the band The MIdnighters.

Politics | PC Culture

This New Study About The Unpopularity Of Political Correctness Will Shock You | Daily Wire

On Wednesday, Yascha Mounk, lecturer on government at Harvard University, wrote a fascinating piece for The Atlantic regarding a new study from Stephen Hawkins, Daniel Y

This is absolutely fascinating.

"Among the general population, a full 80 percent believe that “political correctness is a problem in our country.” Even young people are uncomfortable with it, including 74 percent ages 24 to 29, and 79 percent under age 24. On this particular issue, the woke are in a clear minority across all ages… Whites are ever so slightly less likely than average to believe that political correctness is a problem in the country: 79 percent of them share this sentiment. Instead, it is Asians (82 percent), Hispanics (87percent), and American Indians (88 percent) who are most likely to oppose political correctness."

Politics | Op-Ed

Stop Apologizing for Our History | National Review

Today’s ill-informed critics of Churchill would be speaking German if he had not led the fight against Hitler.

History | History

The Great Cultural Revolution, American-Style

Think Prospector Pete was bad? Check out the Aztecs.

Miscellaneous | Judaism

Sitting Next To Your Spouse In An Orthodox Synagogue

On separate seating in the synagogue

This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Judaism.

Miscellaneous | Interesting Links

A Journey to the Moral Center of "Bro"

I've been thinking about Brad a lot lately, ever since I watched the Netflix hit rom-com, To All The Boys I've Loved Before, based on the book of the same name by Jenny Han. I felt I needed to know: Why do I care so much? Why now? Why this bro?

I hate bros.

Food & Drink | Food & Drink

American Eating Habits Are Changing Faster than Fast Food Can Keep Up

Home cooking would be making a comeback if it ever really went away.

Politics | Interesting Links

Is Islam a Religion of Peace?

Is Islam a religion of peace? Is it compatible with Western liberalism? Or does Islam need a reformation, just as Christianity had the Protestant Reformation...

Politics | Op-Ed

Is Diversity Really Our Strength? | National Review

Every successful experiment in diversity requires commonality.

“As Jonah Goldberg and others have explained so eloquently and urgently, in the absence of a transcendent, unifying American idea, tribalism reasserts itself. People seek common purpose and — once that purpose is found — can be remarkably welcoming of people from all walks of life who share that purpose. The ancillary diversity amplifies the strength of the unifying purpose.

The question of our time is whether Americans still share enough of that common purpose — and whether that common purpose is wide enough — to maintain the shared national bond. Or do we now have a red purpose and a blue purpose, and diversity is a “strength” only to the extent that it enhances our chosen tribe?

In other words, it would be easier to believe that diversity is our strength if the people who advance that idea weren’t also often among the most intolerant people in American public life.”

Miscellaneous | Interesting Links

Online Museum Is Preserving 'Endangered' Sounds for Future Generations | Mental Floss

Test your knowledge with amazing and interesting facts, trivia, quizzes, and brain teaser games on MentalFloss.com.

Politics | Op-Ed

How to Think about Privilege | National Review

Progressives misuse the term “white” as a catch-all for everything they dislike.

Great opinion piece about the idiocy of the idea of “whiteness.”

Miscellaneous | Other Interesting Stories

7 awkward situations people didn't have to worry about 30 years ago

Awkward moments are a given if you're a human being who works, dates, and has friends. But some of the most awkward situations possible have to do with digital technology and would have been unimaginable to previous generations.

Miscellaneous | Interesting stories

The Colorful History of the Rowdies, Radicals and Ruffians of Ocean Beach

Grassroots and Progressive views on local, national and world news

It's what makes OB the place that it is.

News | The News

Generation Shapiro | National Review

Shapiro is someone that both Trump’s right-leaning opponents and right-minded friends respect.

“Oddly enough...the person who appeared to be doing the most to shape the thinking of the new generation of Republican leaders was not the president of the United States—but Ben Shapiro, a 34-year-old anti-Trump conservative pundit who came up unprompted in more than a third of my conversations.” Again and again, students turn exchanges involving politics and ideology into discussions of Shapiro, his media presence, his ideas, and his mode of discourse.“

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

Defining Tiki – An Observation

Disclaimer: This subject has been very hot-button in many social media forums as of late. The statements in this blog are the opinions of the writer. Tiki has experienced a resurgency of sorts with…

News | The News

LES FEMMES - THE TRUTH: On Cultural Appropriation and Whoopi Goldberg

Culturally insensitive first graders do Mexican Hat Dance! You've all heard the diatribes against those who commit the mortal sin of "cu...

Travel | Travel

Route 66 – the US road trip favourite – is under threat

There are few journeys as quintessentially American as a road trip along Route 66, but the “main street of America” may be under threat.

Route 66 needs to be preserved. There are far things more American. I did the trip once (excluding Gallup), and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Congress needs to act while there is still something to preserve. We’re quickly losing our architectural heritage across the country. It would be a huge loss for what’s left of Route 66 disappear.

Music | Music

Dear Cool Dads and Moms: Stop Bringing Your Children To Concerts

They won’t have fun. You won’t have fun. The people around you definitely won’t have fun.

Here here! It’s is HIGHLY inappropriate to bring small children to shows.

Miscellaneous | Other Stuff

Where Has Teen Car Culture Gone?

Something is missing in the lives of today’s adolescents: that magical coming-of-age feeling when a whole world opened up.

I never thought about it before, but the whole hot rod culture has disappeared. This is why.

Food & Drink | Food & Drink

Are We Done Hating Brunch? | The New Yorker

Sadie Stein writes about the resurgence of brunch in popular culture.

Politics | Politics

Opinion | Three Cheers for Cultural Appropriation - The New York Times

If we make people stay in the ethnic and racial lane assigned to them by accident of birth, we’ll lose everything that makes this country great.

This article should be required reading for everyone. The idea of "cultural appropriation" is diametrically opposed to the very American idea of the melting pot, or "e pluribus unum," which means "out of many, one." The best of what Americans are comes from a shared culture derived from many sources. Cultural appropriation is a regressive, foolish, and dangerous idea.

From the article (a comment that I especially related to:

"Consider the simple act of eating a meal in an era of cultural purity. This weekend I had dinner in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, cooked by a Palestinian who was raised in Israel where her brother served in Parliament. Yet her restaurant is billed as Lebanese. And she accents her traditional dishes with herbs that would never be found on a plate in the Levant. But if proponents of cultural purity had their way, I’d have spent the evening cordoned on the Upper West Side watching “Yentl” and eating gefilte fish."
"

Miscellaneous | Fun Stuff

‘You can never have too many mimosas’: How brunch became the day-wrecking meal that America loves to hate

Sunday morning now looks a lot like Saturday night, especially in the nation’s capital of brunch.

Miscellaneous | Mid Century

These photos show an idealized vision of midcentury America… with a subtle hint of weirdness

Not much is known about Nina Leen, the Russian-born Life photographer who moved to New York in 1939 and proceeded to spend the next four decades making some of the best — and least remembered —…

Miscellaneous | Interesting Stuff

I'm British, and I experienced the biggest culture shock when I started working in the US

The UK and the US are not all that different. But as a British person living and working in America, I experienced a huge culture shock at work.

I get the differences, but generally, opportunity IS the product of hard work.

Miscellaneous | Interesting Stuff

To Brits with knickers in a twist over Americanisms: don't get your panties in a bunch | Science | The Guardian

Many ‘American’ phrases are actually British but a new book argues why we say what we say reveals a lot about our cultures

Miscellaneous | Interesting Stuff

10 myths about the royal family that just aren't true

Prince Charles does not need seven eggs each morning.

Miscellaneous | Interesting Stuff

10 Ways Americans and Europeans Differ | HowStuffWorks

HowStuffWorks looks at come of the cultural differences between Europe and America, like ice consumption, metric system and portion sizes.

Food & Drink | Travel

The 15 Best Hipster Places in St Louis

Miscellaneous | Interesting Stuff

The Overwhelming Emotion of Hearing Toto’s “Africa” Remixed to Sound Like It’s Playing in an Empty Mall | The Ne

Jia Tolentino writes that editing a song to sound like it’s coming from a specific space—such as “Africa,” by Toto, as if it were playing in a mall—fights against the digital isolation of our times.

Visual Arts | Chicago Arts

A New Exhibit Spotlights a Rarely Seen Keith Haring Mural | Chicago magazine | March 2018

The Chicago Cultural Center displays one of our city’s most impressive public artworks in March.

Music | Music

Quincy Jones Has a Story About That | GQ

Quincy Jones has run with Frank Sinatra. Michael Jackson. Malcolm X. Prince. Tupac. Even Leni Riefenstahl—and the 84-year-old music legend has a tale for every famous name.

The man is a serious legend and a national treasure. On a personal note: I've had a crush on his daughter for a long time!

Miscellaneous | Other Stuff

Whatever Happened to Generation X?

As they head into middle age, the “slacker” generation of Philadelphians — sandwiched between the never-say-die boomers and the all-about-us millennials — is feeling overlooked, overworked and overwhelmed. But their chill, pragmatic approach to li

Sports | Cycling

Ride On Flair

These are one inch flair buttons. There are 8 buttons in this set. Set inspired by Leslie Ashe.

Miscellaneous | Interesting Links

27 fascinating maps that show how Americans speak English differently across the US

A survey of more than 30,000 people, turned into a series of maps, showcase the linguistic quirks that make American English such a fascinating dialect.

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

Art-topia, Part 3: Everyone’s business

Accompanied by a thriving local economy, this interconnection of neighborhoods can also lend a sense of living in a real city, rather than a collection of suburbs and shopping malls linked by freeways.

Miscellaneous | Random shit

3 Things People Who Served In The Military Do That Make Them Look Like Tools

While it’s great to be proud of one’s service, it’s also the mark of a huge tool bag if he is unable to talk about anything but his time in the belly of the beast.

So true!!!

Miscellaneous | Other Kinds of Whatnot

Generation X had the luxury of being rebel slackers, but Millennials have to be total squares

You know Generation X. The ones who skateboarded through high school with flannel shirts and angry music during a period of economic stability. The ones who criticized the establishment while…

This article is a little bit old, but it is right on target. I wish I had been in GenX!

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

Diving Into the 1980s Mod Scene with Photographer Paul Hallam

We spoke to Hallam about his new book, Odds & Sodds , a collection of photos from the early-80s mod scene.

Music | Music

Goth So White? | Black representation in the Post-Punk scene

Before post-punk and Goth in the early days of Punk, British film director, DJ and musician Don Letts pretty much ran the scene at The Roxy in London, spinning primarily reggae…

Visual Arts | Visual Arts

Surreal Collages Revealing the Absurdity of Popular Culture | AnOther

A new exhibition by Belgian artist Sammy Slabbinck turns clippings from vintage magazines into witty compositions

Miscellaneous | Interesting Links!

What's the Truth About the First Thanksgiving?

Should Americans celebrate Thanksgiving as a day of gratitude? Or should they mourn it as a day of guilt? Michael Medved, author of The American Miracle, shares the fascinating story of the first Thanksgiving.

Miscellaneous | OTHER STUFF

Photographing Eastern Europe's Fading Jewish Architecture – Tablet Magazine

Photographer David Kaufman looks at the world through a historical lens. Quite literally, in fact, as he shoots with bellows, the folding attachment used on cameras since the Civil War. Though Kaufman is fascinated by the past, his old-fashioned equipmen

Some of these photos are beautiful. I had no idea that any of the Warsaw Ghetto buildings still exist. These sites must be preserved. They are remnants of an extremely rich society destroyed by the most nightmarish example of genocide in American history.

Miscellaneous | Interesting Links

Where the Small-Town American Dream Lives On | The New Yorker

As America’s rural communities stagnate, what can we learn from one that hasn’t?

Politics | Politics

No gracias, La Gracia

What she loves is a purified, whitewashed version of our culture—a safe and romanticized Mexico she built for herself while vacationing in resorts and wintering in Sayulita. Then she tried to sell it back to a community.

Another thought provoking article by Alex Zaragoza.

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

Critiki’s Ten Best Tiki Bars in the World 2017

These are the ten best tiki bars found in the world today, as rated by the best tiki experts around: the members of Critiki. Critiki is a travel guide and historic archive of Polynesian Pop culture…

Politics | Politics

A Chicano Community In San Diego Is Outraged Over A White Woman's Attempt To Open A 'Modern Fruteria'

Jenny Niezgoda clearly didn't do her homework. The travel blogger and self-proclaimed "barefoot bohemian" released a now-canceled Kickstarter campaign and accompanying video for her next passion project - a "plant-based cocina" and "modern fruteria"

If you take the time to actually watch the video, it is truly understandable why the community is outraged.

Politics | Education or Indoctrination?

NO MORE SHAKESPEARE: Yale ‘Decolonizes’ English Department After Being Accused Of Too Much ‘Whiteness’

Yale has successfully “decolonized” its English department, and some lucky students are now enrolled in a new course created by the department to ward off claims of departmental racism. Better yet, new standards have been implemented to guarantee a mo

Politics | Politics

Breaking Bread: Appropriation or Appreciation? The Case of Mexican Food

This article is three years old but it's extremely relevant to now, especially in the past couple years.

Miscellaneous | Other Interesting Stories

How We Killed Expertise - POLITICO Magazine

Average Americans have never much liked eggheads. That’s not a bad thing in itself: Americans are a skeptical but level-headed people

Miscellaneous | Mid Century

Photographer Compares 1960s Postcards Vs. How These Places Look Today, And The Difference Is Unbelievable | Bored Panda

Not long ago an old matchbook laying on photographer Pablo Iglesias Maurer's desk caught his eye. Or rather, it was the postcard-like picture on it, of a resort

This is completely fascinating.

Miscellaneous | OTHER STUFF

Paying the price for breakdown of the country's bourgeois culture

These basic cultural precepts could be followed by people of all backgrounds and abilities, especially when backed up by almost universal endorsement.

This is one of the best editorials I have ever read about the reasons for the decay of American society and the, too many of us, obvious solution.

Music | Music

The Best Mod Bands/Artists

in the 1950s and 1960s, mod culture dominated most of what was going on in the UK in terms of culture. Mods were hip and cool, and it was reflected in the trend setting fashion and music to come from that time period. Though originally named after those w

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

The Best Tiki Albums To Get You In The Mood For Tiki Oasis

Swingers, light your tiki torches! On the eve of this year’s epic Tiki Oasis festival, in San Diego, we thought it would be prudent to kindle the beacon fire with a little Tiki 101 list. For our selections, we will be focusing on the nittiest and gritti

Tiki Oasis is over for this year but you can always use this link for next.

Music | Music

Elvis & ‘Cultural Appropriation' - Music Works Best When Borrowed

If cultural appropriation is a crime, charge Elvis Presley. Culture thrives when it’s all shook up ...

Elvis left the building 40 years ago today. I remember that day well. I was on summer vacation and in the car with my dad going to his office. It is a SHAME that people believe that Elvis was a racist or "stole" music from another culture. Rock n roll is an American art form. It's comprised of blues, country, and some other elements. People of ALL races and cultures created the forms of music that became rock n roll.

From the article:

"His first big hit, ‘Maybellene,’ adapted an old melody that had been recorded by country-music performers like Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Berry combined the ‘hillbilly’ sound of white country with the African-American rhythm and blues that he imbibed in his native St. Louis.” For this, he was heckled in Harlem."

This is why history, even music history, is so important.

Politics | The Hall of Idiots

Why Professional Cuddling Is Booming Under Trump - Rolling Stone

In the wake of Donald Trump's election, people struggled to figure out how to cope – and some found the answer was as simple as human touch.

Why ot would be hard for anyone on the left not to admit that many of them are, in fact, babies. This is PATHETIC.

""What this means is that we will feel more connected, empathetic, content, [have] lower stress, anxiety and depression," says Samantha Hess, owner and professional cuddler at Cuddle Up To Me. "We will sleep better, have higher metabolic function, increase our immune response, and even decrease our impulse behavior – like drinking because the world is doomed."

"At times, the cuddle party Wyatt leads in Venice turns silent. Along one wall, participants sit stacked snugly in between another person's legs, one person using another's body as a support pillow; in the middle of the room is a spooning train; others sit side-by-side coloring. Just as touch is optional, so is speaking."

Yeah. Ok Jack, whatever you say. It's time to grow up jackass.

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

Hong Kong Hustle best blog in HK | Hong Kong Hustle

Hong Kong Hustle - the best blog about music, fashion, nightlife, art, film, culture and cool in HK. Your guide to the city!

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

Antigravity Magazine

New Orleans Alternative Music and Culture

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

Jaded In Chicago

Originally a printed zine from 1998 – 2004, Jaded In Chicago has returned exclusively online. Our goal is to provide coverage of Chicago’s expansive independent

What's happening in Chicago.

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

Classic San Diego Tiki - ClassicSanDiego.com

Polynesian-themed restaurants and tiki bars from the San Diego area’s past and present. How many of theses classic San Diego tiki joints do you know?

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

The Mod Generation

Where mods of all generations get together to swap stories, share photos and videos, and keep up to date on the latest mod events and sounds

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

Modern day Mod UK - BBC News

Extraordinary photographs of the style and community of the contemporary Mod scene

Miscellaneous | Other Stuff

The average American has only one close friend — here's how we got to this point

Stanford psychologist Emma Seppala says Americans are experiencing a crisis of loneliness, and it's partly a result of our desire for independence.

This doesn't surprise me. What surprises me is that it's common. And, I have always known that social media does not cause loneliness, I am happy to see that demonstrated here.

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

This Teen Took Candid Photos of the 70s' Biggest Rock Stars

Photographer Brad Elterman relives his glory days of shooting David Bowie, Joan Jett, Bob Dylan, and KISS.

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

Where the Cocktail Party Came From

It has surprisingly feminist origins.

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

BrooklynVegan

No this is NOT a blog about veganism.

Entertainment | Culture/Art/Random cool stuff

We Had a Teen Interview High Schoolers About Their Music Tastes

The biggest takeaway is that trap music can help with your homework.

I saw this in my FB feed and I gotta say it's kind of refreshing. Several of these teenagers like music that's well before my time (Louis Armstrong). While I haven't heard of several of the bands/artists mentioned I looked them up and i can truly say not bad. It's nice to see much younger generations still liking music that uses real instruments. There is hope.

Politics | Politics

It feels like America is descending into chaos | New York Post

I turned 7 in 1968, and though my memories are necessarily fuzzy, I can still sum up a queasy sense of the chaos that pervaded the year as it streamed out of...

Solid article by the always eloquent John Podhoretz.

News | Interesting Stuff

How Old is "Old"? The Answers Vary by Age | Money

Definitions of "old" and "young" vary depending on your age, a new study by U.S. Trust shows.

Politics | Politics

Actually, hate speech is protected speech - LA Times

Here are the most popular slogans about speech, and why they're wrong

I couldn't agree more. Just because something may be offensive, does not mean that it is not protected!

Miscellaneous | OTHER STUFF

How to Smoke a Cigar Like You Actually Know What You’re Doing

Wondering how to smoke a cigar without looking like a greenhorn? In this guide, we'll teach you how to puff one like a seasoned pro.