Death of history painting
At the end of the eighteenth century, art flowed along several currents. History painting, the primary current, was in its heyday and remained the undisputed champion until ‘history’ intruded into contemporary events with the French Revolution. This current continued into the middle of the nineteenth century with Delacroix. Another important current used myth to launch
They lost Jeffrey Sachs
Six months ago I would have described Jeffrey Sachs, the Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, as the consummate insider. For the past 30 years Sachs has taken leadership roles in economic and public health issues with Africa as a special focus. After the adoption of his Millennium Village goals in 2000, he
So, war it is
When I was a kid, we lived near a SAC base (Strategic Air Command) where the nuclear bombers were stationed. Depending on the prevailing winds, the noise from the B-52’s flying over was so loud that it rattled the windows and shook the house. I’d wake up and wonder, “Is this the real attack?” I
Savage terrorism
In an act of savage terrorism Darya Dugina, the daughter of Alexander Dugin, was killed in Moscow last night. A bomb exploded in the car that Darya drove killing her instantly. It is reported that Dugin had intended to travel with his daughter only changing plans at the last moment. It’s believed that the bomb
WWIII?
After a bitter and scandal-filled election and with an increasingly divided nation, you might think that the Biden administration would move with circumspection and try to heal the country. Not at all. They are dead set on ‘The Great Reset,’ which turns out to mean overturning the social order without changing leadership. Because the ballot
Ukraine war
For those paying attention, it’s clear that Russia is winning the Ukrainian War. The counter-narrative, claiming that Ukraine is winning, was maintained until the U.S. Congress passed the $40b aid package. As soon as the bill passed, the famed Azov brigade surrendered. Despite Russian aggression, I found it difficult to support Ukraine. Ukraine is a
Afgan attacks
Yesterday, Taliban elements attacked Ghazni. Several defenders were killed and others captured. In a separate incident in Pul-e-Alam, 30 people were killed by explosions. What makes these attacks ominous is that they occurred on the day when US and NATO troops began their official withdrawal. When President Biden pushed back the complete withdrawal date from
Is the US backing down in Ukraine?
As a sign of escalating tensions, US President Biden announced sanctions against Russia and expelled several Russian diplomats today. Both sides are talking tough and hurling threats at each other. Putin, of course, promises retaliation. At the same time, the Biden Administration also announced that the two US warships en route to the Black Sea