When you think of experts on the American Dream, Jay-Z may not be the first name that comes to mind. Atlantic staff writer David Samuels, however, argues that not only is Jay-Z an ideal embodiment of the Dream, but also that Barack Obama has something to learn from him. This article was published the day …
Continue reading Still Dreaming?: David Samuels, Barack Obama, and Jay-Z on the American Dream
The American Dream is so important to our national identity and national psyche that it bears a thorough check-up on a regular basis. Pulitzer Prize finalist Ronald Brownstein wrote this essay in September 2012 for the National Journal, a respected nonpartisan publication based in Washington, D.C. Read it here: Brownstein, "A Dream Deferred" Brownstein talks about …
Continue reading Still Dreaming?: Ronald Brownstein on the American Dream
It isn’t difficult to find criticisms of our meat-heavy diet in the U.S., but this one comes from an unexpected source: Josh Ozersky, the founder of Meatopia, the event that calls itself “the Woodstock of edible animals.” His essay appeared in Time magazine in August 2012. Read it here: Ozersky, "A Meat Lover Says Yes to …
Continue reading A Meaty Argument: Josh Ozersky on Meatless Monday
The cost of higher education today generates countless debates and impassioned arguments. We hear a lot about government support of public institutions, student loan debt, rising tuition and fees, and the high price of textbooks. But wait. There’s more. Jenna Ashley Robinson says that the government should now eliminate tax credits for education that try …
Continue reading Too Many Credits?!: Jenna Robinson Says There Are
What’s the best part of the Super Bowl? The game or the ads? Stephen Marche argues for the ads, and he wants them to get more respect. This column, from Esquire magazine, appeared just before the Super Bowl in February 2012. Read it here: Marche, "A Short Prayer for Advertising” Marche makes an ironic observation …
Continue reading Commercials R Us: Stephen Marche in Praise of Advertising
Organic foods are readily available in most U.S. supermarkets and restaurants, and usually at premium prices. Scientists at Stanford University have just published the results of a large study that compares the nutritional value of organic and conventional foods, and the report has generated a lot of publicity and public discussion. This article, one of …
With the Summer Olympics going on in London right now, there are hundreds of interesting athletes and events to explore and analyze. While women’s weightlifting is less flashy than gymnastics or beach volleyball, the struggles and triumphs of its athletes are no less deserving of attention. Alyssa Rosenberg posted this entry on XXfactor, a Slate …
Continue reading Looking for a Lift: Commercial Endorsements of Women Weightlifters
Many people are observing that higher education is in serious trouble, and as a student, you are one of the primary stakeholders. Online education solves some problems, creates others, and provides some interesting complications to the ongoing debate about how to shape our higher education policies and experiences. William Bennett, former U.S. Secretary of Education, …
Continue reading The Future of Higher Education?: William J. Bennett on an Exciting Innovation
“Higher education as we know it is about to come to an end.” This is the opening sentence of a recent opinion piece that was published in many newspapers around the country. We all love a good tragedy, don’t we? But college presidents Barry Glassner and Morton Schapiro may surprise you. Their article originally appeared …
Continue reading On Campus and Losing Sleep: Two College Presidents on the State of Higher Education
Burger King is serving up a new item this summer—soft serve ice cream with chocolate sauce and caramel, garnished with bacon bits and a strip of bacon on top. Frequent New Yorker contributor Rachel Arons tasted the new delicacy, but she is more interested in what others are saying about it in the many reviews …
Continue reading Bringing Home the Bacon: Arons on Reactions to Burger King’s New Bacon Sundae
They Say I Blog 