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I began writing again in 1995 after a several year hiatus — composing academic papers had effectively sucked all the creative energy from me, and it wasn't until I stopped devoting any attention to those that I was able to do anything recreational. Unfortunately, this occurred well before the end of my undergraduate studies.
Much of what I did do after that was news writing ... considering how little interest I have in re-reading those articles, I won't subject you to them. I did compose a few other pieces I'm still a bit fond of, which might someday make it up here.
My most recent engagement has been at Information Please LLC, maker of fine reference material. The results are below.
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Infopleasures
Composed during my time at Infoplease. Of variable quality.
- Reckoning With Slavery
An interview with Edward Ball, author of the National Book Award-winning Slaves in the Family. Something of a book review, as well. Powerful (if often misunderstood) stuff, especially for those of us whose ancestral pasts are somewhat checkered.
- Russian Roulette
A timeline of recent changes in the Russian government. Unliterary, but useful.
- Things Get Rough in Kashmir
Background on India and Pakistan's long-running conflict over Kashmir. The pun was stolen from a friend.
- International Terrorism Primer
Not exactly rocket science, but appropriate to the site. More fun to research than volcanic eruptions.
- The Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Expository. With a beautiful quote by Oppenheimer.
- Eclipse of the Millennium
Somewhat flippant piece about local celebrations in the path of the August 11 total eclipse. An opportunity to make vague jabs at the French.
- Infoplease Intelligence Quiz
This is really about spies, covert action, and what-not. A misuse of the term "intelligence", but incredibly effective at drawing traffic.
- Eleven Days that Never Were
A brief history of the Gregorian Calendar. Fascinating, if you like that sort of thing.
- Volcanoes!
The title says it all.
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Editorial Ravings
- Same Sex Marriage Not the Problem
Composed in response to the Defense of Marriage Act, passed in the Fall of 1996. There are some states' rights issues which I was not cognizant of at the time, but I stand by my polemic.
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Miscellaneous Efforts
- The Price of Longevity by Jack Beatty
"The real problem with Medicare is that it pays for too little" — I admire Jack Beatty for his passion, if not for his great circumspection. He did the ranting, I did the research.
- Flasback: Israel at 50
Originally a collection of old Atlantic articles I brought together to tie in to the 50th anniversary of Israel's declaration of statehood. Look here for some later intern's reworking of the material.
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