In 1956, JFK wrote "Profiles in Courage;" 70 years later, I discuss with Jacob Weisberg "Profiles in Cowardice"--his tale of 8 quislings who bent the knee to Trump & Co. despite the prestige and power to resist. Go forth and don't do likewise.youtu.be/KdqNUAJNVE0?si=jLX4… via @YouTube

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band world premiered their funkadelic version of Ray Parker, Jr.'s 1984 theme from Ghostbusters in Montreal on Halloween 2024. It really rocked the joint. Who ya gonna call...the Boss! It's that time of year again, so here it is, my fun capture

With Halloween already visible all around, from skeletons rising from lawns to the smell of pumpkin pie in the oven, here is Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's pounding Atlantic City from Montreal two Halloweens ago--it sends shivers up my spine and brings joy to my heart.

The differences between social democracy and democratic socialism, confusing as it sounds, are meaningful. Under capitalism, we can still have things other nations do such as universal health care and a better social safety net. Stop letting them scare you berkshireeagle.com/opinion-c…

Far from the Louvre is a hidden gem of Paris, the Musée Marmottan Monet, largest home to Monet's works. Here's a glimpse of his late-life paintings of water lilies. Spend some time with them and the equally overlooked Musée National Picasso-Paris. They point the way to modern art

The USA expanded by murderous Manifest Destiny and slavery. By the 20th century, we had evolved to global economic dominance versus geographic imperialism. But Trump's revanchist dreams of empire are now shared by Putin and Xi, a dangerous and toxic trio. berkshireeagle.com/opinion/c…

Pope Leo XIV carries an inner light. The crowd waiting expectantly at Bd. du Montparnasse on Paris' Left Bank were rewarded with a palpable joy seeing him on his first official visit to Paris. As he turned our way with his beatific smile and waved, he shined, a messenger of peace

On Paris' Left Bank the evening before Pope Leo XIV's historic visit here. The sky is aflame with a serene and prophetic fire. Our world is in need of a message of peace, love, hope and a spirit of change. An American born for a throne far different from the king in Casa Blanca.

Ben Vautier's record store in Nice, overflowing with found objects and art, opened in 1958. It was a locus for Fluxus and other artists. A living dreamscape, when it was dismantled in 1973 it was moved to the Musée National d'Art Moderne. Here it is at Lyon's Musée des Beaux-Arts

In Vieux Lyon, the unique sound of a hundred-year-old paper-fed calliope can still be heard. It is a lot of work turning a crank to feed perforated pages--when they align, air is triggered, creating the melody. In an age of digital sound, it is good to see and hear this old music

In the premiere episode of Unspin Reels I chat with longtime friend and colleague Elliott Landy to discuss his historic candid photos of Bob Dylan, and his definitional album shots of The Band in Woodstock, featuring a few of his rarest photos.youtu.be/6QdY_xEMaqY?si=Vifj… via @YouTube

She showed that feminists weren't anti-male. Gloria Steinem co-founded Ms. She was the embodiment of strong women girls could emulate. I was lucky to spend time with her at an event when she was nearly 80 and she was brilliant, beautiful and charming. An American original. R.I.P.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warns AI will cause the loss of up to half of entry-level jobs and cause 20% unemployment. 1,000 jobs have already been lost to robotaxis where they drive. Immigrants suffer the brunt of these losses. We need humane policies and answers to AI disruption

I was privileged to be associated with Ken Burns's Country Music series. One of its great stories was that of Dolly Parton. In my work with the Library of Congress, we wanted to give her the Gershwin Prize, but she didn't need more awards. RIP youtube.com/shorts/f3AZ2brRv… via @YouTube

Here is some of what Bruce Springsteen had to say as he opened the European "Land of Hope and Dreams" tour in Manchester on May 14, 2025. He called upon all those listening to "let freedom ring" and make their voices heard. Today's Supine Court ruling on voting demands an outcry

Manchester May 14, 2025 Bruce Springsteen, with righteous preaching on Trump & Co., delivers a rocking Born in the USA, misunderstood as an American anthem. Timely today as the most politicized Supreme Court in memory hands the President keys to the midterms--a sad day in the USA

44 years ago, Bruce Springsteen released Atlantic City on Nebraska, delivering its hypnotic rhythm like a tornado across the plains. At the MVP Arena in Albany on April 15, 2024, the E Street Band hammers a staggeringly soulful version, its haunting refrain echoing into the night

In a video chat for The Berkshire Eagle with Dr. Robbie Goldstein, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, he gives essential guidance for children in and around water this summer--tips every family should practice. Respect the water instagram.com/reel/DcUJj1YDd…

65 years ago this month few noticed the B-side of a 45 by the Top Notes. The Isley Brothers covered it in '62. Then in '63 the Beatles rocked it. Here for the first time for some summer fun Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band twist and shout a Halloween '24 encore in Montreal

Here is the first informational short video from my recent vodcast conversation for The Berkshire Eagle with Dr. Robbie Goldstein, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, on ticks and how to deal with them, an increasing summer risk. instagram.com/reel/DcMJYZSEo…