NOTABLOG MONTHLY ARCHIVES: 2002 - 2020

JANUARY 31, 2005

At L&P, I post a new entry: "Reflecting on the Ayn Rand Centenary, Part II." Be sure to check out the referenced article, "Rand, Rock, and Radicalism," a Fall 2003 Journal of Ayn Rand Studies contribution that is published on my "Dialectics and Liberty" homepage today. A PDF version of the essay is available here.

Update: See follow-up discussion here.

Song of the Day: People, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, was a huge hit for Barbra Streisand from the musical "Funny Girl." A classic. Listen to an audio clip here.

JANUARY 30, 2005

Carlin Romano, who wrote about "the enduring appeal and controversy of Ayn Rand" in May 1999, has an essay in today's Philadelphia Inquirer: "Assessing Rand at Centenary." In it, he mentions my book, Ayn Rand: The Russian Radical, as a sign of increased attention to Rand in academia. I cite that passage here.

At L&P, the first of several entries this week to mark a special occasion: "Reflecting on the Ayn Rand Centenary, Part I." See follow-up discussion here, here, and here.

Song of the Day: Remember the Time, music, lyrics, and performance by Michael Jackson, was among the best tracks on the album "Dangerous" (check out the audio clip). I love the groove of the original version and the house-infused dance remix by Steve "Silk" Hurley as well. And it was a great Ken Singleton-directed video too, starring Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Magic Johnson. On the precipice of what promises to be a criminal trial for tabloid heaven, I still "remember" MJ the artist.

JANUARY 29, 2005

Arthur Silber posts a provocative essay, "Living on the Inside...and Living on the Outside." A summary of the essay appears at L&P, where I've left a brief comment on the issue of sympathy, empathy, and Ayn Rand.

At L&P, I respond to follow-up discussion over my recent entry, "The Market Shall Set You Free." At issue: Coalition-building on the left and the right.

Update: William Marina comments on yesterday's post, and I reply. See also here.

Song of the Day: Claire de Lune, written by the French Impressionist composer Claude Debussy, the third movement of his Suite Bergamasque, has been recorded by many orchestras, including this lovely version by the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy. I also adore a jazz version, featuring the Michel Legrand Orchestra, with alto saxophone soloist Phil Woods, from the album, "Images."

JANUARY 28, 2005

Lindsay Perigo announced the publication of the new issue of The Free Radical, which centers on the Ayn Rand Centenary. Having assisted in the copyediting and proofing of the issue, in my capacity as Assistant Editor, I can say it's a good issue. I have a promotional piece on the two Centenary issues put out by The Journal of Ayn Rand Studies (a PDF is available here); in fact, I'm just finishing up the final page proofs of the Spring 2005 issue of JARS, which is the second of the two Centenary symposia this academic year. Its theme is "Ayn Rand Among the Austrians." (Steven Horwitz mentions his own contribution to that symposium in his L&P post here.)

The new Free Radical also includes my tribute to composer Miklos Rozsa, which will be published online in due course.

Subscribe to The Free Radical here, and to The Journal of Ayn Rand Studies here.

At L&P, I recommend an article by Robert Wright: "The Market Shall Set You Free ... in the NY Times?" And see follow-up comments here, here, and here.

I post a welcome to Jason Kuznicki in response to his first post at L&P: "A Brief Biography."

Song of the Day: Saving All My Love For You, music and lyrics by Michael Masser and Brooklyn Technical High School-graduate Gerry Goffin, was performed marvelously by Whitney Houston. It's got an ol' time romantic feel and a classic arrangement.  Listen to an audio clip here.

JANUARY 27, 2005

At L&P, I recall Ayn Rand's words from 1946: "On the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz." See follow-up discussion here and here.

Some discussion has been sparked by a SOLO HQ re-posting of my 2004 essay, "Celebrating The Great American Songbook." I added a comment here.

I left a comment on William Marina's post, "New Biography of Ayn Rand," that highlights Rand's dialectical dexterity as a thinker.

Song of the Day: Lush Life, a Billy Strayhorn masterpiece, has been performed by artists as varied as Nat King Cole (listen to the audio clip at that link) and Donna Summer. A lyrically shattering portrait of loneliness.

JANUARY 26, 2005

I welcome Kenneth R. Gregg to L&P, commenting twice here on his post, "Something New in the Neighborhood."

I offer some thoughts on Arthur Silber's L&P post, "Sorry to Disagree, But...," which focuses on the brouhaha over Harvard President Lawrence Summers' comments on men and women: "Culture Matters."

Song of the Day: Here's that Rainy Day, music by Jimmy Van Heusen, lyrics by Johnny Burke, is a standard that has been performed by singers such as Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald and instrumentalists such as Paul Desmond and Stan Getz. The song actually originates from a 6-performance 1953 Broadway flop, "Carnival in Flanders," which starred John Raitt (father of Bonnie Raitt). Listen to a Nancy Wilson audio clip here.

JANUARY 25, 2005

Song of the Day: I'll Be Seeing You, music by Sammy Fain, lyrics by Irving Kahal, was written for the 1938 Broadway flop, "Right This Way." This gorgeous standard was the favorite song of the late, great Johnny Carson. And it's one of mine too. Listen to this audio clip by Tony Bennett, who was among the guests on Carson's first "Tonight Show" broadcast.

JANUARY 24, 2005

Song of the Day: Once I Loved, music by Antonio Carlos Jobim, English lyrics by Ray Gilbert, and Portuguese lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes, has been performed by singers such as Perry Como and, in a stirring rendition by Ella Fitzgerald, accompanied by the virtuoso solo guitarist Joe Pass on the lovely album, "Take Love Easy." Listen to an audio clip of their collaboration here.

JANUARY 23, 2005

I post a comment from ABC News' Claire Shipman, reflecting on Bush's Second Inaugural Address: "Quote of the Day."

Song of the Day: Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Sammy Cahn, has been performed by many artists since 1945 as a seasonal Christmas song. And I do so enjoy hearing it around the holidays. But with over a foot of snow on the ground in New York City, it just seems apropos. Click here to listen to a down-tempo Johnny Mathis version and here for an up-tempo Ella Fitzgerald version.

JANUARY 22, 2005

Song of the Day: Concierto de Aranjuez is one of the greatest and most memorable compositions of Joaquin Rodrigo. Julian Bream recorded this classical guitar evergreen many times, but my favorite version is that recorded with the Melos Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Colin Davis, which received a 1964 Grammy nomination for "Best Classical Performance (Instrumental Soloist with Orchestra)." The piece has also inspired many jazz artists, including: Miles Davis, who recorded a classic version of it on "Sketches of Spain" (listen to audio clip at that link), with the superb conductor and arranger Gil Evans; Jim Hall, who recorded it with an all-star line-up on his "Concierto" album (listen to audio clip at that link); and Chick Corea, who uses the famous second-movement melodic hook of the "Adagio" as a prelude to his composition "Spain," heard on the album "Light as a Feather" (listen to audio clip at that link) with his band "Return to Forever," and hinted at in a version he recorded with his sextet Origin and the London Philharmonic Orchestra for the album "Corea Concerto" (listen to audio clip at that link). This concerto reminds me of my dear pal Lou, to whom I send birthday wishes today for much health, happiness, and success.

JANUARY 21, 2005

I post at L&P on a rejected military proposal to develop a "Sex Bomb" for use on enemy troops.

Song of the Day: I Remember When was composed and arranged by Eddie Sauter, conducted by Hershy Kay, and performed by the incomparable tenor saxophonist Stan Getz, along with an orchestra that included members of the Beaux-Arts Quartet, for the remarkable 1961 album, "Focus" (listen to an audio clip here). Here's what is remarkable: Getz was "handed a sketchy lead sheet of what had been scored for the orchestra of ten violins, four violas, two cellos, a bass, harp, and percussion. Not one note had been scored for him, nor had any areas been left open deliberately in the composition for his improvisation. ... His part would have to be wholly improvised over and through the fabric of the compositions Sauter had written for the orchestra." Because Getz crafted entirely new moods with each successive take, every track but one on this superb album derives from a single take (one was pieced together from two takes because both takes were so "fresh"). As Sauter put it, Getz "fitted his part into the fabric and made a whole." And what results, especially in this sensitive, lyrical, heart-tugging composition, remains one of the most challenging and inspiring performances in the history of recorded music. This album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

JANUARY 20, 2005

I reflect on the neo-Wilsonian message of George W. Bush on the occasion of his Second Inaugural: "Channeling Woodrow Wilson."

Update: Check out follow-up discussion here and here. Ahem. The post was also noted at Antiwar.blog.

Song of the Day: The Gentleman is a Dope, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, is a song from the 1947 Broadway show, "Allegro" (check out the audio clip from the original cast album here). A really nice recent recording of this song by Barbara Cook is featured on her album "Barbara Cook's Broadway," where you can check out the audio link. (And some people find hidden meanings in everything!)

JANUARY 19, 2005

Song of the Day: Airegin (that's "Nigeria" spelled backwards, written in 1954 as "a salute to the newly independent African state") is a classic Sonny Rollins jazz composition that has been recorded by countless artists. It even sports a rarely heard lyric, composed by the great Jon Hendricks of Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. It has also been sung by such groups as The Manhattan Transfer; listen to an audio clip from their album "Vocalese." One of my favorite blazing, blaring, scalding instrumental versions of this song is performed by the Maynard Ferguson band (YouTube link from the album "New Vintage"). My brother, guitarist Carl Barry [YouTube link to his performance at "Guitar Night" at Gulliver's), has brought people to their feet when he's performed this hard bop evergreen in concert. Just terrific.

JANUARY 18, 2005

Lindsay Perigo announces the forthcoming Free Radical Rand Centenary issue here. I've got a couple of pieces in the issue, including a synopsis of the two Centenary symposia featured by The Journal of Ayn Rand Studies, and an introduction to the life and work of composer Miklos Rozsa. The issue will be available soon. Subscribe here.

I've posted a new L&P entry about a publishing venture bringing translations of classic Western political philosophy to Syria: "Building a Civil Society."

Update: See follow-up discussion here and here.

Song of the Day: Billie Jean, music, lyrics, and performance by Michael Jackson, was one of the biggest hits from one of the biggest selling albums of all time, "Thriller" (check out audio clip at that link). Its video also made a big splash at MTV. Like so many others, I saw Jackson perform this classic song live, with his famous moonwalk, at the 25th anniversary tribute to Motown back on May 16, 1983. But not even that compared to his live performance of it at The Garden, where I saw him in 1984 on the "Jacksons' Victory Tour," and, especially, in 1988, on his solo "Bad Tour." Whatever else one might say about MJ, he was/is a remarkable performer. And happy birthday to fellow MJ fan, Abe.

JANUARY 17, 2005

Song of the Day: Shadows in the Rain, music and lyrics by Sting, was first performed by Sting and The Police on the album "Zenyatta Mondatta" (audio clip at that link). It was also re-recorded in jazz-fusion style by Sting for his solo album, "The Dream of the Blue Turtles" (audio clip at that link), with an awesome band that included saxophonist Branford Marsalis, the late pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Daryl Jones, and drummer Omar Hakim.

JANUARY 16, 2005

Song of the Day: Images, an extraordinary Michel Legrand orchestral title track in three movements, spotlights the remarkable Phil Woods on alto saxophone and Legrand on piano. This one runs the gamut from hip to romantic to avant garde to a climax that blows a hole through the roof. Featuring amazing unison lines, breathtaking improvisation, and virtuoso performance, it won and deserved a 1976 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition.

JANUARY 15, 2005

Song of the Day: Eleanor Rigby, a classic John Lennon-Paul McCartney song, is superbly performed with strings, on the Beatles' album "Revolver" (listen to the audio clip at that link). Also listen to the clip at this amazon.com link for a gritty rendition by the great Ray Charles (who is portrayed by Jamie Foxx in the 2004 film "Ray").

JANUARY 14, 2005

I posted an update at SOLO HQ on the Rand Centenary Party planned for February 2, 2005. Check out additional information here.

At SOLO HQ, I pose a hypothetical question to those who use a "liberationist" criterion for US military action abroad. Take a look at the continuing discussion. I make follow-up points here, here, and here.

Song of the Day: Batucada (The Beat) is a Marcos Valle-Paulo Valle composition, sung in Portuguese by Brasil 66 on their album "Look Around" (listen to audio clip at that link or the song title link). This song can be described as "viral"; if you listen to it, prepare to be infected by its rhythmic, melodic hook.

JANUARY 13, 2005

Song of the Day: Teri is an instrumental composition written by the wonderful jazz arranger, conductor, and bandleader Gerald Wilson. The sumptuous ballad appears on Wilson's "Moment of Truth" album, and it features the tender acoustic guitar sounds of Joe Pass. Check out the audio clip on "The Best of Joe Pass: Pacific Jazz Years," and a later version of it re-recorded by Wilson with New York area musicians: "New York, New Sound." Anthony Wilson is the guitar soloist on that recording (Anthony is Gerald's son).

JANUARY 12, 2005

The debate over Iraq continues at SOLO. I think it is a bit repetitive of points made in former debates. While all of my posts are archived here, I do make some new points today with regard to a comparison between the former Soviet Union and Iraq. See here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Some related posts are archived starting here.

Song of the Day: When I Look in Your Eyes is a memorable Leslie Bricusse song from the soundtrack to the movie musical "Doctor Doolittle." In the film, Rex Harrison delivered the oh-so-beautiful lyrics, in his own inimitable style, to a seal. Lots of other singers have interpreted the song too, including Diana Krall on her 1999 Grammy-winning album of the same title, and the great Jack Jones, on his fine album, "Our Song.

JANUARY 11, 2005

Roderick Long and Charles Johnson presented a provocative paper on the topic of libertarianism and feminism at a recent conference. Long has linked to that paper in his L&P post, "Reclaiming Libertarian Feminism's Radical Legacy," and I left a brief comment here. Also check out Robert Campbell's L&P post, with its scores of comments: "Are Andrea Dworkin's Instincts Anti-Authoritarian?"

I posted an obituary notice at the Mises Economics Blog: "Obituary: Robert Heilbroner."

Song of the Day: Come Back to Me, music by Burton Lane, lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, is from the Broadway musical "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever." It was sung in the 1970 Barbra Streisand film version by Yves Montand (audio clip here). My sister-in-law Joanne Barry used to do a hair-raising, glass-breaking version of this on stage, but I also love a slammin' Sammy Davis Jr. version, recorded live with the great drummer Buddy Rich leading his Orchestra in Las Vegas at the Sands Hotel Copa Room (where Davis often sang with his Rat Pack friends) for the album, "The Sounds of '66" (check out the audio clip on the box set, "Yes I Can! The Sammy Davis Jr. Story").

JANUARY 10, 2005

Cameron Pritchard of SOLO HQ has switched from the anti-Iraq war side of the debate to the pro-Iraq war side, and he credits Christopher Hitchens as the catalyst. At SOLO HQ, I offer some thoughts here.

Update: SOLO discussion on Iraq continues. I post additional comments here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

An exchange with Bill Bradford in the February 2005 issue of Liberty and an article by Stephen Cox in the same issue inspire today's L&P post: "Election 2004, Ad Nauseam."

Update: See follow-up comments at L&P here.

Song of the Day: Torture, music and lyrics by Jackie Jackson and Kathy Wakefield, from the Jacksons' album Victory (check out that audio clip). It may have come as part of a reunion album at the end of the Thriller craze, and it may not be a part of the new MJ "Ultimate Collection" but it is slick dance pop at its best.

JANUARY 09, 2005

I didn't think they'd pull it off... but they did. Who knows what else is in store in this post-season, but for now: GO JETS!

Song of the Day: Mack the Knife is derived from "Moritat" ("Murder Ballad") in the Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht 1928 "Threepenny Opera" ("Die Dreigroschenoper"), which itself was based on John Gay's 1728 "Beggar's Opera." This song was a jazzy, swinging hit for Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darin, and Ella Fitzgerald (click each for audio clips). The story of how it became a song and a hit, multiple times, is told by David Hinckley, in his essay: "Back in Town: The Transformation of MacHeath." (As Hinckley reminds us, the song, with music by Weill and lyrics by Brecht, was given "a few Americanizing tweaks" by composer Marc Blitzstein. Hinckley also has a fine portrait of Darin here. And see this L&P exchange.)

JANUARY 08, 2005

Just a little exchange between Bill Marina and me: "Chris Sciabarra, Total Freedom."

Song of the Day: The Music That Makes Me Dance, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, from the Broadway musical version of "Funny Girl" (listen to the infuriatingly brief Barbra Streisand audio clip here, and in a more recent duet with Kenny G). It was dropped from the 1968 film, unfortunately, but it lives on in countless renditions since, from Natalie Cole to Christina Aguilera to Joanne Barry (my sister-in-law).

JANUARY 07, 2005

It was ten years ago today that Murray N. Rothbard passed away. I note this anniversary at L&P: "Remembering Murray Rothbard." See follow-up discussion here.

Song of the Day: My Grown Up Christmas List, music by David Foster, lyrics by Linda Thompson-Jenner, was performed most recently by the first "American Idol" winner, Kelly Clarkson. I dedicate this to my Russian Orthodox Christian friends who, today, are observing Russian Christmas (I was baptized Greek Orthodox and we always celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25th; there are differences among the Orthodox denominations, after all!). In any event, here's one last holiday song... till next year's installment of seasonal musical cheer.

JANUARY 06, 2005

I have made brief comments on two different threads at L&P: At my own "Moving Toward Democracy?" thread, I respond to Sudha Shenoy. I also respond to points made by Jason Pappas in this exchange.

In addition, I respond to Shenoy's essay, "21st Century 'Imperialism' and 19th Century Empire: Some Thoughts."

"Not a Blog" occasionally gets noticed for being ... not a blog. Check out Nathan Slaughter's essay "Blog is a Four Letter Word."

Song of the Day: Winter Wonderland, music by Brooklynite Felix Bernard, lyrics by Richard B. Smith, has been performed famously by the Andrews Sisters and Perry Como, in addition to scores of other artists. Yet another cool song to mark our winter holiday season. Listen to a classic Andrews Sisters' audio clip from the 2004 film, "The Polar Express" (which is an extraordinary visual experience in 3D IMAX).

JANUARY 05, 2005

As the Iraqi elections near, I discuss the prospects for "nation building" in that country, with reference to a recent Political Science Quarterly article written by Eva Bellin. See my L&P post: "Moving Toward Democracy?"

And read follow-up discussion: "Regarding Germany." See also comments here and here.

I add my voice of welcome as Sudha Shenoy joins Liberty and Power Group Blog.

Song of the Day: I'll Be Home for Christmas, music by Walter Kent, lyrics by James "Kim" Gannon, has been performed by a variety of artists through the years. It is a sad song for generations of soldiers who pondered its meaning as they fought wars on foreign soil, yearning to return home, to a world of peace and good will. Listen to a beautifully harmonized version of it here, by the group 98 Degrees (with Nick Lachey).

JANUARY 04, 2005

A discussion about "positive" versus "negative" Rand studies has developed in a SOLO HQ thread to which I've contributed (again). Check out the comments that inspired my post here, here, here, and here, and then, read my comments here, here, here, here and here.

I posted a new entry to the Mises Economics Blog on "The Privatization of Foreign Aid."

Song of the Day: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, music by Hugh Martin, lyrics by Ralph Blane, has been sung by artists as diverse as Judy Garland (original version in the 1944 film, "Meet Me in St. Louis") and James Taylor (on his fine album, "October Road"; check out Taylor's full, sensitive treatment of the song here).

JANUARY 03, 2005

My pal (and unofficial event host) Don Hauptman tells me that a February 2, 2005 party (from 6:30-9:30 p.m.) has been scheduled in Gala Celebration of Ayn Rand's 100th Birthday. The venue is Porters, a stylish restaurant with great food in Manhattan's newly trendy Chelsea neighborhood. Porters is located at 216 Seventh Avenue (between 22nd and 23rd Streets).

Gourmet hors d'oeuvres will be served by uniformed strolling waiters. A selection of premium-quality red and white wines and a variety of soft drinks will be available. There will also be a birthday cake, served with coffee and tea. A souvenir brochure of little-known, unpublished fun facts about Rand and Objectivism will be provided exclusively to attendees.

Admission is $55 per person, including gratuities and tax. Laissez Faire Books is taking credit card reservations by phone at 1-800-326-0996 (or 501-975-3650), Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, by email, or by check through snail mail (payable to Laissez Faire Books, 7123 Interstate 30, #42, Little Rock, AR 72209; write "Rand Centennial" in memo line, include your name and the names of your guests, and an email address for confirmation purposes).

Reservations must be received no later than close of business, Friday, January 21.

Click here for more information. Email your questions to Don Hauptman.

The end of their season may not have been all that great, but congratulations to the New York Jets for making their way into the postseason. And though the New York Giants did not get into the postseason, it was really great to see rookie quarterback Eli Manning win his first professional football game.

Song of the Day: White Christmas is an Irving Berlin classic immortalized by Bing Crosby. It was featured first in the 1942 film "Holiday Inn," and later in the 1954 film "White Christmas," both starring Bu-Bu-Bu-Bu-Bing. Listen to an audio clip here.

JANUARY 02, 2005

Song of the Day: Away in a Manger is a title that pertains to many songs, including the standard version, with lovely music based on "Mueller" by James Ramsey Murray (check out a Johnny Mathis audio clip of this version here). Alas, the "alternate version" that I most adore uses "The Cradle Song" (listen at that link) by American gospel songwriter William J. Kirkpatrick. One very fine instrumental, orchestral version of this was recorded by the Living Strings, played traditionally during hour 2 of the WPIX Channel 11 Yule Log, something I grew up with. A wonderful choral version is performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, with Leonard Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic. Check out the audio link for the album "The Joy of Christmas."

JANUARY 01, 2005

I've left comments on two "New Year's" threads: Lindsay Perigo's "Salutations, SOLOists!" (comments here and here) and Larry Sechrest's "A Toast to the Worthwhile Life" (comments here).

Song of the Day (b): Begin the Beguine, words and music by Cole Porter, was one of the biggest hits in the career of the late, great Artie Shaw (listen to an audio clip here). And there are vocal versions of this great song too, sung by artists as varied as Ella Fitzgerald (audio clip here) and Mario Lanza (audio clip here). But this remains a Shaw signature tune. Viva Shaw!

Song of the Day (a): Carol of the Bells emerges from a fascinating musical lineage, based on a musical composition by Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych. Most riveting when performed with a full chorus (as in this Robert Shaw Chorale audio clip) or full orchestra (as in this Leonard Bernstein audio clip). Ring in a Happy New Year!