Tuesday, June 1, 2010

WEB BOHEMIAN (Tuesday, June 1, 2010)
(1)- WINE -- Demand for foreign wines is growing among China's swelling middle class. French exports dominate in a market that has been largely polarized — drinkers buy very cheap bottles or very expensive ones.

(2)- AN ARTIST -- There was probably no better time for Thomas Hart Benton to write his autobiography than 1937. An Artist in America describes Benton’s life and thoughts, his tumultuous role in the art world.

(3)- EXPLOITED – Interest in Jane Austen’s life, along with enthusiasm for her work, have reached a frenzied level, and her very name has become “an infinitely exploited global brand.” as Claire Harman says in her fascinating written study.

(4)- CLIMATEGATE -- To what extent is climate change actually occuring? SPIEGEL ONLINE has since analyzed the hacked "Climategate" e-mails and provided insights into one of the most unprecedented spats in recent scientific history.

(5)- HE’S DEAD -- Prolific mathematics and science writer Martin Gardner, known for popularizing recreational mathematics and debunking paranormal claims is dead at 95. Here is the Scientific American 1995 profile of this man.

(6)- WOMEN AND MODERNITY -- In her new book, Nomad, Hirsi Ali tells of escaping to America and says the Muslim world needs a revolution in how it treats women and modernity. Tunku Varadarajan salutes her necessary and powerful words.

(7)- DICKENS -- Born in 1812 and Charles Dickens died in 1870, having produced 15 novels, many of which can confidently be called great, as well as having met his insatiable need to achieve, to prevail in journalism, acting and social reform.

(8)- MILITARY ACADEMIES -- The Naval Academy has lost its way. The same is true of the other service academies. They are a net loss to the taxpayers who finance them, as well as a huge disappointment to their students.

(9)- HYUNDAI MUSCLES UP -- While the Japanese giant struggles to maintain its reputation and No. 1 position, its South Korean rival has become the fastest-growing automaker. And it's made no secret about its global ambitions.

POLITICAL COMMENTARY

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