Rant: the Penn State Penalties

I’ve been following the Jerry Sandusky child molestation case since it broke. The Freeh report, which explicitly blamed Sandusky’s continued ability to molest children on the deliberate actions of those in power at Penn State, including legendary football coach Joe Paterno (arguably the most powerful man on campus), led to unprecedented penalties against the university and its football program. And … Read More

Heaven’s Gate: a parable finds its time

I recently rewatched Michael Cimino’s 1980 film Heaven’s Gate. Yep, the notorious disaster that destroyed a studio and the career of its director. For background, check out the late Steven Bach’s book Final Cut. A quick synopsis: Harvard graduate Jim Averill (Kris Kristofferson) goes west and becomes marshal of Johnson County, Wyoming, a place settled mostly by Eastern European immigrants. … Read More