Buckley’s Mix

Travel

Why do travel books, indeed travel itself, exert such a strong fascination. A natural curiosity about other people is part of it. So too, for those not wholly satisfied with their lives, is the escapist belief that we shall be happier elsewhere if we can leave our present lives behind. Such people are always disappointed, [...]

Holidays in Hell

I am planning a trip to Israel (my first) and naturally am wondering how to pencil in a side trip to Gaza. Turns out that’s harder than you might think. The Lonely Planet particularly recommends the beaches, but the Palestinian Authority’s web site is most unhelpful. You’d almost think that they dont want any tourists. [...]

Titles of Nobility

After arriving in the US, I was delighted to learn that the Constitution had a “titles of nobility” clause. Before I could apply for a title, however, I was saddened to learn that the clause prevented the federal government from granting a title to anyone. That leaves the states free to do so, it would seem. [...]

Solving the GM Problem

The Administration has taken a lot of unfair heat for its takeover of GM. People have wondered how it is that Obama knows how to design a car. As if that’s so very hard. As it happens, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about car designs while I was a child, and even produced [...]