Free Republic

Frivolity is killing America. That’s an overstatement, but it’s not too far from the truth. While the neglect of morals, absolute truth, and traditional sex roles is clear from even a cursory glance at society, the slow degradation of the mind often hides in the background. Frivolity is worth considering, if only because it’s so often forgotten.Prophecies of DoomAldous Huxley, philosopher and author of Brave New World, seemed to believe that frivolity would be the world’s doom. Contrary to George Orwell, writer of Animal Farm and 1984, Huxley “prophesied” (via implication) that the world would not necessarily be ruined by...

I t's time to talk about the way our politicians look. Maybe such superficialities shouldn't matter. But fact is, they do. In the modern era, it's pretty clear that when it comes to the White House, we don't elect bald men, short men, men with beards, men with glasses, or (since Taft) fat men. This is unfair, but it's also reality. And it's something to consider when we examine potential 2016 contenders. Let's start with Chris Christie, who has been in the news this week for his weight. It all started when a doctor publicly expressed fears that Christie, whom...

The Boys of Summer This summer, a handful of young, ambitious, Manhattan-bred guys has cornered the market on nightlife in the Hamptons. They make sure Tara Reid is in the house, everyone’s drinking $400 bottles of Perrier-Jouët, and, in return, they get one big payoff: the chance to become boldfaced names themselves. By Vanessa Grigoriadis & Deborah Schoeneman Life of the Party: Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss at Jet East, one of the spots they promote, with actress-scenester Tara Reid. (Photo credit: Nathaniel Welch) Deep in the woods of Southampton, up a steep driveway, a hulking nine-bedroom house rises from...