Popular Culture

2 June 2003


St. Petersburg at 300
There was a joke in the old Soviet Union about a journalist who asked an old man where he was born. The man replied, "St. Petersburg". When asked where he married, he replied "Petrograd." When asked where he lived, he said, "Leningrad." And when asked where he wished to die, he said, "St. Petersburg." Despite a dreadful century, the man's wish has come true -- and the city is entering its fourth century with a $1.5 billion facelift. For more, click here.

Bob Hope at 100
Bob Hope is, with apologies to George Burns, the funniest old man in the country. He has been an icon, not without some baggage, since his film days with the late Bing Crosby. Last week, he turned 100 years old. His life has been rich, and the cultural life of America enriched by his talents. Click here to read on.

Congratulations, Class of 2003 -- The Unemployed
Back in the good old days of male chauvinism, the Cold War and Jim Crow laws, getting a college degree was a passport to the middle class. For those who had the grades, decent pay awaited for an honest day's wage slavery. The Class of 2003, those who just a few days ago walked proudly in cap and gown to collect their diplomas, now need to figure out how to earn their keep. Good luck to them, with unemployment at its highest levels in years. Click here to read more.