Andrei Codrescu

As Google invests in a startup called Improbable, a digital simulation of real cities, economies and biological systems, commentator Andrei Codrescu thinks of Communism and that dream of a new world.

Commentator Andrei Codrescu remembers the first word processor he had — the Kaypro II in the 1980s. Its inventor, Andrew Kay, died Aug. 28, at the age of 95.

Commentator Andrei Codrescu reflects on the text message written by poet Seamus Heaney just before he died. In Latin he wrote to his wife "do not be afraid." The 74-year-old Heaney died in a Dublin hospital last week. Codrescu says no great meaning should be implied — it was just a personal message to his wife.

Commentator Andrei Codrescu notes the complicity of the Romanian Orthodox Church in both World War II and Communist-era wrongs. Now the church is giving big new construction projects to politically connected contractors.

Commentator Andrei Codrescu takes the back roads to visit his mother thousands of miles away — and finds the real America.

Snow a novel by the Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk, explores the convoluted world of Turkish Muslims torn between the West and their beliefs. It focuses on a young poet returning to his homeland after years in Europe.

Commentator Andrei Codrescu's son, Tristan, grew up in New Orleans. Codrescu says that bringing up children in the Crescent City presented special challenges.

Commentator Andrei Codrescu gives a guided tour of his adopted hometown, New Orleans. He talks about what has changed since Katrina and ponders the future of his adopted hometown.

Commentator Andrei Codrescu offers his memory of actor Al Lewis, who has died at age 82. Lewis played Grandpa on the 1960s TV comedy The Munsters. Codrescu says that Lewis gained fame in the Spanish-speaking world in dubbed versions of the show.

Commentator Andrei Codrescu reflects on facial hair. When he was young, he had a mustache. Now, everything has changed and he advocates shaving.