Gene Kan:The philosopher George Santayana famously quipped that "those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it," but he said nothing of those who can. We repeatedly prove that even careful students of past mistakes optimistically rush to be first to repeat them.

Italy's Parliament Votes to End Royals' 56-Year Exile. Italy's parliament voted today to allow the male heirs to the throne to return to the country. By Reuters. [New York Times: International]

Great, this is just exactly what we were missing: a king!