A team of reporters from the Los Angeles Times, reporting on the tiny town of Bell and its corrupt leadership, has taken home virtually every big award given out in journalism, including a Pulitzer. Reporter Jeff Gottlieb, who worked the story with Ruben Vives, recounted the story's genesis: Gottlieb, 57, recounted the moment he andContinue reading “L.A. Times takes home two Pulitzers, much pride”
Monthly Archives: April 2011
When I am among trees, by Mary Oliver
When I am among the trees,especially the willows and the honey locust,equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,they give off such hints of gladness,I would almost say that they save me, and daily. I am so distant from the hope of myself,in which I have goodness, and discernment,and never hurry through the worldbut walkContinue reading “When I am among trees, by Mary Oliver”
Are run-on subtitles the flop sweat of publishing?
Bill Morris has a theory: In a marketplace glutted with too many titles – and in a culture that makes books more marginal by the day – publishers seem to think that if they just shout loudly enough, people will notice their products, then buy them. In other words, the run-on subtitle is literature’s equivalentContinue reading “Are run-on subtitles the flop sweat of publishing?”
The frog metaphor that will not die (alas)
In which Conservation magazine demolishes the deathless metaphor/myth of the frog that supposedly will not jump out of a pot of water brought slowly to a boil. To wit: Dr. Victor Hutchison, a herpetologist at the University of Oklahoma, has dealt with frogs throughout his professional life. Indeed, one of his current research interests isContinue reading “The frog metaphor that will not die (alas)”
First draft advice from Tennessee Williams
I believe that the way to write a good play is to convince yourself that it is easy to do — then go ahead and do it. Don't maul, don't suffer, don't groan — till the first draft is finished. Then Calvary — but not till then. Doubt — and be lost — until the first draft isContinue reading “First draft advice from Tennessee Williams”
Go blue! The problem with sports as politics
The play-offs (and Ted Rall) remind me that the sports mindset, as the President might say, has its limits. I hear Noam Chomsky also has some views on sports. In Manufacturing Consent, in front of an adoring audience, he marvels out loud at the intelligence with which "Joe Six Pack" types can on the radioContinue reading “Go blue! The problem with sports as politics”
Can nice guys finish first?
The Los Angeles Lakers basketball club were widely expected to sweep the New Orleans this month, on their way to a possible third consecutive NBA championship, but on Sunday were torched by the smallest player on the court, Chris Paul. Lakers' fans focused blame on the Laker's big man Pau Gasol, who put up aContinue reading “Can nice guys finish first?”
Surgeon resigns post for encouraging semen for women
The editor of an American College of Surgeon's publication has been forced to resign for remarks considered sexist. He wrote, from his post atop a bastion of male privilege, on Valentine's Day, that semen is good for women, bodily and emotionally, better even than chocolate. The argument focused on semen's physical powers; as evidence, he citedContinue reading “Surgeon resigns post for encouraging semen for women”
Still destroying the climate, but having less fun
Because Americans are driving less, mostly due to the recession (total greenhouse gas emissions are down a pretty stunning 6%, the Energy Information recently reported) the federal government doesn't have the money it needs to fully fund its highway program. But still, all the politicians agree that raising the gas tax is off the table,Continue reading “Still destroying the climate, but having less fun”
A Streetcar Named Desire, by Thomas Hart Benton
The Notebooks of Tennessee Williams, as compiled, databased, and published by Margaret Bradham Thornton, are one of the most astonishing acts of scholarship I have seen (and I have seen plenty). One example: Here's a painting called Poker Night, by Thomas Hart Benton, based on what we know of as A Streetcar Named Desire, givenContinue reading “A Streetcar Named Desire, by Thomas Hart Benton”
Kit Stolz 