4 October 2002

New York's currently: ready to feel like it's fall, not summer

Chief U.N. weapons inspector to delay inspections in Iraq, while security council debates; says inspectors are 'ready to go at the practical earliest opportunity.'

Iraqi vice president suggests Hussein and Bush duel, with Kofi Annan as referee.

College newspapers publish sex columnists, though not all students are in favor.

Conservative but anti-war? Why not turn to Pat Buchanan's new magazine?

Portrayals of African-Americans as maids or athletes (except for Jackie Robinson), of women as housewives, of Mexicans as farm laborers or of Jews as businessmen are not permitted. Interesting story as the Texas Board of Education decides which history books will be used in schools.

Vote for the Grand Caesar award for most outrageous lawsuit, named after NY resident Caesar Barber who sued fast food restaurants for making him fat.

Why do articles about pretension invariably prove the author pretentious, and no one else?

Nice snap and snark in this week's Observer's city-gossip section, The Transom.

People often ask me about Franzen, and when I answer with a question of my own, namely, 'Have you read anything by Montherlant?,' they look at me funny. But why is the one question more relevant than the other? Because the media tell us to read Franzen? Well, last year they told us to read Rick Moody. The day I let the media set my reading list is the day I want someone to creep up on me with a big blunt instrument. Interview with B.R. Myers, author of last year's hot article in the Atlantic, 'A Reader's Manifesto.'

Busboy stole identities of the rich and famous, not from greed, but a sick compulsion.

Analysis of Flaubert's list of cliches.

Nice photographs on Clandestina (beware the music).