Forgive the Drummer Some
Experts answer what they know. The Non-Expert answers anything. This week we solve the greatest mystery known to rock-and-rollers of every generation: how to find a decent drummer.
Kevin Guilfoile
The Obit Laureate
The first installment of our occasional series in which we transform recent Times obituaries—a gong striker, a burger matriarch, a bagpipe virtuoso—into light verse.
God or No God
Is that a benevolent deity inside your briefcase or is Loki just happy to see you? Introducing the game show that’s got Americans clutching their prayer books: It’s “God or No God” with Howie Mandel! Atheists, watch out!
Umbra Malta
While in Napa for our 10th anniversary, my wife and I marveled at the simplicity of the Umbra Malta toilet-paper holder in our hotel bathroom. It led to a lengthy and unromantic discussion over Shiraz that evening about how it was possible that this simple and obvious design could
Epitafios
The 13-part series Epitafios was originally produced for HBO Latin America and currently is running on HBO’s farm channel, HBO Signature, apparently because Cathouse fans can’t handle the subtitles. Intense, gruesome, sophisticated, smart; it’s a poor choice for children or for those who like to multi-
The Week
Full disclosure: I started reading The Week, a weekly recap of news and opinion, after I contributed a short piece last year and they signed me up for a complimentary subscription. I quickly became addicted. My wife and I subscribe to four newspapers, but I still find the concise collection
PocketMod
PocketMod is a free internet app that turns any piece of paper into a customizable, completely portable (and totally disposable) personal organizer, with note pages, grids, calendars, conversion tables, and even a SuDoku if you’re so inclined. Perfect for days when even your Moleskine is inconveniently bulky. Recommended hack:
NPR Podcasts
Here’s the maddening thing about toddlers. They prefer Murray Wiggle to Nina Totenberg. Being a stay-at-home dad has seriously cut into my radio time, but NPR podcasts have become my time-shifting heroes. Subscribe by category or just download the most popular stories of each day. Will
The Saturday Financial Times
If you want to know how European capitalists spend their copious amounts of disposable income and leisure time there is no more entertaining source than the Saturday Financial Times. The FT Weekend section has excellent coverage of books, music, film, art, theater, fashion, architecture, wine, food, and travel, all from
The Staircase
The Staircase is a French documentary mini-series about the murder trial of American novelist Michael Peterson, accused in 2001 of murdering his wife in their home. The defense gave the filmmakers incredible access to strategy sessions, and every episode has a thrilling twist or revelation that would be considered