November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo, if you prefer an acronym that is just as cumbersome as the full name). Every year I resolve to participate, and every year I fail. I have three novels in various stages of development floating around my hard drive that were conceived during
Ted Williams’s last game for the Red Sox was almost a flop. But it provided fuel for one of the best sports essays of all time—until the author started tinkering. On baseball, “The Simpsons,” and the creative impulse to never stop.
* Despite tension in Kashmir, Pakistan agrees to normalize trade relations with India. * Catapults seized that smugglers used to fling weed over the border. * "The Shameless Republican Race to Cut Rich People's Taxes." * U.S. drops from fourth place to 23rd in global test for internal inequalities
I’ve been in three bike wrecks in my three years in New York. I’m looking forward to my fourth.
* Merkel would like "clarity" on the whole Greece risking a big populist "no" vote and chaotic E.U. exit. * Former skinhead renounces hate, needs 25 surgeries to remove tattoos. * Infographics are a thoroughly Victorian, not modern, phenomenon. * Tweeting Birmingham, England's newspaper ads of yore.
Today, from 2-3:00 p.m., the Biblioracle will use his magical powers to recommend the next book you’ll love. Prior to that, a call-to-arms to save the plight of reading and an announcement about the 2012 Tournament of Books reader-judge contest.
* Iowa uninterested in Herman Cain's sexual-harassment past. * Is Jon Huntsman fluent in Chinese? The answer appears to be no. * Obama gets to say things Cameron can't—Brits reach for Shakespeare, Americans for Lincoln. * Scientists tell subjects that fingernail-on-chalkboard sound is contemporary music; subjects
We asked you to show us how close the recession is to your doorstep. Here’s a sign of hope in North Carolina: Name: Rosecrans Baldwin Location: Chatham County, NC Recovery/downturn: This roadside espresso hut closed for business about 18 months ago. Now there’s a sign in the
* Chart shows how many Manhattans, standing-room only, are required by seven billion people. * Chinese immigrants explain why they're in Laos. * Whether or not to spank a child. * Anticipating tomorrow's Biblioracle session on TMN: "A book everyone should read and why." * Issue two of
From playing with childhood friends to sharing tips with other new parents, the author concedes he just gets along better with girls.
