May is National Older Americans Month, Get Caught Reading Month, Meditation Month, Clean Air Month, Haitian Heritage Month, and a host of others—in honor of which I want to continue noting and advocating poetry. In this instance, Lucia Perillo, whose Inseminating the Elephant (Copper Canyon Press) was a finalist
The British electoral system can be confusing for outsiders. An explanation of its rituals and inner workings—e.g., the role of the Chief Whife—to make things clear.
When faced with insurmountable obstacles, when all other options have been exhausted—that’s when moms say the darndest things.
Secret recordings from Copenhagen reveal China's sabotage, Sarkozy's accusations, Merkel's chagrin. Black Tea Partiers say Obama profits from racial sympathy, and Uncle Tom was a hero. Greek austerity plan as a real-time economic experiment; see also: how to rate a country. Internet regulator
For the purpose of this communiqué I don’t need to resolve whether myth-making is both a necessary and sufficient ingredient of nationalism—let’s agree that it is at least a sufficient condition. Hence, the various fabricated or embellished narratives regarding the Pilgrims and their Native American hosts,
This is the year British politics went presidential. How televised debates and X-Factor played into the election. A short history of Britain's Loony Party, which, nearing its third decade, has seen a surge of applicants. Maternal favoritism, though possibly a cultural development, affects lifelong psychological health. In
Greece's prosperity hid strains of ultranationalism and xenophobia that may now be unleashed. Greek protesters say they accept the cuts, just not the politicians. Increasing overlap suspected among domestic Pakistani groups and Pakistan-based Afghan Taliban and al Qaeda. Op: Wishful thinking on the West's part
Spring brings forth a number of wonders, not the least of which are the quarterly editions of so-called small literary magazines. Since I am graced to be on the mailing lists of a number of my favorites, I am happy to note some highlights. Ploughshares (Spring 2010, Vol 36)
Such has been the influence of Chilean novelist Robert Bolaño that every posthumous publication of his ouevre has been hungrily devoured by the growing multitudes of his admirers. Now comes Antwerp, translated by Natasha Wimmer (New Directions), which was written in 1980 but first published in 2002, just before Bolaño’
With city regulation of marijuana dispensaries to begin June 7, L.A. asks 439 pot stores to cease operations. With as much as $500 million in fees up for grabs, lawyers audition for the lead spot in litigation against Toyota. Video captures Fla. state senator looking at porn during an
