“A collector, maker, and breaker of things,” since 1997, Bill Keaggy has amassed a collection of over 700 grocery lists. Francis Raven talks with him about his collecting habits and why it is that nobody can spell “bannana” “bananna” “banana.”
Editor Matthew Stadler and publisher Richard Jensen talk about turning books they love into beautiful publications, finding inspiration from distant sources, and how to recognize pomposity.
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum on who she reads for solace, the civic attitudes of undergraduates, taking a red pen to Heidegger, and exactly which texts she’d put on the president’s nightstand.
Author and appropriately-named candyfreak Steve Almond talks to Pitchaya Sudbanthad about the best unknown chocolate bars in America, espionage within the big candy makers, and what it’s like to set off metal detectors with your mouth.
Food writer and Zingerman’s co-founder Ari Weinzweig talks about foraging for cheddars in Vermont, how to make a great corned-beef sandwich, and what it takes to create a fine business.
Musician Mike Drake on punchy girls in Paris, touring with Van Halen and the artificial hip, and trying not to sound candy-assed while paying tribute to Kris Kristofferson.
Writer and editor Ana Marie Cox on her new life covering D.C. gossip, the steam-punk culture of National Geographic, and who she’d pick for a steamy weekend in the country: Leon Wieseltier or the first daughters.
The serially obssessive Peter Hertzmann behind ‘à la carte’ discusses learning French just to read ancient cookbooks, doing his stages across the Atlantic, and a few other signs of an extremely focused mind.
Wild East editor BORIS FISHMAN on the current state of literature in Eastern Europe, traits of the Russian soul, and the literary cash-currency in hookers, guns, and drugs.
The bastard child of Mr. Wizard and Amy Sedaris, online provacateur ROB COCKERHAM talks about busting Herbalife, Bounty towels, and spending $25,000 at Safeway.
Illustrator, artist, and all-around winner Carson Ellis tells us about her work with the Decemberists, collapsed mining towns in Montana, and what’s stuck in her head.
Author of The Tipping Point and a connoisseur of RonCo products, Malcolm Gladwell talks about his writing habits, the war effort, and the glory of being confused for Tommy Lee.
The author of five novels—including some very sexy covers—as well as numerous short stories, book reviews, and journalistic pieces, Gene Mirabelli is "over 70 and probably the least known man of letters since Hawthorne."
James Beard Award winner and online food presence Steven Shaw describes his worst moments in the kitchen, and where to eat America’s best pasta in New York City.
Musician and author of Burn Collector Al Burian talks about people’s preoccupation with occupation, a fantastical night of siege, and what happens when punk rock and sports injuries collide.
California photographer and author of Charlie White: Photographs discusses a world of desire, Apeneck Sweeney, and loud hungry things with gnashing teeth.
Designer and Born Magazine director Gabe Kean discusses abused fonts, Mark Twain, and exactly why people in the Northwest drive slow in the left lane.
Historian from the acclaimed Walk Around New York series and New York-expert, Barry Lewis tells us about the city he loves, the people who make it work, and peace.
The photographer and author of New York Characters on farts, the infamous Dr. Zizmor, and losing her husband to the kindness of strangers.
Writer, funny man, contrarian Andrew Borowitz on three ways to kill a joke, the environment in Kandor, and poor Jim Dixon, hero for all.
Singer-songwriter Chris Lee on New York City’s best-kept secrets, Bill Hicks, and strip clubs with good salads.
Writer and firebrand Andrew Sullivan on acting Shakespeare, his reverence for Margaret Thatcher, and the difference between essay-writing and blogging.
Jamie Stewart is the lead singer of the much-loved Xiu Xiu, whose new album, Knife Play, is one of the most unique, memorable records to hit our stereos in years. DOB: 03/02/72, but if I was anywhere else in the world it would be 02/03/72 Occupational
New York City researcher and enthusiast Kevin Walsh, the man behind the mysteries of forgotten-ny.com, gives tips on all things Gotham.
Author Michael Malone – of Foolscap and Justin & Cuddy fame – picks his favorite pork shop, dotes on Carol Burnett, and explains his night-owl writing process.
John Vanderslice—Tiny Telephone studio and MP3 hub owner, ex-MK Ultra lead singer, current solo artist behind the very beautiful Life and Death of an American Fourtracker—answers our questions.
The co-founder of the best MP3 site on the Internet, Epitonic, and member of bands Atombombpocketknife, Poison Arrows, Tranquil Eyes, and Thumbnail praises hard work and recalls getting electrocuted on stage.
Writers’ Block Party creator and author Amy Krouse Rosenthal answers the ten questions, explaining how she found some joy in a sock.
The five questions for editor and music lover Marceline Smith.
Elisabeth, also known in the music world as Solex, explains her loves, what makes her laugh, and an affection for free drinks.
The five questions for professor, writer, and editor Dinty Moore, who cites Steve Martin as a hero.
...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead member Neil Busch takes the five questions and mentions his friends’ troubled love lives.
Web designer Jemma Gura jams the five questions, appreciates awkward ideas, and mentions books we’ve never heard of.
Musician Rebecca Gates cites Curtis Mayfield as a hero, SCTV as a laugh-fest, and old craft magazines as inspiration.
Zoetrope All-story founder and editor Adrienne Brodeur answers the five questions, with a little help from her friends.
Five questions for Movable Type creator and web designer Mena G. Trott.
The five questions with designer and movie-maker Brian Taylor.
Fashion plate and all around artist Claudia Brown answers the five questions, liking Haruki Murkami and Thomas Friedman.
Musician and critic John Darnielle answers the five questions from the Midwest where he sings real loud and plays some guitar.
Pitchfork editor and founder Ryan Schreiber submits to the five questions, admitting he listens to music all day long.
Fashion, no, everything photographer Andrew Stockdale handles the five questions with ease, describing the horny dogs that live next door.
Writer George Saunders on Gogol, his current love for Hollywood cinema, and lots and lots of money.
Writer and political satirist Kevin Guilfoile answers five questions, laughing at the Coen Brothers, Tenacious D, and Pantone 3135 uncoated.
Blogger and book designer Dean Allen on watching people get bopped on the head.
Writer Alain de Botton answers the five questions, answering against pessimism, for Stendhal.
Writer Michael Chabon answers the five questions, mentioning real estate, Mr. Terrific, and Ashtabula.
America's favorite writer Neal Pollack on sandwiches, The Onion, and the world’s inability to ‘top’ him.
Editor and blogger Maggie Berry answers the five questions with love for Katherine Graham, Dave Eggers, and Nabokov.
The five questions for illustrator and web designer Emme Stone.
