Category Archives: Books Publishing and Writing

“Need” and “Should”

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Paleo Retiree

Paleo Retiree writes: Another installment in what I’m thinking of as my Andy Rooney Series, wherein I notice, and then muse grumpily about, current trends. Hey, what else are older people good for? Today: What to make of morally coercive language … Continue reading →

Posted in Books Publishing and Writing, Language, Personal reflections, Trends | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

Highsmith Redux

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Fenster

Fenster writes: Paleo links to a Guardian article proclaiming Patricia Highsmith as the screen’s new It Girl. Reminds me of a couple of blog postings of mine from exactly 10 years ago saying much the same thing.  This was pre … Continue reading →

Posted in Books Publishing and Writing, Movies | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Eddying, Floating

Posted on May 17, 2014 by Fabrizio del Wrongo

Fabrizio del Wrongo writes: He was happy then, and without a care in the world. A meal together, a walk in the evening on the highroad, a gesture of her hands over her hair, the sight of her straw hat … Continue reading →

Posted in Books Publishing and Writing, Sex, Women men and fashion | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Like Hot Iron

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Fabrizio del Wrongo

Fabrizio del Wrongo writes: If one were to take the time to document a thousand instances in which Ty Cobb went out of his way to be kind to people, including black people, would this change his image? I fear … Continue reading →

Posted in Books Publishing and Writing, Sports | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

“And Meanwhile What Do We Eat?”

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Eddie Pensier

Eddie Pensier writes: ‘The only thing we can do is sell the rooster,’ said the woman. ‘We can also sell the clock.’ ‘They won’t buy it.’ ‘Tomorrow I’ll try to see if Alvaro will give me the forty pesos.’ ‘He … Continue reading →

Posted in Books Publishing and Writing | Tagged | 2 Comments

Movie Du Jour: “The Naked Kiss” (1964)

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: Cheap, lurid, corny, sensational, sentimental, blunt, and perverse, Sam Fuller’s THE NAKED KISS opens with a bald hooker beating her pimp. After winding up in Squaresville, USA she decides to go straight, lands a job as a well-respected … Continue reading →

Posted in Books Publishing and Writing, Movies | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Poem Du Jour: “Poem” by Frank O’Hara

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: Lana Turner has collapsed!I was trotting along and suddenlyit started raining and snowingbut hailing hits you on the headhard so it was really snowing andraining and I was in such a hurryto meet you but the trafficwas acting … Continue reading →

Posted in Books Publishing and Writing | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Poem Du Jour: “Roman Wall Blues” by W.H. Auden

Posted on April 12, 2014 by Blowhard, Esq.

Blowhard, Esq. writes: Over the heather the wet wind blows,I’ve lice in my tunic and a cold in my nose.The rain comes pattering out of the sky,I’m a Wall soldier, I don’t know why.The mist creeps over the hard grey stone,My … Continue reading →

Posted in Books Publishing and Writing, History | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Plus Ça Change…

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Eddie Pensier

Eddie Pensier writes: It would be unfair to suggest that all universities in the Renaissance were sterile, conformist places; they often hosted vigorous discussion and dissent. But verbal sparring matches (“disputations”) could amount to point-scoring contests decided by nimble rhetoric, … Continue reading →

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