Remembering the Triangle Fire Remembering the Triangle Fire
After 100 years, the tragedy still inspires outrage and grief. Why does it have a hold on us?
Mar 16, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Joshua Freeman
My Monster, My Self: On Nicholas Carr and William Powers My Monster, My Self: On Nicholas Carr and William Powers
With our tiny screens and cellphones, we have become prosthetic gods, the whole world in our handhelds. Are we not also monsters?
Mar 16, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Gary Greenberg
A Minor Exception: On W.C. Minor and Noah Webster A Minor Exception: On W.C. Minor and Noah Webster
The career of W.C. Minor is a reminder that the legacy of Yale's lexicographers is no less noteworthy than that of its deconstructionists.
Mar 16, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Joshua Kendall
As If: On Barbie Zelizer As If: On Barbie Zelizer
Most journalists think that words are more important than images. Barbie Zelizer thinks they are wrong.
Mar 16, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Victor Navasky
Little Resistance to Gravity: On Lynda Benglis and David Hammons Little Resistance to Gravity: On Lynda Benglis and David Hammons
Radiant and obscure, the art of Lynda Benglis and David Hammons has a way of hiding itself.
Mar 10, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky
Beyond the Barricades: On Deb Olin Unferth Beyond the Barricades: On Deb Olin Unferth
Dylan’s Mr. Jones was confused by revolution; the persona of Deb Olin Unferth’s memoir is nonchalant about it.
Mar 10, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Madison Smartt Bell
Scotland Yard: The Jamaican-British Encounter Scotland Yard: The Jamaican-British Encounter
An essay adapted from the forthcoming The Dead Yard: A Story of Modern Jamaica.
Mar 10, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Ian Thomson
Without His Nurse Without His Nurse
Galyna Kolotnytska, described in diplomatic cables as the “voluptuous blond” nurse who accompanies Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi everywhere, has returned to Ukraine. —News reports While everybody says, “Just go!” His countrymen all surely know Adversity seems more adverse Without his nurse. “He’s bonkers,” people say. “That might Be why he rants into the night.” His talks get further still from terse Without his nurse. The body count is now quite large; He’s killed a lot to stay in charge. And all this killing must seem worse Without his nurse. It has to bring this man much pain To bear the crumbling of his reign And see his fortunes in reverse Without his nurse. Yes, Muammar now has to face This hatred from the human race And angry crowds that won’t disperse Without his nurse. The banks freeze billions of his loot. His people sorely want to boot Him out, or put him in a hearse Without his nurse. Could Allah show a bit of mercy And send poor Mu-Mu back his nursie?
Mar 10, 2011 / Column / Calvin Trillin