We Pick Rick We Pick Rick
(A Santorum campaign song, sung to the tune of “I Like Ike,” by Irving Berlin) We pick Rick. Yes, Rick’s with whom we will stick. He’s the guy All over whom we’re swarming. We pick Rick. Though some imply that he’s thick, He well knows There is no global warming. He’ll say on CNN The sins that we must smother. And he can keep those men From marrying each other. We pick Rick ‘Cause he’ll tell liberals real quick What God says No matter if they’re willing: Abortion’s baby-killing. So we pick Rick.
Feb 15, 2012 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Wislawa Szymborska, 1923–2012 Wislawa Szymborska, 1923–2012
The great Polish poet disclaimed grand political schemes in favor of irony, wit, skepticism and the individual.
Feb 15, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Katha Pollitt
The Treason of the Senate The Treason of the Senate
A famous indictment from a century ago aptly describes today’s corrupt legislative body.
Feb 15, 2012 / Books & the Arts / David Sarasohn

Galileo’s Credo Galileo’s Credo
Two new biographies differ over the astronomer’s view of the relationship between science and faith.
Feb 15, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Paula Findlen

A Child of Sleepwalkers: On Gregor von Rezzori A Child of Sleepwalkers: On Gregor von Rezzori
A novelist’s grim portrait of Central Europe between the wars.
Feb 15, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Lorna Scott Fox

Shelf Life Shelf Life
David Orr’s Beautiful and Pointless: A Guide to Modern Poetry; Kenneth Goldsmith’s Uncreative Writings
Feb 15, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Jordan Davis
Berlusconiland Berlusconiland
Has Silvio Berlusconi’s corruption deprived Italians of their liberty?
Feb 15, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Yascha Mounk
Whitney Houston: My Love Is Your Love Whitney Houston: My Love Is Your Love
Whitney's death reminds us of a music industry that does not take care of its own.
Feb 13, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Dave Zirin
Romney Says He’s Not Concerned About the Poor Romney Says He’s Not Concerned About the Poor
“The remark about the poor immediately became catalogued in a growing list of awkward comments by Mr. Romney.” —New York Times His profile’s divine. His shoes have a shine; They’re almost as shined as his hair. And voters ignore That seeking Mitt’s core Has failed because nothing is there. So Mitt’s way ahead. The pundits have said That Newt might be almost kaput. But Mitt still might lose If he puts those shoes Much more in his mouth with his foot.
Feb 8, 2012 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Awakenings: On Margaret Sanger Awakenings: On Margaret Sanger
Margaret Sanger’s legacy continues to haunt debates about abortion and family planning.
Feb 7, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Michelle Goldberg