By
Published: Aug 22, 2011
Category: Beyond Classification [3]
The talking heads and newspaper pundits have been making me crazy. So I asked some brainiacs who aren't in politics or media to write briefly on this topic: "If I were President, I'd...." And the New York Times published it in the Sunday Review. Right here. [4]
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It’s that time. Jon Stewart’s gone for two weeks. Colbert too. Andrew Sullivan. Really, anyone still in town and pumping up the volume just didn’t get the memo.
Well, I’m not hanging up the GONE FISHIN’ sign and fleeing the jurisdiction. I’ve got a book that could stand some sustained attention, and for two weeks, it’s gonna get just that. So I’m staying right here, in the maid’s room.
And, for all of us, it’s a good time to get outside and feel wind and sun and rain, to hear the laughter of children, drink a beer, smoke a cigar. Let Wordsworth guide us...
Jane Fonda: The Private Life of a Public Woman [5] --- Patricia Bosworth’s jaw-dropper of a biography.
The Pianist in the Dark [6] --- A word-perfect short novel about a blind prodigy and her would-be healer.
In a Better World [7]--- Susanne Bier’s gripping, Oscar-winning revenge drama.
The Hare With Amber Eyes: A Family’s Century of Art and Loss [8] --- A beautifully-written chronicle of a small collection and what happened to each generation to own it
SMOD [9] --- From Mali, but not of Mali. In French, but not of France. Hip-hop, but not. So what is it? Very happy harmony.
Movits [10] --- From Sweden, but not of Sweden. Hip-hop, but not. ‘30s swing, but not. So what is it? Completely original.
The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements [13] --- You want to know why hordes of people have completely ridiculous ideas?
AFTER MIDNIGHT
J.J. Cale [17] --- Late at night, on the back porch….
Miles Davis: Ascenseur Pour L'Echafaud [18] --- The ultimate essence of Cool.
Djivan Gasparyan [19] --- In which you learn about the beauty of a double-reed instrument called the duduk.
SUMMER NECESSITIES
Shure SE115-CL Earphones [21] --- When you find better sound for $49.99, tell me.
Egyptian Magic [23] --- Whatever skin trouble you’ve got, this probably fixes it.
Sally Hansen Leg Spray [24] --- Trapped in an office? No one needs to know.
Vapur Water Bottles [25] --- Just in case this Global Warming thing is real.
Being Peace [26]--- Thich Nhat Hanh takes it one step at a time.
C.C. Adcock [29] --- Like an old Mercury with a sleek V-8 under the hood cruising along the bayou
Separate Ways [30]--- "Come rolling into town unaware/ Of the power that you have over me/ And what am I to do/ With hello how are you/ Nothing’s ever said that should be..”
Canned Heat [31]--- On the road again….