LATEST ADDITIONS

One of the best books I read last year was Jared Diamond's <I>Collapse</I>, which argues that Easter Island is a classic tale of ecological disaster caused by overpopulation and the depletion of irreplaceable resources. Not so fast, says Terry L. Hunt.

Beloit College publishes a "mindset" memo at the beginning of each year that reminds teachers that the new students don't have the same cultural references we oldsters do.

Todd came over the other night. He always comes with a surprise. On this night, his surprise was a rough mix of the John Atkinson-recorded Multi-Purpose Solution album, <i>In Bed</i>.

Well, actually on the 11th edition of the <I>Encyclopedia Britannica</I>, which is a delightful yard or so of bookspace. I used to have this edition, although I didn't realize that many bibliophiles consider it to be <I>the</I> best blend of fact and great writing ever collected. I just read it out of order on many a long winter's night. Somehow, Google just isn't the same.

Yes, I have posted to these before, but I didn't know the back story and the panels were poorly reproduced. Joel Johnson went out and <I>bought</I> Wood's memo to himself and posts high-resolution scans. He also tells us the real story behind "Wally Wood's 22 Panels That Always Work."

Because John is visiting manufacturers in Montreal, he missed this morning's rock awakening. We're gathered in my office, huddled round the sound, listening. "I'm glad John isn't here," says Elizabeth. "I need to break this in slowly."

I've always been a huge Pixies fan. I was so excited at 2004's reunited tour that I practically needed a minder to get me to the gig. But Frank Black solo, now there's a whole other experience.