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An Essay into a Poem

Writing a single "Recommended Components" blurb takes me about half an hour. It involves skimming the original review, searching for the details and the highlights and the heart, extracting those lovely bits, and rearranging them into a meaningful and seamless miniature review. It means taking five pages and condensing them into one hundred words. It means turning an essay into a poem. I kinda love it, I kinda hate it.

Sometimes, I complete an entry, re-read it, shrug, and go on. Shrug and go on. Shrug and go on. Other times, I complete an entry, re-read it, and say…

Jonathan Ames Defends <I>The Dain Curse</I>

Part of NPR's You Must Read This series, which mostly seems like a better idea than it is. Anyway, this one intrigued me because The Dain Curse always struck me as nigh unto incoherent—perhaps it's time for a reconsideration.

Where's my copy of The American Library's Hammett: The Novels?

Justin Davidson on What's Ailing Orchestras

Why the man's a radical preservationist! But I agree with him more than not.

The 1% Rule

At last, a theory that explains that I probably do have more readers than Stephen Mejias, John Atkinson, Buddha, Adam Sohmer, Alan in Victoria, Jeff Wong, Al Marcy, my wife, and Monty. According to the 1% rule, I actually have almost one hundred readers!

Empires tremble at my might.

Too Darn Hot

Huckleberry says it's too hot to be cute or amusing this week. Some other time, maybe.

Welcome to readers of The Friday Ark and Carnival of the Cats.

Modern Art

Bagheera displays a languor not unlike that of a Modigliani nude.

Welcome to readers of The Friday Ark and Carnival of the Cats.

Does Music Create Deeper Sleep?

Based on the chap with the season tickets next to my concert seats, I'd say so! Hermione Eyre weighs in.

A Microwave Oven Named Paolo Conte

You're absolutely right, Christian: I do have the bug. I do! I'm not ashamed to admit it, though it does come as a small surprise. Next thing you know, I'll begin to wonder silly wonders:

1. Are all audiophiles music lovers?
2. Does music sound better on black CD-Rs?
3. Has this amplifier been subjected to double-blind testing?
4. What happened to my remote?

Anyway. Yesterday's goal was accomplished; I made it through all of June and halfway through July. So far, today, I've completed July. I'll begin August soon.

Usually, when I…

Worst Fast Food Idea Ever?

The competition's fierce, but KFC's new Famous Bowls just might take the, um, cake, according to Dan Neil.

Also, if you like good writing, read Neil's paean to the need for speed in a Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Cabriolet.

Mark Fleischmann's Blog

Over at Home Theater's website, Fleischmann's arch blend of understatement and geekiness is the sort of stuff I wish I could write consistently. A recommended daily read. Yes, I know him, and yes, I share an employer with him, but this encomium comes from the heart.