For the Record...

For the Record…

I am having fun in Wisconsin. Or am I? You make the call.

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Enemy Combatants

Because I am a loyal American, I took the following pictures of individuals who I believe are “enemy combatants.” While I have no proof as…

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How to Meet Laura Lippman

How to Meet Laura Lippman

One would think that flying out 2,000 miles would have been good for at least a little more than hello. However, having a Y chormosome…

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Bouchercon Panel: Reviewer Ethics: The Reviewer’s Responsibility

Deeper questions about Bouchercon’s troubling insular nature will have to wait. I’ll just say for now that, more than BEA, APE, WorldCon and nearly every…

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Bouchercon/Madison Photos

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Well, This IS Close to Milwaukee

Well, This IS Close to Milwaukee

Sarah Weinman stars in a Miller Lite commercial.

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Madison

I am in Madison, Wisconsin. I will have more to say later, which will likely ruffle a few feathers. Nevertheless, the truth must be reported….

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Bouchercon

Bouchercon

Future dispatches will arrive here from Wisconsin. I remain confident that there is more than cheese there and will report my findings.

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A Tale of Two Critics

A Tale of Two Critics

There was a needless post here that has since been removed.

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The Problem with MUNI

The Problem with MUNI

For those looking for fresh content, I have a guest editorial at the SFist today. I assure all readers that I have considerably fewer follicles…

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Ed Jones

Ed Jones

Robert Birnbaum talks (a second time) with Edward P. Jones.

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Wayne Shannon: A Case Study for the Internet's Failings?

Wayne Shannon: A Case Study for the Internet’s Failings?

While working on something tonight, some synaptic associative charge kicked in and I recalled a commentator named Wayne Shannon. The name probably means nothing to…

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Thank You, Keith Olbermann

Thank You, Keith Olbermann

Words to consider.

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Given That the Bidding Crowd is Composed of Existentialists, One Wonders Whether A Final Bid Truly IS A Final Bid!

Given That the Bidding Crowd is Composed of Existentialists, One Wonders Whether A Final Bid Truly IS A Final Bid!

USA Today: “A rare copy of Danish philosopher Soeren Kierkegaard’s famed book, Either/Or, will be sold at auction later this year, a Copenhagen auction house…

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If By "Everyone," You Mean Someone With Endless Spare Time and Millions in the Bank Account, Sure.

If By “Everyone,” You Mean Someone With Endless Spare Time and Millions in the Bank Account, Sure.

New York Times: “When filming of ‘Tennessee’ was pushed back indefinitely, she began a regimen of exercise and healthy diet to loose the weight. ‘People…

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Tricia Sullivan: Try Out the Samples

Tricia Sullivan: Try Out the Samples

Tricia Sullivan, the author of the fascinating and underrated novel Maul (which I read a year and a half ago in its UK edition and…

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The Literary Hipster's Handbook, 2006 Q4 Edition

The Literary Hipster’s Handbook, 2006 Q4 Edition

“bad beef”: A literary prize ostensibly designed to assist struggling writers that goes instead to writers who don’t need the cash or the praise. Recent…

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A Special Message from Albert Yonklas, Respected Author

Damn readers! Damn them all to hell! They want me to sign their books and throw my wrist out of alignment. They expect me to…

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Roundup

Roundup

Lydia Millet questions Alice Munro’s status among contemporary readers. More from Dan Green. Tod Goldberg on Banned Books Week. What I’d like to know is…

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The Stepford Jonathans

The Stepford Jonathans

Well, if this is the kind of goodness that inspires people, then I’m supremely honored and astonished to be your muse, Patricia. (Thanks for the…

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Roundup

Roundup

John Updike is interviewed about golf. (Thanks, DT!) I haven’t listened to it yet, but StarShipSofa looks like an interesting new podcast. It’s largely about…

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Other NIE Conclusions: The White House is Located at 1600 Penn

Other NIE Conclusions: The White House is Located at 1600 Penn

Washington Post: “The conclusion of U.S. intelligence analysts that the Iraq war has increased the threat from terrorism is only ‘a fraction of judgments’ in…

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BSS #67: Pamela Ribon

Author: Pamela Ribon Condition of Mr. Segundo: Ruminating upon a misinterpreted act of politeness. Subjects Discussed: The Weird books as a franchise, chick lit, unusual…

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BSS #66: Daniel Handler

Author: Daniel Handler Condition of Mr. Segundo: Petulant about people who use alter egos. Subjects Discussed: Aub Zam Zam and the legendary bartender Bruno Mooshei,…

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Jasper and Julian

Jasper and Julian

The Telegraph‘s Jasper Rees talks with Julian Barnes.

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BSS #65: Julia Glass

Author: Julia Glass Condition of Mr. Segundo: Concerned with economic developments at the Segundo Studio. Subjects Discussed: Hinging a narrative on a piece of cake,…

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Bloggers, Voices, and Sales

Bloggers, Voices, and Sales

While we’re on the subject of blog importance, however inflated, I agree in the main with Lauren Beckham Falcone’s article. Blogs provide fresh and original…

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The Original Freelance Literary Journalist

While doing research to improve my ability to write about literature (because let’s face the facts: professional or not, humility is good for the evolving…

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Comedy of Embarassment

Comedy of Embarassment

David Bowie’s hilarious appearance on Extras. This may even outdo Patrick Stewart’s appearance, and it’s a catchy tune to boot.

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Dennis Miller: How Far You've Fallen

Dennis Miller: How Far You’ve Fallen

[Video.] [Summary.] Sad.

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