Quick-Ass Roundup – Reluctant Habits

A University of Alberta researcher has discovered that men are more likely to enjoy a story if they know it’s fictional, whereas women are more likely to enjoy a story if they know it’s based on the truth. (via The Valve)
Tao Lin on the levels of greatness a fiction writer can achieve in.
Dubious music criticism from NPR.
Some background on Mae West’s SEX.
George R.R. Martin interviewed.
OS: “I don’t want to get started on a rant over here, but why can’t male celebrities have the same freedom in describing their own same-sex dream romps?”
Latest Maslin pearl of wisdom: “‘Diamonds, Gold and War’ is the work of an author who knows African history intimately. If this ambitious volume seems to follow too closely on the heels of ‘The Fate of Africa’ (2005), Mr. Meredith can draw on decades’ worth of earlier research and experience to give it authority.” Given that Meredith has indeed spent decades of his life to studying African history, it would seem patently obvious that he “knows African history intimately.” And who gives a damn over how fast Meredeith is pumping out his books? How is that a crime? And does Maslin even understand that The Fate of Africa deals with a different time period than Diamonds, Gold and War?
Costs have risen big time in New York.
The Progressive interviews Jane Smiley.
Updike on Ha Jin.
No apologies necessary. Finish the book!
Support staff axed at the New York Times.
60% of America believes political coverage is politically biased. The other 40% have dates with Kool-Aid Man.
No Swedish jaunts for Lessing.