Sarah has thought out the whole category and subcategory problem in terms far clearer than I can express. I hope to jump off from this post when I have some time, but if you’re concerned about the genre wars, this one’s a must read.
New York Times: “Holding hands is more likely now a sign of commitment.” Keep those original and penetrating social observations coming, Gray Lady!
Apparently, more than half of MySpace’s users are 35 or older.
David Hasselhoff reports that KITT was gay. Let us consider this unexpected turn of events. Was KITT really gay or was he just being friendly and fulfilling his basic functions? Or was Michael Knight, who constantly referred to the talking car as “buddy” and seemed more interested in being alone with KITT than being with women, the gay one? (Why, for example, did Michael Knight not make out with anyone in the back seat of KITT? Because KITT would get jealous and launch the ejector seat?) Or is it possible that Hasselhoff himself is gay? I leave this troubling questions for the readers to unravel. (via Waxy)
6 out of 10 Americans say that the nation is ready for a female president. But while we’re on the subject, 5 out of 10 Americans say that the nation is ready for a precocious marsupial who often swings from tree to tree across the National Mall as president.
Adam Kirsh reviews the new Issac Bashevis Singer biography for The New York Sun. The dude was one crazed workhorse: writing on vacation, writing while showering, writing while making love to his wife, writing while sleeping, writing while shoving a forkful of pie into his mouth, and, inspired by behavior he observed in a Munich beer hall, writing double-fisted on two stories at the same time.
Lynne Scanlon ponders blogging revenue, but she makes no mention of one particularly creative form of revnue, which involves donating to the Google AdSense Blood Bank. After taking many pints of your blood, Google pays you several hundred dollars in pennies, depending upon your Google ranking. They even give you a cookie. It’s a disreuptable way of making ends meet, but in a pinch, it’s better than whoring yourself out on Polk Street.
I should note that the LBC has selected its Read This! selection. But not even the threat of oral sex from a sasquatch will loosen my lips. So who pray tell is the lucky winner? You’ll find out on October 16, where the winner will be revealed and the discussions will begin soon after. Also, this time around, The Bat Segundo Show is teaming up with Pinky’s Paperhaus on the podcasting front. You won’t want to miss this.
Mainichi Daily News: “Once shunned for being dweebish or simply grotesque, older male virgins are being sought out in Japan in the belief that they’re more creative than their sexually experienced peers.” Two words: premature ejaculation. (via The Beat)
Phil Campbell vs. Mike Daisey. I’ve been skeptical of Daisey for a while and it’s good to see someone calling him on the veracity of his personal narratives.
Mark Sarvas reviews Levin and Leavitt. I ponder the perfect mathematics of Mr. Sarvas reviewing two titles with authors whose last names begin with the letters “LE.” 12, 5 (2.4 differential, .4 applied as additional oomph when comparing two tomes).
What accounts for the clunkiest lines in Shakespeare? A hangover? Nah. Deadlines, methinks.
Tod Goldberg on Banned Books Week. What I’d like to know is why nobody has started a Banned Blogs Week. Given my regular assaults on fundy fruitloops, it remains my fervent hope that those who are offended will print off copies of my posts (and those of others) and throw them into a large conflagration, perhaps belting out an uplifting ballad in praise of National Socialism.
Rebecca Skloot is curious if any writers or critics have been mis-blurbed. Do let her know if a publisher has ever transformed your words from “a sexy novel” to “a novel more stunning than sex itself!”
Happy birthday, Mr. Sarvas. If I had more time, I’d fly down to Los Angeles and deliver my Marilyn Monroe routine in person. Oh well. I suppose there’s next year.
I haven’t listened to it yet, but StarShipSofa looks like an interesting new podcast. It’s largely about Philip K. Dick right now, but promises to discuss Alfred Bester and Alien. (via Locus)
Frank Wilson responds to the experimental fiction controversy, noting that he doesn’t find Ulysses to be experimental. I think Frank has a point. I had an opportunity to put forth this question to Danielewski himself last week and he explicitly told me that he didn’t consider himself an experimental writer. Could the “experimental” label be something as needlessly debilitating as a genre label?
Yo, John Marshall, calm down, buddy. Take a cold shower. It was only an interview. But if you need me to set you up with someone Nora-like, let me know.