A new installment of Mr. Esposito’s The Quarterly Conversation is out, with a list of books that, unlike the Times, name-checks David Markson, Zadie Smith, Gilbert Sorrentino, Margaret Atwood and Mary Gaitskill.

As Ron has observed, the the NYTBR has culled together blogosphere “reactions” (which strangely refers to Scott’s blog as “Conversational Name;” do you “regret the error,” Sam?) to their Best Fiction Survey and the more stinging criticisms from Levi Asher, Tayari Jones, Galleycat and here (among many others) have been elided from the bunch. Not that it’s any particular surprise. Although one would think that an editor who has publicly declared his own book review section “the best book review section in the United States” might find more inspiration in John Leonard than with Dimitry Shepilov.

[UPDATE: As of today (June 8), the Times changed Scott’s blog to its correct name, “Conversational Reading.” Curiously, however, the Times didn’t list this change among its Corrections. Does Tanenhaus believe himself to be above the fray? Apparently so. Or perhaps he simply can’t bring himself to “regret the error.” It might just spoil his lunch.]

Diet Coke + Mentos = Uncanny Beauty. (via MeFi)

Of course, these guys took it to the next level.

Maud points to this interesting essay in Harper’s from Ben Metcalf on what one is permitted to say in public. I was greatly relieved that someone pointed this article out, as my Harper’s is currently lodged somewhere beneath a vertiginous stack of periodicals on the west side of my room. This particular situation, much less my magazine backlog, does not detract from what Metcalf has to say.

Also of note: Laila has an essay on what it means to be a Muslim woman today in the June 19, 2006 issue of The Nation.

Finally, if you pick up this week’s Penny Saver, you’ll find an essay penned by me detailing the disadvantages of sunglasses in a foggy urban environment. The essay is polemical and I even tie this into game theory. Really, it’s a must read.