The Planetary Currents The Planetary Currents
We live on the third rock from the sun In our living rooms We handle the remote and touch off integrated circuits compelling content, non-integrated circuits such as the chitlin’ circuit, and disintegrated circuits such as the extended family now stretched across six continents Plus one under ice The rapid flows of global capital Put us to sleep and wake us We come on in on a wing and a come on We slide right across the ice We stop to catch up, so like a breathing tree Instead of reading about the unconscious we decide to enter it, that is, by falling asleep Dream of a document signed by CEO William K. Tasker by which we are offered a position as director of corporate communications for a company called Correct We are romantics still, who stand and/or sit in shade Looking straight down to the valley floor Vertiginous, lofty, cerebral, lazy and tight This poem may be recorded for quality assurance purposes There we encounter planets whose colors we shall not forget
Sep 27, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Kit Robinson
The Planetary Currents The Planetary Currents
We live on the third rock from the sun In our living rooms We handle the remote and touch off integrated circuits compelling content, non-integrated circuits such as the chitlin’ circuit, and disintegrated circuits such as the extended family now stretched across six continents Plus one under ice The rapid flows of global capital Put us to sleep and wake us We come on in on a wing and a come on We slide right across the ice We stop to catch up, so like a breathing tree Instead of reading about the unconscious we decide to enter it, that is, by falling asleep Dream of a document signed by CEO William K. Tasker by which we are offered a position as director of corporate communications for a company called Correct We are romantics still, who stand and/or sit in shade Looking straight down to the valley floor Vertiginous, lofty, cerebral, lazy and tight This poem may be recorded for quality assurance purposes There we encounter planets whose colors we shall not forget
Sep 27, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Kit Robinson
In the Middle of Life: On Tadeusz Rózewicz In the Middle of Life: On Tadeusz Rózewicz
A Polish poet’s searing and confused lyricism.
Sep 27, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Jennifer Grotz
DSK’s Best-Case Scenario DSK’s Best-Case Scenario
Well, yes, he had sex with the maid, he said She came in and he took his pleasure. And then with his daughter he had some lunch— A family scene we can treasure.
Sep 21, 2011 / Column / Calvin Trillin
The Truth About the Civil War The Truth About the Civil War
Too many Americans have fallen prey to narratives that erase the role of slavery in the war’s origins and legacy.
Sep 21, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Eric Foner
Whispers of Jackie O Whispers of Jackie O
The former first lady speaks from beyond the grave—and shows how far we’ve come (and haven’t).
Sep 21, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Katha Pollitt
The World House: On Malcolm X The World House: On Malcolm X
A biographer's flawed attempt to rediscover the politics in the decidedly political life of Malcolm X.
Sep 21, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Aziz Rana
Michele: A Reprise Michele: A Reprise
(With yet another apology to the Beatles) Michele, our belle, Things of late have truly failed to gel For Michele. Michele, our belle, They’re no longer buying what you sell. Poor Michele. Your numbers have gone in the toilet. They say you peaked too soon. And talking like a loon Could not have helped a lot, although Rick Perry does, too. Michele, our belle, Pundits now are bidding you farewell— “Bye, Michele.”
Sep 15, 2011 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Gratitude and Forbearance: On Christopher Lasch Gratitude and Forbearance: On Christopher Lasch
Christopher Lasch and his quest for the moral resources of the next New Deal.
Sep 14, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Norman Birnbaum
Visions and Revisions: On T.S. Eliot Visions and Revisions: On T.S. Eliot
Two volumes of T.S. Eliot's letters elucidate how the momentous achievements of his art were determined by moments of awful daring.
Sep 6, 2011 / Books & the Arts / James Longenbach