American Idol: On Nietzsche in America American Idol: On Nietzsche in America
Why early twentieth-century Americans—from anarchists to Baptist ministers—fell for the philosophy of Nietzsche.
Nov 1, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Ross Posnock
Mu-Mu ♥ Condi Mu-Mu ♥ Condi
Muammar el-Qaddafi had an “eerie fascination” with Condoleezza Rice and kept a scrapbook on her.—News reports Though always with that nurse (the sexy blonde) he Apparently had quite a crush on Condi. So if you called her cold, then you forgot At least one guy sincerely found her hot.
Oct 26, 2011 / Column / Calvin Trillin
This Is Just to Say: On William Carlos Williams This Is Just to Say: On William Carlos Williams
A new biography shortchanges the poetic achievement of William Carlos Williams.
Oct 26, 2011 / Books & the Arts / James Longenbach
An Inaugural Address for Herman Cain An Inaugural Address for Herman Cain
In April, we’ll all be in clover— All spending bucks we’ve got left over, With 9-9-9. To working folks we’ll bring enjoyment, ’Cause we’ll have nearly full employment, With 9-9-9. Our air will be pristine and clear, And terrorists will disappear, With 9-9-9. And scientists will find the answer That gives the world a cure for cancer, With 9-9-9. We’ll all achieve what we endeavor, And all of us will live forever, With 9-9-9. A country that now seems depressed and limp’ll Be great again if we just keep things simple.
Oct 19, 2011 / Column / Calvin Trillin
In the Clear: On Scientology In the Clear: On Scientology
The body of the church of Scientology is not well. Will its main legacy be its contribution to US tax law?
Oct 18, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Mark Oppenheimer
The Edge of Comprehension: On Steven Millhauser The Edge of Comprehension: On Steven Millhauser
With We Others, Steven Millhauser remains the master of the inevitable ending in American fiction.
Oct 18, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Aaron Thier
The Far Right Contemplates the Republican Front-Runner The Far Right Contemplates the Republican Front-Runner
It seems that now we’re stuck with Mitt. Reciting right-wing holy writ, He still sounds moderate, a bit. Although it’s nothing he’ll admit, A healthcare plan’s his biggest hit. (The thought of that gives us a fit.) And born-agains, from where they sit, Still state their firm belief, to wit: As Christians, Mormons aren’t legit. We’ve said for months, “This man’s not it.” We wish that Palin hadn’t split. We wish that Perry weren’t a nit (His pilot light is not quite lit). Because, it seems, we’re stuck with Mitt.
Oct 12, 2011 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Gandhi and South Africa Gandhi and South Africa
Why was Joseph Lelyveld’s history of Gandhi’s years in South Africa attacked by India’s Hindu right?
Oct 12, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Martha C. Nussbaum
Innocents Lost: On Postwar Orphans Innocents Lost: On Postwar Orphans
Tara Zahra explains why orphaned children held a special grip on Europe’s postwar imagination.
Oct 12, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Holly Case
CEO CEO
Hewlett-Packard CEO, fired after disastrous eleven-month reign, gets $13 million in termination benefits. —news reports One job’s a job I never would forgo. That job, of course, is being CEO. According to the customs now prevailing, It pays a lot—and pays you more for failing. It must be nice to have a job wherein You cannot lose, for if you lose you win.
Oct 5, 2011 / Column / Calvin Trillin