It’s actually warm here in D.C.! Compared to the otherwise chilly weather, the current temperature of 62°F is sizzling.
The paper pile-up. I’m about to renew my New Yorker subscription, which ends next month, and I find this: “Unread magazines: When ignorance is bliss.” So very true, though until I completely run out of space, I am determined to keep all my back issues, at least of The New Yorker and The Atlantic. Yes, I will read them. Eventually. (Link found at the Bookslut blog. Oh, man. If anyone is reviewing my web traffic at work, there’ll be a whole bunch of hits with the word “slut” in the URL. Heh.)
Definite articles. March’s Atlantic has a great article by Jonathan Rauch — I always enjoy his work — titled “Caring for Your Introvert.” I know it’s made the rounds among various blogs, but being a self-identified introvert myself, I think it deserves to be widely read. An excerpt:
How can I let the introvert in my life know that I support him and respect his choice? First, recognize that it’s not a choice. It’s not a lifestyle. It’s an orientation.
Ha. When I was a kid, I was told with remonstrance — sometimes gently, othertimes, not so — that I was too “quiet” or “serious,” which I hated. I’m glad to read a sincere and light-hearted take on the matter.
This week’s The New Yorker has a new essay by David Sedaris, “Who’s the Chef.” Good stuff. He takes to the road next month on a new speaking tour. Go see him.
Road warriors. On the back cover of said issue is an ad for the Hummer H2, and above a picture of the bright yellow monster, the copy reads, “Perfect for rugby moms.” Oh, god. I always naively thought that the consumer segment of wealthy, suburban, non-off-roaders was only quietly acknowledged by SUV makers, but with a wink and a nudge they are courted directly. Where does it end? Last Sunday’s 60 Minutes had an interesting piece on the psychological appeal of the SUV, and noted that at the recent Detroit auto show, among the concept vehicles was the Army’s missile launcher-equipped SmarTruck II, for military duty, of course. But let’s remember: the Hummer started out as a military vehicle, too.
TV notes. Nothing of note on the tube tonight. And even Dawson’s Creek is a re-run. I have to say, even though I stuck by the show for a good while, I’m glad it’s ending this season. Actually, they should’ve pulled the plug a few seasons ago when it was marginally better, but yes, end the misery already. And the nonstop I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! finally screeches to a halt tonight with a two-hour finale. Thank goodness.
Tomorrow, Live with Regis and Kelly (with guest co-host Jane Krakowski) welcomes Eric McCormack and Tori Amos. (W&G will be a re-run, though.) For upcoming guests on the major talk shows, listed by show or date, visit the Late Night TV page at interbridge.com.
Waiting for Oscar. I’m going to try to attend this talk at the Corcoran tomorrow night. Sounds interesting:
Just a couple of weeks before the Academy Awards, the charismatic film guru, Richard Brown, presents an insider’s view of how the Oscar selections really work. The program begins with a special reel produced for this evening’s event, featuring key scenes from the five Best Picture Nominees of 2002 and including a private behind-the-scenes peek. Brown ventures to foretell who will win as well as how and why. Brown, Professor, NYU, is called “America’s Number One Film Educator.” He built his career over the past 32 years delicately negotiating the gray areas between the staid academic world and razzle-dazzle of movie business. His remarkable insights and passion for film have informed and inspired tens of thousands of New York filmgoers.
I heard about this weeks ago from Ticketplace, but somehow forgot about it until just now, just in time.