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01.14.10

The Book Sculptures of Mike Stilkey

Artist Mike Stilkey illustrates the spines of books with acrylic paint and colored pencil to lovely effect. The images really do speak for themselves. Click below to see the full gallery.

01.13.10

Cultured Personals Courtesy of NYRB

From Jon Carroll's 01.06.10 article in the San Francisco Chronicle:

"Every so often I check out the personals in the New York Review of Books. They're sort of like the brainy, geriatric version of the ads on Match.com. Nothing as vulgar as a photograph, of course, and quite a bit of talk about culture signifiers.

Here's a more or less typical example:

"STRIKINGLY ATTRACTIVE, ARTICULATE, intellectual, active politically. Into independent film, MoMA, opera at the Met, anthropology, sociology. International change agent working with rural developing communities. Slender, sophisticated - characterized by warmth and contagious humor. Adventurous, yet down to earth. Travels to India for work. Gravitates to New England, Albuquerque, the Amalfi Coast, Lake Sevan. Savors fresh-picked figs, Prosecco, the op-ed page, NGOs, meeting new people. Loves food - let's cook together. Believes nothing beats relaxing at home with friends. Seeks accomplished, intellectual, attractive man, 49-67, for lasting, caring, real relationship."

Good gravy, as we NYRB readers frequently say. A personals ad where I have to look up two of the references. Prosecco is a sparkling white wine from Italy; Lake Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia. I have a great deal of sympathy for anyone who has to write an ad promoting her suitability as a romantic partner, but I do question describing oneself as a "change agent," unless one is working the box office at a movie theater."

-- Read the (very funny) full article & check out NYRB's personals for yourself.

01.12.10

Do You Live in America's Most Literate City?

Unless you live in Seattle, WA. the answer is no, according to a study by the president of Central Connecticut State University Jack Miller.

America's Top Ten Most Literate Cities:

1. Seattle
2. Washington
3. Minneapolis
4. Pittsburgh
5. Atlanta
6. Portland, Ore.
7. St. Paul
8. Boston
9. Cincinnati
10. Denver

-- Read the full article.