TalkTNY: July 2008

Issue of July 28, 2008

Stump Speech by Paul Simms

Q. At what point in the text is this not structurally a campaign speech? How many stereotypes are used? Which candidate is being mocked?

The Eureka Hunt Where in our brains do insights come from? by Jonah Lehrer

Q. Procrastinaters unite! Have you experienced the "Aha!" phenomenon? What if DARPA creates a drug for it? Wait, see below...

Dr. Kush The medical-marijuana economy. by David Samuels Audio: Samuels describes how marijuana is grown and sold, and how he went about reporting the story.

Q. What did you learn from this article besides the fact that stoners shouldn't be allowed to choose the name of their products? There's money and science and law and drugs... no sex or rock and roll? religion?

All the Answers A quiz show and its aftermath. by Charles Van Doren

Q. What is this story really about? Regret? Defense? Absolution? Fleas?

“Mamma Mia!,” “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” by Anthony Lane

Q. Compare AL's reviews of the two movies. Are they different? Does he like/dislike each? Why one or the other?

Issue of July 21, 2008

Ink: Isn't It Romantic? The institution of marriage is a curious thing.
by Rebecca Mead

Q. Unbiased, objective reporting or deliciously camouflaged snark? Explain.

Making It Where Barack Obama learned to be a pol. by Ryan Lizza

Q. Obama is/is not a politician? What makes him different? How has politics changed since the days of patronage? For the better?

The Lion and the Mouse The battle of “Stuart Little.” by Jill Lepore Audio: Jill Lepore and Roger Angell on “Stuart Little.”

Q. Is this a story of the failings of humanity? A comedy of errors? A tale of innocence, priggishness? What would Moore think of video games, i.e. Grand Theft Auto?