Issue of April 13, 2009

April 13, 2009

APRIL 6, 2009

THE TALK OF THE TOWN
All Together Now
Paul and Ringo remember their mantras.
by Nancy Franklin

Q. If you were Nancy Franklin could you maintain her reserve in this situation?

SHOUTS & MURMURS
Mi Chiamo Stan
by Ian Frazier
Q. Is this funny or mean? Why? Would it still be funny without the translations? Is there a seed of truth? Is the original advertisement sincere or satirical?

ANNALS OF FINANCE
I.O.U.
The American way of debt.
by Jill Lepore
Q. Is this more informational or entertaining? Do you agree with Lepore's assessment of moral vs. market economy and it's consequences? Are there dangers common or unique to each?

LIFE AND LETTERS
A Fine Rage
George Orwell’s revolutions.
by James Wood

Q. What does Orwell get right? get wrong? What more do we learn about him?

BOOKS
Media moguls then and now.
by Nicholas Lemann

Q. Do today's moguls have the power of yesterday's version? Did competition make a better product? Still?

A CRITIC AT LARGE
Marian Anderson’s complex legacy.
by Alex Ross

Q. Are there any surprising facts to be discovered here? What can we tell about the author from his sentences about his subject?