
Gore Vidal 1925-2012
We should stop going around babbling about how we’re the greatest democracy on earth, when we’re not even a democracy. We are a sort of militarised republic. Famed American author, playwright, essayist, screenwriter, critic, provocateur and political activist, Gore Vidal, has passed away at the age of 86 years old. Vidal died at his Hollywood Hills, […]
Gore VidalLiteraryLiteraturePoliticsRIP
Hunter S. Thompson
It’s Hunter S. Thompson‘s birthday today, he would have been 75 years old. It just occurred to me he offed himself at a pretty early age, 67. At least he went out the way he wanted to; I can respect him for that. So here’s a host of images related to the man, hero, author, […]
FilmGonzoHunter S. ThompsonJournalismLiteraryLiteratureMovies
Nora Ephron 1941-2012
Last week, we watched as Adam Carolla got raked over the coals for implying, “that dudes are funnier than chicks.” Somehow the blogosphere translated that glib statement into a blanket proclamation of, “women AREN’T funny.” Almost every humorous voice had something to say on Twitter; and because it was a slow news day in the 24 […]
Adam CarollaBooksFilmLiteratureMoviesNora EphronRight and Wrong
Ray Bradbury 1920-2012
It was a pleasure to burn. –Ray Bradbury, the opening sentence of Fahrenheit 451 For many Americans, the news of Ray Bradbury’s death immediately brought to mind images from his work, imprinted in our minds, often from a young age. His gift for storytelling reshaped our culture and expanded our world. But Ray also understood […]
LiteratureRay BradburyRIPSci fiScience fiction
Maurice Sendak 1928–2012
And he sailed off through night and day and in and out of weeks and almost over a year to where the wild things are. Another seminal figure who helped shape our childhood has died. Maurice Sendak, author and prolific illustrator of 1963’s Where the Wild Things Are and so many others, has passed away early this […]
BooksChildren's booksLiteratureMaurice SendakPresident Barack ObamaRIP