Shadow Boxing

Muhammad Ali fought 50 men. Only one disappeared.

Source: ESPN
Published: Dec 17, 2009
Length: 21 minutes (5,381 words)

Can Anybody Make a Movie for Women?

Nancy Meyers may be a singular figure in Hollywood — may, in fact, be the most powerful female writer-director-producer currently working (not that there’s much competition) — but that doesn’t appear to give the 60-year-old blonde a whole lot of social clout.

Published: Dec 15, 2009
Length: 5 minutes (1,256 words)

In Defense of Foxhole Atheists

It’s no secret that conservative Christians dominate the U.S. military, but when higher-ups start talking about conversion missions, it’s time to worry. The author meets a group of soldiers who aren’t having it.

Source: Vanity Fair
Published: Dec 15, 2009
Length: 26 minutes (6,542 words)

Dear nobodies

A congressman writes to his constituents: “Thank God for gerrymandering”

Source: Salon
Published: Dec 14, 2009
Length: 11 minutes (2,884 words)

Rags brought riches to Guess co-founder Georges Marciano, but now he faces ruin

Convinced that some employees stole from him, Marciano initiated lawsuits that backfired when a judge instead ordered him to pay the accused employees hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.

Published: Dec 15, 2009
Length: 5 minutes (1,284 words)

How Toyota Lost Its Crown

Source: Economist
Published: Dec 15, 2009
Length: 12 minutes (3,067 words)

Enemies of the Estate

The diminished but still fabulously wealthy and powerful British aristocracy has survived agricultural decline, estate taxes, and world war, often bolstered by strategic marriage. Will its ancient code and customs be finished off for good by divorce?

Source: Vanity Fair
Published: Jan 1, 2010
Length: 10 minutes (2,574 words)

All That

Once when I was a little boy I received as a gift a toy cement mixer. It was made of wood except for its wheels—axles—which, as I remember, were thin metal rods. I’m ninety per cent sure it was a Christmas gift. I liked it the same way a boy that age likes toy dump trucks, ambulances, tractor-trailers, and whatnot. There are little boys who like trains and little boys who like vehicles—I liked the latter. (Fiction)

Source: The New Yorker
Published: Dec 14, 2009
Length: 15 minutes (3,968 words)

Big Bother

How a million surveillance cameras in London are proving George Orwell wrong.

Published: Nov 1, 2009
Length: 5 minutes (1,352 words)

Final edition: Twilight of the American newspaper

Published: Nov 1, 2009
Length: 25 minutes (6,396 words)