The Odd Case of Martha Gellhorn’s “Justice at Night”
The “Justice at Night” case was an unfortunate slip the first time, when Martha Gellhorn had just turned 28. It probably was not even all her fault. More than 50 years later, however, it was.
Essays
The Complex Fate of the American Hamburger
We live in a moment where the burger still serves as a stalwart symbol of American cuisine, a divisive dog whistle for politicians, and, maybe just maybe, a common ground on which to discuss a problem as big and complex as global warming.
Beauty and the Beast at the “World’s Largest Rattlesnake Roundup”
The rattlesnake has qualities Texans idealize: fierceness, independent-mindedness, hardiness, strength, a showiness muted by dust. It is the libertarian of the reptile world. Which is probably why Sweetwater loves to hate Western Diamondbacks. They are very alike but in competition.
Reading Moby-Dick at the Newberry
Our feelings, thoughts, and memories do not change the great grinding universe. It is Ahab’s main issue, as well as Melville’s.
Goats, God, and the Grind of the Soil
Before the Baetjes built a renowned goat milk and cheese creamery selling their cheeses to gourmet specialty stores such as Zabar’s in New York City, Veronica Baetje remembered the bliss of having “a Heidi moment” in simpler times.
Pink Slips
While fewer people may be collecting unemployment benefits, the economic blow is no less painful. The statistics on women’s unemployment rates are often reported as lower than men’s, yet this statistical difference often downplays women’s layoff experiences.
The Exiled and The Devil’s Sideshow
The Angola Rodeo survives when other prison rodeos have closed because, of all places in America, Angola is the perfect stage.
We Are What We Write
As our historical record evolves from letters written in quill and ink to status updates, what we will mourn remains to be seen.
How Our New Electronic Dog Still Does Old Tricks
Rejoice, we are told: Television has never been better. And all that is old becomes new again.
The Myth of the Good Son
I suppose mothers are always trying to save their sons. And sons are always making their mothers suffer, always making their mothers need to save them. Despite my stupidity, my unworthiness, my mother was determined to save me anyhow.