Goodbye to All That

Steve Wasserman / Truthdig Sep 8, 2007 Although coverage of books in major newspapers may seem to have taken a precipitous downturn in recent months, this decline has been in the works for a while, says longtime writer, literary editor and book aficionado Steve Wasserman, who opines in this CJR article about the high costs of this lamentable cultural sea change. Dig deeper ( 37 Min. Read )

The Tale of Sir Salman and the Bard of Espionage

Eugene Robinson / Truthdig Jun 22, 2007 Back when the renowned author was in hiding because of a death threat from the Ayatollah Khomeini, he felt that John le Carre was no help to his cause. "The Satanic Verses" had sparked a spat between two literary lions. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Kurt Vonnegut Dead at 84

Staff / Truthdig Apr 12, 2007 The iconic writer, who challenged conventional wisdom through 14 novels and numerous essays, died Wednesday from a brain injury. Vonnegut survived a nearly lifelong smoking habit only to succumb to a recent fall in his apartment. He once joked that he would prefer to die in a plane crash on Kilimanjaro and said he would avoid suicide "so as not to set a bad example for my children." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Gay TV Comes to China

Staff / Truthdig Apr 6, 2007 A Hong Kong broadcaster is about to release China's first gay-themed TV show. Although the program will air only over the Internet, it's a big step for a country that treated homosexuality, or "buggery," as a mental illness until 2001. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

We Must Learn Again

Paul Cummins / Truthdig Apr 4, 2007 The author takes aim at the shortcomings of the contemporary American educational system, laments the current state of arts education, and wonders what exactly schools are preparing younger generations to do -- and become. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Colbert Bids Farewell to Captain America

Staff / Truthdig Mar 9, 2007 Stephen Colbert says goodbye to an American icon, who began his career fighting the Nazis and would go on to capture the cultural temperature for decades. Plus, don't miss Fox News' reaction: "You should not kill Captain America when we're at war." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Harry Belafonte, the Lion at 80

Amy Goodman / Truthdig Mar 7, 2007 The legendary entertainer and activist may be in his ninth decade, but his commitment to social justice is as fervent as ever. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Dixie Chicks Enjoy Grammy Revenge

Staff / Truthdig Feb 12, 2007 The Dixie Chicks, who became country music pariahs after the band's lead singer criticized President Bush in 2003, swept the Grammys on Sunday, winning every award the band was nominated for -- five in all -- plus a standing ovation. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Stuck in the Single Life? Class Could Be a Factor

Staff / Truthdig Jan 25, 2007 Read around the cliches about single women and cats etc. and find in this NYT story an interesting window into how shifting social values and socioeconomic stratification contribute to a marriage "happiness gap" for many Americans without college educations. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Doherty of Mamas and Papas Dead at 66

Staff / Truthdig Jan 20, 2007 The Mamas and the Papas' Denny Doherty died on Friday at the age of 66. The singer had suffered a brief illness and was experiencing kidney problems. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Redford Demands Bush Apology for War

Staff / Truthdig Jan 19, 2007 Robert Redford opened the Sundance Film Festival by demanding an apology for the war in Iraq. The festival features several decidedly political films, including "Chicago 10," which centers on demonstrations at the 1968 Democratic convention, and "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Thanks, but No Thanks

Staff / Truthdig Jan 9, 2007 Etiquette experts still don't approve of sending thank-you notes via e-mail, despite the growing popularity of the practice. Because it's not the sentiment that counts, but the former tree it's written on. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )