Commentary

Book Review: “The Value of a Whale” — Green Capitalism and the Limits of Market-Based Solutions

December 18, 2022
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In this valuable book, Adrienne Buller assesses the efficacy of leading market-based efforts to address climate change and nature loss and contends that they have largely failed.

Arts Commentary: It’s Not Funny — “Saturday Night Live” and the Mark Twain Prize

December 16, 2022
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Adam Sandler receiving a Mark Twain Prize is one more SNL achievement that defies understanding.

Arts Feature: Best Movies (With Some Disappointments) of 2022

December 16, 2022
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Our demanding critics choose the best films (along with some disappointments) of the year. And there is plenty of disagreement.

Classical Music Commentary: Top Classical Performances and Recordings of 2022

December 15, 2022
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What a great year 2022 was for classical music recordings: the canon, new music, neglected music – all of it was well-represented and from all comers.

Literary Appreciation: Grace Paley and the Swiveling Light of Truth

December 13, 2022
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An homage to Grace Paley, one of the great American writers of the 20th century.

Translator Interview: John Taylor on Philippe Jaccottet

December 8, 2022
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“We have entered an age of unequivocal partisan discourse, of linguistic robotization, of tiny symbols standing for complex emotions. In total contrast to this, Philippe Jaccottet’s writing constantly shows nuance, attentiveness, perseverance, circumspection, and a genuine quest for essential truths.”

Arts Commentary: Remembering the Culture Wars of the ’90s

December 8, 2022
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Freedom of expression is a more precious commodity than taste. Conservative critics were very clear about their moral imperative; they confidently vilified artists and terrorized institutions. No one won the culture wars — we lost them.

Book Review: “Barred: Why the Innocent Can’t Get Out of Prison” — Blind Justice

December 6, 2022
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Daniel S. Medwed demonstrates just how astronomical the odds are against anyone who tries to question a guilty verdict, no matter how suspect the conviction.

Arts Commentary: Annie Ernaux, Abortion, and Me

December 6, 2022
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What is literature if it doesn’t kick you in the ass every now and then and get you to act? Maybe that’s what the Nobel committee thought when it awarded Annie Ernaux this year’s Literature Prize.

Jazz/Film Review: “An Evening of Jazz Healing” — A Thing of Beauty and Sharing

December 3, 2022
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Jazz, in particular, seemed to not merely satisfy Justin Freed’s inner cravings for beauty, but it led him outwards, to others, eventually inspiring some of the key relationships in his life.

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