Baseball

“I wrote 63 songs this year. They’re all about Jeter.” Just kidding. The game we love, the players we hate, and more.

Culture and Criticism

From Norman Mailer to Wendy Pepper — everything on film, TV, books, music, and snacks (shut up, raisins), plus the Girls’ Bike Club.

Donors Choose and Contests

Helping public schools, winning prizes, sending a crazy lady in a tomato costume out in public.

Stories, True and Otherwise

Monologues, travelogues, fiction, and fart humor. And hens. Don’t forget the hens.

The Vine

The Tomato Nation advice column addresses your questions on etiquette, grammar, romance, and pet misbehavior. Ask The Readers about books or fashion today!

The Maltese Falcon
December 10, 2007 · 19 Comments
<I>The Maltese Falcon</I>

“That’ll teach me to leave a broad alone with a bottle of scotch and a Topsy Tail. Never again, Mac.”
I finally made it through this one last week, despite Humphrey Bogart’s well-documented Ambien-esque effect …

Some questions, answered
December 7, 2007 · 14 Comments

“I still haven’t heard from you about the prize I won/donated in the contest!”
I’m so sorry about that; I know it’s taking a long time. The system I’m using to distribute the prizes is designed …

The Vine: December 5, 2007
December 5, 2007 · 14 Comments

 
Sars,
 
About three or four years ago, I found these great bobby pins at a local chain drugstore. They’re not the brown/black/brassy cheap-looking kind with the weird ridgey top. These were smooth with a slight curve. …

J Words
December 5, 2007 · 182 Comments

1. Something that is built haphazardly/slapped together/makeshift is:

a) jury-rigged; b) jerry-rigged

Both appear in the 11c; “jury-rigged” is the older construction. Which do you use?
2. Something that is built hastily/built poorly/looks cheap is:

a) …

The Vine: December 4, 2007
December 4, 2007 · 274 Comments

Hi Sars,
 
For one of my jobs, I need to compile a list of verbal pet peeves — the “if you will”s, “Joe and myself”s, and other grammar- and style-related mistakes that the unknowing often …

This American Hen
November 30, 2007 · 28 Comments
This American Hen

When it hens, it pours: reader Ken R. hepped me to the This American Life episode from a week ago called “Poultry Slam,” and I haven’t listened to it yet, but I can’t wait to …

Charitable giving for the holidays
November 30, 2007 · 3 Comments

Robert T. emailed me earlier today with a link to Changing The Present, a site that serves as a sort of clearinghouse for worthy causes — you can browse all sorts of non-profits that support …

The Vine: November 29, 2007
November 29, 2007 · 33 Comments

Hi, Sars —
I have a software-related question I hope you or your readers could help me with. My boyfriend mentioned that he wanted some sort of picture software. Basically, I think he wants something that …

The Vine: November 28, 2007
November 28, 2007 · 16 Comments

Sars —
Can you recommend a book on New York City that chronicles its historical, political, and social evolution from its discovery to today? I want something that is thorough, but readable, more like Peter Ackroyd’s …

Wanted: Berol Mirado No. 1 Pencils
November 28, 2007 · 18 Comments

I need to buy them online. No. 1 pencils, not No. 2s or any other grade. I’d like a U.S. retailer; anyone who can suggest an identical/similar style or brand that’s available here, please do …