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 Vine: July 11, 2007
July 11, 2007 · No Comment

O Great Sars,
I’m studying short stories right now in English class, and coincidentally one of the selected authors is your dear friend John Updike. I’ve been trying to explain to my classmates exactly why I …

The Vine: July 10, 2007
July 10, 2007 · No Comment

Hi Sars,
I’m sure this is a common one but haven’t found it in previous postings — and need it for a presentation.
“Spokespersons” or “spokespeople”? I’ve found both in a variety of contexts, none of which …

The Vine: July 6, 2007
July 6, 2007 · 15 Comments

Hiya Sars,
 
I’ve got a question for the multitudes!
 
Back in the early ’90s I rented a movie that I really enjoyed.Of course, nearly 15 years since, the title has been lost in the ether.Aside from …

The Vine: July 5, 2007
July 5, 2007 · 19 Comments

Sars,
 
I’ve got a question that also has to do with apartments and stuff, although this is more in the “getting rid of” vein. You see, I have boxes and boxes of old media — …

Independence Nite
July 3, 2007 · No Comment
Independence Nite

At loose ends on July 4? Looking for a rock show to round out a day of hot dogs and nearly blowing your fingers off with illegal fireworks? Then come to the Guyz Nite show …

The Vine: July 2, 2007
July 3, 2007 · 43 Comments

A fashion question! I really enjoyed the recent “layering” discussion, and thought you and your very fashionable readers might be able to help me.
I’m looking for some kind of fashion sneaker or comfy knock-around shoe, …

The Scout
July 2, 2007 · 8 Comments

I’d read a number of reviews prior to seeing this movie which suggested that it suffers from a split personality — the first half is a genial, Albert-Brooks-flavored baseball movie, while the second half is …

The Vine: June 28, 2007
June 28, 2007 · No Comment

Dear Sarah,
I’d love to know your thoughts about this situation.
After many years together, Sam and Laura were divorced a little over a year ago. They have remained friends, continued to live in the same city, …

“He’s a bully, is what he is.”
June 28, 2007 · 10 Comments

“Jack McGee Without Pity.”

McGee says that Leary, who declined requests to be interviewed for this piece, cultivates a public image as a bold, blunt, hands-on actor-writer-producer who loves collaboration, but is actually an insecure, controlling …

The Vine: June 27, 2007
June 27, 2007 · No Comment

Hi Sars!
 
Longtime reader, first-time writer.I’m hoping you can offer some suggestions for handling this rather awkward situation.
 
I met my friend, Janet, just over three years ago when I started working with her.We started out as …