The way that most people use the phrase “the real world” represents a handful of problems. First, a full bouquet of condescension is nearly always present when it is used. College and university students hear it a lot, being … Continue reading →

My first semester of teaching writing has had its surprises—mostly good ones. I like my students. They are an intelligent, engaged bunch, and they write pretty interesting essays (which makes the one who has to grade them each weekend happy). … Continue reading →

Is the Man of Letters a dying breed? As several have pointed out recently, book reviewing is a dying art. Newspapers are shutting down book sections (notably, on this side of the border, the Washington Post and the Los Angeles … Continue reading →