2011 Looked Like This
Despite a deep and abiding hatred of cold weather, I’ve always had a soft spot for December. Not only is it the month of Christmas and my birthday and extended breaks from school, but it is also a time for reflection as the year winds to a close. Below, you will find the most significant highlights of 2011. You’re welcome.
10 Weirdest Life Forms of 2011
I'm just as cute as a panda.
It’s kind of cool that we live in a world where new species are
still being discovered. Saving those giant pandas seems a little
less important now.
Strangely, Prince William’s affair with Casey Anthony didn’t make the cut.
The Best Books of 2011 You Haven’t Read
It’s okay to be a little creeped out that Elissa Schappell has discovered a way to know what you haven’t read. Ten bucks says she’s right.
Eight of the Weirdest Work Stories of 2011
My stint as a swamp creature now seems mundane.
For reasons unbeknownst to me, this doesn’t include Cathie’s encounter with Jim Lovell.
Project Censored’s Top 25 List of What Mainstream Media Didn’t Tell Us
Technically, these stories are from 2010-2011. Don’t quibble. These are things that should keep us up at night.
Editors from the Boston Globe, Poetry magazine, and Salamander share their picks.
10 Strangest Naked Crimes of 2011
If you’re looking for a way to add something special to your crime spree…
Not all of these creatures had big moments this year, but I’m willing to forgive Time since it included a picture of a 2,370-lb. crocodile.
Small Press Highlights of 2011
The best of the rest, often likened to Festivus for the rest of us.
The 10 Best Things From 2011 to Listen to While Writing
For those of you who don’t need noise-cancelling headphones to compose an email.
Best Short Story Collections of 2011
According to Kirkus Reviews. We should trust them.
Well, Schappell is right about me–I haven’t read any of these books, though I have Tillman’s and am looking forward to reading it and I read one short story in Jim Shepherd’s book. It is a story about Rotterdam as it is about to be overtaken by water. I read it because I heard it included some interesting technology intended to prevent some of the effects of global warming. It did–which I loved–but it also included some sex scenes that made me uncomfortable using the story for class.
I adore Elissa Schappell. I’ll read anything she writes.
I haven’t read any of the books, either, but I did read the same Shepherd story you referenced. I liked how the technical descriptions illuminated the piece rather than bogging it down.
I’ve only heard good things about Schappell’s work. I’ll have to pick some up. She also reminded me that I’ve been meaning to read Pym.
1) I wish you could’ve seen how long I stared at that photo
2) I’m flattered you tried to pretend I’m cool enough for this list. You’re so good to me
3) I read the “naked crime” list to my family, we all chuckled.
4) Festivus for the rest of us!
I’m glad your family enjoyed naked crime. (That’s the kind of sentence that really requires context.)