Short Takes
September 24, 2012
Lorenzo Weisman
My friend Lorenzo Weisman was sick, then better, then, unknown to most of us, sick again. And now, way too soon, dead. He was only a couple of years ahead of me at college, but it seems like I have spent my entire life looking up to him. In Cambridge, he was the epitome of a sophistication that had no snobbery in it. The way he carried himself — in a crowd of strivers and wannabes, he already was who he was going to be. In his work, I admired his steadiness. So many are seduced by the glittering promise of novelty. Lorenzo was never fooled. He made smart choices, was loyal to his friends, wasn’t sharp in his practices, stayed the course. And as a husband and father — well, this is what it was all about for him. He married his trophy wife first, and as far as I can tell, there wasn’t a single day when he did not honor her. And their kids — behind his smiles and laughter, there was no doubt that he had expectations and that they weren’t low. I don’t really care about men, don’t have many male friends. But I’m going to miss Lolo so very, very much.
September 17, 2012
A bread-and-butter note from Gretl Claggett
From Gretl Claggett to Head Butler readers: "Thanks for your generous contributions to my Kickstarter campaign for ‘Happy Hour,’ a short film that explores the memory of childhood sexual abuse, complicity and grooming. We have exceeded our funding goal! Every dollar counts and is deeply appreciated."
And from Head Butler management: It’s moving when this community steps up to support the (very few) causes that get space here. Gretl is too polite to ask, but I can tell you: films always cost more than you think. The campaign closes Friday October 12. If you’d still like to contribute, you can see the video and donate here.
September 12, 2012
The Silver Linings Playbook
The movie killed at the Toronto Festival. Oscar buzz has begun — and the movie’s not even in the theaters. (Think: November 21.) You can read the novel while you wait. And get a glimpse why there’s such a fuss.
September 12, 2012
Karl Rove on Craig Unger on Karl Rove
As HeadButler.com is politics-free, I can do no more than announce the publication of "Boss Rove: Inside Karl Rove’s Secret Kingdom of Power,” by my friend Craig Unger. His thesis: Rove now controls the Republican Party. His subject is not persuaded. Rove’s review: “An entertaining work of fiction.” Which is it? Start at Harper’s, where Unger answers six intriguing questions about the book. Then, perhaps, read the non-fiction book — or novel. [To buy “Boss Rove” from Amazon, click here. For the Kindle edition, click here.]