This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is an important book in the history of American literature. Further, to many readers the book is a touchstone, a work they connect with at a deep emotional level. But think how much more this already very accomplished piece of writing could achieve if it simply looked with enhanced cupidity at potential connections between the art a writer produces and the world of commerce.

PTA President Pens a Desperate Plea for Strength

Vanessa Stewart had been pushed to what she thought was her limit as PTA president. Over her three years she had put up with a lot of nonsense. The Communications Chair had taken a disliking to the PTA Vice President. Vanessa hadn’t weighed in, trusting that the two could work it out in an adult fashion. Instead, the Communications Chair took to her Twitter account and began cyberbullying the Vice President.

A Life Examined

U.S. Intelligence Community to Propose Surveillance-Free Zone

The U.S. Intelligence Community will propose creating a “Surveillance-Free Zone” within the continental United States, enabling citizens interested in maintaining their civil rights to have at least one spot where they can stop worrying that the government is monitoring their texts about when to meet at Arby’s.

A Life Examined

It’s four a.m.

Do you know where your self-respect is?

A Life Examined

Meet George

We would like to present to you our friend, George McHugh. George has recently started a consulting and career advising business. His specialty is training people in how to appear authoritative and informed in business meetings, even when they have no idea what’s going on or when their only ideas are foolish bordering on calamitous. So, if you often find yourself in meetings feeling envious that the most idiotic and craven consistently get all the plaudits, then call George.

The Cynic's Notebook

Joy is felt most often in the illusion

that joy will exist sometime in the future. As an example, recall your feelings at your wedding and then what’s come after.

A Life Examined

Protests Erupt over the Lone Banker Convicted for a Role in the Financial Crisis

Recent reports that only one banker has been jailed as a result of the financial crisis that shook the global economy and immiserated billions have sparked outrage. A loosely organized coalition of bankers, hedge fund managers, and investors are rallying to get that one banker freed, using the slogans “I Am Banker X!” and “Free Banker X!”

A Life Examined

A Middle Manager on the Importance of a Robust and Active Social Network

When you bring in your leftover birthday cake and leave it in the break room, make sure you cut out a few pieces first, so it looks like you had people over.

A Life Examined

A Middle Manager on Developing Taste and Discernment as Regards the Fine Arts

People say taste is subjective and that makes it hard to really say what’s great art, but they’re wrong. There’s one way to know for sure. Before you buy anything to decorate your office or your home, go up to the 14th floor, the c-suite, and snap some pictures of what they have on the […]

A Life Examined

A Middle Manager on the Art of Seduction

You have to be patient, my boy. The hottest fire is one that builds over time. Say a new girl comes into the admin pool, and you can’t believe how tight she is. You want to beat through the door to the pen where she sits and holler that you have to have her right […]

The Cynic's Notebook