New Yorker Haiku

Welcome to the haiku synopsis of The New Yorker. Like many people, I enjoy reading The New Yorker on a weekly basis, but often feel like it could be more concise. For example, Seymour Hersh's piece "Watching Lebanon" in the Aug. 21 issue was brilliant, original reporting on the thinking behind Israel's bombing campaign in Lebanon. I think we can all agree that it does no disservice to the importance of the article to observe that, at 5077 words, it was roughly 5060 words too long.

I hope to post these regularly. I'm still fiddling with formatting, and welcome suggestions. Preferably in haiku form.

August 21, 2006

Annals of National Security: Watching Lebanon
By Seymour M. Hersh

Israel provides
Great test for "bomb Iran" plan.
(Hmm, maybe needs work?)


The Sporting Scene: Blank Monday
By William Finnegan

Surfboard-core magnate
Quits, breaks his molds. Need a board?
Prepare for rough waves.


Letter From New Orleans: The Lost Year
By Dan Baum

Things are better now.
Before, waited for promised help;
Now, know not to wait.


Onward And Upward With The Arts: Measure for Measure
By Justin Davidson

Conducting's first rule:
Win hearts, earn respect, or else
Players will play you.


Fiction: The Spot
By David Means

End comes natural
From, to, those already dead
Lost in Michigan


The Current Cinema: On Duty
By David Denby

Even his critics
Agree: Stone's latest is good
For America.


Books: The philosopher Stoned
By Adam Kirsch

Walter Benjamin:
Stayed clear thinker on hashish,
Less so Marxism.


Dancing: World Stage
By Joan Acocella

Israeli dancers:
If they stop their po-mo stunts,
The terrorists win.


Musical Events: What Next?
By Alex Ross

New operas work
Where alluring music meets
Comfortless worldview.