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Recent Posts
- On Maggie Gylenhaal’s “The Bride”: Bonnie & Clyde in Stitches
- On George Saunders’ New Novel “Vigil”: Jumping the Shark Across the Heavens
- On HBO’s New Series “DTF St. Louis”: Charm & Glory of the Mundane
- On “Dr. Strangelove” 62 Years Later: General Jack Ripper in Charge Now
- On Tom Waits in “Father Mother Sister Brother”: Grifter Like Me
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Author Archives: williamjcobb
Three Ideas for "Real" Change: Support States' Rights on Marijuana, Mandate Solar Panels of New Home Roofs, Ban All Assault Weapons
So the Obama administration has one chance for real change right now, with a couple more that are much needed. I live in Colorado, which has legalized marijuana, but the Obama administration has yet to respond on exactly what they’ll … Continue reading
Posted in Climate Change, Gun Control, Politics, The West, Uncategorized
Tagged Climate Change, Gun Control, Politics, The West
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The End of Santa? As the North Pole Melts, Kris Kringle's Days Are Numbered
So at dinner last night I mentioned to my six-year-old daughter, “You know, as the arctic ice sheet melts, I guess Santa’s North Pole toy factory is going to sink into the sea.” My daughter struck an immediate sad face, … Continue reading
"The Evil Dead" as Seminal Precursor to "Cabin in the Woods," With a Remake in the Works for Next Year
So although I’m a fan of last year’s witty (and sometimes gory) film Cabin in the Woods, I’ve been reluctant to say anything about it, as it’s one you don’t want to spoil for those who have yet to see … Continue reading
While Reading Melanie Challenger's "On Extinction," Life in "The Other Season"
So I’ve begun reading Melanie Challenger’s On Extinction, to review for the Dallas Morning News, a timely book when Climate Change is panting its hot breath down our neck like an oily wolf: the weather has been so warm this … Continue reading
Posted in Birding, books, Climate Change, The West, Water Crisis, Weird Weather
Tagged Birding, Book Reviewing, Climate Change, Drought, The Bird Saviors, The West, Water Crisis, Wildfires, Wildlife photos
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Phillip Roth Hangs Up His Pen, While Kent Haruf and George Saunders Have New Books in the Offing
So on the literary beat there’s an interesting tidbit in the news this week (delayed, as you’ll see, from our attention), in that the great American novelist—he did name one of his books that: The Great American Novel (1973)—Phillip Roth … Continue reading
Interview on Montana Public Radio About "The Bird Saviors"
So I’m busy with writing a new novel and haven’t made much time for posting here lately, though I’ve been busy rereading Pete Dexter’s Paris Trout (1988) while also reading Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), as both are … Continue reading
Posted in books, The West, Weird Science, Weird Weather, writing
Tagged Good Fiction, The Bird Saviors
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Reading Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" for the First Time (Maybe)
So I’m reading Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) for the first time ever (maybe: I might have read it in high school because we did get assigned books like that, but I’ve seen the film many times, and … Continue reading
On Finishing David Quammen's "Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic"
So I’ve finished David Quammen’s excellent new book of nonfiction, Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic, about zoonotic viruses and the danger we face from new pandemics originating in crossover viruses leaping from animals to humans. At 520 … Continue reading
Posted in books/film, Climate Change, Uncategorized
Tagged Book Reviewing, Climate Change, David Quammen's Spillover
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Where Do You Live? What Do You Do? & Other Ways to Define a Person
So I’m working on a new novel, which is really the only part about being a writer I like. I was just visiting a friend who went to one of my readings and commented on how cool it was to … Continue reading
Posted in books, Cormac McCarthy, The West, writing
Tagged Cormac McCarthy, Fiction Writing, Good Fiction, The Bird Saviors, The West
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Proposition 64 Passes in Colorado & Mitt Is a Loser, Which Means It's a Good Day
So my (second) home state of Colorado voted to legalize “recreational” marijuana. Cool. It’s like volleyball now! (Only where you keep forgetting the score.) Enough already with this Prohibition, Part II. Obama even mentioned “this warming planet” in his acceptance speech—though … Continue reading