Category Archives: Reviews
Listen to an audio version of our feature article by Amber Dance. Research groups around the world are exploring new ways of protecting coral reefs from climate change.
Biographies: “Shatner” By MICHAEL SETH STARR (2019)
Shatner takes a comprehensive look at this singular performer, using archival sources and information culled from interviews with friends and colleagues to transport readers through William Shatner’s remarkably bumpy career: his spectacular failures and triumphs; tragedies, including the shocking death of his third wife, Nerine; and, ultimately, the resilience Shatner has shown, time and again, in the face of overwhelming odds. Author Michael Seth Starr unravels the mystery of William Shatner, stripping away the many myths associated with his personal life and his relationships with fellow actors, presenting a no-holds-barred, unvarnished look at the unique career of an inimitable performer.
In the early months of 1966, a handsome, hardworking thirty-five-year-old Canadian-born actor named William Shatner was cast as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, a troubled, low-budget science-fiction television series set to premiere that fall on NBC. Star Trek struggled for viewers and lasted only three seasons, but it found a huge, rabidly dedicated audience when it premiered in syndication following its cancellation—turning Shatner into a pop-culture icon and launching him on a career path he never could have imagined after graduating from McGill University with an economics degree twenty years earlier. As he approaches his ninetieth year, he’s still working at a furious pace as a man of boundless contradictions: by turns one of the most dissected, disliked, revered, respected, mocked, imitated, and beloved stars in the show business firmament.
To read more or order book: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781493050659/Shatner
Classic Cars: “1969 Ford GT350 – H” (Classic Driver)
From a Classic Driver online listing:
As the Mustang line grew in size and comfort features, so too did the Shelby branded vehicles on which they are based. Never one to settle for standard, Carroll Shelby decided to take the already aggressive and bold styling of the 1969 Mustang even further. New front fenders, which included functioning brake ducts, were added which terminated in a big, full-width grill and bright chrome bumper set forward of this. Some other interesting design elements were included as well such as NACA ducts on the hood, rather than the traditional raised hood scoops.
While the 1969 Shelby cars focused much more on appearance than previous years, Shelby American still managed to create a better looking as well as a better performing platform, that lived up to the reputation their previous cars had garnered. Unfortunately, however, Carroll Shelby terminated his agreement with Ford in the summer of 1969, meaning no cars were built for the 1970 model year.
To read and see more: 1969 Ford GT350-H
Restaurants: “Hometown Bar-B-Que” In Brooklyn Is NY’s Best BBQ (Bon Appétit)
While New York City may not be a city known for its barbecue, Hometown Bar-B-Que stands apart as a truly great spot to meet your smokey meat needs. We sent Alex Delany to go try one perfect bite of every item on the menu at this joint, and we also sent his buddy Brad Leone along for the ride.
Architecture: “Monte House” By TACO Is “2019 Tiny Home Of The Year” (Dwell)
From a Dwell.com online article:
Situated on a sweeping two-acre lot, this 452-square-foot abode is just right for two.
In order to create a small yet comfortable vacation home for a young couple, the multidisciplinary workshop TACO, or Taller de Arquitectura Contextual, sited it in the corner of a two-acre lot, then employed built-in elements for an “intuitive” interior layout.
Rough stucco mixed with artisanal paint conveys warmth and texture, while precisely placed apertures connect the interior to the remote setting. “The objective was to achieve a reflective and contemplative place that links the occupant with the surrounding wild landscape,” said the firm.
To rad more: https://www.dwell.com/article/monte-house-taller-de-arquitectura-contextual-264baeaa
Movie Insider: “Every Starfighter In Star Wars Explained By Lucasfilm” (WIRED Video)
Lucasfilms’ Doug Chiang and Amy Beth Christenson explain each and every type of starfighter from the Star Wars movie franchise. These small, combat-focused spacecrafts have become a canvas for some of the most iconic designs in all of cinema.
Ever wondered why the “snout” of the X-Wing is so pronounced, or why the Y-Wing’s paneling is so bare? Amy Beth and Doug offer all these insights and much more!
Presidential Politics: Current Debates Still Have “Game Show” Format Of 1960 Kennedy Vs Nixon
From a TheConversation.com online article:
Between 1955 and 1959, America’s prime-time television schedule became dominated by quiz shows.
…(Television executive Frank) Stanton got both Vice President Richard Nixon – who had been a champion debater at Whittier College – and Senator John F. Kennedy to accept invitations to debate live on television. That’s when the really difficult negotiations began.
…Every detail took a long time to agree on, as the election drew ever closer in the late summer of 1960.
…Sure enough, the time pressures pushed everyone to agree on an established TV format Americans were familiar with: the quiz show. The required studios were easily available, the production staff already knew what to do, and journalists could easily moderate discussions in which candidates agreed not to directly question or answer each other.
“Biotherapeutics”: What They Are And How They Benefit 350 Million People Worldwide (Infographic)
Classic Car Nostalgia: “1939 BMW 328” Is One Of The “Cars Of The Century” (Classic Driver)
From a Classic Driver online listing:
BMW’s 328 is recognized as one of history’s most important sports cars, and examples are proudly displayed in leading museums such as the Revs Institute and the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum. The model emerged victorious in its debut race at the Nürburgring in 1936, won its class at the 1938 Mille Miglia and the 1939 Le Mans, and won the Mille Miglia outright in 1940. With over 200 victories, 328s were competitive until well into the 1950s.
This incredible 328 was purchased in 1945 in Germany by decorated fighter pilot and American Air Corps Commander Edward B. Giller, who was stationed there shortly after the war. Retaining its matching-numbers engine, the 328 here has remained in the Giller family for over 75 years and has never undergone a comprehensive restoration. Offered for sale for the first time since 1945, it is a remarkable piece of history that enthusiasts of preservation-class cars will admire and respect.
Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_328
To read and see more: https://www.classicdriver.com/en/car/bmw/328/1939/724625
Hospital Care: How Improved Design Of Emergency Rooms Can Save Lives (Video)
Produced by WIRED Brand Lab with American Institute of Architects | How can design transform emergency rooms from one of the most stressful and chaotic places into a place of healing? Dr. Bon Ku and architect Billie Faircloth, AIA, break down the science behind designing a better work environment for hospitals.
Boomers Daily 