“In Defense of Brooklyn”—November 1946. Local jerky and artisanal bitters do not, however, figure in the argument.

When St. Marks in the Bowery changed its liturgy, Auden did not like it at all. His opener: “Have you gone stark raving mad?”

Speaking of Auden, his many New York addresses. Yes, all would now be very expensive.

President Obama claims to have never heard of 50 Shades of Grey. This inspires ambivalence.

Chicago celebrates the centenary of native son Studs Terkel (who actually died at ninety-six).

A camera that takes written pictures.

Newbery-winning children’s author Jean Craighead George has died at ninety-two. An accomplished journalist and a nature lover, George was perhaps best known for her 1973 novel, Julie of the Wolves.