I think Melville would appreciate this

A typographer designed a series of images based on Moby-Dick and the letter E. very intriguing, and pretty.


http://www.futureofthebook.org/blog/archives/typography/

Melville and Kafka

When I read Bartleby, I made connections to Kafka's The Hunger Artist, but didn't think much of it.

Now, reading Tartarus of Maids, I realize that it intensely resembles Kafka's In The Penal Colony!

Has anyone else who's read these noticed the parallels? There's probably no evidence that Kafka read Melville, but the parallels are far too striking to ignore.

The Simpsons - Season 4 - Last Exit to Springfield

I love the early seasons of The Simpsons. In a season 4 episode called "Last Exit to Springfield," Burns eliminates the dental plan from his workers' benefits, causing them to strike. In the climax point, Burns says, "Springfield, from hell’s heart I stab at thee" just before he turns out the power to the entire city.

On a random note, this episode is also considered one of the series' best. Click on the title to see a wikipedia blurb on it.

beer

"Call me Ishmael... Our honey-colored English-style pale ale is generously hopped with Goldings for a light fruity aroma, and brewed with boatloads of crystal malt for a sweet caramel finish. A white whale of a good time!" It isn't.

The Real Confidence Man

There was an actual confidence trickster, operating on the streets of New York during the 1840's. A newspaper coined the term "confidence man" in 1849.


http://chnm.gmu.edu/lostmuseum/lm/328/

How come we never knew this?

In 1975, the sperm whale was designated as Connecticut's state animal!

see more here:
http://www.ct.gov/ctportal/cwp/view.asp?a=885&q=246476