**** Title: The Buddha in the Attic Author: Julie Otsuka First Edition: Alfred A. Knopf, 2011 This edition: Kindle edition Original language: English Awards: 2012 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction 2011 National Book Award finalist, fiction Quotes: “A girl must blend into a room: she must be present without appearing […]
August
26
Horacio Quiroga’s Ten Rules For Writing A Perfect Short Story
posted by lasesana
Horacio Quiroga’s Ten Rules For Writing A Short Story Horacio Quiroga (1878-1937) was an Uruguayan poet, playwright, and short story writer. He is considered to be one of the best Latin American short story writers of all time. His stories like “The Decapitated Chicken” and “The Son,” are deliciously bizarre and really grip the reader. […]
August
23
The erosion of Roe v. Wade
posted by lasesana
From my column in The Washington Times Communities WASHINGTON, August 22, 2012 — Abortion has heated up again as a topic of presidential politics. Incendiary comments and campaign promises to outlaw abortion have flooded the airwaves. However, despite Todd Akin’s controversial comments and Mitt Romney’s position on the issue, which for now have no real impact […]
August
19
Aokigahara, Japan’s Suicide Forest
posted by lasesana
From my column in The Washington Times Communities WASHINGTON, August 19, 2012 – Aokigahara forest is unusually dark, quiet, and still. The vegetation is extremely dense; the numerous trees block out most of the light, even in the middle of the day. The trees also block the wind, and there is little wildlife to be seen or […]
August
19
The Tiger’s Wife, Téa Obreht REVIEW
posted by lasesana
***** This is a book about a young woman’s relationship with her grandfather, how that relationship changes and grows as they both get older and understand each other on deeper levels. The story begins after Natalia’s grandfather’s death, as Natalia, a young doctor, tries to understand the meaning of her life and the impact that […]
August
19
How My Bike Changed My Life
posted by lasesana
From my column in The Washington Times Communities WASHINGTON, August 14, 2012 – I never thought I would make this statement but on a day-to-day basis, I would rather do without my car than my bike. Me And My Bike I have never been into exercising or fitness. The only sports I have ever liked are those I […]
August
19
Chavela Vargas, 93, dies in Mexico
posted by lasesana
From my column in The Washington Times Communities WASHINGTON, AUGUST 7, 2012 – Chavela Vargas, at the age of 93, transcended this life, as befits a person regarded by many as a Shaman. Vargas was widely known for her songs. A plaintive, scratchy voice comes through the speakers and seems to cling to the air as Chavela […]
August
19
What’s in a (network) name?
posted by lasesana
WASHINGTON, DC, August 6, 2012 – Nowadays, it seems like almost every other household and business has its own wireless network. Just turn on your phone or laptop at a café or even in your own home, and up pops a list of available networks. Many people still use the name that came with their […]
August
19
Baby Hatches Raise Controversy in Germany
posted by lasesana
From my column in The Washington Times Communities WASHINGTON, July 31, 2012 – The ongoing debate over baby hatches in Germany has heated up again. Baby hatches, known as babyklappe, are essentially boxes where unwanted babies can be left anonymously. The hatches are temperature-controlled and have weight sensors that immediately alert staff that a baby has been surrendered. […]
The Tutu Project: A man dons pink tulle for breast cancer
posted by lasesana
From my column in The Washington Times Communities WASHINGTON, DC, May 16, 2012 – Is there anything sexier that a guy in pink tulle? No, there isn’t. Especially if the guy is wearing it for the woman he loves and a great cause. While the sight of a big burly guy in a pink tutu may […]
lasesana 