Saturday 30 July 2011

Melissa Febos: Whip Smart

Melissa Febos is the author of the memoir Whip Smart, which came out in paperback on July 19^th. I first became aware of Febos because we are both women writers in recovery for drug addiction. Her book intrigued me because it’s about her four-year stint as a dominatrix in a dungeon in Manhattan’s Midtown, as well as her drug use and recovery, and anything that combines sexuality – particularly the stranger aspects – with drugs sounds like a good read to me. And Whip Smart was – surprisingly so. I expected it to be interesting, funny, and strange, and it was indeed all of these things. But I was pleased to discover that Febos’ book was more than an amusing chronicle of shocking events. Instead, she meticulously questioned and analyzed the motives and driving factors behind her own actions, as well as those of her clients and coworkers. And this unflinching eye was at once empathetic and unforgiving – which, of course, is a difficult line to walk – ultimately making Whip Smart a rewarding and touching first book that is, as Darin Strauss said, “a true story (in both senses of the word).” I recently interviewed Febos about the book, as well as the novel she’s currently working on...

Continue reading

Julia Jackson @'The Outlet'

'Topiary' suspect extended in custody for 3 days

The Metropolitan Police has been granted another three days to question the suspected hacker arrested on the Shetland Islands yesterday.
A spokeswoman for the Met said: "We've successfully applied to Horseferry Road Magistrates Court for a warrant to keep him for another three days. He is British and we are not looking for anyone else."

The 18-year old, reportedly 'topiary' a major figure in LulzSec and Anonymous, was arrested yesterday in an intelligence-led operation by Met police and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency and Lincolnshire Police.

Mystery deepened overnight with suggestions that police had been tricked into arresting the wrong guy.
Meanwhile the Scotsman reports confusion on the islands about his identity. The paper said everyone in the town of Scalloway, population 812, or presumably 811 now, had heard the rumours but most believed he was not originally from the Islands and there were even rumours he could be German.
Police landed in a light aircraft before grabbing their man and leaving.
John Oates @'The Register'

♪♫ OK Go + Pilobolus - All Is Not Lost

Enjoy the full interactive experience at http://www.allisnotlo.st
Download the free song and buy the EP at http://www.okgo.net/notlost

The Centrist Cop-Out

Deraa/Syria

I wonder what became of this family?

Via

Were the best world leaders mentally ill?

Trippy!!!

Here’s How U.S. Spies Will Find You Through Your Pics

jamesrbuk James Ball
US has a manufactured crisis w/potential for global recession so as to take money from poor & sick to fund tax breaks for the richest

Statement from Glenn Mulcaire's solicitors re: phone hacking scandal

Glenn Mulcaire has already expressed his sincere regret to those who have been hurt and affected by his activities and he repeats that apology most sincerely.
He was effectively employed by News of the World from 2002 to carry out his role as a private investigator.
As he accepted when he pleaded guilty in 2007 to charges of phone interception he admits that his role did include phone hacking. As an employee he acted on the instructions of others.
There were also occasions when he understood his instructions were from those who genuinely wished to assist in solving crimes. Any suggestion that he acted in such matters unilaterally is untrue. In the light of the ongoing police investigation, he cannot say any more.