Taming the everyday

At the Guardian, A. L. Kennedy on writing in chaos versus writing in peace:

Some writers I know thrive on emotional cataclysms and can barely wait for their next divorce, plummet into infatuation, flirtation with ridiculously violent criminals or encounter with rabid shrews. Some authors can only work when surrounded by inspiring volumes, delicate prints and a selection of antique spinets. Their perfect house with kind prospects must be miles from the irritating coughs of barrow boys, or the dreadful possibility that someone socially unsuitable might drive past playing something urban on a chip-scented stereo or simply loiter while looking dowdy. Most of us bounce along in the fatter section of the bell curve.

The problem of evil

An obituary for Gitta Sereny, a writer whose work on Albert Speer and Mary Bell I particularly admire.  (The Daily Mail feels differently.)  (Via the Paris Review.)

Mentalism at the market

Martin Lindstrom on how Whole Foods and other similar stores 'prime' you to shop.

"Nuclear is the answer"

Euan Ferguson has a good Observer piece about James Lovelock, who at age 90 is booked on the inaugural flight of Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic...