Mallory Ortberg, co-creator of The Toast, discusses her book 'Texts from Jane Eyre,' which humorously reimagines literary characters texting. Ortberg shares her motivations, favorite characters, and the creative process behind the book. She also talks about her love for literature, her writing habits, and her admiration for various authors. The interview highlights Ortberg's unique perspective and her successful collaboration with Nicole Cliffe on The Toast.

The article discusses the concept of houses built from beer bottles, highlighting historical examples such as Tom Kelly's house in Rhyolite, Nevada, and other instances across the US. It delves into Alfred Heineken's 1960s idea of the WOBO (World Bottle) for housing in developing countries, designed by architect John Habraken. Despite the project's failure, it continues to inspire designers, including Esther Ratner's Eco/Ergo Bottle. The piece reflects on the broader theme of reusing consumer packaging for secondary purposes, a practice both historical and ongoing.

Anonymity in art allows artists to express themselves without the constraints of public and societal expectations. Artists like Banksy choose to hide their identities to maintain their freedom, avoid the constraints of fame, and allow their work to stand on its own, independent of their personal lives.

Paul Collins, a writer and editor at McSweeney's Books, discusses his new book 'The Book of William: How Shakespeare’s First Folio Conquered The World' and his experiences with book tours and interviews. He reflects on the historical context of Shakespeare's works, the evolution of professional authorship, and the impact of print-on-demand technology on the publishing industry. Collins also shares insights into his current research on crime in 1890s New York and the origins of yellow journalism.

Paul Collins, a writer and editor at McSweeney's Books, discusses his new book 'The Book of William: How Shakespeare’s First Folio Conquered The World' and his career. He reflects on Shakespeare's legacy, the evolution of book publishing, and the impact of print-on-demand technology. Collins also shares insights into his writing process and the historical context of his works, including the influence of yellow journalism in the 1890s.

The kazoo, a membranophone from the mirliton family, has a rich history marked by various milestones. From its early mentions in the 17th century to its patenting in the 19th century, the kazoo has been a part of public events, political rallies, and even stage productions. The instrument saw widespread use in the United States and later in the United Kingdom, with notable mentions of kazoo bands in political rallies and public performances. Companies like the Original Kazoo Company, Sonophone Company, and Zobo Company played significant roles in its production and distribution. The kazoo also found its way into popular culture, with appearances in films, books, and even radio performances. Despite its often humorous and annoying reputation, the kazoo has left a lasting impact on music and culture.

The article criticizes Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees and the city council for their decision to potentially close Kingsdown Sports Centre, arguing it would be unfair, wrong, and possibly unlawful. The author, Paul Collins, highlights the lack of transparency and misleading information provided by the council, emphasizing the centre's importance to the community, including its partnerships with the NHS. Collins urges the mayor to reconsider and engage with the community to understand the full impact of the closure.

The article criticizes Israel Folau's fundamentalist views on homosexuality, arguing that his interpretations of biblical texts are incorrect and not representative of mainstream Christian beliefs. It highlights the problematic nature of reading modern controversies into ancient texts and questions the support Folau receives from organizations like the Australian Christian Lobby. The author emphasizes the importance of balancing freedom of speech with the rights of others in a pluralist society and criticizes the ideological battles instigated by Folau and his supporters.

The article critiques the Governance Review Project Team's report, 'The Light from the Southern Cross,' commissioned by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in response to the Royal Commission on Child Sexual Abuse. While acknowledging the report's good intentions and some positive recommendations, the author argues that it falls short of addressing deeper ecclesiological issues and fails to propose substantial reforms. The article emphasizes the need for a shift from the church's absolutist structure to a more community-based model as envisioned by Vatican Council II, advocating for greater transparency, accountability, consultation, and participation within the church's governance.

John Banvard, once the most famous living painter and possibly the first millionaire artist, created the largest painting in the world, a three-mile-long panorama of the Mississippi River. Despite his early success and acclaim from figures like Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens, Banvard's fortunes declined, leading to his death in obscurity. His innovative moving panoramas captivated audiences in the United States and Europe, but competition and financial missteps, including a failed museum venture against P. T. Barnum, led to his downfall. Banvard's later years were spent in relative poverty, and his once-celebrated works were largely forgotten or lost.