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This is a fascinating British web site that includes several Robert Johnson recordings slowed down to a speed they deem
historically correct. There are lots of pros and cons about their arguments but hear the results yourself at:
www.touched.co.uk/press/rjnote.html
My friend, the critic Ed Ward, who was one of Rolling Stone magazine's earliest and best reviewers and editors has been
an expatriate, first in Berlin and currently in Montpellier, France, for some years now. His blog never fails to
enlighten, entertain, and amuse.
http://wardinfrance.blogspot.com/
Once again the web site for writer Harry Crews is:
http://www.harrycrews.com/
One of my favorite people and favorite poets, critics,
novelists, and all-around geniuses is Thomas M. Disch. His almost daily poetic musings can be read at:
http://tomsdisch.livejournal.com/
*A sad note: Shortly after I posted this link,
Tom Disch shot himself. I spoke to him about six months prior to his death to discuss a writing matter with him and
to catch up on news. He had been one of my teachers at the Bennington Writers Workshop in the summer of 1996 and we
had kept in touch off and on since. He told me that his health was rapidly failing, he was being evicted from his New
York apartment, his country home was in ruins due to mildew infestation, and his long-time companion had died. In spite
of his usual wit and amusing anecdotes it was definitely a dark, disturbing, and prescient conversation. Foreboding
-- that's the word that best describes the vibe. Disch is one of the few writers I've known who could master
just about any type of writing or genre, from science fiction to poetry to plays. A lot of people don't know just
how good a theater critic he was for The Nation. A few years back he wrote a series of newspaper columns that were priceless.
One of them was a devilishly accurate swipe at off-leash dogs in Central Park and their off-leash owners. I use that
little essay in my own writing classes and it never fails to either incense readers or make them stand and cheer.
Tom, alas, you will be missed my friend.
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