• [I am setting…] Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin I am setting out on an ambitious and deeply personal literary journey, one that challenges me to write elegies for individuals I have never met. This endeavor feels audacious, as I am tasked with capturing the essence of lives I cannot truly know or experience firsthand. The project itself is marked by a certain level of humility and hubris, as I wrestle with the paradox of trying to honor people whose experiences and stories are unknown to me. Through this process, I confront the complexities of writing…
    • [Gilles Deleuze called…] Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Gilles Deleuze called elegy "la grande plainte," which translates to "the great complaint," symbolizing the profound sorrow that is often felt in the face of overwhelming loss or societal wrongs. This concept of deep grief has a particular relevance in Iranian culture, especially during the observance of Ashura. The day marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, who died in 680 CE during the Battle of Karbala, and has since become an emblem of sacrifice and defiance. His death, at the age of fifty-five, remains…
    • [From: Rear Admiral…] Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Rear Admiral William M. Fogarty, USN, initiated a formal investigation into the tragic downing of a commercial airliner by the USS Vincennes (CG. 49) on July 3, 1988. The investigation report, addressed to the Commander in Chief of U.S. Central Command, aims to dissect the events surrounding the incident, providing a comprehensive account of the circumstances that led to the loss of 290 lives. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the report outlines various findings and conclusions that seek to clarify the…
    • [From: Rear Admiral…] Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Rear Admiral William M. Fogarty, USN, begins the chapter with an official communication directed to the Commander in Chief of U.S. Central Command, marking the initiation of a formal investigation into a tragic incident involving the USS Vincennes (CG-49). This event occurred on July 3, 1988, when the U.S. Navy ship mistakenly shot down Iran Air Flight 655, a commercial airliner, killing all 290 passengers aboard. The downing of the civilian plane, an avoidable tragedy, sparked widespread controversy and…
    • [From: Rear Admiral…] Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin From: Rear Admiral William M. Fogarty, USN, the formal investigation into the tragic incident involving the USS Vincennes (CG. 49) and the downing of a commercial airliner on July 3, 1988, is initiated with a letter addressed to the Commander in Chief of U.S. Central Command. This letter, written with the seriousness and formality characteristic of military communication, serves to outline the critical intelligence context that led to the misidentification of Iran Air Flight 655. Admiral Fogarty sets a…
    • [For as long…] Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin For as long as Cyrus could remember, sleep had always been an elusive and puzzling necessity. It was not something that his body naturally craved like other basic functions; rather, it felt more like a performance, something that he had to engage in despite not fully understanding or accepting it. Unlike eating, drinking, or breathing—actions that occurred seamlessly without thought—sleep seemed to demand an artificial submission, an act of pretending that he could fall into rest when his body and mind…
    • “Put My Jugs on the What?” Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In August 2002, I began filming ***Barefoot Contessa*** despite having previously sworn off cooking shows. A friend's enthusiastic description of the British show ***Nigella Bites***, hosted by Nigella Lawson, piqued my curiosity about the format. After securing a tape from my associate Eileen, who had facilitated the introduction of Jamie Oliver to American audiences, I was impressed by Nigella's warmth and ease in front of the camera but was adamant that I was not her. Eileen persisted in encouraging…
    • Chapter

      “Pimp!”

      “Pimp!” Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin On February 13, Lincoln’s train, known as Lincoln’s Special, arrived in Columbus, Ohio, amid considerable political tension. It was the day Congress was set to certify the electoral vote, coinciding with Virginia's decision to start its secession convention. Lincoln's entourage, including Larz Anderson, Major Anderson's brother, journeyed in a specially expanded train of three cars. Journalist Villard noted that the weather was "magnificent." Upon arrival, Lincoln was received with artillery salutes…
    • “Lose My Number” Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In the chapter titled “Lose My Number,” the author reflects on the thrilling yet often overwhelming experience of hosting parties. The initial excitement can quickly turn into stress as logistical details such as shopping, cooking, and organizing take precedence. This realization inspired the author to write her second book, *Barefoot Contessa Parties!*, which she was excited about, despite a hectic schedule filled with book signings and media appearances following the success of her first…
    • “It’s That Crazy Ina Garten!” Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In this chapter, the author recounts moving to Washington, DC, to start a new life while Jeffrey attended graduate school. Initially overwhelmed by the transition from part-time jobs to a nine-to-five role at the Federal Power Commission, the monotony of the job weighed heavily on her. Lunch breaks became a solace as Jeffrey trekked across town through the scorching heat to bring her fast food, symbolizing their growing dependence on one another during this challenging time. After a dreary year, she…
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