Latest news with #Fahrenheit451
New York Times
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Libraries Pay More for E-Books. Some States Want to Change That.
It's hard to imagine a library that doesn't carry 'Fahrenheit 451.' But making Ray Bradbury's classic novel about book burning available to libraries in an e-book format can be its own little dystopian nightmare, according to Carmi Parker, a librarian with the Whatcom County Library System in northwest Washington. That's because library access to digital books and digital audiobooks — often collectively referred to as e-books — generally costs much more than the print version of these books. The Whatcom system must pay $51.99 to license a digital copy of 'Fahrenheit 451,' which can be checked out by one patron at a time, and which expires after two years. Other licensing agreements offered by major publishers expire after a set number of checkouts. Adding together the initial cost with time and checkout restrictions can make library e-book access as much as 10 times more expensive than print books. Parker said this is forcing some libraries to launch 'bake sales to pay for their e-book budgets.' The issue is causing tension in the book community. Librarians complain that publishers charge so much to license e-books that it's busting library budgets and frustrating efforts to provide equitable access to reading materials. Big publishers and many authors say that e-book library access undermines their already struggling business models. Smaller presses are split. But the problem is only getting worse as more people turn to their libraries for e-book access. Last year, the e-book library borrowing platform OverDrive reported that more than 739 million digital books, audiobooks and magazines were borrowed over its Libby and Sora apps, a 17 percent increase from the year before. The often bitter debate has lately moved from the library stacks and into state capitals. In May, the Connecticut legislature passed a law aimed at reining in the cost of library e-books, and other states have introduced similar legislation. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The Hindu
19-06-2025
- The Hindu
When words are toast, and grockles go on holiday
Nabokov used the word 'mauve' at least once in all of his books. From this, many assume that was his favourite word. Jane Austen used 'civility' often, while unsurprisingly, Agatha Christie had more 'inquest' than others. I think it's quite a leap to conclude these were the favourites of the respective authors. A better way of finding out would be to ask the authors the question: What is your favourite word? Ray Bradbury, author of Fahrenheit 451, when asked, said his favourite word was 'cinnamon'. His explanation: 'It derives from visiting my grandma's pantry when I was a kid. I loved to read the labels on spice boxes; curries from far places in India and cinnamons from across the world.' For novelist and twice Booker winner Hilary Mantel, the word was 'nesh'. I had to look it up. It means 'unusually susceptible to cold weather', and suggests weakness or infirmity, or as Mantel described it, 'fragile, a bit sorry for yourself.' Author Rebecca Mead's is 'grockles', another word I had to look up. It is, I learnt, a mildly derogatory term for visiting tourists and holidaymakers. We know such people, and now we know what they are called. Beautiful words tend to be a combination of something of personal significance, sound, memory, and possibilities. My own is 'zephyr', a soft gentle breeze, and when I hear it (which, admittedly is not very often), it evokes the visual of a casual wave of the hand over the shoulder which I once saw an actor do in a play. I don't know why, but such things are not susceptible to logic. However, you can see how the combination of the 'z' and the 'f' sounds suggest something soothing and calm. Like the line in that Simon and Garfunkel song: '…freshly fallen, silent shroud of snow…' My wife's word is 'quintessential', while a dear friend puts it down as 'velvet'. Surveys that have been done over the years give us a list of much-loved words: murmuring, tranquil, gossamer, melody, ailurophile (cat lover). There are many more, of course. In a 2004 survey conducted by the British Council among non-English speaking people, it emerged that 'mother' was their favourite word. That is easy to understand for Indians for whom 'ma, 'amma', 'mataji' and variants have become sacred, thanks as much to what they imply as to the power of our cinema. The hero attributing his strength and power to his mother has been a Bollywood trope for decades. Another favourite seems to be 'beautiful'. That too is easy to understand, if unimaginative. But what if we used a synonym instead? Like 'pulchritudinous'. The guttural sound in the middle might ruin it for some, but it means 'beautiful' – surely an ugly word for a beautiful one. Sometimes it is not the sound or the association that words conjure up that matter but dexterity. The novelist Jeanette Winterson's word is 'toast' because 'it does so much: a noun; a verb; a description of the Tory Party; the celebration we'll be having on 5th July…'
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
June 13-19, 2025 Sky Watch: Mars Meets Regulus, Saturn & Moon, Venus Shines
I was just thinking about Ray Bradbury - how he had this extraordinary gift for blending the fantastical with the deeply human. (Side note: If you're somehow unfamiliar with Bradbury, he's basically the literary giant who made science fiction respectable. You know Fahrenheit 451? The Martian Chronicles? That's our guy. He brought rocket ships and time machines into the realm of "serious literature" while the literary elite weren't looking, and by the time they noticed, it was too late - everyone was already in love with his work.) "We are an impossibility in an impossible universe," he once wrote. And doesn't that just hit you right in the existential sweet spot? Here we are, tiny specks on a spinning rock, somehow conscious enough to look up and wonder about it all. As we dive into this week's skywatching events, I keep coming back to this feeling - this profound appreciation for the mystery, the beauty, and yes, the privilege of witnessing the cosmos unfold above us. Whether you see it as divine creation or a marvel of nature, there's something utterly humbling about staring into the vast unknown. Stars are waiting - let's roll! There's something downright majestic about a nearly full moon hanging in the evening sky. At 97% illumination, our lunar neighbor is serving serious celestial drama on the 13th. While not technically full, this waning gibbous phase reveals crater details and highland regions that are often washed out during the full phase. Why should you care? Because this is the moon showing off its best features! Think of it as the lunar equivalent of perfect golden-hour lighting - all those crater shadows create a stunning three-dimensional effect. Time: Just after sunset until early morning Direction: Rising in the eastern sky Pro Tip: Those shadows along the terminator (the line between light and dark) make for absolutely stunning viewing through even modest binoculars. If you've never done a serious moon-gaze, now's your moment. Speaking of June 13th, here's a little cosmic perspective for you: On this day in 1983, Pioneer 10 quietly crossed Neptune's orbit, becoming the first human-made object to venture so far. Talk about a cosmic milestone! Launched back in 1972 with a modest 21-month mission plan, this overachiever kept communicating with Earth for over three decades - its last "hello" reaching us in 2003. Pioneer 10 is still traveling outward today, over 20.5 billion kilometers from Earth. It's just one of five spacecraft (along with Pioneer 11, Voyagers 1 & 2, and New Horizons) on trajectories that will eventually carry them into interstellar space. Our little mechanical emissaries to the stars, wandering eternally among them. Now this is celestial chemistry at its finest. Mars and Regulus, the brightest star in Leo, will perform an elegant cosmic dance just 0.8 degrees apart - that's less than the width of your pinky finger held at arm's length. Why should you care? It's a stunning color contrast - Mars with its distinctive rusty-copper glow and Regulus shining brilliant white-blue. The pair creates a visual treat that's both scientifically fascinating and aesthetically gorgeous. Time: After sunset for several hours Direction: Western sky in the Leo constellation If you're willing to sacrifice some sleep, you're in for a real celestial treat as the third-quarter Moon cozies up to ringed Saturn in the pre-dawn sky on the 19th. Their proximity in Aquarius creates one of those "wow" moments that makes even casual skywatchers reach for their phones to snap a picture. Time: Around 1:30 a.m. local time Direction: Eastern sky What you'll see: Third-quarter moon positioned near Saturn Pro Tip: A telescope will reveal Saturn's rings, which are currently tilted at an angle that offers a spectacular view. Set your alarm - this one's worth the early wake-up call. Venus is absolutely showing off right now as the "Morning Star," rising about two hours before the sun and outshining literally everything else in the pre-dawn sky. If you're an early riser (or haven't gone to bed yet - I don't judge), you simply can't miss it. Time: 2-3 hours before sunrise Direction: Eastern horizon Pro Tip: Venus is so bright that you can often spot it in twilight before other stars become visible. Use it as your anchor point to orient yourself to the morning sky. Leo is having quite the moment this week with the Mars-Regulus conjunction. This majestic constellation is one of the few that actually resembles what it's supposed to be—a lion, complete with the distinctive "sickle" forming the lion's mane and head. Finding Leo is easy: look for the backward question mark (the sickle) with Regulus as the dot at the bottom. The bright triangle of stars to the east forms the lion's hindquarters. And this week, with Mars visiting Regulus, you get an extra beacon guiding you right to it. While the planets and moon tend to steal the spotlight, this week also offers prime viewing for several magnificent deep-sky objects: The Milky Way Core: Late night observers get a special treat as our galaxy's center rises, revealing a dense band of stars, dust, and gas that creates one of the most breathtaking sights in astronomy. You'll need dark skies away from city lights, but it's absolutely worth the drive. M13 Hercules Globular Cluster: High overhead in the evening, this ancient ball of thousands of stars looks like a fuzzy cotton ball to the naked eye, but explodes into a dazzling sphere through even modest telescopes. Beehive Cluster (M44): This open star cluster in Cancer is visible after sunset and looks spectacular through binoculars. The universe is putting on quite the performance - all you need to do is look up. And remember, every time you gaze at these celestial wonders, you're participating in the same activity that has captivated humans for thousands of years. There's something profoundly connecting about that, don't you think? NASA Astronaut Shoots Breathtaking Aurora From Space Strawberry Moon Stunner: Full Moon Views Around The Globe Astronaut Marvels At Lightning From Space
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘My friend, family, and...': Luigi Mangione lists 27 things he's grateful for— Read the full letter
Luigi Mangione, the accused assassin of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, marked his 27th birthday from behind bars with an openletter. Sent from the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, where he's awaiting trial, the letter listed 27 things he's grateful for — one for each year of his life. He opened his list with a heartfelt tribute, 'My friends, for being there when I needed it most.' '(Number two), my family, for [REDACTED - my personal life is none of your business!]' ALSO READ| Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO, pleads not guilty to federal charges Despite facing state and federal charges and possibly the death penalty, Mangione's tone throughout the list veers from emotional to wry, even humorous. He gave a special shout-out to MDC's mail room workers, saying. 'Photocopied and processed thousands of letters sent to me from over 40 countries — your efforts are appreciated by so many.' 'The MDC staff and CO's, who are nothing like what 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'The Stanford Prison Experiment' had me believe.' He also thanked those who've donated over a million dollars to his legal defense and even gave a nod to a fan group he called 'Latinas for Mangione.' 'Laughter is louder than logic and makes a lot more sense,' while appreciating memes which a correspondent apparently told him, Books have also played a big role during his incarceration. He praised Ayn Rand's Anthem, Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, and Patrick Bet-David's Your Next Five Moves. Though he can't read everything he's sent, Mangione shares books with others inside — especially his cellmate 'J.' Of 'J,' Mangione wrote: 'Despite spending half of every day inside a shared birdcage and being sentenced to a decade away from his six kids who he loves – (he) tolerates the clutter of all my papers, shares his unique wisdom, and doesn't hesitate to humble me when I need it.' Other curious mentions included his 'lucky long sleeve,' 'hearts,' and a final line, 'Light.' ALSO READ| As Luigi Mangione entered plea, expert reveals CEO-killer could face '18-minute' death 'Thanks for the birthday message. Never lose the plot. Luigi,' he concluded the letter. He returns to court on June 26, with his murder trial not expected to begin until 2026.
San Francisco Chronicle
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Frameline 49: 7 must-see movies capturing the LGBTQ+ experience
Frameline turns 49 this year, unreeling a prismatic array of films that capture a wide variety of LGBTQ+ experience. Drama, comedy, romance, documentary, even animation, all step into the festival spotlight. The 10-day event is bookended by star turns from John Lithgow and Olivia Colman in the opening night drama 'Jimpa' on Wednesday, June 18, and by Dylan O'Brien in the closing night comedy 'Twinless' on Pink Saturday, June 28. 'Playing with Fire: A Psychosexual Emergency' When the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex fire forced artists and activists Beth Stephens and Annie Sprinkle to evacuate their Boulder Creek (Santa Cruz County) home, it inspired the couple to confront the realities of the wildfires that threaten communities while acknowledging fire's capacity to renew. Partially narrated by Albert, a glorious white peacock personified by voiceover, this vivid documentary accompanies Stephens and Sprinkle on their journey to get to the heart of fire. Visiting with artists, a formerly incarcerated firefighter, Indigenous elders and others, the filmmakers concoct a heady brew of the mystical, the magical and the scientific. Burlesque artist Lady Monster's fiery tassel dance, a flaming stunt from performance artist Cassils, and a ceremony binding Stephens and Sprinkle to a most unusual partner are among the arresting scenes in a film that blends art with a call to action. 11 a.m. Friday, June 20. Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., S.F. 'The Librarians' In her chilling documentary depicting the crisis modern-day librarians face, filmmaker Kim A. Snyder fittingly quotes Ray Bradbury classic dystopian novel 'Fahrenheit 451' about a fascist society where books aren't just banned, they're burned. With politicians, school boards and Moms for Liberty waging a fierce campaign to limit what young people can read, United States' librarians are the heroes fighting for free expression and the right to read. Snyder follows unfolding events at libraries, school board meetings, legislative sessions, and more in this illuminating, enraging documentary. 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21. Vogue Theatre. Vogue Theatre, 3290 Sacramento St., S.F. 'By Design' While her mother (Betty Buckley) and friends (Samantha Mathis, Robin Tunney) barely notice Camille's sudden vegetative state, the chair's owner, pianist Olivier (Mamoudou Athie), develops his own passionate obsession with the comely piece of furniture. 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21. Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., S.F. 'Lesbian Space Princess' Broken-hearted Princess Saira, future queen of Clitopolis, gets a second chance at love when Straight White Malians kidnap her bounty hunter ex-girlfriend Kiki and demand an unusual ransom only Saira can access. The introverted royal undertakes a grand interstellar adventure to rescue her love, facing down her fears, lack of confidence, and misogynist spaceship. Through her escapades along the way to the Straight White Malians' lair, can she gain enough pluck to prevail? First-time feature makers Emma Hughes Hobbs and Leela Varghese won the Teddy Award at the Berlin International Film Festival for this Australian import, a hilarious, eye-popping animated caper. 8:30 p.m. Sunday, June 22. Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., S.F. 'She's the He' 'Superbad' meets 'Bottoms' in writer-director Siobhan McCarthy's debut feature that views gender and identity through the lens of a raunchy teen comedy. Obsessed with his dream girl Sasha, brash high school senior Alex decides the only way he can get close to her is if he can invade the girls' locker room. To achieve that goal, he and his best friend Ethan pretend to come out as trans girls, an act with profound consequences for shy, self-deprecating Ethan. Misha Osherovich as Ethan is a standout in a sparkling ensemble of trans, queer and nonbinary actors in this raucous coming-of-age film with serious intent and a huge heart. 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 24. Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., S.F. 'We Are Faheem & Karun' Indian border guard Karun and Faheem, a college student living in the country's northern region of Kashmir, live deeply closeted lives. But when they meet at a border checkpoint, instant attraction flares. Reconnecting in Faheem's village, there is no denying their feelings. The actors' erotic chemistry is white-hot even as their characters' situation is fraught. Karun's family expects him to marry. Faheem is Muslim. And the situation at the border is turning into a tinderbox. Co-writer/director Onir based this sensual, sensitive drama on a real-life Indian soldier's story. 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 25. Vogue Theatre, 3290 Sacramento St., S.F. 'Drive Back Home' Alan Cumming turns on his ebullient charm to play Perley, an adman arrested for public indecency in 1970 Toronto, in this drama inspired by writer/director Michael Clowater's family history. Reluctantly coming to his estranged brother's rescue is terse plumber Weldon (Charlie Creed-Miles), who insists Perley come back with him to their small New Brunswick hometown. 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26. Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F.
