I heart Vanity Fair
I finally got some time to catch up on some back issue reading in Vanity Fair. I am now current and it just reminds me why this is one of the few magazines I subscribe to. They have some of the best articles that can keep you knowledgeable on world affairs, celebrity, politics, finance, and of course, the Kennedys and New York society. A few articles worth highlighting are below.
I also, just started following VF on twitter @vanityfairmag and @vfagenda. Any other articles in recent issues you think are worth calling out?
- “Tycoon, Contractor, Soldier, Spy” Adam Ciralsky, VF Jan. 2010 issue: The article is about Blackwater - the military contractor that was hired and has been working for the government in Iraq and Afghanistan - and its operations in the Middle East. It’s insane how much they did and were involved in strategy. Since this article was published, they rebranded and were fired. The new company name is Xe Services (pronounced ‘zi’…odd naming choice).
- “The Distant Executioner” William Langewiesche, VF Feb. 2010 issue: This is about the role of sniper’s in the military today told from the perspective of a current sniper. The reporter shows you how warfare has changed and how differently soldiers act in killing the enemy depending on how close they are and which method is used - all through the perspective of one man.
- “Boogie Nights: An Oral History of Disco” Lisa Robinson, VF Feb. 2010: It is what it sounds like, through quotes from famous disco stars. I mean who doesn’t love disco? Totally interesting back stories on how songs got written and what they really meant.
- “Coloring the Kingdom” Patricia Zohn, VF March 2010: All about the women “inkers” who used to color the Disney animations. The article totally takes you back to a different era and gives a new appreciation to Disney animations from the old days. I loved Disney movies, especially Snow White and Cinderella.
- “Brutal Attraction: The Making of Raging Bull” Richard Schickel, VF March 2010: I’m a huge movie fan and a huge De Niro fan. The piece really brings to light part of what makes De Niro so special and the power of storytelling. Had the movie/story been told another way, it might not have been anything special.
