Paul Ford

TMN Contributing Writer Paul Ford is the author of Gary Benchley, Rock Star, a novel that was originally serialized here on TMN. He is also an editor at Harper’s Magazine, an occasional commentator on NPR’s All Things Considered, and sole proprietor of Ftrain.com (which has a Facebook group). He also writes Twitter posts of exactly six words each and can be emailed at ford@ftrain.com.

Six-Word Reviews of 763 SXSW Mp3s

The South by Southwest music festival begins in Austin, Texas, today. Of the hundreds of acts hoping to break big, 763 have offered an mp3 of their still-unknown sound. PAUL FORD listened to them all, all the way through. (Reviews | March 12, 2008)

How to Say I Love You

Experts answer what they know. The Non-Expert answers anything. This week, PAUL FORD pulls out all the stops to help a reader say “I love you,” in precisely 100 different ways. (The Non-Expert | November 2, 2007)

Fall Fashion

You’ve heard from Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, and Chloe Sevigny on what to wear this season. Now it’s our turn. The monthly round-up from THE WRITERS on what appeals, this time from their closets. (Of Recent Note | September 18, 2007)

Lawyering

Experts answer what they know. The Non-Expert answers anything. This week PAUL FORD addresses a question thousands of young men and women grapple with each year: to law school or not to law school. (The Non-Expert | January 26, 2007)

This Is Not a Eulogy

This is an appreciation. Our friend, writer, editor, and teacher LESLIE HARPOLD recently died. A memorial for a woman who was difficult to describe—and who couldn’t stand sentimental bullshit. (Profiles | December 18, 2006)

One Day in New York City

June 1 dawned humid and hot. The forecast: A high of 84 degrees and possible late-day thunderstorms west of town. But forecasts—for the temperature or for a busy day of work and play—aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. A day in the life of THE WRITERS. (New York, New York | June 14, 2006)

Holiday Travel Hell

It’s a toss-up for what’s worse about Thanksgiving: visiting the family homestead, or simply getting there. Travel stories by THE WRITERS, collected by intern Nicole Pasulka. (Personal Essays | November 22, 2005)

I Am Gary Benchley

In which the saga is revealed that bred Gary Benchley; inspired a circus of half-loving, half-betrayed fans; landed a book deal; and even—truly—forced a trip to the hospital after Benchley almost gave PAUL FORD a heart attack. (New York, New York | September 28, 2005)

Accidental Cairns, Mount Savage

Natural disasters have a senseless mode of destruction—earthquakes and floods don’t care about what they wreck. But what if nature seems to be deliberately trying to erase your history? (Personal Essays | June 23, 2005)

Of Recent Note: For Fall 2004

Books, movies, shows, albums, artists, clothing, writing instruments, online “services,” ways to cook, things to eat, and more things to digest. What’s that? It’s what THE WRITERS have been very into lately, and think you might be too. Here are their Fall recommendations. (Opinions | October 13, 2004)

A Tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Library

His father is known as a cheerful correspondent, while his predecessor just released a thousand-page memoir. How will Dub-Dub be remembered when his papers are collected? Contributor Paul Ford takes us for a walk down the Corridor of Freedom. (Stories | August 30, 2004)

If on a summer’s vacation…

Now past the halfway-mark for summer, we’ve all either taken our summer vacations or we’re still planning where to go. For those of us who fall into the latter camp, beware your choices. THE WRITERS remember ways summer vacations have gone so horribly wrong. (Stories | July 28, 2004)

Of Recent Note: For Summer 2004

Of interest lately are special books, catchy songs, lovely clothes, and a slew of other wonderful items we’ve collectively enjoyed the last few weeks, and now wish to pass along for your very own summer pleasure. THE WRITERS recall and review. (Opinions | June 10, 2004)

Take the Downtown Train

If more men know what’s under the hood of a car than the hood of a clitoris, surely a revolution is needed. Enthusiast Paul Ford interviews Ian Kerner, sex therapist and author of She Comes First: The Thinking Man’s Guide to Pleasuring a Woman. (Personalities | May 25, 2004)

The Passion of the Christ: Blooper Reel

No film set exists without its share of gags and accidents, even the filming of Mel Gibson’s crucifixion epic. Interloper Paul Ford got a transcript of scenes that may never make it onto the DVD edition. (Stories | March 2, 2004)

Diamonds Aren’t Forever

New York City’s Q Diamond train was retired from service this weekend, and a merry group of mourners held a party for its last ride. Brooklynite Paul Ford joined the funeral procession and came back with pictures. (New York, New York | February 23, 2004)

The Man Who Was Hook

Nothing says Halloween like a gutted teenager, or some other urban legend told around the candy bag. But hasn’t everyone already heard the ending? THE WRITERS band together for a dozen new ways to finish your story. (Stories | October 31, 2003)

An Interview With the Dolphin

Many were surprised when the U.S. Navy announced it was using dolphins for mine-sweeping in the war with Iraq. Even more were stunned when one of the dolphins went AWOL. Submerged reporter PAUL FORD gets the interview. (Personalities | April 8, 2003)

75,000,000 Toddlers Can’t be Wrong

Steve Burns, the former host of Nickleodeon’s kids show Blue’s Clues, has embarked on a new career path: musician. Interview by Paul Ford, with equal parts comradery and mind control. (Personalities | March 17, 2003)

Behind the Scenes: Cool 2B Real

The initiative: The cattle industry wants to promote beef to teenage girls online. The result: ‘Cool 2B Real.’ Paul Ford sneaks into the boardroom and tells us how it really happened. (Stories | February 24, 2003)

An Extremely Incomplete Taxonomy of Cinematic New Yorks

New York has faced the apocalypse many times. Unfortunately, it’s usually Bruce Willis who saves us. Paul Ford reports on the many versions of the five boroughs produced in film, and why Nora Ephron lives alone. (New York, New York | February 3, 2003)

The Non-Expert: Santa Claus

Experts answer what they know. The Non-Expert answers anything. This week THE WRITERS determine once and for all the existence of Santa Claus. (How To | December 20, 2002)

Obsessions: Looking It Up

Continuing our series on personal obsessions, Paul Ford tells us about his passion for reference works, the more obscure the subject matter the better. (Stories | November 26, 2002)

Scary Stories

In celebration of Halloween, we’ve asked all the Contributing Writers to share a scary story. Here then, seven ways to get freaked out. (Stories | October 31, 2002)

The Opposite of Sex and the City

There is a city that belongs to Sarah Jessica Parker, and it is slowly creeping into PAUL FORD’s head. That is why it’s sometimes nicer to imagine HBO’s hit series as a Beckett play. (New York, New York | October 21, 2002)

Where Are They Now?

Remember Jack and Diane? Well, they’re not doing so hot these days. Musical historian PAUL FORD tracks down the stars of yesterday’s songs and gets the update. (Stories | September 18, 2002)

A Wrench the Size of Delaware

Toleration is necessary for living in an apartment building, even if your neighbor isn’t of sound mind and humor. Paul Ford learns how a neighbor’s problems can swiftly become his own. (New York, New York | July 22, 2002)

News of a Ratproofing

New Yorkers, like everyone else, are constantly under attack by illness, anxiety, bad air, and cell phones. But only PAUL FORD is haunted by a giant rat. Tales of transformation, staple gun included. (Stories | June 26, 2002)

Heart of Greenness

New Yorkers, as a rule, fear rats. You see them in the rivers, in your bedroom, sometimes drinking coffee on the subway. Paul Ford braves the threat and goes for a boatride on the Gowanus. (New York, New York | May 20, 2002)

Visitors in Brooklyn

Your apartment’s never smaller than when guests arrive. New Yorkers find solutions (couches, floors, friendly neighbors) but until we all snag that classic six, our entertaining’s best left to public spaces. Paul Ford made the smart choice to meet his visitors in a hotel. (New York, New York | April 16, 2002)

Catalogue of Bicycle Rides

Every kid wants a bike. We remember our first and anticipate the next. For those that never learned how to ride, may their God be merciful and blind. Paul Ford has ridden many bikes and still keeps one in Brooklyn. A history of cycling in one man’s life. (Stories | April 2, 2002)

Beyond Black Dogs and Mice

A survey of creatures which foreshadow depression, and their literary origins. Paul Ford gives the lowdown on the beasts that portend misery. (Stories | March 30, 2001)

Monday, May 12, 2008

Archives

Paul Ford

TODAY’S FEATURE

ON DOOG CUF ECAF

NEWSLETTER

DIGEST

The Morning News is an online magazine, published weekdays since 1999