Mallory Ortberg, co-creator of The Toast, discusses her book 'Texts from Jane Eyre,' which humorously reimagines literary characters texting. Ortberg shares her motivations, favorite characters, and the creative process behind the book. She also talks about her love for literature, her writing habits, and her admiration for various authors. The interview highlights Ortberg's unique perspective and her successful collaboration with Nicole Cliffe on The Toast.

The article discusses the concept of houses built from beer bottles, highlighting historical examples such as Tom Kelly's house in Rhyolite, Nevada, and other instances across the US. It delves into Alfred Heineken's 1960s idea of the WOBO (World Bottle) for housing in developing countries, designed by architect John Habraken. Despite the project's failure, it continues to inspire designers, including Esther Ratner's Eco/Ergo Bottle. The piece reflects on the broader theme of reusing consumer packaging for secondary purposes, a practice both historical and ongoing.

Anonymity in art allows artists to express themselves without the constraints of public and societal expectations. Artists like Banksy choose to hide their identities to maintain their freedom, avoid the constraints of fame, and allow their work to stand on its own, independent of their personal lives.

Paul Collins, a writer and editor at McSweeney's Books, discusses his new book 'The Book of William: How Shakespeare’s First Folio Conquered The World' and his career. He reflects on Shakespeare's legacy, the evolution of book publishing, and the impact of print-on-demand technology. Collins also shares insights into his writing process and the historical context of his works, including the influence of yellow journalism in the 1890s.

The article critiques the Governance Review Project Team's report, 'The Light from the Southern Cross,' commissioned by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in response to the Royal Commission on Child Sexual Abuse. While acknowledging the report's good intentions and some positive recommendations, the author argues that it falls short of addressing deeper ecclesiological issues and fails to propose substantial reforms. The article emphasizes the need for a shift from the church's absolutist structure to a more community-based model as envisioned by Vatican Council II, advocating for greater transparency, accountability, consultation, and participation within the church's governance.

Internationally acclaimed concert pianist Phillip Dyson, known for his brilliant performances and British sense of humor, is set to perform at the Church of St Saviour’s in Eastbourne. Dyson, who enjoys popularity in classical and light music repertoires, regularly broadcasts for the BBC and Classic FM and tours extensively. The program will feature works by Schumann, Chopin, Debussy, Rachmaninov, Schubert, Billy Mayerl, and Scott Joplin, with admission priced at £10.

Garston commemorated the centenary of trade union leader Jack Jones' birth with a new mural by Liverpool artist Nicola Taggart. The mural, unveiled by Cllr Steve Munby, features local celebrities and significant community landmarks. The project involved local community members and children, fostering a sense of ownership and pride. Nicola Taggart, known for her vibrant street art, aims to continue her artistic journey by setting up a gallery space for workshops and exhibitions. The initiative has positively impacted the community, encouraging care for the local area.

The article criticizes the Catholic Church's outdated monarchical governance model, arguing it has outlived its relevance and calling for significant reforms. It highlights the ineffectiveness of the recent Plenary Council in addressing critical issues such as the role of women, authority, and moral values. The author praises the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse for prompting necessary discussions and acknowledges the efforts of Francis Sullivan and other reform advocates. The text calls for a shift towards a more democratic and transparent church governance model.

The article by Paul Collins questions the established historical narrative of the Sumerians, who are credited with the invention of cities, writing, and the wheel. It explores how the idea of a Sumerian people has been shaped by archaeological and written evidence over the past 150 years, influenced by shifting social, political, and intellectual contexts. The article also references Reverend Edward Hincks, who concluded that the language of the inventors of cuneiform was not Akkadian but a non-Semitic language, later identified as Sumerian.

Winged Foot Golf Club, one of America's top private golf courses, can be accessed without a member connection by participating in charity golf events. The club, known for its exclusive nature and championship history, including the 2006 US Open won by Geoff Ogilvy, hosts various charity outings such as those by Autism Speaks and Covenant House. The 2020 Autism Speaks event was rescheduled for October 19, and the National Kidney Foundation will hold an event on October 26.

Uruk, an ancient city in southern Iraq, was a significant urban center in Mesopotamia, known for its monumental architecture, sophisticated bureaucracy, and early forms of writing. The book 'Uruk: First City of the Ancient World' explores the city's history, art, and cultural legacy through essays and illustrations. Despite the challenges in preserving Iraq's heritage, the book highlights the importance of understanding and celebrating the region's achievements. The review emphasizes the need for local ownership of Iraq's past to safeguard its heritage.

The article discusses the loyalty of post-Vatican II Catholics to the church despite challenges such as sexual abuse scandals and inadequate leadership. It highlights the upcoming Plenary Council as a test of the bishops' commitment to reform and the importance of good church governance. The book 'Getting Back on Mission: Reforming Our Church Together' by Catholics for Renewal is emphasized as a significant contribution to the discussion on church reform, with insights from Robert Fitzgerald, a Royal Commissioner into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Following Brazil's 7-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Germany, a bus was set on fire in Sao Paulo, but widespread rioting did not occur. Brazilian police were on high alert for potential riots. The defeat led to public expressions of despair and criticism of the government's expenditure on the World Cup, with implications for President Dilma Rousseff's upcoming election. The event has reignited scrutiny over whether hosting the tournament was beneficial for Brazil.

Algeria's national football team, celebrated for their performance in the World Cup, will donate their prize money to the poor in Gaza. Forward Islam Slimani announced the decision, emphasizing the greater need in Gaza. The team's gesture contrasts with the internal conflicts over prize money within Cameroon's World Cup squad. Algeria received a hero's welcome upon their return home.

England footballers Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck participated in a capoeira session during their visit to Complexo Esportivo da Rocinha, a favela in Rio de Janeiro. They were accompanied by teammates Adam Lallana, Jack Wilshere, and Fraser Forster. The team had their first training at the Urca military base in Rio after arriving from Miami. With the World Cup approaching, Lallana expressed his desire to secure a starting position against Italy but emphasized the importance of the team's victory.

Spain's national football team, led by Andres Iniesta and Diego Costa, arrived in Curitiba, Brazil, to defend their World Cup title. The team, including stars like Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique, will be based in the southeastern city throughout the tournament. Spain's first match is against the Netherlands, a repeat of the 2010 final, followed by games against Chile and Australia in Group B. The team was transported directly to their hotel and training facility at Atletico Paranaense. Unlike their arrival in South Africa four years ago, there were no public displays welcoming the team in Curitiba.

During ITV's coverage of the England vs. Honduras match in Miami, presenter Adrian Chiles and pundits Lee Dixon, Ian Wright, and Glenn Hoddle struggled with the intense heat, resulting in visible sweat patches. The game was delayed for over 40 minutes due to an electrical storm, leading to improvised broadcasting. England manager Roy Hodgson commented on the unusual weather and the game's progress. Chiles mistakenly interviewed someone he thought was a game official and requested increased air conditioning.

Chelsea target Filipe Luis is closer to leaving Atletico Madrid following the Spanish champions' acquisition of Granada full-back Guilherme Siqueira for £8 million. Siqueira's arrival on a four-year deal is expected to pave the way for Luis's departure, with Chelsea identifying him as a potential replacement for Ashley Cole. Atletico's sports director, Jose Luis Perez Caminero, praised Siqueira's defensive and attacking abilities, highlighting his strength in set-plays and penalties. Atletico's defense, with Luis as a key player, conceded only 26 goals in 38 La Liga games, contributing to their first league title since 1996.

James Milner discusses the England national team's training and preparation for the World Cup, emphasizing the thoroughness of their methods and the professional atmosphere within the squad. He highlights the importance of versatility and readiness, despite weather conditions and recent injuries, and underscores the collective effort required for success in the tournament.

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse was recognized for his outstanding performance in the Toulon tournament, being named the third best player and winning the best goal award for his free-kick against Brazil. Despite his efforts, England finished fourth after a 1-0 loss to Portugal.

Rickie Lambert expresses heartfelt gratitude to Southampton FC, its staff, players, and fans for their support over the past five years. He thanks Markus Liebherr for saving the club, Alan Pardew for bringing him in, and acknowledges the contributions of managers Nigel Adkins and Mauricio Pochettino. Lambert highlights his pride in achieving the club's goals and his excitement about joining Liverpool FC, fulfilling a lifelong ambition. He also wishes Southampton success under Katharina Liebherr's leadership.

Gary Lineker suggests that Roy Hodgson should consider dropping Wayne Rooney from England's starting line-up for the World Cup in Brazil, advocating for Daniel Sturridge to play in the most advanced role due to his threat in behind the opposition. Lineker acknowledges the challenge of finding a suitable position for Rooney, given the other available options like Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana, and Danny Welbeck.

Philip Knight, the chairman of Nike, confirmed the pronunciation of the brand as 'Nikey' in response to a letter sent by creative advertising students Ben Martin and Kendal Peters. The students shared a photo of Knight's response, where he circled 'Nikey' as the correct pronunciation. Nike, founded in 1964, is one of the world's largest sporting brands.

John Terry, the retired Chelsea captain, is enjoying a holiday in Florida, swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove, while his former England teammates train in Portugal for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil. Despite calls for his return to international football, Terry remains content with his decision to retire. Meanwhile, England's squad is undergoing rigorous training, including climate adaptation exercises led by sports scientists from Loughborough University, to prepare for their first Group D game against Italy in Manaus.

Atalanta fans threw a banana at AC Milan defender Kevin Constant during a Serie A game, echoing a similar racist incident involving Barcelona's Dani Alves. The incident, which occurred at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia, overshadowed Atalanta's 2-1 victory over AC Milan. Atalanta's coach Stefano Colantuono condemned the act, while AC Milan's Clarence Seedorf called for the culprit to be found and punished. This event highlights ongoing issues of racism in Italian football, with previous instances involving players like Mario Balotelli.

A 16-year-old teenager named Rajib, whose mother Rekha is an impoverished sex worker, has been selected to train with Manchester United after being spotted by the club's talent scouts at a national tournament for India's best young players. Despite growing up in the squalid streets of Kolkata's Sonagachi suburb, the largest red light area in Asia, Rajib has avoided the pitfalls of drugs and crime through his natural footballing abilities. His life changed when he attended the Rahul Vidya Niketan school for children of prostitutes, set up by the Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee. Dr. Samarjit Jana, founder of the committee, believes in integrating marginalized children into mainstream society through sports. Rajib's success is seen as an opportunity for other children from similar backgrounds to aspire for success.

Following Manchester City's 3-2 defeat to Liverpool, manager Manuel Pellegrini was seen making a cash withdrawal, symbolizing the need for more resources due to injuries of key players Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany, and Sergio Aguero. Despite the setback, City defender Martin Demichelis remains optimistic, vowing to continue fighting for the Premier League title as the team still has games in hand and the season's outcome is not yet decided.

Diego Forlan has advised Luis Suarez to consider a move to Manchester United, despite Suarez's current success at Liverpool. Forlan believes the switch would benefit Suarez's career. Liverpool's managing director, Ian Ayre, has assured sponsors that Suarez will stay at the club and that they are targeting new signings for the upcoming season. Liverpool is preparing for a crucial match against Manchester City, which could determine the Premier League title.

George Leonard Herter, a Minnesotan known for his eccentric and bombastic personality, authored the oddball masterpiece 'Bull Cook and Authentic Historical Recipes and Practices' and built a mail-order sporting goods empire through his Herter’s catalog. His works, characterized by a mix of recipes, unsourced claims, and unhinged philosophy, gained a cult following. Despite his success, Herter's company went bankrupt in 1981, and he passed away in 1994. His legacy endures through his unique contributions to American literature and culture.

The article explores the history and impact of cigarette advertisements in paperback books, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. It highlights how tobacco companies, especially Lorillard, exploited this medium following a federal ban on TV and radio ads. The practice faced criticism from authors and the public, leading to lawsuits and eventual decline. The piece also discusses the broader implications of such advertising on readers and the publishing industry.

Clement Clarke Moore, best known for his poem 'A Visit From St. Nicholas,' also authored a lesser-known polemic against Thomas Jefferson's 'Notes on the State of Virginia.' Moore's pamphlet criticized Jefferson's geological and proto-evolutionary ideas, as well as his views on race, accusing him of debasing African Americans. Despite Moore's own family's history with slavery, his critique was more about opposing Jefferson politically. While Moore's Christmas poem became a beloved classic, his anti-Jefferson pamphlet faded into obscurity.

Clement Clarke Moore, known for the poem 'A Visit From St. Nicholas,' also authored a critical pamphlet against Thomas Jefferson's 'Notes on the State of Virginia,' challenging Jefferson's geological and evolutionary ideas and accusing him of racism. The article contrasts Moore's famous Christmas imagery with his lesser-known polemic work, reflecting the political and religious tensions of early 19th-century America.

Paul Collins reviews 'Death at the Priory: Love, Sex, and Murder in Victorian England' by James Ruddick, a book investigating the unsolved poisoning of Charles Bravo in 1876. Despite some melodramatic elements and speculative narrative, Ruddick's extensive research and new evidence present a convincing suspect, although not enough for a conviction. The case remains a perfect crime.