Many thanks to alert reader Katharine,* who threw caution to the wind and evidently wagered that I don't have a blood pressure problem or heart condition when she decided to comment on an earlier post to let me know that Thomas Friedman, he of the porn stache, charges $70,000 for his speaking engagements. As quoted in the Wisconsin State Journal:
"Journalist Thomas Friedman’s hefty speaking fee cost him a chance at being chosen for UW-Madison’s common book read program, Go Big Read. His book “Hot, Flat and Crowded,” was one of five finalists for the program’s first book, but his fee of $70,000 — which has been the subject of some controversy of late — was too pricey for UW-Madison’s budget, said Sara Guyer, interim director of the UW-Madison Center for Humanities and a member of the book selection committee. Instead, Michael Pollan’s book, “In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto,” was chosen by Chancellor Biddy Martin. Pollan was already scheduled to visit to campus this fall at a rate of $15,000, sponsored by a number of sources including the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. Pollan will now likely be paid more than that because his visit will be extended for activities surrounding Go Big Read, but his contract hasn’t been finalized, Guyer said." I can't say I'm crazy about the choice of the Pollan book either, but it does beat the Friedman book. Wow. I would like to see an Ultimate Cage Match between Thomas Friedman and Jeffrey Zaslow, but I can't say I'd be cheering for either one to emerge victorious out of the cage. *Incidentally? You are the best, Katharine.
Laugh out freakin' loud! I'm so glad you're back.
Posted by: Dewey or don' | 04 June 2009 at 09:05 AM
Dewey,
Glad to be back. Sickened by Thomas Friedman and Jeffrey Zaslow, but still. Glad I could provide a laugh--I couldn't decide whether to puke or laugh when I read the Friedman article. What I'd really like to do is puke ON Friedman and THEN laugh.
Posted by: Citizen Reader | 04 June 2009 at 04:25 PM
What's wrong with Pollan? I have "The Omnivore's Dilemma," which I haven't read, and now I'm starting eyeball it with trepidation.
Posted by: Brandon | 04 June 2009 at 06:54 PM
Oh, by the way: I just surfed over to the New York Press website. You didn't tell me I would need my finger condoms. =[
Posted by: Brandon | 04 June 2009 at 07:03 PM
Brandon,
Oh come on. You love Taibbi and you know it. As the old lady on The Simpsons once said about her soap operas: "Filthy, but genuinely arousing!"
Absolutely nothing is wrong with Pollan. The OD was a bit long for me, but serviceably written and a good idea. Ditto with "In Defense of Food." To tell you the truth, these "One Read" programs just give me a pain in the ass no matter what book is chosen--what a waste, to buy 7500 copies of one book that will then have to be dealt with in some way. Couldn't we just, you know, support reading in general? Have a few books to pick from, and a few different book group events to talk about them? Then you could get some more midlist authors, pay more people a bit less to come talk, and you could boost an author's sales who actually needs it.
So: Pollan is fine. I hope you like his book--and do let me know what you think about it.
Posted by: Citizen Reader | 04 June 2009 at 07:23 PM
How about when the common book becomes political?
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009248680_apwawsubook2ndldwritethru.html
Washington State U bought 4,000 copies of OD for its freshmen students, but there are financial reasons for not making it the official common book. Financial reasons = nearby agriculture businesses = wealthy donors. I think that's how the math works.
Posted by: Venta | 05 June 2009 at 08:27 AM
By the way, LOVED the title of the post.
Posted by: Venta | 05 June 2009 at 08:28 AM
Venta:
I'd heard something about all that controversy and have to follow your link to read about it. How pathetic. Nice democracy we live in.
Glad you liked the title. It sure was therapeutic to type it.
Posted by: Citizen Reader | 05 June 2009 at 10:22 AM
sorry I didn't mean to cause any medical conditions CR! I just thought you'd enjoy the story. I laughed out loud at my ASK DESK when I read the "caged match" suggestion. Have a great weekend.
Posted by: katharine | 06 June 2009 at 10:35 AM
Friedman es un maestro, ustedes son una manga de forros , soy de argentina , aguante friedman
Posted by: marcelo elizalde | 07 June 2009 at 12:38 AM
Oh, Katharine,
No worries. I just had to laugh at how well you know me! I did enjoy the story very much, even if "enjoy" isn't the best word. Wow, are you a great reference librarian--you send the information right to me before I've even asked!!
Posted by: Citizen Reader | 08 June 2009 at 08:57 AM
Mr. Elizalde,
Could you tell me how to say "If you think Friedman is a teacher, I weep for Argentina"? I don't trust the Babelfish translator and I grew up in a country that isn't smart enough to teach at least two languages early on, or accept a two-language system.
Friedman ama el dinero solamente.
Posted by: Citizen Reader | 08 June 2009 at 09:02 AM
http://www.nypress.com/article-19271-flat-n-all-that.html
The most beautiful summary of Thomas Friedman. Poetry I do say.
Posted by: MCS | 09 June 2009 at 08:33 AM
Friedman isn't a teacher, he's a frickin' SALESMAN.
Posted by: Sarah | 10 June 2009 at 10:50 AM
Oh BTW, the Mrs.'s family fortune has tanked - from $2b to $150 million. So have pity - the guy's gotta eat. Wonder if it's sustainably . . .
Posted by: Sarah | 10 June 2009 at 11:29 AM
Yes, Sarah, he IS a salesman, and a very good one at that. Although I'd call him more of a con artist, myself.
That's so sad his fortune is dwindling. I hope he can afford to continue to maintain the 12,000 square foot house he lives in.
Posted by: Citizen Reader | 10 June 2009 at 06:46 PM