The Literary Life

Courtyard, Stratford-upon-Avon : The opening fight in this mind-blowing production is so vividly realised that when a petrol-soaked rag is stuffed in the mouth of a pinioned youth, there's every expectation of a horrific climax. This is gang warfare at its bloodiest and when the Montagues gatecrash the Capulet ball, they penetrate not some elegant masque but something fierce and tribal, a huge statement of power. Read the full review  

Stratford edged New London 51-47 in the Class L championship game Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville. Thomas Bajda led the winners (27-0) with 17 points, while Brandon Sherrod had 16 rebounds. Kristopher Dunn scored 19 for New London (26-1). The championship was the first for Stratford since it lost to Hartford Public in Class M in 2008. The game was close for the last three quarters, as each team struggled to score.New...  

Click the play button to join in the chat with The Courant's Justin Verrier live from courtside at the Class L boys basketball championship game between Stratford and New London. The session begins at 6 p.m. Class L Boys Basketball Chat  

"I kind of agree with all the points of view, which is why I'm a Lib Dem."(pauses as people laugh) "Give us a fence and we'll sit on it."Martin Turner, Lib Dem PPC for Stratford upon Avon17 March, Stratford upon Avon College  

In honor of the death of the prominent American poet, Walt Whitman, here is a comparative analysis of two of his poems from his collection "Song of Myself" which display his contribution to transcendentalist discourse.Contributor: Gabrielle ManimtimPublished: Mar 17, 2010  

Today novelist Yann Martel posted a piece of fan mail he received from President Barack Obama. The president wrote: "My daughter and I just finished reading Life of Pi together. Both of us agreed we prefer the story with animals. It is a lovely book--an elegant proof of God and the power of storytelling." Over the last three years, Martel (pictured, via Geoff Howe) has been mailing books and letters to Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper...  

KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) - Ernest Hemingway's home in Key West has been designated a literary landmark. Officials gathered Sunday afternoon to celebrate the landmark status at a ceremony on the grounds of Hemingway's house on Whitehead Street. The...  

Ernest Hemingway is considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th Century. The American author and journalist lived a troubled life, from July 21, 1899 to July 2, 1961. During his 61 years, he published seven novels, two works of non-fiction and six collections of short stories.  

GOP gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman listens to her opponent, Steve Poizner, during their debate in Orange County on Monday. Whitman has released a list of proposals she'll pursue if she's elected governor, among them a part-time legislature, merit pay for state workers and a cap on state spending.Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman released a detailed policy agenda Tuesday at an appearance at Leisure World in Seal Beach...  

For the first time, the Stratford Literary Festival -- held in Shakespeare's stomping grounds Stratford-upon-Avon -- has commissioned a novel. The book will be published by Scholastic in paperback in time for the festival, which runs from April 25 through...  

Results and schedules for the Class L tournament are in.Locally, No. 1 Stratford defeated No. 9 Avon, 78-65, while No. 3 Bristol Eastern held off No. 6 Northwest Catholic, 79-78.Also, No. 12 Wilbur Cross defeated No. 13 Kennedy, 63-49, while No. 2 New London beat No. 10 Branford, 64-41.semifinal games will be held Tuesday at sites and times to be announced. Bristol Eastern will play New London, while Stratford will play Wilbur Cross.  

The story from Lucasfilm was the George Lucas had to come in and do some re-shoots for the WWII drama, Red Tails, he was producing when director Anthony Hemingway had to leave the project for another commitment. The rumor had been that Hemingway was in over his head on this Tuskegee Airmen project and that Lucas [...]  

All four DRPA bridges are open with salting and plowing resuming. The speed limit on the bridges is 25 mph.A ban on empty tractor-trailers on all four bridges remains in effect.  The bridges are the Commodore Barry, Walt Whitman Ben Franklin and...  

ReutersAt least 14 wounded in IAF missile strike on GazaHa'aretzBy News Agencies Israeli F16 warplanes carried out two successive airstrikes on the southern Gaza Strip on Friday night, wounding at least 14 people, in response to earlier rocket attacks, witnesses and medics said. airport east of the southern Gaza ...Experts wonder whether US has a real Israel strategy or 'talking points'Washington PostClinton Calls Israel's Moves to Ease...  

The GuardianDavid Cameron invokes Thatcher spiritThe GuardianDavid Cameron believes the public are repulsed by the prospect of strikes and want bolder leadership. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA David Cameron will today invoke Lady Thatcher's resolute leadership to offer himself as the man to confront the vested ...David Cameron vows to repeat Thatcher's attack on unionsTelegraph.co.ukSpring of discontent strikes blow to Gordon BrownScotsmanBrown...