Salon Staff

The last Kennedy

Full coverage of the death of John F. Kennedy Jr.

  • more
    • All Share Services

- – - – - – - – - – - -

Salon features

The “strange magic” of JFK Jr.
Something was going wrong in Kennedy’s life before the plane crash, says Camille Paglia, who reflects on both the charisma and the emptiness of the son of the martyred president.
By Joan Walsh
(07/23/99)

It could have been me
John F. Kennedy Jr. didn’t make any serious judgment errors in his decision to fly to Martha’s Vineyard on Friday night.
By Phaedra Hise
(07/22/99)

The Kennedy way of grief
Is the clan’s Irish stoicism linked to its history of alcoholism, risk-taking and self-destruction?
By Joan Walsh
(07/22/99)

Letter from the Vineyard, Part 2
The news sinks in.
By William Mullins
(07/22/99)

“No one ever called them Vineyarders”
Life on the island in the wake of JFK Jr.’s crash.
By William Mullins
(07/22/99)

Risky business
Albert Einstein and Evel Knievel were both looking for the same high.
By Michael Alvear
(07/22/99)

Who will carry the Kennedy torch?
The third generation of this legendary political family has underachieved to date, but would-be leaders are waiting in the wings.
By Jake Tapper
(07/21/99)

What’s in a name?
Upon the death of the scion of America’s greatest political dynasty, a quick survey of American politics reminds us how much it helps to have a famous name.
By Bruce Shapiro
(07/21/99)

Graveyard spiral
Did bad judgment or bad luck doom JFK Jr.?
By Joan Walsh, Daryl Lindsey and Anthony York
(07/20/99)

A pilot’s story
A veteran flyer recalls her near-death experience in a private plane on the New England coast.
By Phaedra Hise
(07/20/99)

Famous for being famous
From his salute to his father through his career at George, JFK Jr.’s triumphs were mostly style over substance.
By Bill Wyman
(07/18/99)

Can George survive without JFK Jr.?

The star-struck political magazine was losing money, ads and readers even before its founder’s tragic disappearance.
By Anthony York
(07/18/99)

The beautiful and the damned
Much has been given to the Kennedys, and much has been taken away.
By Jake Tapper
(07/17/99)

Boy wonder
It wasn’t just JFK Jr.’s looks that made him a sex symbol.
By Mary Elizabeth Williams
(07/17/99)

The last Kennedy
From the moment he was photographed as a three-year old saluting the coffin of his father, he had a place in America’s collective heart.
By David Horowitz
(07/17/99)

A good man, very fair, very witty, very loyal
While the world waits, Christopher Hitchens reflects on the life and career of John F. Kennedy Jr.
By Christopher Hitchens
(07/17/99)

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -

Hot Table Talk discussions

+ The end of
Camelot
Remembering John F. Kennedy Jr.

+ Curious about
George
Can John F. Kennedy Jr.’s magazine survive without him?

+ A needle in a
haystack
How do you find someone who’s lost at sea?

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -

From the wires

Kennedy memorial held in New York
President Clinton, Muhammad Ali and Wyclef Jean are among the mourners.
Associated Press
(07/23/99)

Kennedy ashes released at sea
The families of JFK Jr. and the Bessette sisters spread their ashes near the site of the plane crash that claimed their lives.
Associated Press
(07/22/99)

Bodies taken to morgue
Autopsies of JFK Jr. and his doomed passengers are scheduled for Wednesday evening.
Reuters
(07/21/99)

Bessette family statement
Associated Press
(07/21/99)

Kennedy memorial set for Friday
The family plans a private service in a New York church.
Associated Press
(07/21/99)

Kennedy authors mourn, then check their sales
From tragedy to Amazon.com’s Hot 100 list.
Associated Press
(07/21/99)

“Their own special magic”
The text of Senator Edward Kennedy’s statement on the death of John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife andher sister.
Associated Press
(07/19/99)

NTSB: Kennedy plane fell fast
John F. Kennedy Jr.’s plane dove faster than previously thought.
Associated Press
(07/19/99)

Bessette family issues statement
Associated Press
(07/19/99)

Clinton recalls JFK Jr.’s Washington visit
“I’m glad he had a chance to come back here one last time.”
Associated Press
(07/21/99)

All three bodies found
Officials say the bodies of John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife and sister-in-law have been located off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard.
Associated Press
(07/21/99)

Kennedy’s body found inside wreckage
FK Jr.’s body has been located, but there was no immediate word on his wife or sister-in-law.
Associated Press
(07/21/99)

JFK Jr. memorial may be in New York
The Kennedy is speaking with a Roman Catholic church where other family functions have been held.
Associated Press
(07/21/99)

Early call to FAA wasn’t followed
“It’s not a big deal,” the caller told the agency.
Associated Press
(07/21/99)

Media mourns Kennedy
For news personalities, J.F.K. Jr. was more than a story.
Associated Press
(07/21/99)

JFK Jr. was set to interview Reno
He wanted to pose questions to the Attorney General for a fall issue of his magazine, George, focusing on women in politics.
Associated Press
(07/21/99)

Burial site measured for Kennedy
A waiver from President Clinton would allow the remains of John F. Kennedy Jr. to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery
Associated Press
(07/20/99)

Divers scour sea floor for Kennedy plane
The Navy’s underwater search continues this afternoon for JFK Jr.’s vanished plane.
Associated Press
(07/20/99)

Kennedy plane plunged into sea
The Kennedy family lowers the flag to half-staff after learning new crash details.
Associated Press
(07/20/99)

Divers searching for Kennedy plane
The underwater search focuses on two locations discovered by a sonar-equipped research vessel.
Associated Press
(07/19/99)

Delay placed JFK Jr. at risk
Flight experts say it was ill-advised for Kennedy to fly at night.
Associated Press
(07/19/99)

Obit: John F. Kennedy Jr.
The second child and first son of Jack and Jacqueline Kennedy, he embodied the family mystique while forging his own identity as a prosecutor and publisher.
Associated Press
(07/19/99)

Obit: Lauren G. Bessette
A financial executive at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, she was also the sister-in-law of John F. Kennedy Jr.
Associated Press
(07/19/99)

Obit: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy
Once a fashion publicist for Calvin Klein, she brought along her own mystique when she joined the Kennedy family.
Associated Press
(07/19/99)

Authorities say Kennedy likely dead
The Coast Guard calls off rescue and focuses instead on recovering the missing plane.
Associated Press
(07/19/99)

Emergency signal near crash site
Searchers refocus the Kennedy search after picking up an emergency beacon signal.
Associated Press
(07/18/99)

Clinton offers prayers for Kennedys
The president publicly mourns the likely demise of the Kennedy family’s golden son.
Associated Press
(07/18/99)

Search for JFK Jr. continues
The Kennedys stayed near their Hyannis Port home on the second day of the search for John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife and her sister.
Associated Press
(07/18/99)

More plane debris washes ashore
Beachcombers yield foam insulation and part of an airplane headrest, but no signs of the passengers’ fate.
Associated Press
(07/18/99)

Search resumes for Kennedy plane
More than a day after the disappearance, hope dims for survivors.
Associated Press
(07/18/99)

Bessette was also a child of privilege
Kennedy’s wife became an instant tabloid queen as half of one of the nation’s most beautiful couples.
Associated Press
(07/17/99)

Kennedy neighbors react to news
A happy family gathering turns into a mournful one as hopes wane about the fate John F. Kennedy, Jr.
Associated Press
(07/17/99)

Plane debris found off Martha’s Vineyard
Investigators still will not confirm it is from the plane flown by John F. Kennedy, Jr.
Associated Press
(07/17/99)

Search for JFK Jr. Plane Under Way
“The aircraft was due to arrive at Martha’s Vineyard around 10 p.m. and was later expected to fly to Hyannisport for a family wedding.”
Associated Press
(07/17/99)

JFK Jr.’s Plane Reported Missing
Associated Press
(07/17/99)

Continue Reading Close

Quick Hits: Anoushka Shankar performs ISHQ

Legendary sitarist and daughter of Ravi Shankar performs live at New York's City Winery

  • more
    • All Share Services

Topics: , , , , ,

There was a time when Anoushka Shankar’s music fell under her father’s shadow — how could it not, when you play the sitar and your father, Ravi Shankar, just happens to be the most famous sitar master in the world?  But Anoushka has established herself as an extraordinary musician in her own right, with her own distinct voice. In London she recently won the Songlines Music Award for Best Artist of 2012. Her new album, “Traveller,” finds her exploring the common roots of Indian classical music and Spanish flamenco.  She says the technical challenges were formidable, but the music explodes with an intensity that makes it all sound natural — and beautiful.

And as she explains to SOUND TRACKS reporter Arun Rath, she managed to get it all done through the pregnancy and birth of her first child, who now travels with her on tour.

 

Welcome to Salon Studio

Our new video platform takes Salon’s fearless journalism and cultural content to a new dimension

  • more
    • All Share Services

Topics:

Salon broke new ground nearly two decades ago when we launched one of the first “online magazines.” At the time, nobody knew what to make of this scrappy new site — and most predicted it wouldn’t last long. Salon has not only lasted, but thrived. Today, we’re embarking on another experiment with our first-ever video platform.

We want to capture the spirit of risk and exploration that permeated Salon back in those “Wild West” days of the mid-1990s. Salon Studio will feature original and curated videos ranging from political satire to musical performances to explorations of sexuality. Some of the productions will be highly polished, some of them will be raw and gritty — but we don’t want any of it to be predictable.

Our goal is to create a constantly evolving ecosystem of independent artistry in motion. Salon is known for breaking new talent and taking risks, and we’re going to continue that tradition. As you’ve hopefully noticed with our new daily comedy series “I Read the News Today, Oy Vey!” Salon Studio will also try to live up to Salon’s reputation as a place to find intelligent, entertaining critiques of The Powers That Be.

In addition to our original features, Salon Studio will showcase independent videos from emerging filmmakers in partnership with Sundance Institute, shorts from SeeFlik, live musical performances from the PBS Arts “Quick Hits” series, curated music videos featuring the artists of Concord Music Group, and more.

Check out the video above to catch a glimpse of some of the new shows we’re starting to roll out — and follow us on Twitter at @Salon_Studio to catch the latest clips.

Continue Reading Close

50 shades of Shutterstock

Slide show: Everyone's favorite light-bondage bestseller illustrated by inexplicable stock photography SLIDE SHOW

  • more
    • All Share Services

Topics: , , ,

50 shades of Shutterstock

View the slide show

This week, for roughly the millionth time, E.L. James’ romance-bondage trilogy “50 Shades” nabs the No. 1, 2 and 3 spots on the New York Times bestseller lists. We don’t get it either. Every page of that book, which famously began as “Twilight” fan fiction, elicits a sigh of confusion and weird secondary embarrassment. The question is: Who would read this? (The answer is: Apparently everyone.) It’s the same baffled, helpless feeling we get when we sort through stock photos on a daily basis. Stock photos – which have been the subject of recent outstanding Internet satire – are used by this site, and many others, to illustrate our flood of content. Many are plain and simple, but a good portion are flat-out mind-blowing. Why did anyone think that photo was a good idea? It only made sense to join these forces. And so, we present to you passages from the most head-scratching bestseller of our time, illustrated with the assistance of inexplicable stock photography.

View the slide show

Come celebrate San Francisco values!

Stick it to GOP Puritans with Salon founder David Talbot, special guest Oliver Stone and other culture war heroes

  • more
    • All Share Services

Topics:

Come celebrate San Francisco values!

The release party for “Season of the Witch” will be a celebration of the San Francisco values of social tolerance and experimentation, as explored in David Talbot’s new book. This event will feature music and art of the 1967-‘82 era as well as speakers recounting some of the wild stories that defined this explosive time. Guests include director Oliver Stone, who will discuss how films like “The Doors” channeled the demonic energy of the period, and how his love for the San Francisco 49ers was reflected in “Any Given Sunday.” Other special guests include Scrumbly Koldewyn and Fayette Hauser of the infamous drag queen troupe the Cockettes; Peter Lewis of the legendary band Moby Grape; activist Cleve Jones; and other political, sports and literary luminaries.

Date: Friday May 18, 2012, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: 1687 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103



If you plan on attending you must confirm by emailing your name to RSVP@salon.com.



Salon Core members: You can avoid the $8 entrance fee by clicking here and using the RSVP button on the left side of this landing page. If you’re not a member of Salon Core, please consider joining today — in addition to gaining access to this event, you’ll enjoy the many great benefits listed on the Salon Core landing page.

Want to know more about “Season of the Witch”? Check out the video below and then use one of the links to the right to order a copy now, pick up a copy at your local bookstore or buy a signed copy at the “Season of the Witch” release party on May 18.

Just added: David Talbot will also be appearing at Book Soup in Los Angeles on May 14 and at Town Hall Seattle on May 24. There will be private receptions after both of these events for Salon Core members — use the RSVP links in the right column of the Core landing page to confirm your attendance and receive further details.

Continue Reading Close

Notice anything different?

Salon Gets a Makeover

  • more
    • All Share Services

Topics:

Salon has always believed in not just truth, but beauty. Our original design back in 1995 – a clean, art deco look created by Salon’s first art director, Mignon Khargie – immediately set Salon apart. Now Salon is once again separating itself from the cookie-cutter digital clutter that defines too much of the Web with a bold and striking new design.

We asked designer Kelly Frankeny to create a news tabloid as imagined by Coco Chanel. Frankeny — a globetrotting designer who is often dropping into beleaguered democracies in Africa and Latin America to work her wonders for embattled newspapers – responded to our challenge with a sophisticated and dynamic design. A brilliant and sassy blond Texan, she has created a new Salon as big as her personality. And yes, while invoking the brassy urgency of a news tabloid, the new design also conveys the elegance of the House of Chanel. Both Frankeny and the new Salon know how to use red lipstick and a simple black dress for maximum effect.

To fuel Salon’s explosive growth – Salon’s audience has soared to 7.7 million monthly unique visitors, up 30 percent over 2011 – our redesign provides more intuitive navigation and deeper social integration to optimize the site for Salon’s vibrant community.

We also aimed to pop out our robust sites – Politics, Arts and Life – so they loom as special destinations for our readers. And stay tuned for an entirely new dimension – Salon Studio, which will debut next month. You can check out the Salon Studio coming attractions – including original video series, music shows and art galleries – by clicking on the video trailer on the Salon Studio home page.

We hope you enjoy our new look, and agree that it matches the power of our journalism. We want to hear from you. Please jump into Comments and tell us what you like and what needs more work. Salon, as always, is a work in progress.

David Talbot, CEO
Kerry Lauerman, Editor-in-Chief

Continue Reading Close

Page 1 of 90 in Salon Staff