About Me
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, August 12, 2011. (photo by NB Eckhoff)
I’ve spent the last 14 years as a writer working for most of the major upscale publications and media companies: The New York Times, Dow Jones, Forbes, The New Yorker, Golf Digest and, for shorter projects, Vogue and InStyle. I’ve worked in advertising and digital media, mostly freelance, writing about finance, travel, technology, lifestyle and lately, about political influence and money.
This latest topic has come by way of my new blog, Fat Cats, on Forbes.com. I’ve started out by writing a series on the horse industry, particularly racing, breeding, responsible ownership and the political and industry forces that are working to open horse slaughterhouses again in the US. Working on this topic has opened my eyes to the power of the agriculture, energy and pharmaceutical industries in shaping important legislation affecting food and environmental safety, and humane treatment of animals. This series offers a counter view that is unique in the main news media, including undercover videos, FOIA data and photos, and careful research. A high point was my interview with Dr. Temple Grandin on one of the slaughterhouses she built that was recently the focus of an undercover video investigation. I hope you will read, follow and share this series.
On a lighter note, I’ve written many personal essays about family, home, love and some of my big adventures. I hope you will read and enjoy, particularly my two favorites, “Last Days at Nirvana Farm,” about the sale of a storied family property, and also “No Country for Old Broads,” about the time Javier Bardem checked me out at the premiere for “No Country For Old Men” and what happened when we met up at the after party. You’ll find a smattering of other articles, too, including my meet-up with then Senator John Edwards, and some of the celebrities I dream about regularly.
Lastly, I have been writing a memoir, “The Modern Christian Spinster’s Guide to Love in the 21st Century,” which I’ve been serializing for this blog. Call it a “blogoir,” if you like. I’ve posted some early chapters here, along with what I call, “adventures in modern prudery” for your reading pleasure.
Welcome!
Like McEDees, I’m lovin’ it, Vick! Haven’t been able to read all areas of the site (yet) but, not unlike a good book that you’re afraid to finish and then feel hopelessly alone, I’ll visit often and savor each visit!
Hey, I know that voice anywhere! It’s yours, Vickery. Good to encounter a distinctive voice on the interweb. Keep it going.
I came into the Reading Room with my friend from Montana. I loved this introduction about yourself and where you come from. Very heartfelt and wonderfully written.
Hi Vickery,
I am a friend of your sister, Nina, who sent me the link to your May 2, 2010 blog, so that I could read Last Days at Nirvana Farm. I wound up reading all of the posts, all of which I enjoyed. I found your discussion of the First Church of Christ, Scientist. very interesting. I was raised Roman Catholic, but was related to and very fond of two people who were Christian Scientists. They were very successful, happy people, who, unfortunately, passed away at relatively young ages. I was very young at the time. I remember, in both instances, heart broken people saying, “If only…..” It was very confusing to me. You provided some interesting insights. Today, I am an admirer of the Church’s youth activities and a frequent peruser of the Monitor, which I enjoy, but do not always agree.
BTW, our fathers could have crossed paths, as mine was an Army engineer, who blew up a lot of things, but in the ETO.
Be all of that, as it may, keep writing. If your words are interesting and enjoyable to an old, jaded jock like me, they would appeal to a lot of people. Good luck with your life after Nirvana Farm.
All the best,
Thomas
Feel very privileged to have a jaded jock as a reader! Thanks so much for stopping by and do come back. There will be more Spinster coming soon.
Dear Vickery;
I just read your article on the fate of the horses on the set of “Luck”. Well done. I have been on a campaign against American Humane and their allowance of intolerable cruelties toward equines and other hoofstock for close to two years now, and have gotten close to nowhere in getting the public to realize what’s actually going on both on screen and off. Bottom line is, American Humane has worded their “Guidelines” in such a way that the unethical and barbaric treatment of horses and other equines is perfectly legal. I have documented proof from equine medical and behavioral specialists that confirm my main argument that the “No Animals Were Harmed” award is a falsehood. When it comes to equines and other hoofstock, that is. I also have record of a conversation I had with an A.H. rep who, and I quote, said — among other very disheartening things — “No one bothers to read the Guidelines, anyway.” The list goes on. And on, and on.
I would love to discuss this with you further. I think I’m safe to assume that you’d be just as sick as I am when it comes to this matter.
Thank you,
~Stacy Tanner
Natural Horsemanship Trainer/Instructor
Vickery, you take your readers on such a wonderful journey in LAST DAYS AT NIRVANA FARM. I miss that place and I never even got to see it.
How about a sequel….JOURNEY BACK TO NIRVANA
Hi Vickery–
If anyone’s going to change the world for the good of horses–well, it’s going to be you! You have the connection to the mainstream media that is so important. And you tell it like it is!! Every time I see/read something about racing on/in the tv news or the newspapers, I wonder, “Where do these writers/reporters come from? How can they not tell the other side of racing, what happens to all those horses who lose . . . etc. etc.”
I wrote an article called “Dark Horse” for ORION magazine: http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/5620/
Though “Dark Horse” won a 2012 Pushcart Prize and received and continues to receive thoughtful comments on the Orion magazine site, it hasn’t gotten the exposure necessary to make a dent at all. . . . . I was telling John Holland that we need a well-loved celebrity to go out there and take a stand. With that in mind, I sent a letter to Ellen DeGeneres with one of your Forbes pieces and with my piece, and with contact info for John. I was dreaming, I know. But every once in a while she’ll have a non-celebrity on who’s helped animals in some way. So I had high hopes (knowing her love for animals). But not a peep . . . .been months now. Maybe you know someone who knows someone who knows someone . . . in that world! We have to get to these big, massive audiences.
In any case, keep up the excellent work, the wonderful writing . . . . and thank you thank you thank you.
Lisa Couturier