Just what makes Downton Abbey the most popular costume drama in years?

• Colin Meloy of The Decemberists/writer of The Wildwood Chronicles, Book 1, was on this week’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!

• Do you have what it takes to be the managing editor of Rookiemag.com?  Tavi Gevinson is looking for a managing editor, and it could possibly be the funnest job ever.

• Christopher Hitchens on Joan Didion’s new book, Blue Nights, at Vanity Fair.

• Sylvia Plath is getting her very own stamp.

• The New York Times documents the plight of St. Mark’s Bookstore.

• With that in mind, is the death of Borders really good for indies?  (Note: there was no Borders anywhere near St. Marks Bookstore.  Not sure we can blame them for the high rent issue.)

• All Songs Considered wants to educate you on Gram Parsons.