rakemag Easy one. Meet me at Raking Through Books tonight, please. This is my employer’s monthly happy hour book club, always at Kieran’s, and always featuring some sort of arts and culture “celebs” talking about books, reading from books, hell, sometimes they even read from their own books. Tonight, our hosts will be two fantastic local … Read more
If you checked out the recent issue of Speakeasy, the Loft Literary Center’s literary magazine, you read some interesting stuff writers had to say about “technology and the soul.” How timely for Speakeasy. Because after the Summer 2006 issue, this magazine will be strictly an online venture. I’ve enjoyed Speakeasy so I’ll be sad to … Read more
This weekend is all about festivals. The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is all about Mariachi, salsa, and the lowrider car show and hydraulic showdown. The May Day Parade and Festival is all about puppets and maypoles. Am I missing anything? I’m all about being comprehensive.
You lost this one, Osama For probably the first time since we invaded Iraq, the U.S. can claim a victory in the war against terror. Zacharias Moussaoui said “America, you lost. I won,” but that shows just how crazy he is. The citizens of the United States, as represented by 12 people in an Alexandria, … Read more
Last time I ventured to give my opinion on the modern state of opera, there was a little bit of a backlash. It’s sort of understandable, I guess. I have been accused of being a dilettante in this area, which could be something of the truth. I don’t have a master’s in voice or anything … Read more
I have no idea what to expect of tonight’s Shiek’s Singers Reunion. Somewhere along the way this event entered my consciousness, probably because of some press release that slid across my desk, with great velocity, and into the waste-paper basket, ultimately ending up right there with the rest of ’em. In any case, just this … Read more
You want truthiness? You can’t stand the truthiness. Well, I’m a little late to be commenting on the Stephen Colbert performance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner except to say I wish I’d been there to see him ram the rubber chicken up the press’s ass in person. I was reminded of Mencken’s comment: Democracy … Read more
My wish came true! Shutka Book of Records has been added to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival’s “Best of Fest.” The replay happens tonight–and tonight only–at Oak Street Cinema at 9:30 p.m. Otherwise, I’ll be offering DVD rental to close friends and relatives starting next week. Also on the “Best of Fest” roster, disappointingly: … Read more
Happy May Day! (Grumble-Grumble.) The interminable rain foiled my weekend running plans of course, although it didn’t stop me from making it Brave New Workshop way. Also swung into the Soap Factory (two opposable thumbs up for the 8x8x8 exhibition–they had felt art!) and Theatre in the Round. But I’ll report back on all that … Read more
Ah, the weekend lineup. They just about write themselves. I’ve been looking forward to it all week… There’s yet ANOTHER Minnesota Book Awards reading tonight, and this will be the last since the official awards are being handed out tomorrow. Guess who’s “moderating” tonight’s reading? Tha’s right. Me. (Sorry Tex!) But with a lineup that … Read more