MUSICBen Glaros Ben Glaros’s music is that of the familiar: songs about falling in and out of love; shoutouts to familiar local uptown hotspots like Spyhouse Coffee and the Mayday Cafe; a folk rock blend that includes harmonicas, cellos, and mandolins; and a stint in the local indie pop rock scene since the mid 1980s. … Read more
It is true that I drink wine nearly every day. But recently, I went three days without. . . .very purposefully. It was less a personal decision than a public parenting demonstration. Alcohol is not a necessity. I only hope it worked. I was in Madison, Wisconsin, with my middle child, Max — 18 years … Read more
Even body sushi couldn’t save Temple. I can’t say I was really surprised by today’s news, reported by WCCO, that Temple Restaurant and Bar has closed – it’s a tough market these days. I only made it to Tom Pham’s Asian Fusion restaurant a couple of times in the one-and-a-half years that it was open, … Read more
Employing a tactic I’m pretty sure I’ve picked up from the current presidential administration, I’ve decided to take a new approach to truth. Namely, I’m going to make it up. And make it up in such a way that justifies every decision I decide(r), and in such a way that makes me feel better about … Read more
There’s a new show in town. Twin Cities Live starts airing today, from 3 to 4 p.m. (5 Eyewitness News), highlighting great places to visit, eat, and play. Sure, the press release makes it sound like something that’s never been done before; but let’s face it, this is nothing terribly new. Nonetheless, let’s give it … Read more
BOOKS & AUTHORSPen Pals Author Yann Martel If any an author has been influenced by his travels, I’d say it’s Yann Martel. If any an author can weave stories of gold from scraps of tattered garments, I’d say, too, it’s Yann Martel. The Spanish-born Canadian has traveled the world over, collecting fodder for his tales: … Read more
AP Photo/The Plain Dealer, Joshua Gunter The obvious pundit’s take on yesterday’s playoff games was that the big guys stepped up, especially LeBron, Duncan, and CP3. Here are some of the dominant impressions I came away with after plastering myself to the rocking chair and catching all of two games and the majority of two … Read more
Okay, we’ve waited until the last minute and now it’s time to roll. I still reserve the right to change my mind about Coach of the Year and MVP. Defensive Player of the Year Winner: Kevin Garnett Runner-Up: Rasheed Wallace Honorable Mention: Tyson Chandler, Kobe Bryant, Raja Bell Comment: The Celts phenomenal improvement with untested and … Read more
Whether your cause is landmine removal in Afghanistan, or supporting people living with HIV/AIDS, there are lots of opportunities in the next week or so to dine well and do good, all at the same time. Tony Kaczor, the fish fry guy, passed along his latest church supper dining tips, including a couple of upcoming … Read more
Be it his folk-blues amiability or his pervasive wide-brimmed hats, Eric Bibb favors Taj Mahal. His voice is less basso and gravelly (more reminiscent of Spearhead’s Michael Franti), and his musical palette less diverse and worldly than Mahal’s ’round the globe hybrids, but Bibb is the superior songwriter. The latest evidence of this can be … Read more