The best and worst films of 2006. We critics like to play our little games at the end of every year, whereby we bestow certain movies the gift of being shortlisted as the best (or worst) of that particular year. Of course, this is always a personal choice, influenced by the tastes of the writer, … Read more
Amazing. This is yet another Monday on which men- and women-about-town will find something above-average to do. The noted playwright, or if you prefer the Most Important Living Playwright, Tom Stoppard stars in the 2006 Global Voices lecture at the Guthrie; and I believe it’s being moderated by Joe Dowling. This gives damn good excuse … Read more
Richard Riggins had a little red robot that made his bed each morning and put his shoes in neat rows in the bedroom closet. He also had a chimpanzee that played ping-pong with him in the basement. Richard and the monkey liked the same programs on television, and whenever Richard laughed the chimp would bounce … Read more
What to do this weekend: First, on a sad note, I note the passing of yet another record store. Know Name Records in Dinkytown–situated in an architectural relic of the 70s era during which it was born–is shuttering its doors. The last day to drop by is tomorrow-Saturday. And there’s a bit of a party … Read more
Everything requires careful consideration if one is to understand it. In ancient times, as I recollect, people often ate human beings, but I am rather hazy about it. I tried to look this up, but my history has no chronology, and scrawled all over each page are the words: ‘virtue’ and ‘morality.’ Since I could … Read more
If you’re managing to keep in the holiday spirit, you might want to know about that a couple promising Christmas shows open tonight. Both are reprises. There’s Ballet of the Dolls’s irreverent take on The Nutcracker, which bears the telling subhead (Not So) Suite. This plays at the Ritz. There’s also The Seven Poor Travellers, … Read more
like it even needs embellishment… I thought I knew what I would make for those little holiday gift bundles of hand-made goodies that simply must be handed out. But now that I know of the existence of chicken fried bacon, I might have to re-think. WARNING: Don’t be surprised by the dizziness and dull ache … Read more
Tonight, the Lagoon Cinema is hosting a free, advance screening of Volver, Pedro Almodovar’s latest film starring Penelope Cruz. I haven’t seen it yet, so I can’t offer my personal endorsement. However, our much-trusted film guy, Peter Schilling, seems to like it. On the other hand, plenty of critics have panned the thing, as is … Read more
I have a drain where my brain ought to be. Everything that comes into my head runs straight down into my stomach, where it gets churned into mulch. The drain is a rickety thing. When I shake my head I can hear the drain rattling around in my skull. If I sleep on my side … Read more
Didja know that Pumphouse Creamery has decided to stay open all year long? Come on, I know that baby it’s cold outside, but what’s your deal with not eating ice cream in the winter? Pumpkin ice cream, oatmeal cookie ice cream, Guiness ice cream, for godness sake, are all appropriate post-feast options. Plus, HELLO FORTY … Read more