A. Pope's Special Day

True ease in writing comes from art, not chance, As those move easiest who have learn’d to dance. ‘Tis not enough no harshness gives offense, The sound must seem an echo to the sense. —Alexander Pope, An Essay on Criticism: Part 2, 362-365 English poet Alexander Pope was born 320 years ago today. First things … Read more

Living the Dream

Taghazout, Morocco — It’s a postcard Malibu Beach view from the second floor balcony of a reclusive African surf camp. There’s a warm breeze. A few rocks and a broken formation of surfers crown the sea. The offbeat tinkle of a distant camel bell mixed with cries from trinket vendors is the lazy rhythm on … Read more

In Defense of Tou Saiko Lee

Good morning, My name is Chris DeLine, and I’m the editor for a local music site called Culture Bully. Today we posted a rebuttle written written by one of our writers, Kyle Myhre, regarding Jason Lewis’s discouraging comments on local Hmong artist Tou Saiko Lee. Kyle is also a local MC, spoken word artist, and … Read more

Barnes & Ignoble

For summer reading, Barnes & Noble recommends The Diary of Anne Frank. So here’s the presumed scenario: The sun is out, you’re under your candy striped umbrella at the beach, children in the near distance are making sandcastles on the shore, and you are immersing yourself in the magical world of WWII-era Amsterdam, through the … Read more

Healing from Talk Radio Rage

The sad truth about the Secrets of the Day is that the last-minute nature automatically rules out the hottest (most publicized and most popular) events, because they sell out. Unfortunately (though it is, in fact, a very good thing), such is the case with The Rake’s RestauranTour: Belgian Beer Night at Barbette this evening. I … Read more

Hoops Delirium: Hit and Run

(AFP/Getty Images/Chris Graythen)   In just a few hours, the San Antonio Spurs will either add another bullet point on their dynasty-like resume, or flip the championship torch toward the winner of the Hornets-Lakers series. I called the series for the Spurs in 6 or 7 and will gladly ride my choice-is-made-for-me decision to pick … Read more

Beat your ploughshares into pens

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

Legislatin' Sexy

As the 2008 session draws to a close with no small amount of pomp and ceremony today, it is a time to reflect upon the marvel that is the modern democratic process. More particularly, it is a time to think about the countless hordes of people at the Capitol who toil every day to grease … Read more