There’s a little something going on this Sunday called the Super Bowl. 43% of all U.S. households watch the event and chances are that, even if you think football is for savages, somebody will invite you for a party. You should go for the guacamole if nothing else. And did you know that the Super […]
January 2009
Posted inCommunity/News
My Second First Day
My arms are quivering a little while I type this–I just finished working out and my arms feel like Jello without the mold. I was supposed to have been working out all last week, but I had a couple of false starts. So today is technically my *second* first day. Team Little Village was a […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Bank local
It’s almost impossible to avoid consorting with the massive multi-national banks these days, save the ol’ stuffing-banknotes-under-your-mattress trick. But, if the recent mismanagement of these investment giants hasn’t already pushed you to use a local Iowa City bank, credit union or financial adviser, here’s some more news from Bloomberg.com that these Mega-CEOs really don’t have […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Iowa City Weekender – January 23-25
It’s cold outside. That means two things: bad global warming denial jokes, and more time spent inside. But, all that indoor partying, snacking or sitting on one’s butt, requires some outdoor activity, so here’s 4 reasons to stay in and one reason to go out. Friday, January 23 The Thinkin’ Lincoln exhibit is gone from […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Iowa City Weekender – January 16-18
Iowa City, it’s been too long. We’ve missed you. But we had a good break. Hope you enjoyed your festivus, like the rest of us. It’s January, so it’s time to make some resolutions. Here goes: 1) More weekenders. That’s right, we’re coming back after a short hiatus. And we’re starting this weekend, see below. […]
Posted inAlbum Reviews
Album Review: Disaster Footage at Night by The Lonelyhearts
The Lonelyhearts Disaster Footage At Night Scenester Credentials www.thelonelyhearts.net Lonelyheart John Lindenbaum lives in Oakland, while Andre Perry lives in Iowa City; so the band is not quite bi-coastal — maybe sesqui- or hemi-coastal? It doesn’t really matter, what with the Internet turning us all into quivering monads afloat in a dimensionless sea. The songs […]
Posted inAlbum Reviews
Album Review: Flight Time by Pieta Brown
Pieta Brown Flight Time self-released www.pietabrown.com Pieta Brown’s latest EP Flight Time is written in a world occupied by Cadillacs and run away lovers, and in which a gallon of gas still cost 36 cents; somewhere just down the road from Tom Waits’ “Burma Shave.” However, this isn’t some sort of forced nostalgia. When she […]
Posted inAlbum Reviews
Album Review: Veins by Raw Mojo
Raw Mojo Veins www.rawmojo.net Raw Mojo is a 3 piece rock band you may have seen at shows around Iowa City. Their M.O. is to deliver short, concise stabs of pure rock and roll, without frills, pretension or irony. They deliver 10 songs in less than a half hour, and each song comprises the same […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
On the Beat: Prepare to be judged
January is the month of perpetual hangovers, and if December was any indication, the whole damn town might be frozen over. So I’m going to partake in the long tradition of using the New Year to pass judgment and make changes—though, not on myself (fine, more vegetables), but on the local venues (Mill: more vegetables!). […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
The Best Movies of 2008 (Most of which I didn't actually see)
Sydney Smith once observed, “I never read a book before reviewing it; it prejudices one so.” As a rule, I do watch the movies before reviewing them; though when it comes to the big Hollywood productions anymore, I wonder how necessary my principle is. So many of them have been made to order according to […]
Posted inCommunity/News
With a Bachelor's & a Backpack
My Grandfather had a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. He taught classes, was involved in the state legislature and founded a business. My Dad has an M.B.A. I always felt my parents had great expectations for me. At times, my dreams were greater than their expectations. But, throughout most of my adult life they would probably just […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Gitmo in Verse
Imagine being 14 years old when you arrive in Pakistan to learn English and study information technology. Then imagine being arrested, tortured and taken to Guantanamo Bay as an “enemy combatant.” This is what happened to Mohammed El Gharani, a Saudi-born Chadian national. In January 2002, he became one of the first men imprisoned by […]
