“That our painful labors are unnecessary, and fruitless; that only in our easy, simple, spontaneous action are we strong.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson This past week my best friend came to stay with me in Iowa City. Like anyone expecting a guest, I churned my mind thinking up activities for us to do and places […]
Tim Taranto
Tim Taranto is a writer and artist from New York. He is a graduate of Cornell University and the Iowa Writers' Workshop. He advocates taking ones bloated nothingness out of the path of the divine circuits.
The price of progress
“Do not expect justice where might is right.” — Plato Summer in this town sounds like jackhammers pulsing and backhoes scraping the asphalt. Towering cranes loom over my head on my walk to work, and I feel anxious. I’m not an Iowan. I grew up 1,000 miles away, on the western side of the Catskills […]
How can you be blue when serviceberries hang in the trees over your head?
Have you ever tried a serviceberry? I hadn’t, until this past Arts Fest weekend. My friend said she picked a gallon of serviceberries in downtown Iowa, and pointed out the trees replete with magenta berries growing on Iowa Avenue. “They taste like a blueberry, but also kind of like a cherry,” she said. I picked […]
Play it dumb this summer
“Those who know they do not know Gain wisdom. Those who pretend they know Remain ignorant. Those who acknowledge their weakness Become strong. Those who flaunt their power Will lose it.” — Lao-Tzu, Daodejing I used to be a Montessori teacher, and it was around this time of year that I’d chaperone my students on […]
Treknology: Outdoor accessories for the pampered camper
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Big plans this summer? Check out these cutting edge camping accessories for the next time you boldly go into the wilderness.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”101693″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text] Goal Zero Venture 30 Weatherproof Phone & Tablet Recharger Find it: Active Endeavors, Fin & Feather Buy it: $79.99* If you want to goof around on your iPad or stare […]
Iowa City to ‘Wear Orange’ for National Gun Violence Awareness Day
In our country, 36 people will lose their lives today as a result of guns, according to the independent nonprofit organization The Trace. That average seems troubling, because it is, but there are effective and peaceful ways to work for change. Thursday, June 2 is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and a demonstration will be […]
A world of imaginary birds: Exhibition features the work of Vivian Hahn
Opening Reception: Vivian Hahn Faith United Church of Christ — Saturday, June 4 at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 4 from 2–4 p.m., Faith United Church of Christ (1609 Deforest Ave, Iowa City) will be hosting an opening reception for the work of local artist Vivian Hahn. Refreshments will be served at the reception and works […]
IC’s Garth Greenwell speaks out against transphobia, sets out on North Carolina tour
When the state of North Carolina passed House Bill 2 in March designating that restrooms in schools and public agencies reflect biological sex as opposed to gender identity, many businesses and artists vowed to boycott the Tar Heel State.
Lions, produce, and beers, oh my! Lion Bridge Brewery to host farmers market
Beginning Thursday, June 9, Lion Bridge Brewery of Cedar Rapids will host an evening farmers market, set for every other Thursday. The brewery’s liquor license has been extended to include the location of the market so that market-goers can enjoy a draft while they shop. There are also plans for an extended patio, event stage […]
French-inspired Chinese bakery and tea shop opens on Linn Street
Cliche Patisserie (341 S Linn St., Iowa City), a French-inspired Chinese bakery, has just opened its doors in Iowa City. The bakery and tea shop is located on Linn St between Burlington and Court, and offers an array of traditional Chinese breads and desserts as well as milk teas, loose teas and house-made sodas. The space […]
Loud bombs, quiet triumph
Louder Than Bombs FilmScene — through Thursday, May 19 “When a ghost shows up,” says Swamplandia author Karen Russell, “there is something to be done.” When Isabelle’s ghost returns on the eve of her memorial retrospective, it is clear that for her husband and sons, there is much to be done. Isabelle Reed (Isabelle Huppert), […]
Metamorphoses: Givanni’s to become El Patrón Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar
When the Etre Restaurant Group closed the doors of Givanni’s Italian-American in the Ped Mall, it was unclear what the future would entail for the space. Though rumors abounded, all mysteries were dispelled this week when the former Givanni’s space displayed a sign for El Patrón Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar. An official website has […]

