The dog says how

Minnesota author, Kevin Kling, makes an earnest attempt in his first book of essays. The stories alternate between the mundane and the uninspired. Does Publishers Weekly agree?:

A playwright and regular contributor to the popular newsmagazine-style NPR show "All Things Considered," Kling hems close to his wry on-air delivery in these 29 short essays, ruminating on a variety of topics including a life-altering motorcycle accident, his congenital arm disability and a favorite dog.

Maybe it is better when read by the author (check below). I don't think so. His juxtaposition of present tense and past tense in some essays is disconcerting. Through the course of the book, one does gain a certain empathy for his condition (congenital and accidental disability). It is also somewhat comforting to read of familiar places in Minnesota. That is not enough, however, to convince me to read his second book. Anyone want to borrow this one?

IKEA

A trip to IKEA is never complete without stopping at the restaurant and ordering Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and lingonberries. The server on this visit was a bit careless with the gravy!

Little House on the Prairie

After reading the "Little House" books and visiting some of the Laura Ingalls Wilder sites (in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Missouri) as a kid, I was intrigued when I heard about a musical based on the series. First produced at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis in 2008, the show then began a limited tour. (I saw it in Madison, WI.) Melissa Gilbert, who starred as Laura in the television series, played the role of "Ma." While the show was enjoyable, entertaining, and well done, it is not a show I will rush to see again in the near future. The music evokes the prairies, but there are no show-stoppers. I didn't notice anyone leaving the theater humming the tunes.

erwin - Chicago, IL

Proprietors Cathy & Erwin Drechsler have created a comfortable and tasty experience at erwin: an american cafe and bar (2925 N Halsted). Although it can be difficult to find a place without a wait for weekend brunch there were spaces available. Often this is a bad sign, but the food was standard breakfast food and the service was great. Definitely worth a second visit!

scrambled eggs with country potatoes, multi-grain toast and basil sausage