The line wraps around the store and most of the seats by the tables and the bar by the window were filled. More patrons gathered in the cozy second level that overlooks the campus.
Omaha-based Mulberry Lane sings a tribute to the winter holiday in the Badger State. I do not know whose house is shown in the video.
A tasty selection of middle eastern fare can be found at Wally's (423 14th Ave. SE) in Dinkytown. Shown here is a sampler with (clockwise from upper left) tabbouleh (تبولة), pita, falafel (فلافل), fries, baba ghanoush (بابا غنوج), vegetable garnish, hummus (حمّص), and lentil soup (شوربة العدس). Yum! (If you aren't sure what the items are, click on the name for an explanation.)
Essayist Sloane Crosley's first published collection is an entertaining read. While the writing is not as sophisticated as David Rakoff's, the stories not as memorable as David Sedaris' early works, or the accounts as informative as Sarah Vowell's, the essays are still enjoyable. In this clip she is reading selections from her book. Remember the Oregon Trail computer game? So does Sloane! You'll also find out the origin of the meaning of the title: I was Told There'd be Cake.
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America is an interesting and thought-provoking book to read. Written by Barbara Ehrenreich in the late 1990s, she recounts her experience working low wage jobs in Florida (waiting tables), Maine (house keeping), and Minnesota (retail). She tries to make ends meet without using her savings and documents the difficulties of the effort. All the stories are well-written, the outcome is expected and Ehrenreich doesn't provide many new insights into how we can really make life better for the working underclass. Nonetheless, I would recommend reading the book if only to remind you of the substantial efforts of those we can sometimes overlook. She is the author of many other books which I just might have to read if I have a chance!
Patrick's promotes themselves on their website: The cafe features an amazing selection of Patrick Bernet's made-fresh daily selections of French breads, baguettes, country bread, 7-grain breads, petites and grandes boules; and speciality breads like Tomato Provencal and Roasted Red Pepper. Croissants, pain au chocolat, apricot soleil and glistening pineapple danish (Patrick's personal favorite) will be available every day. The individual pastries offered are irresistible. You'll find wonderful standards, like eclairs, napoleons, fruit tarts and creme brulees, and tantalizing Patrick's specialties that are beyond description, including the Trilogy Chocolate cake, Feuillantine Pralinee and Tiramisu.
"Between the Folds" chronicles the stories of 10 fine artistis and intrepid scientists who abandoned careers and scoffed at hard-earned graduate degrees - all to forge unconventional lives as modern-day paperfolders. The film paints an arresting portrait of the remarkable artistic and scientific creativity that fuels this ever-changing art form, fusing science and sculpture, form and function, ancient and new.
I arranged with Vanessa Gould, the writer/producer/director of the film, to have a screening at a conference I recently coordinated. It was very interesting! I have also met or been in a conference session with some of the featured artists/scientists: Erik Demaine (and his dad), Tom Hull, Robert Lang.
