Essays, Interviews, Observations, Pop Culture, Stories, and other Dodginess

Fictional Hoosier of the Month – Catherine Stark

Posted on December 17, 2011

This month’s honoree is Catherine Stark, a college professor at an Indiana university who begins an affair with a new female coed in “Bloomington.”

Catherine Stark

Mmmm…Catherine is portrayed by Allison McAtee. This indie film has won some awards and it’s website says it was filmed entirely in Indiana (Carmel, Indianapolis, Columbus) but technically not in “Bloomington” where Indiana University hangs out.

Actually,  it technically doesn’t say it’s set at Indiana University but c’mon, let’s assume it is. No, haven’t seen the film yet, but I plan too.

Her bio says Allison has appeared in “Californication” – one of my favorites. I imagine a small part – so many women trop through that Duchovny vehicle.

Allison McAtee - yes indeed

‘Once,’ falling softly into a musical

Posted on December 13, 2011

At New York Theatre Workshop, ‘Once,’ falling softly into a musical.

Once (photo from the Chicago Tribune)

This is one of several amazing reviews of the new play/musical “Once” based on the loving film. It’s at a workshop now in New York prior to heading to Broadway. Most of the play (It’s hard for me to call it a musical, although technically it is I suppose. But when I think musical I think “Wicked” or “Lez Mis” or “Urine Town”) takes place in a Dublin pub.

Now that’s what I call ‘well done!”

Marketa Irglova was just in Chicago a few weeks ago…and I missed her. One of my favorite songs from the original film is her stunning “If You Want Me.”

A New York trip might be on the horizon…

I’ll bring the beer and check out your fashion

Posted on December 12, 2011

I’m not a beer expert. They are out there though, those who dissect every ingredient, smell, taste, aftertaste and whatnot about everything beer. I do usually scan through their blogs and websites about the best beers and I do so this time of year especially to check out what’s up with the Christmas beers.

Some of those I’ve read about/drunk are Sam Smith’s Winter Ale Welcome, Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, Avery Old Jubilation Ale, Anchor Christmas Ale and something I think called Samichlaus. The list goes on.

But what I brought the other day is New Orleans’ Abita Christmas Ale. I’ve long had an affinity for New Orleans and I enjoy it’s locally brewed beer (and Hand Grenades, but that’s another story).

Gettin' drinky with New Orleans' Abita Christmas Ale

I brought some to a Christmas party at a friend’s place in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood the other night. And here’s where the fashion part of this post comes through. You could tell you’re at a party in Chicago, as opposed to Indiana, by the way guests dress. There were a wide variety of people types at this thing (the host is a college professor). Academic types, hipster dudes and gals, older men, Indian men, a black guy, some white-haired women, a really cool pro-peace Vietnam Veteran, barflys, a guy named Norm who bowls (and had a KILLER shirt from Farm and Fleet) and so on.

I should have took pics. Next time. I read a lot of fashion blogs and they always have pics from these parties and soirees.

Anyway, I was admiring everyone’s shoes, shirts, pants, ponytails, boots, ties, wrist-wear, vests, skirts (oo-la!) and this cat that had a really cool collar.

I’d like to say I blended in quite well. I love, love my trusted Doc Martens. And my hat (one of many). Pics soon.

I’ll be going to a few more Christmas parties and will have a wrap up of them before the 25th. My goal to is to share one of my Christmas Ales with a beautiful lass. There’s something sexy about a pretty gal holding and drinking a pint or bottle of beer.

Bye the way, ‘xrt just played “Come On Santa” by the Raveonettes. Well done.