The Glass? It's basically empty.

Another weekend, another road trip back to the increasingly mecca-like twin cities. This pilgrimage has become a near certainty. If I have the weekend off, I'm driving to Minneapolis. Part of the plan this time was to see The Glass Menagerie at the NEW Guthrie theatre. This being the first production in the new building I've been remotely interested in seeing. The new complex has three performance spaces. The thrust stage, continuing in the tradition which made the Guthrie notable, is the largest. Followed by the Proscenium stage, with its red red red motif. And finally there is a small black-box studio for developmental works, and other non-traditional performances.

Menagerie was on the proscenium stage starring Tony award winner, Harriet Harris, as mother Amanda Wingfield, and Randy Harrison (Justin from Queer as Folk) playing young Tom. Judge as you will, but I'll now admit that this performance was the first time I'd either seen or read this particular piece of Americana. I've got to say everything is all fun and games until the last lines of the first act: "Wish for Happiness." Then its pretty much an emotional slippery slope right down to the end.

I like it!

For the life of me though, I couldn't stop thinking about Harrison as Justin from Queer as Folk. He'd be going through bits of dialogue, and all i could think was "I've seen you suck off some guy in an ally, and then spit his cum on the wall." It was distracting. After the show, while sitting at the bar with James, I verbalized this impression just as an innocent passer-by reached earshot. One can only imagine the thoughts that went through this stranger's head. Yes, he definitely heard me. And yes, completely out of context. And yes, it was at a gay bar. And no, he did not come back and ask for James' phone number.

I think I'm going to start a letter writing campaign to officially nickname this theatre "Big Red"

George Michael and Buster only Not

I'm not encouraging comparisons here, but I find this funny. Also, look for Impossible is the Opposite of Possible on your next Wholphin dvd for more hilarity from Michal Cera (or maybe just watch it here)

Cat Power

What kind of coffee is so rare that a measly 8oz cup will set you back $10? The answer is Kopi Luwak, a bean collected from the feces of the Indonesian, cat-like animal. Apparently, the Luwak has an appetite for the fruit from ripe coffee plants, and while the fleshy part of the fruit is digested, the bean finds its way completely through the system relatively unharmed. At which point it is collected and washed by what must be some dedicated workers. Then the finished product is baled, and sent to fancypants coffee boutiques around the world.

Where people like me (and Ben, Joe, and James)catch wind of the exotic wackiness, and can't help but give it a try. Credit to Joe and Ben here, I would have remained blissfully ignorant of this particular delicacy if they hadn't brought it to my attention.

So what does it taste like? My first reaction was that it tasted like watered-down coffee. It wasn't bad, but all things considered, it certainly didn't strike me as anything that unusual. Apparently, some people really enjoy the flavor, as it is allegedly less bitter than more typically processed coffees. I've been drinking the so-called bitter coffees for a while now, so maybe this particular flavor advantage was lost of me.

But the experience was never really about how it would taste. Of course, you knew that already didn't you?

Gerrymandering

This week The Corporation (italics for emphasis) reshuffled the regions and districts it uses to geographically divide the country. We've added an entire region, and something like 20 new districts. Previously, my store was in the Minneapolis district - hence I was moved here. After the re-structuring, my store is part of the *new* Madison district. I'm not even in the same region as the Cities anymore.



This presents a small problem, as it is rare to be promoted outside of your district, and even more rare to switch regions. At least this is how things used to work. There's no telling what my real chance of moving back to Minneapolis is. I did dodge a big bullet with this restructuring though. For reasons I wont bore you with, the district manager for a neighboring district is not a Dave fan. Our store could have ended up reporting to her - which wold have been unfortunate. Instead we get a newbie. Well, he's been with The Corporation (italics for emphasis) for some time, but not as a district manager.

But as usual, things could be worse. My return to the City of Lakes may be less likely today, but at least I'm not Drew. His store - previously in the Denver district - is now a part of the Salt Lake City district. Which means Drew's best shot at city living is in Utah. And we all know how he feels about Mormons.

Another one Bites the Dust

The exodus continues:

Rick, the same Rick who just bought a new condo in the warehouse district, is temporarily leaving the city of lakes for the sandy beaches of Honolulu. Sure its only a 6 month deal, but Rick's departure marks another significant loss of a person-with-whom-i-occasionally-to-oftentimes-hang-out.

In the past 12 months, the following friends have left the Twin Cities.

Colorado Drew
Ohio Drew
Joe Lew
Angie
Me
Chad
Justin
and Rick.

And yes I am my own friend - arguably my best available these days. At least in the OC.

Rick's move to Hawaii is also significant in that it abruptly changes my winter vacation plans. I was gearing up to convince Ben and the Rock to fly to Costa Rica with me. But now that I'll have a free place to stay in Honolulu, I really have no choice but to (begrudgingly) take advantage of Rick's hospitality. And I use the term in the most naive, conventional way possible.

Do they have nude beaches out there? I'd better get me that Body by Jake DVD I've had my eye on.

I Won't Let it Control my Life