Every March 20th, the students and faculty of Lake Superior State venture out into the open northern-Michigan air for the first time in months, and meet at the quad for a quaint little bit of effigy burning. “Snowman Burning Day” represents the opportunity to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring. The annual celebration … Continue reading
Baby, it’s cold outside, and we’re going to deal with it the way all Chicagoans do—by shutting ourselves inside and not speaking to anyone until it’s warm again. That’s right! We are taking our first ever winter hiatus. There’s no need to drop by to bring us soup. Just like any other hibernating mammal, Essay … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta turns 7 years old this month, which is 49 in dog years, 44 in cat years, and 53.8 in live lit years. Like many middle-aged dogs and cats, Essay Fiesta can be trusted to be left at home alone without wrecking the furniture. It will, however, still pee on the floor from time … Continue reading
Don’t obambulate (wander about aimlessly); head straight down to The Book Cellar on Monday, October 17th at 7pm. This lineup of effulgent (radiant) writers and performers will put an end to your sonntagsleerung (Sunday depressions experienced before the coming workday): Toni Nealie is the author of The Miles Between Me, an essay collection about borders, … Continue reading
Only a real ninnyhammer (foolish person; simpleton) would give in to their clinomania (excessive desire to lie down or remain in bed) and miss the October edition of Essay Fiesta. So put on your spraunciest (most dapper or smart in appearance) footwear and step on down to The Book Cellar on Monday, October 17th at … Continue reading
Ahoy! The next Essay Fiesta (as well as the next “International Talk Like a Pirate” Day) draws nigh on the horizon. Methinks ye ought to sail down to The Book Cellar at 7pm on Monday, September 19th for this lineup of jolly good writers and performers (unless ye’d rather walk the plank): Jeremy Owens is … Continue reading
Ahoy! On the horizon, nested in the sandy shores of Lincoln Square, there be the next installment of Essay Fiesta! Steer ye trusty vessel toward shore and drop anchor at The Book Cellar at 7pm on Monday, September 19th (which also happens to be International Talk Like a Pirate Day). Fearless captains Karen Shimmin and … Continue reading
Thirty-nine years after scientists detected the Wow Signal, we’ll be sending out some gnarly Wowie-wow-wow signals of our own. Come on down to The Book Cellar at 7pm on Monday, August 15th for this lineup of writers and performers who will produce the federally-mandated maximum amount of wows for a single evening of entertainment (and … Continue reading
On August 15, 1977, the Big Ear telescope at Ohio State University received a strong narrow-band radio signal that appeared to be of extraterrestrial origin. Astronomer Jerry Ehman was so impressed that he circled the reading and wrote ‘Wow!’ beside it. The signal has been referred to as the ‘Wow!’ signal ever since. On August … Continue reading
Now that July Fourth is two weeks gone, you’ve exhausted your fireworks stockpile down to a few piddly sparklers. But don’t despair! Come to The Book Cellar at 7pm on Monday, July 18th for this lineup of writers and performers who will bring the boom-pow-crackle without violating noise ordinances: Diana Slickman is a 30-year veteran … Continue reading
Essay Fiesta 