dinner whores?

Did anyone see this article in Salon the other day? Part of me is revolted by the idea that a woman can't go out to dinner without being expected something in return, without being seen as a user. But most of me just thinks, a nice, free dinner and conversation, with no expectations...sign me up! I've even considered putting out a personal looking for exactly this sort of thing. My company and shiny conversation in exchange for food. And you get to watch me enjoy it. Shouldn't that be enticing enough?

Philip Pullman article from New Yorker

Far From Narnia: Philip Pullman’s secular fantasy for children.by Laura Miller.

Jon Langford interview

Too few of my friends know (and love) the Mekons, but I adore them and find that they are one of the biggest things I miss about living in Chicago. Jon Langford has a performance going on this month at the MCA that I really wish I could catch. Here is a related intereview.

bouncy

For a commercial, this is certainly lovely.

advice giving

My pal Greg was in the paper recently! Apparently he has been doing this for years. I told him how delightful I found it, and he invited me to join him sometime. He said it is better with one guy, one gal, but his last female partner in crime split town 3 years ago and he has yet to replace her. I think this sounds like lots of fun. And who doesn't like giving advice?