3 Wishes For Barack Obama

Just Do It
Modern presidential politics dictates that any contender lay out their policies and intentions on nearly every issue of the day. But, more often than not, those plans are unrealized. In 2008, all evidence points to a real possibility of united Democratic leadership in the oval office and Congress. If that happens, one can reasonably assume that the American public is ready to accept progressive ideas in areas like health care reform, tax structures, environmental policy and the war. Like He-Man before him, a President Obama will have the power. Let’s hope he uses it wisely.

Bipartisan Buy-in
On multiple occasions, the Obama team has hinted at a bipartisan cabinet. Here’s hoping they follow through. It’s little secret that an Obama selection will be welcomed outside of our borders. But here at home, the losing party will still count over 40 percent of the American public among its ranks. How to curry their favor at a pivotal point in our nation’s history? Bring them into the fold. Obama’s high-flying “one America” rhetoric has been denounced as fluff, but we believe America could come together if it had a leader willing to involve the other party.

Keep them Engaged
Who? New voters. Well, all voters really, but especially the recent additions. Obama’s opposition has reminded us often that oratory excellence can not substitute for action. We couldn’t agree more. But, Obama’s way with a crowd, his campaign’s incredible ability to engage young people and the previously uninterested, and his message of, yes, hope have given the country a sense of ownership in his ascendancy. We’ve thrown our chips in with his hand and we’re ready to do our part to play it through. America’s good faith in its leaders has been squandered so many times before. Let’s cross our fingers that things really do change this time around and participation in democracy doesn’t end on November 4.

3 Wishes For John McCain

A Return of Maverickiness
Like the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, the Maverick McCain has long been presumed extinct. But, if John McCain somehow overcomes his significant polling deficit, it will be because the moderate middle believes that somewhere inside McCain 2008 (the one that votes Bush 90 percent of the time) lies McCain 2000 (the one that votes McCain 100 percent of the time). Certainly, this country does not desire (or deserve) eight more years of radical conservatism. Here’s wishing that the current McCain is just a Trojan Horse for that inner Maverick.

Victory in Iraq
Nothing would validate a McCain presidency like success in the Middle East. Sen. McCain has staked much of his reputation on his belief that we can “win” in Iraq, but to this point, even defining victory has been out of his reach. Still, these are wishes and we’re going big. Whatever winning is, it would surely mean the return of a majority of U.S. troops, a drastic reduction in expenditures and, presumably, a public relations boost in the eyes of the world at large. America needs to exit Iraq gracefully. If we can simultaneously claim a victory over “terror,” all the better.

Longevity
Let’s face it, age is a factor. Another truth: Sarah Palin isn’t ready for the big leagues. Her selection has been a drag on the ticket. And for good reason: She isn’t knowledgeable on the issues of the day. If Sen. McCain is elected, it will be because Americans want him in the White House, not his running mate. As potentially our oldest first-term leader, already seven years past Social Security eligibility, good presidential health will play a major role in establishing confidence in our markets, in our domestic policy and in our foreign relations. We’d prefer a late 2008 retirement for Sen. McCain, but if not, let’s hope its still a healthy one whenever it happens.

Kurt Friese
A Cook’s Journey: Slow Food in the Heartland
Ice Cube Press
Nearly a decade ago, Devotay chef Kurt Friese founded Iowa’s first Slow Food chapter. As readers of his It’s About the Food column will know, the Slow Food movement has exploded in those ten short years. In his book, Friese tills the rich soil of middle America for stories from the frontlines of our revolution against bad eating. Friese spent two years traveling the Heartland in a search for those who preserved and promoted slow food ideals. In essays on local farmers, organic restaurateurs, sustainable brewers and fellow foodies, Friese pairs story with practical recipes from his own kitchen. Since opening the doors to Iowa City’s Devotay in 1996, Friese has been a tireless promoter of a deliberate approach to food, from local growing to passionate preparation, now A Cook’s Journey can do that job for him.

Thomas Dean
Under a Midland Sky
Ice Cube Press
In the life of Thomas Dean, the weather is an ever present companion. Writing his monthly column, U R Here, Dean often fuses his passions for meteorology, community and family. Under a Midland Sky is an expansion of those ideas. Here in the center of the country, our lives are set in front of harsh winters, swirling cyclones, crisp autumns and triple-digit summers. Dean examines his own personal story played out under these many skies revealing to the reader how place and environment shape who we are and ground us to a particular place. In a year when weather has defined Iowa and illuminated who we really are, Dean’s reflections are all the more poignant, helping us understand our relationship with the place we call home.

Ok, this will be news to all of you: It’s Halloween. I know! Where would you be without the Weekender for such important breaking news? Well, that’s why we’re here for you. It is Halloween, and if trick or treating isnt on your agenda, a costume party probably is. Wherever you go, lets see who can spot the most “Sarah Palins” tonight. On a side note, if you come to my house, you’ll be lucky enough to find this sweet pumpkin!

Friday, October 31

Iowa Icon | Coralville Marriott | All Weekend | $50

If you’re a comic guy, anime nut, LARPer or gamer, you probably already know about this big annual event. But even if you aren’t, you can gawk at the outfits for free just by driving by. The annual bash features workshops, presentations and shows with sci-fi artists and authors as well as a music and masquerading.

The Replacements, White Stripes, Blondie, David Bowie, and Neutral Milk Hotel | The Mill, Iowa City | 9pm | $5

It’s Halloween, right? The Mill is doing the holiday right by showcasing big name music that would never be heard in Iowa City on the same night. To celebrate Halloween, Shame Train, Twelve Canons, Mannix!, The Puritanicals, and The Young Palpitations will be donning their best costumes for this happy funtime lookalike show. LV editor Melody will be going, and she’s hoping her Halloween mask will hide her drunken tears when Shame Train performs “Oh Comely”–so sad! Neutral Milk Hotel’s Into the Aeroplane Over the Sea will be performed in its entirety. If you never read The Diary of Anne Frank in gradeschool, you might want to take a gander at this to mentally prepare. Unlike the fate of Anne Frank, this one’s a more happy sad.

Stephen Malkmus | The Picador, Iowa City | 7pm | $15

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If costumed musical re-enactments aren’t your thing and you’d rather skip the Halloween tribute concerts for a “normal” good concert, head to the Pic. Malkmus is a legend in indie-rock, of course, best known as the lead singer of Pavement. His sounds has changed over the years but he’s still a special talent.

Saturday, November 1

Eye Witness: Daniel Heyman’s Portraits of Iraqi Torture Victims | Old Capitol Museum, Iowa City | Free

The sneak preview for the show is Friday, but Saturday is teh official opening day. Regardless, the UI Museum of Art curated what looks to be an excellent and intriguing show. Heyman visited Iraq and came back with 25 portraits of real Iraqis. Often transribing their conversations as part of the composition, the pieces are at once whimsical and haunting. A must see. For even more on the subject, catch Heyman’s gallery talk at 4pm on December 4.

Anomy House of Horrors | Anomy House, RCHC, 802 E. Washington St., Iowa City | 9pm-2am | $3 donation; $2 to enter costume contest | BYOB

Disclaimer: LV editor Melody used to live here, but the River City Housing Collective’s Halloween parties are still some of the most fun she’s been to. Featuring live music and deejays Mikko Wolfcock and The School of Flyentology, this house has plenty of room to shake it, get down, dance a jig, and cut a rug all in the same place! This Halloween party is a fundraiser to send people to a conference on co-operative living (no, Sen. McCain, that doesn’t make them socialists), but party goers will get to enjoy their labor for cheap cheap! The food at the baked sale is $.50 to $2 donation, which will allow you to soak up some of the alcohol to keep going, and the costume contest has a mere $2 entry fee. The costume contest begins at 11:30, and has prizes from places like White Rabbit, Riverside Theatre, Om, Vortex, Revival, Iowa Artisans Gallery, and Haunted Bookshop, New Pioneer Co-op, Falbos, Home Ec., and The Bijou. Although Melody still thinks the person dressed as Quaker Oats should have won first prize, she’s excited to see this year’s contenders!

Sunday, November 2

Iowa Percussion | West High School, Iowa City | 3pm | Free

Director Dan Moore describes the show as a tribute to the percussion “innovators who changed the face of music by bringing percussion from the back of the orchestra to the front of the stage.” And its true, from NYC street shows to Stomp to Ames, Iowa native Dick Schory, percussion has come a long way.

Friday, October 24

Dirty Politics and Tales of Other Feedoms | Liars Theater and SPT Theatre | Cedar Rapids Museum of Art | 7:30pm | $30

Sarah Vowell is sold out, which means you’ll have to get your political satire somewhere else. SPT and Liars are teaming up for another joint show (after the successful Moving Home in July. This go round, just in time for election season, the subject is American politics. The two groups will perform two shows at 7:30 Friday and Saturday roasting our freedoms in a sketch comedy format. A welcome return.

Ed note: Sarah Vowell is NOT sold out (sez the Englert). Tickets are available by buying her new book at Prairie Lights or (if luck has it) at the door.

Rocky Horror Picture Show | The Bijou Theatre | 9pm | $8

The midnight cult classic is here at the Bijou all weekend. You can go to the early shows for a decent good time, but let’s be honest, this isn’t about good cinema, it’s about interactivity. Go to the 9pm shows on Friday and Saturday or the 6pm on Sunday where your ticket includes a RHPS kit to help you get in on the action. Buy early as sell-outs are anticipated.

Halloween activity

Creepy Campus Crawl | UI Campus | 6:30-8:30pm | Free

Solve a mystery with “Clue at the Capitol” in the Old Capitol Museum, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” with the Department of Geoscience and visit the “Haunted Laboratory” at the Museum of Natural History. Wear your costume!

Saturday, October 25

Make a Difference Day | Hubbard Park, Iowa City | 1pm | Free

Ok folks, seriously, this river was in need of cleanup before the flood. Get out there and, well, make difference during Iowa City’s chosen activity for this national event.

Coffee and Hope | Riverside Theatre | 7:30pm | $12-24

Local theatre icon Ron Clark brings us an inspiration tale of battling cancer, and the men who act as cancer caregivers. From window-smashing fits of rage to somber reflection, the play weaves together five common stories on the theme. Read more from our friends at the Iowa City Theatre blog.

Robert ‘one-man’ Johnson | The Sanctuary | 10pm

As usual, lots of music to choose from on Saturday, Roommate returns to Public Space One. Wax Cannon and Bad Accident bring punk to the Pic, Bumpus at the Yacht Club and some Celtic tunes at the Mill. If I have to pick, I’ll settle down for some blues (maybe it’s the weather). Robert Johnson is a one-man blues machine, spending the last 4 decades touring and opening for everyone from Muddy Waters to Hall and Oates.

Halloween special

Scream Acres Corn Maze | Bloomsbury Farms, Atkins, IA | 7-11pm | $12

Iowa + Halloween = Corn Maze. It’s a Midwest tradition.

Sunday, October 26

Student Gallery Opening | 21 N Dodge St, 2nd Floor, Iowa City | 12:30-2pm

Three UI painters, Casey Reyner, Kwon Jae Na, and Robert Braune show their stuff for four straight weekends at this impromptu gallery space hosted by Elias Simpson. A silent auction will take place with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the UI Theatre Department. Food and drinks opening day. RSVP to ep.simpson@gmail.com

Friday, October 17

Iowa City Barn Dance | Scattergood Friends School, West Branch | 8pm | $5

Alright, this isn’t my area of expertise. I’ve been to maybe two barn dances in my whole life, the last one in high school. I was awkward, but it was fun anyway. Now that I’m a grown-up, I ought to try again. Caller Tim Jenkins and musical guests the Porch Stompers will get you dancing squares and waltzes.

Family Groove Company | The Yacht Club | 9pm | $7

Badger fans are coming to town, and if I know Madisonians (Madisonites?) they’ll be heading for the nearest jam band. This Chicago four-piece fuses a bit of Beatles in with the usual jam band formula. If you’re a fan of the jam, you shouldn’t be disappointed.

Saturday, October 18

Iowa vs Wisconsin Football | Kinnick Stadium | $ depends on the price on the street

This is it for Iowa. Lose this game and the season is essentially over. For fans though, the weather report is sunny and 60. That’s reason enough to make this the last-best chance to bring your blanket to Kinnick for a game this season. Bonus, lots of Badger fans in town to heckle.

Man on Wire | Bijou Theatre | 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, 9pm | $5

Bijou shows blow through town so fast these days you better put a post-it on the fridge lest you miss the whole thing. When I was at the Sundance Film Festival this January, Man on Wire was generating a lot of buzz, despite already having a deal in place. The film follows frenchman Phililppe Petit’s stunning tightrope walk between the World Trade Center towers in the early ’70’s.  Rotten Tomatoes has it listed as 100% fresh. Don’t miss this one.

Sunday, October 19

Apples and Pumpkins and whatnot | Wilson’s Orchard | 10am-dusk | $1.50 per pound

Another last chance to enjoy the fall. Wilson’s Orchard is a must-do fall activity. The apples may be ending their run, but hayrides, pumpkins, cider and fresh pies make the trip worth while too. Walk the rolling hills with your family or a date. Or go by yourself. It doesn’t matter, it’s good old fashioned fun.

Man Man | The Picador | 8pm

Little Village’s Craig Eley writes: “This six-piece band is fronted by a man named Sergei Sogay, and the band’s on a label (Anti-) with fellow shouters Tom Waits and Will Whitmore. The live show is said to be a sweaty, bizarre carnival.” Sounds like a show!

“A lot of people think it’s just like TV,” says Vicki Stinson. “But, there are all of these reports and standard operating procedures. Sometimes it’s grimy. Sometimes you get doors slammed in your face. It isn’t all that romantic intriguing stuff. It’s a lot of work.”

Stinson would know. She serves as a Team Leader for the Iowa Paranormal Advanced Research Team (IPART), organizing crews for on-site investigations of paranormal activity “once or twice a month.”

While neutrona wands are not standard equipment, IPART teams do come well-equipped for their nighttime stakeouts. Armed with night-vision video cameras, microphones, laptop computers, heat sensors and electromagnetic field meters, groups of ghost hunters respond to calls from concerned citizens in search of the unexplainable. The investigations never cost the client a dime.

“A lot of times, people will say ‘It’s my imagination. I must be seeing things.’ They try to rationalize it,” Stinson explains. “But they know deep down—they have a gut feeling that something just isn’t right.”

When a call comes in from anywhere in the state, it goes to a case manager who walks the caller through 50 questions to screen out the frauds and jokesters and unearth promising leads. If the story has intrigue, it gets funneled to Dan Berger, the manager of IPART. Using his 20 years of paranormal research experience as a guide, Berger makes the decision to send out a team from one of IPART’s nine chapters throughout the state.

“It’s kind of slow in this area,” says Jay Caffery, referring to the Iowa City metro. “We’ve only had one case recently, in North Liberty.”

Caffery is the Team Lead of the Cedar Rapids chapter of IPART. His team has investigated about a dozen leads from Oskaloosa to Dubuque in his year and a half on the hunt. But, they’re still searching for that big ghost story.

“We’ve had some interesting cases, but nothing you could take to a skeptic that says there is definite proof of paranormal activity.”

Still, Caffery is satisfied that the group has been able to help concerned homeowners by debunking their paranormal fears, letting them sleep a little easier at night.

Back in Des Moines, however, Stinson says things have been much more active.

“We had a case at an old farmhouse in Waukee,” she says, her voice rising at the thought of it. “We always rate a case from zero to 10. Zero is nothing; 10 you’ve got blood coming down the walls. This one was a six.”

Her team had been summoned to investigate multiple hauntings on the property. What they found didn’t disappoint them.

“We had a full body apparition on one floor. We had wicked laughter on the tape recorder. We also had the presence of a shadow man—who was intelligent to boot. He would move into a closet if he knew you had seen him and anyone who stayed near that closet would get sick.

“The people ended up having the house blessed because the entity on the second floor was not a good person. The first floor entity wasn’t bad though.”

Whether the activity is natural or supernatural, uncovering the truth is the mission of IPART according to Caffery.

“We don’t want to be the group that does publicity stunts,” he says. “We want to help families. If we catch evidence of paranormal activity, ‘great!’ Otherwise first and foremost we’re out to help people.”

Playing it safe is important. After all, according to Stinson, you never know what you may open the door to if your goal is to provoke.

“It’s possible to bring something in that wasn’t there before. We want to remain neutral and scientific. We don’t call them names. It would be disrespectful. If it is a ghost, they were people too at one time. How would you like it if someone came into your house and started saying things to you?”

I wouldn’t like it one bit. But if I do start hearing whispers in the night, at least I’ll know who to call.

The original article contained a possibly unintentionally misleading statement which has been removed to avoid confusion.

Thursday, October 9

Iowa City Experimental Film Festival | Adler Communications Building, Room 105, U Iowa | 8-10pm | Free

The University of Iowa film department is well known as an experimental program. In that vein, the ICE Festival is back with genre and form-breaking work from around the world. The program runs all weekend, but Thursday is the night to catch the Iowa program. It’s different, enjoy it.

Friday, October 10

Subprime Crises Symposium | hotelVetro | Friday and Sat | $150

Ok, I know, you probably don’t have $150 to spare. But why not dress up like the waitstaff and trysneaking in? Get some knowledge on the lending crisis that’s currently ruining the land (and probably the cause of you not having $150 for a symposium). Oh, and off-topic, but I just realized that the official spelling of the hotel Vetro is hotelVetro. When will the lack-of-spaces-and-proper-capitalization trend ever end?

Second City: Deface the Nation | Englert Theatre | 8pm | $22-27

For a different take on the collapse of our monetary and moral economies (and at a better price), check your political stripes at the door and sit down for a bipartisan skewering from the folks at the Second City comedy troupe. Although, let’s be honest, the McCain/Palin ticket has a lot more material to work with, so expect some of that. Another all-weekend (Th-Sun) event.

Saturday, October 11

The Museum Party | hotelVetro | 8-11pm | $100

Again, if you’ve got $100 to spare, grab some grub and save some art. The University of Iowa Museum of Art is hosing an hors d’oeuvres and wine reception. Party attire required (what kind of party, they don’t say). Music by The Diplomats of Solid Sound, featuring the Diplomettes.

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone | Public Space ONE | 9pm | $5

For the cheaper set. According to our Mission Freak friend and LV staffer Craig Eley if you’re curious about the PS1 shows, “wait no longer and just come check out Casiotone for the Painfully Alone.” Daytrotter finds a “universal beauty” in Casiotone’s scruffy synth sound. Ill Ease, Gangi, and Rainbow Arabia open. PS1 is in the basement of the Jefferson Building.

Friday, September 19 (Movie Night)

Final Season Movie at the Ballpark | Coralville Creekside Ballpark | 7:30pm | Free

The final show of the season is Final Season, how clever! Actually, Coralville gets creativity points here for shifting the screening to the Creekside Ballpark and offering free popcorn and an open concession stand. The film was shot and takes place in Norway, Iowa. The plot centers around the last season of high school baseball in Norway, winners of 19 state titles.

Riff Raff Theater: Die Hard | Englert Theatre, Iowa City | 8:00pm | $10

Riff Raff returns with an ode to the greatest Mavericky action hero ever: John McLane. In the style made famous by Mystery Science Theater 3000, Riff Raff drops their own dialogue and snarky comments into an already famous blockbuster hit. To see a sample of their snaps, visit their website www.riffrafftheater.com.

Saturday, September 20 (Get outside)

Iowa Women’s Music Festival | Upper City Park, Iowa City | 11am-6pm | Free

Still going strong after 15 years, the festival features a solid lineup of female musicians from a round the country. Check out the Little Village’s festival write-up from Maggie Anderson. The diverse group includes blue-rocker Patrice Pike, world-beat arist Zoe Lewis and local guitarist Diva Kai among many others. According to festival organizer Lisa Schriehart “a lot of people say that this year’s lineup is probably the best we’ve ever had.”

Brew Fest | Old Chicago, Coralville | 11am-5pm | $5-20

Ok, so if you do find yourself missing the tailgating this weekend, never fear…somebody’s got some beer for you. John’s Grocery and Old Chicago team up to bring you another sudstravaganza to benefit the American Heart Association. Hundred’s of unique beers, some tasty food, beer-themed carnival games and evidence that Corallville’s strip is coming back to life post-flood.

Sunday, September 21

Felice Brothers | The Mill, Iowa City | 8pm |$10

Cap off a long weekend with some sad tunes and a glass of whiskey. 2008 Bonnaroo Festival vets the Felice Brothers swing through Iowa City to lay down some mountain songs. All Music Guide says “Ian Felice sounds like Bob Dylan after a handful of singing lessons, his vocals weathered and weary but skilled enough to bring these Appalachian melodies to life.”

“Sarah knows how to field-dress a moose. I know how to castrate a calf. Neither of those things has anything at all to do with this election. But since we know so much about Sarah’s special skills, I wanted to make sure you knew about mine too.”

The fundraising event also featured rising Democrat Brian Schweitzer, the current Montana Governor (for those of you who don’t know your geography, Montana borders Canada, making Brian an expert on foriegn policy). Schwietzer spoke about energy reform and the current energy “crisis” we Americans find ourselves in. He exhorted American to “produce American energy” adding, “grow it, blow it, drill it or dig it, but make it American.”

More than 1,000 Iowa Democrats attended the event in Indianola yesterday.