Stadiums usually offer seating in a 360 degree configuration, allowing a spectator to sit anywhere and watch the proceedings on the center field. For this reason, stadiums offer insight into human perception, and the difficulty of governing our collective affairs. Arguably there are better seats, such as those situated right on the field, or those in the spacious comfort of a private box. However, from any seat, a spectator can still see what’s going on, and his or her viewpoint is as valid as the viewpoint of the air-conditioned execs in the private box. But what do each of them perceive? And how do we arbitrate this fundamental difference in perception so that we can agree on what reality is? Read the whole story »

Sketch by Jacqueline Ann Winter

Listen to the Audio: Just the Two of Us

The prom was off to a bad start, thought Dennis. His sweaty palms were making a mess of his pristine uniform, and a hush had fallen over the gym as soon as he walked in, leaving only the sound of Dennis’s labored breathing and the angsty crooning of the Kings of Leon. He quickly realized that he must have misheard his friend Bacon, who had told him the theme of the prom was “Tarts and Hitlers.” Read the whole story »

Lounge singing is one of the perennial occupations of pop culture. Most elegantly embodied by Frank Sinatra, and most cheesily realized by karaoke, lounge singing is a cultural touch-stone, a greasy but instantly recognizable symbol. What is it about the sight of a man leaning up against a piano, tie slightly askew, a once primo cocktail disintegrating into the watery dregs, that digs so deeply into the soul? It is every man’s dream to prowl a softly-lit stage, tossing off harmonic platitudes to a crowd of clingy drunks? Read the whole story »

Illustrations by Jason Whetzell

I fell three feet and into a puddle of grape-flavored Juicy Juice. Not too much juice, it was probably just from one carton. But this was no ordinary puddle; there was something different about it. I knew that because it told me.

“Hey you! I’m no ordinary puddle!” it said. Read the whole story »

by Nancy Accomando

Time to add another toy to my collection! Renowned artist Coop unveiled his first vinyl toy, Lil’ Mort, at one of my favorite spots Munky King on Melrose! Read the whole story »