Zinn and tonic

I must admit (in lieu of something more interesting to write about) that last night my personal "spring cleaning" may have come to an end.  I use the word "may" here because the spirit of the idea lives on.  But the letter of it was broken, as it just made too much sense not to throw back a few beers....

And in truth, this was the second time that I technically broke this resolution.  The first happened on Friday, April 2nd, as I was sitting in the Turf Club in St. Paul. I was there because one of my favorite bands of recent years, the Ruby Suns, were going to play there that night.  I'd bought a ticket back in January (right when they went on sale), and there was no way I was missing this show.

Going into it, I did have the intention of just drinking water.  But when I showed up at around 8:30 p.m., the bands were nowhere to be seen.  Knowing only that the doors opened at 8, I wasn't sure how long of a wait it would be.  It was pretty chilly outside, though, and I didn't relish the thought of walking around or generally going someplace else...

So I sat down at the bar and looked up at the TV screen, which just began showing the movie "Gidget".  And when the bartender asked me what I wanted to drink, an answer of beer was just too perfect not to utter!  Eventually, at around 10 p.m. the opening act began, and I nursed that beer just about up to that point (and followed it with a water).

Later, while the Ruby Suns were setting up on stage, another beer was purchased.  In my defense, it *was* the first time finally getting to see a band I'd listened often and was really looking forward to hearing (not to mention it wasn't too packed and I could get up close).  Again - a very cool occasion perfectly suited to a (2nd) beer.

Afterwards, the main "sun" Ryan was hanging around talking to people, and he was a very cool guy.  We did chat a bit, and I even gave him a copy of After the Fact"!  He accepted it with kindness and some enthusiasm, and told me they would listen to it in the van :)

Anyway -- for different reasons -- last night was another such night where it all just seemed too perfect...  But today I did have to wake up to the double hangover from alcohol and knowing I'd sorta lapsed (again) on my goal.  As I lay in bed, it gradually became noon, and I turned on KVSC for "Alternative Radio" (which I try to catch every Sunday).  It was another excellent show - an interview with Howard Zinn.

There's nothing like a historian to put things in perspective, and especially Howard Zinn.  This show presented the last recorded interview before his death.  In it, he read his commencement address to Spelman College in 2005.  I find it to be very moving and thought-provoking, and a great way to change the subject.  So thanks for reading, and please now read this instead.