Like everyone reading this, I survived the blackout PG&E inflicted upon us. Sitting in the dark, reading books by candlelight and headlamp, gave me ample thinking time, so I have decided to review some of last week’s events, both worldly and personal. One thought came to mind: Public utilities should be publicly owned, and the […]
Lord Ellis
Posted inArts + Scene
Music Tonight: Saturday, December 8
The Arcata Interfaith Gospel Choir shares its holiday concert tonight at 7 p.m. at the Arcata Presbyterian Church. Director Kristin Kirby (also a Journal contributor — hey, Kristin) will present a playlist of sacred and secular holiday favorites arranged for the chorus of voices and a full band. Opening the night’s celebrations will be a […]
Posted inMusic
Let the Music Lift You
A dear and lifelong friend of mine died unexpectedly last week and, without any premeditation, he put me in the middle of a beautiful Eastern Orthodox funeral service that I saw from the church to its end at the grave, where I served as an ad hoc pallbearer. I will absolutely write more about him […]
Posted inMusic
Animal Instincts
I am writing this in my living room on my couch with a large Italian mastiff snoring like a Sardinian sow pig behind me. She doesn’t mean any offense and, in fact, Grinza is a sweet dog, stinkiness notwithstanding. She’s better company than most people, if I am being honest. I mention her because she […]
Posted inMusic
Amp Up and Ramp Up
It’s a packed week of great music so I will keep this intro as lean and mean as a vintage WWF wrestler’s rant track. Here goes: The weather’s fine, the music’s good, so get off the couch ya potatoes (hold the last vowel sound before cutting with the sibilant S) and see some dang shows! […]
Posted inMusic
Comprehension
There are many things I do not understand. The Shugborough Inscription. What a head gasket does. Why we continue engaging in behavior we know to be bad for us. Bitcoin. Non-Jamaican purveyors of reggae speaking in patois. But let’s turn to something I can help you with, dear readers. No, not how to make a […]
Posted inMusic
Passages
Humboldt State’s graduation weekend manifests itself in many ways. Students exhale as the final assignment is turned in and the world crowns them official adults. Parents rejoice in their children’s accomplishments and start worrying about what’s next. Arcata residents grumble at the weekend’s increased chaos and look forward to summer’s lessened population. Inspiring words pop […]
Posted inMusic
So Much Music
Here at The Hum, we focus mainly on nighttime haps, but this week, I want to talk to you about breakfast, the best meal of the day. Breakfast helps you stay smart, svelte and — importantly — ready to take on your next night of partying. To that end, we offer some morning-after suggestions. Adjust […]
Posted inMusic
Shows Big and Small
Those who work in entertainment media tend to fall into one of two camps. The first camp tells people about what they already know and enjoy, the idea being that the public likes the comfort of familiarity. The second camp figures that people prefer the thrill of discovery. I’m hoping you’re adventurous types, so I’m […]