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Phat Phriday Phun

I hope you all know that “Phat Phriday Phun” is spelled ironically. You know that, right? I’m not lame. Anyway, who’s up for some mini-golf? Forest Challenge 2!

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Meridene + The Wars of 1812

Phark it up tonight with a duo of fresh-faced musical acts! Meridene is a young indie rock band known for excellent and catchy songwriting. The Wars of 1812 are a foursome of passionate musicians from Minnesota writing mature rock tunes.

Weather: All signs point to sunny skies.

Sounds Like Summer: Meridene + The Wars of 1812 • Thursday, Aug. 7 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out the sponsors: Deborah Becker/State Farm Insurance,  RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Hillside Dental, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Chilson Subaru, the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Clear Channel.

Posted by Mike

Seen Any Good Murals Lately?

Click the pic for a biggie. Location: Corner of Eau Claire and South Farwell Streets. Artists: Lori Chilifone, Mauricea Zeihr, Steve Bateman. Other views: here and here.

Posted by Nick

Mabie Wins Journalism Ethics Award

Glen Mabie, the WEAU-TV news director who quit in January over an ethics dispute, will be honored with the Society of Professional Journalists' Ethics in Journalism award. Mabie resigned from his position as news director at WEAU-TV in January after the station refused to cancel an agreement with Sacred Heart Hospital where the hospital would pay the station to do "health news" segments where reporters would interview only Sacred Heart employees. The Leader-Telegram has an interesting story about Mabie.

Related:
Columbia Journalism Review interview
Leader-Telegram editorial from January

Posted by Karline

Sunday: WHYS Bluegrass Festival

Twiddle up your twangers and polish up those washboards – it’s time for the WHYS (radio) Bluegrass Festival! Rain or shine, this family-friendly festival features the New North String Band, Blue Drifters, River City Ramblers (pictured), Seeger Boys, East Hill Bluegrass Band, and the Evergreen Grass Band. There’ll be food, root beer, and non-root beer. Ski Sprites show at 6:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at Altoona Family Restaurant, Crossroad Books, and Just Local Food.

WHYS Bluegrass Festival • Sunday, Aug. 10 • Lake Altoona County Park • noon-9pm • In advance: $8 per person, $12 family, Day of: $10 per person, $15 family • 831-WHYS • www.whysradio.org

Posted by Mike

Monday's Movie: Shaun of the Dead

Edgar Wright’s horror-comedy cult classic film, Shaun of the Dead, follows the title character through his mundane life in London. Joined by his immature and ever-present roommate, Ed, Shaun excels at nothing except drinking pints of ale and watching television, which causes friction with his girlfriend. Before Shaun can save his relationship, however, he’s got to fend off a horde of zombies that are slowly taking over the city. Armed with a cricket bat and a vague sense of direction, Shaun must rescue his friends and loved ones, and bring them to the only safe place he can think of – the pub. Ridiculous and heartfelt, Shaun of the Dead is both the funniest zombie movie and the scariest romantic comedy you’re likely to ever see. (Re-scheduled from a rain-out in 2007).

This year’s Back-Alley Summer Cinema Series is brought to you by Kadinger Event Production, WHYS community radio, Benny HaHa Art Supply and Gallery, and of course, the fine folks typing these words, Volume One Magazine.

Weather Update: The weather looks fine, see you there!

Shaun of the Dead (R/100min/2004) • Monday, Aug. 4 • the alley that would be 205 Graham Ave., downtown Eau Claire •  9:30pm • all ages • FREE • concessions available • 552-0457 

Posted by Mike

Dave Zien Hasn't Shaved Since October

From the Leader-Telegram: Catching up with Dave Zien, local ex-senator, who's now even busier riding around the country on his famous motorcycle. After all, Jesus Would Have Rode a Harley.

Seems like we've had our share of characters as elected officials. Is everyone so lucky?

Posted by Karline