THE PERSISTENT IRRITATION

Spiral Jetta - the novel

 

Here at the PI, not only do we play good poker; we also edit critically acclaimed documentaries, create music, solve the mysteries of the universe and occasionally perform comedy in international waters.

Although she has never joined us at the table (in her defense, I don't think she was ever invited), author Erin Hogan and friend of the PI deserves high praise for her upcoming book, set to be released in coming weeks.

Spiral Jetta: A Road Trip through the Land Art of the American West explores massive art installations that were created in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as smaller-scale but equally impressive neuroses that the author presumably developed around the same time.

In an age where people can't go to Target without using a GPS system, Hogan travels with only the vaguest idea of where she's going. Most of her destinations are far off the beaten path, with remarkably little written about how to get there. While some may rely on geological surveys to find their way, Hogan instead pursues the more urban approach of driving up and down the same stretch of road until the threat of rain makes it not worth the effort. Besides, it's getting late and there are cocktails to be had.

Despite her efforts, Hogan manages to find several impressive installations on her list, including Lightning Field in New Mexico, Double Negative in Nevada, and Spiral Jetty in Utah. An art historian by training, Hogan mixes scholarship and personal experience to describe these amazing and sometimes not-so-amazing pieces of work. Heavy on self-deprecation and light on pretension, Hogan makes western land art a worthwhile destination for anyone in need of a road trip.

Erin also uses this trip to conquer fears of solitude, the unknown, and general disorder that she has successfully avoided while living in the city. While she proves victorious (evidenced by her ability to navigate dirt roads, steal wi-fi from hotels, and chat up drunks), one imagines her returning home relatively unaffected by the adventure. Hogan buys the American myth of rugged individualism, but she's held onto the receipt so she can return it as soon as she gets home to civilization.

Check it out if you can.

At the Death House Door

Erstwhile player Aaron W. has a new project.

"At the Death House Door" premieres this weekend at the Gene Siskel Film Center, and will run on the Independent Film Channel later this month. From the Chicago Reader:

Few talking-head documentaries have glued me to my seat like this Kartemquin feature about the Reverend Carroll Pickett, who served as chaplain to 95 Texas inmates as they awaited execution by lethal injection. Pickett recorded his impressions of each inmate's last day on cassette tapes, excerpted here, and his interviews show a loving and thoughtful man's gradual transformation from advocate to vocal opponent of the death penalty. Directors Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and Peter Gilbert (With All Deliberate Speed) also focus on inmate Carlos DeLuna, who was almost certainly innocent of the crime for which he was put to death in 1989 (suffering horribly in a botched procedure). The intersecting stories of Pickett and DeLuna show that capital punishment exacts a toll not only on its victims but on its perpetrators. 98 min. James and Gilbert will take part in a discussion after the Saturday screening. -- J.R. Jones

Check it out if you can.

God and roulette

Having re-read the chapter on gambling, I’m reminded of a joke.

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After a week of bad bets in Las Vegas, Peter is down thousands of dollars. Weeping as he goes to bed, he prays to God for a miracle. Later, fast asleep, he is awakened by a voice.

“Peter, It’s God. I’ve come to help you."

Peter jumps from his bed. “Thank you, Lord! You’ve answered my prayers. What should I do?"

“Gather all the money you have.”

Peter grabs his coat and rushes out his hotel room and finds an ATM. He withdraws everything from his account, right down to the last nickel. He asks God what to do next.

“Go to the casino.”

Peter rushes to the casino. When he arrives, God tells him:

“Go to the roulette table."

Peter approaches the first roulette table he sees.

“Put all of the money on number 14.”

Peter puts all of the money on the number. The dealer looks at Peter, then spins the wheel. The ball circles around and finally lands. “35, black,” calls the dealer.

“Fuck.”

Bootsy Collins, Rocco Prestia and... Peter S.?

Peter S. has an amusing blog entry (and even more amusing video) of life in the rhythm section.

For those who don't know, Peter has also added "best-selling author" to his list of achievements. "The Book of Vice" is his exploration into indulgence, deceit, and pay-to-play nudity. Think of it as life in the fast lane from the perspective of a courteous driver.

Check it out when you get the chance.

Get Punct'd

Feeling out of sorts from that bad beat? Do fifth street suckouts cause you gastrointestinal distress? Well then, we have a solution for you:

Red Flower Acupuncture Studio is holding their first annual AcuFest on Wednesday, October 24th from noon to 8pm. Free acupuncture + food, prizes, entertainment.

As many of your know, Erica, wife of Dr. Ron, is the proprietor of Red Flower. I went to her studio over the summer and I must say, it was a rather pleasant experience. You haven't truly relaxed until you've had several tiny needles ever so lightly pounded into your forehead, toes and kneecaps.

Erica practices community acupuncture, which allows her to provide the same high level of service but at a much more affordable rate. So, bring a few friends and check it out.

Reservations recommended. Check out  www.redfloweracupuncture.com for more details.

Red Flower is located at 2023 West Carroll Avenue in Chicago, USA.