Don't be caught this weekend without a topic! I was tempted to go with heartwarming holiday tales, but really, someone else is bound to serve that dish. If you're at a party or hosting relatives, here are a few alternative topics and my notes about them.
- Castro Says He Will Not Retain Power Forever (NPR) We all have to embrace our mortality sometime. Talking about Castro gives you a reason to fire up the Greatest Generation and really get them on a roll about Cuba, communism or the embargo. On the flip side if offers you a chance to explain to younger discussion participants why Fidel might have a longer lasting impact on our culture than Hannah Montana. Warning: This topic may cause heated arguments or utter boredom. Report back results!
- Spas give kids the treatment (Marketplace) So much for grubby kids - they're getting manicures now. A good one for riling up the frugal or getting today's parents on the subject of "spoiling."
- Today's dispatches from Planet Pooch (News Cut) Bob Collins covers the puppy news just in time!
Share your own conversation-starters suitable for making small talk with that relative you haven't seen since this past Thanksgiving and won't see again until next Thanksgiving, to kill time in line because you haven't shopped yet, or to carefully connect with the people near you, even if the truce is temporary.
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Comments: 11
Marketplace's story on the Rock Band video game fell flat, but in a discussion-worthy way.
Haven't listened to the Fresh Air piece ( Cronenberg & Mortensen, Making 'Eastern Promises' ) yet, but I believe you when you say it was great. I'll have to give it attention.
This story from Marketplace: Our 'Rock Band' needs some practice ? "Half the fun is arguing about what we want to play" or words to that affect completely cracked me up. I only wish it had been done with video.
I learned he was Cuban, and being a child of the 60's foolishly asked why he, a black man, would leave the warmth and opportunity of Cuba for a cold racially unfriendly place like Minnesota.
We were friends, so his answer was gentle, he simply said "I tired of chopping sugar cane for a white man."
Happy Holidays,
Nan, hope your holiday is calm and enjoyable.
Let us know if you take your kids to a spa, Susan, I'd read that article.
Great food though -- I highly recommend it.
When they get to pick, the result is Victor's (Cuban) or Maria's (Colombian). Hey, they are young and hip - and it's fun for an old guy to be around all that youth and energy.
When I get to pick, it's Keys Cafe on Raymond or my personal favorite The Saint Claire Broiler. The Broiler has special significane for me, not only is it the source of 40 years of memories, but one of my favorite authors, William Kent Krueger, writes his novels there.
The Broiler is good. Do you ever write there yourself?
p.s. Breakfast tangent: Copper Dome!
Copper Dome, never been there. We will have to check it out.