You might have noticed in last week's Isthmus that the enigmatic editor of The Week was Travis Bickle. Many will recognize the name as the main character in the film Taxi Driver. Those editor credits are often an inside joke, and this one referred to the fact that Travis Bickle (as portrayed by Robert De Niro) graced the cover of the first issue of Isthmus.
It wasn't exactly a great April Fools' joke, but it was a sly reference to what was coming this week, and that is the 34th anniversary of Isthmus. Yes, that first issue of Isthmus appeared on April 8 and was dated April 9, just as this week's issue is. Thirty-four years is a long time, and it is an accomplishment that all at Isthmus can take pride in. But we'll restrict our celebrating to raising a glass on Friday, and saving the fireworks for next year, our 35th.
As it is, you folks have a lot of special occasions to deal with in the next couple of weeks. Next Wednesday starts the 2010 edition of the Wisconsin Film Festival, this year extended by a day. There are 192 films being shown, the same as last year. With one more day of screening, it might be a little easier to see most of the films you want. To get you in the mood and pique your sense of discovery, five Isthmus staffers offer recommendations in our arts feature "Zooming In."
By Saturday, April 17, you may want a respite from the voyeuristic experience of the film fest and get a little more interactive. In that case, Isthmus Green Day, at Monona Terrace, will be the place for you. We'll feature more than 120 exhibition booths on all manner of green-related products and activities. A highlight of the day will be the appearance of chef Rick Bayless. What you don't know about Bayless you can find out from this week's cover story. Also appearing at Green Day is the sustainability advocate Bill McKibben, author of the book Eaarth: Making a Life on a New Planet.
We are going to be quite a busy bunch of Madisonians next week. It's time to engage.