Those of you astute enough to read us hot off the presses on Thursday should be advised that the latest in the Isthmus 30th anniversary Pint & Policy discussions takes place Thursday, Nov. 16 (that would be this evening, to you early adopters), at the downtown Barriques, corner of West Washington and Fairchild. The discussing begins at 7 p.m.
The topic for this get-together is "Culture Crash: Is the Madison Arts Scene Getting Too Big for Its Own Good?" Chewing over this contentious bone will be a panel of local arts experts, moderated by Isthmus arts and entertainment editor Dean Robbins. Composing the panel will be Tara Ayres of StageQ; Susan Cook, executive director of the UW Arts Institute; Stephanie Jutt of the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society; Anne Katz of Arts Wisconsin; and Andrew Taylor of the UW's Bolz Center for Arts Administration.
These Pint & Policy talks have proved highly informative, with participants deeply engaged in the subject at hand. They work so well, in fact, that we're thinking of continuing the panel discussions beyond this anniversary year. But now our attention must turn to the impending holiday season. Proof of that is the annual Giving supplement, our attempt to inject a little altruism, and a little fun, into this hectic season.
At the heart of Giving is the Wish List, a compilation of needs collected from local service agencies. Thanks this year go to contributor Debra Mies, who contacted the agencies and wrote the copy accompanying the Wish List. It's a grueling job, and we, along with the agencies, thank her. If you want to thank her, you can choose from the list and fulfill someone's wish.
There's more to Giving. First, there are the ads, which give you ideas to help shorten your gift list, as well as a handy advertisers index. And then there's the Gift Guide, put together by our resident shopping consultant, Ann Levihn. And if you're still wrestling with the travails of giving, check out this year's installment of "Ask Mrs. Gift."
Beth Lucht gives you a heads-up on some of the more obscure holidays, in case you're ready for a change from tradition. Candice Wagener enters the realm of the cookie exchange, complete with recipes. To keep on track and up-to-date, consult the Holiday Calendar. From here on out, you're on your own.
