The University News

The Bird Hoverer lingers near excellence

KATIE LEWIS • April 27, 2007

Not only is Aaron Belz's poetry book The Bird Hoverer (BlazeVOX [books], 2007) available at Left Bank Books and online at Amazon.com, but it is accessible by opening your bedroom window. The Iowa native and St. Louis resident writes about animals for their intrinsic comedic value, often projecting human thoughts onto their actions.

SLU Theatre closes with Baby with the Bathwater

KATIE LEWIS • April 20, 2007

SLU Theatre ends its 2006-2007 season with the production Baby with the Bathwater, opening tonight. Christopher Durang's play is a dark satire which examines parenthood and manners. John and Helen, new to the whole parenthood thing, are too embarrassed and polite to check the gender of their new child.

Chicago is Ill

KATIE LEWIS • April 20, 2007

When a hit Broadway play becomes a major motion picture, it either tanks (The Producers) or soars (Chicago). The aftershock of the film version's success is that the stage version of Chicago is far less impressive. The Fabulous Fox Theatre welcomed back the Tony Award-winning musical for a three-day stint last Friday through Sunday.

Let Me Explain: Oh, it’s Maybelline, all right

KATIE LEWIS • April 20, 2007

I had an embarrassingly narcissistic moment the other day. Let me explain. So, I was drinking my coffee and amaretto (it's OK; it was after noon . somewhere), when I caught sight of my reflection in the liquid's bubbles. I was mesmerized. I tilted my head back and forth and watched my likeness do the same.

Kurt Vonnegut Obituary

KATIE LEWIS • April 13, 2007

Literary enthusiasts the world over are mourning the loss of American novelist Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., who passed away at age 84 on Wednesday, due to brain injuries from a recent fall. A chemistry major at Cornell University, the Indianapolis native was a prisoner in World War II.

SAB announces this year’s Spring Fever events

KATIE LEWIS • March 30, 2007

This year's Spring Fever week has been consolidated into two days, but the Student Activities Board has ensured that the duo of days contains a variety of enjoyable activities for Saint Louis University students. The major events this year will be a movie night on Wednesday, April 18, and a concert on Friday, April 20.

Let Me Explain: Because I’m worth it

KATIE LEWIS • March 30, 2007

I don't wanna grow up; I'm a "joys are plus" kid. Let me explain. Maybe it's romanticism preventing me from accepting a job that doesn't make me 100 percent happy, or perhaps it's just plain stubbornness in pursuing the ever-elusive career of the ultimate joy.

Let Me Explain: Welcome to the jungle

KATIE LEWIS • March 2, 2007

You have to have a strong affinity for mold to brave this baby. Let me explain. I've lived in both Marchetti West and East and I can tell you from experience: It is a paradise. Nay, a utopia, if you will. (And you should.) I wake up in the morning to the beautiful aroma of cigarette smoke from the balcony above and I thank God for all the little birdies and the bees and the lung cancer.

Let Me Explain: I love V-D

KATIE LEWIS • February 16, 2007

There were but two mistakes in high school, and I'm not talking about the green eye shadow. Let me explain. I'm loving this TV on DVD innovation. Although some appallingly awful shows (The Simple Life, season 18) are forever immortalized into television history while smart, witty shows (Ed) are inexcusably left out of the TV on DVD phenomenon, we are able to revisit our embarrassing past, with its treasure trove of guilty pleasure WB dramas.

Let Me Explain: It’s the end of an era

KATIE LEWIS • February 2, 2007

I'm too old for my age. Let me explain. It has finally happened. I'm sitting in my apartment this evening, sipping wine out of a water-spotted brandy glass, eating club crackers, listening to jazz and wearing a shawl. I'm so embarrassed that I might have to skip water aerobics this week; I've officially gone off the deep end.

“Piazza” burns dimly at Fox Theatre

KATIE LEWIS • February 2, 2007

Florence could be called the jewel of Europe. With its cobblestone streets, famous statues, breathtaking architecture and affectionate men, the city is refined within its cultural tradition. The Light in the Piazza, however, lacks the sophisticated control of the city in which it takes place.

Lend her a jazz hand: Music great Marlena Shaw graces STL’s Jazz at the Bistro

KATIE LEWIS • January 26, 2007

St. Louis is legendary for great music and high crime. Next week, however, St. Louis is lucky enough to play host to a killer legend all her own. Marlena Shaw, the famed jazz singer, will have a two set (8:30 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.) nightly run from Jan. 31 to Feb.