Minneapolis

Rabih Alameddine graced Minneapolis with his presence for a reading from his latest novel, Hakawati.

Rabih Alameddine Minneapolis 00: Rabih signs a book.

Rabih was hosted by Mizna at Pangea World Theater.

I had read Rabih's Koolaids a long time ago when I was depressed and feeling rather morose. After reading Koolaids I was still depressed, but in a good way.

Rabih's writing helped me come out of low point in my life. Such was the impact than when I heard he was coming to town I dropped several thing I should have been working on to go see him read.

Rabih Alameddine Minneapolis 01: Samir says something clever and insightful.

Rabih was great. Yes Rabih, you are pretty! The discussion was also great except for a certain academic whose comments were (ahem) academic and the tone grating. Note to self, when you are part of an organization, do not make the guest uncomfortable.

After Rabih signed books my brother Munir and I had a chance to talk to Rabih and take some pictures.

When three Arabs get together post 9/11 (yes I said "post 9/11", I love cliches) there is usually one joke about being a terrorist. So here we are with our group booking picture.

Rabih Alameddine Minneapolis 03: Wanted: 3 Arabs armed with books aka Weapons of Mass Delight

I don't give money when asked on the street unless I consider it an economic transaction worth my while. So street musicians and other performers usually get some change. People sitting on the ground with a sign don't. Assholes pretending to be deaf on Light Rail Transit "raising money" for schools for the deaf definitely don't.

As I was walking home from a meeting to show off an OLPC I had for a project I was stopped by a young man asking me if I would pay for a poem. I found the idea not only novel but delightful. Here is a really great investment opportunity; I trade some money for a fleeting window into another world, another mind and a new vocabulary. Considering that it is easy to pay eight American Peso for a really shitty movie a dollar for a poem is a decent trade.

So I handed the young man a dollar and he handed me a slip of paper with some writing on it. The paper is cheap, thin, and worn with a stain on the back. As I take the poem he asks me if I would like him to read it. I will admit that only getting a slip of paper for a dollar made me a bit peeved, but his offer to read the poem made me very happy. This is a better deal than just a slip of paper. An auditory interaction with the poet, how wonderful!

A Street Poem by Nicholas J. Thompson

Upon an Alter
Head Head High
Man naming Saints
Dead past
Salutation For deed
gone rebirth
In place redemption
The rapturous Masses
gathered
Meaning vengeance for
life hardly lived
the blade drops
the crowd cheers
His head Falls
She cries
Knowing
Shes Next

-- Nicholas J. Thompson

If you haven't heard yet, Dries Buytaert of Drupal fame and a crack usability team are converging on Minneapolis to make Drupal better, stronger, faster.

While this is cool and awesome, even better is the meet and greet that is going to be held at the University of Minnesota's Campus Club on Monday, February 25. The time is not completely set, but it'll be in the evening.

Check out the the Twin Cities Drupal Group RSVP announcement and put your name on the list like the cool kids did.

You really can't go wrong here. You get to meet Drupal core developers, module contributors, and Drupal-related service providers. Come one come all, but put your name on the RSVP list so we don't overwhelm the Campus Club.