I’ve recently been reading various autobiographies. I started with Clint Malarchuk’s The Crazy Game, and am now working my way through What Does This Button Do? By Bruce Dickenson and My Effin’ Life by Geddy Lee. Malarchuk was a goalie in the National Hockey League who almost died on ice during a game after a teammate’s skate sliced his throat. Dickenson and Lee are singers with Iron Maiden and Rush, respectively.
Of the three, I have to rate Lee’s book above the others, although they all have their strong points. My Effin’ Life stands apart from the others because of Lee’s sense of history, and his understanding of where he fits into the world. Although he is telling his story, he makes sure to ground it in the world around him. He lays the groundwork in the first sentence, where he provides his birth name. I have known since I was a teenager that Geddy’s real name was Gary Lee Wienrib, but it turns out I was wrong. Gary Lee Wienrib was, in fact, his third or fourth name (even Geddy admits to being confused at times about following his name’s evolution), with his birth name being Gershon Elizer Weinrib.… Read the rest “Your Place in the World”
Earth Day march on April 22, 2023. A gathering celebrating the first anniversary of the successful fight for community stewardship of the contaminated Roof Depot site will be held on February 23rd. PHOTO: Darby OttosonFrom Landsick, a performance on February 8th with Hinterhands Puppet Company. PHOTO: Hinterhands“Hordaland Teppe,” by Lisa Torvik, from the exhibit Vibrant Traditions: Scandinavian Weaving in the Midwest at Norway House through April 6. PHOTO: Neil Mikesell
Vibrant Traditions: Scandinavian Weaving in the Midwest Norway House 913 E Franklin Avenue Through April 6 Free Experience the rich legacy of Scandinavian weaving traditions as they are maintained here in the Midwest. Vibrant Traditions celebrates nearly 30 years of collaboration, friendship, and shared expertise within the Scandinavian Weavers Study Group of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, and showcases the artistry, history, and innovation of both traditional and contemporary weavings crafted using Scandinavian techniques. For gallery hours and visitor information, visit norwayhouse.org.
Greenway Mural Pop Up Design Event Saturdays, February 1 & 8 12 - 3 PM Midtown Global Market Free Want to help design artwork for the Greenway? Bring your creativity to Midtown Global Market the first two Saturdays in February. Your input will inform the design for a new Greenway mural being created by local artist Melodee Strong!… Read the rest “February ’25 Events”
Your Place in the World
from the series Peace House Community Journal…
By MARTI MALTBY
I’ve recently been reading various autobiographies. I started with Clint Malarchuk’s The Crazy Game, and am now working my way through What Does This Button Do? By Bruce Dickenson and My Effin’ Life by Geddy Lee. Malarchuk was a goalie in the National Hockey League who almost died on ice during a game after a teammate’s skate sliced his throat. Dickenson and Lee are singers with Iron Maiden and Rush, respectively.
Of the three, I have to rate Lee’s book above the others, although they all have their strong points. My Effin’ Life stands apart from the others because of Lee’s sense of history, and his understanding of where he fits into the world. Although he is telling his story, he makes sure to ground it in the world around him.
He lays the groundwork in the first sentence, where he provides his birth name. I have known since I was a teenager that Geddy’s real name was Gary Lee Wienrib, but it turns out I was wrong. Gary Lee Wienrib was, in fact, his third or fourth name (even Geddy admits to being confused at times about following his name’s evolution), with his birth name being Gershon Elizer Weinrib.… Read the rest “Your Place in the World”