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By Lynn Norusis, Rachael Keeney and Michael Balderston
Overcoming my hatred of math
You may have heard that writers are not fans of math. I’m pretty sure there is no scientific data to back this up, but in my 17 years in the industry, whenever you mention a math equation or formula to a writer you mostly get a deer in headlights look. I hate math. Can I do it? Yes. Do I want to? Not if I can find someone else to do it for me. I understand the simplicity and definitiveness of math and I can see why some relish in it. So, I’m giving math a chance in the best way I know how: by taking it in in art form at the Torpedo Factory’s exhibit Mathematics. –LN // Torpedo Factory: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
So many celebrations
This weekend, I’ll be celebrating not only Cinco de Mayo, but also my friend’s birthday. Getting a head start on the festivities, we will be sipping margaritas and feasting on tacos on Friday—here are a few close to home Cinco de Mayo events—leaving Saturday open for even more food, drinks and entertainment. May 5 happens to be the same day as the Kentucky Derby, and though I’ve never made it a point to watch the races, my roommate has been looking for an excuse to wear a fancy hat she purchased while abroad. Cooperwood Tavern is hosting a Derby Day screening of the races and awarding one dressed up individual a $100 gift card. So does anyone know where to buy a fabulous hat for the occasion? Email me your ideas: [email protected]. –RK
Reading up on some film legends
The nicest way that some of my friends or family may describe me when it comes to movies is as a “fan;” others may go so far as calling me an “obsessive.” Whatever way we’re describing my cinema tendencies, I have a deep love for films and figures from classic Hollywood, especially comedies from the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd. One of their contemporaries I don’t know as much about, however, is the duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. That is why a book signing for John Connolly’s 2017 novel he, a fictionalized story on Laurel, is drawing my attention this week. I still have to make my way through the book, but getting some insights from the author and even getting to see some short films of the pair will be a great introduction into another page of film history. –MB // One More Page Books: 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington
