This week: Author Bonnie Jo Campbell goes zonkeys…The rowdies get out of Dodge…And Ashton Kutcher’s twitter account solves traffic crises. Plus, a joke from celebrated author Matthew Gallaway, and a new track from the Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
This week: Novelist Bonnie Jo Campbell goes zonkeys…The rowdies get out of Dodge…And Ashton Kutcher’s Twitter account solves traffic crises. Plus, a joke from author Matthew Gallaway, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra play “House.”
Icebreaker: Matthew Gallaway
Acclaimed novelist Matthew Gallaway (“The Metropolis Case”) interrupts his own regularly scheduled joke with an important announcement.
Small Talk: Traffic Twitters, 2nd Class Babies and $99 Million Receipts
The staff at Marketplace digs up some lesser-known headlines…like Ashton Kutcher joining forces with the LAPD to help shut down a major Los Angeles freeway.
Radio listeners heard Madeleine Brand, host of her self-titled show on Southern California’s KPCC-FM, preview a new expose that reveals how Tom Cruise made flowers grow in the desert.
A History Lesson with Booze: Bullish on Independence & the “The Dusty Dodge”
On Independence Day weekend back in 1884, debauched frontier town Dodge City, KS staged the first ever American Bullfight, in an effort to keep its reputation sullied. Learn about the controversial spectacle, then get outta Dodge and into this custom cocktail:
*”The Dusty Dodge,” as whipped up by Brent Piepergerdes, bar manager at Henry’s in Lawrence – the rowdiest Kansas town of OUR century.”
Add to a shaker (but do not shake!):
- 2 1/2 oz. Bulleit Rye Frontier Bourbon
- 1/2 oz. Chambord
- dash of bitters
- lemon juice (half a lemon)
- 2 oz. ginger beer
- 4 oz. San Pellegrino Limonata (from a bottle)
Stir it rapidly, like a tornado – in honor of Dodge City’s distinction as the windiest city in America. Strain over ice into a pint glass. No garnish. Admire the innocuous pink surface, knowing full well the deep dark history lurking within. Then let it stampede through your brain.
Guest of Honor: Bonnie Jo Campbell
A recent review hailed author Bonnie Jo Campbell (National Book Award finalist for 2009’s “American Salvage”) as the “Bard of Michigan.” Her language reaches deep into the Midwestern landscape, pulling out gritty characters and shadowy details from seldom-traveled places. She talks to Brendan about her new coming-of-age novel “Once Upon A River”, sharpshootin’ ladies, and the difference between zorses and zonkeys.
One For The Road: Unknown Mortal Orchestra – “Little Blu House”
New Zealand bandleader Ruben Nielsen (now of Portland) has finally released the debut LP of his Unknown Mortal Orchestra (which consists of three guys). Trip out, mellowly, to the quaintly titled “Little Blu House,” in which a psychedelic melody lays down on a bed of heavy bass. Perfect for dancing yourself to sleep in a strawberry field. (Their U.S. tour kicks off July 17th)
Music On This Week’s Show:
Sea & Cake – “The Argument”
The Wedding Present – “Signal”
Link Wray – “Jack The Ripper”
Tipsy – “Liquordelic”
MacManus Gang – “Big Nothing”
Explosions In The Sky – “First Breath After Coma”
Balkans – “Zebra Print”
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – “Little Blu House”
