Blizzard 2009 (Socks Were Worn)

Merry Xmas to All, and to All An SCTV Night

Al Fish spent a cozy Xmas Eve with Miguelito and Superbigmuch -- hooking us up with SCTV gems like this.

To feel like you were there with us, be sure to hit rewind and replay the Eugene Levy and John Candy solos about 14 times.

Unless you want to keep your friends, that is.



And yes, you geary geekwads, Rick Moranis is Jimi Hendrixing it up and playing his guitar all upside-down and turned around. Happy holidaze!

Tag Cloud Produces Enjoyable Backreading

I must say, Nee's indexing has allowed me to re-read and enjoy all over again long-forgotten HIA posts.

We are some funny motherfuckers.

Sometimes I Like to Think of Myself as a Flight Risk

"flight risk /flIt risk/ noun 1. A likelihood of evasion of a course of events by voluntary withdraw, removal or secreting away from a jurisdiction in order to avoid detention, arrest or interrogation, or the institution or continuance of civil, criminal or other proceedings. Also comprehends continued concealment in furtherance of such evasion. 2. A person characterized by the likelihood of such evasion."

Great Things about the New Super Casey's

It has been brought to my attention that I am for to make the sucking at posting to the HIA News. My excuses include: I lost my camera, I don't have anything all that interesting to share, and that no one will read it anyway because no one ever posts to the HIA because no one ever reads it anyway.

However, Mully said I could use my words to describe things, so there goes the camera excuses. I guess I could post about the new super Casey's in Vermillion. But that last one is out of my hands.

The great things about the new super Casey's include: a) it is on the east end of town on my way to work, and I don't have to cross Cherry Street or Main Street to get gas; b) the new super Casey's carries affordable six packs of Stella Artois; c) the new super Casey's donuts are very tasty if you are craving a good donut. The not-so-great things about the new super Casey's are that they don't have a very diverse salty-snack selection and sometimes a couple of their pumps might be down.

The new super Casey's is pretty much like the super Casey's pictured above; however, our super Casey's pumps run east-west, not north-south.

In short, the new super Casey's is pretty good at fulfilling one's convenience store needs and is a rich study in deep contrasts.

I Gave You My Only-ness, Give Me Your Tomorrow

So, so, so pretty.

I suck at posting videos, but June pretty much never sucks at anything.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02mYFuKtGe8

And then Allison and Dwight do this real nice rendition, too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqNKJm2EWv4&feature=related

HIA and HIA-related Literati Do Northern Hills

Superbigmuch and her merry band of poetrix friends will be in Spearfish-Deadwood area for the Western Literature Association Conference and South Dakota Book Festival, Wednesday, Sept 30 - Monday, Oct 5.

I'm presenting a paper on the author Sui Sin Far entitled "Edith Maud Eaton: Myth or Mythbuster? Outsider Privilege, Insider Meta-Discourse, and the Construction of Chineseness as Sui Sin Far." My only regret is the too-short title.

Lee Roripaugh, Lindy Obach, Marcella Remund of USD and Pen Pearson of Northern State will be reading No-SoDakia outlaw cowgirl, naughty lapsed Catholic, nature gender sex-centric poetry for the modern aging woman in a panel at the conference.

Any HIA-er's in the area should come and see us, hear us, or at the very least do shots with us. Jason Walker, Rapid City Librarian?

Email me @ superbigmuch@msn.com.

VLP Poetry Reading and Slam featuring Lindy Obach

Join us for the Vermillion Literary Project Poetry Reading featuring Lindy Obach, followed by a POETRY SLAM, a competition for poets, Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m., at the Coffee Shop Gallery, 24 W. Main Street, downtown Vermillion. Everyone is welcome; the event is free.

Just come up and watch (and enjoy good coffee), or if you have three poems you've written that you'd like to read, you can participate in the slam. Prizes awarded! For more information about VLP poetry slams, visit http://orgs.usd.edu/projlit/poetryslams.html .

About our featured writer: Lindy Obach teaches English courses at the University Center in Sioux Falls. She is also a Dakota Writing Project teacher-consultant.

Renee Makes Newsworthy Return to Vermillion

(Vermillion, SD) - Not one to miss out on a PR stop, Renee Abeln recently "drummed up" local papps with her typical media-savvy bon mots. To read more, click here: http://www.volanteonline.com/news/1.1371400-1.1371400

Remember this? Don't miss the party train!

I think Flight of the Conchords just may have suckled at the teet of the Gap Band.

MEE-OW! Those sweaty, ever-so-sweaty leather pants ...

Friends Bear Witness to Broom Jumping

(Vermillion, SD) - Two long-time HIA'ers, R. Abeln and A. Fish, were eyewitnesses to a broom-jumping ceremony held at the Clay County Courthouse, Friday, September 26.

While the bride and groom could not be reached for comment, Fish, who served as both best man and photographer, was quite self-congratulatory on his stellar fulfillment of these dual roles.

"During the nuptials I held proud and firm as, meanwhile, the bride totally practically lost it," reported Fish. "Her voice cracking and her eyes tearing, she so totally almost lost it -- but not me, no-siree."

"And my photos are the shuh-hizz! I am so proud of the way I used the unique architecture of the courthouse to grab some awesome pix!" bragged Fish. "I am so impressed with my own ability to compose a fabulous shot in the midst of hub-bub and tufty bits of wedding finery."

Meanwhile, Abeln, looking glamorous in her gilded maidron-of-honor frock, remarked on how terrific she looked for the ceremony. "While Katy and Mike were saying something about honoring and cherishing or something -- I wasn't really listening -- I caught my reflection in the polished wood of the courtroom table," remarked Ablen. "DAMN, I looked hot!"

While the couple jetted off to Omaha for a weekend honeymoon, Fish and Abeln stunned downtown Vermillion and Sioux Falls with their glamour and pizzazz. "Mike and Katy should get married every year!" shouted a gleeful Abeln as she danced on the tables at Raziel's. "Just look at all the hot, young college studs who can't take their eyes off me!"

Once & Again: The Past and Pending by The Shins

I meant to post the video for "Past & Pending" by The Shins.

Like life, like death, music and the stunningly desolate landscape are beautiful. Together, they are almost incomprehensibly bittersweet. But you and I have always known that.

It's filmed on highways. And under bridges. I watched this video several dozen times after I got the news, and I wept and I wept and I wept. But always because of what once was. No, don't believe that. Because that which once was was no longer. And then wouldn't be again.

A wise man -- I'm fairly certain I caught his name as Side Arm Pete -- said: "And after the tears, there is love." Humbly, I would add: "And still before, and in between the tears, there is love."

Whimsy may be a luxury of the undestroyed. I may be a snob, but I've never trusted people who haven't suffered. No: who haven't known true suffering but bleat or bitch because they think they have? Anyway, I love to imagine driving one of the old cars straight off of the HIA, to motor along the two-lanes I love most. After that I would wheel about the old hometown with circumstance and style.

I meant, before, to post this video. Why are French horns so beautiful? Is it because the fist is placed resolutely inside the trumpet? The Past and Pending (and Rilke's future, to be sure). Here are the words again, too:

As someone sets light to the first fire of autumn
We settle down to cut ourselves apart.
Cough and twitch from the news on your face
And some foreign candle burning in your eyes

Held to the past too aware of the pending
Chill as the dawn breaks and finds us up for sale.
Enter the fog another low road descending
Away from the cold lust, you house and summertime.

Blind to the last cursed affair pistols and countless eyes
A trail of white blood betrays the reckless route your craft is running
Feed till the sun turns into wood dousing an ancient torch
Loiter the whole day through and lose yourself in lines dissecting love.

Your name on my cast and my notes on your stay
Offer me little but doting on a crime.
We've turned every stone and for all our inventions
In matters of love loss, we've no recourse at all.

Blind to the last cursed affair pistols and countless eyes
A trail of white blood betrays the reckless route your craft is running
Feed till the sun turns into wood dousing an ancient torch
Loiter the whole day through and lose yourself in lines dissecting love.

The Past and Pending by The Shins

As someone sets light to the first fire of autumn
We settle down to cut ourselves apart.
Cough and twitch from the news on your face
And some foreign candle burning in your eyes

Held to the past too aware of the pending
Chill as the dawn breaks and finds us up for sale.
Enter the fog another low road descending
Away from the cold lust, you house and summertime.

Blind to the last cursed affair pistols and countless eyes
A trail of white blood betrays the reckless route your craft is running
Feed till the sun turns into wood dousing an ancient torch
Loiter the whole day through and lose yourself in lines dissecting love.

Your name on my cast and my notes on your stay
Offer me little but doting on a crime.
We've turned every stone and for all our inventions
In matters of love loss, we've no recourse at all.

Blind to the last cursed affair pistols and countless eyes
A trail of white blood betrays the reckless route your craft is running
Feed till the sun turns into wood dousing an ancient torch
Loiter the whole day through and lose yourself in lines dissecting love.

TV Shows That Should Have Been

Oslo Nice
Mad About Everything
Jason Walker, Rapid City Librarian
Katy McBeem
Hermosa, 57744
PrairieWatch

Finally! A Reposity for Our Genius!

I have opened up a Flickr account for everyone to use and share pictures. It's called "Hermosa Institute of Art Photo Album" - you've probably gotten the email invitation already.

I've already put a few up (such as the fine example you see to the right) and will be adding more soon.

This will be a great resource for all of us to use, so start adding! If you have any trouble adding stuff, let me know and I'll give you the log on details.

Aging Hipsters Party All Night Long, Become Accutely Aware of Joint Pain

Dateline: Friday Night, 9:00pm to 1:00am, Vermillion.

USD's hometown was once again of scene of aged debauchery as academic hipsters formerly known as Poison Stream visited the Friends of the Eagles Club. Early reviews were tepid, as the band insisted on playing "dance" hits such as "Biko".

As bemused revelers looked about in confusion, one was heard to observe: "I don't know. The drumming is okay, but it doesn't seem right to dance to a song about racial hatred and murder . . ." More downbeat numbers followed, causing much muttering and snide slurs against the band's ability to "rock hard".

But then the aging party-ers got more than they bargained for when up and coming youngsters the Breakout Boys hit the stage. The OTA attendees soon realized that maybe they weren't able to keep up with the kids any more.

Then, to add injury to insult, the Band formerly known as Poison Stream decided to "rock out" for their final set with their covers of "White Wedding" and "Folsom Prison Blues", leaving the more elderly concert goers no choice but to continue rocking, despite being gradually let down by their aged joints. Library worker R. Abeln was heard to exclaim, "Man, my thighs are killing me! I'm going to be feeling this tomorrow!" At least 2 hepsters were reported to have to thrown their necks out during the performance.

There was some small comfort for two of these older party girls as a late night visit to all-night grocery store HY-Vee saw them being addressed as "two hot, sexy dames". This compliment (coming from suave soon-to-be high school English teacher, Justin Walker) almost made up for the fact that they were repeatedly passed up by young men during the night due to the fact that they were surrounded by young women.

Early reports this morning indicate Abeln is indeed 'feeling it" and is taking Ibuprofen for her knee pain.

What Exactly Is Al Afraid of.....?

...the creeeepy spider, the spoooky jack-o-lantern, or this incredibly suave, very intense, soon-to-be high school English teacher?

Bend Over, Shake the Dewey off Your Decimal

Call it Career Daze here on the HIA. Or, Take Your Slacker Friends To Work. If MoS Jef hasn't completely blinded you with his science, take a mo to read a li'l feature on the NYT about liberryians.

Clearly, many of us well-acquainted with the hipster cred of li- and guybrarianship already knew pub lib workers and MLIS'ers had it going on. It begs the related question -- how is it that so many HIAers manage to be so very far ahead of -- if not even full innovators for -- the trends that are very important in shaping our world today?

Hey, Nostra-dumbass, try to tell HIAers something we don't already know.

"A Hipper Crowd of Shushers"

Bitch Front Moves Out of South Dakota

Vermillion residents breathed a sigh of sweet relief as a fierce bitch front moved out of their now quiet again town. They had been plagued for days by the front, which left most extremely fatigued. "I'm just so happy to be able to walk down the street and not have to hear about how cold it is, or how bad the bugs are, or have all the dead birds pointed out to me." Said one clearly relieved resident. Another local pointed out the front moved on the same time as Mullypalooza rolled out of town. The same day a bitch front warning was issued for Lakeland, Florida.

Precious Moments, or a Beginner's Guide to Speaking Trailergentsia

Last night Renee, Al, Jefe, Jon, and I were at a fire party, and one of our Verm friends was aksing how long Renee and I had known each other. Nee and I always freak a bit when we have to admit it's been almost 20 years. We met in Vermillion in 1989, when she was a rising star in the theatre department and I was a hapless Spanish/theatre/psych major before I fled to the bright lights/big city of the Minneapple. That was also the year I met Mully, Jefe, Al, and Gregg.

Sometimes, when I think of certain Trailergentsia/HIA stories, I must laugh aloud. The other day whilst driving (my students always write "whilst" -- wot up wid dat?) I was for whatever reason recalling the night before Eldora's (Mama Abeln) funeral, when Renee and I were sharing a full bed and I had tried molesting her in my sleep. In the morning, with the covers pulled up to her little nose, big eyes peeping out, Renee said, "Um, Katy? Um....last night you tried to have your way with me."

I recoiled in horror at my own behavior. Clearly my oversexed psyche was trying to take advantage of Renee's vulnerable state. Poor Renee, thinking she would find comfort and succor from her trusted friend, was instead shamed and violated by my nocturnal lasciviousness. But then, I realized, God, would it have killed her to put out a little? I mean, I was stressed and worried too. But that's Nee, always thinking of herself.

T'other day Mike and I were driving in central residential Vermillion when we passed a house that I realized was the original site of the "bepaned portals." Shore 'nuff, I looked at the interesting windowstry on the abode, and there they were, in all their be-glassed, see-through-ishness glory. I told Mike I thought maybe it was a sign that the Trailergentsia/members of the HIA may need to start recording our history for the ages.

Another thing that made me giggle aloud as I was driving on Cherry Street last night was the time a whole gaggle of us were chowing at Cherry Street Grille in the late '90s. Mully and Gregg had recently taken a trip to Belize, and were chatting about their adventures. Gregg was puzzling aloud over one of the features of this tropical community, and Mully attempted to sate his curiousity by saying, "Welll, Gregory, you know how it is on the penninsulahhr..." She sounded like a freaking Kennedy, I shit you negative. And now she and Gregg live in a tropical paradise, and she's in upper management and Europeans have discovered Gregg's art, and well, little did we know Mully was portending of the future.