Rendering: Adam Pardee/STAFF. So you got that Fourth of July playlist all set to play at the big barbecue on Tuesday? Me neither. If I did – and I really don’t, because barbecues are full of beer (which I no longer drink) and barbecue sauce (which I do still…

Juneteenth historical marker in Galveston, Tex. Courtesy Galveston.com. This Monday is Juneteenth, which you probably (finally) know because it’s (finally) a national holiday. Obviously I’m going to write about it so I can reiterate what it is and why you should be appalled by our history. But I made…

John Mellencamp, courtesy. Today, the day this column runs, I am old. OK, to be fair, I was old yesterday, too. It can be argued I was born old. But today is my 40th birthday so I’m especially old, in that way only an odometer birthday can drive home. Plus,…

America is a funny place. It seems like everyone has a strong opinion on its unique culture, its values and, of course, its art. Even though she was born and raised in Australia, Juanita Stein is heavily influenced by American film and music from being constantly exposed as a young child…