Latest news with #Birdsall
Los Angeles Times
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Yup, it's gay food. But what does that mean? Two new books tell all
Only seven pages in, John Birdsall offers a conclusion to the question that titles his book, 'What Is Queer Food?' It's a subject that has consumed him for decades, as a restaurant cook in the Bay Area and then as a journalist and author. In the last dozen or so years — when food media began more honestly grappling with identity and diversity in its subjects, and also with who is given opportunities to tell those stories — Birdsall won national awards for feats like his groundbreaking piece, 'America, Your Food Is So Gay.' 'Still, saying what queer food was on a granular level kept eluding me,' he writes in his new work, published this month. 'Lots of us could say that queer food, like desire, exists, but nobody could definitely point through what is was.' Drag-brunch eggs benedict? Rainbow cookies? Intentional diet choices? Suggestively shaped edible schtick? 'It shouldn't have taken me as long as it did,' he accedes, 'but at last I accepted the obvious truth that queer food is not a commodity. There is no essentialized cuisine of queerness, any more than there's one simple answer for what it means to be queer.' Acceptance is a doorway. He is freed to spend the rest of the book coupling meticulous research and gorgeous prose to illuminate lives that, in ways indirect and overt, shaped who we are as a culinary nation. There's Harry Baker, a man who flees from a sullied life in Ohio to Los Angeles and who, true to his name, develops a style of cake that becomes the de-facto dessert of young Hollywood; later it well be reworked and homogenized as a signature recipe for General Mills. There's Esther Eng, an early 20th-century film auteur, her movies now mostly lost, whose fluency with the group dynamics of creating cinema translates to a second act as a New York restaurateur. In her masculine clothes and bluntly cropped hair, she is at once successful and invisible. Birdsall notes that Craig Claiborne, then food editor of the New York Times and the father of modern American restaurant criticism, reviewed Eng's self-named restaurant in the 1960s. Claiborne used his platform to push dining and cooking toward their current cultural status in the United States. Privately he was far more tragic — 'haunted,' to use Birdsall's word, by his difficult Southern childhood and misguided in a mess of a memoir published in 1983, 17 years before his death at 79. Birdsall does not abide counterfeit joy. He narrates lives shaped by society's denials, prejudices and punishments, and he lays their suffering bare. Some (among them Alice B. Toklas, James Baldwin and Richard Olney, one of my all-time favorite cookbook authors) know to leave the country to love in greater peace. Where delight comes easy is in Birdsall's prose. He took the narrative lessons he learned from his 2020 biography of James Beard, 'The Man Who Ate Too Much,' to tighten the intricate threads of this opus. Characters that appear early in the book return for lightbulb impact. No strand dangles. Even when the reader feels his own rage — as when he veers into a personal story about making quiche for a Sunday open house in the storm-center of the AIDS crisis — his eloquence carries us through the bitterest aftertastes. Birdsall centers his elucidation of queer culinary culture on people, and by extension the worlds around them. In 'Dining Out: First Dates, Defiant Nights and Last Call Disco Fries at America's Gay Restaurants,' also published this month, Erik Piepenburg shifts the focus to place. His catalyst for his book: the accelerated disappearance of spaces by and for LGBTQ populations across America. He opens with a requiem for a 24-hour diner in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood where he was a regular in the 1990s. 'The Melrose was a gay restaurant because gay people made it one,' he begins. He watched older men share their meals and drag queens scarf bacon-and-cheese potato skins post performance, and took solace in blueberry silver dollar pancakes when chemistry fizzled with the guy across the table. The Melrose closed in 2017 after 56 years in business. 'When gay restaurants close, gay reliquaries empty of memory and meaning,' he writes. 'Gone are favorite waitresses and go-to-meals, safe spaces and party places in the night's last hours. For me and other gay people who love to eat out, losing a gay restaurant is a kind of dispossession.' Piepenburg traveled across the country throughout 2023, interviewing owners and customers of establishments still present and long gone. Chapters graft careful reporting with his own running commentary, at turns cheeky and poignant and angered by the tenuous state of gay rights and acceptance. Some salute institutions like Annie's Paramount Steak House in Washington D.C.; lesbian-feminist restaurant Bloodroot in Bridgeport, Conn.; and trans safe havens like Napalese Lounge and Grille in Green Bay, Wis. Others seek to debunk myths, including the supposed queer riot in 1959 at a downtown Los Angeles location of Cooper Do-nuts whose occurrence Piepenburg could find little hard evidence to support. To consider the future of gay dining, he considers two recently opened restaurants in Southern California: the Ruby Fruit in Silver Lake and Alice B. in Palm Springs. Piepenburg has been writing for the New York Times for nearly 20 years, concentrating mostly on film (especially horror), television and theater. He is, in the most wonderful sense, not a food writer. He self-identifies as a 'diner gay.' This is a work about history and, above all, community, not exalted poetry on the art of gastronomy. What strikes me most about Piepenburg's frame of reference is how explicitly and organically he twins the subjects of dining and sex. We rarely acknowledge the existence of sex in Food Writing. First, it's the hardest subject to not be cringe about, and food and sex analogies usually land as ick. But also, most of us who cover restaurants are keenly aware of ugly power dynamics that went unspoken in male-dominated kitchens for decades, and the industry as a whole is in a slow but sustained corrective era. The approach in 'Dining Out' succeeds in its matter-of-factness. Lonely people congregate over holiday buffets in bathhouses. Men frequented — still frequent — certain gayborhood restaurants to cruise, to pose, to be themselves. A bit of melancholy also winds through the book, as Piepenburg laments the 'golden age' of gay restaurants that halted at the turn of the millennium, if not before, and also his own aging. Here is where I mention: I met the author 35 years ago, in my early college years before either of us was out, so I relate to his feelings on the passage of time. When in the book he references his '90s-era club kid days, sporting 'shaggy wigs and carrying lunchboxes' at the Limelight in New York … I remember. Of course, the release of Birdsall's and Piepenburg's books was planned for visibility during Pride month. Their merits, individual and collective, make for absorbing, enlightening reading far beyond 30 days of designated LBGTQ recognition.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Iowan and her bell play key role in Scripps National Spelling Bee
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — The Scripps National Spelling Bee is celebrating a major milestone: 100 years. For the past century, kids participating in the bee have captured the nation's attention and hearts with buzz-worthy moments. An Iowan has a front row seat to the action, and a big responsibility when it comes to crowning the winner. Mary Brooks is the head judge and has been since 2005. 'My main role is listening,' Brooks said. 'We have a panel of judges. We work together, but it is my voice that you hear, and it is my hand you see on that bell. The final decision comes when I either say 'that's correct' or I ring the bell.' Birdsall's serving cold sweet treats for 94 years in Mason City The bell that lets spellers know when they misspell a word has a story of its own. 'It has become the sound of the bee,' Brooks said. Brooks inherited it from her late mother-in-law. 'There are Civil War dates engraved in it,' Brooks explained, 'so we know it has a history.' History that's meaningful to the long-standing event. 'I like the way it looks,' Brooks said. 'It represents history and that some things in our past do last. They do go on.' And symbolic of Brooks' involvement. 'When I didn't go in 2014 was when I forgot that the bell still needed to go,' Brooks recalls. 'The bell wasn't there and they were using the generic bell, which I have one of those downstairs too. They don't sound anything alike. And there were more comments. They had explained my absence, but they were really more comments about where's the bell? They didn't realize it was my personal bell… So the bell, I know is probably more recognizable than I am.' It's not hard to recognize Brooks' loyalty to the bee: seen in her home, on her clothes, even dangling from her ears. This 'queen bee' started with Scripps National Spelling Bee after graduating from high school, when her uncle James H. Wagner was the executive director. 'And he offered me to come into Washington and serve on the staff, college staff,' Brooks said. 'And I just got hooked on it.' Unexpected pub in Des Moines brings guests of all ages together Hooked for more than 50 years because of the kids. 'They are wordsmiths at the best because it isn't just about the spelling,' Brooks expressed. 'The competition is, but it's so much more about their vocabulary, which is part of the competition as well. And for me, any activity that allows young people to take their passion and their skills and have success is important to me.' Important for this retired teacher from West Des Moines, who says it's more than students memorizing the dictionary. 'I value language and words. I value literacy and reading,' Brooks said, 'and spelling is all a part of that.' It's the next generation inspiring society. One example is the winner from 2021, the comeback bee after it was canceled in 2020 due to COVID. The winning word at the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee was 'Murraya.' Zaila Avant-garde, a 14-year-old from Harvey, Louisiana, was tasked with spelling the word 'Murraya.' 'She said, 'is it related to the American comedian [Bill Murray]?' I mean she asked that,' Brooks recalled. 'And so instantly, I just got a chuckle. It had nothing to do with Murray, but she was making the connection.' The comical connection led to her spelling the word correctly to win the competition. 'For that brief moment, the world turned right side up again. This is it. We're back to normal. Just gives me goosebumps!' Mary exclaimed. The victories are always more enjoyable than the losses. In the last few years, Brooks has made the misspellings more bearable by providing words of encouragement when a speller misses a word. 'And it felt so much better than watching them stand there, hear the bell, hear the spelling, the correct spelling of the word, and then dejectedly walk off the stage,' Brooks said. 'So it started small, but it became – the bee team has labeled it 'Mary's Moments.'' Ankeny mother-daughter teaching duo seeks to set new standard of inclusion Moments that allow her to remind spellers of why they participate: 'It is an experience that you can't ever take away from them. And it will always serve them well in whatever direction they choose to go.' An experience you can watch at home. 'It is reality television. You have no idea what's going to happen when you put kids on stage. Anything can happen,' Brooks explains. And take something away too. 'The symbol of the bee is so relevant because that bee flies even though it shouldn't be able to,' Brooks said. 'So, we often use that as an example with the kids. There's nothing to stop you. Just because somebody says you can't or you don't think you can, you can! A lesson that's been taught for 100 years and counting. The semifinals take place Wednesday night, and the champion will be decided Thursday night. You can watch the two-night special on the ION television channel or learn more by visiting the Scripps National Spelling Bee's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Scoop
13-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
New Deck Of Cards Designed To Deal Out A Greener Future
Press Release – University of Auckland The colourful cards offer prompts for deep discussion, creativity and actions to help turn around the environmental crisis, says Associate Professor Sally Birdsall from the Universitys Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society Ng Ara … A new pack of cards brings a playful element to a serious topic – how to create a more sustainable world. Called 'A Curriculum for Sustainability Advocates', the cards were designed by experts from the University of Auckland and local environmental organisations. The colourful cards offer prompts for deep discussion, creativity and actions to help turn around the environmental crisis, says Associate Professor Sally Birdsall from the University's Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society – Ngā Ara Whetū. Birdsall and head of the School of Psychology Professor Niki Harré have worked on bringing the cards to life over the past year, so they can be used in school classrooms, universities and the wider community. 'Each card gives ideas for how people can develop their understanding of environmental sustainability, enact it in their life, and advocate for sustainability by sharing their ideas with others. 'We want to promote the teaching of sustainability, because otherwise we will face increasing threats from climate change and biodiversity loss,' says Birdsall. Three workshops were held to co-design the cards, with 14 participants using their personal experiences of becoming an environmental advocate to inform the development of the pack. 'We asked the group to consider what are the essential teaching and learning experiences that shape a sustainability advocate. 'We came up with 18 cards, but we want ideas from a greater range of people to expand our pack,' says Birdsall. Themes for the cards include nature, knowledge, imagination, relationships, values, and skills. Blank cards are included in each set, so people can come up with their own topics and activities to explore. About 20 packs of cards have been created so far and the cards will soon be available to download online. Birdsall, whose work involves teaching science education to new teachers, would love to see a national curriculum for climate change and sustainability introduced to every primary and secondary school. 'Climate change has implications for education, because we have to help young people cope with the uncertainty it causes and help them with strategies, so they don't feel so helpless in the face of all these environmental problems. 'It's so doomy and gloomy, but feeling that you can do something to create change can give people more hope for the future.' Currently schools have no requirement to teach sustainability education, instead focusing on preparing students to enter the workforce and contribute to the economy, says Birdsall. 'But we can't have an economy if we don't have a flourishing environment. 'As the card on te ao Māori says, people are part of the environment, not above it and not able to do whatever they want with it.' Adults also need to step up their sustainability game, she says. 'We can't leave it all up to youth to make the changes. 'There are lots of community projects people of any age can get involved with.' The University granted $60,000 for the Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable World Project, which includes a series of videos showing local and international experts sharing their insights and inspiration for teaching sustainability. The cards will be launched at a seminar on 16 May at 1pm at the University of Auckland level 3 conference centre, room 423-340, 42 Symonds St. Everyone is welcome to attend – register by emailing
Scoop
13-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
New Deck Of Cards Designed To Deal Out A Greener Future
A new pack of cards brings a playful element to a serious topic – how to create a more sustainable world. Called 'A Curriculum for Sustainability Advocates', the cards were designed by experts from the University of Auckland and local environmental organisations. The colourful cards offer prompts for deep discussion, creativity and actions to help turn around the environmental crisis, says Associate Professor Sally Birdsall from the University's Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society – Ngā Ara Whetū. Birdsall and head of the School of Psychology Professor Niki Harré have worked on bringing the cards to life over the past year, so they can be used in school classrooms, universities and the wider community. 'Each card gives ideas for how people can develop their understanding of environmental sustainability, enact it in their life, and advocate for sustainability by sharing their ideas with others. 'We want to promote the teaching of sustainability, because otherwise we will face increasing threats from climate change and biodiversity loss,' says Birdsall. Three workshops were held to co-design the cards, with 14 participants using their personal experiences of becoming an environmental advocate to inform the development of the pack. 'We asked the group to consider what are the essential teaching and learning experiences that shape a sustainability advocate. 'We came up with 18 cards, but we want ideas from a greater range of people to expand our pack,' says Birdsall. Themes for the cards include nature, knowledge, imagination, relationships, values, and skills. Blank cards are included in each set, so people can come up with their own topics and activities to explore. About 20 packs of cards have been created so far and the cards will soon be available to download online. Birdsall, whose work involves teaching science education to new teachers, would love to see a national curriculum for climate change and sustainability introduced to every primary and secondary school. 'Climate change has implications for education, because we have to help young people cope with the uncertainty it causes and help them with strategies, so they don't feel so helpless in the face of all these environmental problems. 'It's so doomy and gloomy, but feeling that you can do something to create change can give people more hope for the future.' Currently schools have no requirement to teach sustainability education, instead focusing on preparing students to enter the workforce and contribute to the economy, says Birdsall. 'But we can't have an economy if we don't have a flourishing environment. 'As the card on te ao Māori says, people are part of the environment, not above it and not able to do whatever they want with it.' Adults also need to step up their sustainability game, she says. 'We can't leave it all up to youth to make the changes. 'There are lots of community projects people of any age can get involved with.' The University granted $60,000 for the Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable World Project, which includes a series of videos showing local and international experts sharing their insights and inspiration for teaching sustainability. The cards will be launched at a seminar on 16 May at 1pm at the University of Auckland level 3 conference centre, room 423-340, 42 Symonds St. Everyone is welcome to attend - register by emailing
Web Release
10-03-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Alteryx Expands Leadership Team with Appointment of Jon Pexton as Chief Financial Officer and Steven Birdsall as Chief Revenue Officer
By Editor_wr On Mar 10, 2025 Alteryx, Inc., an AI platform for enterprise analytics, today announced the appointment of Jon Pexton as Chief Financial Officer and Steven Birdsall as Chief Revenue Officer to lead the company's next phase of growth. These key additions to the executive team underscore Alteryx's commitment to helping customers scale their AI and analytics automation journey. As Chief Financial Officer ('CFO'), Pexton will oversee all global financial operations, including strategic planning, budgeting, and investor relations. Pexton brings more than two decades of experience in financial leadership including equity and debt offerings, mergers and acquisitions, international expansion, and strategic planning at high-growth technology companies. He has been the CFO of five companies, most recently serving as CFO of Tebra, a healthcare practice automation software company. Prior to Tebra, Pexton was the CFO of UserTesting, an on-demand SaaS platform for user research and feedback. In the role of Chief Revenue Officer ('CRO'), Birdsall will drive Alteryx's global revenue strategy, focusing on sales and customer success, retention and acquisition, along with partnerships and market expansion. With more than 25 years of experience in scaling revenue operations in both public and private companies, Birdsall most recently served as CRO at Qlik, where he drove revenue growth and implemented data-driven strategies. He was previously Senior Vice President of HCM Cloud Application Sales at Oracle and CRO at Anaplan, leading the company's sales organization ahead of and through an IPO. Birdsall also held leadership roles as CRO at Radial and Chief Operating Officer at SAP. 'I am thrilled to welcome Jon and Steven to the Alteryx team,' said Andy MacMillan, Chief Executive Officer of Alteryx. 'Their expertise and leadership will help our customers scale efficiently and unlock new opportunities for long-term success. Most importantly, they are both passionate about driving growth, building high-performing teams and championing innovation. Together, we'll create even greater value globally to our customers, partners and community worldwide.' Comments are closed.
