This is one of my fave songs from the Daytrotter sessions by Pepi Ginsberg, called The Waterline. mp3 We can adjust the look and feel of this audio player somewhat too.
Reader issue #711 The Reader's 2008 gift guide can be downloaded here.

photo-contest.jpgWe know we've been mean.

In the history of our photo contests, we've included such dastardly abstract categories as "middle," "awkward," "metamorphosis," and "waste." Yeah, we're jerks. However, our hearts have temporarily thawed. So ...

This time, it's easy. Our categories for the fall 2008 contest are "BABIES" and "PETS."

But our kindness will be short-lived, as the deadline for submissions is November 19. Winners will be published in our December 3 issue.

In January, we solicited local writers and artists to submit samples for 11 areas the Reader is targeting for new content: local music; Iowa politics; local political cartoons; humor cartoons with a local bent; local sports; health; food/dining; the online world; lifestyle; travel; and energy/environment.

We had more than 20 submissions (including in areas we didn't even request), and now we're asking our readers to help us evaluate them. The submissions are being presented anonymously and unedited here .

Each article has an attached survey. Please take a few moments to read some of the submissions and offer your comments. Although we require a name and e-mail address, your feedback will remain confidential. We will accept comments through March 31.