Religious Literacy

Religious illiteracy is one of America's most pressing civic problems, according to Stephen Prothero, author of Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know -- and Doesn't.

He'll speak about that at 7 p.m. 14 November as part of the Distinguished Speakers Series/Indiana Historical Society History Makers. Tickets are $25; call 317:232-1882.

His presentation is part of the "Spirit & Place" Festival and takes place in the Basile Theater at the Indiana History Center, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis.

A discussion of Prothero's book is set for 6:30 p.m. 10 November in Christian Theological Seminary, 1000 West 42d Street, Indianapolis. Led by Scott Seay, assistant professor of the history of global Christianity, it's free. To sign up, call 317:924-1331.

Education Entrepreneur Fellowship Applications Soar

Nearly 345 people from around the world have applied for The Mind Trust of Indianapolis' Education Entrepreneur Fellowship, reports Inside INdiana Business.

Those selected will attempt to take their ideas about public education and transform them into realities in underserved communities. The Mind Trust will provide two years of salary ($90,000/year), benefits and customized training so fellows have the support necessary to develop, build and launch their initiatives.

Hoosier Storytelling Festival

The 21st Annual Hoosier Storytelling Festival will be held 8-11 October in adjacent locations in downtown Indianapolis: Military Park and the Indiana History Center.

Presented by Storytelling Arts of Indiana, it includes these featured storytellers (and more):

Charlotte Blake Alston is a storyteller whose interest in literature, the oral tradition and the arts began in childhood when her father read to her the work of writers and poets. Charlotte breathes life into traditional and contemporary stories from the African and African American oral and cultural traditions.

Brenda Wong Aoki is a storyteller, writer and recording artist of Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and Scots descent whose stories blend myth, street lore and real life. Her dramatic performances synthesize Kyogen and Noh (Japanese traditional theater), and modern dance.

Beth Horner is noted as a vivacious talent whose performances captivate audiences with a wide variety of folk, literary, traditional, contemporary and original tales from around the world. (That's her photo; credit Ron Gurule.)

Kevin Kling, best known for his popular commentaries on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered delivers hilarious, autobiographical tales that are as tender as they are true to life: hopping freight trains, getting hit by lightning, growing up in Minnesota, and eating things before knowing what they are.

Gene Tagaban is a captivating performer of combined Cherokee, Tlingit and Filipino ancestry. He began dancing at the age of five and grew up listening to and learning the songs, dances and stories of Alaska's Tlingit people.

To buy tickets, click here.

Environmental Good Turn Day

The historic Ransom Place Neighborhood gets a "spruce up" tomorrow (27 September), courtesy of Indianapolis Downtown, Rotary Club of Indianapolis and local Boy Scouts.

Between 10 a.m. and noon, volunteers from these three groups plus Indy Parks & Recreation and local residents will help mulch the median near Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and 10th Street in Indianapolis to celebrate Environmental Good Turn Day. Time will also be spent cleaning up the area to improve the overall appearance of the Ransom Place Neighborhood.

For details, contact Anne Maschmeyer, 317:441-3506; Jeff Mader, 317:951-1900, or Dauntee Reynolds, 317:925-1900.

Indy's No Longer Number One

Forbes magazine's newest list of the Most Affordable U.S. Real Estate Markets ranks Indianapolis fifth. The city topped the list last year, reports Inside INdiana Business.

Forbes estimates the monthly median cost of buying and maintaining a home in Indianapolis at $1,232 a month.

End of an Era

The RCA Dome will be deflated beginning at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow (24 September).

If you care, meet on the North steps of Lucas Oil Stadium for a press conference organized by the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association.

Various persons who have been associated with the Dome over the years will share memories as the roof slowly descends. The deflation, which is expected to last 30 to 45 minutes, will consist of turning off the large fans creating pressure that keeps the roof inflated.

We Are Indianapolis

Mayor Greg Ballard spotlights Indy's diversity in a poster at the Indianapolis International Airport.