The Monday Briefing: A slice of rock 'n' roll history

PICK OF THE WEEK: The History Theatre is kicking off its 2016-17 season with a stroll (non-baby boomers take note, that was a dance) down musical memory lane. "Teen Idol: The Bobby Vee Story" charts the pop career of Robert Velline, a fresh-faced singer from Fargo whose hits such as "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" and "Take Good Care of My Baby" made him a cultural phenomenon long before the existence of Facebook or Twitter. Performances continue through Oct. 30. Tickets are $30 to $52, with discounts for students, seniors and groups. (history theatre.com)

Cheat sheet: The baseball playoffs start Tuesday. Here's how non-fans can contribute to the conversation.

• Don't bring up the Twins. They came about as close to getting into the playoffs as they did to launching a mission to Mars. Mentioning them would be a clear sign that you have no idea what's happening.

• You can allude to the Chicago Cubs' curse, which supposedly keeps them from winning the World Series. Just say, "Think this is the year the Cubs break the curse?" It's the same question their fans have asked every year since 1945.

• If the World Series requires the full seven games to determine a winner, it will stretch into November. After pointing that out, remind people that baseball used to be a summer sport.

Day by day: Saturday is national Touch Tag Day. Adults can remember it as the game we played at recess. Youngsters can interrupt their video games to google it.

LIFE HACK: Save your fingers. When you need to hammer a small nail, stick it between the teeth of a comb and hold that instead of the nail.

recommended reading: The trading culture is growing. Check out clothing swaps Tuesday and food swaps Wednesday, both in Variety.

JEFF STRICKLER • jeff.strickler@startribune.com