Long Overdue

It’s about time someone other than me started using “bird” and “books” in the same sentence. Bravo!

Book About Good Subject: Books

I also recently read a book about one of my favorite topics (aside from food) — Books: A Memoir by Larry McMurtry. Yum.
McMurtry is, of course, the famous story writer whose many literary achievements include The Last Picture Show, In a Narrow Grave, and Lonesome Dove, which won one of those Pulitzer Prizes you hear [...]

A July Staff Pick

When I was introduced to Harriet Tubman in grade school the Underground Railroad almost sounded like a good time. All that sneaking around and hush-hush meetings with “friends” in the middle of night seemed akin to an adult version of kick-the-can — at least to my woefully insensitive ears. That reference point stuck in part [...]

In the Words of Chevy Chase … This is Crazy

I know why it’s called Crazy Daze: because it’s always so hot that people go wacko.
I realize the forecast is not calling for a similarly sizzling afternoon but I won’t believe it until I see it. I am planning on red hot sun and white hot deals.
There will be so much to see and do [...]

Sign the Declaration of Independence

People all over the country are doing it. No, I don’t mean going to see The Dark Night. I’m talking about a different form of action that Batman surely would endorse: They are signing a declaration of independence.
But this is not your great, great, great, great grandfather’s Declaration of Independence. No. It’s something more 21st [...]

Letting the ‘Dog’ Out

A few months ago, Mrs. Raven and I acquired a puppy. Never mind that dogs are typically larger than birds; he’s our pet — not the other way around. Anyway, this bundle of joy has created some challenges primarily because, well, we have a bit of a language barrier. But, alas! I was browsing down [...]

A Pretty Good Wall

They have their so-called Great Wall over there on the other side of the world not too far from where they’re holding the Olympics (by the way, why isn’t bird watching an Olympic sport?) in a couple of weeks. So! I know a pretty darn good wall or two myself and, wouldn’t you know it, [...]

Don’t Lecture Me; OK, Do

If you haven’t heard of this book yet, let me be the first to say, “I’m glad you just learned how to read.” The Last Lecture, which is based on the extraordinary final lecture by Carnegie Mellon University professor Randy Pausch, is at or near the top of nearly every bestseller list I have seen [...]

Rushdie Remarks, Award

I just heard an interview of Salman Rushie, who is on tour promoting his new novel, The Enchantress of Florence, and I really enjoy listening him to talk. His tongue is almost as sharp and witty as his prose. He thinks well on his toes, which not all writers do (including those who use wings [...]

Listen to a Good Book Lately?

Maybe you’re on your way to the lake place. Or packing up the car for a trip across country. Of course, you might be one of many Northfield area residents who commutes regularly to the Twin Cities. Point is, if you’re in your car for any length of time you know what it’s like to [...]