Random Learnings #17
I occasionally go to the University of Minnesota's Wilson Library to view microfilms of old newspapers. Today, I was reading about Queen Victoria's death in January 1901 and stumbled across…
The Citizenship Games
Military battles and wars aside, success in international athletic competitions is often viewed as increasing pride in one's nation. It's all for the sake of the nation, at least as…
School Fight Songs
I was a member of Iowa's Hawkeye Marching Band drumline in the mid-1980s. Great music, fun trips, hijinks, many cherished memories. 1986 Rose Bowl definitely a highlight (for which I…
Insensitive Clod
Unless you've been meditating at a silent retreat in the last week, you're likely aware of the school shootings in Perry, Iowa. Until my brother reminded me, I did not…
Dreaming of a Non-Christmas
What memories do you have of Christmas? Young children getting up insanely early to rip open their presents? A family gathering at someone's house for a large, formal meal? Watching…
Random Learnings #16
I purchased The Traitors by Alan Moorehead during my last visit to the Strand Bookstore in early December. Originally published in 1952 and updated in 1963, the book is about…
Rules To Swear By
When pregnant with her son, my friend thought she needed to learn to moderate her language - especially her swearing - before her son repeated inappropriate words at inopportune times.…
Records, Records and More Records II
For those who read Records, Records and More Records, time to disclose whether my bulk purchase of records turned up any gems. The answer is an unequivocal no. What did…
Random Learnings #15
Spending a Saturday morning drinking tea and perusing the Britannica Book of the Year 1948 - physical not digital - I learned something new about Iran (which isn't saying much,…
Records, Records and More Records
My wife and I stopped at a used furniture and antiques shop while driving through Wisconsin a few weeks ago. It was more used crap than used furniture: stuff randomly…