Minnesota well-represented on National Book Awards long-lists

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The bibliophiles at the National Book Foundation like to hold their cards close to the chest, playing one card a day to the anxious literary world. Though they have one more card to play (tomorrow, September 19) the first three days have brought some great news to members of the Minnesota community of the book. Under new rules for 2013 the National Book Award nominations are announced in what is henceforth to be known as a “long list” of nominations in each of four categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry and Young People’s Literature. Continue Reading

Do/should Minnesota farms and agribusiness REALLY “feed the world?”

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Last Saturday was “Celebrate Ag & Food Day” at the Gophers game. It was a day to laud the U of M research resources and the benefits thereof to the economic health of the state’s agribusiness sector. The celebratory pitch should also give pause for Minnesotans who support that symbiotic relationship to think about the businesses themselves as well as the food products they create, produce, promote and profit from, the hype and the reality. Continue Reading

Minneapolis candidates 2013: Assessing their access agenda

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Open Twin Cities (http://www.opentwincities.org/) is an assemblage of local hackers with a timely cause – to harness technology for the public good. The group involves geeks, hackers, public employees and activists willing to put their technological expertise – and political influence – on the line to make change happen. Their current initiative falls into the latter category and meets one of the group’s goals: to “lead a public discussion on open data and civic technology.” Continue Reading

Poverty in the suburbs – Hunger is a painful symptom

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Americans moved to the suburbs after World War II to escape the problem of poverty in cities. Running away is no longer an option – the cities ‘ traditional woes are now in the suburbs, too. We have to recognize that the face of American poverty is an increasingly suburban one, and act accordingly. Continue Reading

Hispanic Heritage Month – Resources for the armchair learner

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Though I have pretty much given up hope of mastering the Spanish language that only fuels my hope to learn much more about the heritage of my neighbors. Hispanic;Latino Heritage Month seems aa good time to focus on a huge gap in my knowledge. Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15 seem a good time to focus on a huge gap in my knowledge. Some of the resources I’ve found might prove useful to others whose formal education pre-dates modern times: Continue Reading

Thoughts while perambulating the Great Minnesota Get-Together

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Though Arianna Huffington would be appalled, I’m sure, her words kept coming to mind during my hours of rapture at the State Fair. As I trudged the streets, dodged the revelers, and ignored the pervasive essence of grease, it was her prose that set the mental pace. Huffington’s gentle essay, “Hemingway, Thoreau, Jefferson and the Virtues of a Good Long Walk” posted on her August 29 blog, framed my thoughts at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Continue Reading

Invisible or invincible: A choice for seniors and for society

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African American writer and thinker Ralph Ellison was describing his race-based invisibility. Those who are themselves invisible recognize the truth and relevance of Ellison’s words. “I am an invisible man. I am a man of substance, of flesh and bone, fiber and liquids – and I might even be said to possess a mind. I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me.” Continue Reading

Reading and weeding as the garden grows

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Children and gardening is a match made in heaven. They are both about starting small, growing, depending on others, and finally turning into something very special. Still, not every parent, grandparent or care provider has a green thumb. Nor does everyone have a backyard primed for planting. And some of us have little gardening wisdom to impart. Still, we have stories to share, tons of resources and glorious books to read with kids. Virtual gardening is a great option. Continue Reading