Banned Books

Walked around the University of Minnesota with a friend, barging into buildings. We found a display of books that have been banned in some United States correctional facilities. Apparently Annie Proulx is dangerous. Maybe the Physicians’ Desk Reference could be used as a weapon.

Categorized as Resist

Wartime Presidents

Listened to Michael Beschloss, presidential historian, talking to a packed lunchtime Westminster Town Hall Forum about wartime presidents. He reminded us how presidents have started wars on a false pretext, and without the congressional approval required

Insistence on Truth

March 2018. I was on an inter-city train racing through the countryside of southern Spain. Across the aisle was a mother and her teenage son: she was engrossed in an e-book while he was engrossed in study exercises. I needed to be engrossed in something. I wanted to close my eyes and listen to music.…… Continue reading Insistence on Truth

Hmong in St. Paul

Cycled to Lake Phalen where workers were completing this pavilion. It was built in Changsha, China, then shipped to sister city St. Paul. In return, Changsha got Peanuts statues, including Lucy in a Hmong dress. Changsha is the ancestral home of the many Hmong who’ve moved to St. Paul.

A Long Run

Walked past recently closed Rudolph’s Bar-B-Que. Dwight and I first met there 31 years ago at a birthday brunch.

Categorized as Family

MiL’s 85th

Enjoyed a balanced diet of marzipan, whipped cream, sponge, strawberry jam, and toasted almonds. My mother-in-law’s 85th.

Categorized as Family

Latvians in Minneapolis

Cycled to the Latvian section of a North Minneapolis cemetery. Today, once again, Latvians fear Russian aggression, and an America that promises to look the other way.