Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Author Don Hardy and his wife, Becky, will be in the Black Hills for a series of book signings for Hardy’s book, “Shooting from the Lip: The Life of Senator Al Simpson.” Here's the Rapid City Journal story.

When: 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Common Grounds in Spearfish;
10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, Black Hills Bagels, Rapid City;
2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, Belle Fourche Library;
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, The Journey Museum, Rapid City
Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming was known for his straight talk and his lively encounters with the press. No one knows that better than Don Hardy, who served as the feisty Republican senator's press secretary and chief of staff during his three terms in the U.S. Senate.

"I think I'm the only person who survived all 18 years in Washington," Hardy said. "I wouldn't have done it for anyone else. After he was elected, I helped load his stuff when he moved in, and when he moved out, I was there, too."

Thought provoking? Or just provocative?

Every once in a while you run across a surprising, independent thought by a newspaper columnist. And I used to be one, so I know how difficult that can be. What makes this so unique to me is who it is that is going against the grain and against conventional wisdom. It's a garden blog writer, Rhonda Hayes, taking on the Pink industry. Interesting ... Put Off By Pink
Two years ago I found myself dreading October and all the pink crap that goes with it. You see, those of us with more than a nodding acquaintance with breast cancer (and our numbers grow bigger every year) don't need a publicity campaign to keep it "top of mind". We know it every day, by the scars on our chests and the holes in our hearts. We know it by absence; through the empty spots at our family gatherings. If you want to know the truth, we'd like to not think about it now and then.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Still no call from the Noble Prize people

I was hoping I had an "in" with those Norwegians.

Bad news, good news: Bad is that Vince Flynn's next novel has been delayed due to pain and tiredness from cancer treatment. Good is that Doc says he will be better than ever. Star-Trib reports.

And what's this doorknob's problem? Elitist much?

I guess he hasn't read Tom Dorsey's novels. I just finished Triggerfish Twist and Cadillac Beach. They are over-the-top funny.