Pretty proud of myself with the collection of linky-dink things I ran across the past few days. The ol’ Rushmore state has some pretty good writers – thought-provoking and heart-touching.

** This "Day of War" thing is going to be a big deal. Trust me. I know people who know people and they agree it’s going to be Haugmungus. The Rapid City Journal says: Cliff Graham has a lot going for him right now. The 30-year-old Rapid City native is an accomplished author and speaker, and is about to see his work hit the big screen as filmmakers adapt his writing into a movie.

** Joseph “Jody” Bottum, formerly an editor at the Weekly Standard and First Things, appears to have a hit on Kindle with his new e-book, Dakota Christmas. It’s only 99 cents.

** John Pollman of theSioux Falls Argus Leader considers the 60 minutes before the sun sets to be the “Golden Hour” for hunting the state bird. For any non-hunters this story offers a good glimpse of why many South Dakotans enjoy a pheasant hunt with their dog.

** Speaking of pets, Shirley Halleen of the Argus has a column that begins with a statement I well agree with: New pets should come with the directions: “Make room in your heart, because I will fill it with both love and pain.”

** Former Rapid City mayor and current SBA dude, Jim Shaw, wonders if libraries are about to go the way of the buggy whip.

** And one of my favorite writers, Stephen Hunter, has a new book out: Soft Target. Hunter tells more about it over at Powerline.