The Reading Post

Fitness doesn't have to be all work and no play.

Running is of course, a great way to achieve a desired fitness level. The Keep Austin Weird 5K is a fun way to exercise some of those fitness skills. Costumes are welcomed, and here are a couple of "angels," complete with wings and haloes, running for fitness and fun.

If you need materials about nutrition, health, fitness and fun, Victoria Public Library can meet those information requirements.

There's nothing to writing.  All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein.  ~Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith

Ah, yes.

Writing is still the most permanent kind of communication. Writing isn't lost when formats change (think BetaMax). Writing involves some thinking beforehand, as opposed to just opening one's mouth and having words flow out. Writing can be the most beautiful kind of communication capturing the rhythm of music and beauty of artworks, but still leaving much to the imagination of the reader.

Writing can also be difficult, as alluded to in the quote from the great sportswriter Red Smith.

Victoria Public Library has many books to help with writing skills. Ask a Librarian for help.

It is now officially summer, although we've had the summer heat for awhile already. It is the season of summer films as well.
We're touring the LA area. We've already visited the John Wayne statue backed by the largest American flag I've ever seen, and have plans for more movie events.  The LA film festival is going on, and of course, there is much to see for those who are aficionados of old films, also. 
I'll keep you updated.
In the meantime, VPL has movie books and biographies of those who starred and played in those movies. There is a travel section, so you can begin planning your trips to faraway places.
Enjoy those trips, whether they are through the medium of books, virtual, or actual.

I went to a movie a couple of weeks ago. A chick flick. . .THE chick flick of the summer. I'm a people person, and enjoy just watching folks interact. This was a people-watching fun house.
Obviously, this was "The Movie We've Been Waiting For." Groups of women, young, old, and intergenerational, all carrying great tubs of popcorn and giant cokes came giggling into the theater. Ready for "The Movie," and all the accompanying hoopla that goes with attending The Movie with a group of buddies.
This movie was doubly interesting because not only did I get to see my four friends who have been off the small screen for several years, but the "plot" actually turns on a book.
****SPOILER****
Just so you won't embarrass yourself. . .there is no book entitled Love Letters of Great Men. Apparently, though, thousands of people have tried to locate it.
Thus, no, I am not reading that nonexistent book. I did enjoy The Movie, though.

Last week was one that seemed to be full of history. There were dates affecting all Americans, from citizenship issues, to commemoration of the death of Robert F. Kennedy, to the anniversary of D-Day.

There was a great deal of talk about RFK because this was a "significant" year - the fortieth anniversary of that horrific event. Those of us who remember that day can probably all still recall the feelings of horror and revulsion that anyone could so callously take another Kennedy from our midst. What would our nation look like today had Bobby Kennedy had the opportunity to continue his quest for the presidency?

And D-Day, June 6, 1944. There was not nearly so much talk, as most of those who took part in that dramatic event have gone to their eternal rest. What would our nation look like today had that invasion, a part of what has been termed "the last 'good' war," not succeeded?

What have we, as Americans, learned from the lessons of history?

Knowledge is power, and knowledge is still available through reading.
From the Victoria Public Library - what are you reading?

On June 2, 1924, Congress enacted the Indian Citizenship Act, which granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the U.S.

How ironic is that?

VPL has many books about Native Americans. A couple of those that might be of interest include: First Americans by William H. Goetzmann. Goetzmann was a distinguished Professor of History at The University of Texas and is a respected authority on The American West. Another strikingly beautiful book is The Many Faces of Edward Sherriff Curtis: Portraits and Stories from Native North America.