In the New Yorker...

[Front-Ranger]

I wonder if Elizabeth Kolbert and Stephen Kolbert are related? Rereading the article from June 30, "Seeds of Doubt" by EK, which says "A report [by the United Nations] estimates that, globally, about 40 percent of fruits and vegetables, 30 percent of cereal grains, and 20 percent of meat and dairy products wind up uneaten."

"[In] the U.S., more than 200 pounds of food per person get thrown away each year."

[Jeff Wrangler]

I wonder if Elizabeth Kolbert and Stephen Kolbert are related?

If you're referring to the TV host whose show has been canceled, he's Stephen Colbert, with a "C."

[Front-Ranger]

I realized that later. So, guess they're not related.

[Front-Ranger]

A neighbor who I didn't recognize dropped the July 21 issue on my doorstep this morning and rang the ring camera doorbell. I had been putting off reading it on the screen so I have fresh reading material! The timing is off though. This week I have to finish The Sign of Four by Doyle and Braiding Sweetgrass by Kimmerer for book club meetings.

[serious crayons]

I realized that later. So, guess they're not related.

Or ... maybe Elizabeth kept the old family spelling and Stephen wanted to update it. Or something.

Probably not, though.

Have you heard/seen Jon Stewart explain why he changed his name from the original Leibowitz? "Too Hollywood."

[serious crayons]

This week I have to finish ... Braiding Sweetgrass by Kimmerer for book club meetings.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on Braiding Sweetgrass. I've heard people say it's good, but I'm not sure I'd like it.

[Jeff Wrangler]

The Sign of Four

Why on earth is it that some people, even some who should know better, persist in rendering the title as The Sign of the Four? 

I think I prefer The Hound of the Baskervilles.

[Front-Ranger]

Why on earth is it that some people, even some who should know better, persist in rendering the title as The Sign of the Four? 

It's been published both ways. In the text, it's always "The Sign of the Four."

[Front-Ranger]

I'd like to hear your thoughts on Braiding Sweetgrass. I've heard people say it's good, but I'm not sure I'd like it.

I've actually been trying to read it for a couple of years. When it was assigned at book group, I thought, "here's my chance to finish it." It has some great writing, but it is rather dense. And there are spots that get really technical. But the biggest strike against it, IMO, is that few of us will ever have the chance to live by a pond and swim there every morning or make a basket out of ash bark, or tap a maple tree for its sap. So, it's hard to relate.

[serious crayons]

I've actually been trying to read it for a couple of years. When it was assigned at book group, I thought, "here's my chance to finish it." It has some great writing, but it is rather dense. And there are spots that get really technical. But the biggest strike against it, IMO, is that few of us will ever have the chance to live by a pond and swim there every morning or make a basket out of ash bark, or tap a maple tree for its sap. So, it's hard to relate.

Yeah, if the writing demands the reader have first-hand experience with the subjects -- as opposed to be interested in reading about the subjects but not necessarily wanting to live them -- it doesn't sound entertaining.