Goodreads, the book review and recommendations website I use to record my reading, reported that during my journey in books for 2019 so far, I have read 11,971 pages across 34 books with an average rating of 3.9 (on a…
Category: Features
Eye on Art: The Three Passions of CarversCarvings
Dr. Gary Carver’s trio of passions—woodcarving, the American chestnut tree and birds—fit together like a puzzle. A retired physicist, he incorporates his extensive knowledge of trees and woods into a bird carving art and shares a 60-acre property with his…
Around Town
Many Ways to See Santa Santa is making numerous appearances in our neighborhoods this holiday season. He will be visiting the Urbana Library Farmers Market special Holiday Market on Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to Santa,…
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (PG) This is perhaps the most beautifully and carefully crafted movie of the year so far. Directed at the same pace as Mr. Rogers spoke—slowly and clearly—the movie never seems to drag. It gives…
Pawsitive Insights: Arthritis in Dogs
As dogs age, they get arthritis just like we do. Arthritis is caused by injuries, genetic/developmental conditions (like hip and elbow dysplasia), the wear and tear of a very active lifestyle, tick-borne disease (like Lyme Disease) and auto-immune diseases. Ultimately…
Pawsitive Insights: Fat Cats
Our indoor cats can very easily become overweight. They are less active and usually have an ample supply of food. It is tougher to achieve weight loss in cats than in dogs, but if we implement changes that embrace normal…
Mike at the Movies: Zombieland – Double Tap
Zombieland: Double Tap (R) I loved the first entry in this franchise, and this one may be even funnier. Yes, a zombie movie that is screamingly funny. Leave your sensitivity at home—the movie is splatteringly violent, obscene at times, tender…
Shop Talk
Sweet Babe’s to Add Apple Dumplings Mark your calendars for Nov. 16. That’s the day that Sweet Babe’s Creamery, 3534B Urbana Pike in Casabella Commons, will begin serving apple dumplings. Nov. 16 is also the start of cool weather hours…
Around Town
Food Bank Gears Up for Holidays The Greater Urbana Area Food Bank is gearing up for a busy fall and holiday season. Starting the season off is the annual Scouting for Food campaign. Local Scouts will be placing bags on…
Novelists Engage With Suspense, Sense of Time and Place
Two wonderful novels ended my summer — both suspenseful efforts by fine storytellers I’ve enjoyed before. Earlier this year, author Kate Quinn, known for her 2017 bestseller, “The Alice Network,” published another historical spy novel, “The Huntress.” In the new…