Obama Zong-Tong: 大力支援农业 !

"Vigorously support agriculture!" Would that it were so. Editorial cartoon by Scott Stantis in the Chicago Tribune, February 21, 2013. For linguistic commentary, see the Linguistic Log.

Wrestling in Jeopardy at Olympics

Olympic wrestling champion Dan Gable joins Iowa Governor Branstad and others at a press conference on February 15, 2013 to organize opposition to the International Olympic Committee's recent decision to drop the ancient sport of wrestling from the Olympics beginning in 2020. Let's Keep Wrestling is a new web site devoted to the cause, and an online petition has already garnered over 22,000 signatories.The petition reads as follows:

WE PETITION the International Olympic Committee to ensure wrestling remains a summer Olympic competition by including wrestling on the roster of events for the 2020 summer Olympic games. As one of the oldest non-running sports in the history of the world, wrestling has transcended generations in nearly 200 nations and has proved to be an inclusive sport providing opportunities for all genders and backgrounds. No sport captures the essence of the Olympics as does wrestling, and future generations should not be denied this opportunity that dates back to the ancient Olympic games.

Democracy Now! Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Civil Rights Activist Rosa Parks

RAGBRAI XLI Overnight Towns Announced

The eight overnight towns for RAGBRAI XLI (July 21-27, 2013) were announced yesterday at the annual Route Announcement Party: Council Bluffs > Harlan > Perry > Des Moines > Knoxville > Oscaloosa> Fairfield > Fort Madison. The pass-through towns of the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa will be announced in the near future.

Registration for the world's oldest, largest, and longest recreational bike touring event is currently open; the deadline is February 15, 2013 for paper applications and April 1, 2013 for online applications. Lottery results are announced May 1, 2013.

The Boone River Watershed: Why Strip-Till and Cover Crops Matter

This short video features the Smith farm in north-central Iowa, and was produced by the Nature Conservancy, which is working to improve conservation practices among farmers. The organization notes that, "For farmers in Iowa's Boone River watershed, the change to strip-till and cover crops can make sense both economically and environmentally."

For further information about the initiatives sponsored by the Nature Conservancy and its partners in Iowa, as well as other recent videos such as "Restoring Ox Bows on the Boone River" and "How Bioreactors Are Making a Difference in the Boone River Watershed," visit the Nature Conservancy's web site. An index of project areas in Iowa can be found here.

Letterpress Now: A Do-It-Yourself Guide

Jessica C. White, proprietor of Heroes and Criminals Press and co-founder of the Ladies of Letterpress, has authored the recently published book, Letterpress Now: A DIY Guide to New and Old Printing Methods. Published by Lark Crafts, the volume offers how-to information for getting started with letterpress printing, as well as projects and techniques for cylinder presses and both tabletop and full-size platen presses. In addition, the book features seven letterpress printers, a glossary of terms, recommended reading, and other resources.

Wapsipinicon Almanac No. 19

The latest annual installment of the eclectic Wapsipinicon Almanac is now available. Published and letterpress printed since 1988 by Timothy Fay of Route 3 Press, the present issue, as with previous numbers, features an engaging mix of essays, reviews, fiction, poetry, art, wit and wisdom. For those in the Iowa City area, Fay and other contributors will be giving readings from the almanac at Prairie Lights bookstore at 7 pm on January 25, 2013.

Number 19 can be purchased at bookstores or directly by writing the publisher at Wapsipinicon Almanac, 19948 Shooting Star Road, Anamosa, Iowa 52205. Single copies are $8, plus $2.50 for postage; Iowa residents should also include 56-cents for sales tax.

The cover shown here is based on an linocut by artist Lindsay Whitmore. A brief history of the publication can be viewed at the Almanac's website.

Winter Solstice 2012: Of Beer and Bollocks

Well, time has run out for time to run out. The pseudo-Mayan apocalypse has not transpired, although that did not stop Stevens Point Brewery from manufacturing a novelty beer called 2012 Black Ale:

Thousands of years ago the ancient Mayans of Central America developed a "Long-Count" round calendar that ends ominously on December 21, 2012. Some predict this symbolizes the end of time as we know it. Inspired by this mystery, we offer Point 2012 Black Ale to help contemplate this 'end of time' or perhaps a 'new beginning.' Dark rich roasty and complex, Point 2012 Black Ale is hand-crafted with Pale, Munich, and Roasted Malts with Cluster, Saaz, and Cascade hops for the robust flavor and finish. Enjoy--while there's still time.

The brewery even recommended food pairings for its Long-Neck-cum-Long-Count libation:

Point 2012 Black Ale pairs well with steak tips, grilled salmon or pork chops. The mild burnt/roasty flavors and malty sweetness tends to complement grilled meats very well and are perfect for pairing up with dark chocolates.

While referencing the Mayan calendar was merely a clever marketing ploy for this particular company, the widespread gullibility of a scientifically illiterate public compelled NASA to publicly counter such misinformation. For reassurance, one can check out their end-time FAQ entitled, "Beyond 2012: Why the World Won't End." Cheers!

12.12.12

 
A One, A Two, A Cha Cha Cha! by Barbara Boylan & Bobby Burgess on the Lawrence Welk Show. Carpe diem!

Human Rights Day 2012

 
Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on December 10 to mark the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted on this date in 1948. The Declaration was proclaimed through United Nations General Assembly Resolution 217 A (III):

. . . as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

Although not itself a binding legal document, it has "inspired more than more than 60 human rights instruments which together constitute an international standard of human rights."

The Declaration has been translated into more than 300 languages and dialects, from Abkhaz to Zulu. The English version is available here, while other versions are available via an online database. A guide to UN Human Rights documentation as well as various related UN databases are also accessible on the UN Human Rights web site.

In the video above, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay presents her message for this year's Human Rights Day, December 10, 2012.

Plant Ahead! 2013 Seed Savers Exchange Catalog Now Available

Founded in 1975 by Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy, Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) is now the largest non-governmental seed bank of its kind in the United States. With over 13,000 members, SSE conserves and maintains heirloom seeds for thousands of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Its mission is:

. . . to save North America's diverse, but endangered, garden heritage for future generations by building a network of people committed to collecting, conserving and sharing heirloom seeds and plants, while educating people about the value of genetic and cultural diversity.

Located on the 890-acre Heritage Farm in Decorah, Iowa, SSE is open to visitors from April to October, and sponsors special events such as seed starting, grafting, and gardening workshops. It also hosts an annual conference and campout. To learn more about Seed Savers Exchange and the benefits of membership, visit its website.

The amazing 2013 Catalog can be downloaded as a PDF, or a copy in print can be requested free of charge. Also of interest is the book authored by co-founder Diane Ott Whealy, Gathering: Memoir of a Seed Saver.

The Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa 2013

In 247 days, RAGBRAI XLI will commence its annual mass bicycle ride from Iowa's west coast, the Missouri River, to the east coast, the Mississippi River. Registration for the week-long event (July 21-27, 2013) begins today, November 15, 2012. For full details and registration forms, visit the RAGBRAI website. The Common Curator rode on the fortieth anniversary RAGBRAI last summer and is contemplating next year's ride.

Vote Early, Vote Mad

The Iowa City Song Project

As part of its year-long centennial celebration, the Englert Theatre in Iowa City, Iowa has collaborated with Maximum Ames Records to produce the Iowa City Song Project, commissioning 31 musicians and bands to craft new music inspired by the city of Iowa City. With a release date of November 6, 2012, the album can be pre-ordered through Maxiumum Ames Records. In addition, the Englert Theatre and The Mill Restaurant will be hosting record release shows on November 2 at 7pm and November 3 at 8pm, respectively.

Kickstarting the Morbid Anatomy Anthology

Joanna Ebenstein of Morbid Anatomy is joining forces with author Colin Dickey to edit and produce the Morbid Anatomy Anthology, "a lavishly-illustrated book comprising a collection of articles based on some of the best of the Morbid Anatomy Presents lectures and presentation series." The Morbid Anatomy Library and Cabinet is located in Brooklyn, NY, and is dedicated to "surveying the interstices of art and medicine, death and culture." Numerous scholars, writers, museologists, morticians and scientists are signed up to contribute works to the anthology, and more on the project, including a short video, can be found at the Kickstarter project page