Posted 06/19/2009
Author Clive Cussler
Action-packed fiction
By Carla Hedstrom
What author is prolific, fun, testosterone loaded, and a great read? Clive Cussler. If you haven’t read any of his works, I highly recommend that you start. They are great fun—nothing heavy, but there’s lots of adventure and action. I’ll grant you that some of the premises are a little over the top, but, hey, what’s wrong with that in a work of fiction? Read More >>
Posted 06/12/2009
Cottonwood Festival at Brickyard Park
Fine and lively arts on the prairie
By Carla Hedstrom
In my hometown of Hastings, Nebraska, we have a number of fun, affordable events during the summer. In June, the Cottonwood Festival makes its appearance at Brickyard Park, a lovely city park with an outdoor amphitheatre and rolling hills. Read More >>
Posted 06/05/2009
Heading for Italy and Greece
The trip of a lifetime
By Carla Hedstrom
Well, as I write this, I am worried about getting my bag packed for two weeks in Italy and Greece. I am particularly excited about seeing Pompeii. When I was around eight years old, I received a book all about Pompeii and its incredible archeological finds, including the remains of the inhabitants left by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Read More >>
Posted 05/29/2009
My Take on The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
A great way to spend a summer afternoon
By Carla Hedstrom
My friend Nancy Jelinek, who also reviews books and maintains a blog on Silver Planet, has already posted a review of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows; however, I just finished reading it myself and had to let you know what I think of it too. Read More >>
Posted 05/22/2009
Dance Recitals
Great entertainment!
By Carla Hedstrom
When was the last time you attended a dance recital? Aren’t they fun? The granddaughters had one this weekend, and, of course, Grandma and Grandpa were more than happy to go.
The costumes were fun—lots of polka dots, feathers, and glitz. Since their hometown was settled by immigrants from Ireland, many of the girls are learning Irish dances as well as tap, ballet, and jazz. Read More >>
The costumes were fun—lots of polka dots, feathers, and glitz. Since their hometown was settled by immigrants from Ireland, many of the girls are learning Irish dances as well as tap, ballet, and jazz. Read More >>
Posted 05/15/2009
The Beauty of Northern Nebraska
C’mon! Get off the interstate!
By Carla Hedstrom
A couple of weekends ago, we took a quick day trip to northern Nebraska, and I can highly recommend the scenery. For those of you unfamiliar with that part of the world, let me just say you are really missing a beautiful place. There are rolling hills with pastures just now greening up, as well as bright green alfalfa fields. Read More >>
Posted 05/05/2009
Internet Search Magic
The world at your fingertips
By Carla Hedstrom
Our media specialist went to a conference and returned with some really great tips on using the Internet. I don’t want to be selfish, so I’ll share a few with you. Read More >>
Posted 04/24/2009
What’s the Best Reality Series on TV?
Testing relationships while seeing the world
By Carla Hedstrom
What’s the best reality series on television? In my opinion, it’s The Amazing Race, a CBS show.
Each week teams of two (married couples, two friends, dating couples, parent/child couples, etc.) are faced with making their way through a foreign country on a limited amount of money, completing tasks related to the country’s culture. Read More >>
Each week teams of two (married couples, two friends, dating couples, parent/child couples, etc.) are faced with making their way through a foreign country on a limited amount of money, completing tasks related to the country’s culture. Read More >>
Posted 04/17/2009
Omaha’s Jaipur Restaurant and Brewery
Great food and excellent beer
By Carla Hedstrom
Nebraska now has excellent restaurants that serve a variety of ethnic food. Yes, steaks and pork chops are wonderful, and Nebraska has some of the best, but a whole world of food is out there. Enjoy! Read More >>
Posted 04/10/2009
State Writing Assessment
The biggest challenges facing teens
By Carla Hedstrom
I just spent three days with 131 other teachers scoring the state writing assessment given to all juniors in February. Every junior must write a persuasive essay about a prompt provided by the Nebraska Department of Education. This has to be completed in two 40-minute class periods, so their final draft is really more of a working draft—but anyway. Read More >>
