School's In for Autumn

This weekend I visited a campus bookstore. I had forgotten the contrast between this University-operated bookstore and well, virtually any other type of bookstore in which I have shopped. Key differences include the obvious: clothing and other gear from car decals to lip balm emblazoned with the school’s logo, slogan, association, etc; textbooks at standard full price; and a grand piano. (As I type, I am actually trying to envision a grand piano in many of those tucked away used bookstores I enjoy frequenting, but it does not work.)

I remember the expense of textbooks each semester and the fight to get one of a few “used” textbooks which may have saved up to $20 each or perhaps more on the full bill. (A student could do a lot with $20.) Thanks to a young woman who talked with an extremely audible tone, I learned there are a few more options for students these days. Both Amazon and Ebay have textbook re-sale sections, and other sites such as Campus Books and Buy Used Textbooks offer discounted rates as well. These might be worth a look and may even save you enough money to buy one or two of those logoed items.

Print Hands

This morning I was able to indulge in what is now an infrequent habit: I read a print newspaper. My usual technique is to keep the paper in its original single fold as long as possible to read all the leading stories. Finally, of course, I will have to give in to get those last few sentences in the crease (usually under a photo), and then the event becomes a game of turning the pages without too much noise and without having the mid-section get out of sorts. (I envision at times, I must look as if I am rowing rather than reading in my quest to keep the paper in tact.) The last page is another easy go, and I usually try to move back to (what I think is) the cool, one-hand newspaper hold (with coffee in the other hand). Wearing glasses whilst reading a paper is even better, but I think I am digressing.

By the end, I usually am a little sad that the paper is finished, unless of course it's a Sunday Times issue and instead, am celebratory that I have managed to complete it in (hopefully) a reasonable amount of time (meaning before the next week's paper). Then, of course, I wash my hands.

Thank you Grantland Rice

In just two short days, we will reach that marker that most of us believe truly represents the beginning of autumn and solidifies our relationships with our alma maters. We will find ourselves reading the sports sections a little more often and observing with keen interest which teams are victors and which manage the upset in those last few seconds. Nicknames emerge, and if we are lucky, legends will be born. Highlights, heartache, and hope will mark the next few weeks as sports fans embrace the college football season.

Sports editors turn focus to their turn of phrase and writers who follow the dreams of athletes will wax poetic on the smallest of details. Even if you are not a sports fan, it is a great time to read an editorial and see if the game comes to life, if just for a moment.

Roll On MegaBeth

Since most of us visit our local library, I wanted to share this CNN link to remind us all that the person who hands us the book might just be (almost) famous.

In the event you are inspired to visit our local talent, visit the Nashville Rollergirls website for event dates and tickets.