Et Cetera
DRAKE UNIVERSITY SPRING PRESIDENT'S AND DEANS' LIST
The following local students have been named to the Deans' and President's Lists at Drake University. To be eligible for the Deans' List, students must have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher during the Spring 2024 semester at Drake. To be eligible for the President's List, students must have earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during the Spring 2024 semester at Drake.
What We're Reading: Dark Matter
I recently read 'Dark Matter' by Blake Crouch and I have mixed reviews. My husband was sitting at a dance class and the adults started discussing books; one of the parents informed him that she was reading 'Dark Matter.' He called me right away asking if I had heard about it and if it might need to be added to my TBR! I first read the reviews and saw "Science Fiction," "Thriller," "Mystery," and "Suspense. What We're Reading: The Plot
I apologize in advance, but the plot thickened in 'The Plot' by Jean Hanff Korelitz! Jacob Finch Bonner is teaching in a lackluster MFA program after once being a young novelist with a future ahead of him but you're only as good as your next novel and his last novel was an utter flop. Enter: quiet desperation.Bonner ultimately finds himself in a morally questionable position where he decides you can't "steal" a plot from another writer if they haven't actually written the story. DNR seeks public input on rule revisions to the nonresident hunting licenses
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking informal comments on administrative rules for special nonresident deer and turkey licenses. Executive Order 10 (EO10), signed by Governor Reynolds on January 10, 2023, requires all state agencies to identify which administrative rule chapters will be retained or rescinded. The EO10 process includes public engagement with the opportunity for meaningful input.
What we're reading:The Last Murder at the End of the World
This week I started reading Stuart Turton's latest novel 'The Last Murder at the End of the World.' The novel contains an intricate map on the inside cover and begins with a cast list, so I know I'll need to take notes! The cover art is beautiful, and the pages are tipped in color, so it looks gorgeous on my reading table.Turton is known for his puzzling, cerebral mysteries; I'm five chapters in and am happy to be along for the ride. What we're reading: James
VPL Note: "James" by Percival Everett is available for checkout in regular type.I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn"! If you have never read the original, I highly recommend that you do so. Years ago, it was practically 'required reading' as a rite of passage. As times changed, several of Twain's works were banned as racist and/or for having inappropriate themes. Trees for Kids grant applications due August 26
The popular Trees for Kids grant program is accepting applications through August 26.Grantees can be awarded up to $2,500 to purchase trees and mulch. All trees for this program must be planted on public community grounds (park, community center, public school, etc.) Youth are required to be engaged in the process, most often helping to plant the trees on site.
What we're reading: Family Family
I loved this book! 'Family Family' by Laurie Frankel is one of my favorite kind of stories, stories that bring you into the experience of others, that welcome you into their world, and leave you with a deeper understanding of humanity. This novel looks straight into the eyes of several people whose lives have been touched by adoption and never blinks. Cicada Quest Video Documents the Type of Cicadas Emerging in Iowa
Learn about the 17-year cicada by watching Cicada Quest: A Symphony of NatureAre you curious about the cicadas that are emerging in eastern Iowa? Maybe you’ve noticed the notorious buzzing sound they make, or maybe you’ve encountered a swarm of cicadas on your property or local park.The Integrated Pest Management team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach produced a short video entitled: ‘Cicada Quest: A Symphony of Nature’ to help answer questions and share interesting information about periodical cicadas. Learn to Hunt program opens registration for beginner fur harvesting workshops
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a program to teach skills needed to trap furbearers to people with little to no trapping experience.The workshop will feature knowledge and skill building sessions with instructors that will teach the basics of trapping in Iowa.“For those interested in the tradition of trapping as a means of sourcing fur, this program provides the opportunity to gain the skills and the knowledge it takes to do it all yourself,” said Jamie Cook, program coordinator with the Iowa DNR.