What I'm Reading...Delano by John Gregory Dunne

After visiting the Cesar Chavez Center during our visit to Tehachapi, California last month, both my wife and I wanted to read more about the Delano Grape Boycott and the founding of United Farm Workers of America. This is an important part of the history of both California and the Labor movement.

Office of Cesar Chavez, Chavez Center, Keene, CA by dewelch via Flickr

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• Boycotts: A Quick History Lesson (andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com)
• Today's Leaders Have a Lot to Learn From Cesar Chavez (tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com)
• An Interview with Cesar Chavez - May 17, 1968 (newstalgia.crooksandliars.com)

Book: The House of Lords by John Wells

After watching some friends move out of a long term rental house, both Rosanne and I got the de-clutter bug again. My first attack was at the bookshelves in my office. We all have books that make it to our shelves, but never seem to make it off again, I ended up clearing nearly an entire shelf of un-wanted or un-needed books, which were dispatched to our school's flea market day and other charities around town.

One book caught my eye, though -- The House of Lords by John Wells. I purchased this book in a store on Kensington High Street during our only trip to London, back in 2000. It seemed an appropriate book to read while I was wandering the London Streets, walking by Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Whitehall. I read it quickly while on this mini-grand tour that eventually took us to Paris, Rome and, finally a re-meeting with the relatives in Sicily.

It has been so long since I first read the book, that I feel like I am reading to anew. The House of Lords has a fascinating history and fights for its very existence still today. Like all politics, the story is filled with quirky figures, deadly intrigue and amazing eccentricities. Just a day after re-discovering the book, I am almost halfway through it.

If you have any interest in Britian and its history, I highly recommend picking up a copy of The House of Lords by John Wells. You will most likely find it through a used bookseller on Amazon, as it has been out of print for some time.

Technorati Tags: book, books, read, reading, toread, uk

What I'm Reading...

A man both pious and scandalous -- brother of famous author Harriet Beecher Stowe and son of one of the most prominant Calvinist preachers of the era, Beecher rose and then fell into the depths of a vicious sex scandal.

I am finding it a great source for this particular era of American history, one that I didn't know much about. I especially like that much of it takes place in Ohio, my home state.




The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More Can you really make money off the nichification of the marketplace? This book has become the darling of the Internet marketing set. I'll finally get a chance to see what all the hubbub is about.



Technorati Tags: book, books, reading, toread

Elsewhere Online: Letterpress Printing Video

Another example of odd, little things that attract my attention.

This video story on letterpress printing caught my eye and ear and provided a short trip through a printmaster's craft and life.

A gentle little piece, and a perfect way to spend a few minutes in a hectic day.

Nice little video about letterpress printing.

(Via kottke.org.)

Technorati Tags: technology, art, video, books, interview, history, book, print, printing

Live Reading: Love Letters from History - Valentine's Day

Update: 2/14/07 10:30 pm): High-quality audio is now available for your listening pleasure if you couldn't make it to the LIVE reading.

Listen to Love Letters from History - A LIVE Valentine's Day Reading

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Join us for a LIVE reading of Love Letters from History this Valentine's Day at Talkshoe.com.

We will have a series of letters available for reading and you can call in and read LIVE along with our cast of players.

A LIVE Reading of Love Letters from History

Wednesday, February 14, 2007 @ 9 PM EST/6 PM PST

Download the script to follow along or read a selection

Want to join us online, read this post for a guide on How to Join Our LIVE Shows for FREE

Previous WelchWrite Specials:

A LIVE Reading of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol

Technorati Tags: podcast, podcasting, events, technology, computers, high-tech, free, history, reading, performance, poem, theater, live, love, valentinesday, valentine

Event: Black History Bus Tour of Los Angeles

This tour visits sites that follow the progress of the African American community from the founding of the City to present day.

WHEN: February 3, 8:00 a.m.

SITE: Consolidated Realty Board of Southern California, 3725 Don Felipe Dr.

COST: Free

SPONSOR: Our Authors Study Club, Inc.

INFO: 310-854-6967

From the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department Festival Guide