So I guess I'm really a bit tardy with a post on Banned Books Week, but it doesn't officially end until Saturday . . .
I have a hard time sympathizing with those who campaign to get books banned from libraries, especially public libraries. Take a look at the 100 most frequently challenged books. If we're going to start banning books, we ought to start with the Bible. Plenty of sex and violence there, and arguably totally inappropriate for children.
My biggest problem with these people is that they tend to see libraries as safe havens for their children to roam unsupervised, and they get upset when their children encounter something they deem offensive. Libraries are not safe places. Libraries are dangerous! They contain information. Information can be unsettling! It could disrupt your tidy little world view! Enter at your own risk, I say. Beware the information.
I am so sick of politicians talking about "winning the peace." What peace, I ask you? With American casualties having reached the 1000 mark this week, it all looks an awful lot like war to me.
I love the State Fair. I love that it's still got a strong agricultural component, complete with animal judging, 4H, and elaborate tractor displays. I love that one of the prime attractions are the butter heads. I love the crop art. I love the way everybody in Minnesota still goes to the State Fair (attendance is the 3rd highest in the country). I love the way everyone has their own State Fair rituals and traditions, kind of like Thanksgiving. Like Thanksgiving, many of these rituals and traditions revolve around food.
Food at the State Fair mainly fall into four main categories: deep fried (cheese curds, anyone?), sugary (the mini-donut machine was invented in Minnesota), dairy (the all-you-can-drink milk bar is a State Fair classic), and finally, forming their own special category, foods on a stick (everything from corn dogs to alligator meat). My personal favorite in the latter category is called a fudge puppy. It's a piece of belgian waffle on a stick, dipped in chocolate and topped with whipped cream. Of course you've also got your crossover items, like deep-fried candy bars on a stick.
My personal State Fair ritual includes certain required visits: The animal barns to inspect the cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry; the Education Building, where I collect a bag of free pencils, pens, post-it notes, and other giveaways and fill out the annual state House of Representatives and Senate surveys; and the "creative activities" displays, where I hone my inferiority complex to a new level each year, looking at all the wonderful crafts that I could do if I would only apply myself. There is some room for variation in my routine. For example, this year was the first time I've ever made a thorough tour of the Grandstand. This is where you can spend hours mesmerized by expert salesmen pitching the new must-have technology in mops or cutlery.
Most important, however, is the food. In fact, I can't think of anyplace else where I pay good money just for the privilege of spending yet more money on junk food. What a scam! According to this Minnesota Public Radio story, many of these vendors make the equivalent of an entire year's salary in the 12 days of the fair. Well more power to 'em, I guess. Just as long as I get my mini donuts!
Yes, I love the State Fair. Or at least I love the idea of it. In reality, its usually hot and overcrowded, and by the end of the day, my stomach is generally not happy with the crimes that have been committed upon it. But will I be going back next year? As they say here in Minnesota, "You bet!"