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Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

A Masterful Frame Job

Posted by: Matt Raymond

In 1867, the American West was still very much wild.  It was into that new frontier that a young photographer named Timothy O’Sullivan ventured to provide a visual record of the Geological Exploration of the Fortieth Parallel, led by Clarence King. As much a PR effort to encourage settlement of the West as it was …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

“Read For Your Life!”

Posted by: Jennifer Gavin

Today Katherine Paterson, the author of “Bridge to Terabithia,” “Jacob Have I Loved,” “The Day of the Pelican” and more than 30 other children’s books, was named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. She summarized her platform for the reading-promotion post in four words: “Read for your life.” …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

‘Twas the Night Before the Night Before Christmas …

Posted by: Jennifer Gavin

… And despite all good cheer, It sized up as “boringest night of the year.” Still 36 hours until Christmas dawning, And reruns of reruns were leaving ‘em yawning. The tree decorating had happened last week The lineup of movies appeared rather bleak. The cookies were eaten; the sprinkles were scattered No Christmas ‘till Christmas! …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Carl Reiner Webcast Now Online

Posted by: Matt Raymond

Legendary comedian Carl Reiner spoke to a standing-room-only audience at the Library the other day, and I had the very good fortune of attending. I guess I should not have been surprised that this 87-year-old man was every bit as funny and incisive as he always has been.  He spun terrific yarns, was always quick …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Wait … Wasn't That Alan Brady?

Posted by: Jennifer Gavin

Carl Reiner, whose influence on comedy in the U.S. may be unsurpassed, will speak at the Library of Congress’ Madison Building in the 6th-floor Montpelier Room on Monday, Oct. 26 at 1:30 p.m. Doors open one hour earlier! Don’t miss it!

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Carl Reiner! In Person!

Posted by: Jennifer Gavin

When it comes to laughter – flat-out, clutch your sides, tears-springing-from-your-eyes laughter – Carl Reiner is an American icon. For something like four generations he’s been cracking us up, from his writing and skit performance on the legendary Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows” (external link) to his creation of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

A Dozen Ways to Experience the National Book Festival

Posted by: Matt Raymond

Whether you can be in Washington tomorrow or not, there are many ways for everyone to be a part of the 2009 National Book Festival.  I came up with at least a dozen: 1. Attend!  It’s tomorrow (Sept. 26) from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT on the National Mall (between 7th and 14th), rain …