Jim Nolan's Blog

Cat Cartoon by Isabella Bannerman

That cat looks very satisfied to me. Today's Six Chix cartoon from King Features. 

Buffalo Bolt Co. Wooden Boxes for Sale

Nice boxes for sale on craigslist, spotted by Adam Gibson. Adam remembered that I had spotted some earlier at a farmer's market. They were nice and sturdy. 

New William Shakespeare Black & White Sticker

143 years after Shakespeare died in 1616, the peevish man who owned his former house in Stratford-upon-Avon was so sick of people wanting to tour it that he had the house pulled down. He was run out of town. The same thing happened to Pope's villa in Twickenham in 1808. 

You can buy a Shakespeare sticker and get free shipping at LiteraryLocations.com. All 19 of our stickers are illustrated exclusively for us by Isabella Bannerman.

New John Keats Black & White Bumper Sticker

The brilliant author of sublime poems including Ode to a Nightingale, Bright Star! Would I Were Steadfast as Thou Art, and Endymion. Died in 1821, just 26 years old. He asked that his tombstone say only, "Here lies One / Whose Name was writ in Water." But you can writ his name on your car bumper.

You can check the sticker out and maybe a few other favorites of yours, all illustrated by Isabella Bannerman, at LiteraryLocations.com

Monday Isabella Bannerman Cartoon

You can read about Mahalia Jackson, her artistry and civil rights activism, here. 

1906 Blessed Sacrament School Graduating Exercise Handout

Before he graduated from Buffalo's Central High School in 1912, my grandfather Paul Nolan went to Blessed Sacrament School. You will see that he was one of the sixth grade's two best students. This little booklet is in pretty good condition, considering it's over 110 years old. I hope some Buffalonians out there recognize a family member. Click to enlarge.

Swedish Clock Directions

How great is this letterhead? I'm not sure exactly when it's from. 1960s? Later today I am going to use these directions to try and get an old clock running again (the instructions are for getting the pendulum going). I am trying to avoid having to go to a clock repair store in NYC. 

"Wanderlust" by Simon Foster

My friend and colleague Simon Foster has just published a terrific debut novel called "Wanderlust." You can buy an electronic copy on Amazon for a buck and enjoy the weekend reading about Aussie bar owner Luke Bales. Luke's trying to solve a murder before his NYC bar, The Billabong, gets shut down. It's funny, exciting, and the first of many Luke Bales mysteries, I'm hoping. 

Happy Birthday, Mom

Mom has a big birthday today. I thought I'd post this picture of her from November, 1943. It's a Father's Day card she made while living with relatives in Sweden and Bengt was working as a journalist in Berlin. Love you, Mom.

Monday Bannerman Cartoon: Snow and Zen

Have a great Monday, everyone. We'll get some snow sooner or later!