Datebook: July 18 – William Makepeace Thackeray turns 200

William Makepeace Thackeray was born on July 18, 1811 (and died December 24, 1863). He was an English novelist famous for his satirical works, particularly Vanity Fair, a panoramic portrait of English society, and may also be known for The Luck of Barry Lyndon and Catherine. He tended towards the savage in his attacks on high society, military prowess, the institution of marriage and hypocrisy. During the Victorian era, Thackeray was ranked second only to Charles Dickens, but he is now much less read and is known almost exclusively for Vanity Fair. Thackeray saw himself as writing in the realistic tradition and distinguished himself from the exaggerations and sentimentality of Dickens.

It’s Monday, July 18^th

Free training sessions will be held in preparation for the 8^th annual Paducah Pediatrics Kids’ Triathlon.  Kids ages 7 to 14 are invited to a swim training tonight at Noble Park Pool from 7:30 to 8:30, and there’s a session for running and biking tomorrow night from 6 to 7 at Noble Park’s Shelter 10.  Parents and siblings are welcome to attend.

There’s a free grandparenting class at Western Baptist Hospital on Thursday night from 5 to 6.  The class provides grandparents and older caregivers with updated information, safety tips, and a refresher on how to care for young children. Register by calling (270) 575-2229.

The National Quilt Museum in Paducah presents a new exhibit entitled “The Chicago School of Fusing,” which will be on display through October 4^th.  The show features vibrant quilts and whimsical 3-D quilt cloth objects.  The National Quilt Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 5 and Sunday from 1 to 5.

We’re online at wkms.org, or visit us on Facebook.

the morning cram [ringing ear edition]

Tens of thousands of Americans are afflicted by a condition that causes an incessant ringing in the ears.

NPR reports that while diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus (aka ringing ears) is in the early stages, some progress is being made.

Kentucky~ An MSU student won the Fulbright Scholarship. A WKU student is crowned Miss Kentucky. A Hopkinsville man is killed by a car. More students are defaulting on loans. Some art groups got some money. The 101st Airborne command is changing hands. Some state politicians think there should be a special session to redraw district lines, while others do not.

Tennessee~ Teens in Clarksville get a close look at police work. The state legislature passes a bunch o’ bills.