On May 11, Minnesota will officially turn 150. To celebrate this event, the Minnesota History Center opened an exhibit this past fall titled “MN150.” It features 150 people, places and things that shaped our state.

The exhibit was created from more than 2,700 nominations submitted by the public. A committee whittled the list down to 150, basing their choices on the compelling case made by the nominator as well as the potential for each topic to be developed into a successful exhibit component.

When it comes to the New Year’s resolutions, losing weight and exercising top the list. Unfortunately for the vast majority of people, those resolutions are history within the first 30 days.

Such a dismal success rate doesn’t inspire hope. However, all is not lost. If you really want to lose weight, David Zinczenko, editor-in-chief of Men’s Health magazine and author of the New York Times best-sellers “The Abs Diet” and “The Abs Diet for Women,” has written a new book to help.

If the ingredient list on your favorite lotion or face cream contains words that you can’t pronounce and have no clue with they do, it might be time to consider a different approach.

With more and more people adopting a “green” lifestyle, it makes sense to consider making your own personalized body-care products.

This do-it-yourself approach allows for the creation of customized treatments using favorite herbs and other natural ingredients. It’s also a good way to save money and banish irritating or harmful chemicals.

About the book
“My Grandfather’s Son”
By Clarence Thomas
2007, HarperCollins Books
289 pages
$26.95, hardcover

It is with some trepidation that I write this review of the new Clarence Thomas autobiography. There seems no end of opinion about Justice Thomas, and that opinion seems to be divided into two camps, for and against, and never the twain shall meet.

G. Barry Anderson reviews “American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic," By Joseph J. Ellis

G. Barry Anderson book review

Spencer is my favorite Robert B. Parker character. I know there’s a following for Sunny Randall and Jesse Stone, but there’s something about Spencer that sticks with me.

Next time you’re looking for a place to visit: think hometown, think Hutchinson.

New Minnesota Byways book focuses on Minnesota’s lake cabins

About the book
“And They Keep Coming Back!
By Steve B. Barton A.K.A. “Fish”
2007, Publish America
419 pages, softcover
$24.95