James T. Fudge was the director of the UND Varsity Bards, a men's chorus, from 1957 to 1968. In a 40-year career, the Bards hold first place among all the groups he has conducted, Fudge writes in the forward to his book, "Stand Up and Cheer: The University of North Dakota Varsity Bards, Their Beginnings, Their Traditions."
In about 100 pages of photos and text, Fudge shares the programs, the rehearsal experiences, the stories of the tours and more.
Fudge ended his career at Grinnell College in Iowa and today lives with his wife, Irene, in San Diego. But Fudge's ties to "my guys," as he often refers to the Bards he once directed, remains strong. In January 2008, when Fudge thought he was going to a family-only party for his 83rd birthday at a local restaurant, he got a big surprise.
"Here were 40 of my guys from all over the country singing 'Fight On, Sioux,'" Fudge said. "I was flabbergasted and of course delighted."
The book covers the history of the Bards from the time of its founding and its first director, Carol Humpstone, to 1968. To order the book, which comes with a CD, "UND Varsity Bards: The Jim Fudge Years," send a check for $49.95 and your return mailing address to: Phil Schmidt, 8526 Amato Drive, Lakeside CA 92040, or e-mail PhilSchmidt@cox.net .
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'Shoot the Monkey'
"Shoot the Monkey: Do you Really Know What You Know You Know?" is a book by Gary Barrett, pastor of the Newfolden, Minn., Evangelical Free Church, a book Barrett describes as one for people who like to laugh and think.
Barrett didn't trust his own conclusions so he used to leave the thinking to "smart people," according to a news release. They spoke with such authority. Who was he to question their conclusions? But then he noticed cracks in the system, such as scientists who would casually eliminate a planet from the solar system and movie reviewers who gave five stars to a comedy that wasn't funny.
"With affectionate ribbing of liberals and conservatives alike, 'Shoot the Monkey' pokes fun at society for its easy acquiescence to the opinions of celebrities and smart people," a news release said. "Most important, it leaves average people with the confidence to reach their own conclusions."
A book about serious subjects written tongue-in-cheek may not be what some folks would expect from a 50-something author from a conservative church in rural Minnesota, he said with a smile. But his approach is clear from the book's acknowledgements on Page 3: "This project could not have evolved in its present form without the invaluable contributions of Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Michael Moore, Donald Trump, Rosie O'Donnell, 'Kramer,' Alec Baldwin, Jesse Jackson" and a host of other celebs and politicians he lists.
The book is available at the Christian Bookshelf, Grand Forks, or shoot thinkmonkeybook@hotmail.com .
