Hordes of pioneers moved west at a time when Dakota Territory was still unsettled. When the railroad came to town; this land of opportunity soon became a small town called De Smet. Through the years; muddy streets and wooden shacks were replaced with brick and mortar; and the little town grew into a county seat. The hallmark of De Smet comes from the pen of Laura Ingalls Wilder; when she wrote five of her Little House books set in the community. Ensuing years saw the demolition of several of De Smets heritage buildings; but others remain today; and the validity of these structures bring untold numbers to view them. Long-standing traditions; such as Old Settlers Day; have remained within the borders of the community and are still an exciting part of the towns history.
#3718174 in eBooks 2012-02-21 2012-02-21File Name: B00U3RMNJG
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Bravo!By Walter P. SheppardThe "Tales" are pretty much pure entertainment. They are spiced with a little dishing about some of the celebrated denizens of the opera world; plus some backstage facts about various operas; singers; conductors; designers; and companies. They are short; most running only two or three pages. The book is best savored by reading only one or two tales at a time; but they are like a bowl of peanuts: its almost impossible to read only one or two at a sitting. I certainly couldnt.Taken as a whole; the tales suggest that Mansouri probably would agree with Terry Pratchett when he wrote; "Opera happens because a large number of things amazingly fail to go wrong. This isnt cheese. Cheese is cheese. You dont have to make it happen by having several hundred people wound up until their nerves go twang. This is opera. It works because of hatred and love and nerves. All the time."2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. RIP LotfiBy TeacherofSingingThis book is a delightful read. I have known of and appreciated Lotfi Mansouri since I entered the operatic world in the 80s. He is a great man and had many fun stories to tell (and even the "sticky" stuff he had to deal with throughout his career). Mark Herndandez is a former colleague from the SF Conservatory and did a fine job helping Lotfi to put this collection of stories together. Very fun read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. 3 stars is more than its worth.By Virginia BookwoolfeThese are the reminiscences of an opera love with little sense of humor. I believe these guys should go put on an old LP leave the writing to the truly witty erudite; neither of which is he. So 3 stars is more than the book is worth.
