The Disorganized Librarian

I'm Baack!

2011-07-03T18:38:00.002-04:00

I can't believe it's been nearly one year since I last posted. Sorry about that, folks, but I am recommitting to this blog. I was inspired to do so by Dani Gregori of The Daily Dani. I'll write more about *that* soon, but for now, here's a link to her blog of awesomeness:

http://www.daniellegregori.com

My Latest Obsession - Recycling (okay, sort of)

2010-07-07T17:14:00.005-04:00

I used to have this thing against thrift shops. I just had a problem with the idea of wearing someone else's clothes. Plus, those shops always seemed so dingy and dusty. Wasn't everything they sold stained or torn? Even when I made slightly above minimum wage and lived in a converted garage, I couldn't bring myself to wear someone else's sweater.

Recently my views have changed as I (re)discovered a couple of wonderful thrift shops near my home, one of which is really a consignment shop. Each has its own unique personality and vibe. As I type this, I am wearing a skirt that I purchased from one of them and I don't feel musty or anything.

The Junior League of Long Island Thrift Shop
1395 Old Northern Blvd (aka Main Street in Roslyn)
Roslyn, NY 11576
(516) 621-4890
http://www.jlli.org/jlli/npo.jsp?pg=support6

I know, I know. "Junior League"? Isn't that a bunch of futzy women who wear white gloves and play golf? That was my first impression when I visited this shop many years ago - it seemed to be filled with, well, old gloves and golf skirts. My, times have changed - or perhaps it's my perception that has changed. This is now a beautiful, spacious shop filled with light and fabulous clothes (plus furniture, etc.). The merchandise is donated and the proceeds go to charity. I have not checked to see which charities benefit, so I'm hoping they are charities that aren't evil 'cause I love the clothes. Last year, I bought a silk scarf here for $2. In recent days, I've purchased an H&M skirt (which I am wearing today), an Ann Taylor Loft dress, and two tops from Kimchi and Blue and Free People. Favorite moment: walking up to the register and having the cashier say, "Well, this is from the designer rack, so it's $9." Yeah, I can cover that. All of those goodies were about $50 total.

Time and Again
101 Manorhaven Blvd
Port Washington, NY 11050
(516) 883-6067

This shop is within walking distance of my home. I passed by it every single day over the past two and a half years and NEVER WENT INSIDE until a month or two ago! Why? I think it was the old musty thing again. For some ridiculous reason, I formed the mistaken idea that this shop was run and frequented by blue haired ladies with poor taste. When I finally got up the nerve to visit for the first time, wow, was I surprised. Granted, this shop is much smaller than the Junior League shop and it is stuffed, I mean STUFFED, with clothes. Amazing clothes. Designer clothes. It's a true consignment shop, which I love - you can drop off your gently used treasures and either get 40% cash or 50% store credit when they sell. Each person who participates gets a code, so you can look for stuff from C20 or M2. It's like a fun clothing club! And the owner, Cece? She is absolutely delightful. Since that first foray, I have purchased a lacy St. John vest, an Ann Taylor shell, a pink terry skirt from Abercromie & Fitch, a bright yellow Banana Republic cardigan, a tropical print dress from Anthropologie, and a floral skirt with a lacy red overlay (I'm sure I'm forgetting something). This was all well below $100 - probably closer to $50.

My size has fluctuated somewhat over the past year (umm, down, this time), so this has been an economical and super fun way to restock my closet! Now I just need to keep myself from shopping in these stores every day!

Librarian Skill Share Event!

2010-07-01T08:46:00.003-04:00

Yes, I *know* it's been an unconscionable while. But look, I have good stuff to share. Here goes:
---------------------------------------------

*What?
Library Workers' Skill Share

* When?
Tuesday, July 13 from 4:30pm - 7:00pm

* Where?
Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library

* Why?
An effort to provide support for all library workers in NYC who are job hunting, unemployed, facing potential layoffs or simply looking to freshen up their skills

Featuring:
• "Locating and Using Local Career Development Opportunities", Tom Nielsen from the Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO)
• "E-Portfolios and Profiles: Using Free Web Tools to Prepare for the Job Market", Susanne Markgren from ACRL/NY
• Speed mentoring sessions: Meet one-on-one with library workers from academic, special, medical and public libraries for advice and networking - arrive early to sign up for a time slot

• Resume review roundtables• Workshops• Spotlight sessions• Networking and resource tables: Meet with representatives from various associations and agencies and find out about available resources and services• And much more!

This is a free event. Please register by July 6 at http://tinyurl.com/libraryworkersevent.

The Library Workers' Skill Share event is sponsored by the New York Chapter of SLA, the Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO), ACRL/NY and REFORMA Northeast.

Moving!

2010-03-26T08:18:00.003-04:00

The Disorganized Librarian and her Fearless Crew are moving. Two blocks from where we currently reside.

The situation with the slumlord - excuse me, landlord - and his "property manager" (ahem) just got too ridiculous, bordering on dangerous. Aside from the sheer noxiousness of ever having to speak with either of them, we had (among other things) the gas oven that would not shut off (fixed at our expense), the cheapo storm door that actually blew off and broke in half during a recent storm, and the leaky wall in the back bedroom. Plus the creepy man who is now renting the garage and has stuffed it with junk. He creeps out not only us, but the family next door, who have four children. Even our dogs don't like him. Our lease was up, so we went apartment hunting. After looking at a few places, we found a first-floor, pristine 3 bedroom with all new everything, REAL hardwood floors, a porch, a beautifully maintained yard, and landlords who appear to be decent human beings. And oh, did I mention that it's $700 / month LESS than we are currently paying? I kid you not.

We are now in the painful, interminable process of throwing stuff out and packing up. The slumlord called me yesterday to say he was so disappointed that we were leaving. Oh, my heart just bleeds. All I said was that we wanted someplace less expensive. He countered that he has some smaller, less expensive places. I responded that we are happy with what we found and left it at that, rather than go full-bore bitch on him about everything we've been through, including the year we were harassed by the former nut downstairs (I saved the letters) and he did NOTHING.

He already has our old apartment listed for $130 MORE than we have been paying (in this economy? and what we were paying is, we found, way over market in our area) and about 50% of what he claims about the apartment is true. Much luck to him, and anyone who rents from him.

The Long Island Biennial is Coming!

2010-03-11T10:49:00.001-05:00

Long Island Biennial
July 31, 2010 - September 26, 2010

As part of its 90th Anniversary Celebration, The Heckscher Museum of Art is presenting its inaugural Long Island Biennial featuring artworks by professional artists who live in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Accepted media include paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs and mixed media. Each artist may submit only one entry. Entries will be juried by:

Dr. Isabelle Dervaux, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Drawings, Morgan Library and Museum, New York.
Renato Danese, Danese Gallery, New York.
Richard Lippe, Collector of American Art, Long Island.

The Call for Entries closes March 31.

The Heckscher Museum will display submitted entries on its Website Long Island Biennial Gallery.

Click here for an application and guidelines to submit paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, or mixed media.

Cinema Arts Centre will accept, jury and present video and film entries for the Long Island Biennial.

Click here for information about video or film entries.

The Disorganized Librarian Tells You About 2-1-1 Long Island!

2010-02-08T09:30:00.002-05:00

2-1-1 Long Island Has Arrived!

United Way of Long Island announces the launch of 2-1-1 Long Island, a health and human service telephone and internet service for the Long Island region.

A partnership between United Way of Long Island and Middle Country Public Library, 2-1-1 Long Island is a free, non-emergency information and referral service that connects Long Island residents to health and human services they may need on a daily basis or during a disaster.

Available by telephone and online at http://www.211longisland.org/, 2-1-1 provides callers and web visitors with detailed information on nearly 10,000 community resources for help and assistance in a myriad of areas - from basic daily needs such as food, heat and shelter - to job training, financial services, child and/or elder care and more.

"2-1-1 is a great example of how United Ways in New York State are working together to provide concrete help to everyone," says Theresa Regnante, President and CEO, United Way of Long Island. "This multi-lingual help line referral system will connect Long Islanders on a daily basis to key information, from where to get basic needs met to how to help their children or other family members access critical community and governmental services on Long Island. With the launch of 2-1-1 Long Island, 93% of New York State's population now has access to 2-1-1 services. We are grateful to Middle Country Library and their team for taking this journey with United Way to create a very real-time response for people to receive help."

The 2-1-1 Call Center operates 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week, and is reached by calling 2-1-1 or 1-888-774-7633. Multi-lingual and TTY services are available.

Online, http://www.211longisland.org/ is available wherever internet-ready computers are available, and is updated daily by Middle Country Public Library. The web site will use the database formerly known as the Community Resource Database of Long Island (CRDLI), operated by Middle Country Public Library.

The Disorganized Librarian Gets Dressed in the Dark!

2010-01-29T08:21:00.003-05:00

You know how sometimes people ask if you got dressed in the dark (or, umm, ask if someone else did)?

Well, this morning I actually did. The Disorganized Child is staying with us for the weekend and she always takes over the biggest bedroom with the SleepNumber Bed (tm), which is where all of my clothing lives. So as not to wake her, I somehow pieced together an outfit in the (mostly) dark.

I think I did an okay job. Pinstriped slacks, white sweater with a black long sleeved shirt underneath, skinny black scarf. Okay, I wore the same sweater on Tuesday, but let's be kind. I have seen people wear entire outfits more than once in a work week (At regular work, that is, not at a conference, which is a completely different ballgame. At a conference, especially when you're on a committee that meets from 8 am-5 pm on the freakin' weekend, I vote for jammies.). Also, this is after picking up The Disorganized Child at JFK late last night. I drove. Both ways. (In my jammes, if you must know.) Didn't get to sleep until this morning. Mostly came to the office because a Newsday reporter is supposed to call me. And I have a grant proposal to write - but that's not due until early March. And I am working until 9 this evening because I also have a shift at the Very Part Time job.

So you see, I am a fashion trooper.

I probably could have picked warmer slacks. These are not lined and it's approximately 16 degrees this morning.

Now, if I could just explain to The Disorganized Child that the bedroom would not be ice cold in the morning if she did not insist on sleeping with the door shut....

The Disorganized Librarian Embarks on a New and Exciting Adventure!

2010-01-22T20:10:00.002-05:00

In case you didn't catch this the other hundred times I mentioned it, this will be my FINAL TERM at SUNY Empire State College. Yes - on June 10th, I will have yet another degree on my wall.

This term is devoted to my Capstone Project, a little piece of hell that I enforced on myself. You see, students at Empire State College design their own degree plans. I was under no obligation to undertake a Big Scary Final Project, but this was not required at Columbia, either, and I always found that strange. I think it's a good idea to immerse yourself in a project that ties together as much of your degree as possible to demonstrate what you've learned. So I threw the phrase "Capstone Project" into my DP two years ago and waited for the perfect concept to present itself. Along the way, other students asked me what I meant by Capstone Project and what it would be. I answered honestly: "I have no idea."

By the time this term rolled around, I had a couple of project ideas that were okay, but didn't completely thrill me or presented other difficulties. After a lot of thought, I had a flash of inspiration, or insight, or desperation: How about a project centered on my grandmother, who has seen a lot of life and has a very interesting family story? A project that would include interviews, old photographs, and new photographs taken by me?

I met with my mentor last night and she seemed really interested in my idea, and so am I, but I have to admit that I am also scared to death! I've never done anything quite this ambitious, I think. I will need to figure out how to shape all of the material, both visual and written, into a cohesive and compelling narrative. I will need to learn how to edit video and audio footage (even though my product for the study will most likely be a book, I still may want to do something with the footage and I certainly will want to pull stills out of the video for the book). I will need to figure out how to collaborate with both my brother the musician, whom I offered to buy lunch (ie, bribe) in exchange for his help, and my grandmother, who is mostly deaf and on some serious painkillers. Also, I need to have all of this done by APRIL 15th!

If all goes well, I will pull together my strengths as a photographer, writer, and librarian while learning a great deal about the documentary and oral history process. If I survive, that is.

The Disorganized Librarian Emerges from ALA Midwinter!

2010-01-20T15:23:00.002-05:00

I really thought I was going to get back on a blogging roll, and then the end of the semester happened. This was my penultimate term and my very last with two classes - as of June, I should have a second BA in the arts with a concentration in photography. Add to that SIX Senior Fairs, an LSTA project, and looming state budget cuts and you've got...a great big stressful mess. Add Notable Books to that and some serious drugs are required.

Ah, ALA Notable Books! The Holy Grail of Adult Services Librarianship! I first became interested in Notables years ago, when my then-supervisor served on the committee. I relished the idea of making a significant contribution both to my profession and for America's readers. Plus, the idea of having endless boxes of free new books delivered straight to my home for my reading pleasure made me swoon. Of course, I never thought I'd be welcomed into the fold.

And now here I am post-Midwinter, waiting for the dark circles under my eyes and the red blotches on my face to disappear, hoping that my leg will someday stop shaking, taking mega-doses of vitamin D to counteract the lack of sun. And desperately wanting the whole thing to begin again as soon as possible.

Yes, I am a book junkie. I am a library committee junkie. For all the times I moan and complain, I love the stress and the arguments and the constant fear that the floor in the rear bedroom will collapse from the weight of the boxes.

So, Notables. Just do it.

Art Reception on December 1st!

2009-11-12T12:00:00.003-05:00

I will have a piece in this art exhibit.

Where's George?

2009-11-02T08:52:00.004-05:00

Okay, I love this kind of stuff. It makes my nerdy artsy heart skip a beat...

Somewhere (probably at a Starbucks) I received a dollar bill that had been registered on a money tracking site called Where's George? I got the bill at least a couple of weeks ago, but I didn't want to spend it until I made my lazy butt track it, which I just did this morning. And guess what? This bill has been traveling for NINE YEARS! It has been over five years, however, since anybody took the time to track it:

http://tinyurl.com/ydvcxte

Now, of course, I want to WRITE ON ALL MY MONEY AND REGISTER IT! Bwah ha ha!

AAP Book Buzz!

2009-10-22T14:57:00.009-04:00

Yesterday, I was a guest at the American Association of Publishers' first-ever Librarians Book Buzz. This terrific luncheon brought together representatives from a bunch of publishing houses who provided a bunch of booktalks (in library speak) about their Spring titles. While this is very common in the world of children's and YA, it is much less so in adult publishing - let's hope this is a new trend!

For some weird reason, I was the only person there from any Nassau library (there were, however, three people from Schenectady). To make sure you Nassau folks are in the loop, here are a few of the titles I am most looking forward to reading, culled from my enormous stack of handouts (yes, I got a few advance reading copies and I already asked to have several more sent to me):

From Random House:

The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors by Michele Young-Stone: This is fiction, but the author is a lightning strike survivor. It's about two young survivors who form a relationship over their shared experiences.

Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin: This novel explores the life of Lewis Carroll's muse. I already love it!

From HarperCollins:

31 Bond Street by Ellen Horan: This one is being compared to The Alienist. I LOVED The Alienist! "Based on the true story of a brutal murder, a desperate mother and mistress, and the vicious constraints of 19th century society."

From Workman:

The Frozen Rabbi by Steve Stern: "A 19th century Polish rabbi, frozen in a block of ice, is transported to 21st century America, where a teenage boy thaws him out with disastrous consequences." What's not to love?

Peep Show by Josh Braff: About "a young man caught between two worlds - New York's adult entertainment industry and ultra-Orthodox Judaism." Spicy!

The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi Durrow: Winner of the Bellwether Prize for best fiction manuscript addressing issues of social justice.

West of Here by Jonathan Evison: This one won't be published until November 2010, but it's already generating buzz. It's about "a town that thought it would become Seattle, but didn't."

From Penguin:

Drive by Daniel H. Pink: A new title from the author of A Whole New Mind - yea! The rep said there is also a great TED talk with Pink on the topic of this book, which is "the surprising truth about what motivates us."

A Map of Home by Randa Jarrar: The rep described this as "the anti-Kite Runner - edgy." Supposedly, the author's father told her he would never speak to her again if this were published.

Bonus! Three (Real) Titles I Love:

Norwegian Sweater Techniques for the Modern Knitter: As the rep said, "What more can I say about this? Nothing!"

Keeping Chickens: Everything you always wanted to know about, umm, keeping chickens.

Gandhi C.E.O.: This is so wrong that it's right.

Best Description of a Book:

Goes to the Wiley rep for his description of Angela Miller's memoir, Hay Fever: "It's like Under the Tuscan Sun with goat cheese."

Best Faux Pas:

Goes to the Simon & Schuster rep, while describing Thomas Steinbeck's In the Shadow of the Cypress. "Yes, he [Thomas] is the son of John. You may know John from his short stories." Really? LOL

Extra Special Bonuses for Me:

Getting to see some of my library Facebook peeps in person, plus finding some new buddies by Tweeting during the presentations (this latter activity was encouraged - we were asked to use #aapbuzz if we were Tweeting).

Thanks, AAP! Let's do this again soon!

Embracing our Differences Exhibition

2009-09-22T09:27:00.004-04:00

The Suffolk Center on the Holocaust, Diversity & Human Understanding, Inc. presents

Embracing Our Differences 2009

OPENING RECEPTION AND CELEBRATION OF ARTISTS AND SPONSORS

Including a performance by Ballet Long Island

Thursday, October 8, 4 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.

Long Island Museum, Stony Brook

This exhibition of works by professional and student artists is designed to promote the development of community values that reject prejudice and discrimination, and that support peaceful coexistence and an appreciation for differences.

EXHIBITION:

September 26 – October 23 Long Island Museum

Spring 2010 (dates to be announced) Nassau County Museum of Art

www.chdhu.org/eod

Steven Schrier

Executive Director, Suffolk Center on the Holocaust, Diversity & Human Understanding

533 College Road

Selden, N.Y. 11784

631-451-4700

fax 631-451-4697

A Contemporary "Who's On First?"

2009-09-21T15:33:00.004-04:00

This is quickly becoming the "Elizabeth Blogs Once Per Month" blog. I do apologize for that. I guess it seems less necessary to blog here, since I update my status on Facebook every ten seconds or so.

For those who just can't get enough of me, today I offer the following, which was sent to me by a colleague.

---------------------------

If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, 'Who's on First?' might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'.

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue 'W' if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on 'START'...

BikeTown - I'm Totally Entering this Contest!

2009-08-14T09:46:00.007-04:00

BikeTown is coming to Nassau County!

Bicycling Magazine’s BikeTown project started as a tiny idea...could having a bike change someone's life? Now in its seventh year, the answer is clearly YES! BikeTown gives people free bicycles – you could get a new bicycle, too! BikeTown has resulted in hundreds of wonderful stories about people who have lost weight, re-connected with their families, overcome depression, saved money by riding to work or lived a healthier lifestyle by adding bicycling to their daily lives.

This year's BikeTown communities are:

Chicago

Miami

Nassau County

Atlanta

Los Angeles

Jackson

Phoenix

BikeTown 2009 is sponsored by MetLife and Jamis Bicycles and recipients will be given a free, new Jamis bicycle along with a Lazer helmet and OnGuard lock. If you know someone whose life could be changed by a free, new bicycle tell Bicycling Magazine about them in 50 words or less at www.bicycling.com/biketown.

Entries due by August 24.

The giveaway will be at Eisenhower Park, Pear and Peach areas, on Thursday September 3 at lunchtime. We usually have some bicycles that don't get claimed and we will have a drawing to give them away to whoever is at the giveaway. Even if your essay doesn't get chosen initially, you have a chance at getting a bicycle if you come to the giveaway on Thursday September 3rd!

This sounds too good to be true, but it's not. The bicycle is yours to keep. The reason for BikeTown is just to see how having a bicycle can change someone's life. Are you ready to change your life by making cycling part of it? Submit a brief essay to www.bicycling.com/biketown

(Organic) Coffee and muffins and eggs, oh my!

2009-07-17T08:33:00.002-04:00

In Port Washington, where this Disorganized Librarian lives, summer means the beach. It means that Ralph's ices reopens. It means the library closes at 1 pm on Saturdays (I don't agree with that last one).

It also means that the ORGANIC FARMERS' MARKET IS BACK! Okay, now I always MEAN to go and I always FORGET. This is bad. The one time I remembered to visit, it was so late that nothing was left. So you (I) need to go early. Here is a brief article about the Market that I shamelessly stole from the "Port Washington July 2009 Calendar of Events" (available at a store near you - umm, if you live in Port Washington):

-------------------------------------------------------

The Port Washington Organic Farmers' Market has opened for the 2009 season, bringing local farmers and vendors to the town dock every Saturday morning from 8 am to noon, rain or shine. Port residents who are "regulars" know to get there early for the best selection and can count on a cup of organic coffee and a freshly baked muffin or scone to start their day.

The market is also a great place to meet people and catch up on the local news. And if you're interested, the farmers will talk about the weather and the progress of their crops! It's been a rainy spring!

Karen Greene from Whole Foods Market cooks up veggies in mouth-watering recipes that you can take home and try yourself.

New offerings this season include honey and beeswax candles, eggs and chickens, grass-fed meat and hand-made soaps.

The market will run until the end of October. Please bring your own reusable bags! For more information, contact Grassroots Environmental Education at (516) 883-0887.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Do you have a local farmers' market? If so, there are so many great reasons to shop there. The food and other products are fresher, you're helping to stimulate the local economy, and you'll meet people who live in the neighborhood (another great way to be an ambassador for libraries!). So remember, faithful readers, act globally, eat locally!

Mail Art

2009-06-29T19:28:00.003-04:00

I know, I know. I haven't posted in a while. I've been busy with work and reading Possibly Notable Books and school and picking popcorn out of my not very impressive cleavage.

I've also been involved with an exciting Mail Art project. A bunch of artists, myself included, pledged to send postcard-sized works of art to each other. Thirty-three artists signed up, so in the end, if everyone pulls their weight, 1056 little pieces of art will have been exchanged.

The really cool thing about this is that we all met through Twitter. Ah, see, there is a moral and a connection to librarianship! Before the Mail Art project, I was kind of down on Twitter. I mean, if you use Facebook and update your status frequently, what's the point? Well, while the strength of Facebook is the ability to reconnect with friends and share a bunch of different types of information in one place, the strength of Twitter is the ability to follow people you don't know and track topics as they become popular. So by using Twitter and following an artist called Art_News, I was able to connect with a community of artists all over the globe. It's really something.

We're hoping to have an actual exhibit of all of the postcards, but for now, you can see all of them virtually on Flickr. Search for #Mailart or look at my stuff to get there: I'm Lizo18.

I Love You, Kenneth C. Davis!

2009-05-21T08:13:00.008-04:00

www.huffingtonpost.com May 8, 2009

Libraries Are America's Lifelines. Leave Them Alone.
By Kenneth C. Davis Author of the “Don't Know Much About" books and “America's Hidden History”

Michael Bloomberg may be the ultimate IT Guy. Okay, maybe that's still Bill Gates. But the point is, Michael Bloomberg took Information and Technology and made himself an empire with Bloomberg News. Then he became King of New York -- or at least Mayor -- and a very good one at that, as far as I am concerned. So why would a man who built his world around IT want to cripple New York's IT lifeline -- the public library?

In case you haven't heard, New York City's public library systems -- three separate library systems in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens -- are once again under siege, on the chopping block, threatened with draconian cuts in the face of New York City's Great Recession.

Library cuts in down times remind me of the classic line from Casablanca: "Round up the usual suspects." The public library is always suspect Number One when it comes to municipal budget cuts. And as librarians everywhere know, this is not a fact in New York City alone.

Underlying this reality are two simple facts. First, libraries do not have a vocal, powerful constituency. Unlike the police, teachers and firemen, they don't have a potent union or benevolent association. There is no "Library Lobby" doling out campaign contributions. But far worse, libraries tend to be viewed by all too many people in power as a luxury.

In many of these minds, the public library is stuck with an antiquated image of stern ladies shushing noisy kids, retirees borrowing the latest bestsellers and -- more recently -- homeless folk camping out in a heated corner. They are all clichés. And dumb ones at that.

I was in the bustling Mid-Manhatttan Library on Fifth Avenue recently. They had a line that the hot new Top Shop -- along with all the mostly empty retailers on the street -- would envy. Sure, some people were there to borrow books for free. But the public library, in case you haven't been in one lately, is so much more than that -- especially in these down times.

The public library is not just about borrowed books. It is about information -- the great currency of our time. And the library has, by default, become the bridge in the digital divide because it offers free access to computers. Can you imagine in this digital day looking for a job, submitting a résumé or a college application, or searching for housing without your computer? For millions of people, the library is their laptop.

And it's not just true in New York City. In Vermont, where I have a home, the digital divide may be even greater due to economic disparity. And the libraries are filled with people who need access to computers and are willing to wait for a turn. They have no choice.

Then there is education. The library is the crucial backstop to the educational system, far beyond the fundamental notion of being a "homework helper" for a school kid with a science project. From learning to read, or speak English, to having a decent place to do schoolwork or doing graduate research, the library is still a cornerstone of an educated, enlightened America.

For many people, the public library is also the visible face of the government. I've never been in City Hall, but I am in the library all the time. It is one functioning arm of the government that delivers a service efficiently, usually free of charge, and often with a smile and an offer of more help. Yes, librarians are NICE! Besides, when was the last time you saw a librarian being led away in handcuffs for taking bribes, fixing contracts or fudging the books?

And speaking of books. Books do change people. They can change society. Ask Harriet Beecher Stowe or Rachel Carson for starters. I could wax poetic about the importance that the public library played in my life. I'll stop short and say that when I was growing up, the Mt. Vernon public library was as significant to me as church and school. Maybe even more.

If education and information are going to provide the means as America digs itself out the great big hole we are in, the public library is handing out the shovels. Cut or kill the libraries and you yank away a shovel.

So please, Mayor IT Guy. And Mayors anywhere else, for that matter. Leave the libraries alone. Believe me. They are not a luxury, but a lifeline.

Lens Envy

2009-05-04T09:37:00.011-04:00

Sorry I haven't blogged lately, folks. I've been super busy helping libraries with career services, putting together senior fairs, and finishing up another semester (only 4 classes to go until I earn my third degree!).

So, I was out of the office last Tuesday afternoon spreading books and good cheer at the Department of Social Services. I usually check my e-mail sometime along the way, but I guess I was completely exhausted or something (it was 90 degrees out), so I didn't check my messages until I woke up on Wednesday.

Good thing I did. Newsday has been working on a story on job services in public libraries and for some weird reason they wanted a photo of me, preferably in a library's job center. And they wanted to do this as soon as possible. As in that day.

I usually dress fairly casually at work, so the morning was a blur of putting together a decent outfit and looking for my favorite dress-up Danskos, which I could not find. Well, I found one, but one shoe wasn't going to cut it. I ended up wearing Mary Janes instead. And of course I developed a giant zit before the photo shoot.

In my experience, Newsday sends big burly male photojournalists. On Wednesday, for a refreshing change, they sent a female photojournalist, Ana, who was rather small, but had two cameras with giant lenses slung over her shoulder as though they weighed nothing. Both bodies had full-frame sensors - Canon EOS 1Ds, but still - and the lenses were an L-series supertelephoto (at least 400mm) and a super-wide angle. That's a LOT of glass. And then after we went downstairs to set up the shoot, she went back to her car to get a flash - all the time carrying her cameras and those giant lenses over her shoulder.

I was amazed by what a thorough job Ana did. She made images from pretty much every angle and took everyone's name for captions. Okay, she made me pose in a couple of silly ways, and I truly hope they decide against using a photo of me (the people using the job center are way more important), but it was just so interesting to watch her work. Of course, I had to ask her if she has to buy all of her own equipment. She said that Newsday buys all of the equipment for staff photographers, of which not many are left (she is one).

A girl can dream, can't she?

A Couple New Library Blogs

2009-04-20T08:30:00.002-04:00

I love learning about new blogs by fellow librarians. Here are a just a couple:

Pippilotta's Things:
http://pippilottasthings.blogspot.com/

From Karen Anderson Mallick, a children's librarian. She hasn't posted much yet but this blog has lots of potential!

Allegra's Pantry
http://allegraspantry.blogspot.com/

From Jackie Kelly, a fellow foodie.

If you have a blog, let me know!

Artist Trading Cards

2009-04-10T09:46:00.001-04:00

Have you heard about the Artist Trading Card movement?

I think I may need to join.

http://www.cedarseed.com/air/atc.html

Appetizing...

2009-04-06T14:38:00.008-04:00

So, it's been a while since we've shared time together, my blogging friends. My life for the past few months has been filled with technological wonders.

Okay, it's mostly been filled with my iPhone. Which is sitting on my desk next to me as I speak and rests gently on the bedstand at night.

Oh my, do I LOVE my iPhone. How did I ever live without a smartphone?

The iPhone is famous for its apps - little applications that live in your phone. The beauty of apps is that they work over the 3G and Edge phone networks, rather than over wireless, so you can use them anywhere you have a phone signal, even if you don't have a wifi signal. Some of my favorites:

Facebook (you may have already guessed that one)

The New York Times

E-mail - I ADORE being able to read my personal and work e-mail anytime, anywhere.

ShoZu - to see what's up in the Twitterverse

Pandora - radio stations that I create

Public Radio

And my new favorite: Sit or Squat. That's right, Sit or Squat. This app is a wiki that encourages users to share information about public restrooms around the globe. People submit ratings, comments, and yes, photos. You can even search for restrooms with diaper changing stations.

It really is an elegant use of 2.0 technology.

Library Conferences

2009-03-13T10:07:00.002-04:00

Marian Dworaczek of the University of Saskatchewan Library has compiled a list of library related conferences around the globe.

http://library2.usask.ca/~dworacze/CONF.HTM

Wow! Now, if libraries were funded the way they should be, maybe more of us would stand a chance of actually taking part in a few of these.

Mary Stuart, The Musical

2009-03-09T19:56:00.003-04:00

Have you heard about the Mary Stuart play on Broadway?

My partner is a huge fan of English people and all things royal, so I have been subjected to many BBC specials and other shows, books, and films about royalty, English and otherwise (Queen Victoria had a veeery long reach). Over dinner, we wondered what a musical based on the life of Mary Stuart, who was Queen of Scotland and a cousin of Elizabeth I until Elizabeth had Mary's head chopped off, would be like. Following, please find the titles of the songs from our forthcoming musical.

Another Cousin, Another Claim (On My Throne)

And I Am Telling You, You Are Not Going

If I Were a Tudor

Fotheringhay!

By the Moat Where You Are a Captive

Bess, ou est ma Bess?

Send in the Corgis

The Ladies Whose Necks Crunch

No One Mourns the Catholic

Virtual Library Lobby Day!

2009-03-05T15:44:00.002-05:00

Do you love your public library? Do you want your representatives in the State Senate and Assembly to know?

The New York Library Association wants YOU to participate in a “virtual” Library Lobby Day this Monday, March 9.

They want us to send as many web letters via NYLA’s Online Advocacy Center as possible on Monday. The web letter on NYLA's Online Advocacy Center has been updated so please send it even if you have sent previous letters. As always the more letters sent the better! Hopefully, all member library staff will send a web letter.

It only takes a minute. Just go to the NYLA website www.nyla.org and follow the “Become a Library Advocate Link.”

Baseball Photography Contest!

2009-02-19T11:13:00.007-05:00

Calling all Photographers!

The Long Island Reads Committee invites photographers of all ages in Nassau and Suffolk to submit their favorite baseball image for possible inclusion in an exhibit. Selected photographs will be displayed at the Brentwood Public Library from Saturday, May 2-Saturday, May 9, 2009 as part of Long Island Reads 2009; this year’s book is Wait Till Next Year by Doris Kearns Goodwin, a memoir of growing up on Long Island with a love of baseball.

Think creatively: your image can be related to baseball in any way, shape, or form. Crowd shots, images of baseball food, Little League games, and more are all encouraged.

Please submit your image as a JPEG on a CD formatted for Windows to

Elizabeth Olesh
Nassau Library System
900 Jerusalem Avenue
Uniondale, NY 11553

or send electronically to
Elizabeth@nassaulibrary.info.

Deadline for submission: Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Each artist may submit up to three images; there is no fee to submit your work.

Selected photographers will be notified by Friday, April 10. Selected photographs must be delivered to the Brentwood Public Library by Friday, May 1st for hanging and should be picked up from the Library between May 10-May 15th. All selected photographs must be framed with an attachment for hanging with maximum framed dimensions of 24” x 24”.

Please include the following information with your image:

Your Name
Name of your local public library
Your address, phone number, and e-mail address
Title of piece
Framed dimensions
Price, if your piece is for sale

Photographers are also welcome, but not required, to include a brief artist’s statement and biography or resume with their application.

2009-02-12T09:41:00.002-05:00

The Nassau Library System Needs Your Help

Please participate in a rally to protest the 18% cut in state aid to library systems and their member libraries.

Saturday, February 28th from 11 am to Noon
at the Ellsworth Allen Park, 45 Motor Avenue in Farmingdale.

The primary purpose of the rally is to protest the proposed cuts in state aid to schools. But libraries should be present too; we are an important component of the State’s educational infrastructure.

Long Island needs strong libraries and strong schools.

Nassau’s representatives in the State Legislature will be at the rally. Senator Marcellino has invited the libraries located in and/or serving his district and NLS to participate. There will also be media coverage.

NLS is almost entirely funded by state aid. This cut would reduce our funding level back to the 1993 level! This cut would be on top of a decade of flat-funding and a cut in 2008. What has been proposed is a real cut, not just a reduction of an increase. A cut of this magnitude will jeopardize NLS’ ability to continue to provide the services we currently offer member libraries.

Look for the folks with the badge (above left) and library signs.
Standing together we can bring attention to our cause.

Prep Sessions for Library Lobby Day

2009-02-11T08:45:00.002-05:00

Are you planning to come with us to Albany on Library Lobby Day? Get ready by attending a prep session. The sessions will be facilitated by the Director of Nassau Library System, Jackie Thresher - she's awesome when it comes to this stuff. So come on down and learn from the best.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nassau Library System invites you to

Prep Sessions for Library Lobby Day

Conducted by Jackie Thresher
Director, Nassau Library System

Monday, March 2, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
or
Friday, March 6, 9:30 -11:30 am

at the NLS Headquarters in Uniondale

Information that will be Covered:

The current status of state aid to library systems and their member libraries
NYLA’s priorities for state funding
How Lobby Day works
Lobbying tips
How to make an effective case for state aid for NLS and its member libraries

While these sessions are primarily for those who plan to participate in NYLA Lobby Day in Albany on Tuesday, March 10, they will be helpful for anyone who needs or wants to become a more effective advocate for their library.

RSVP (your name and library) by February 26th via voice mail to 292-8920 Ext. 251 or email to with “Lobby” in the subject line.

Vote for Fred!

2009-02-10T07:46:00.001-05:00

On hospitality

2009-02-06T17:03:00.009-05:00

I went to Columbia, which has a fairly rigorous Core Curriculum. The first book we all read as first year students (our P.C. version of "freshmen") was Homer's Iliad. Although I loved the Core, I hated the Iliad. It was long. It was boring. It was filled with long, boring lists of boring people and boring descriptions of their long, boring deaths.

One of the central themes in the Iliad (and the Odyssey, which I loved) is hospitality. When someone visits your home, you welcome them and offer them a beverage, no? It is as true now as it was then. A little hospitality goes a long way.

With that in mind, I want to tell you what happened at a library on Thursday, when I attended a program that was sponsored by a Venerable Organization (VO). It was not held at the VO, but at a public library. I will not give the name of the library, though some people will be able to guess.

The program was set to begin at 9 am. The library does not open until 9 am. Even though this was a program for librarians, sponsored by the aforementioned VO, no provisions had been made to let us in early - there were staff members looking at us from the other side of the doors, where it was warm and cozy, but they would not let us in. We stood outside in the cold until a staff member finally let us in at 8:57 am. We were then told, however, that we were not permitted to enter the meeting room until precisely 9 am. I found this hilarious and considered making a break for it, but thought better of it, as the staff member seemed pretty serious about this.

At 9 am, we all trundled downstairs to the meeting room. Which was dark and cold. And full of tables scattered every which way. And lacking any coffee or other form of morning sustenance. Our presenter wasn't there yet, and neither was a representative of either the VO or the library to welcome us.

After about 20 minutes, a staff member appeared to tell us that the presenter was running late (for a totally understandable reason). Said staff member then disappeared.

After a few more minutes, the presenter arrived, explained what had happened, and asked, "Does anyone know where the laptop and projector are? They were supposed to have that ready for me."

Oh my. A fellow participant ran upstairs to find a library staff member, who wheeled in a projector (luckily, the presenter had a laptop with her) and LEFT! Really. A bunch of us leaped up to set up the equipment for our presenter. Who, as it turned out, had traveled a long, long way to be with us.

And without any introduction from any person representing either the library or the VO - both to welcome her and us - the speaker began and presented a great demonstration. When it was over, an acquaintance from another library realized that probably no arrangements had been made for the speaker, who had traveled VERY VERY FAR, to have lunch. And if you are not familiar with this particular area and were plopped down in it, you would probably think you were in the middle of nowhere. Indeed, the speaker was overjoyed to be invited to lunch. We shared a lovely meal and learned a bit more about the far away place in which she resides, and then we drove her to the train.

Now, I know we are all busy people. I hardly ever send the thank you notes that I should and there are tons of people I mean to call. I'm not suggesting that you offer a first-class plane ticket to your speakers and high tea for the participants. But still, when your library is hosting a program, make sure the room is set up with the equipment that the speaker has requested. Make sure the meeting room doesn't resemble a furniture stockroom. Let people know whether or not refreshments will be served (really, this is fine for professional meetings - people appreciate it if you tell them that they should plan to bring their own cup of coffee). Let the rest of the staff know that the program is set to take place and make sure they are on board to help out if needed. If the program is supposed to begin precisely when you open, either make arrangements to let people in early or push back the program time. Even if you can't offer coffee, someone should at least take a couple of minutes to welcome the presenter and audience. Because when you are hosting a program, what you do reflects on your organization, and these little things mean a lot.

Vandalism at LIGALY

2009-02-03T14:03:00.002-05:00

Vandalism of The Long Island GLBT Center Being Investigated as a Hate Crime

Over the weekend of January 31st-February 1st The Long Island GLBT Community Center’s front door was smashed and their van’s windows were broken and tired slashed. The Suffolk County Police Department Bias Crimes Unit is currently investigating the incident as a hate crime.

LIGALY serves the gay, lesbian, bi, and transgender community of all ages. They are also home to SAGE-LI, serving LI's GLBT seniors.

Damage to the van and the Center door is estimated at about $5000.

http://www.ligaly.org/news.php?i=114

Let It Snow?

2009-02-02T11:36:00.004-05:00

Okay troops, we have a Long Island Reads workshop and committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow here at Nassau Library System. We have also heard that it might snow.

So here is Plan B:

If NLS will be open BY 11 am, we will hold the workshop and meeting. The workshop will begin when we open and end by 1 pm; the committee meeting will take place directly after.

If NLS will NOT be open by 11 am, or if we are closed altogether, we will need to reschedule the workshop and committee meeting.

If the weather is questionable, I suggest you call the main number at NLS before you leave your home: (516) 292-8920. The main voicemail message will indicate if we are closed, or in the case of a delayed opening, what time we will be open.

Of course, if this is all a big nothing and we're open at our regular time, the meeting will begin at 9:30 as scheduled.

Job Services for Tough Times: A Panel Discussion

2009-01-23T11:39:00.003-05:00

All public librarians in Nassau are invited. Just RSVP to let us know you are coming!

To RSVP: Please send your name and library to workshops@nassaulibrary.org with "Job Services" in the subject line.

------------------------------------

Job Services for Tough Times:
A Panel Discussion

The ongoing economic crisis has affected workers of every age, educational, and economic level. Every public library can offer services to help their community members get through this tough time. Come learn how from a panel representing a range of approaches to job services.
Time will be allowed for you to share your experiences and tips.

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Time: 9:30am – Noon

Nassau Library System

Panel:

Bruce Massie, Hempstead Public Library
Elsa Hernandez, Freeport Memorial Library
Denise Anchico, Port Washington Public Library
Diane Reynolds, Career Coach

CEUs will be offered. Refreshments will be served.

Dear Mr. President

2009-01-20T09:01:00.003-05:00

So today is the day. At noon today, we'll be able to say "President Obama." Or as one of my high school friends wrote this morning on Facebook, "Harlan has good news for that village somewhere in Texas."

Tradition dictates that the outgoing president leaves a note for the incoming president. He (someday she) leaves the note in the Oval Office desk. I wonder what George W. Bush wrote for Obama. Do you think he wrote it himself?

I've been wracking my brains, but I'm sure you guys out their can come up with something truly memorable. So get to it!

Long Island Transit

2009-01-14T09:36:00.004-05:00

There's a great new service from the North Shore to Manhattan: Long Island Transit. This is a terrific commuting alternative in these difficult times.

Long Island Transit provides luxury, wifi-enabled bus service from Glen Cove and Christopher Morley Park to Midtown and Lower Manhattan. A daily round-trip ticket is $18, or you can purchase a monthly pass for $199.

The schedule is somewhat limited at this point, but they are adding buses as demand increases.

My partner, who has been driving into work in Manhattan every day, took the bus for the first time yesterday and she loved it. This is a woman who refers to the LIRR, which I take all the time, as the "Long Island Rat Road." She was able to nap on the bus and the driver dropped her off at the door of her building (an anomaly, I'm sure). The trip to work took about the same amount of time as usual, but it took about an HOUR LESS for her to get home. I am hoping that she will use the service more regularly.

Let's explore the alternatives.

Driving to work:
About $10 in tolls
About $30 to park
Gas
Total monthly cost: $800 without gas (This makes my head hurt. I can't believe we are spending this much money for her to get to work.)

Train:
$185 / month from Port Washington (though this may go up soon)
Subway once you get into the city: $81 / month for an unlimited pass
Permit to park at the train station: $1.25 / month ($15 flat fee)
Yearly voucher to park at the train station, if you can get a spot: about $20 / month
Total monthly cost: $287 (this is without a mail-and-ride discount, I know)

Bus:
$200 / month
Free parking at Christopher Morley Park
Total monthly cost: $199, plus a small amount of gas to get to the park

This is truly an unbelievable deal. It's amazingly good for us, since she won't even need to use the subway. The only issue is that the bus was really empty. There were only two people on her bus going in and 6 or 7 on the way home. She likes it quiet, but I don't see how LIT can continue the service unless it builds up - so help spread the word! Not just for me and my partner, of course, but because this is a great commuting option that can help people save money.

Now we just need to get on a better schedule. We woke up a bit later than usual and I'm pretty sure she ended up driving in today. Can you help me with that one? Sigh.

Citizenship Website

2009-01-05T10:51:00.001-05:00

The San Francisco Public Library has unveiled a website with resources to help people prepare for the new U.S. citizenship exam. It's available in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Russian.

Check it out: http://www.sfpl.org/citizenship/

The Mad Baker of Port Washington

2008-12-23T11:15:00.003-05:00

Previously, I have discussed my opinion that most gift-giving for adults is silly. How many candles and sweaters does one really need? In past years, I have purchased gifts for everyone at work, as well as for friends and family members, in contradiction to my belief. I did this because I felt it was expected and because I do like to give, though I would rather give unexpectedly or when it is truly needed, not just by rote.

This year, for my co-workers, I totally and unabashedly stole Karen's idea and decided to bake cookies for my co-workers that would be packaged in adorable Chinese food containers from Michael's. This is also a riff on the practice of my former boss, Suzanne - while some people at work only give gifts to people in their departments, or to their friends, Suzanne always and unfailingly has a gift for each and every person, down to the men who clean the building at night and the otherwise anonymous people who shelve the materials. And the best gift of all is always her cookies (hint hint).

Unfortunately, I made this decision on Sunday afternoon, and I will be out of the office after today until next Monday. Thus ensued a riotous two nights of cookie baking and packaging. I decided to limit myself to soft gingerbread - you can have any flavor of cookies you want, as long as it's gingerbread - to keep myself from going completely insane, and I chose to make a simple round cookie instead of pressing out shapes. I estimate that I made and baked about 400 cookies.

My partner's reactions to this frenzy ranged from appreciation to amusement to concern:

"I had a couple of those cookies - they're really good!"

(Next night)

"Umm, there's cookie dough all over the faucets."

(Later)

"You're getting obsessed, you know that?"

(Still later)

"Lizo, you're the Mad Baker of Port Washington!"

Something happens when you make that many cookies, especially if they are all the same. They cease to be cookies and become objects that you create. I became a cookie machine, a cookie processor. But at the same time, there was something comforting and Zen-like about doing those same simple tasks over and over, rolling the small balls of dough in sugar, placing them on the sheets, pulling the hot, fragrant cookies out of the oven, placing a dozen in each container and writing out a name on a label for each one. When I was nearly done labelling them, I realized that I could have foregone the labels, as the contents were all the same, but I realized that the labelling was important, that I wanted each person to have a present with their name on it, with cookies inside baked just for them.

Fly on Over to the Intergenerational Fair!

2008-12-12T12:23:00.003-05:00

Monday, December 15

Join your friends and neighbors of all ages at the Lynbrook Library for a day of information and fun!
From 10 AM to 9 PM, we’ll be offering something for everyone!

Admission is free. All are welcome.

Schedule of Events:

In the Main Room

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Representatives from community organizations will be on hand to provide information about their services, including Senior Respite, Home Share, LIPA, Long Island Talking Books, L.I. Mental Health Association, Literacy Nassau, SAGE, and more.

In the Community Room

10:00 AM — Elderhostel: Discover ways to combine travel and education in a fun and affordable way.

11:30 AM — Technology and Seniors: Is MySpace a mystery? Do blogs boggle your mind? Let Allan Kleiman, creator of the award-winning Senior Spaces, show you how to use social networking online.

7:30 PM — Meet Psychic Daniel Akner: Renowned psychic Daniel Akner will amaze you with his readings. Tickets will be required for this program. Tickets will be available to residents of the Lynbrook service area starting December 8. Non-residents will be seated on a first-come, first-serve basis as space permits the day
of the event.

In the Story Hour Room

10:00 AM -- Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter: Meet a delightful bunch of potential pets, and perhaps take one home with you!

2:00 PM — Silk Painting Workshop: Release your inner artist with Elizabeth Yaari. You’ll create a beautiful silk painting which will be hung at the Library for all to see. Registration is required and will start Monday, December 8.

4:30 PM — Wii Gaming Workshop: You’ve seen it on TV. Now learn how to play with the Wii system. Teen volunteers will be on hand to teach you how to bowl, play tennis, and more, right in the Library. All ages are welcome.

Lynbrook Public Library, Eldert Street & Carpenter Avenue, Lynbrook, NY.
516/599-8630 — www.lynbrooklibrary.org

Co-Sponsored by Nassau Library System Senior Connections

Wii Bowling for Seniors Virtual Tournment!

2008-12-09T11:07:00.002-05:00

How cool is this?
----------------------------------------

Any library with a Wii Bowling for Seniors program is invited to participate in the Kent Public Library Holiday Classic Wii Bowling Tournament. Your library can enter as many four member teams as you have. Each four member team will record their best combined scores of their two best games bowled from December 15 through January 16.

To enter teams please email Frank Rees, Kent Public Library at frankrees@gmail.com.

Check out the Wii Bowling for Seniors (http://kplwiibowling.wordpress.com/) blog for the teams, results, and the latest tournament news.

Frank Rees, Director
Kent Public Library
Kent Lakes, NY 10512
845.225-8585
www.kentlibrary.org

The Library Photo Project

2008-12-05T11:41:00.008-05:00

I want to start a new photography project, but I need your help, Library People!

I would like to make portraits of people in the Long Island library world. These will result in b+w, old-school prints. Your image may be displayed, if I can get an exhibition.

If you are interested, let me know. You will receive a print in exchange for your time.

I'm thinking we might want to include a little bit about each staff member with their portrait, to help counteract the stereotypes about librarians and library staff that are so prevalent. You know, "Mike enjoys electronic resources, black coffee, Dickens, and death metal."

So come on, here's your chance to shine!

To the left: Alex, who works at Nassau Library System

Living Library

2008-11-21T10:28:00.003-05:00

I don't usually post twice in one day, but I just read about Living Library and it's too good to pass up.

So, the idea is that a library puts together a collection of people (each one is called a Living Book) that can be "checked out" for a half hour interview. The library organizes a day-long festival during which these books are "read." The idea behind this is to help break down prejudices people have about others in their community.

This initiative started in Europe and the idea is now spreading around the globe. Santa Monica Public Library held a Living Library day in October. Who will be the first in our area?

Check it out: http://living-library.org/index.html

Stuff to Do When Your Car Refuses to Start

2008-11-21T09:37:00.004-05:00

1) Play Scrabble (tm) on your phone.

2) Get a cup of coffee. (Depends on location.)

3) Write in your journal.

4) Do some reading for school.

5) Wonder why your partner gets to drive the CRV with the heated seats.

6) Wave as neighbors enter stores.

7) Wave as same neighbors leave local stores.

8) Nap.

9) Consider careers that would allow you to work from home in your pajamas.

10) Scream.

Buy Nothing Holidays

2008-11-18T11:58:00.006-05:00

Here's another resource on the web. It's called "Buy Nothing Christmas," but it just as easily applies to other winter solstice celebrations. This particular initiative was started by Canadian Mennonites.

Last year, the special people in my life received original photographs made by yours truly. Of course, I did buy frames, but still, I think that means more than the usual candles (unless you make them yourself) or plastic doodads.

Please note that I am most assuredly not anti-shopping (ask my gf about that one - ha!) or anti-gift. I just can't stand the mass hysteria and enforced, determined, joyless shopping that the holidays bring. This usually results in people spending way more than they can afford on gifts that have very little significance for the recipients.

North Shore Animal League

2008-11-17T11:56:00.004-05:00

I've already received a post asking me to provide more alternative gift ideas. Thanks!

Here's one I believe in strongly: North Shore Animal League, located in my town of Port Washington, is the world's largest no-kill animal shelter. When you hear about enormous animal rescues in the United States, NSAL is often the key player. Every dog I've ever had has been from NSAL.

Your contributions help keep NSAL a no-kill shelter (hey, all that kibble is expensive, to say nothing of the toys and shots!). If you have an animal lover in your life, how about making a holiday gift contribution to the shelter in their name - or better yet, in their pet's name?

At top left: Fanny, a NSAL alumna.

Relief Beads

2008-11-13T11:22:00.003-05:00

The holiday season is coming. I think it's kind of silly for adults to give each other gifts "just because" it's Chanukah or Christmas. But if you must, I'm going to try to highlight some ideas when I come across them.

The purchase of Relief Beads bracelets helps provide relief to the people of Darfur:

www.reliefbeads.org

Roar, Lions, Roar!

2008-11-05T22:24:00.004-05:00

A press release from my Alma Mater about a fellow Columbian. You may have heard of this guy.
------------------------
Nov. 5, 2008

Barack Obama, CC'83, First Columbia Graduate Elected President of the United States

Barack Obama (CC'83) becomes the first Columbia graduate elected president of the United States.

He joins other illustrious Columbians who went on to run the country at pivotal times during its history: Theodore Roosevelt, who was president from 1901 to 1908, and his cousin Franklin D. Roosevelt, president from 1932 to 1945. Both attended Columbia Law School but did not graduate. And Dwight D. Eisenhower left his post as University president in 1952 to become the nation's 34th president. As an undergraduate, he attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Obama joins a long tradition of Columbians in public service, ranging from signers of the Declaration of Independence to Cabinet members to Supreme Court justices, as well as 15 New York City mayors and 13 governors of New York, including the current officeholder, David E. Paterson (CC'78).

"We note with pride that Barack Obama will not only be the nation's first African American president, he will also be the first Columbia graduate to occupy the Oval Office," Columbia president Lee C. Bollinger said. "Senator John McCain is also a member of the Columbia family, as the McCains' daughter is a recent graduate of Columbia College. We wish him well in continuing his record of service to our country."

Both Senators Obama and McCain were on Columbia's campus in September, in one of their few joint appearances during the general election, participating in the ServiceNation Presidential Forum. They discussed their views on the role of citizenship and public service in a post-9/11 America.

Speaking to a packed audience in Lerner Hall, with a spillover crowd of some 7,500 sitting on the steps of Low Library watching on a Jumbotron, Obama discussed his hopes for a nation guided by civic engagement. "We have always balanced the tradition of individual responsibility and self-reliance with notions of community and love for country," he said. "What it's done, is it allowed people to exercise the freedom to determine the direction of their communities, but still recognizing that we are part of a common project, of creating a better life for the next generation."

Obama attended Columbia College from 1981 to 1983, after transferring in his junior year from Occidental College.

A few months ago, Obama sent a letter from the campaign trail on the occasion of the Class of 1983's 25th reunion: "I learned a lot at Columbia, found my focus, studied and came out with a determination to do something about the injustices I had seen and read about," he wrote.

"Twenty-five years ago, we left Columbia with the wind at our backs. But in spite of our successes, many in our nation have not shared in the prosperity of the last quarter-century, and some are worse off than before. We must continually be reminded of the work that remains to protect our union and repair our world."

Ding, Dong, The Witch is Dead

2008-11-04T12:23:00.002-05:00

So the Big Day is here. Election Day 2008. I voted this morning at the Village Hall, which I thought was mighty strange. I've always voted in schools, which seem nonpartisan to me. Village Hall is decidely partisan.

In any case, the deed is done. I am now trying to busy myself with work and preparations for the New York State Library Conference, but I love love love the interactive feature on www.nytimes.com that allows you to post or select a word that describes how you are feeling on this Election Day. You can submit or select one word per hour, and watch the most popular words scroll by. You can even sort out the words by those used by McCain or Obama supporters (they appear in red or blue, respectively). As a person who loves visual, written, and interactive art, this is the best of all worlds.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/11/04/us/politics/20081104_ELECTION_WORDTRAIN.html

"Nesting"

2008-10-24T08:28:00.002-04:00

I don't have a car today because I brought my partner's car in for its inspection.

I hate being without a car around here. It makes me feel trapped. You can't get much of anywhere in this area, where I work, without a car. Oh, I suppose I could take the bus somewhere - even take it to the Hempstead train station and get into Manhattan - or get a cab. I could walk over to the dollar store or WalMart. But that's about it.

What most worries me on these days is food. I suppose I could order in, or (heaven forbid) get a sandwich from the gas station on the corner (something about a gas station sandwich does not appeal to me). So I brought supplies: frozen breakfast sandwiches, a grapefruit, a box of Hershey's Snacksters, a sandwich I got last night at Uncle Giuseppe's, an apple, a Flake bar, more milk for coffee even though there is some in the fridge (actually, there is a lot of milk in the fridge, but I only like Skim Plus). This is in addition to the other snacks (Luna bars, a box of cereal, 94% FF popcorn, canned soup) that I always keep here, just in case. In case of what, I am not sure.

LAST CALL: Program on Understanding Tourette Syndrome

2008-10-22T10:34:00.002-04:00

Outreach, Reference, YA, and Adult Services Library Staff Members, this is for you, too! Plus there's FREE LUNCH!

Please RSVP by Monday, October 27th and let us know if you are staying for lunch.
---------------------------------------------------

Understanding Tourette Syndrome

Presented by Kathy Giordano

Monday, November 3rd
9:30-Noon
Nassau Library System

Topics include what TS is, related disorders, how symptoms are manifested, and strategies that can be used to promote a positive library experience. A comprehensive package of resources will be provided including CDs, DVDs, pamphlets, handouts and suggested materials for children, teens, adults and professionals.

At noon, after the main program, lunch will be provided during the presentation of the nationally acclaimed “Baggage.” With the use of props, this humorous and touching presentation demonstrates the importance of good communication between professionals and parents.

Our speaker:
Kathy Giordano is an Educational Specialist for the Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. and a mother of two adult children with TS. With a background in English/Education, she has presented nationally for over 20 years providing information regarding TS and positive/proactive supports.

CEUs will be offered to participants completing the time period.

This program was made possible by a grant from the office of NYS Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., and partially supported by Grant/Cooperative Agreement number U38 DD000343 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.

---------------------------------------------------

Return to: Youth Services Attention: Judy Burkhoff

Please respond only once via Fax: (516) 481-4777, NLS delivery service or e-mail childserv@nassaulibrary.org with “Tourette” in the subject line.

The _____________________________________ Library will send the following staff member(s) to attend the workshop “Understanding Tourette Syndrome” on Monday, November 3, 2008 from 9:30am – Noon.

Name: _______________________________________
(Please print)
Are you staying for lunch? Yes No

Please RSVP by Monday, October 27, 2008

A Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy!

2008-10-19T21:51:00.002-04:00

A couple of months ago, I signed up with Move On to receive a free Obama / Biden button. I wondered what was up, since I never received said free button. Today, I got an e-mail from Move On indicating that many people have not received the free buttons.

They discovered that the U.S. Postal Service left bags of their buttons in the back of a mail room - so they never went out.

Yes, mistakes happen, but as a person who believes strongly in intellectual freedom, this is disturbing.

Joe the Plumber

2008-10-17T17:38:00.003-04:00

I love this letter that appeared in The New York Times. I hope that Daryl Altman doesn't mind that I am reproducing it here.
-----------------------------------------------------

To the Editor:

Fair taxation isn’t about “redistributing the wealth” — it’s about giving back to the great country that gave you the opportunity to benefit so greatly.

It’s not about taking money from “Joe the Plumber.” It’s about making sure that “Joe’s Mega-Plumbing Incorporated” gives back to the country and the people who gave him:

¶Roads and bridges for his trucks to roll on.

¶Support for research for his latest plumbing equipment.

¶Public education so he can have a well-trained work force.

¶Markets so he can raise capital.

¶Police and firefighters so his business is protected.

¶Health care so the employees who helped him build his business can stay on the job.

¶Freedom so that he can build his business creatively.

If “Joe” has been able to become wealthy because of the bounty of America, then he should pay his fair share back to America — that is patriotic.

Daryl Altman
Lynbrook, N.Y., Oct. 16, 2008

Craig Johnson

2008-10-16T10:06:00.003-04:00

I was absolutely floored when I saw this anti-Craig Johnson commercial on Channel 12. I have followed the Pension Scandal stories in Newsday and anyone who read the stories will know that this commercial is untrue and, in fact, libelous.

The whole purpose of the commercial is to make it seem that the entire pension scandal was it fact Craig Johnson's fault, which is in no way true. The law firm in question is not "Craig Johnson's Law Firm." It is the law firm at which he has been employed. The quotation "Hundreds of people over a thousand years have been doing this," appeared in Newsday and was attributed to an individual lawyer, not to Craig Johnson or the entire firm.

I would just like to remind people that freedom of the press does not extend to libel and slander.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkzZGdVCWx4

Question of the Day

2008-10-08T07:17:00.000-04:00

From Peggy in Amherst:

What don't you know, and how will you learn it?

The Future Has a Way of Arriving Unannounced*

2008-09-26T11:32:00.004-04:00

The only constant in libraries today is change. Everything seems to be in a permanent state of transition, with no stable ground anywhere in sight. The libraries that are thriving in this rapidly changing environment are the “early adaptors.”
Does your library qualify?

Join Sandra Nelson in a discussion that will help you and your colleagues develop the skills you need to position your library to succeed now and in the ever-changing future.

This program complements Karen Hyman’s “Transforming Libraries,” so if you attended that, you definitely won’t want to miss this one.

This workshop is supported by federal LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act)grant funds awarded to NLS by the New York State Library. The Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services allocates LSTA funding to states.

Thursday, October 2, 2008
9:30 am—12:00 pm

Refreshments at 9:15am
Nassau Library System

RSVP (name and library) to (fax): 516 481-4777 Attn: Roseanne Dorfman or email: workshops@nassaulibrary.org with “Future” in the subject line. CEUs will be awarded to participants completing this workshop.

*Quotation from George Will

"The Politics of Confusion"

2008-09-17T09:11:00.009-04:00

I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight....

If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're "exotic, different."

Grow up in Alaska eating moose burgers: a quintessential American story.

If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.

Name your kids Willow, Trig, and Track: you're a maverick.

Graduate from Harvard Law School and you are unstable.

Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating: you're well grounded.

If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.

If your total resume is: local weather girl (sports caster), 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with fewer than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.

If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.

If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married an heiress the next month, you're a Christian.

If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.

If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant, you're very responsible.

If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's.

If your husband is nicknamed "First Dude", with at least one DUI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.

Now watch 21-seconds of footage: http://airamerica.com/listen/85488

NOW WEEP.

Next Tuesday: Senior Fair!

2008-09-05T08:10:00.002-04:00

Come one, come all to the Senior Fair: A Day of Possibilities!

When: Tuesday, September 9, 2008 from 10 am-9 pm

Where: East Meadow Public Library

What: Information fair, plus workshops on "protirement," digital photography, creative writing, painting, Wii gaming, and more! Oh, and a mobile pet adoption van!

Why: Why not?

Who: Everyone!

Co-sponsored by Nassau Library System Senior Connections and the East Meadow Public Library.

Urban Lit Workshop on Thursday, September 11th!

2008-08-21T12:03:00.007-04:00

Nassau Library System Presents:

From The Streets to the Stacks: Urban Fiction in your Library
Presented by Scott Jarzombek, Branch librarian @ Albany Public Library

DATE: SEPTEMBER 11, 2008
DAY: THURSDAY
TIME: 9:30—NOON
PLACE: ANDREW GEDDES MEETING ROOM (Nassau Library System)

Love it or not- Urban Lit is a huge hit with teens and adults.

Join us as we present the basics of Urban Lit and what it takes to develop and maintain a collection for your library.

Come hear why Urban Lit may be this decade’s biggest success story for teen and adult literacy!

After the presentation:
Urban Lit Book Share

Join either Renee for a YA Urban Lit Group or Elizabeth for an Adult Urban Lit Group
Read at least one selection from this genre and come prepared to tell the group about it.
YA’s: We will also discuss Teen Read Week’s “Books with Bite.”

Please return to Youth Services, Nassau Library System
I will attend the Urban Lit Workshop on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
Please respond by Sept. 5th
Name___________________________________ Library________________________________
Book Share Group (Please choose either Adult or YA fiction)____________________________

Nassau Library System 900 Jerusalem Ave. Uniondale, NY 11553
516-292-8920 x230, 232 (phone) 516-481-4777 (fax) rmcgrath@nassaulibrary.org (Renee) eolesh@nassaulibrary.org (Elizabeth)

RIP Leroy Sievers

2008-08-19T13:07:00.000-04:00

I'd been following Leroy Sievers' story on All Things Considered.

Birthday Post!

2008-08-18T23:18:00.001-04:00

I had a wonderful and relaxing birthday:

1) Woke up late (like, 7 am!).

2) Read a bit for school (learning about the nature of stars).

3) Did a drawing for school.

4) Ran over to the library and received birthday wishes (thanks, Jean!).

5) Bought some film for my upcoming study in medium and large format photography.

6) Thought I lost my cell phone, but didn't (yea!)

7) Had a Traditional Birthday Argument with the honey.

8) Went to Miller's. Had a burger and awesome onion rings. Because I'd like to have a stroke soon, I followed this up with ice cream cake.

9) Watched Intervention.

All in all, a most wonderful day. Can I have an Unbirthday now to continue the celebration?

Book and Magazine Donations for Social Services....

2008-08-13T10:28:00.004-04:00

are always appreciated. But here are a few helpful hints:

Old health books aren't just impractical - they can be dangerous.

Atlases from the 1980s will be discarded lest someone get lost on their way to the Soviet Union or some unsuspecting child receive a frowny face on her report.

I'm sure those crumbling hardcover Reader's Digest Condensed Books were fascinating in 1965. Now, not so much.

Old college textbooks are great. As paperweights.

Do you like reading books with pages (or covers) ripped out, that are dabbled with unidentifiable schmutz? Then why would someone else?

If you spent your days waiting for food stamps and child support, would you be interested in achieving a 32 inch waist in 32 days and reading about spa vacations? Or would you just be kind of insulted?

Male Counterpart to Eat, Pray, Love!

2008-08-08T17:42:00.002-04:00

Apparently, this is real.

And here's the description:

In Drink, Play, F@#k Bob Sullivan, a jilted husband, sets off to explore the world, experience a meaningful connection with the divine, and rediscover his passion. His travels lead him from his home in New York City to a drinking bender across Ireland, through the glitz and glamour that is Las Vegas, and to the hedonistic pleasure palaces of Thailand. After a lifetime of playing it safe, Mr. Sullivan finally follows his heart and lives out everyone's deepest fantasies. For who among us hasn't dreamed of standing stark naked, head upturned, and mouth agape beneath a cascading torrent of Guinness Stout? What could be more exhilarating than losing every penny you have because Charlie Weiss went for a meaningless last-second field goal? And what sensate creature could ever doubt that the greatest pleasure known to man can be found in a leaky bamboo shack filled with glassy-eyed, bruised Asian hookers? Bob Sullivan has a lot to teach us about life. Let's just pray we have the wisdom to put aside our preconceptions and listen. Because what Bob Sullivan finds isn't at all what he expected.
----------------------------------------------
You know it's on my wishlist.

I think this is awesome

2008-08-01T08:18:00.001-04:00

Organist Rents Radio City Music Hall to Play a Concert

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
July 31, 2008

Jack Moelmann is a retired Air Force colonel with a passion for playing the pipe organ. His passion runs so deep that he recently plunked down nearly $120,000 to fulfill a lifelong dream - to perform on the famed Wurlitzer organ at Radio City Music Hall.

On Aug. 9, the 67-year-old Moelmann will sit at the ebony horseshoe-shaped keyboard console at the magnificent Art Deco concert hall for a single evening performance titled "A Musical Showcase featuring Col. Jack Moelmann and Friends at the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ."

Moelmann said that Radio City for him has always constituted "the mecca of places to play." "One day back in February, I looked in the mirror and said, 'Jack, you have a dream, go for it!'" he said. "Not to argue with myself, I have personally rented Radio City Music Hall for an organ program the likes of which has not been done in years, if ever."

The organ at Radio City is the largest theater pipe organ ever built by the Wurlitzer Company. Installed in 1932, the year Radio City opened, it features four keyboards, 58 sets of pipes and twin consoles that can be independently operated.

Moelmann has no illusions of making money or attracting a huge audience. He spent $118,182 to rent out the 6,000-seat hall, and concedes that he had to cash out his savings accounts and savings bonds to cover the cost.

"I'll be happy with 1,000 people," he said of the show, where tickets cost $50. "I'm going there to gratify myself by playing ... and to show off what the music hall has in the way of an organ." He said proceeds from the show will cover his cost, and he may donate some money to the Theatre Organ Society International, where Moelmann serves as secretary.

Moelmann said he will decide on the program at the last minute.

"I really don't decide what I'm going to play until I get there and see what's going to work," Moelmann said. "Depending on the mood I'm in, I've changed songs in the middle of the program."

Moelmann said the independently working consoles are what makes the Radio City Wurlitzer unique. Sitting literally "a city block apart" across the 144-foot-wide stage, they are rarely played simultaneously.

Moelmann is a bachelor who lives in O'Fallon, Ill., outside St. Louis. He retired in 1991 after 26 years in the Air Force, assigned to the communications and electronics field.

My Thong's on Fire!

2008-07-29T08:07:00.006-04:00

During last week's statewide outreach coordinators conference, we were treated to a fabulous presentation on urban / street fiction by Scott Jarzombek of Albany Public Library. [1]

Scott got me thinking: while I purchase urban fiction for the correctional libraries, I'd never actually read any. As a proponent of Reader's Advisory services, especially for underserved populations, I knew that this was not a best practice. I am now in the middle of Around the Way Girls, a collection of three novellas. I also purchased and will soon read Thong on Fire by Noire.

Noire is also the author of G-Spot, Thug-a-Licious, and Candy Licker, but I chose Thong on Fire because Scott said that it always gets stolen and he has to buy it in batches. I checked our library catalog (of course I would rather take a book out of the library than buy it; I'm a librarian!) to find that only 5 of our 54 libraries own this title. It's checked out at three and presumed stolen or missing at one of those. I can be somewhat impulsive, and I figured that there probably was something to this book, so I decided to buy a copy.

Can I tell you what it's like to call multiple bookstores and ask for a book titled THONG ON FIRE? (I had to visit two different Borders and call multiple B+N locations because - surprise, surprise - it wasn't on the shelf in most locations, even though it was listed as "in stock" on the website).

When I talk about Reader's Advisory, I always say that no one should have to apologize for her reading tastes, but nothing drives this point home like being an actual customer and asking for THONG ON FIRE. I wanted to be all assertive and nonchalant; instead, I was hesitant and embarrassed. I worried that the customer service reps would hang up on me (none did) and offered justifications ("I know it's weird - I'm a librarian and I need to read this.") when none were necessary and I knew it was none of their business.

My challenge to you today is to try this experiment yourself. Call another library or a bookstore as a "civilian" and ask for something totally embarrassing. [2] Ideally, the selection should be something you really want and need to read, so you will feel emotionally invested in this.

Remember that feeling.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[1] Incidentally, I would like to bring Scott's presentation to Nassau. My thought is that we can all read different urban fiction titles before the workshop and then share with each other. Whatta ya think?

[2] For those of you who aren't library staff: I'm suggesting this because library staff can usually find what they need in the library in which they work without any assistance, and can often check the materials out themselves, so they don't have that same experience of checking out The Joy of Lesbian Sex in front of the town gossip.

The Virtue of Being Slow / The Virtue of "Mistakes"

2008-07-17T08:12:00.009-04:00

Those of you who know me are aware that I am usually juggling three or four tasks at the same time and putting in 110% to fulfill all of them 100% perfectly, while never thinking that I am doing enough or doing any of it well enough. I am aware that this process can be somewhat grating on the people around me.

For me, there is a constant struggle between this perfectionist, competitive side and my Zen side. I really want to slow down, focus completely on one thing at a time, and appreciate whatever results follow. I want to accept the beauty of serendipitious errors. This is a lifelong struggle and I don't expect it to be resolved anytime soon.

One thing that has helped is my increased time in the darkroom. An "old-fashioned," black + white, gotta do it slow darkroom. In the darkroom, I really can only do one thing at a time. I've been working in the Manhattan JCC's darkroom, which makes this even slower because I have to drive or take the train to get there. This past Sunday, I worked on three negatives. And that was a lot. And I'm not even sure that I'm done working on those three negatives.

Yesterday, I stopped by a local photography shop to buy some paper and a can of air. The salesclerk has told me in the past that he only works digitally now. And yesterday he asked me, "If you don't mind me asking, why are you still using film?" It was impossible to convey exactly why to a salesclerk I barely know, but I felt all of it inside, all of the happiness I feel when I process and see that yes, I did expose my film properly, or watch an image slowly appear on a piece of photographic paper.

Of course, it is entirely possible to be a competitive perfectionist in the darkroom. Many forms of photography lend themselves to that. I've made a conscious choice to reject this artificial standard and explore the beauty found in images that aren't "perfect." I've been printing images that were taken on gray days (less contrast) and working with a carved-out negative carrier to show my whole composition, rather than trying to crop or otherwise edit the image.

I bought some fiber paper yesterday. It takes a lot longer to work with than resin coated paper and I think it will make my images look even more beautifully worn down. And make me work even slower.

Get up and DANCE, y'all!

2008-07-16T20:58:00.002-04:00

A bonus entry today:

In case you didn't see this video in The New York Times, I thought this was amazing. This guy Matt likes to dance - just about anywhere, with anyone!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY

If this doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will.

Living Oprah

2008-07-16T20:49:00.004-04:00

Did you hear about this on All Thing Considered this evening? To me, this is true art:

www.livingoprah.com

And yes, I watched the repeat of this afternoon's Oprah show and my "low heart" is smiling!

I've Got a Secret....

2008-07-03T08:42:00.002-04:00

I HATE YOGURT!

According to advertisers (see hilarious short video, below) this makes me less of a woman. If this is what advertisers think of me, then I'm okay with that!

http://current.com/items/88941392_target_women_yogurt_edition

Darkroom Rescue

2008-07-01T09:09:00.002-04:00

I am trying to rescue a darkroom, in much the same way one would rescue a puppy.

I met a man who wants to give away his darkroom to someone who will use it. While I would love to set this up in my home, a) I don't think this will work out and b) I think it should be set up in a public place, if possible, to encourage more people to learn the art of film photography.

If you work in a public setting on Long Island (preferably Nassau) that would be interested in this, please comment me!

My Favorite Soap Opera Names

2008-06-30T11:52:00.003-04:00

I know, two posts in one day. What can I say? I'm doing a lot of translating from Spanish and I need a break.

So, here are a few of my favorite soap names, in no particular order.

1) Lesley Lu "Lulu" Spencer

2) Lucas Lorenzo "Lucky" Spencer, Jr. (Or is it Lorenzo Lucas? I get mixed up.)

3) "Babe" Carey (real name: Arabella)

4) Jenny Colby Carey (could this kid have more "y" names?)

5) Kendall

6) Greenlee, Greenlee, GREENLEE!

7) Phyllis (So retro!)

8) Starr Manning

9) Epiphany

10) David Vickers (Tina's little dog, not the guy. Favorite recent soap line: "Run, David Vickers, run!")

Favorite soap name trend: Nicknames. The less your nickname has to do with your actual name, the better!

Things I have Learned (so Far) By Taking Astronomy This Summer

2008-06-30T11:41:00.002-04:00

1) I am still capable of doing some pretty fancy math.

2) Professional scientists must be nuts, or OCD, or some combination thereof (spending 17 years figuring out one calculation?).

3) Sidereal is not pronounced "side real."

4) Dr. Kaler is very smart, but he sounds like Kermit the Frog. In a good way.

5) Light moves very, very fast.

What I'm Readin' (Other than Astronomy)

2008-06-16T08:23:00.003-04:00

As further proof that gay people are now blase and suburban and garden-variety, I found a copy of David Sedaris' new book, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, at my local Stop and Shop on the day it was released! Before the library had it! And people in my town (or school district, really) are so ahead of the curve that all the Stop and Shop copies were gone when I went back to check.

Pretty cool, though now I'm not sure what I should do to remain edgy and avant-garde. Suggestions are now being accepted.

So I am reading David's book in between doing assignments for drawing class and astronomy class and preparing for book discussions and translating stuff from Spanish into English and doing laundry and making dinner and taking various psychotropic medications and drinking big pots of espresso to stay afloat.

If you've read David's book, I just want you to know that Stadium Pal actually exists. If you haven't read the book yet, doesn't that make you want to run out and grab a copy?

Why I Should Just Stay at Home

2008-05-23T09:27:00.003-04:00

I've decided that I should probably just never leave the house. Here's my current tale of woe:

I finally convinced my significant other to meet me for dinner at a restaurant yesterday evening. A meal outside our home! Together! At a table! Without two pairs of doggy eyes staring at us! I was quite excited.

We decided to meet at a local establishment at which my brother's girlfriend works. She is also a lawyer - I think this is an intriguing combination. She recommended that we visit on an evening when she would be working (and recommended the scallops), and said she was there on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so we thought we would surprise her.

Of course, she wasn't there yesterday because she was busy being a lawyer. No matter. The menu looked good and we were hungry. And the food was good (she's right about the scallops). It almost made up for my brother's girlfriend not being there.

Until I paid.

With my debit card.

And the card was not returned in the little sleeve.

And they couldn't find it anywhere.

And it's a holiday weekend.

Ugh.

Really, I should just never go out again.

HAPPY CODA: As I was finishing up this post, the restaurant called me! They found my card! I won't have to beg on a street corner for gas money this weekend!

Pangea Day - A Global Day of Film

2008-05-02T09:06:00.002-04:00

I just found out about this amazing event that will take place all around the world on Saturday, May 10th.

http://www.pangeaday.org/

Baby Got Book

2008-05-01T08:49:00.001-04:00

One of my blogging partners in crime sent this to me. It is too, too funny:

http://chavelaque.blogspot.com/2008/04/baby-got-book.html

Whipped Cream 1, City of New York 0

2008-04-23T21:54:00.002-04:00

So a court has issued a temporary stay, blocking the enforcement of the calorie police - for the time being.

According to the Associated Press, the City lamented that "Each month its implementation is delayed, another 10 million meals are served at chain restaurants in New York City without point of purchase calorie information, further worsening the obesity epidemic and its related health risks."

Can you feel the waves of anxiety steaming off THAT pile of you-know-what? Geeze, pass the Klonopin. And the chocolate, please.

Step away from my cookies

2008-04-20T19:59:00.004-04:00

Perhaps the Passover holiday is making me even more focused on food than I usually am (ha), but on a recent trip to Manhattan, I noticed the new calorie listings at Starbucks. I understand that this is some kind of new City ordinance imposed by the fat-obsessed Michael Bloomberg, and I for one object.

I don't really want or need a reminder of how many calories are in a particular food before I choose it. This approach is truly condescending and paternalistic. In case you weren't aware that coffee doesn't have any calories and that a piece of cheesecake has, well, more than that, the city is now requiring food establishments to inform their obviously stupid and infantile customers of these facts.

Beyond this, the new policy ignores the fact that foods have values beyond the number of calories they contain, which is simply a measure of energy. If the City truly wanted an informed populace, all menus would include other measures that can be more significant, such as the fat and fiber content, nutrients provided, and where and how a particular food was grown or created. I would love to see a Starbucks menu like that - can you imagine how long it would be?

If Michael Bloomberg wants a calorie chart, I suggest he get his own and leave the rest of us alone.

Zahra and Tim rock!

2008-04-04T12:00:00.008-04:00

Zahra and Tim came all the way over to Port Washington on Monday night for my Gallery Talk. And brought me a gorgeous bunch of tulips, which happen to be my favorite flowers. They must be insane ("We were up in the Finger Lakes for a wedding, so we just thought we'd drive down to Long Island and see you!"), but they also clearly rock. If you're in the library world, you probably already know that, but it bears repeating.

At left, me, Carol, and Zahra, photographed by Tim.

BUY THIS BOOK!

2008-04-01T08:52:00.001-04:00

I saw this book at the PLA conference in Minneapolis, and I immediately bought a copy. I think every library should carry this. It's wonderful.

http://www.bodyimagebook.com/

My wish

2008-03-21T17:36:00.001-04:00

What I would love right now (besides a snack):

for people to come to Port Washington and view my exhibit.

What I would love even more (even more than a bubble tea):

for people to write some comments in my exhibition guestbook.

I'm going to give a talk on Monday, March 31st at 7:30 pm. Goodies will be served. Please visit me!

www.pwpl.org

Guilty Pleasures

2008-03-14T14:34:00.003-04:00

My guilty pleasures currently include:

1) Smashbox O-Gloss (it changes color to suit your complexion!)

2) Walking around Sephora and trying samples of products

3) American Tuna pole-caught albecore (tastes much better than Starkist)

4) Shaken Iced Tea Lemonade

5) Croutons at The Colony Diner (the ones they only make on Thursday - Pea Soup Day)

6) Petite Vanilla Bean Scones @ Starbucks

7) Photography supplies

8) Chick-lit

9) Listening to music in my car with the sound turned ALL the way up

10) Facebook (especially pieces of flair and scrabulous)

Donate Toward a Good Cause!

2008-03-05T22:16:00.002-05:00

Are you just itching to donate some money for a good cause? My girlfriend's goddaughter will plunge into the icy waters of Hempstead Harbor this weekend to benefit Special Olympics.

If you'd like to donate, visit: http://www.firstgiving.com/sigmadeltatau.

You will notice that my dogs (Fred and Fanny) have already donated. I'm so proud of them!

People are also invited to attend the festivities, which begin at 9 am this Saturday at Bar Beach in Port Washington (the Polar Plunge itself is at Noon). I won't be able to be there, but Panera is sponsoring it, so if you'd like to watch people suffer while you munch on a panini, here's your chance!

When will you make an end? When I'm finished!

2008-02-26T08:40:00.005-05:00

This weekend, I worked more on my black and white prints. As a beginner, this involves spending hours in the darkroom breathing in chemicals, tripping over fellow students under those groovy red lights, throwing out lots of expensive photosensitive paper, and maybe getting one print that I consider halfway decent - until my professor stops by to tell me how I could improve it. And then it starts all over again, until I just can't stand it anymore.

I also watched two movies that explore the difficulties of making art - The Agony and the Esctasy and The Aviator. Both portrary real artists / craftspeople who were completely dedicated to their work, even when that dedication resulted in deep frustration and personal injury. If their work didn't produce their desired intent, they scrapped it and started over. And their projects took as long as they needed to take.

Important lessons for all of us, I think.

SNOW DAY!

2008-02-22T10:23:00.001-05:00

SNOW DAY SNOW DAY SNOW DAY!

Okay, go drink some hot cocoa and make snow angels.

Fifteen MORE Minutes of Fame

2008-02-20T08:13:00.006-05:00

As if being Starbucks Customer of the Week wasn't enough - my foot and hand made the front page of Newsday's Act II section this past Saturday! I don't know the photographer's name, or else I would give him a credit for this great image. The article, written by Paula Ganzi Licata, is reproduced below.

------------------------------------------

'60s Reflections

by Paula Ganzi Licata / Special to Newsday

"When we were going through the '60s, it seemed extreme and I thought when we look back it won't seem as bad," said Barbara Braunstein, 59, a retired psychologist who lives in Westbury. "But reading it, it's still tumultuous. It was that intense.

"A wave of "Yes!" rippled around the room.

"The '60s opened with 'Ozzie and Harriet' and ended with drugs and Woodstock and turmoil," said Braunstein. "Change came out of it."

Change.

That was the word repeatedly heard to describe the '60s. The explosive era was being revisited at the monthly book club in Meadowbrook Pointe, a 55+ community in Westbury. The inspiration came from Tom Brokaw's latest, "Boom! Voices of the Sixties: Personal Reflections on the '60s and Today."

Brokaw writes, "Boom! One minute it was Ike and the man in the gray flannel suit and the lonely crowd ... and the next minute it was time to 'Turn on, tune in, drop out,' time for 'We Shall Overcome' and 'Burn, baby, burn.'"

"Boom!" is a journey through tumultuous times featuring the famous and the unknown. The author describes it as "a virtual reunion of a cross section of the Sixties crowd, in an effort to discover what we might learn from each other, 40 years later."

"The book has been successful because Brokaw succeeds in shedding light on one of the most turbulent decades in American history," said Barbara Fillon, a Random House publicist. The publisher says that 600,000 copies are in print.

"The Worst Generation?" That was the fictitious title some of Brokaw's baby boomer friends feared the 67-year-old author of "The Greatest Generation" (about the Americans who fought in World War II) might assign to his latest book.

"I assured my boomer buddies," Brokaw writes, "that I don't think they represent the worst -- far from it -- but I also teased that I didn't think many of them were as great as they thought they were."

Identified by their age (born between 1946 and 1964), boomers -- an estimated 78.2 million -- are not a homogenous group but are America's biggest generation. Now they are preparing for retirement and engaging in the kind of reflection that's been their trademark.

So it's no surprise that Brokaw's bestseller has become a catalyst for discussion for boomers on Long Island.

Decade of diversity

"There was no single Sixties shared by everyone," noted Dominick Cavallo, 61, of Sea Cliff, a history professor at Adelphi and author of "A Fiction of the Past: The Sixties in American History." "Whether you were black or white, female or male, gay or heterosexual, born at the start of the Baby Boom era or near its conclusion, opposed the war in Vietnam, fought in it or did both, these and a host of other factors contributed to how you experienced that decade."

Cavallo said he enjoyed "Boom!" "Brokaw did a wonderful job of exposing the diversity, turmoil, hope and violence of the decade."The story in "Boom!" that spoke to Eticia Sosnick, 63, who attended the Meadowbrook Pointe book club in late January, was that of Dr. Susan Miller. In the book, Miller recalls her sixth-grade male teacher's response to her essay about wanting to be a doctor: Come back when you graduate from high school; you'll find out about boys, and you'll want to get married. After Miller was admitted to UCLA Medical School, where women were extremely uncommon, she wrote him a note. Eventually she opened her own practice, with all female partners.

Sosnick, a retired teacher, said, "Back then, you could become a mother, a teacher, a nurse -- that was it."

Heads nodded in agreement.

"I couldn't get into honors math," said Sosnick, who remembers a male teacher saying, 'You're a girl. What do you need math for?'

What struck Candyce Goldstein, who teaches handicapped teenagers, was the socioeconomic division in relation to the war. Brokaw points out the students protesting had tuition paidby their parents, freeing them to take a stand. Kids whocouldn't afford college went to war.

Comparisons to Iraq were voiced. People said what hasn'tchanged, despite the absence of a draft, is the demographics ofthose fighting. Brokaw talks about the disconnect "moststriking between the working class, where voluntary participation in the military is high, and the privileged class, where it is not."

Elizabeth Olesh, of the Nassau Library System, conducted the book discussion and asked the group of approximately two dozen residents, "Was the experience of the '60s for you similar to what you read in the book?"

"Exactly what I remember," said Carole Smith, 59, a retired assistant principal, who particularly enjoyed Brokaw's coverage of college campuses and presidential candidates.

The room full of women -- the book club is not gender-specific,but no men attended -- began talking about Hillary Rodham Clinton's determination, activism in college, successful career and hopes for the presidency.

"Hillary grew up in this world," said Shelley Gluskin, 55,referring to Clinton's '60s sensibilities and her mother being influenced by Betty Friedan, the author of "The Feminine Mystique." "My mother's aspiration was for me to be a secretary and marry the boss," said Gluskin, a special-education teacher.

"Women my age," said Olesh, 34, "sometimes take for granted therights and privileges -- being able to vote and have a credit card."

"And abortion," added Gluskin.

The discussion found its way to fashion, but not for fashion's sake. Braunstein attended Queens College and recalled not being allowed in the cafeteria if she was wearing pants.

Franne Goldberg, 59, remembers the United Federation of Teachers finally allowing women to wear pants. "Our principal said, 'Please, don't all come in tomorrow wearing pants,' which is exactly what happened."

A few weeks earlier, Paul Arfin, 67, of Hauppauge, had hosted a"Boom!" book discussion at his home at Newsday's request. Arfin, chief executive of Intergenerational Strategies, a nonprofit organization championing the fight against ageism, graduated Adelphi University in 1962, joined the Peace Corps and lived in rural Colombia from 1963 through 1965. He came home to a country he felt needed change. "I was struck by the racism and poverty amidst plenty I saw here and upset by it. I identified with the anti-war protesters and civil rights advocates and marched in local protest events, attended thePoor People's March on Washington ... and contributed to progressive causes."

Those gathered with Arfin spoke about the intense enthusiasm for social change and the horror of the decade's violence. Brokaw himself addressed that violence in a book tour stop in Manhattan recently. Brokaw spoke about that defining moment,when as a young reporter he heard of President John F.Kennedy's death. "I remember thinking: 'This will change us.'"

Brokaw's comment resonated with another person at Arfin's home, Sari Goren of Melville, who said the assassination changed her world view. "JFK's assassination was a beginning of another era," and when she saw Jack Ruby kill Lee Harvey Oswald on TV afew days later, she remembers thinking: "What's going on here?"

Judy Pannullo, executive director of Suffolk Community Council,was inspired by the civil-rights activists' bravery in the South. "This may have been what led me to work 20-some-oddyears later -- after raising my four children -- at the Long Island Progressive Coalition," said Pannullo, 59, of Babylon Village. "When I learned of the activism of the Coalition, Ifelt I had come 'home.'"

Civil rights were an explosive issue, dividing the nation. Ann Fry, 62, of Manhattan, and chief executive of It's Boomer Time,a social and business networking resource for Boomers, recalled hearing the news on the radio the Civil Rights Act had passed. She was thrilled. A friend's response, she recalled, was different: Maybe you want to eat and sleep with them, but I don't.

Another Long Island boomer who read the book faulted it for an omission. "For me, the most surprising aspect of the book wasthat there was just one reference to whom I consider the

'Father of the Boomers' -- the late Dr. Benjamin Spock," said John Herman, 56, of Dix Hills, a manager of database administration in Queens. "Although we boomers proudly proclaim that we defined our generation, it was Dr. Spock who unintentionally took on the role of surrogate parent and defined our values."

Proud accomplishment

Despite the conflicts, challenges and changes, all those reading and talking about the book seemed proud of their '60s experience and baby boomer status.

Brokaw writes: "There is a longing among us to take the best from across the spectrum of the '60s and find common ways to deal with the lingering problems of that time, as well as with the new challenges arising every day. It is my hope that this virtual reunion of some of those who experienced the '60s from so many different perspectives will be a catalyst for our moving on together, with fresh ideas and lessons learned."

Forty years later, in the midst of an unpopular war and in the throes of another presidential campaign, change is once againthe word heard.

"As a country, electing a woman or an African American is still a long shot," said Smith at the book discussion in Westbury."If Hillary or Obama make it as president, then I'll think the'60s made a difference."

Library Lobby Day - Get on the bus, y'all!

2008-02-15T11:40:00.002-05:00

It’s time for NCLA’s annual Library Legislation Day bus trip to Albany! We need as many library advocates as possible to communicate to our legislators the importance of libraries in New York State. To better serve our communities, the legislature needs to close the funding gap between where library aid funding should be and where it stands now. We encourage all library staff, administrators, trustees and Friends groups to attend.

In traveling to Albany you’ll spend a memorable day with your colleagues. You will begin your trip on a luxury motor coach. Bring a beverage of your choice and we’ll provide the bagels with all the trimmings. During the trip you will be given briefing packets and backup information regarding the legislative issues important to Long Island libraries. Sandwiches and beverages will be served on the trip back. You’ll be surrounded with lively conversation, camaraderie and a sense of achievement.

The NCLA buses will depart on Tuesday, March 11, at 6:45 a.m. from the NLS parking lot and from Christopher Morley Park. For any questions call Elizabeth Olesh at Nassau Library System. Preregistration is required; the deadline is Tuesday, March 4th - for details, please contact Elizabeth.

This trip is free for NCLA members. There is a $5.00 fee for non-members. Non-members please include a $5.00 check payable to NCLA.

All Starbucks stores closing on February 26th for training!

2008-02-14T11:42:00.002-05:00

This is fast becoming a blog devoted to Starbucks, and I know I shouldn't be a corporate shill, but as an Information Professional, I see it as my duty to pass this along to you:
------------------------------------------------

Starbucks nationwide to close for emergency re-training Feb. 26

Posted Feb 13th 2008 7:46PM by Sarah Gilbert

I know I'm not the only one who's complained that Starbucks baristas don't know how to make a decent latte any more. Far from its roots as the reliable place to get coffee made exactly right, the chain has lately become famous for its automatic machines and the hit-or-miss quality of its products.

Howard Schultz is here to change all that: by shutting down Every Last Store nationwide for three hours on Tuesday, February 26. Starting at 5:30 p.m., baristas in the coffee giant's 7,100 stores will learn how to do things better. They'll learn how to make a perfect shot, how to steam milk, and (if we have anything to say about it) how not to burn coffee, and how to wipe the milk steamer before switching from dairy to soy milk. (Vegans everywhere will say thank you.)

While it's doubtful that three hours of training will reverse years of gathering mediocrity, it's certainly a symbol of a company that cares about quality. If Howard is serious about this change stuff (and it's obvious that he is), he'll consider switching back to manual latte machines, at least in some stores located in serious coffee markets (like certain neighborhoods in Seattle, Portland and San Francisco). Speed and convenience is no price to pay for really good coffee. Some customers will agree; others will probably mutter swearwords under their breath as they pull up to their local Starbucks only to find it Closed For Training in a couple of weeks. Which customer are you?

Iced Green Tea Lemonade

2008-02-13T11:04:00.002-05:00

I am happy to report that a grande iced green tea lemonade only has 130 calories. Of course, I can drink several.

Ask them to shake it, and to use classic syrup. It tastes different if they don't shake it!

Controversy brews at Starbucks

2008-02-13T08:23:00.002-05:00

So in case you're not aware of this, being Customer of the Week at my local Starbucks means I am entitled to free beverages there for a week. This doesn't just apply to coffee - I can get venti mocha frappachinos or iced green tea lemonades all day. It almost feels like I'm stealing.

So, I walk into Stop and Shop on Monday afternoon and go over to the Starbucks. After I order, I explain that I am Customer of the Week and the barista (who happens to be the manager) says, "YOU'RE the Customer of the Week? Are you sure? Some other woman came in here earlier and said that she was Elizabeth."

Can you BELIEVE that? Someone said they were ME so they could get FREE COFFEE?

The manager called for another barista who knows me and said barista verified that yes, I am the Elizabeth who is Customer of the Week. Really, they should give you a card or something to show them each time you come in with the dates that you are entitled to this amazing benefit.

Proof that I spend way too much time in Starbucks

2008-02-10T21:27:00.001-05:00

And you think YOU'RE having a bad day....

2008-02-08T13:37:00.000-05:00

Watch this video and weep (with laughter)

http://glumbert.com/wii/view.php?name=baddayoffice

Important Announcement! Really!

2008-01-28T09:46:00.000-05:00

The Long Island Reads "How to Run a Book Discussion Group on Aloft" workshop will take place here at Nassau Library System on Tuesday, February 5th at 9:30 am.

Not at Farmingdale.

So don't go there. Well, you can, but the speaker and handouts and coffee will be here at NLS.

Roseanne will contact everyone who signed up individually, too.

Thanks.

Chicken Jokes

2008-01-23T12:53:00.000-05:00

Our Fearless Leader sent these to me yesterday to help me get through another stressful day. They made me laugh out loud, so I will now pass them along to you, and invite you to share your own chicken jokes with us.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

PAT BUCHANAN:
To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

GEORGE W. BUSH:
We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.

BILL CLINTON:
I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. What is your definition of chicken?

AL GORE:
I invented the chicken!

DICK CHENEY :
Where's my gun?

ANDERSON COOPER - CNN:
We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.

NANCY GRACE:
That chicken crossed the road because he's GUILTY! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

JOHN KERRY:
Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.

COLIN POWELL:
Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road...

MARTHA STEWART:
No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY:
To die in the rain. Alone.

ALBERT EINSTEIN:
Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?

JERRY FALWELL:
Because the chicken was gay! Can't you people see the plain truth?' That's why they call it the 'other side.' Yes, my friends, that chicken is gay. And if you eat that chicken, you will become gay too. I say we boycott all chickens until we sort out this abomination that the liberal media white washes with seemingly harmless phrases like 'the other side. That chicken should not be crossing the road. It's as plain and as simple as that.

GRANDPA:
In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.

ARISTOTLE:
It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

DR. PHIL:
The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on 'THIS' side of the road before it goes after the problem on the 'OTHER SIDE' of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his 'CURRENT' problems before adding 'NEW' problems.

OPRAH:
Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.

BILL GATES:
I have just released eChicken2007, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your check book. Internet Explorer is an integral part of eChicken. This new platform is much more stable and will never cra...#@&&^(C% ........ reboot.

BARBARA WALTERS:
Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its life long dream of crossing the road.

JOHN LENNON:
Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.

COLONEL SANDERS:
Did I miss one?

AL SHARPTON:
Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens.

DR SEUSS:
Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.

Who can turn the world on with her smile?

2008-01-18T12:44:00.001-05:00

The Public Library Association Housing Office can! Thanks for finding a room for me so I can attend the upcoming conference and not have to sleep on the chilly streets of Minneapolis (or in the tunnels).

What should you do when you know you're going to have a crazy week?

2008-01-15T08:59:00.000-05:00

I recommend buying yourself flowers. That's what I did. A photo of said flowers is at left. Yes, it's sideways, but that's okay - it's an appropriate reflection of my mental state at this moment.

I have meetings almost every day and night this week. I knew it was going to get crazy, so I wanted something on my desk to remind me about the natural world and the things that really matter in life.

I woke up "late" this morning. For me, this means I got into work kind-of-early, instead of my usual super-early. I stumbled around my bedroom and tried to find something suitable and fashionable to wear. I know that some of you who are even busier that I find this funny. You're probably so busy that you don't even have time to use the bathroom. You're reading this on your Blackberry, in your car, wearing purple pants, a pink sweater, and an adult diaper, laughing at my pitiful excuse for busyness. Perhaps you just looked down and realized that you forgot to wear shoes today. You think I'm being silly.

That's okay. I have flowers. And BTW, I'm even wearing shoes that match each other.

foto: Modernity in Central Europe, 1918-1945

2008-01-14T09:53:00.000-05:00

I saw this exhibition this weekend. It was amazing. Now it's moving on from the Guggenheim to other museums. What more can I say?

You can read about it and see some of the images at the Guggenheim's website (look in "Past Exhibits"). I learned about it through a story on WNYC radio. Take a listen to some art!

http://www.wnyc.org/news/articles/91684

A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink

2008-01-14T09:26:00.000-05:00

Those of you you attended last week's Leadership workshop with James Vollbracht probably recognize the image on the right. It's the front cover of A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink. James brought a copy with him, along with Good to Great by Jim Collins. I was intrigued when James said that one premise in Pink's book is that "the MFA is the new MBA," so I picked up a copy myself and read it over the weekend.

Let me tell you, this isn't just another futurist prediction, despite the subtitle ("Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future"). Rather, this is an amazing guide to living a fulfilling life, to doing well by doing good. It includes a scientific overview of the brain (this part is fairly basic - you probably know a lot of it already), evidence that many left-brain attributes we have lauded in the past and present in Western society will be less valued in the future due to Abundance, Automation, and Asia, and exercises to help us develop the right-brain senses of design, story, symphony, empathy, play, and meaning. He never says that we should completely abandon left-brain stuff like logic, but that we need to have "a whole new mind."

I am going to write to all of the participants from the workshop later, and I would like to suggest that we all read the book and meet to try some of the exercises together. We may need to meet more than once - I would suggest one meeting for each of the six senses, but perhaps that is too ambitious.

I'll leave you with a link to a You Tube video about Dr. Madan Kataria, who along with his yoga instructor wife designed Laughing Clubs, which now take place around the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXEfjVnYkqM

Conference Tips

2008-01-11T12:36:00.000-05:00

A library school student who is about to attend her first conference in Philadelphia and asked me to share my conference-going tips with her. I've decided to share the wealth with you. Enjoy!

Pictured at left: Librarians eat cookies at conferences! Photo from the 2007 NYLA Conference Vitality Event by Zahra M. Baird.
---------------------------------------------

1) Look over the schedule before you get to the conference so you can plan your day(s). When I am attending programs, I try to look for interesting speakers, and then interesting topics. The right speaker can make accessioning fascinating. The wrong speaker can make Reader's Advisory sound dull as dust.

2) If you have business cards or your own calling cards, bring them. Yes, the vendors now use those little electronic reader machines for raffles, but you never know when a fellow librarian will ask for your card. Be prepared.

3) If you have a specialty, yes, you want to attend a few programs about your specialty, but I also think it is a good practice to look for a program or meeting about something totally out of your scope. You'll learn something new and the faces will be different.

4) The impulse is to run oneself ragged. Try to avoid this. You will see people napping on the floor in the conference center. I have been one of these people. Try not to be one of these people.

5) Vendors give away tons of free stuff, including lots of free books. Don't feel shy about taking advantage of this. If you see something that you know one of your co-workers back at the ranch would enjoy, get a copy for them.

6) Figure out where the USPS / UPS / ALA post offices are (usually, they are right on the exhibition floor) so you can mail home your free stuff, if need be. Unless you are driving down and can put it in your car. The "rules" say "no rolling bags on the exhibition floor," but I have seen people with rolling bags.

7) Make time to drink water and eat something.

8) When you get home, share what you learned, since most people don't get to attend the conference. This goes beyond writing a report. Talk with other staff members about what you learned. If possible, share exercises from meetings. See what you might want to implement in your neck of the woods.

9) Stay in touch with the colleagues you've met at the conference. The relationships you build with them are probably the most important aspect of your conference time.

Oh, I almost forgot!: 10) Look for the events with free food!

Oh, and one more: 11) Dress in layers. The program rooms can be cold, but trust me, you'll get hot running around the conference center and exhibition floor.

See what a font of conference-going knowledge I am? Next stop for me: PLA Minneapolis.

A Librarian / Student's Work is Never Done

2008-01-08T15:06:00.000-05:00

Is this weather creepily gorgeous or what?

I have a few hours off - sort of. I'm faciliating a meeting at Sea Cliff this evening, so I am home. Of course, even though it is beautiful out, I am indoors, working on my prints for our group show at school. This takes longer than you might think, even though they are digital prints. I still need to get the colors right, work on the size, etc. and then mount the prints on art mats. Then comes the question of what to name the prints and whether or not to sign them. I think I will pose that question to our study group's online discussion.

The show will take place at Empire State College, 325 Hudson Street, 5th floor. We're supposed to bring our work on Saturday, but I don't know if that means the show is definitely going up on Saturday. I'll let my adoring audience know more as soon as I can. And no, I'm not posting the images that I'm putting in the show here yet - I want you to go see them!

In any case, I was able to get out and about this morning to run an errand for tomorrow's Leadership workshop (Are you coming? It's going to be fabulous!) and pick up some boxes of donated books at one of our libraries (Reminder - please don't put the boxes of donations on the NLS truck. Either bring them when you come for a program or I will come to you to pick them up. More boxes of donated books on the truck equals less space on the trucks for intraloaned materials.) Just being able to drive around with the windows down and Leonard Lopate cranked up was glorious. I know - I'm an NPR nerd. I also had the "opportunity" to walk our dogs when I got home, during which I saw a fellow librarian driving down the block - this world is just too small!

One Additional Activity From My Time Off

2008-01-07T08:55:00.001-05:00

Bowling!

I bowled a 40 without bumpers and a 107 with. Woo hoo! Go me!

I think it's good for everyone to have at least one activity at which they stink. Keeps you humble.

What I Did During My Days Off

2008-01-06T12:41:00.000-05:00

1) Ate things I never eat in real life.
2) Drank more coffee than the legal limit.
3) Started work on my Nan Goldin paper. Really!
4) Did mounds of laundry - so why is my home still full of dirty clothes?
5) Organized my sock drawer.
6) Visited the Met.
7) Discovered that my downstairs neighbors have hopelessly pedestrian taste in music. They were listening to "Hotel California" earlier. What's next - "Margaritaville"? Damn.
8) Saw "Juno."
9) Only drank one green apple bubble tea - but I still have time to improve that.
10) This space left intentionally blank.