Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Momcat
Well, it had to happen. I've been asked to take care of a mom and her new-born litter again. This time all are black and look like tiny mice at 5 days old. Mom is feeding them well obviously since they all have very round tiny tummies. She lets me pick them up-they fill a palm-while she eats. Someone had left "Princess" at a shelter after she'd been abandoned when the owners discovered her pregnancy. Now, she has a lovely room with soft carpeting for the babies to roam on once their eyes open. This should occur in another 5 days. They'll be very dark blue at first and gradually change to their permanent color-most likely green-yellow. At first the four won't roam far since the use their legs like flippers at this point. But, gradually they'll be running around like maniacs. At that point I'll put out all the toy balls and catnip mice for them to pounce on. Now we wait for them to grow steadily each day. It will be fun to name them once we see their personalities emerge. All must have P names to match their mothers: Peri, Patty, Pammy, etc.!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
I HEARD IT ON THE GRAPEVINE II
NON-FICTION
2006 Mortenson, G THREE CUPS OF TEA
One man' misson to promote peace one school at a time. The political climate of Pakistan is much in the news currently, so in the past few years this book has soared in popularity, as have both the young adult and children's versions.
2006 Krakauer, J INTO THIN AIR
Originally, this author was best know to readers of outdoor sports magazines. His popularity soared with the publication of this true tale of derring-do, and mortal errors, on Mount Everest.
1998 Bryson, B. A WALK IN THE WOODS
Few had ever heard of this American author, who had spent much of his life living in England, before the publication of this book. Who would want to read about hiking the Appalachian Trail? Oh, but we all discovered we would, because the colorful characters we met along the way had us laughing so hard we cried. At least that's what we told each other, and simply had to find out for ourselves.
1997 Albom, M TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE
Would people really want to read about a devoted student's visits to a beloved professor who was dying? Yes, they would, in great numbers. The book touched a chord of curiosity, as well as sympathy, Perhaps it raised the idea of getting in touch with a beloved mentor ourselves sometime before it's too late.
1972 Herriot, J ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
Set in Yorkshire, England, in the early decades of the twentieth century, these tales of country vets and the stalwart farmers with their sheep and cattle, captured the hearts of American readers immediately. We all were fascinated that an actual practicing veterinarian had such wonderful story-telling skills, capturing the personalities of both humans and animals alike. No one could wait for the next installment, and fortunately several more were forthcoming.
2006 Mortenson, G THREE CUPS OF TEA
One man' misson to promote peace one school at a time. The political climate of Pakistan is much in the news currently, so in the past few years this book has soared in popularity, as have both the young adult and children's versions.
2006 Krakauer, J INTO THIN AIR
Originally, this author was best know to readers of outdoor sports magazines. His popularity soared with the publication of this true tale of derring-do, and mortal errors, on Mount Everest.
1998 Bryson, B. A WALK IN THE WOODS
Few had ever heard of this American author, who had spent much of his life living in England, before the publication of this book. Who would want to read about hiking the Appalachian Trail? Oh, but we all discovered we would, because the colorful characters we met along the way had us laughing so hard we cried. At least that's what we told each other, and simply had to find out for ourselves.
1997 Albom, M TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE
Would people really want to read about a devoted student's visits to a beloved professor who was dying? Yes, they would, in great numbers. The book touched a chord of curiosity, as well as sympathy, Perhaps it raised the idea of getting in touch with a beloved mentor ourselves sometime before it's too late.
1972 Herriot, J ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
Set in Yorkshire, England, in the early decades of the twentieth century, these tales of country vets and the stalwart farmers with their sheep and cattle, captured the hearts of American readers immediately. We all were fascinated that an actual practicing veterinarian had such wonderful story-telling skills, capturing the personalities of both humans and animals alike. No one could wait for the next installment, and fortunately several more were forthcoming.
I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
OR......WHY SOME BOOKS BY UNKNOWN AUTHORS GO VIRAL
DUE TO WORD-OF-MOUTH RECOMMENDATIONS.......
FICTION
2010 Donoghue, E. THE ROOM
Who would have thought that a story that takes place in one tiny room could capture the imagination of so many?
2009 Stockett, K. THE HELP
Still on the Best Seller List, this story about Southern households in the 1960's propelled an unknown author out of obscurity. When I read it, I recommended it to everyone I knew. Book Clubs soon discovered it--the rest is history.
2008 Larsson, S. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
No one had ever heard of this Swedish author until readers began talking about his dark, intriguing mysteries with a very strong female character. Two sequels, as well as movies based on their unusual plots, have followed. (There is a rumor that there may be a fourth manuscript, which would have to be published posthumously.)
2007 Genova, L. STILL ALICE
This author originally struggled to find a publisher, so she had it printed herself in paperback. Word got out, however, that this harrowing tale of a Cambridge professor's gradual realization that she has Alzheimer's Disease was riveting and all too realistic. The scene in which she can read street signs, but can't remember how to go home, sums it all up.
2003 Brown, D. THE DA VINCI CODE
The question "Who is Dan Brown?" was quickly followed by "Have you read the DVC?" Soon intense questions about Christian history and theology were being asked by people who had never had much interest in those fields of study before. The author constantly reiterated that it was a work of fiction, but couldn't quell the wild speculation which followed its publication.
Others: Shreve-THE PILOT'S WIFE, Auel,CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR, mcCullough, THORN BIRDS,Puzo, THE GODFATHER, Waller, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY
DUE TO WORD-OF-MOUTH RECOMMENDATIONS.......
FICTION
2010 Donoghue, E. THE ROOM
Who would have thought that a story that takes place in one tiny room could capture the imagination of so many?
2009 Stockett, K. THE HELP
Still on the Best Seller List, this story about Southern households in the 1960's propelled an unknown author out of obscurity. When I read it, I recommended it to everyone I knew. Book Clubs soon discovered it--the rest is history.
2008 Larsson, S. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
No one had ever heard of this Swedish author until readers began talking about his dark, intriguing mysteries with a very strong female character. Two sequels, as well as movies based on their unusual plots, have followed. (There is a rumor that there may be a fourth manuscript, which would have to be published posthumously.)
2007 Genova, L. STILL ALICE
This author originally struggled to find a publisher, so she had it printed herself in paperback. Word got out, however, that this harrowing tale of a Cambridge professor's gradual realization that she has Alzheimer's Disease was riveting and all too realistic. The scene in which she can read street signs, but can't remember how to go home, sums it all up.
2003 Brown, D. THE DA VINCI CODE
The question "Who is Dan Brown?" was quickly followed by "Have you read the DVC?" Soon intense questions about Christian history and theology were being asked by people who had never had much interest in those fields of study before. The author constantly reiterated that it was a work of fiction, but couldn't quell the wild speculation which followed its publication.
Others: Shreve-THE PILOT'S WIFE, Auel,CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR, mcCullough, THORN BIRDS,Puzo, THE GODFATHER, Waller, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Bike and the Book
When I was introduced to Philippe Melot, I thought I was going to hear a fascinating tale of his trip across the United States by bicycle. As chatted leisurely I became aware that, to paraphrase Lance Armstrong, it was not "about the bike". Rather, Phillipe wanted to tell me of his experiences in the vast panorama that is this country.
He was part of a group of 35 well-seasoned, long-distance athletes, all of whom wanted to see America "by the seat of their pants", literally. They had made a wide variety of arrangements for sleeping, eating and communicating with their families, but didn't realize the impact that these were to have on their overall experience. Indeed it was the daily offering of comforts that had some of the biggest impact on Philippe, particularly.
The two institutions that impressed him the most were schools and libraries. He became quite smitten by the people who reached out to them, offering anything they needed. He kept repeating how both professional and kind the librarians were, hooking them all up with wi fi for their laptops. It's amazing to think that all across the country tiny libraries can offer this world-wide service to residents and strangers alike.
I introduced Philippe to the best-seller "Dewey, the small-town library cat" by Vicki Myron. It is the exact picture of hominess and helpfulness all rolled into one that he had described. He is writing a book which will be much different from this one, but be filled with fascinating American, libraries, and bicyclists.
Philippe will be coming back to Marion this winter to work on his writing. Of course a lot of time will be spent in our library, using our resources, including wi fi! I am hoping he'll join us for an afternoon's get-together and share his experiences with everyone. He told me it was time that Alexis de Toqueville's "Democracy in America" was updated. I couldn't agree more!
He was part of a group of 35 well-seasoned, long-distance athletes, all of whom wanted to see America "by the seat of their pants", literally. They had made a wide variety of arrangements for sleeping, eating and communicating with their families, but didn't realize the impact that these were to have on their overall experience. Indeed it was the daily offering of comforts that had some of the biggest impact on Philippe, particularly.
The two institutions that impressed him the most were schools and libraries. He became quite smitten by the people who reached out to them, offering anything they needed. He kept repeating how both professional and kind the librarians were, hooking them all up with wi fi for their laptops. It's amazing to think that all across the country tiny libraries can offer this world-wide service to residents and strangers alike.
I introduced Philippe to the best-seller "Dewey, the small-town library cat" by Vicki Myron. It is the exact picture of hominess and helpfulness all rolled into one that he had described. He is writing a book which will be much different from this one, but be filled with fascinating American, libraries, and bicyclists.
Philippe will be coming back to Marion this winter to work on his writing. Of course a lot of time will be spent in our library, using our resources, including wi fi! I am hoping he'll join us for an afternoon's get-together and share his experiences with everyone. He told me it was time that Alexis de Toqueville's "Democracy in America" was updated. I couldn't agree more!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
KINDLE-FRIEND OR FOE OF THE BOOK?
I'm revisiting our last "zine" entitled, "Is the book dead?" A very generous library patron gave me an Amazon Kindle for Christmas. He said to load it up with books, magazines, newspapers, and to see what it was like to read materials in this format, and also to think of library applications for the future. I took it with me to my family's celebration in New York, where we had a wonderful time figuring out how it worked, as well as purchasing items to read at our leisure.
Most of you have seen this device advertised on Amazon's website for about $300. It obviously is not inexpensive. However, it allows you to order entire books, magazines, and newspapers for very little-about $9, versus the hardcover price which averages close to $25 for books. These are listed by subject category. Once purchased, each title is down-loaded onto your personal list site, available at any time by a mere finger stroke.( The kindle bookstore does not include all titles available through Amazon.) It does, however, include a lot of classic titles, particularly children's which are available FREE.
So far I have ordered:
Rutherfurd, E. NEW YORK, THE NOVEL
Alcott, L LITTLE WOMEN
Larsson, S THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
Rollins, J THE ALTAR OF EDEN
U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT-SCHOOL ISSUE
I have had the fun of reading them in docotor's offices, waiting for meetings to begin, at my desk at the library, and even in bed. The type is very easy to read and the screen's color is comfortable to view. My eyes weren't affected adversely at all. People who travel a lot, like my sister, say they're invaluable in airports when you have delays and can find nothing you like at the newsstand. Even aloft, if you finish one title, you can order up another instantaneously!
There are no pages to turn, merely buttons to push, which really is not as satisfying somehow. The whole thing is very light, however, so it really could be a help to people with wrist and hand problems, particularly the elderly, who might want to read a longer book, like the Rutherfurd, but are daunted by the sheer poundage. I found myself just mesmerized by the text, however. The format did not take away anything from the words themselves.
Certainly, as an adjunct to the codex form as we know it, this is wonderful. There are times and places that it will be an invaluable asset . (You can even get it on your much smaller Ifone).
In-house library use may be problematic. It would have to be checked out, after surrendering a driver's license perhaps, for a few hours at most. (It can't be left unattended on a table for obvious reasons.) New titles would have to be okayed, ordered and paid for by the librarian on her established account. Over-night borrowing is possible, but again something would have to be demanded, perhaps a high refundable fee, to insure its return in a timely fashion.
Meanwhile, we are incorporating its use into our Long Range Plan 2010-2015, since we realize that there will be an explosion of technology and its uses in the library in the next five years. This device, along with new ones coming from such competitors as Apple, will find their places in libraries for sure, but will never replace hardcopy in the shape of books and periodicals entirely. They will, however, greatly change the use of space in ways as yet unimaginable.
Most of you have seen this device advertised on Amazon's website for about $300. It obviously is not inexpensive. However, it allows you to order entire books, magazines, and newspapers for very little-about $9, versus the hardcover price which averages close to $25 for books. These are listed by subject category. Once purchased, each title is down-loaded onto your personal list site, available at any time by a mere finger stroke.( The kindle bookstore does not include all titles available through Amazon.) It does, however, include a lot of classic titles, particularly children's which are available FREE.
So far I have ordered:
Rutherfurd, E. NEW YORK, THE NOVEL
Alcott, L LITTLE WOMEN
Larsson, S THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
Rollins, J THE ALTAR OF EDEN
U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT-SCHOOL ISSUE
I have had the fun of reading them in docotor's offices, waiting for meetings to begin, at my desk at the library, and even in bed. The type is very easy to read and the screen's color is comfortable to view. My eyes weren't affected adversely at all. People who travel a lot, like my sister, say they're invaluable in airports when you have delays and can find nothing you like at the newsstand. Even aloft, if you finish one title, you can order up another instantaneously!
There are no pages to turn, merely buttons to push, which really is not as satisfying somehow. The whole thing is very light, however, so it really could be a help to people with wrist and hand problems, particularly the elderly, who might want to read a longer book, like the Rutherfurd, but are daunted by the sheer poundage. I found myself just mesmerized by the text, however. The format did not take away anything from the words themselves.
Certainly, as an adjunct to the codex form as we know it, this is wonderful. There are times and places that it will be an invaluable asset . (You can even get it on your much smaller Ifone).
In-house library use may be problematic. It would have to be checked out, after surrendering a driver's license perhaps, for a few hours at most. (It can't be left unattended on a table for obvious reasons.) New titles would have to be okayed, ordered and paid for by the librarian on her established account. Over-night borrowing is possible, but again something would have to be demanded, perhaps a high refundable fee, to insure its return in a timely fashion.
Meanwhile, we are incorporating its use into our Long Range Plan 2010-2015, since we realize that there will be an explosion of technology and its uses in the library in the next five years. This device, along with new ones coming from such competitors as Apple, will find their places in libraries for sure, but will never replace hardcopy in the shape of books and periodicals entirely. They will, however, greatly change the use of space in ways as yet unimaginable.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
IS THE BOOK DEAD?
I recently read two books, "The Tyranny of E-mail", by John Freeman and "The Case for Books: Past, Present and Future" by Robert Darnton. Both deal with the huge changes in how we share information currently, and how they affect the way we learn and connect. I have written previously about the influence of cell phones on the plots of movies and stories, but now would like to look at digitization and its effect on reading and libraries.
The book as we know it, or codex, has been pronounced "dead" many times. We all do a tremendous amount of reading on-line, so that looms as a possibility. However, even Bill Gates has said: "Reading off the screen is still vastly inferior to reading off paper. Even, I who have these expensive screens and fancy myself as a pioneer of this Web Lifestyle, when it comes to something over about four or five pages, I print it out and I like to have it to carry around with me and annotate....."
The much-talked-about project, potentially full of pitfalls, which the libraries and world in general are watching, is Google's mammoth digitization project. The claim to 100% of texts is exaggerated. As Darnton says, some very valuable writing could be in the percent not included for a variety of reasons. Materials from five great American libraries will be used, but this doesn't come close to the material in all such institutions.
Another crucial issue revolves around copyright infringement. It currently extends to the author's life plus seventy years. Google can display only part of the text for those still under copyright. Also likely is that Google may make mistakes, skip pages, blur images. There are no guarantees that the format will last forever either. Bits can deteriorate, hardware and software go out of date, as may even encoding.
Finally, even if the copy is totally accurate, there are characteristics of a book that cannot be captured. The very act of HOLDING a book has aspects that appeal to readers like: size, texture, smell, quality of printing, clarity of illustrations. These physical attributes reflect its history in a specific culture and place, not even mentioning fascinating notes left in the margins.
To be avoided, and librarians are in the forefront of this protest, is the "monopoly of access to information." According to Darnton, "Anyone who commands the portals to digital data can act as a toll collector, making you pay to enter the information highway." In Google's case it can charge whatever it wants in the future. A scary thought indeed.
The book as we know it, or codex, has been pronounced "dead" many times. We all do a tremendous amount of reading on-line, so that looms as a possibility. However, even Bill Gates has said: "Reading off the screen is still vastly inferior to reading off paper. Even, I who have these expensive screens and fancy myself as a pioneer of this Web Lifestyle, when it comes to something over about four or five pages, I print it out and I like to have it to carry around with me and annotate....."
The much-talked-about project, potentially full of pitfalls, which the libraries and world in general are watching, is Google's mammoth digitization project. The claim to 100% of texts is exaggerated. As Darnton says, some very valuable writing could be in the percent not included for a variety of reasons. Materials from five great American libraries will be used, but this doesn't come close to the material in all such institutions.
Another crucial issue revolves around copyright infringement. It currently extends to the author's life plus seventy years. Google can display only part of the text for those still under copyright. Also likely is that Google may make mistakes, skip pages, blur images. There are no guarantees that the format will last forever either. Bits can deteriorate, hardware and software go out of date, as may even encoding.
Finally, even if the copy is totally accurate, there are characteristics of a book that cannot be captured. The very act of HOLDING a book has aspects that appeal to readers like: size, texture, smell, quality of printing, clarity of illustrations. These physical attributes reflect its history in a specific culture and place, not even mentioning fascinating notes left in the margins.
To be avoided, and librarians are in the forefront of this protest, is the "monopoly of access to information." According to Darnton, "Anyone who commands the portals to digital data can act as a toll collector, making you pay to enter the information highway." In Google's case it can charge whatever it wants in the future. A scary thought indeed.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
JUDIE'S FALL FAVORITE AUTHOR PICKS
Herewith a list of hot titles coming out in the next few months, traditionally a really prolific publishing time. (A note: see the Paws & Claws blog "Homer's Odyssey" for my absolute favorite.)
September-Brown, Dan LOST SYMBOL- All that is known at this time is that the hero is Dan Langdon and it takes place over a 12 hour period. (9/3/09). Very hush hush......
Doctorow, E.L. HOMER & LANGLEY-Through the eyes of the infamous hoarder Collyer brothers we travel from the early 20th century through the 1980's. The two men wall themselves off from the changing world in their Harlem brownstone, surrounding themselves with old newspapers, musical instruments and other curiosities.
Shreve, Anita A CHANGE IN ALTITUDE-Geraldine had only planned on staying in Kenya for a year, when she traveled there with her husband. A horrific accident while on a climbing expedition changes their marriage forever.
October- Cornwell, P. THE SCARPETTA FACTOR-Dr. Kay Scarpetta is working in New York City, and must face a threat on her life , as well as deal with a famous actor accused of a sex crime.
Crichton, Michael PIRATE LATITUDES-On Jamaica, Capt. Edward Hunter assembles a crew to seize gold from a Spanish galleon. (Crichton has left the dinosaurs for now.)
Mayle, Peter THE VINTAGE CAPER-Los Angeles entertainment lawyer Danny Roth finds himself the victim of a world-class heist when his vintage wine collection disappears. (He's now setting his works outside of France, but still loves vino.)
November-Grafton, S U IS FOR UNDERTOW- almost to the end of the alphabet now-Kinsey Milhone helps a man who thinks he remembers where a young girl is buried, who had died 21 years before. He hopes if they find the body, they can find the murderer-----and justice will be served.
McCullough, Colleen-TOO MANY MURDERS-Not "The Thorn Birds", but an interesting tale of multiple murders in small-town Connecticut, none of which seem to be connected in any way.
Roth, P THE HUMBLING-A leading stage actor feels his life is over---talent faded, wife left. He is about to take a journey that would have a dark and shocking end.
Rutherfurd, Edward- NEW YORK (THE NOVEL)-As he wrote in "Sarum" and others, the author traces the history of a single place through the people who settled it and their descendents. They include a varied lot: Dutch, English, slaves, Irish immigrants, robber barons, and a family who fled anti-semitism in Europe. It culminates with the World Trade Center attacks.
September-Brown, Dan LOST SYMBOL- All that is known at this time is that the hero is Dan Langdon and it takes place over a 12 hour period. (9/3/09). Very hush hush......
Doctorow, E.L. HOMER & LANGLEY-Through the eyes of the infamous hoarder Collyer brothers we travel from the early 20th century through the 1980's. The two men wall themselves off from the changing world in their Harlem brownstone, surrounding themselves with old newspapers, musical instruments and other curiosities.
Shreve, Anita A CHANGE IN ALTITUDE-Geraldine had only planned on staying in Kenya for a year, when she traveled there with her husband. A horrific accident while on a climbing expedition changes their marriage forever.
October- Cornwell, P. THE SCARPETTA FACTOR-Dr. Kay Scarpetta is working in New York City, and must face a threat on her life , as well as deal with a famous actor accused of a sex crime.
Crichton, Michael PIRATE LATITUDES-On Jamaica, Capt. Edward Hunter assembles a crew to seize gold from a Spanish galleon. (Crichton has left the dinosaurs for now.)
Mayle, Peter THE VINTAGE CAPER-Los Angeles entertainment lawyer Danny Roth finds himself the victim of a world-class heist when his vintage wine collection disappears. (He's now setting his works outside of France, but still loves vino.)
November-Grafton, S U IS FOR UNDERTOW- almost to the end of the alphabet now-Kinsey Milhone helps a man who thinks he remembers where a young girl is buried, who had died 21 years before. He hopes if they find the body, they can find the murderer-----and justice will be served.
McCullough, Colleen-TOO MANY MURDERS-Not "The Thorn Birds", but an interesting tale of multiple murders in small-town Connecticut, none of which seem to be connected in any way.
Roth, P THE HUMBLING-A leading stage actor feels his life is over---talent faded, wife left. He is about to take a journey that would have a dark and shocking end.
Rutherfurd, Edward- NEW YORK (THE NOVEL)-As he wrote in "Sarum" and others, the author traces the history of a single place through the people who settled it and their descendents. They include a varied lot: Dutch, English, slaves, Irish immigrants, robber barons, and a family who fled anti-semitism in Europe. It culminates with the World Trade Center attacks.
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