Thursday, December 12, 2013
How Big Business Stole Christmas: Why the Grinch was Totally Right
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Contact
When I first began The NPR's Top 100 Science-Fiction & Fantasy Books Challenge, I knew there were going to be some titles that were going to be difficult for me to get through. I did not think this was going to be one of those titles.
What made this book so hard? Right away I can tell you that part of what made is difficult to read was the fact that Mr. Sagan included a lot of technical details in the book that I felt kind of distracted from the story. I would be going along nicely, following the plot, and then get interrupted by a lengthy description of what the radio telescopes were doing. I realize that it is certainly within my capabilities to understand all of this, but frankly when I'm reading a story, I tend to skim over the technical details and get back to what the characters are doing. I found myself in this book often skimming over the text, and then a page or two later realizing I hadn't really read any of it, and then I would have to go back and try again. It was vaguely reminiscent of reading a text book for class.
The actual story moved a bit slowly. Caution: There will be spoilers below this lovely picture of a lake.
This book became one of those that I am glad to have read, but not one that I will read again. The story has a lot of build up in it. The scientist at SETI receive an encoded message that ends up being instructions on how to build 'The Machine' as they call it. During the process of decoding the instructions, understanding them, building The Machine, and finally up until the day it is activated, the reader gains an increasing anticipation of what exactly is going to happen, how is it going to end?
Finally they activate The Machine and as suspected it takes them on a trip into space, much faster than the speed of light, and they finally arrive at an alien world and meet the extraterrestrials. Here's where I was majorly disappointing. The world they land on doesn't look different from our own. The five scientist end up on a manufactured planet that has a sandy beach and ocean waters. The 'aliens' they meet are disguised to look like humans, in fact humans that were important in each of the individuals lives. Each scientists is lead to a deep personal truth. All very fine and well, but I will openly admit I was hoping for the characters to see amazing otherworldly sights and meet fantastical beings wildly different from humans.
In the end, I am glad that I read this book, but I'm not sure it's one that I will read again.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Nerdy and Proud of It
A nerd (adjective: nerdy) is a person, typically described as being overly intellectual, obsessive, or socially impaired. They may spend inordinate amounts of time on unpopular, obscure, or non-mainstream activities, which are generally either highly technical or relating to topics of fiction or fantasy, to the exclusion of more mainstream activities.[1][2][3]Additionally, many nerds are described as being shy, quirky, and unattractive,[4] and may have difficulty participating in, or even following, sports. "Nerd" is a derogatory, stereotypical term, but as with other pejoratives, it has been reclaimed and redefined by some as a term of pride and group identity.
Not too terribly long ago I had a discussion with a friend. I don't remember many of the details, but at some point I referred to myself as a Nerd. My friend immediately stated that she didn't think I was a Nerd at all, and that she thinks I'm very cool, pretty, and not socially awkward. All very nice things, but the truth is that I am a Nerd and darned proud of it too!
In fact I even joined a community of Nerds that call themselves Nerdfighters. If you want to check them out there is a link over on the right side of my site. The idea behind Nerdfighting is that we use our super brain powers for good, to make the world a better place.
From Nerdfighters.ning.com
We fight against suck... we fight for awesome. We fight using our brains, our hearts, our calculators and our trombones.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Ahead of The Game
I was right in a way, but also wrong. Along with the books, I've also been seeing if I can find matching movie titles. With that in mind I did a search for Ender's Game and as luck would have it there will be a movie coming out in November. Yeah, I'm going to have to go see that one in the theater.
Now to the book.
The basic story is about Ender, a little boy who is taken at the age of six and trained to be mankind's greatest military leader ever, in a fight against the "Buggers" (aliens) that attacked Earth many years ago, and are expected to attack again. Most of the book is describing Ender's training and his progress and thoughts regarding the training. I'm going to save more details for after I see the film and make my book to film translation, but I will say that I suspected some of the twists in the plot, but the final ending was amazing and was very satisfying, but still left the story open for continuation (there are more books!).
This is going to be one of those titles that sticks with me for awhile.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Stardust
That being said though, this is one of those rare times when I actually liked the movie better than the book. Even rarer, the reason I liked the movie better was because of the Hollywood Happy Ending. I've only read two books so far by Neil Gaimen, Stardust being the second. The first was Coraline which I read after seeing the movie based on that book. Based on just these two books, I've concluded that Neil Gaimen likes to write unconventional endings. In my opinion, they are slightly anticlimactic. The endings are good because they are unique; not what you're expecting, but at the same time, they just aren't quite as satisfying.
There are still more books on the list by Neil Gaimen, including Neverwhere, and American Gods, so I will withhold final judgement about his writing style until I have finished at least those two titles. In the meantime, the next book I picked to read is Contact by Carl Sagan, which also has a movie based on it (I'm beginning to see a trend). Watch for the review later this month.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Social Media and ADHD
Knitted Twitter Bird |
Saturday, August 3, 2013
The NPR's Top 100 Science-Fiction & Fantasy Books Challenge
Now I've decided that this list isn't entirely fair, since many of the titles shown are actually trilogies or series of books, and personally I think each individual book title should count. For instance, Lord of the Rings should count as three books, not just one. Also they are missing some of my very favorite books and authors, However, I've decided to make it a personal goal to try and read every book on this list.
Some of the books I own. There are more in storage and scattered around the house. |
*To my friends on Facebook, I initially posted that I had read only 15, but after going through the titles again, I found a few I missed.
Friday, July 26, 2013
I'd Rather be Cycling
Friday, July 19, 2013
The Freedom to Read Statement
This week for my References and Resources Library class, the topic of discussion was ethics in Reference Assistance. A tricky subject, and one that I never feel like I have a firm grasp on. I always try very hard to see things from multiple perspectives, and while it's a good practice, it makes it hard to say what my stance on any given situation is. On one hand you have... But on the other hand...and I can go back and forth that way on many issues, probably forever.
I do believe in the Freedom to Read. That books should not be censored or removed from a library because someone finds the material distasteful or believes that it is potentially harmful to the viewer. In the case of children, the parents need to be aware and involved, and in the case of adults; well I don't want anyone telling me what I can and can't read so I certainly wouldn't do that to anyone else.
So with that in mind, I thought I would share my assignment. Below is my PowerPoint Presentation on the American Library Association Freedom to Read Statement.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Insomnia: The Inability to Sleep Until it's Time to Get Up!
So here it is. My third speech was suppose to be an informative speech. Since I had written a paper on insomnia last fall for Expository writing, I went with that as the topic since it meant I wouldn't have to spend any time doing research, and I already had all my citations in the correct format. Yay me!
This one is cringe-worthy however because of all the flubs, and my distinct lack of a good solid close. It's something I struggle with, in both my speeches and my writing. In fact if you've been reading my blog for any length of time you might notice that I often get to the end of a post and seem to have lost where I was going with it.
The next (and final) speech will be a persuasive speech. My least favorite kind. At this moment I have no idea what I should try and persuade everyone of.
The good news is that I am now half-way through the summer semester and in only four more weeks I get a three week break before the even longer, more grueling fall semester.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
On the Subject of Towels
I'm writing this post a bit later than I wanted, but at last here it is. My second public speaking online video; a recitation from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.
I don't have too much to say about the assignment itself, except that this one was easier than the last one.
So Instead I'm going to talk about the book I'm reciting from.
The Hitchhiker's Guide the Galaxy is one of my favorite books. I've read it many times and I'm prone to quoting from it on occasion. If you haven't read it, you should consider doing so, especially if you are a Monty Python fan or enjoy British humor. The author was British and he included a considerable amount of wit and word play in his books that give them a distinct feel.
Now that being said, a word of caution... Disney purchased the rights from Mr. Adams a while back, and after he had passed away they made a motion picture that was VERY loosely based on the story. When I say loosely based, I mean they used the title, the names of some of the characters, and that's about it. They then proceeded to ruin the story in a spectacularly Disney-fied fashion.
If you don't have time for the book, look for the BBC production which was produced in 1981. Sure the monsters are rubber and the special effects are limited, but the acting is good and they got the story right!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Moar Zombies!: Review of the movie "Warm Bodies"
I have to say, this is one of the best book to movie translations I've ever watched. Part of it has to be because the fact that the author was working with the director and producers on the movie. Hollywood is finally getting it... That we want to see the movie brought to life, not the directors 'artistic interpretation' of the story.
Either way, next to the Princess Bride this is the best book to movie I've ever watched. I highly recommend both the book and the movie for your reading or viewing pleasure.
Truly the most remarkable thing about both the movie and the book is the most unique perspective on the zombie epidemic. Many stories have contemplated how the plague begins, how it spreads, and how it destroys the world...but few authors have had the courage to think about how it all ends.
Warm Bodies takes us down that less traveled road, and with great success. You'll find yourself rooting for R in this zom-rom/com.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Don't Judge a Book by its Cover
Alright, here it is, my first recorded speech.
I have to say it was an interesting process, and I've never recorded myself before. Online personalities like Hannah Hart (My Drunk Kitchen) and Ray William Johnson (Equals Three) make it look really easy. So easy, that I had considered starting my own vlog before to accompany this blog.
It was not as easy as they make it look.
Of course they have some advantages that I don't. Better video equipment being the first thing that comes to mind. I know they use video editing software, something that I have looked a bit into, but don't have experience with yet. They have also done numerous videos. I'm sure the more you record yourself, the easier it gets, just like anything else. Lastly, and I think this was a big factor for me, they are recording what they want to record. They aren't being guided by the requirements of an assignment.
Now that I have completed one assignment and I know a bit more about the recording process, and how long it takes to upload a two minute video to YouTube, I think I'll do better on the next one. I haven't looked to see what the topic of the speech is, but hopefully it will be something a bit easier than trying to come up with an object that I use to introduce myself. Seriously, that took me almost a whole week of deep contemplation.
More videos to come in the near future. Who knows; maybe once I get comfortable with the process, I'll even record something that isn't an assignment for fun.
Made With Love Means I Licked the Spoon and Kept Using It
I finally got around to making a GIF of the cake making process. Featured below is the cake I made for my mom's birthday. She requested red velvet. Oh, and I didn't really lick the spoon.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Public Speaking - Online?
I logged into my Public Speaking class for the first time today. It's a completely online class and everyone has been asking me "How does speech work as an online class?"
OK Everyone, here's your answer:
I get to record each of my speeches with a web cam, thankfully my phone has this feature. Then I upload each recorded speech to YouTube for the instructor and my classmates to view. I have to admit, I am not excited about this. I've considered recording myself before, possibly adding a video element to this blog, but I've never gone through with it because I'm not fond of the way I look and sound in recordings.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
FARK.com; Where do you get your News?
This assignment involved scoping out a social media news site, selected from a list provided, joining said social media site, participating in the social part of the media, and then of course writing about it in my blog.
I choose FARK.com for no other reason than I thought the name of the site was fun.
The idea behind the site is that users submit news stories and the moderators of the site pick the humorous and weird notable stories of the day. On FARK's main page they divide the stories into categories; sports, business, geek (my favorite), entertainment, politics, and video segments.
The compiled lists of news stories come from all over the internet. At the time I checked out the Geek category the top two stories were both about Star Trek, thanks to the new movie, and one was from Slate.com, the other from InfoWorld.com. Both were fun reads, and had plenty of energetic comments from fans on FARK.com.
How would this site be useful for a library?
The first thing that comes to mind is simple when a patron comes in and asks "Do you know anything about ______" (fill in the blank with current event or pop-culture reference of choice). Directing them to a site like FARK.com gives them the opportunity to search for and scan multiple news stories, from multiple points of view on anything that interest them.
Of course you can also just use it for your personal enjoyment. I had fun scrolling through the various categories, picking out interesting news stories to read, I also enjoyed reading the comments from other users and seeing the various reactions and opinions.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Short on Money; Long on Time
Yes, I cut down this poor old dead tree with naught but a hand saw. Would using a chainsaw have been easier and faster? Of course! But would I be as pleased with myself...maybe. However I don't own a chainsaw so by hand it is.
In our world of modern conveniences it's easy to think that we just Have to have that nifty gadget that makes the job quick and easy, that we can't possibly achieve satisfying results without it. I think that a lot of people forget that our ancestors did just fine for many generations with nothing but hand tools and a good work ethic.
I enjoy doing things by hand. Or more specifically I like knowing that I can do something by hand. I wouldn't want to do this sort of thing for a living without the use of power tools, but the more things I can do for myself, without needing an expert or expensive special equipment...well it makes me feel good.
5 Unique Uses for Shot Glasses
A shot glass makes a nice vase for really small flowers.
Before you go to bed, put all your vitamins and supplements in a shot glass, then leave it where you will see it in the morning so you don't forget to take them.
Use it to dole out small amounts of bubble solution. If you're giving this to small children (as opposed to adults) you might want to use plastic shot glasses.
If you are ever fostering baby animals, a shot glass filled with formula, and then placed in a larger glass of hot water, it is a great way to warm the formula.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Some Thoughts on Prolific Writers
One of my goals with this blog is to improve my writing skills. I've heard more than once and from more than one source that one of the best methods of improving is to write every day. It's listed here in 7 Habits of Highly Prolific Writers. A nice thought but I tend to struggle with item number 5, I'm not sure if anyone wants to read what I'm writing.
Monday, April 29, 2013
How I Met a Dancing Banana
As part of my continuing education, I get to participate in self discovery programs where I can choose a topic to read about, learn a procedure, then complete a small assignment. My post today is about one of those assignments.
The assignment was to learn a little about WeGif.com, a snazzy little site that lets you upload 2-20 pictures and turn them into an animated GIF file. Easy enough. The trouble came when I was trying to figure out what I was going to photograph and animate.
I wanted to catch one of my cats doing something cute, but anyone who has ever tried to photograph a cat knows that they never do what you want them to when the camera is out. My next thought was that I would bake something, and photograph the sequence of events that go into making, say a cake.
That was my plan, I was going to take an afternoon and make something delicious and photograph the process. However a stroke of luck and a moment of inspiration struck as I was out on a errand.
We drove by a dancing banana.
Dancing Banana by magicthedragon on WeGIF
The young lady and her friend were advertising for their parents garage sale, and were kind enough to let me photograph them for my project.
It's not the greatest dancing banana GIF ever, but I think it's kind of cute, and with practice a person could probably become quite proficient at using this program.
How does this pertain to libraries? Right off I can think of one really useful application in using it to make nifty little animations for the libraries website. Something fun and kind of flashy can add a sense of whimsy to the children's page, or advertise an upcoming book sale, or sum up the summer reading program. Animations tend to get attention in a way that still images don't.
I intend to share this nifty little program with the lady at our library who manages the libraries Facebook page and see where she runs with it. As for myself, I think I still want to make a cake GIF, and if I can ever get them to cooperate, a GIF of my kitties doing something insanely cute.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
So what do you guys think of the design so far?
I'll probably be toying with it just a bit more either tonight or tomorrow. Feel free to tell me what you think of the new look in the comments!
Monday, April 22, 2013
It's Ice Cream! Sort of...
That's right people...150 calories for the whole container. |
The Nutrition Info |
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Meet The New Design Master
Hey there, everyone! Miss Nomers needed someone to help her tweak the design of her blog. That would be me. I'll be helping Miss Nomers customize the look of her blog.
It's amazing how much you can finely tune a blog's look with just a little bit of CSS and a little bit of HTML to apply your CSS rules.
Because It wasn't Important to the Plot...
I just stayed up until 6:00a.m. watching "How I Met Your Mother" (I have no regrets). Part of what kept me intrigued for so long was a stunning plot twist a few episodes back. A plot twist that didn't pan out, or possibly was discarded by the writers. I suppose we'll never know for sure.
But it got me thinking...
How many stories are there in our lives, how many tales that never get told, because in the end it isn't 'important' in the story of us?
Predawn, in my backyard. |
How do we determine what is important? How do we decide what we share and pass on, and what we forget?
It's the age old question... do our experiences shape us, our do we shape our experiences?
Right...enough existential quandary for one night/day. I'm off to sleep.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Blood In, Blood Out
You can't see it, but under the bandage a wicked bruise is forming. |
I tell everyone who has to draw blood from me that my veins are difficult to find/get to. For some reason no one ever seems to believe me. This time the lady said "Oh, everyone says that. You'll be OK, I'm very picky about veins".
Then she found one and marked it, then she felt again, and it moved so she marked me again. Then she thought she had it so she inserted the needle...
It didn't go in the vein, and she tried twice more before calling over her supervisor who was finally able to find the vein. I would like to note here that the people collecting blood at Red Cross blood drives are not nurses, just trained volunteers. I didn't know that. I don't want to scare anyone off of donating, but I thought it was interesting.
Once they obtained the pint and the vials for testing, they removed the needle and bandaged me up. At this point you're supposed to lay still for about 15 minuets or so. I did, and I drank some juice, I did everything they told me.
It took an hour for the nausea and dizziness to go away. Though I have to say I never passed out like I did the last time I gave blood. It took three cranberry juices and a turkey sandwich and I was OK.
At the end they gave me this nice gift bag full of an assortment of small items (some candles, trial sized hair products, etc.)
The moral of this story is; If your blood is difficult to obtain, and you seem to have a hard time during the donation process, you get presents for your troubles.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
So Many Books, So Little Time
Adult Fiction, Large Print, and Reference Section at my library. |
Friday, March 22, 2013
The Six Stages of Sleepiness
The story (with some details left out for the squeamish) is that the mommy cat gave birth to the two babies on Sunday (St. Pattie's Day) and the next day when my friend woke up the mom was having some medical complications due to the birth, and needed to be rushed to the veterinarian for surgery.
Tiny babies at 2 days old. |
I have a some experience bottle raising kittens. So naturally I offered to take the kittens, and sacrifice any chance I'm going to have at getting more than a few hours a sleep at a time until the kittens are bigger.
The kittens are now 5 days old, and unfortunately there have been some complications. The black kitten is doing OK, though it squiggles a lot and does not like to be fed with the medicine syringe, and they are still too small for the bottle right now. I would feel better if I could get more formula in them each feeding, and I know they should be gaining more weight than they are, but the black one is strong, and that makes me hopeful. I will really feel better as soon as their eyes are open.
The orange kitten is the one that really worries me. There was a tiny sore on its paw when my friend brought them over to me, apparently a piece of the bedding they were born in had a loose string and it got wrapped around the kittens toe. The veterinarian removed the string and cleaned it, but it still became infected. We're doing everything we can, but sadly, when they are this small, there isn't much that can be done. The orange kitten is still eating, and getting a couple of drops of antibiotics every day. For me and my husband, everyday he makes it is another small victory.
I read somewhere that bottle raising baby animals is both rewarding and heartbreaking at the same time.
More to come after they open their eyes.
*Updates:
- Monday, March 25, 2013 I took the little orange kitten to the vet and it was determined that the best and kindest option was euthanasia. Between the infection in its paw and getting pneumonia, there just wan't any hope the kitten would make it.
- Sunday, March 31, 2013 After putting the black kitten down after a feeding the night before, I went in to check on it at 1:00 a.m. to find that it had passed away. We are not sure why or what happened, just that the kitten never seemed to be in any pain and that its death was sudden. A sad ending to this story, but unfortunately, the odds were always against us succeeding.