Events for the Week of December 3…

Things going on at the library this week include:

• Baby & Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (12/5) at 10:30
• LACMA Art Class for Teens also on Wednesday at 4:00
• LACMA Art Class for Kids & Families on Thursday (12/6) at 4:00
• Introduction to Spreadsheets also on Thursday at 6:30
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (12/7) at 3:30

You can always check the searchable calendar of events on our website to keep abreast of programming at any of the branches of the Los Angeles Public Library.

-Posted a bit early since I'm off tomorrow.

Websites I Use...

The website Common Errors in English (find it at: http://public.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/errors.html) does exactly what it’s title suggests.  It lists common English misusages and provides short, clear explanations of what is correct.  I actually use this site more for fun browsing then (or should that be than?) anything else.  Check it out.

Telescope Night...

Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate with us today and we had to cancel Telescope Night.  Do not FEAR however for we have rescheduled it.  Keep your fingers (and toes) crossed for a clear night on January 24th when we will try again.

Year Zero

Year Zero  by Rob Reid falls into the category of humorous science fiction… Think Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett (though he is fantasy).  Reid does a good job but doesn’t quite live up to those standards.  The basic plot involves, aliens who love Earth music and the financial penalties all their “enjoyment” adds up to under current copyright law.  This book is straight up satire and it is amusing though not very deftly done.  All in all I would recommend this book for those with a taste for humor, science fiction, and/or very focused social commentary.

Health & Wellness Resource Center (with Alternative Health)…

This database “offers up-to-date access to thousands of full-text medical journals, periodicals, reference works, multimedia and more from a wide variety of authoritative medical sources. Prepared for researchers at all levels, this consumer health resource provides information on the full-range of health-related issues, from current diseases and disorders to in-depth coverage of alternative medical practices.”

Begin a basic search by using the basic search box at the top right of the screen.  Here you can do a keyword or subject search or look for a particular word or phrase in the entire document.  The basic search also provides a few options for limiting your results (the check boxes below).  If you need more in-depth searching powers click into the Advanced Search screen.

 

Search results will be tabbed out by format. You can print, email, or download items you determine are relevant as well as simply read them from your computer screen. 

 

 
You can also browse the topics of the database.  Begin a browse by clicking into an area that interests you.  The areas are tabbed out across the top of the screen.  Browsable areas include Diseases & Conditions, Alternative Medicine, Trusted Sites, and Health Assessment.  (The other tabs take you to search screens specific to that topic).  If we choose Alternative Medicine, for example, we will land on the A page of available options with links for jumping to the letter where we would like to begin our browsing.

Trivia of the Week...

This week’s question: What are the top three countries by number of nuclear reactors (as of 2002)?  Conversely, what are the top three countries by percentage of electricity supplied by nuclear rectors?

Arroyo Book Club Selection for December…

In December the Arroyo Book Club will be reading Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee.  This winner of the 1999 Book Prize explores the relationship between a father and daughter and “…provides much food for thought on the concepts of ownership, victimization, and compassion.” 

Stop by the branch for a copy and join us for the meeting on December 22 at 3:00.

Events for the Week of November 26…

Things going on at the library this week include:

• Baby & Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (11/28) at 10:30
• LACMA Art Class for Teens also on Wednesday at 4:00
• Telescope Night on Wednesday starting at 6:00.
• LACMA Art Class for Kids & Families on Thursday (11/29) at 4:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (11/30) at 3:30

You can always check the searchable calendar of events on our website to keep abreast of programming at any of the branches of the Los Angeles Public Library.

TOW (& Answer)…

The quote was the concluding sentiment from the Gettysburg Address delivered by Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863.

In a break from my usual habit of selecting the trivia question from a randomly chosen reference book I got this question from the book club book I am in the middle of reading.  Specifically: A Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin.  Since the anniversary of the address occurred the week of the question & since the book is so good I wanted to give it an extra shout out I decided to go with this question.

Thanksgiving….

In honor of Thanksgiving take a peak at this menu (http://dbase1.lapl.org/images/menus/fullsize/b/24327-cover.jpg) from LAPL’s menu collection.   

You can search the menu collection yourself by going to http://www.lapl.org/resources/en/menu_collection.html.  All of the menus are found in the Rare Book Room of the Central Library and more images are added daily.

Trivia of the Week….

What is the source of:

“…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Websites I Use…

The Charity Navigator website (find it at: http://www.charitynavigator.org/) is an independent charity evaluator.  The site works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of America's largest charities.  Use it to check out the financial & transparency status of any charity you’re contemplating giving money to.

TOW (& Answer)…

To answer the question which planet exhibits retrograde rotation (i.e. rotates from east to west) let’s turn to p. 204 of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Universe where we find the answer is Venus.

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Universe is edited by Ian Ridpath and published by Watson-Guptill Publications in 2001.

By the by…. Join us for Telescope Night on November 28^th where you might spy Jupiter (but not unfortunately Venus – it’s visible in the early morning hours).  We will begin at 6:00 and everyone is welcome.

A Film Showing (Pieces of April)….

Join us on Tuesday evening (11/20) at 6:30 for a showing of the movie Pieces of April & get yourself into a Thanksgiving state of mind…

April Burns (Katie Holmes) thinks that it is finally time to get her extremely dysfunctional family together for Thanksgiving dinner.  She invites them to her small dumpy apartment but while preparing the meal her oven breaks down.  That is the least of her problems as this motley crew attempts to organize themselves for the trip.  Everyone brings their own bad taste to the table in this hysterical family comedy.

 Everyone is welcome.

Events for the Week of November 19…

Things going on at the library this week include:

• Film Showing – Pieces of April on Tuesday (11/20) at 6:30
• Baby & Toddler Storytime on Wednesday (11/21) at 10:30
• Library Web Tools & the Internet Class on Wednesday at 12:00
• LACMA Art Class for Teens also on Wednesday at 4:00
• Arroyo Book Club Meeting on Saturday (11/24) at 3:00

You can always check the searchable calendar of events on our website to keep abreast of programming at any of the branches of the Los Angeles Public Library.

The Library will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday & Friday.

(Posted a bit early since I'm off tomorrow)