Events for the Week of September 2…

Don’t forget that the library will be closed on 9/2 in celebration of Labor Day.  Things going on at the library during the rest of the week include:

• Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (9/4) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:30
• LACMA Art Class for Teens also on Wednesday at 4:00 (the last one!)
• Moby Dick event – Documentary on the Oceans & Ocean Life on Wednesday at 5:30
• STAR Reader on Thursday (9/5) at 3:00
• LACMA Art Class for Kids & Families also on Thursday at 4:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (9/6) at 3:30
• Library Web & Internet Class on Saturday (9/7) at 2:00

You can always check the Branch Page (http://www.lapl.org/branches/arroyo-seco) on the LAPL website for upcoming events or check out the Master Calendar (http://www.lapl.org/whats-on/calendar) where you can search for something specific across multiple branches.

The 1st Moby Dick Event…

Mark your calendars and plan to head down to the library next Wednesday (9/4) at 5:30 for the first of our Moby Dick events.  We will be learning all about the ocean and ocean life.  You may say that’s quite a stretch to Moby Dick, but where does Moby Dick take place (for the most part)?  That’s right at sea.  It’s always nice to get a firm sense of setting PLUS you’ll learn all about the many animals that make the ocean their home (including whales).

For details about Moby Dick events city wide be sure to check out the Library Foundation of Los Angeles’ website (www.whateverhappenedtomobydick.org).  Look at my earlier blog entry (http://arroyoseco5.blogspot.com/2013/08/whatever-happened-to-moby-dick-or-la.html) for specifics about programming at the Arroyo Seco Branch.

"What Ever Happened to Moby Dick?" programming is made possible through the generous support of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the WHH Foundation, and the Library Foundation of Los Angeles.

TOW (& Answer)...

The question was, what is the state song of California.  The official state song of California is I Love You, California.  Words by F. B. Silverwood and Music by A. F. Frankenstein.  The unofficial song of California is California, Here I Come.  It was written in 1924 with lyrics by Al Jolson and Bud De Sylva and music by Joseph Meyer.

The question (& answer) were found on p 24-25 of State Songs of the United States by Studwell & Schueneman.  The book was published by The Haworth Press in 1997. 

The View from Penthouse B

In Elinor Lipman’s book The View from Penthouse B we follow two middle aged sisters struggling with hard times.  One, the narrator, has been widowed and is recovering, slowly, from that tragedy.  The other has a doctor husband jailed for malpractice and lost her money to Madoff’s ponzi scheme.  By the end of the book things are looking better for both sisters though you have to seriously question their judgment.

This book was very slow paced.  There wasn’t a lot of action and I, at least, was disturbed by the decisions these women made; however, I would recommend it for those who like quiet, slice of life novels. 

The Radioactive Boy Scout

Ken Silverstein tells “the true story of a boy and his backyard nuclear reactor” in The Radioactive Boy Scout.  This book follows the exploits of David Hahn a Detroit boy with a fascination for science.  This drive eventually lead him to attempt to make his own nuclear breeder reactor. 

This book is an interesting read for those who like memoirs that mix science with everyday life with the insane life of adolescents.  

The Arroyo Book Club Pick for September….

Well, as you should have figured out by now the Arroyo Book Club pick for September is Moby Dick by Herman Melville.  Check out this earlier blog entry (http://arroyoseco5.blogspot.com/2013/08/whatever-happened-to-moby-dick-or-la.html) for details about all the lovely programming events we are going to have to celebrate the book.  You might also want to keep an eye on the branch twitter feed (@ArroyoSeco5) for a plethora of Moby Dick themed trivia, quotes, and random things Moby Dick related that seem interesting to me.

You can stop by the library for a copy of the book or download a free copy from Project Gutenberg (http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2701) for your ereader.  We will be meeting on September 28 at 3:00 so make plans to join us to share your thoughts on this “great American novel.”  

Events for the Week of August 26…

Things going on at the library during this week include:

• Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (8/28) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:30
• LACMA Art Class for Teens also on Wednesday at 4:00
• STAR Reader on Thursday (8/29) at 3:00
• LACMA Art Class for Kids & Families on Thursday at 4:00
• Spreadsheet class also on Thursday at 6:30 (call before - I have jury duty which might result in the class being cancelled.)
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (8/30) at 3:30

You can always check the Branch Page (http://www.lapl.org/branches/arroyo-seco) on the LAPL website for upcoming events or check out the Master Calendar (http://www.lapl.org/whats-on/calendar) where you can search for something specific across multiple branches.

Trivia of the Week....

This week’s question:  What is the state song of California?

Websites of Interest….

Interested in Art?  Got a yen to learn about something and then journey right out to see it?  Try browsing through the Public Art in L.A. (http://www.publicartinla.com/) website.  They:

document public art works, sculptures and sculptural works, some landscape-based public art, mosaics, and murals, in the downtown area, the University of Southern California, and other places within the metropolitan boundaries… The web site is by no means comprehensive!

Although the site interface is a bit hooky you can learn about the included works of art, see images, and then have context to put to it the next time you pass it.

TOW (& Answer)...

The question was what are the symptoms of Hydrangea poisoning?  It is interesting to note that the hydrangea is considered to be one of the most poisonous plants (something I did not know).  All parts of the plant are toxic (especially the flower buds).  The symptoms begin several hours after ingestion.  The poison of the plant decomposes in the intestines and is released.  This causes gastroenteritis and other cyanide poisoning symptoms.  Cyanosis may develop, and in cases of large doses, convulsions, coma and death.

The question (& answer) were taken from p. 183 of The Poisons and Antidotes Sourcebook by Turkington.  The book was published by Facts on File in 1999. 

Amphigorey Also

If you’ve a taste for slightly macabre drawings and a dark sense of humor it’s always worth perusing a Edward Gorey book.  In Amphigorey Also you’ll find “The subjects dealt with – of which the variety is stupefying – range from Aspic to Zoo.” 

This is definitely a book to help you pass a few amusing moments.  Take a look at it.  

History of Highland Park….

Or in this case the Arroyo Seco.  Check out this article (http://dbase1.lapl.org/webpics/calindex/documents/10/520290.pdf).  It tells, in very conversational fashion, a history of the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena, South Pasadena, & Los Angeles.  The article is a printing of a speech given by Mrs. Edward H. Rust on a day in July in a year that is too faded on the article to read.  This article provides some nice anecdotal stories about the creek.  Check it out & stock up on tales to tell at your next (area) party.

Events for the Week of August 19…

Things going on at the library during this week include:

• Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (8/21) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:30
• LACMA Art Class for Teens also on Wednesday at 4:00
• STAR Reader on Thursday (8/22) at 3:00
• LACMA Art Class for Kids & Families on Thursday at 4:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (8/23) at 3:30
• Arroyo Book Club on Saturday (8/24) at 3:00

You can always check the Branch Page (http://www.lapl.org/branches/arroyo-seco) on the LAPL website for upcoming events or check out the Master Calendar (http://www.lapl.org/whats-on/calendar) where you can search for something specific across multiple branches.

Whatever Happened to Moby Dick? (or LA Reads Moby Dick)

The Library Foundation of Los Angeles has declared September Moby Dick month (http://lfla.org/mobydick/).  A number of branches are exploring the many facets of Moby Dick throughout the month.  We here at the Arroyo Seco Branch are joining in with an exciting slate of programs.  To begin with Moby Dick is the September Arroyo Book Club pick so be sure to join us for the discussion at the end of the month.  We will also be having a local Melville scholar speak about the book so be sure to come to that for some additional insight into Moby Dick.  But enough talk; let me provide you with the complete slate of programming (everybody is welcome at all events): 

Documentary (Moby Dick Themed)

September 4, 2013 @ 5:30pm

Join us for a documentary about oceans & ocean life as we reflect on Melville’s Moby Dick.

Scrimshaw Craft in Celebration of Melville’s Moby Dick

September 14, 2013 @ 3:00pm

Join us for a craft project as we explore the world of scrimshaw (ivory etching) and make our own scrimshaw creations out of soap.

Movie (Moby Dick Themed)

September 16, 2013 @ 5:30pm

Join us for a movie screening as we reflect on Melville’s Moby Dick.

Find Your Way by the Light of the Stars (AKA Telescope Night)

September 18, 2013 @ 6:00pm

Did you know the sailors on the Pequod would have navigated by the stars?  Join the Sidewalk Astronomers and explore the night sky with us.

Celebrate Moby Dick & Talk Like a Pirate Day

September 19, 2013 @ 5:30pm

Join us for exciting pirate themed activities for the whole family.  Experience all the thrills of 19^th century maritime life with crafts & stories.  There will be treasure (prizes)!

The Physical & Meta-Physical in Moby Dick: A Chat with Occidental Professor Daniel Fineman

September 21, 2013 @ 3:00pm

A Melville scholar shares his thoughts on aspects of Moby Dick in this informal chat.  Everyone is welcome.

Arroyo Book Club Discussion of Moby Dick

September 28, 2013 @ 3:00pm

The Arroyo Book Club will discuss Herman Melville’s Moby Dick at their monthly meeting.  Everyone is welcome.  Stop by the library for help obtaining a copy of the book or find it online via Project Gutenberg (http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2701).

If you have questions or need more information call the branch at 323-255-0537 or email us at ayosco@lapl.org.

Trivia of the Week....

This week’s question is what are the symptoms of Hydrangea poisoning?

Apocalypse Cow

Looking for a humorous take on zombies?  Give Apocalypse Cow by Michael Logan a try.  This book has all the sheer grossness you’re looking for in a zombie tale with a nice leavening of humor.  Unexpected when mixed with zombies I know.  It tells the tale of (military) science gone wrong as a virus that essentially turns livestock into killing, flesh eating machines is released into the livestock population in Scotland.  Things get dire very quickly after that. 

The book won THE TERRY PRATCHETT ANYWHERE BUT HERE, ANYWHEN BUT NOW FIRST NOVEL AWARD which actually gave me very high expectations for it.  In that light, I found it a little disappointing.  It did however provide a nice rollicking adventure tale. 

TOW (& Answer)...

This week’s question was… who is the patron saint of fire protection?

The patron saint of fire protection is Catherine of Siena.  Our source says 

It is unclear why Catherine is the patron of fire protection.  Perhaps it is due to the fact that in one of her many visions of Christ, she exclaimed, “Then I saw God-and-man, as one sees the brightness of the sun, receiving that soul in the fire of His divine love.”

The question (& answer) were found on p. 146 of Patron Saints by Michael Freze, S.F.O.  The book was published by Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division in 1992. 

History of Highland Park…

Here is a copy of an article (http://dbase1.lapl.org/webpics/calindex/documents/11/520738.pdf) that tells of the library branch in the area that predates the one at our current location (6145 N. Figueroa).  This short little article tells the tale of the branch that was located on the corner of Ruby Street and Avenue 64 as well as its predecessor at the corner of Eagle Rock Avenue and Avenue 64.  The article was published in 1904. 

Events for the Week of August 12…

Things going on at the library during this week include:

• Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (8/14) at 10:30
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:30
• LACMA Art Class for Teens also on Wednesday at 4:00
• STAR Reader on Thursday (8/15) at 3:00
• LACMA Art Class for Kids & Families on Thursday at 4:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (8/16) at 3:30
• Computer Basics Class on Saturday (8/17) at 2:00

You can always check the Branch Page (http://www.lapl.org/branches/arroyo-seco) on the LAPL website for upcoming events or check out the Master Calendar (http://www.lapl.org/whats-on/calendar) where you can search for something specific across multiple branches.

The Last Word

Lisa Lutz continues her Spellman series with the book, The Last Word.  I really enjoyed the first books in the series but can’t help but feel that she’s running out of steam a bit in this one.  This is a mystery series narrated by one Isabel Spellman.  Isabel works as a PI with her family.  Each and every member of the family is kooky in some way & that is what gives the series its charm.  The mysteries are interesting enough but you read the books to find out what is going to happen to the characters next. 

I would heartily recommend the first 3 books of this series to anyone and would suggest only rabid fans continue after that.  

Zinio

Zinio is a new eMedia offering from the library.  It is a repository of popular magazine titles… 230 of them covering news, politics, technology, art, style, travel, etc.  You can use Zinio to stream the magazine content through a web browser or via a custom app on many devices.  You can also store and read magazines off line and sync across multiple devices.  There are no checkout periods and no limits to the number of magazines that can be streamed or downloaded. 

You can find Zinio on the LAPL website in the Research & Homework help section (http://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/research-and-homework#Z).  Find a flyer with more information about the resource here (http://www.lapl.org/sites/default/files/articles-and-information/pdfs/13-08flyer.pdf). 

Take a look at it & use it to keep up with your favorite magazine titles. 

Trivia of the Week...

This week’s question is: Who is the patron saint of fire protection?

Assassination Vacation

In Assassination Vacation Sarah Vowell explores the history of the assassination of American Presidents.  This is a quirky book that functions as a travel guide & as a history book.  It takes you all over the country, to any number of places that have been associated with Presidential assassination.  It has a interesting narrative voice and will leave you knowing more insanely odd trivia then you thought possible.

Recommended for history buffs, planners of odd vacations, & people looking for an interesting read. 

TOW (& Answer)...

This week’s question was: can you name a Pacific coast subtidal marine invertebrate?  The book referenced is itself the answer, i.e., there are a lot of pacific coast subtidal marine invertebrates out there.  Let me link you to a few representative images:

• Lacy Bryozoan 
• Orange Sun Star 
• Slipper SeaCucumber 
• Sea Hare 
• Giant KeyholeLimpet 
• Sheep Crab 

The book is Pacific CoastSubtidal Marine Invertebrates by Gotshall & Laurent.  The book was published by Sea Challengers in 1979.

Events for the Week of August 5…

Things going on at the library during this week include:

• Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (8/7) at 10:30
• Word Processing Class also on Wednesday at 12:00
• STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:30
• LACMA Art Class for Teens also on Wednesday at 4:00
• STAR Reader on Thursday (8/8) at 3:00
• LACMA Art Class for Kids & Families on Thursday at 4:00
• Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (8/9) at 3:30

You can always check the Branch Page (http://www.lapl.org/branches/arroyo-seco) on the LAPL website for upcoming events or check out the Master Calendar (http://www.lapl.org/whats-on/calendar) where you can search for something specific across multiple branches.

Websites of Interest….

An excellent site to just poke around for the fun of it is the UN’s World Heritage List (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list).  Here you can poke around geographical sites from all over the world, learn about them, view some stupendous pictures, and otherwise kill an hour or two.  You’ll definitely leave the site with a few more “places to visit before you die” to add to your list.

Enjoy yourself!

In a Sunburned Country

I have long been a fan of Bill Bryson.  His writing is humorous & interesting.  I particularly like his travel writing & I must say that his book In a Sunburned Country is an unparalleled example of this.  This book details his trips to Australia.  His descriptions will leave you rolling on the floor and the whole book will leave you ready to pack you bags and head out.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something a little different.