Wednesday, December 31, 2014

TOW (& Answer)...

Book Jacket for: The Oxford dictionary of slang
This week’s challenge was to provide slang that means “to fight”.  There are tons of acceptable answers.  Let me provide a few from my source:
  • Square up to (from 1827)
  • Scrap (from 1874)
  • Rough house (from 1900)
  • Tangle (from 1928)
  • Rumble (from 1954)

The question (& answer) were taken from p. 259 of the Oxford Dictionary of Slang by John Ayto.  The book was published by Oxford University Press in 1998 (which explains my non-inclusion of any really current slang). 

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

The Rhesus Chart

Book Jacket for: The rhesus chartCharles Stross returns to his Laundry Files series with The Rhesus Chart. This is a difficult book to describe without giving away too much of the plot.  If you’ve read previous entries in the series you’re probably not wasting your time reading my words --- you’ve already got your hands on the book.  So, assuming you’re a neophyte, Bob Howard is our hero.  He works for a government agency that monitors what might be called extra-reality incursions.  Basically people who understand higher mathematics, philosophy, or other logical sciences develop an ability to reach outside of reality and invite the tentacle monsters from beyond in.  This is not good so Bob’s agency works to ameliorate everything bad that can go down.  In this particular volume Bob stumbles across an external incursion by a parasite that functions by making the affected vampires (or close enough that we might as well call them that).  This is only the beginning and the plot really explodes from there.

If you’ve never read books from this series before you might want to start with the first one The Atrocity Archives and go forward from there. 

Monday, December 29, 2014

Arroyo Book Club Pick for January…

The January Arrovo Book Club book is Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada.  Since I have yet to read the book let me entice you with its description:
Book Jacket for: Every man dies alone

This never-before-translated masterpiece—by a heroic best-selling writer who saw his life crumble when he wouldn’t join the Nazi Party—is based on a true story.
It presents a richly detailed portrait of life in Berlin under the Nazis and tells the sweeping saga of one working-class couple who decides to take a stand when their only son is killed at the front. With nothing but their grief and each other against the awesome power of the Reich, they launch a simple, clandestine resistance campaign that soon has an enraged Gestapo on their trail, and a world of terrified neighbors and cynical snitches ready to turn them in.
In the end, it’s more than an edge-of-your-seat thriller, more than a moving romance, even more than literature of the highest order—it’s a deeply stirring story of two people standing up for what’s right, and for each other.

Hans Fallada came up in our discussion of In the Garden of Beasts by Larson and I think his book will make an interesting read both in terms of what happened at the time and speaking to the question of how the “non important” person protests what is being done in society by those with more power.

We will meet to discuss the book on January 24th at 3:00.  Stop by the library for a copy of the book and plan to join us then. 

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Events for the Week of December 29…

The library will close at 5:00 on Wednesday, December 31 and remained closed through Thursday, January 1.  We will reopen on Friday at 9:30.  The events going on this week include…
  • Covered California assistance on Monday (12/29) from 4:00-7:00
  • Covered California Enrollment Assistance on Saturday (1/3) from 10:00-2:00
  • STAR Reader also on Saturday at 2:00
  • Resume Review Session on Sunday (1/4) 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.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Library Events in January…

(Mark your calendars accordingly)

The library has a number of interesting events planned in January.  I thought I’d take a minute and give you a run down so you could plan ahead.  Let’s start with the non-repeating events:

- - - - - - - - - - 
1/4 @ 2:00
Resume Review
Want feedback on your Resume’s grammar, format, & content? Bring it to our Resume Review session.  Resumes will be reviewed in the order they arrive.

1/6 @ 4:00
Sand Art Teen Program
Teens! Join us for a fun event aimed just at you.

1/20 @ 4:00
Shrinky Dinks Teen Program
Teens! Join us for a fun event aimed just at you.

1/20 @ 6:00
Nature Rocks! Science Program
Join us as Dr. Steven Cornford demonstrates to us just how interesting Science is.  Appropriate for all ages.  Bring your questions.

1/24 @ 10:30
Resume Review
Want feedback on your Resume’s grammar, format, & content? Bring it to our Resume Review session.  Resumes will be reviewed in the order they arrive.

1/24 from 12:00-2:00
Expunge Your Criminal Record
Do you or does someone you know have a criminal past?  Perhaps it's time to make a clean start. Attorney Melissa Weinberger will be here to explain what “cleaning” a criminal record really means, show you how to fill out & file the expungement form, explain how to determine if you qualify for relief under Prop. 47, answer your questions, and more.

1/24 @ 3:00
Arroyo Book Club
Join us for a lively discussion of the book Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada.

1/31 @ 2:00
Buying or Selling Homes
In the real estate market as either a buyer or seller? Please join us for a free informational workshop covering both sides of the transaction.

- - - - - - - - - -

Covered California
During the Covered California enrollment period a number of outside partners will be teaming up with the library to offer enrollment assistance.  In January that assistance will be available:

Saturdays
1/3, 1/17, 1/24, & 1/31 from 10:00 to 2:00
1/10 from 12:00 to 4:00

Monday
1/12 from 4:00-7:00

Wednesday
All Wednesdays from 4:00-7:00 
- - - - - - - - - -

Each month the library also has a number of ongoing classes & events.  They are:

Make It Monday --- Mondays at 4:00
Kids! Join us for an hour exploring your creative side as we experiment with making all kinds of things.

Little Ones’ Storytime - - - Wednesdays at 10:30 & 11:30
Little Ones’ 3 and under & their grownups are invited to join us for stories, music, & games.  We offer two sessions, pick the one that is convenient for you.

STAR Volunteer Readers - - - Available on Wednesdays at 3:00 on Saturdays at 2:00
STAR readers present the fun of storytelling and reading to children one-on-one or in small groups. Kids earn a free book to keep after 3 visits.

Fun With Tablets - - - Thursdays at 4:00
People of all ages are invited to join us as we explore tablet computers by accomplishing an interesting task.  If you have a project in mind suggest it & we might give it a try.

Drop in Computer Lab - - - Fridays at 3:30
Bring your questions about computers, tablets, eReaders, or other electronic devices.  We will do our best to help you figure out answers. 

- - - - - - - - - -

Finally, we have computer classes.  These are formal, free 1-hour sessions.  Note: if the class title is in Spanish then the class is conducted in Spanish.  This month we have:

  • Laboratorio de ComputaciĆ³n on 1/8 at 6:30
  • Laboratorio de ComputaciĆ³n on 1/22 at 6:30

Please do not hesitate to call the library at 323-255-0537 if you have any questions or would like more information.  Remember that 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.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Trivia of the Week...

This week’s question doesn’t really have a right answer.  Think of it instead as an opportunity to prove a knowledge of slang expressions --- be they contemporary or historic.  So then, what are some slang expressions that mean “to fight”?

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

The Todd Glass Situation

Book Jacket for: The Todd Glass situation : a bunch of lies about my personal life and a bunch of true stories about my 30-year career in standup comedyTodd Glass has been a stand-up comedian for over 30 years.  He was also gay and keeping that fact strictly sub-rosa during the period.  In his book The Todd Glass Situation he shares his story.  The book is full of interesting tidbits about being a comedian.  You get a sense of how collegial that profession seems through Glass’ eyes.  The book also explores why someone would keep being gay secret and what the process of giving up that secret later in life is like.  All in all an interesting book from a number of viewpoints.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Events for the Week of December 22…

The library will close at 1:00 on Wednesday, December 24 and remained closed through Thursday December 25.  We will reopen on Friday at 9:30.  The events going on this week include…
  • Teen Shrinky Dinks Craft Program on Tuesday (12/23) at 4:00
  • Computer Basics Class on Wednesday (12/24) at 12:00
  • Covered California Enrollment Assistance on Saturday (12/27) from 10:00-2:00
  • STAR Reader also on Saturday at 2:00
  • Arroyo Book Club meeting on Saturday 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.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

TOW (& Answer)...

Book Jacket for: The seventy wonders of the ancient world : the great monuments and how they were built
This week’s question was when (& where) was the Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro built? The Great Bath of Mohnjo-daro was built in the 3rd millennium BC in Sindh, Pakistan.  To quote from my source:
The Great Bath of Mohndo-daro is one of the most striking monuments left by the famous Indus or Harappan civilization.  Located within the semi-arid wastelands of Sindh province in Pakistan, it represents a unique feat of planning and hydraulic engineering dating from the 3rd millennium BC.

The question (& answer) were taken from p. 227 of The Seventy Wonders of the Ancient Word by Chris Scarre.  The book was published by Thames & Hudson in 1999.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

History of Highland Park…

Today I have for you the text of the obituary of Clyde Browne (http://dbase1.lapl.org/webpics/calindex/documents/10/520208.pdf).  Browne was a noted Highland Park resident who was an artist & prominent in Democratic Party affairs.  The obituary provides quite a bit of biographical information so read it to learn more about this fascinating man.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Identity Theft

Book Jacket for: Identity theft and other storiesFans of Robert J. Sawyer will enjoy Identity Theft.  This is a collection of short stories that is sure to entertain and engage.  The stories vary in length and cover a wide range of topics. Sawyer has a deft hand with SF and always rewards reading.

I would recommend this to any fan of SF. 

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Working Stiff

Book Jacket for: Working stiff : two years, 262 bodies, and the making of a medical examinerIn Working Stiff by Judy Melinek & T.J. Mitchell we follow one woman over the course of 2 years as she learns the skills she needs to be a medical examiner.  These 2 years are in New York City and span the period of time covered by 9/11 so from that point of view it is a fascinating look at a different aspect of that particular event.  It is also interesting because the authors provide non-fictionalized detail about what the job of medical examiner is really like (not as glamorous as TV would have you believe).  The writing style leaves a lot to be desired… this is not a book to read because it is well written but rather a book to read for interest.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Events for the Week of December 15…

Don’t miss any of the exciting events going on at the library this week…
  • Covered California Enrollment Assistance on Monday (12/15) from 4:00-7:00
  • Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (12/17) at 10:30
  • STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
  • Covered California Enrollment Assistance also on Wednesday from 4:00-7:00
  • Fun with Tablets on Thursday (12/18) at 4:00
  • Holiday Card Craft program for kids also on Thursday at 4:00
  • Laboratorio de Computacion on Thursday at 6:30
  • Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (12/19) at 3:30
  • Covered California Enrollment Assistance on Saturday (12/20) from 1:00-5:00
  • STAR Reader also on Saturday 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.

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Trivia of the Week...

This week’s question is when (& where) was the Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro built?

Friday, December 12, 2014

Websites I Like…

Challenge your search skills on the site www.agoogleaday.com.  Here you will find a daily search question with hints and a complete search-solution path.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

TOW (& Answer)...

This week’s question was when was James Cook’s second voyage to the Pacific? It was in 1772. 
Book Jacket for: Timelines of world history 

This week’s question (& answer) were taken from p. 333 of Timelines of World History.  The book was published by DK Publishing in 2002 and is chock full of interesting historical tidbits.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Beauty and the Werewolf

Book Jacket for: Beauty and the werewolfMercedes Lackey brings us another tale from the Five Hundred Kingdoms with Beauty and the Werewolf.  In this world there is a non-sentient force known as The Tradition that strives constantly to bring stories to life, in other words the plots of fairy tales are continually echoed in real life and people are forced into playing out roles from these same fairly tales.  In this particular tale Bella is the daughter of a wealthy merchant.  One night on her way back from a visit with Granny (the local wise woman --- i.e. witch) she encounters, & is bitten by, a wolf.  The wolf turns out to be the cursed local nobleman and Bella is forthwith sent to live in his home until it can be proven that she won’t turn into a wolf at the full moon too.  Bella, however, is a feisty and determined girl so she sets out to remedy all the problems she runs into --- including the curse that Sebastian is suffering.


This is a cute story that doesn’t need to be read as part of its series.  I would recommend it to a reader looking for light escapism & a successful heroine. 

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

History of Highland Park…

The Abbey San Encino is a hand built stone building located just across the street (and down the other side) from the library.  The structure was built by Clyde Browne in the early part of the last century.  Here (http://dbase1.lapl.org/webpics/calindex/documents/10/520206.pdf) we have a booklet written and published by Browne himself that provides a very flowery & metaphorical look at the building.  Take a look at it and explore one man’s dream.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Events for the Week of December 8…

Don’t miss any of the exciting events going on at the library this week… 

  • Gift Bag Decorating program for teens on Tuesday (12/9) at 4:00
  • Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (12/10) at 10:30
  • STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
  • Fun with Tablets on Thursday (12/11) at 4:00
  • Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (12/12) at 3:30
  • Covered California Enrollment Assistance on Saturday (12/13) from 10:00-2:00
  • STAR Reader also on Saturday at 2:00 
  • Word Basics Computer Class also on Saturday also 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.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Soccernomics

Book Jacket for: Soccernomics : why England loses, why Spain, Germany, and Brazil win, and why the US, Japan, Australia - and even Iraq - are destined to become the kings of the world's most popular sportIn Soccernomics Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski use statistics and economics to analyze soccer (particularly the English Premier League) in a variety of ways to answer questions & make predictions.  Each chapter takes a question or issue and exhaustively explores it via the medium of statistics.  Representative chapters include The Worst Business in the World: Why Soccer Clubs Don’t (and Shouldn’t) Make Money, Need Not Apply: Does English Soccer Discriminate Against Black People?, The Country That Loves Soccer Most, The Curse of Poverty: Why Poor Countries Are Poor at Sports, and Core to Periphery: The Future Map of Global Soccer.

The book is actually quite interesting.  Those who find statistics unexciting will still find the sections where the authors offer their interpretations of their analyses fascinating --- particularly if they like soccer.  I would recommend it to anyone interested in a behind the scenes, number based look at a popular sport. 

Friday, December 5, 2014

Trivia of the Week...

This week’s question is when was James Cook’s second voyage to the Pacific?

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Websites I Like…

The American Museum of Natural History (http://images.library.amnh.org/digital/) has a database of more then 7,000 archival images that you can search, browse, and otherwise explore.  They provide access to rich collections of digitized archival photographic images, art and memorabilia images and Rare Book Collection illustrations.  Give it a browse.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

TOW (& Answer)...

This week’s challenge was to provide a quote, proverb or maxim on the topic of necessity.  There are tons of acceptable answers.  Let me provide a few from my source:

  • “Necessity is the last and strongest weapon” –Livy Ab Urbe Condita. Bk. iv, ch28
  • “Necessity weighs hard upon us” –Homer, Iliad Bk. vi, 1. 85
  • “Necessity makes even cowards brave” –Thomas Day, Sandford and Merton, p. 44
  • “You cannot escape necessities; but you can conquer them” –Seneca, Ad Lucilium. Epis. xxi, sec.3.
  • “Necessity’s sharp pinch” –Shakspeare, King Lear ii, 4, 214.

The idea for the challenge and my selection of quotes were taken from p. 1666 of The Macmillan book of Proverbs, Maxims, and Famous Phrases.  The book was “selected and arranged” by Burton Stevenson and published in 1976.

Monday, December 1, 2014

December’s Electronic Resource of the Month…

Freegal is the December Electronic Resource of the month.  

What is freegal? Freegal is a download music service with access to millions of songs in hundreds of muisc genres.  The library’s subscription allows you (the patron with a library card) to download 5 songs a week that are free & free of drm.  Additionally you can stream music 24/7 via this service.

How do you access freegal?  You will find freegal listed on the library’s website (http://www.lapl.org/) in the Research & Homework alphabetical online resources list (http://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/research-and-homework#F).  You will need your library card to access the service.

Once you’re logged in you will find the site fairly intuitive to use with plenty of FAQs (found on the right hand corner of every page) offering specific help.  Give it a try if you aren’t already a user.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Events for the Week of December 1…

Don’t miss any of the exciting events going on at the library this week…
  • Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (12/3) at 10:30
  • STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
  • Fun with Tablets on Thursday (12/4) at 4:00
  • Introduction to Spreadsheets Class also on Thursday at 6:30
  • Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (12/5) at 3:30
  • Covered California Enrollment Assistance on Saturday (12/6) from 10:00-2:00
  • STAR Reader also on Saturday 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.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Covered California….

Do you have questions about anything Covered CA related?  Do you need help enrolling?  Would you like assistance changing your existing coverage?  If so then you should plan to swing on by the library during any of our many Covered California Enrollment events.  A number of local community organizations have stepped up so that we may offer you the following schedule of events: 

Saturdays:
11/29 - 12/13 from 10:00-2:00
12/20 from 1:00-5:00
12/27 from 10:00-2:00
1/3 from 10:00-2:00
1/10 from 12:00-4:00
1/17 - 2/7 from 10:00-2:00

Mondays:
12/15, 12/29, 1/12, & 2/2 from 4:00-7:00

Wednesdays:
12/17 - 2/4 from 4:00-7:00

(note that 12/25 and 12/31 are holidays so are not part of the Wednesday series)

Experts will be available at each of these events to answer your questions, help you get enrolled, and just generally offer you whatever assistance you need.

The organizations that are so very kindly doing this are: 
  • Arroyo Vista Family Health Center
  • Bienestar
  • Comprehensive Community Health Centers
  • Community Health Alliance of Pasadena
  • Vision y Compromiso
  • The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles


Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Arroyo Book Club Pick for December….

The December Arroyo Book Club book is Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas.  Let me entice you into the book by sharing the book jacket description:
Book Jacket for: Funny in Farsi : a memoir of growing up Iranian in AmericaIn 1972, when she was seven, Firoozeh Dumas and her family moved from Iran to Southern California, arriving with no firsthand knowledge of this country beyond her father’s glowing memories of his graduate school years here. More family soon followed, and the clan has been here ever since. Funny in Farsi chronicles the American journey of Dumas’s wonderfully engaging family: her engineer father, a sweetly quixotic dreamer who first sought riches on Bowling for Dollars and in Las Vegas, and later lost his job during the Iranian revolution; her elegant mother, who never fully mastered English (nor cared to); her uncle, who combated the effects of American fast food with an army of miraculous American weight-loss gadgets; and Firoozeh herself, who as a girl changed her name to Julie, and who encountered a second wave of culture shock when she met and married a Frenchman, becoming part of a one-couple melting pot. In a series of deftly drawn scenes, we watch the family grapple with American English (hot dogs and hush puppies?—a complete mystery), American traditions (Thanksgiving turkey?—an even greater mystery, since it tastes like nothing), and American culture (Firoozeh’s parents laugh uproariously at Bob Hope on television, although they don’t get the jokes even when she translates them into Farsi). Above all, this is an unforgettable story of identity, discovery, and the power of family love. It is a book that will leave us all laughing—without an accent.
Stop by the library for a copy and plan to join us for discussion on December 27 at 3:00.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Trivia of the Week...

This week’s question doesn’t really have a right answer.  Think of it instead as an opportunity to prove a literate turn of mind by being able to provide a quote, proverb or maxim on the topic of necessity.

Monday, November 24, 2014

The First fifteen Lives of Harry August

Book Jacket for: The first fifteen lives of Harry AugustThe First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North begins by setting up a class of people who live their lives, die and are reborn as themselves but with all their memories.  So generally the first time they are reborn they experience a bout of insanity as they try to cope with being a child who rembers a complete life.  Eventually as their lives pile up they adjust and are able to capitalize on the fact that they already know what will happen in the world to steer their own lives in many different directions, avoid calamity, and ensure comfort.  Harry August, as you’ve no doubt guessed, is one of these individuals.  Then as Harry lies dying for the twelfth time he is visited by a little girl who gives him a message from the future to take back to the time of his birth --- the world is ending, sooner then it should.  So Harry is reborn and undertakes to find out why this is happening.  Harry who was born in 1919 and generally dies sometime in the 90’s takes us on many different tours of the 20th century as he lives his lives and endeavors to find the cause of the changing future & solve it.


The book is interesting and the premise is actually quite believable as the author describes it (I’m not sure I did as well with my synopsis).  A good book for fans of the speculative who like a bit of a mystery.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Events for the Week of November 24…

We will be closed on November 27 & 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Events going on the rest of the week include… 
  • Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (11/26) at 10:30
  • STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
  • Correo Electronico Para Principiantes on Wednesday at 6:30
  • Covered CA enrollment assistance on Saturday (11/29) from 10:00-2:00
  • STAR Reader also on Saturday 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.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

TOW (& Answer)...

Book Jacket for: The historical atlas of American crime
The question was what is the significance of Wilson v. Shaw?  Wilson v. Shaw was a 1907 case in which the plaintiff argued that the U.S. government did not have the right to buy the Panamanian land to build the canal.  The case came back against the plaintiff and the Supreme Court found that not only did the government have that power but they had the power to construct interstate highways. This cleared a legal hurdle and allowed for the government to being paving U.S. roads.

The question (& answer) were found on p. 183 of The Historical Atlas of American Crime by Fred Rosen.  The book was published by Facts on File, Inc. in 2005.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Library Events in December…

(Mark your calendars accordingly)

The library has a number of interesting events planned in December.  I thought I’d take a minute and give you a run down so you could plan ahead.  Let’s start with the non-repeating events:

- - - - - - - - - -
12/9 @ 4:00
Gift Bag Decorating
Teens join us to create personalized (& lovely) gift bags you can use for the upcoming gift giving season.

12/18 @ 4:00
Kids Arts & Crafts
Kids! Come use your creativity to make paper decorations & holiday cards.

12/23 @ 4:00
Shrinky Dink Fun
Join us to create your own shrinky dink object.  Make one for yourself & one to give to someone you love.

12/27 @ 3:00
Arroyo Book Club
Join us for a lively discussion of the book Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas.

- - - - - - - - - -

Covered California
During the Covered California enrollment period a number of outside partners will be teaming up with the library to offer enrollment assistance.  In December that assistance will be available:

Saturdays
12/6 & 12/13 from 10:00 to 2:00
12/20 from 1:00 to 5:00
12/27 from 10:00 to 2:00

Mondays
12/15 & 12/29 from 4:00-7:00

Wednesday
12/17 from 4:00-7:00 

- - - - - - - - - -

Each month the library also has a number of ongoing classes & events.  They are:

Little Ones’ Storytime - - - Wednesdays at 10:30
Little Ones’ 3 and under & their grownups are invited to join us for stories, music, & games.

STAR Volunteer Readers - - - Available on Wednesdays at 3:00 on Saturdays at 2:00
STAR readers present the fun of storytelling and reading to children one-on-one or in small groups. Kids earn a free book to keep after 3 visits.

Fun With Tablets - - - Thursdays at 4:00
People of all ages are invited to join us as we explore tablet computers by accomplishing an interesting task.  If you have a project in mind suggest it & we might give it a try.

Drop in Computer Lab - - - Fridays at 3:30
Bring your questions about computers, tablets, eReaders, or other electronic devices.  We will do our best to help you figure out answers.

- - - - - - - - - -

Finally, we have computer classes.  These are formal, free 1-hour sessions.  This month we have:

  • Introduction to Spreadsheets on Thursday, 12/4 at 6:30
  • Word Processing Basics on Saturday, 12/13 at 2:00
  • Computer Basics on Wednesday, 12/24 at 12:00

Please do not hesitate to call the library at 323-255-0537 if you have any questions or would like more information.  Remember that 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.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

The Rosie Project

Book Jacket for: The Rosie projectGraeme Simsion brings us a very different love story in The Rosie Project.  Our narrator is Don Tillman.  Don is a genetics professor and can be described as not neurologically typical.  He has decided he wants a wife and so creates a carefully designed, scientifically sound survey designed to find the perfect partner.  Needless to say things do not go as he expected. 

This is an entertaining and enganging book that attempts to make a narrator who is clearly somewhere on the autism scale likeable, relateable, and understandable.  I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to people interested in alternate viewpoint novels and those looking for an understanding depicture of people who are not neurotypical.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

History of LAPL…

Today for your delectation I bring you the 1936 Annual Report to the Library Board of Commissioners (http://dbase1.lapl.org/webpics/calindex/documents/05/517348.pdf).  This report includes a “Brief History of the Los Angeles Public Library” so not only do you get to peruse library statistics from that particular year you get a 55 page history of the library.  Both are fascinating so take a look.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Events for the Week of November 17…

Don’t miss any of the exciting events going on at the library during the week… 

  • Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (11/19) at 10:30
  • STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
  • How to Deal with Utility Companies Program on Wednesday at 6:00
  • Fun with Tablets program on Thursday (11/20) at 4:00
  • Puppet Show also on Thursday at 4:00
  • Desktop Publishing Basics on Thursday at 6:30
  • Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (11/21) at 3:30
  • STAR Reader on Saturday (11/22) at 2:00 
  • Arroyo Book Club Meeting also on Saturday 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.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Friday, November 14, 2014

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

Book Jacket for: Smoke gets in your eyes : & other lessons from the crematoryIn Smoke Gets in Your Eyes Caitlin Doughty gives us a book that is part memoir part polemic about the current American cultural attitude toward death.  Doughty writes of her time working in a crematorium, reminisces about her personal encounters or lack of them with death, and posits that our current cultural practices around death & dying reinforce a fear of death in the population at large.  While her experiences are quite interesting and her larger point has some merit she overplays her hand.  I found her apparent belief that no one can learn without direct concrete experience very irritating after a while and did not recognize my own beliefs and attitudes nor those of my friends and family in her depiction of the current cultural state of death.


The book was interesting for the personal experience portions and it did raise questions about death and the way we handle it for the reader to consider.  While the author does not make the case she thinks she is making she does tell an interesting story.  I would recommend it on those grounds.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

TOW (& Answer)...

The question was who is Ricardo Flores Magon?  To quote from my source Ricardo Flores Magon was 
“an intrepid and progressive essayist, speaker, organizer, politician and one of the intellectual pillars of the Mexican revolution of 1910.  Forced into exile in the United States for his opposition to the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz, he began publishing a radical newspaper, Regeneracion, which by 1914 was headquartered in Los Angeles.  Convicted of U.S. neutrality law violations and imprisoned, Magon and his brother Enrique languished in Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary where Ricardo died, perhaps by assassination, in 1922.”
The question (& answer) were taken from p. 94 of the Illustrated History of Mexican Los Angeles 1781-1985.  The book was written by Antonio Rios-Bustamante and Pedro Castillo and published by the University of California in 1986.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

November’s Electronic Resource of the Month….

November’s Electronic Resource of the Month is the Veterans Resources Gateway.  Find the Gateway online via the LAPL website from the Research & Homework page (http://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/research-and-homework#V).  If you are not on a library computer you will need to have your card handy as you access the site.

The site provides resources on general subjects, governmental resources, upcoming events, web resources for veterans collected by LAPL, resource handbooks, books, and ebooks (the ebooks will require your library card for remote access).


In addition to the online collection of resources the library has nine veteran center locations dedicated to helping veterans and their families (you will find a list of all physical centers on the gateway page).  Each center has trained volunteers who can meet and help in connecting veterans and their families with essential information.  

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Events for the Week of November 10…

Remember that the library will be closed on 11/11 for Vetran’s Day.  Don’t miss any of the exciting events going on at the library during the rest of the week…
  • Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (11/12) at 10:30
  • Library Web Tools & the Internet Class also on Wednesday at 12:00
  • STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
  • Fun with Tablets program on Thursday (11/13) at 4:00
  • Computadoras para Principiantes also on Thursday at 4:00
  • Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (11/14) at 3:30
  • STAR Reader on Saturday (11/15) at 2:00
  • Winter Planting Presentation by local Master Gardeners brought to you by the Arroyo Seco Friends of the Library on Sunday (11/16) at 1:30

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.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Everything Leads to You

Book Jacket for: Everything leads to youEverything Leads to You by Nina LaCour tells the tale of Emi Price the summer she graduates from high school.  Her brother, off to Europe, lets her stay in his apartment with the challenge that she make something great take place there.  Emi manages to do just that.  During the course of the summer Emi recovers from her first love, solves a mystery involving a film legend, finds her artistic (and presumably her eventual professional) feet, and falls in love.


This is a sweet story that is aimed at a young adult audience.  I would recommend it to anyone who likes adventurous, over achieving girls making a mark on the world.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Websites I Like….

If you’ve ever wondered just how a certain word (in another language --- or even in your own) is correctly pronounced then Forvo (http://www.forvo.com/) is the site for you.  Forvo provides audio playback clips of word pronunciations by native speakers in over 280 languages.  Totally and completely cool.  You can sign up to do pronunciations yourself and, if a word isn’t already pronounced you can request that it be.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

My Real Children

Book Jacket for: My real childrenMy Real Children by Jo Walton is a fascinating story.  In it we meet Patricia, in 2015, very old and suffering from dementia she is usually described by her nurses as very confused.  She has reason to be confused as she can clearly remember living two completely different lives that stemmed from one yes/no choice she made in her early 20s.  The book follows Patricia’s remembrance of both lives and reveals that not only Patricia’s life is different in each life but the entire world around her --- for whatever reason her own yes/no choice sent the world on two very different paths. 


This was an entertaining book with interesting characters and the added fascination of piecing out what is different in each version of reality.  I would recommend it to lovers of speculative fiction and historical fiction alike.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

TOW (& Answer)...

Book Jacket for: The sports rules book
The question for the week was what is a Mohawk turn?  To quote from my source:
A Mohawk turn is a turn from forward to backward, or vice versa, from one foot to the other in which the curve of the exit edge continues the curve of the entry edge.
To clarify things a bit… a Mohawk turn is something a figure skater might do.


The question (& answer) were taken from p. 120 of The Sports Rules Book by Thomas Hanlon.  The book was published by Human Kinetics Publishers in 1998.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Events for the Week of November 2…

Don’t miss any of the exciting events going on at the library during the week…
  • Magic Show for the pre & elementary school set on Sunday (11/2) at 2:00
  • Teen Sock Puppets program on Tuesday (11/4) at 4:00
  • Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (11/5) at 10:30
  • STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
  • Fun with Tablets program on Thursday (11/6) at 4:00
  • Como Utilizar la Internet also on Thursday at 6:30
  • Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (11/7) at 3:30
  • STAR Reader on Saturday (11/8) at 2:00
  • Computer Basics Class also on Saturday 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.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

History of LAPL…

Ususally I bring you a history of Highland Park article but today I’m going to let you look at an article about the Los Angeles Public Library (http://dbase1.lapl.org/webpics/calindex/documents/14/522809.pdf).  

The article is titled Biggest Lender in the West and briefly described with “9,000,000 Books a Year: A Report to the People of Los Angeles on their Public Library.”  It was put together in 1955 and provides a snapshot of current and projected library use and uses.  Most interestingly it is filled with absolutely charming graphic images.  I’d say take a look at it if only to admire these drawings.

Friday, October 31, 2014

Personal

Book Jacket for: Personal : a Jack Reacher novelThe latest Jack Reacher novel (Personal by Lee Child) lives up to the standard set by earlier volumes.  In this book Reacher is pulled into the search for an expert sniper who is suspected of having plans to assassinate one or more of the attendees at a G8 meeting.  The suspected sniper is someone Reacher had put into prison earlier in his career and circumstances reveal that the sniper has a grudge because of it…. So the whole thing is personal.


Fans of Child will want to read this book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good thriller.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Arroyo Book Club Pick for November…

The Arroyo Book Club book for November is Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout.    Publisher’s Weekly says
Book Jacket for: Olive KitteridgeThirteen linked tales from Strout present a heart-wrenching, penetrating portrait of ordinary coastal Mainers living lives of quiet grief intermingled with flashes of human connection. The opening Pharmacy focuses on terse, dry junior high-school teacher Olive Kitteridge and her gregarious pharmacist husband, Henry, both of whom have survived the loss of a psychologically damaged parent, and both of whom suffer painful attractions to co-workers. Their son, Christopher, takes center stage in A Little Burst, which describes his wedding in humorous, somewhat disturbing detail, and in Security, where Olive, in her 70s, visits Christopher and his family in New York. Strout's fiction showcases her ability to reveal through familiar details—the mother-of-the-groom's wedding dress, a grandmother's disapproving observations of how her grandchildren are raised—the seeds of tragedy. Themes of suicide, depression, bad communication, aging and love, run through these stories, none more vivid or touching than Incoming Tide, where Olive chats with former student Kevin Coulson as they watch waitress Patty Howe by the seashore, all three struggling with their own misgivings about life. Like this story, the collection is easy to read and impossible to forget. Its literary craft and emotional power will surprise readers unfamiliar with Strout.
 Stop by the library for a copy and join us for discussion on November 22 at 3:00.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Library Events in November…

(Mark your calendars accordingly)

The library has a number of interesting events planned in November.  I thought I’d take a minute and give you a run down so you could plan ahead.  Let’s start with the non-repeating events:

- - - - - - - - - -
11/1 @ 2:00
Day of the Dead Storytime
Bring the whole family to enjoy stories about the Day of the Dead and make a skeleton craft!

11/1 @ 3:00
The Delirians
Join us in a free celebration of Latino Heritage month with a musical performance by the Delirians, the young lions of a resurgent Southern California reggae & ska scene. Their untamed East LA sound hypnotically transports audiences from Kingston, Jamaica to the southland’s barrios and ghettos. The Delirians are raw energy, joy, and exuberance.

11/2 @ 2:00
Magic Show with Eli
Prepare to be amazed and astonished by the magician’s skills.

11/4 @ 4:00
Teen Sock Puppets
Create your own sock puppet companion in this craft program for teens.

11/19 @ 6:00
Utility Program
Come learn how to deal with utility companies about any problems you might have.  Bring your questions.

11/20 @ 4:30
Puppet Show
Join us for the Splashy Sea Saga of Sailor Sam perfromed by the Luce Puppet Company.

11/22 @ 3:00
Arroyo Book Club
Join us for a lively discussion of the book Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout.

- - - - - - - - - -

Each month the library also has a number of ongoing classes & events.  They are:

Little Ones’ Storytime - - - Wednesdays at 10:30
Little Ones’ 3 and under & their grownups are invited to join us for stories, music, & games.

STAR Volunteer Readers - - - Available on Wednesdays at 3:00 on Saturdays at 2:00
STAR readers present the fun of storytelling and reading to children one-on-one or in small groups. Kids earn a free book to keep after 3 visits.

Fun With Tablets - - - Thursdays at 4:00
People of all ages are invited to join us as we explore tablet computers by accomplishing an interesting task.  If you have a project in mind suggest it & we might give it a try.

Drop in Computer Lab - - - Fridays at 3:30
Bring your questions about computers, tablets, eReaders, or other electronic devices.  We will do our best to help you figure out answers.

- - - - - - - - - -

Finally, we have computer classes.  These are formal, free 1-hour sessions.  Note: if the class title is in Spanish then the class is conducted in Spanish.  This month we have:

  • Como Utilizar la Internet on 11/6 at 6:30
  • Computer Basics on 11/8 at 2:00
  • Introduction to Library Web Tools and the Internet on 11/12 at 12:00
  • Computadoras para Principiantes on 11/13 at 4:00
  • Desktop Publishing Basics on 11/20 at 6:30
  • Correo Electronico Para Principiantes  on 11/26 at 6:30

Please do not hesitate to call the library at 323-255-0537 if you have any questions or would like more information.  Remember that 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.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Events for the Week of October 27…

Don’t miss any of the exciting events going on at the library during the week…
  • Teen Sugar Skulls Program on Tuesday (10/28) at 4:00
  • Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (10/29) at 10:30
  • STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
  • Telescope Night (weather permitting) also on Wednesday starting at 6:00
  • Fun with Tablets program on Thursday (10/30) at 4:00
  • Computadoras Para Principiantes also on Thursday at 6:30
  • Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (10/31) at 3:30
  • STAR Reader on Saturday (11/1) at 2:00
  • Day of the Dead Storytime on Saturday at 2:00
  • Perfromance by The Delirians also on Saturday 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.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

TOW (& Answer)...

Book Jacket for: Country music : the encyclopedia
The week’s question was who is Charley Pride?  Charley Pride is a country singer, guitarist, and band leader.  He “is to country music as Jackie Robinson is to baseball.”  Pride broke the color barrier in country music.


The question (and answer) were taken from p. 385 of Country Music: The Encyclopedia by Irwin Stambler & Grelin Landon.  St. Martin’s Press published the book in 1997.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Lock In

Book Jacket for: Lock inJohn Scalzi has a new book out.  Lock In is essentially a FBI hunts down the bad guys type thriller but Scalzi sets it in an interesting world.  In this world a certain percent of people (not a terribly big percent) suffer from a condition where they have no conscious control over their bodies --- they are locked in.  As a result of this many tools have been developed to allow them to interact with the world physically via robots and virtually in online spaces.  Our narrator, Chris Shane, suffers from Haden’s Syndrome (the condition in question) and is a brand new FBI agent who is assigned to investigate a Haden related murder that proves to be a conspiracy.


The book is easy to read and amusing.  It reminds me a bit of Scalzi’s book The Android’s Dream though it is not quite as good.  I would recommend it to people interested in a thriller who like humor with their action.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

America’s Boy

Book Jacket for: America's boy : a memoirAmerica’s Boy by Wade Rouse is a straight up memoir of an ordinary childhood in the American South.  The virtue of the book, at least for me, was that it got me thinking that it would be fun to write about my own life.  The author uses a straightforward scaffolding for his story that looks to provide an easy foothold for trying something similar yourself.  His approach is to chapter by chapter call out the characters (i.e. other people) in his life. Anyway I am going to give it a try.


Recommended for those who like to read about the lives of ordinary people. 

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

History of Highland Park….

Today I give you a floorplan sketch of the 1st Arroyo Seco Library (the Carnegie building) on its lot (http://dbase1.lapl.org/webpics/calindex/documents/10/520700.pdf).  Interesting.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Events for the Week of October 20…

Don’t miss any of the exciting events going on at the library during the week…
  • Odyssey Themed Movie showing on Tuesday (10/21) at 5:30
  • Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (10/22) at 10:30
  • STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
  • Fun with Tablets program on Thursday (10/23) at 4:00
  • Correo Electronico Para Principiantes also on Thursday at 6:30
  • Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (10/24) at 3:30
  • STAR Reader on Saturday (10/25) at 2:00
  • The Arroyo Book Club meets to discuss The Odyssey on Saturday 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.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Friday, October 17, 2014

Drama Queens In the House

Book Jacket for: Drama queens in the houseIf you’re looking for a sweet little story about a teenage girl going through some growing then you need look no further then Drama Queens In the House by Julie Williams.  Jessie Jasper Lewis has just graduated from High School (at 15, she’s a bit of a brainiac).  Her family are theater nuts and have infected her though she appears to have little or no talent for theater-ish endeavors.  At the same time her parent’s marriage is breaking up and she must cope with realizing her father is gay & dealing with her mother’s reaction to that situation.  The book is a quick, easy read with charming characters and not a lot of drama (despite the title).  Recommended for teens looking for a slice of life book.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

TOW (& Answer)...

Book Jacket for: The World Book encyclopedia.
The question was what is the canton?  The canton is the upper quarter of the flag next to the staff.  The remainder of the flag is called the field or ground.  On the US flag the canton would be the stars section.


The question (& answer) were taken from p. 194 of volume 7 of the World Book Encyclopedia.   The encyclopedia was published by Worldbook in 2014. 

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Ghost at Work

Book Jacket for: Ghost at work : a Bailey Ruth mysteryIf you like a light-hearted mystery then you’ll get a kick out of Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart.  Bailey Ruth Raeburn our narrator and detective is dead.  She’s explored the afterlife and has come around to volunteering at the Department of Good Intentions.  She’s sent back to her hometown for her first case and told to help Kathleen, the pastor’s wife.  She arrives to find Kathleen standing over a body, in full panic mode so helps Kathleen dispose of the body.  Now this is not quite as bad as it seems in the long run because Kathleen actually was being framed. Bailey Ruth then proceeds to figure out who the murderer is and get that person caught. 


Now I’ll admit the whole time Bailey Ruth was investigating I was wondering why she didn’t just go back to heaven and find the victim and ask him who killed him… but that must not have been an option for some undisclosed reason.  I also found Bailey Ruth’s impetuousness and sort of mid 20th century sexism a bit daunting.  However the overall story was amusing & I enjoyed Bailey Ruth’s exploration of technology that hadn’t been around during her life.  Recommended for mystery lovers who enjoy a bit of whimsy. 

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Events for the Week of October 13…

Remember that the Library will be closed on Monday for Columbus Day.   Don’t miss any of the exciting events going on at the library during the rest of the week… 

  • Teen Cupcake Decorating program on Tuesday (10/14) at 4:00
  • Little Ones’ Storytime on Wednesday (10/15) at 10:30
  • STAR Reader on Wednesday at 3:00
  • Shrinky-Dink Odyssey Art program on Thursday (10/16) at 4:00
  • Como Utilizar la Internet class also on Thursday at 6:30
  • Drop in Computer Lab on Friday (10/17) at 3:30
  • USC Thornton Gluck Kaleidoscope Trio performs on Saturday (10/18) at 10:30
  • STAR Reader also on Saturday at 2:00
  • Odyssey Lecture by Dr. Damian Stocking on Sunday (10/19) 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.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Websites I Like….

I recently stumbled across Photogrammer (http://photogrammar.yale.edu/).  “Photogrammar is a web-based platform for organizing, searching, and visualizing the 170,000 photographs from 1935 to 1945 created by the United State’s Farm Security Administration and Office of War Information (FSA-OWI).”  In other words it allows you access to a large photo database and includes a number of tools for searching & browsing.


This site will provide you with hours of diversion.  Take a look at it.

Friday, October 10, 2014

Here’s Looking at Euclid

Book Jacket for: Here's looking at Euclid : a surprising excursion through the astonishing world of mathIn Here’s Looking at Euclid Alex Bellos takes us on an informative tour of some concepts from mathematics.  His tone is interesting & conversational and he relates his information in a way that even the non “math nerd” will understand.  I found myself sharing some of the concepts covered with my co-workers (all of whom are a bit math phobic).

He takes a scattershot look at topics beginning with the concept of numbers and counting and moving on to include special irrationals (pi in particular), mathematical puzzles as recreation, infinite series, phi (or the golden ratio), probability (particularly as it relates to gambling), statistics in the world, and the concept of infinity.


An interesting book I would recommend to anyone.  The math expert will find the stories interesting too. 

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

October’s Electronic Resource of the Month…

Treehouse is the October Electronic Resource of the Month.  Treehouse is an online interactive siter for learning topics related to web development, web design, and app development.  It has more that 1,000 videos and includes interactive exercises and quizzes.  The courses are aimed at beginners.  When you first access the site you will need to create an account using a valid library card and email address.  Once logged on you can select:
  • Tracks – Over 190 courses organized into 10 catergories.  Tracks are designed in a step-by-step instruction format.  A track takes about 25 hours to complete.
  • Library – The complete course catalog.  You can browse by topic, level of difficulty, or latest releases.
  • Forum – Post a question or engage indiscussion with other participants.
  • Workspaces – Practice code writing on the workspace platform.  Students are able to create up to 100 workspaces.  Each workspace has the capacity of 50 MB.

Treeshouse is available from the Research & Homework section of the library’s website (http://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/research-and-homework#T).  You will need to have your library card handy to access the resource.