iHCPL #23

Finally done, yay!

I have enjoyed parts of "THE 23 THINGS", such as the Library Thing, Blogging, and You Tube. I think some of these things could be used to in the library. For example, since we don't keep records of items that were checked out once they are returned, a patron could use something like Library Thing to track his/her books. I also think that blogged book clubs could be a possibility, but you would need a core group. While I am not sure that most of what I learned is something patrons will be asking about with any regularity, I have enjoyed parts of the process, so here's to iStar.

Cows with Guns and Kitty Cat Dance

iHCPL #22

I looked at both the ebranch and the other sound sites listed by iStar. I found a few titles I liked on each of the sites, but a lot of titles I looked for were not there. I might have been doing something wrong. I thought it was a nice feature on WOWIO that it told you when something was in progress, so you would know to look back for it later. I think that HCPL's ebranch is easier to use than LibriVox, but I did like WOWIO's set up...

iHCPL #21

I looked under both podcast.net and podcastalley.com and didn't find either of them to be particularly user friendly unless the user knew exactly what they were looking for. When I searched for 'learn an accent' I got results including audio erotica spoken by a british man (that goodness I looked at the details before trying to listen). Eventually I found a couple podcasts that might prove inteteresting: "Write to Learn" and "Uncontrolled Vocabulary". "Write to Learn" is a podcast created to help people figure out how to write academic papers and "Uncontrolled Vocabulary" is a podcast about current library issues.

iHCPL #20

I usually look for amusing videos on You Tube. I found a few "Kitty Cat Dance", "Free Running", "RvD2" and "Cows with Guns" that are pretty amusing. I tried to embed the videos into a post (and I'm pretty sure I figured out how) but I can't actually see embedded videos on this computer, so I took them out.

One thing You Tube-esque videos could be used for would be "How to get a print card" which we get asked multiple times daily. : )

iHCPL #19

I wrote the following in Zoho and posted it to my blog:

This would certainly have been easier to use in college when I was having to write papers between work and home and didn't have a laptop.

I think that I might really like this feature... One question though: what is the securtiy for this site like? If you are working on a story or something personal, does someone who is not you stand a decent chance of getting your work?

Thoughts...

iHCPL #18: Social Networking i.e. Stalkerweb

As the title of my post probably tells you, I am not a big fan of "Social Networking" sites like MySpace. Facebook is not quite as offensive, since you can make your page exclusively private and only allow people you have approved to view it. But still, I don't like them. I realize I am one of the few people who don't like online social networking; and I know I sound kind of paranoid about them. I just don't want people all over the world (whether I know them or not) knowing everything about me. I have friends who have put all kinds of information about themselves online, including pictures etc. Why would you do that? Maybe I value my privacy more than other people. If I want someone to see my pictures, I'll show them myself. I don't want everyone and their mother to see them.
Perhaps if I moved overseas and needed a way to stay in touch with friends from home I would feel differently. But as it stands now, I keep in touch with people I want to keep in touch with. I don't want some of the people I went to high school or college with to "drop a line" out of the blue. Part of what I enjoy about the Internet is the anonymity it provides. Social Networking sites infringe on that anonymity.

Elfquest

New versions of the colored graphic novels are becoming available! YAY! I love Elfquest and was very excited to learn that DC comics has rights to EQ and that they planned to reissue the color versions as well as other comics...
So here is the update:

• The old color EQ graphic novels are being re-released as EQ Archives Vol. #.
• B&W versions are being released in manga form
• A new story "EQ: The Discovery" is available
• A newly released storyline in comic form "Wolfrider" following the exploits of Cutter's father, Bearclaw, is available in B&W manga form.

I am totally psyched!

For more info go to www.dccomics.com look under Graphic Novels, then DC Comics, then scroll down...

Beautiful Cathedrals

I was browsing around on Flikr and found these picks. I can't blog the photo since it is not mine, but they were so beautiful, I wanted to let you know. This photographer, "Stuck in Customs", is extremely talented. Breathtaking!
http://flickr.com/photos/stuckincustoms/sets/72157594201844069/

Check it out...

Goblin King, Goblin King!

YAY!!!

Finally someone is continuing the story started in the classic Jim Henson fantasy movie "Labyrinth". I found mangas in the book store yesterday that follow Jareth and Toby in further adventures. YAY!

Buffyverse Update

For all of those not already in the know, Whedon and company are planning to start a comic version of Angel starting in November 2007. My understanding is that the comic will pick up where the TV series left off (in an alley with hoards of demons and a dragon descending on the weary heroes). I might be incorrect in that information, but I am sure about the new comic.

I have also been keeping up with the Buffy Season 8 comics and can't wait for the next issue (Issue #8) November 11.

So Viva La Buffyverse!

YA Book Reviews

ddddd = the highest ranking

Avalon High by Meg Cabot dddd
Ellie moves to a new high school where everything seems normal. That is, if normal includes King Arthur and his court. Reality or fairytale, Ellie is determined to discover the truth. This book is an entertaining and enjoyable read. Ms. Cabot does a very good job of writing from the perspective of a teenage girl. The secondary characters are not as well developed as they could be and the ending occurs rather abruptly, but this does not detract over much from the reader’s enjoyment. The possibility of another book set at Avalon High is left open, so keep your eyes peeled.

The Arrival by Shaun Tan ddddd
The Arrival chronicles the journey of a man who immigrates to a new country filled with strange animals and new customs. This graphic novel is both beautifully drawn and moving. Executed entirely with pictures, the author/illustrator conveys the loneliness and isolation of a new immigrant while emphasizing the hope the main character feels. This book is worth reading.

Hana-Kimi - For You in Full Blossom ( Volumes 1-3) by Hisaya Nakajo ddddd
Synopsis: Mizuki is a Japanese-American track-and-field star who transfers to a high school in Japan. To be close to her idol, high jumper Izumi Sano, she's going to an all-guys' high school disguised as a boy. As fate would have it, Sano and Mizuki are more than classmates, they're roommates! Now, Mizuki must keep her secret in the classroom, the locker room, and her own bedroom. And her classmates, and the weird school nurse, must react to the new transfer student who looks like a very pretty boy… So far the Hana-Kimi series is one of the more entertaining and well drawn mangas I’ve read. There is plenty of humorous tension as Mizuki tries to maintain her male façade. I look forward to reading more of these mangas as I can. Definitely recommend for more mature readers.

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy ddd
Sir Percy and Lady Blakeney are highly lauded in British society. He is the most foppish dandy about Town and she admired for her rapier sharp wit. Though in public he plays the fop, Sir Percy is actually a master of disguise who rescues French nobles from the forces of the French Revolution. When his identity is compromised, Lady Blakeney must find a way to warn him without compromising his mission. As one of the first novels written about a masked hero, I have to say I really enjoyed this book. Yes it is a classic (it was originally published in 1905) but it is entertaining and very readable. I would suggest it to readers who enjoy political intrigue and adventure.

Dance with a Vampire by Ellen Schreiber ddd
The latest book in the Vampire Kisses series. Jagger and Luna have finally left Dullsville, but just when Raven and Alexander think life is getting back to “normal” , the youngest Maxwell sibling arrives. Now Raven and her beau have to stop an adolescent vampire from making Raven’s younger brother one of the undead. On top of everything else there’s Prom to think about! This newest book in the series stays true to form and is an enjoyable read. The only criticism I have is that not very much happens in the book. However, Raven’s personality and quirkiness more than make up for an absence of action.

iHCPL #17 - Techno-something

I like and appreciate the benefits of technology as much as the next person, where would we be without electricity and combustible engines? But I also do not particularly enjoy how invasive much of modern technology has become. My home and phone number should be private; I shouldn't receive phone calls at 9am on Sunday morning from a sales person in another state or country trying to sell me something useless.

I saw a study recently (I can't remember where or I would site the source) that found that most people do not worry about their privacy very much. That boggled my mind. Who wants everyone to know their business? But, given my own personal experiences, I have to conclude that the study was at least somewhat valid in their findings. I have heard very personal conversations had by people talking loudly on their cell phone. One of my friends (who is far more socially outgoing than I) listened for about 10 minutes to the girl sitting across from her complain on the phone about the state of her romantic relationship. When the girl finally hung up, my friend started talking to the girl about relationships and gave her some advice (I think my friend was deliberately trying to make a point : )). The cell phone talker was appalled that someone had been listening to her conversation and my friend pointed out that if she had wanted to keep the conversation private, that she should not have been talking so loudly or so long.

Maybe it comes down to social etiquette and common courtesy (which is becoming more uncommon by the day). Maybe along with home ec. and computer classes there needs to be some technology etiquette classes offered. I'm not sure of the answer. I truly do appreciate the advances and convenience of modern technology, but I do not love how others use of technology effects me on a daily basis. ; )

iHCPL #16: Wiki-mania

I actually like wikis. I don't really edit them, but I think it is interesting to browse through them. Wikipedia is one of my faves (and also very dangerous since you can follow links for hours...). I also find Wikipedia is a good source for starting out research. Not all the info on the Wiki is correct, but lots of people post their sources and it can give a researcher an idea of what materials to start looking in.

I love Whedonverse and Buffyverse Wikis b/c I can discover all sorts of facts and trivia that I didn't know. It also helps fill in plot holes.

As far as library wikis go, I think that in some instances they could be very useful. It would be interesting to have a "researchers wiki" that gave basic facts and resources for common middle school and high school research projects. A wiki book reviewing sight like the Book Lover's wiki is also a good idea and a way to get library patrons involved.

iHCPL #15

Okay, the geek in me really likes this exercise. As an English major I love writing responses involving my opinions and thoughts. So here goes:

In response to the Librarian 2.0 Manifesto, I must say that it was far more realistic and reasonable that I thought it might be. I especially liked the points that librarians will not fear Google and will let go of old practices when new/better methods become available. The part about not becoming frustrated with Library Bureaucracy is also a good point, however I think a point should be made about library administration and administrators listening to their branch "operatives" (librarians and staff) as well as the patrons. A balance between librarian/staff wants and needs and patron/customer wants and need must be met to best serve all concerned. All in all, I'd say that I agree with most of the points made in the manifesto.
I also read the articles "Away from the Icebergs", "Into a New World of Librarianship", and "A Temporary Place in Time". While all of these articles had some very interesting and provocative points, I am only going to discuss a few.

"Icebergs" made a few points that, in an ideal world, I would agree with but do not find realistic given the world and its people today. The first point I wish to contend is Anderson's argument that libraries should stop collecting print materials for the "just in case" scenario. I would argue against this if only because when it comes down to it, in my mind librarians (and therefore libraries) are the protectors of knowledge and access to knowledge. Moving into an entirely digital collection would be both foolish and irresponsible. What happens when the power goes out? Or when print sources are required for a project/assignment? What happens if the unthinkable occurs and there is a nuclear war? (Granted, if the last happened we would have more issues that whether people could access information. Or even if nothing so physically drastic happened, what if a super virus infects and corrupts the Internet and most of its information? I know, I know, these scenarios are unlikely to happen, but there are some crazies in the world and you can't predict the behavior or logic of insanity. Anderson also states that libraries should adapt themselves to their user's education level. I think, in a lot of ways, we have already begun to do so. People are constantly working to make better, more user friendly search engines; libraries offer classes from ESL to computer literacy and more. The final point that I somewhat disagree with is that libraries should abandon the "come to us" mentality. I agree that we should be available online and that we offer that as a service, but I don't think that it is asking too much for a patron to have to come in to use certain parts of the collection. If you want to try on a article of clothing or buy a cup of coffee you go to the store that sells the item...
Moving on.
In "Into a New World of Librarianship" Stephens argues that libraries will/should become "engaging centers for learning and experience". Now, I would LOVE this, but I don't think it is very likely (at least in public libraries) unless there is a fundamental change in the attitude of the public. The majority of public library patrons do not attend the library to learn or gain experience, they are here to access their email, or myspace, or facebook; to look up a favorite author's new book. In short, most people come to public libraries seeking entertainment (as shown by our fiction and dvd/cd circ stats...). There is nothing wrong with this, but it does underline the basic difference between our present patrons and the patrons in Stephens's future world. I think that there will have to be a fundamental shift in the thought process and lifestyle of the public for libraries to be these wonderful "centers for learning and experience". Perhaps if public libraries played up their non-fiction and reference sections as well as their databases that would help change the attitude. Hopefully I am wrong. It would be nice if libraries truly became as Stephens predicts.

iHCPL#14

I don't really have much to say about Technorati. I guess in my mind it is similar to the library Elf; it is a nice feature, just not one I am personally interested in using. (I just don't read that many webpages or blogs.) I did find an interesting link on a blog I found using Technorati about Buffy studies...

iHCPL #13: De.lico.us etc...

I am actually somewhat familiar with De.lico.us. I had a friend who raved about it, but I never got into it. Probably because I'm not very much in to online social networking. I don't really want people to see what I've marked as my favorite sites and me to see there things. I enjoy my anonymity.
Anyway, I can see how the site could be useful (I did find a fun Buffy link using HCPL's account), but I don't think that it is something I personally will use.

Slayage, i.e. Buffy Studies

Okay all you Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans, here is a fun (and interesting Buffy site) for anyone interested in the more academic adoration of Buffydom.

http://www.slayageonline.com/

Viva la Buffy!

iHCPL #12 - Library Elf

For all the issues with trying to access Elf, I was pleasantly surprised by the site. One of the features I liked best was the little calender that said "due" or "hold" etc on it on days that something needs to be done with certain library materials. I also linked over to my HCPL account page to renew some items. Elf seems nice enough, but I'm not convinced it is any better than the system already in place. I can look at when things are due and what fines etc I have on HCPL's "My Account" page. I can also see the status of my holds and am sent an email reminder of when items are ready to pick up and when they are going to be due. Like I said, nice enough, but I think it sort of repeats what HCPL already provides for its patrons.

iHCPL #11 Library Thing

First off, I think that Library Thing is AWESOME! I love being able to create a list of books I've read and making comments and reviews. Neat! Currently I have 36 titles listed in my catalog (which I am not directly linking to my blog for privacy reasons). I also think it is neat that you can create a link to Library Thing that allows you to search for a book or author and see what other people are saying about it. (I put the search Library Thing widget on my blog, the other one didn't work). I really like this tool and look forward to sharing it with my bibliophile friends.

iHCPL #10 Image Generators

As you can see, I have created an avatar (located to the right). I would love to have pink/purple hair like my character. I chose to use the Meez site b/c it is both easy and fun. Sort of like playing dress up without having to change clothes all the time. And I like that you can create multiple images and choose which one to show.

iHCPL # 9

So I tried some of the Feed locating search engines and I have to say that I really don't like either topix or syndic8. I don't think either of these is user friendly for a person who is not already familiar with RSS, feeds etc... However, I did find Technorati to be both easy to use and useful. I found some interesting YA book review blogs. I'm still not sure I'm totally sold on RSSs and feeds and such, but they are in some ways more convenient.

iHCPL #8: RSS

People have been talking about RSSs all day, and I can't help but think of TPB's ROUSs. At first I though I would rather deal with Rodents of Unusual Size, but now, I find that RSSs are pretty useful. It is definitely more convenient to look at all your news stuff on one page rather than have to enter in multiple addresses and scroll through multiple windows. I kind of wish that I had known about these before.

Tsk, tsk, tsk Buffy Fans

<> I had such high hopes. ; )
So no one got the Buffy trivia correct. We obviously need another Buffy marathon. The character of Oz was first introduced in the episode "Inca Mummy Girl". His band plays the multicultural dance (which occures at The Bronze) while he is playing on stage he spies Willow, dressed as an Eskimo, and wonders who she is. "Halloween" is the second time we see Oz, when Willow walks in front of his van dressed for "go as you aren't" night. He wonders again who the girl is. Oz and Willow actually meet in "What's My Line" when they are both singled out by software companies that want their skills.

iHCPL #7: Dogblog

dogblog
Originally uploaded by lunanshee

I am Space Dog! You will all bow wow before my magnificence!

Burma

Usually I try to avoid politics, but I have to say, I am extremely pleased to hear about the continuing protests in Burma. Having known people who help the resistance and who have lived in refugee camps after fleeing Burma, I am encouraged to know that others are finally making a concerted and public effort to change the government.
You might ask "why now and not before?". I believe there are a few reasons, all of which stem from the government oppressing the people to the point they do not have the means to resist. Outside of the few cities, roads are mined to deter travel and injure or kill anyone trying to use them. Small villages believed to house resistence fighters are attacked by the military. First the villiage leaders and teachers are killed. Then anyone else. Before leaving, the attackers burn the buildings to the gound and mine the area, so that survivors face the horror of exlosive attacks even after the attackers are gone. There is no Internet, no radio and no telephones in most of Burma. Resistence fighters smuggle in electronics to broadcast their messages. You can imagine what happens to people found with blackmarket electronics.
So, while people might have wanted and have resisted, you won't have heard about it. Unless you have some sort of connection to Burma. I am encouraged by the monks and people of Yangon, and will keep them and all the people in Burma in my thoughts and prayers. Now that there have been "public" displays, the world will watch and, hopefully, that observation will make the "government" act with restraint. People should not have to live in fear. Everyone in entitled to certain rights, none of which have been allowed by the Burmese tyrant.
FREE BURMA!!!!

iHCPL #6: Flicker Tools

For Flicker tools and mashups, my picks are Color Picker, Spell with Flickr, and Badge Maker. I especially enjoy Color Picker for the images it associates with each color. Some of those images are very beautiful. The Spell with Flickr is a fun way to make signs and spell fun things. I really enjoy being able to change the letters if I don't like the original ones chosen. It is a very eclectic tool. The badge maker tool could be a lot of fun. You could make badges for a special club, or for your own purposes etc.. Lots of fun and/or useful applications.

iHCPL #5: Chi Ro Folio

chi-rofolio
Originally uploaded by lunanshee

I love illuminated manuscripts! They are the ultimate wedding of beauty and function and the detail and craftsmanship it took to create these manuscripts is amazing. I'm not sure there is a modern equiviilant to this art form (except those who have revived the tradition). I am continually amazed by the minute detail created with a reed, brush or quill and a steady hand. The imperfections in the illuminations just highlight the beauty of the image. I could go on and on, but it is probably better that I stop at a short entry.

Online Song

Has anyone heard the Brad Paisley song "Online"? Giving my earlier discussion on Internet Saftey it seemed pretty appropriate and humorous.
The lyrics are at:
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/paisley-brad/online-22297.html

Really fun.

iHCPL #4: Online Smarts

I recently read an article on Internet safety and security protocols. Maybe it is the generation I grew up in, but most of this stuff seems like common sense to me. The Internet is not a safe place. It's greatest asset, anonymity, is also it's greatest problem. Interactions online can happen between anyone. You may think that you are talking to a 40 year-old man. He may only be 15, or 25 or 90. He may be a she. You think you are talking to a computer programmer, but in the physical world, he is a convict, or a writer, or a plane stewardess. You can never truly know. But for some reason, a lot of people seem not to think about that. The Internet is like traveling to a different city and walking around. There are nice, good people, but there are also pick pockets, scammers and liars. Human nature is not changed by the Internet.
Personally, I want to maintain as much of my online anonymity as possible. I like rambling into space. I won't talk about family, friends, work. I won't discuss my bank, credit card, mortgage information or anything like that. Identity theft is disturbingly easy in this day and age without my helping the thieves. I don't understand why people do.
I recently saw a television commercial where there is a car thief mid-theft and a string of people walk up to him, hand him the keys and tell them where the hidden valuables in the car are located. The final woman to hand over her keys, also hands him her purse "for his trouble". While funny, the commercial is also sad since a lot of people do the digital version of that all the time. Would you hand your purse to a stranger to hold? Would you give your credit card to a stranger for safe keeping? No. Then, why give that information to someone you don't know online?
Another thing to keep in mind is that once something appears online, it is there forever, even if you try to delete it. So be careful what you do and say, sometimes actions come back to bite you where you would rather not be bitten. Keep that in mind the next time you post pictures of you and your friends at a bachelor party. Employers will often do a web search of prospective employees. Do you really want a prospective employer seeing pictures of you and your friends acting wild and crazy before you even get an interview? Do you think the "type of person" shown in that picture is likely to make a good employee? Something to keep in mind. Personally, I find all of the social networking sites a bit creepy. I don't want people from elementary school, or camp or whatever, emailing me out of the blue after years of silence. If I have not made an effort to keep track of someone, there might well be a reason besides laziness.
Basically, people should keep a few simple rules in mind while they wander online. Don't give out personal information (and be aware because some people are good at getting that kind of information out of others) and realize that nothing online is truly private.
And yet another long rant by Lunanshee

YA Book Reviews

d d d d d = Highest Rating for Books
Reviews of some YA Books I have read for October. Not all of them are new books, but hopefully this will be useful to you anyway:

The Hunter's Moon by O.R. Melling d d d d
Gwen's cousin Findobhair is fairy-napped and it is up to Gwen to track down the traveling Fey Court and rescue her cousin before she is made the Sacrifice. In the course of her journey, Gwen learns about herself, her inner strength, the importance of friends and the power of confidence. The book starts off a bit slow, but by the end of the second chapter, the reader is caught up in the story. With a few surprising twists thrown in and interesting bits of Celtic lore sprinkled about, this novel is a refreshing "fairytale".

Gross News by the Sander Family d d d
Gross News is a collection of short articles about gross "but clean" stories, news articles and science facts from around the world. For example, an Australian doctor believes that children should be allowed, even encouraged, to pick their noses. And eat what they pick. All in the name of the healthier immune system. The theme of this book will definitely appeal mostly to boys, but some girls may also enjoy Gross News. This is a good book for reluctant readers. The entries are short, usually no more than one page and the subject matter is entertaining. Would definite recommend.

Vampire Knight Vol. 1 by Matsuri Hino d d d d
Cross Academy has two classes: the Day class and the Night class. It also has a big secret guarded by a select few. The Night class is full of vampires. It is the job of the Disciplinary Committee (two students) to keep the Day class away from the Night class. Yuki, on half of the Disciplinary Committee, was rescued from a vampire attack when she was a child, so she knows they are evil. However, her rescuer was also a vampire, so she is torn. Are vampires all monsters? Can a vampire be good? The first volume in this manga series is both beautifully drawn and contains interesting characters. With plenty of action, drama and angst, this series should have an interesting arc.

Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks d d
Cadel Piggott has a genius I.Q. and a fascination with any type of system. At the age of seven he was hacking into government systems. Now 14 he is studying for his degree in World Domination, but a new acquaintance makes him question what he’s learned. While interesting, this book had a lot of potential that it did not live up to. Perhaps its biggest flaw is that Cadel, although a genius, is a fairly normal kid. He is self-centered, unaware of the consequences of his actions and seemingly unconcerned with the state of the world around him. Because of his unique perception of the world, I expected a bit better of him. However, it is still a readable novel, the second half of the book really picks up and draws the reader in. Readers will enjoy the strange education Cadel gets at the Axis Institute for World Domination.

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber d d d d
Sixteen-year-old goth Raven is the odd-girl-out in her small hometown. No one else dresses in black, plays in cemeteries or is obsessed with vampires. When asked by her fourth grade teacher what she wanted to be when she grew up, Raven promptly replied, “I want to be a vampire.” Still, nothing remotely interesting happens in Dullsville, until a new family moves into the abandoned mansion of a Romanian baroness. Town rumor has it that the new residents are vampires. Raven is ecstatic, when she finally meets the boy of her dreams. But Alexander has a secret. Is he truly the dream-boy, or a nightmare? This is a really fun book. Raven is funny, interesting and candid. Schreiber challenges some stereotypes, while using others to her advantage and the product is a novel worth reading.

iHCPL # 2: Learning

I love to learn. To stretch my cognisance and challenge what I think I know. I don't understand people who don't want to learn, or don't care about their education. Knowledge is one of the most important possessions a person can have. Knowledge can keep you alive, keep you sane, help you relate to the world and people around you. There are almost no limits to the benefits of knowledge. My mind boggles at the thought of the purposfully ignorant.

Not everyone is an academic, so I can understand why a person wouldn't go to college, or why someone wouldn't care to learn about the intricacies of written Literature. However, my hope for those people would be that they pursue some further training, either mechanical or technological, something to keep their brains active. In my opinion, you are never too old to learn something new. I hear people say "I'm too old to go back to school", or "I'm too old to change careers". That is simply not true. Change may not be easy, in fact it can be very difficult, but the rewards can vastly out way the difficulty.

Learning is not restricted to one subject. Even if you are not interested in learning about the chemical makeup of mud, or the physics of why a plane flies, or the literary depths of a great work, you can still learn throughout your entire life. Learn how to craft and the history inherent in that skill. Learn about engines, the different types and how they work. Take up hobbies such as astonomy, bird watching, logic puzzles or teaching ESL. Don't get stuck in a non-learning rut.


Learning keeps the mind open and flexible. If you do not learn new things, it is likely that you will become stagnant in your thoughts and ideas. If you don't learn, it becomes difficult to think out side the box, let alone create a whole new box. And I am not just talking about academic learning. You can learn from all sorts of sources, books, movies, magazines, Internet, other people, nature. The world around you is overflowing with learning possibilities. Look at a flower, study it's leaves, petals, pollen, learn how it is put together. How does it reflect the world around it? Does it resemble something else you have seen? Does it inspire you?


A person can learn something from the most mundane of objects, if they look close enough. If they take the time. The point is to retain the desire to learn. Don't get lazy and complacent. Don't get home from work, turn the TV on and turn off your brain. Challenge the world around you, challenge what you know. You don't have to learn a lot at once, just keep learning.

Sulamith Wulfing

Have you heard of Sulamith Wulfing? She was an artist born in Germany in 1901. Wulfing created some of the most beautify, ethereal works of art I have ever seen. The people in her drawings are luminous and there is a wistfulness to her work, as though she knew she was the only one who saw the world in that way. Apparently, she began drawing at a very young age, putting down on paper the world as she saw it. Wulfing's world contained angels combined with fairytale elements usually lost outside of dreams. Her attention to detail is astounding, just look closely at any of her works. Women's gowns are accented with Norse and Celtic influenced designs and knot work. She made precision an important element of her work. However, the overall effect of her art is an image viewed through a thick mist. Many of her drawings were sold as holiday cards or were commissioned as illustrations for children's books. If you like fairy/angel art, you will love her work.

YA Book Reviews

d d d d d = the best rating for a book
Here are some YA Books that I read in September (and what I thought about them):

Privilege of the Sword by Ellen Kushner d d d
Katherine's family makes a deal with her mad uncle. If she comes to live with her uncle and has no contact with her family for six months, her uncle will pay off the family depts. Little does Katherine know that her uncle plans to turn her into something no one has ever seen: a swordswoman. Kushner's novel has an interesting plot and a great deal of potential. While the reader does not feel overly close to the characters, the book itself is an interesting read.

Transformers: The Movie by Alan Dean d d d d
Based on the movie screenplay, this novel follows the Transformers and Decepticons as they battle for earth. This is a surprisingly good novel given that it is based on a screenplay. A lot more background and detail are given in the book than in the movie. Secondary characters are also more fully fleshed out. Altogether an enjoyable read.

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman d d d d d
Eleven-year-old Lyra, accompanied by her daemon Pan, set off on a quest to the far north to rescue kidnapped children. As this adventure progresses, Lyra discovers a secret that could end the world. Talking polar bears, zeppelins, daemons and gypsies round out this tale. The Golden Compass is one of the better books I have read this year. It starts off slowly, but after the first 100 pages I was unable to put it down. A well-planned adventure.

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr d d d d
Aislinn sees fairies; and they aren't anything like Tinkerbell. Fairies are scary and you do not want to draw their attention. However, the Summer King believes that Aislinn is his Summer Queen, who will save the earth from perpetual winter. Both the Summer King and Winter Queen want Aislinn. Will Aislinn overcome her fears and join the Summer King, or will she run and condemn the world to ice? I really enjoyed this novel. Aislinn is believable in her conflict and her wish to live a normal life. The descriptions of the Fey are both beautiful and disturbing. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys stories involving fairies.

Warrior Heir by Cinda W. Chima d d d d
Jack is a normal small-town boy with a big secret; one that he does not even know about. Two warring wizarding houses want Jack because he is a Warrior. As Jack's powers begin to manifest it becomes more difficult to hide. Now with danger threatening his family and friends he must choose: fight for a wizard house or fight for himself. The story and characters of Warrior Heir are both likable and believable. While the book gets off to a somewhat slow start, the reader is rewarded after the first 50 pages by a fast-paced interesting fantasy adventure.

Wizard Heir by Cinda W. Chima d d d d d
Seph McCauley has spent the past three years getting kicked out of every private school he as attended. It's not his attitude that's the problem; it's the accidents occur when he is around. Seph is a wizard, orphaned and untrained and his powers are escalating out of control. After causing a tragic fire at an after-hours party, Seph is sent to The Havens, a secluded boys' school on the coast of Maine. Does The Havens live up to it's name, or is it a trap for boys with magic? I actually enjoyed this companion novel to Warrior Heir more. The writing is quick and fluid; the characters very interesting. Seph is, in many ways, old for his years, but endearingly young at the same time. I would definitely recommend this book.

Forthcoming Movies

Is anyone else somewhat concerned about the current state of movies? (Yes, I know there are more important topics to discuss, but this is the one I chose for now.) Personally, I am somewhat concerned about the spree of needlessly gory films and the strong theme toward vigilantism that seems to be developing. Don't get me wrong, I love scary movies and action movies and I don't mind when some gore helps the story along. Saving Private Ryan would not have made such a "war-is-hell" impact without the sight of guts and dismemberment. But there is a fine line between purpose and gross. Example, 28 Days later was somewhat gory; it was a great movie. The infected killed people in horrible ways that just exaggerated how different the virus made them from who they had been before. However, 28 Weeks later took the gore a bit too far. Did we really need to see the father ripping out the eyes of his wife? No. We got the picture in the first few seconds following the father's infection.

And what is the deal with a vigilante theme? Vigilantes make great heroes. They answer to no one and do what they wish, which can make them interesting characters. However, it is one thing for a superhero to act (because let's face it, they are vigilantes) since they exist in a fantasy world. It is something else entirely to portray a normal man or woman who decide to enact their revenge. Revenge is not justice. Revenge is fueled by fear, anger and hatred, and is not something that should be glorified.

Now. There are two ways to handle a vigilante character, and strangely enough there are two films coming out soon that seem to handle the issue differently. The first is The Brave One with Jodi Foster (love her) and the second is Death Sentence with Kevin Bacon. Both movies follow how a character feels driven to vigilante status when the legal system fails them. Death Sentence looks extremely bloody and violent. And the main character (Bacon) does not seem to feel any remorse about personally going after his son's killer. Violence begets violence, and the main character's remaining family is threatened by the character's actions. How has that made his life better? He has betrayed his family by putting them at risk, betrayed himself by becoming something brutal and betrayed the memory of his child by becoming like the son's killers. I think that The Brave One may deal with the issue better. At least it seems that Foster's character recognizes that she is breaking the law and struggles with the fact that she is turning into a monster.

I guess my basic point is this: True revenge is never good. (And I'm not talking about petty revenge for some imagined slight.) Maybe it can be sweet, but is it really worth turning yourself into a monster to get it? Wow. That was a really long spiel...

The Purpose

Mmmm...so what is the purpose of this blog? Currently, I am asking myself the same thing. I suppose I will write and rant my opinions on books, movies, dreams and the world at large. Not that I necessarily believe that anyone wants to know what I am thinking. Still, written words are easier to mold than spoken.
So here it goes.