OMG! Do I love Gossip Girl? The novels, and now the show.
Gossip Girl is a series of novels written for teenagers, (and women over 30) by Cecily von Ziegesar. Gossip Girl is also the narrator, and the title of the first novel in the series.
It has also been adapted into a TV series airing on The CW. GG airs tonight after a hiatus due to the writer’s strike.
This series revolves around a group of teenagers, three of whom live on the Upper East Side in, Manhattan.
I like to think of myself as trendy and hip, although not as cool as the Goosip Girls and boys.
The show allows me to live vicariously through rich privileged Upper East Side teenagers. I think of it as an entrance to a world of the over-the-top rich spoiled superficial tweens and teensagers.
“The show mocks our superficial fantasies while satisfying them, allowing us to partake in the over-the-top pleasures of the irresponsible superrich without anxiety or guilt or moralizing.” NY Mag. Yes, that’s it.
Gossip Girl is the 2008 version of Sex in The City, which was the
1990’s version of The Golden Girls, BFFs.
Currently reading: Cross by James Patterson
Monday, April 21, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
PRIZE WINNERs (BOOKS, of course).
Pulitzers Prize Winners
Fiction: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, by Junot Diaz
History: What Hath God Wrought: the Transformation of America, 1815-1848, by Daniel Walker Howe
Biography: Eden's Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father, by John Matteson
Poetry: Time and Materials, by Robert Hass and
Failure, by Philip Schultz
General Nonfiction: The Years of Extermination: Nazi Germany and the Jews, 1939-1945, by Saul Friedlander
2008 Book Sense Book of the Year Awards
Fiction: A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini
Nonfiction: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life, by Barbara Kingsolver, with Steven L. Hopp and Camille Kingsolver
Children's Literature: The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick
Children's Illustrated: Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity, by Mo Willems
PS I have not read ANY of them. I do plan to read Knuffle Bunny, I believe it's one the the Summer Reading Selections.
Fiction: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, by Junot Diaz
History: What Hath God Wrought: the Transformation of America, 1815-1848, by Daniel Walker Howe
Biography: Eden's Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father, by John Matteson
Poetry: Time and Materials, by Robert Hass and
Failure, by Philip Schultz
General Nonfiction: The Years of Extermination: Nazi Germany and the Jews, 1939-1945, by Saul Friedlander
2008 Book Sense Book of the Year Awards
Fiction: A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini
Nonfiction: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life, by Barbara Kingsolver, with Steven L. Hopp and Camille Kingsolver
Children's Literature: The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick
Children's Illustrated: Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity, by Mo Willems
PS I have not read ANY of them. I do plan to read Knuffle Bunny, I believe it's one the the Summer Reading Selections.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
IGoogle, Do You?
On Monday, April 14th, I attended a tutorial class, Introduction to iGoogle, at the Science Industry Business Library (SIBL) in Manhattan. This introductory course was offered to New York Public Library employees, through the Office of Staff Development. Six other NYPL employees attended the class which was scheduled from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. I had never heard of iGoogle before taking this class. What is it, you’re wondering? I’m glad you asked. iGoogle formerly Google Personalized Homepage, is a service of Google, it is a customizable homepage much like MyAOL, and MyYahoo. It was originally launched in May 2005. iGoogle was renamed and expanded on April 30, 2007. It was actually kind of cool, I learned how to retrieve and set up my own self-designated page, I was able to choose and organize content such as: headlines from BBC, CNN, Fox News, the New York Times, and other news, weather forecasts throughout the United States, a handy tool I’ll need at my next cocktail party I’m sure. I also added world clocks, movie show times, a wine lovers information page, a blog and other helpful or useless information. You can use an email you have previously set up, or you could set up a Gmail account. In my next class I will l learn how to use the IGoogle Docs feature.
Ask me how many times, am I going to remember to check my iGoogle page.
Currently reading: The 5 Second Rule & Other Myths About Germs (scary)!
Ask me how many times, am I going to remember to check my iGoogle page.
Currently reading: The 5 Second Rule & Other Myths About Germs (scary)!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
LONG LIVE THE LIBRARY
I read an article today on the CUNY Library Science listserv.
The article stated, that the CIA Fact book currently lists the United States ranked 21st in the world in literacy. Literacy is defined (well at least in this article) as the ability to read and write on a fourth grade level.
21st? Kazakhstan, (thank you Sasha Baron Cohen), Tajikistan and Cuba ranked higher than the United States.
As a person, born in the United States, perhaps I take most things for granted, especially being able to read and write.
Could this be? A basic education is free in most places, God Bless America.
This motivated me, to try an experiment for a day.
I pretended I was illiterate. I thought this would be easy. I got on the train, and I grabbed a copy of the AM NY as I always do. Oh, but wait! I cannot read, so I threw away the newspaper.
I listened to my MP3 player. Then I had this thought, how will I know what stop to get off the train as I cannot read. No problem, I can just listen for the announcement, better turn my music down. Thank goodness the announcements were clear. I arrived at my destination.
At work, no need to check my email, as I cannot read. How did I get this job, if I was unable to read the application?
I continued with the experiment.
Now what will I do? I read/looked at the latest issue of People Magazine only to gaze at the pictures. Enough!
Experiment over, it lasted all of 90 minutes and I was unable to do it.
How do people do it all of their lives, I will never know. Long live the library and give me a book to READ.
Happily able to read: The 5 Second Rule & Other Myths About Germs. (A little knowledge is a dangerous thing).
The article stated, that the CIA Fact book currently lists the United States ranked 21st in the world in literacy. Literacy is defined (well at least in this article) as the ability to read and write on a fourth grade level.
21st? Kazakhstan, (thank you Sasha Baron Cohen), Tajikistan and Cuba ranked higher than the United States.
As a person, born in the United States, perhaps I take most things for granted, especially being able to read and write.
Could this be? A basic education is free in most places, God Bless America.
This motivated me, to try an experiment for a day.
I pretended I was illiterate. I thought this would be easy. I got on the train, and I grabbed a copy of the AM NY as I always do. Oh, but wait! I cannot read, so I threw away the newspaper.
I listened to my MP3 player. Then I had this thought, how will I know what stop to get off the train as I cannot read. No problem, I can just listen for the announcement, better turn my music down. Thank goodness the announcements were clear. I arrived at my destination.
At work, no need to check my email, as I cannot read. How did I get this job, if I was unable to read the application?
I continued with the experiment.
Now what will I do? I read/looked at the latest issue of People Magazine only to gaze at the pictures. Enough!
Experiment over, it lasted all of 90 minutes and I was unable to do it.
How do people do it all of their lives, I will never know. Long live the library and give me a book to READ.
Happily able to read: The 5 Second Rule & Other Myths About Germs. (A little knowledge is a dangerous thing).
Monday, April 7, 2008
STATE OF EMERGENCY
The Library’s computers were down for the entire day.
The library was a ghost town. The Branch Librarian made signs stating the network was down, and posted them on the door, and on the computers.
Some of the patrons did not even bother to enter; they just read the notice and turned around.
Amazing!
Does anyone come to the library to read a book anymore?
When the network is down, it also affects the circulation desk.
Patrons returning and checking out books it have to be manually entered, the clerks used the old white index cards with the lines and the date stamp, that fit into the brown envelope on the inside of the book.
Wow! I have not seen those index cards, since I was a kid, and most of the newer books do not even have the slots on the inside of the book.
However, the computer at the information desk still provided internet access.
Currently Reading: Emails and Listserv postings.
The library was a ghost town. The Branch Librarian made signs stating the network was down, and posted them on the door, and on the computers.
Some of the patrons did not even bother to enter; they just read the notice and turned around.
Amazing!
Does anyone come to the library to read a book anymore?
When the network is down, it also affects the circulation desk.
Patrons returning and checking out books it have to be manually entered, the clerks used the old white index cards with the lines and the date stamp, that fit into the brown envelope on the inside of the book.
Wow! I have not seen those index cards, since I was a kid, and most of the newer books do not even have the slots on the inside of the book.
However, the computer at the information desk still provided internet access.
Currently Reading: Emails and Listserv postings.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
TOP TEN GIRL BOOKS
Everyone has a top ten list; therefore I felt a need to create a Top Ten Girl Book reading list. After all, what kind of Librarian would I be without a favorite book list? I get to read books very often, and when I do they tend to fall into one of three genres fiction, chick lit (bad fiction), and short stories. Here are a few titles that I've already read, and sometimes reread. Most of them feature girls and their issues, mothers, sons, and lovers, girls empowering themselves, and girls buying shoes.
In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner Two sisters, Maggie and Rose and their tumultuous relationship. I think it reminded me of me and my sister. It made me cry, and the movie was almost as good as the book.
Family by J. California Cooper Story of a slave woman and her “family”, Always, Peaches and Plum. Narrated by Clora, a spirit, mother of Always. Historical, somewhat, decent story.
The Way of White Folks by Langston Hughes Entertaining short stories by my favorite poet. What’s not to love?
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston a love classic story, Jennie finds love with husband number three, Teacake. Ahh Teacake. No it’s did not make me cry.
Breath Eyes Memory by Edwidge Danticat I read this book when it was first published, BEFORE Oprah said to read it. Sophie leaves Haiti to come to the US to live with a mother she does not really know. A mother and daughter and their relationship it made me cry. Is there a theme here?
Sula by Toni Morrison Nel and Sula’s friendship, there’s nothing like a good girlfriend in your corner, or not. Just recently reread a few weeks ago, enjoyed it a second time.
Sugar by Bernice McFadden This book reminded me of Sula. Sugar came to town and Pearl befriends her, even though none of the other women will.
A Piece of Mine by J. California Cooper written in plain language, just stories all women.
Harem by Dora Levy Mossanen Takes place in 14th century Persia, story of 3 women, Rebekah, Gold Dust (yes that’s her name), and Raven. Great imagery, I felt like I was in the harem in Persia.
The Blacker the Berry by Wallace Thurman although written by a man written during the Harlem Renaissance, its Emma Lou’s story. This is truly a story of the “black sheep” of the family. Sad. No it didn’t make me cry, almost, loved it read it twice.
That's all.
In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner Two sisters, Maggie and Rose and their tumultuous relationship. I think it reminded me of me and my sister. It made me cry, and the movie was almost as good as the book.
Family by J. California Cooper Story of a slave woman and her “family”, Always, Peaches and Plum. Narrated by Clora, a spirit, mother of Always. Historical, somewhat, decent story.
The Way of White Folks by Langston Hughes Entertaining short stories by my favorite poet. What’s not to love?
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston a love classic story, Jennie finds love with husband number three, Teacake. Ahh Teacake. No it’s did not make me cry.
Breath Eyes Memory by Edwidge Danticat I read this book when it was first published, BEFORE Oprah said to read it. Sophie leaves Haiti to come to the US to live with a mother she does not really know. A mother and daughter and their relationship it made me cry. Is there a theme here?
Sula by Toni Morrison Nel and Sula’s friendship, there’s nothing like a good girlfriend in your corner, or not. Just recently reread a few weeks ago, enjoyed it a second time.
Sugar by Bernice McFadden This book reminded me of Sula. Sugar came to town and Pearl befriends her, even though none of the other women will.
A Piece of Mine by J. California Cooper written in plain language, just stories all women.
Harem by Dora Levy Mossanen Takes place in 14th century Persia, story of 3 women, Rebekah, Gold Dust (yes that’s her name), and Raven. Great imagery, I felt like I was in the harem in Persia.
The Blacker the Berry by Wallace Thurman although written by a man written during the Harlem Renaissance, its Emma Lou’s story. This is truly a story of the “black sheep” of the family. Sad. No it didn’t make me cry, almost, loved it read it twice.
That's all.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
ALL FOOLS DAY
Tuesday, April fool’s Day, sometimes called All Fools Day is one of the most light hearted days of the year.
The origins of April Fools’ Day were provided by Joseph Boskin, a professor of history at Boston University. He explained that the practice began during the reign of Constantine, when a group of court jesters and fools told the Roman emperor that they could do a better job of running the empire. Constantine, amused, allowed a jester named Kugel to be king for one day. Kugel passed an edict calling for absurdity on that day, and the custom became an annual event.
April fool, Joseph Boskin, totally made this up.
The exact origins are still unknown.
My friend Wally played a funny prank on one of our fellow co-workers a few years ago when we worked together at the B&N (I won’t get sued, will I?) Astor Place store. We worked with Dave, an over zealous over achiever, competitive I have been working out so much; all of my shirts are tight type guy. Needless to say, Dave did not have many friends at the store.
Wally and Dave were both scheduled to work the first floor information desk, on All Fool’s Day and Dave being the competitive guy he was would try to help every person who walked in. Wally had had enough of Dave, and decided to prank him. Wally told Dave a customer had called and was looking for a particular book, which the customer would be coming in to pick up shortly. Wally told Dave the store was currently out of stock; however the Strand Bookstore had several copies. He suggested to Dave, that he should run out to the Strand, about 4 blocks away and pick up the book. Immediately ever eager Dave quickly dashed out of the door off to the Strand bookstore. Wally called the Strand Bookstore and informed them, that Dave, would soon be in asking for a book, and they should tell him it was an April Fool’s Day joke, which they did. I could only imagine how embarrassed, upset and angry Dave was. A red faced Dave returned to the store and refused to speak to anyone for the rest of the day.
Wally still laughs hysterically when he tells that story, and Dave resigned a few weeks later.
Currently reading or still reading, the Complete Stories by Zora Neale Hurston
The origins of April Fools’ Day were provided by Joseph Boskin, a professor of history at Boston University. He explained that the practice began during the reign of Constantine, when a group of court jesters and fools told the Roman emperor that they could do a better job of running the empire. Constantine, amused, allowed a jester named Kugel to be king for one day. Kugel passed an edict calling for absurdity on that day, and the custom became an annual event.
April fool, Joseph Boskin, totally made this up.
The exact origins are still unknown.
My friend Wally played a funny prank on one of our fellow co-workers a few years ago when we worked together at the B&N (I won’t get sued, will I?) Astor Place store. We worked with Dave, an over zealous over achiever, competitive I have been working out so much; all of my shirts are tight type guy. Needless to say, Dave did not have many friends at the store.
Wally and Dave were both scheduled to work the first floor information desk, on All Fool’s Day and Dave being the competitive guy he was would try to help every person who walked in. Wally had had enough of Dave, and decided to prank him. Wally told Dave a customer had called and was looking for a particular book, which the customer would be coming in to pick up shortly. Wally told Dave the store was currently out of stock; however the Strand Bookstore had several copies. He suggested to Dave, that he should run out to the Strand, about 4 blocks away and pick up the book. Immediately ever eager Dave quickly dashed out of the door off to the Strand bookstore. Wally called the Strand Bookstore and informed them, that Dave, would soon be in asking for a book, and they should tell him it was an April Fool’s Day joke, which they did. I could only imagine how embarrassed, upset and angry Dave was. A red faced Dave returned to the store and refused to speak to anyone for the rest of the day.
Wally still laughs hysterically when he tells that story, and Dave resigned a few weeks later.
Currently reading or still reading, the Complete Stories by Zora Neale Hurston
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