Nancy Pearl, yup, the one that's the model for the librarian action doll, was recently named Librarian of the Year. In Library Journal's article about this, Nancy discusses her idea of 'a good book'. I've highlighted a couple of bits that particularly caught my attention.
What is a “good book”?
As part of the author tour for her newest book, Book Lust To Go: Recommended Reading for Travelers, Vagabonds, and Dreamers (Sasquatch Bks.; LJ Xpress Reviews, 10/8/10), Pearl went to Westport, CT, to “talk about good books” to librarians and library patrons. “By good,” she says, “I don’t mean any literary canon, but just books that you might enjoy. A good book is a book someone likes and a bad book is one they don’t like. When someone doesn’t like a book, it doesn’t mean they will never like it. They don’t like it for that moment,” says Pearl.
“We shouldn’t be afraid to suggest a wide variety of books to people. I think libraries are the last democratic institution, small ‘d’ democratic. It wasn’t always that way. Librarians were gatekeepers.... When it comes to readers’ advisory, though, I think we need to validate a patron’s reading,” Pearl says.
“When people ask, ‘What should I read next?’ we should always try to give them three books. One should be pretty close to the one they loved. The second should be a little bit different, a bit of a stretch. The third book is the real stretch book, the reach book. The book they never would have found because it is nonfiction and they only look at Westerns,” Pearl says.
“People come into the library and head straight to the section where they have found the most pleasure.... It is our job to take them around to the rest,” she continues.
“I do believe that the more well-written books you read, the less tolerance you are going to have for bad writing, but the hardest thing to define is a well-written book. When someone tells you they liked a book because ‘I love well-written books,’ they usually mean books like award winners, for instance the Pulitzers. Those books win awards for the writing. You don’t have to understand what somebody means by ‘well-written,’ but you have to go beyond the awards we all know and see which books won the Governor General’s Award in Canada, or [Britain’s] Man Booker Prize. No one who reads for the story will say, ‘I like well-written books.’ They will talk about page-turners, books you stay up too late to finish,” Pearl concludes.
Lots of food for thought there. I'm going to try that three book idea... I think I've been more likely, when kids ask, to find three similar rather than that three book progression. Not always, but often enough that I should be trying to extend myself, as well as my readers. Always good to get a new perspective! Read the complete article here.
Cheers
Ruth
PS.
A few more thought-provoking quotes from the article:
...she is a passionate and diligent advocate for old and important library ideas: literacy, reading, entertainment, enjoyment.... She is neither snobbish about the old ways nor disdainful of new ideas. Ask her about audio or ebooks or gaming, and you’ll get an earful about the importance of stories told in their myriad forms,” says Janes.
*
says Pearl. “My fear is that we don’t recognize or will forget that library service is like a three-legged stool: information, outreach and programming, and reading.”
*
The book will never disappear as a piece of narrative fiction or nonfiction, according to Pearl, but it is obvious that the format, the way it is delivered, is changing. She knows people will always need escape, stories, and ways to look at the world through the experiences of others.
“I think the more you read, the better person you become, because you can see how other people respond, the way they think, and the way they behave in various circumstances,” Pearl asserts.
*
“When you read a book, it is just you and the author. Even when people read the same title, everybody reads a different book.... When you listen to a book, a third person enters the equation,” Pearl says. “It is a different experience.”
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Need to Want: brilliant flashcards
One of my most consistently useful Twitter contacts is @brainpicker. I'm often bookmarking links from those tweets. The associated blog, Brain Pickings, is also worth delving through for gems, ideas, inspiration. For example, this entry on Erin Hanson's Need to Want series.
I enjoyed Brain Pickings' analysis of these.
The ones I've chosen for here are the ones that most caught my attention as being of use for the study skills program I'm doing for Year 11 this term.
It's not what the kids will expect: always a good way to grab their attention and get them learning in spite of themselves. I suspect this next one won't be the most popular with them, though.
Find the whole set here (source of these images), and the philosophy informing it:
And can buy prints of these from the artist at her online shop here. (if you can't see the one you want, convo her (that's Etsyspeak for contact via Etsy email)).
Cheers
Ruth
Cheers
Ruth
"What's For Breakfast Daddy?" "Blood." "What's For Lunch?"
A new YouTube friend of mine, Adelaye, made this very short but hilarious vampire cartoon (only half-a-minute to watch it).
Don't forget to follow along during my author blog tour and leave a comment under each posting. (Thank you.)
Friday, February 25, 2011
THESE BLOGGERS DESERVE AN AWARD (So They're Getting One!)
Thank you Kyanara Night for awarding Vampire Review with this cute award.
To secure this award for my blog I must do a few things:
- Accept the award, post the above roses-in-a-tea-cup image on my blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award (LacedLittleMuffins) and that blog link.
- Pass the award to 15 other blogs that I've newly discovered.
- Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award. (I'm leaving blog comments.)
- Here's the 15 blogs I am passing the award to! (note, I made personalized comic images for each award recipient - you, dear honored blogger, do NOT need to do that when you give out your awards).
- BOOKS WITH BITE (personalized award image)
- FLOOR TO CEILING BOOKS (personalized award image)
- RESTLESS SPIRIT (personalized award image)
- THE BOOK VIXEN (personalized award image)
- PARANORMAL HAVEN (personalized award image)
- VAMPS R US (personalized award image)
- YA VAMPIRE BOOKS (personalized award image)
- FIENDESHLY BOOKISH (personalized award image)
- PARANORMAL WIRE (personalized award image)
- TO READ OR NOT TO READ (personalized award image)
- SUBURBAN VAMPIRE (personalized award image)
- LITERARY URBAN FANTASY REVIEW (personalized award image)
- GINGER NUTS OF HORROR (personalized award image)
- LOVE VAMPIRES (personalized award image)
- PARAJUNKEE (personalized award image)
NOTE: I'm currently reading: NO REST FOR THE WICCA by Toni LoTempio. So far the book is excellent. I'll be writing a review for it soon.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
I Have Really Missed Blogging ...
Yes I am still in the middle of my author tour with Ravena & The Resurrected (see previous post). Yet I took a moment to do some blog hopping today and found such an inspiring idea posted at http://floor-to-ceiling-books.blogspot.com. It begs me to ask what sort of physical structure might I create with my hardcover and paperback books?
So I will be answering that challenge in another day or two: will post images in response. The challenge just looks like too much fun not to participate. I now pass this challenge on to YOU. What structure can you create with YOUR books?
IN OTHER NEWS (MUST OWN DVD):
Doug and I watched a most incredible zombie movie last night. It's a foreign film from Bulgaria/Romania but it features a terrorized community in Pennsylvania, USA. I'd never heard of this filmmaker before. Yet "Wicked Little Things" seems like one of the best zombie movies ever made to me. I'm so very glad I took a chance and purchased it in a package of 4 DVDs called "Multi-Feature" and along with this film came "Lake Dead" (really stupid cheesy and low-budget film but worth seeing), "Unrest" (awesome cadaver horror) and "Crazy Eights (which I have not watched yet).
QUICK REVIEW OF WICKED LITTLE THINGS:
There's a good reason why modern societies have child labor laws. This film emphasizes how cruel task masters can be to children - even recklessly and criminally causing their deaths. What's great about Wicked Little Things is that little people return to level out the playing field. Evil people get their cummupins. If you've been feeling troubled by all the world's greed and the growing disparity between rich and poor these days ... then this is the zombie flick for YOU. (For more details, click on one of the hyperlinks I've provided.)
DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW ME VIA THE AUTHOR TOUR
So I will be answering that challenge in another day or two: will post images in response. The challenge just looks like too much fun not to participate. I now pass this challenge on to YOU. What structure can you create with YOUR books?
IN OTHER NEWS (MUST OWN DVD):
Doug and I watched a most incredible zombie movie last night. It's a foreign film from Bulgaria/Romania but it features a terrorized community in Pennsylvania, USA. I'd never heard of this filmmaker before. Yet "Wicked Little Things" seems like one of the best zombie movies ever made to me. I'm so very glad I took a chance and purchased it in a package of 4 DVDs called "Multi-Feature" and along with this film came "Lake Dead" (really stupid cheesy and low-budget film but worth seeing), "Unrest" (awesome cadaver horror) and "Crazy Eights (which I have not watched yet).
QUICK REVIEW OF WICKED LITTLE THINGS:
There's a good reason why modern societies have child labor laws. This film emphasizes how cruel task masters can be to children - even recklessly and criminally causing their deaths. What's great about Wicked Little Things is that little people return to level out the playing field. Evil people get their cummupins. If you've been feeling troubled by all the world's greed and the growing disparity between rich and poor these days ... then this is the zombie flick for YOU. (For more details, click on one of the hyperlinks I've provided.)
DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW ME VIA THE AUTHOR TOUR
Free images for education
If there is a better list of images for educational use (that are free) than the one assembled and blogged on Edubeacon, let me know. But I suspect not. Don't forget to share this one with your teaching colleagues.
Cheers
Ruth
Cheers
Ruth
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
GIFSL* 57: Display banned books
Another infographic from Good.is, this time on the most controversial books in the US.
Interactive mage link. Article/info link.
If you want a longer list, try the ALA site section about banned/challenged books.
One creative Australian teacher librarian of my acquaintance set up a display of banned books in her school library - To Kill a Mockingbird etc - items readily available in her library but which had been subject to censorship/challenge historically/currently. They were borrowed with great alacrity, and all sorts of interesting discussions ensued, in her student reading circle and beyond. I haven't tried this one yet, but it's on my list... Maybe a co-operative venture with the English staff?
Cheers
Ruth
Interactive mage link. Article/info link.
If you want a longer list, try the ALA site section about banned/challenged books.
One creative Australian teacher librarian of my acquaintance set up a display of banned books in her school library - To Kill a Mockingbird etc - items readily available in her library but which had been subject to censorship/challenge historically/currently. They were borrowed with great alacrity, and all sorts of interesting discussions ensued, in her student reading circle and beyond. I haven't tried this one yet, but it's on my list... Maybe a co-operative venture with the English staff?
Cheers
Ruth
Monday, February 21, 2011
App of the Week: Hipstamatic
(oops, I missed a couple of weeks for apps. But this one's brilliant!)
Shortly after acquiring an iPhone, I was told in no uncertain terms that I MUST buy Hipstamatic. Essential. Brilliant. A mere $2.49AU for the basic app (you can add Hipstapaks for around $1.99 each).
What does it do?
It adds another camera option to your iPhone or iPod Touch. You get a variety of lenses (I use John S the most) and films (my faves at present are Kodot and Float). Choose a lens and a film (by clicking through your choices within the app), and take a photo. As opposed to the plain vanilla of the iPhone's ordinary camera, Hipstamatic adds mood and a different look - vintage, textured, not at all plain vanilla.
iPhone camera image of our library's entrance:
and here's a Hipstamatic version of the same:
I was in Sydney recently, and took this Hipstamatic photo at Circular Quay (it's with a different film to the one above):
Moody, broody, and a different look without fancy photo-editing. Walked past the head office of the Department of Education (my employer), which is one of the beautiful historic Sydney sandstone offices, and here's how it can look:
So how can you use it for education?
Take photos. Not just for art, but for all sorts of other things. One of our English teachers wanted to use the images from a book of fantasy landscapes to inspire his senior students in their creative writing. Sure, we could have just scanned the images from the book for a photo slideshow; but take them with Hipstamatic, and they acquired another level of mood and inspiration:
Yup. All those portraits were taken with Hipstamatic. Find these two images on the Art Express website here.
I've barely scraped the surface of what I might try with Hipstamatic, but it's an app I've been enjoying, for myself and for its educational possibilities. If you'd like to see more images, there's a Flickr pool with thousands of Hipstamatic photos here. Would a 'serious' photographer use Hipstamatic in preference to 'serious' camera gear? New York Times photographer Damon Winter used it to illustrate a story about the Afghanistan war. Read all about it by clicking here.
Find Hipstamatic in the App Store; the Hipstamatic website is here.
Cheers
Ruth
PS. Disclaimer: Laura Buchanan, who created that artwork, is a relation. And she was the one who told me to get Hipstamatic. With the evidence above, why argue? She's clearly an expert! We're very proud of her.
Shortly after acquiring an iPhone, I was told in no uncertain terms that I MUST buy Hipstamatic. Essential. Brilliant. A mere $2.49AU for the basic app (you can add Hipstapaks for around $1.99 each).
What does it do?
It adds another camera option to your iPhone or iPod Touch. You get a variety of lenses (I use John S the most) and films (my faves at present are Kodot and Float). Choose a lens and a film (by clicking through your choices within the app), and take a photo. As opposed to the plain vanilla of the iPhone's ordinary camera, Hipstamatic adds mood and a different look - vintage, textured, not at all plain vanilla.
iPhone camera image of our library's entrance:
So how can you use it for education?
Take photos. Not just for art, but for all sorts of other things. One of our English teachers wanted to use the images from a book of fantasy landscapes to inspire his senior students in their creative writing. Sure, we could have just scanned the images from the book for a photo slideshow; but take them with Hipstamatic, and they acquired another level of mood and inspiration:
Photo from Drawing and painting fantasy landscapes by Rob Alexander and Martin McKenna
But it's not a serious camera, is it?
How about featuring in a Visual Arts major work selected for inclusion in Art Express 2011 (click for more) and currently on display at the Art Gallery of NSW?
I've barely scraped the surface of what I might try with Hipstamatic, but it's an app I've been enjoying, for myself and for its educational possibilities. If you'd like to see more images, there's a Flickr pool with thousands of Hipstamatic photos here. Would a 'serious' photographer use Hipstamatic in preference to 'serious' camera gear? New York Times photographer Damon Winter used it to illustrate a story about the Afghanistan war. Read all about it by clicking here.
Find Hipstamatic in the App Store; the Hipstamatic website is here.
Cheers
Ruth
PS. Disclaimer: Laura Buchanan, who created that artwork, is a relation. And she was the one who told me to get Hipstamatic. With the evidence above, why argue? She's clearly an expert! We're very proud of her.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Film trailer: I Am Number Four
I've been using the trailer as one of several in a lesson about adventures that I've been doing with Year 8 English, and it's one that gets their attention:
YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5djHG3hPu0
Neither Roger Ebert nor the New York Times reviewer think particularly highly of the film (click on those links to go to the reviews) but that is unlikely to dampen enthusiasm....
The film stars Alex Pettyfer, who also stars in the remake of Beauty and the Beast, Beastly, based on the book by Alex Flinn (click on that link to my blog entry about Beastly; the release date of Beastly has apparently been delayed to see if Alex Pettyfer's performance in I Am Number Four can up the box office appeal of Beastly. imdb.com still shows no Australian release date for Beastly; its US date is 4 March, hard on the heels of I am Number Four). Beastly official site: click here.
The I Am Number Four book's publishers are keen to set it up as a series with a following: there is an 'official home' (click here) and it has also generated at least one fansite. Find the official film site by clicking here.
Cheers
Ruth
I am Number Four sourced from the NYTimes review linked above. Beastly film poster from imdb.com, linked above.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Please Visit These Blogs: Tami Jackson Author Blog Tour
As author of this blog, I'm also the author of Ravena & The Resurrected and am currently on-tour with that vampire book! Please follow along with me. See NEW artwork posted every day as a post card. See one example, below.
 |
| See Bertena's Blog On Feb. 24th, 2011 |
- FEB.14 - Author Tami Jackson was in Cheboygan Michigan, visiting Theresa Cole: FadeIntoFantasy.blogspot.com TOPIC OF THE DAY: LOVE IN R&R (for even more fun, see also Vamchoir on that day)
- FEB.15 - Carrie Sund's blog: DarkNovels.blogspot.com TOPIC OF THE DAY: INTRODUCING ONE-EYED CONIAN! (also see Vamchoir on that day)
- FEB.16 - Natasha Larry's "Paranormal Wire" blog: natashalarry.blogspot.comTOPIC FOR THE DAY: AUTHOR INTERVIEW (don't forget to check out the teaser at Vamchoir)
- FEB.17 - Natasha in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, hosts her blog: wickedlilpixie.com TOPIC FOR THE DAY: VAMPIRE DRESMONA MAKES A DEBUT APPEARANCE! (Silliness posted at Vamchoir too.)
- FEB.18 - Michelle Corbette, long time Facebook friend of Tami Jackson's hosts her blog in Canada: IndigoBlooms.blogspot.com TOPIC FOR THE DAY: AUTHOR INTERVIEW!
- FEB.19 - Travels to the UK, the author meets Tasha at "A Trillian Books." TrillianBooks.blogspot.com TOPIC FOR THE DAY: AUTHOR INTERVIEW.
- FEB.20 - Northern California is where Melissa Mohland blogs from: 1000plusBooksToRead.blogspot.com TOPIC OF THE DAY: FIRST HALF OF "HOW VAMPIRES IN R&R COMPARE TO THOSE IN THE GENERAL MEDIA"
- FEB.21 - The Netherlands! That's where Kyanara Night blogs: "Life Of A Book Aholic" LacedLittleMuffin.blogspot.com TOPIC FOR THE DAY: AUTHOR INTERVIEW
- FEB.22 - Walking nearby to Annabel's blog (still in the Netherlands) Tami visits this 26 year old Dutch woman at MyBookAddiction.blogspot.com TOPIC FOR THE DAY: AUTHOR INTERVIEW!
- FEB.23 - Still in the Netherlands, Tami hangs out with Celine Nyx, author of NyxBookReviews.blogspot.com TOPIC FOR THE DAY: SECOND HALF OF "HOW VAMPIRES IN R&R COMPARE TO THOSE FEATURED IN THE GENERAL MEDIA."
- FEB.24 - Tami heads back to the U.S. and stops in Kentucky to visit the Vampire Professor (NOT just a nickname, she's actually credentialed in vampire studies). Bertena Varney hosts from Examiner.com. TOPIC: SUMMARY OF R&R and INTRODUCTION TO RISTIAN VAMPIRES. Today's interview can be found at these locations:
- FEB.25 - In Windsor, Ontario (Middle Canada) Stephanie Chowboysky blogs at BeTheBooks.blogspot.com TOPIC FOR THE DAY: AUTHOR INTERVIEW
- FEB.26 - Stepping foot in Michigan where Roxanne Rhoads, an author herself, hosts at Fang-TasticBooks.blogspot.com TOPIC FOR THE DAY: AUTHOR GUEST POSTS
- FEB.27 - On Sunday, Tami's taking it easy while visiting vampire-book author Varsha Dinesh on her blog "Fiction Flair" FictionFlaire.blogspot.com TOPIC FOR THE DAY: AUTHOR INTERVIEWS ANOTHER AUTHOR
- FEB.28 - Author Tami Jackson runs into some Assassins while attempting to fly home with feathers like a Raven on Monday. After the vicious battle, she takes off to recuperate.
- MAR.1 - Since she's only human, the author cannot heal at vampire speed. (Suffering anemia from blood loss.) Taking LOTS of vitamins with iron as a supplement.
- MAR.2 - Now in Arizona, Tami visits Belinda, on her blog: thebookishsnob.blogspot.com TOPIC FOR THE DAY: "ROMANCE" AS IT PERTAINS TO RAVENA & THE RESURRECTED.
- MAR.3 - Bianca Sommerland's blog: http://imnoangelauthorsblog.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/guest-post-become-your-own-hero/#comment-156 TOPIC FOR THE DAY: GUEST POST! (More info to come)
Bloom's Digital Taxonomy
Find the original here. I discovered it via Twitter. Another image to share with my senior students when discussing study skills. Maybe a task that gets them to work out the hierarchy?...... And of course one to share with my teaching colleagues.
Cheers
Ruth
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
21st Century Learners
and this
are both by Peter H. Reynolds and can be found at Thinkfinity.org here.
Wonder what the kids would say about themselves? Hmmm, that could be an interesting task for the Year 11 study skills program...
Cheers
Ruth
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
16 things kids should know about social networking
Useful list from Deb Ng on the Kommein site of tips about social networking. No harm for some adults to review them either. I remain astonished at what people choose to share, and how trusting some are.
OK, so you and I can read this. And then what? Why not find several ways to share it? Email to students, put on your school/library website with other resources on online safety, make a few points into a library poster (that you don't display forever, because then it becomes invisible...). This is as much a wakeup call to me, to use all this stuff I am finding as much as possible.
Cheers
Ruth
OK, so you and I can read this. And then what? Why not find several ways to share it? Email to students, put on your school/library website with other resources on online safety, make a few points into a library poster (that you don't display forever, because then it becomes invisible...). This is as much a wakeup call to me, to use all this stuff I am finding as much as possible.
Cheers
Ruth
Monday, February 14, 2011
Powering a lightbulb: Infographics
Are you looking for some dandy graphics to explain ideas to your students (or are your teaching colleagues looking to you to do this??)?
Good.is has some useful transparencies, including this one. Site link. Image only.
Share this with your Science, Geography, Maths etc teaching colleagues, then investigate what else you can find on the site to share among their infographics (some fairly US-centric, but not all).
Cheers
Ruth
Share this with your Science, Geography, Maths etc teaching colleagues, then investigate what else you can find on the site to share among their infographics (some fairly US-centric, but not all).
Cheers
Ruth
Valentine's Day Interview With Married Co-Authors
The Morrigan's Brood Series encompasses two books (published so far) and the Dunbars reassure us that many more are on the way. Happy Valentine's Day everybody!
HERE'S THAT INTERVIEW!
Tami: There are a number of romantic relationships that develop between characters in your second book, Morrigan’s Brood: Crone of War. Which couple did you find to be the most romantic of all, and why?
Heather and Chris: Well, we each had our own favorite couple for this book… neither was the obvious choice, but sometimes it’s the minor characters who tug at your heartstrings.
Chris: I liked Máel Muire’s and Seanán’s relationship. They had one of the longest (mortal) relationships in the two books. They knew each other and loved each other from an early age, as Seanán was fostered by Máel Muire’s father, Conghal. Seanán loved Maél Muire so much, during the rite of passage, where betrothed men prove their ability to support a wife by venturing into the wild with only a knife, he killed a bear at great risk to himself.
Heather: I would say Berti and Sitara were my favorites in the second book because I witnessed them grow from mere friends into a family. Berti helped Sitara when her entire family had died, and she would never forget that kindness. They had such genuine affection for each other. Maybe their passion wasn’t always at a boiling point, but when infatuation cools, sometimes one is left with little more than memories and regrets. If a couple is truly lucky, they have a deep love and respect for each other after the first fervor fades and a spiritual connection grows. I also found this relationship unique in that Berti and Sitara are from different races; Sitara, in fact is a cross between Persian and Indian.
Tami: What is the most difficult part and the easiest part about writing as a couple?
Heather: Early on, our egos were at war with each other. The hardest thing for us to discover on our journey was that we both needed to learn how to listen to each other. We realized that we both have great ideas and our unique talents to bring to the whole. Chris is a great storyteller. He’s very good at seeing the big picture and knows how to make flat characters come to life. I spend my time clarifying the story, on first draft. I also research the historical era and type up what we've written on paper. Using that same technique, I’m typing our answers to this interview. Don’t worry, Chris will go back over this and make sure I’m not putting words into his mouth!
Chris: I am the storyteller, she says. I think it is more accurate to say that I am the movie watcher, for I see the events. Our first draft entails whatever first played out in the cinema called my imagination. Of course Heather’s silhouette is there, as she comments on the movie and suggests ways to make it better. Occasionally I hear, “that’s a stupid idea,” or, “that is completely out of character.” So Heather writes down the story with pen and paper… no smart phone or USB voice to text mobile device for us! (Though Heather sometimes uses Dragon software to put written word to computer.)
Heather: Hey, I’ve never said your ideas are ‘stupid,’ Chris. I just said that I didn’t think they’d work! LOL.
Heather and Chris: The best part is? We get to work together and see satisfying results from that effort. We both have written non-fiction and fiction before, and we have found our fiction writing is much stronger when we work together. It’s easier for two people to critically examine an idea and decide if it will work or not. There’s also the old adage about how writing can be great therapy. Perhaps it can serve as excellent marriage counseling as well!
Tami: What are the two of you working on now?
Heather and Chris: Right now our plates are pretty full! We’re working on short stories that occur between the end of book two, Morrigan’s Brood: Crone of War, and book three, Morrigan’s Brood: Dark Alliance. We’re also preparing to publish Dark Alliance, the third novel in our series, in July, as well as working on the first drafts of books six, seven, and eight. We also try to keep our blog updated once in awhile.
Chris: Outside of writing, I work on various leather working projects. Lately, I have been assembling a notepad folder for Heather. I have also made sporrans, belts, pouches, scabbards, sheaths, baldrics, armor, and other leather constructs. I also occasionally torture my cats with didgeridoo droning and beating on one of our many drums. My profession is Business Continuity Management, which entails preparing companies for disasters and helping them when disaster strikes.
Heather: I enjoy soaping in my spare time. I create Celtic-themed molded soaps mixing both essential oils and oil blends with soap. I also make other smelly products, such as lip balms, body lotions, salt scrubs, lotion bars, and body sprays. My products can be found on Oak Haven Soaps. I also work full time as a librarian at a large urban library.
Heather and Chris: We are also slaves to three katkids, named Lucius, Ophelia, and Clyde. They demand entertainment at all hours.
CONCLUSION:
Heather and I would love to thank Tami for giving us this opportunity to speak on her blog to all of her lovely fans. We hope you enjoyed our interview, and we would love for you to find us online. Cheers!
Tami: I am just thrilled the two of you were willing to interview for Vampire Review. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your work. Your tales are entirely fresh and exciting and I have to say that such originality is not always easy to find in vampire novels.
For Vampire Review Readers And Subscribers
How to reach Heather:
· Goodreads
· Shelfari
· Manic Readers
How to reach Chris:
· Goodreads
· Shelfari
· Manic Readers
How to follow the couple: Triscelle Publishing / Morrigan’s Brood Series
· Website
· Morrigan’s Blog
· MySpace
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The happy life of teacher librarians: Today I... (a late Day in the Life)
Today I...
Today, I am sure, this list doesn't represent everything I did; but it's a reasonable, representatively varied and busy if inevitably incomplete, day in the life of a teacher librarian. And tomorrow will be different again. All the fun of the fair! I wasn't at school during the sixth round of Library Day in the Life (I'm number 93 of about 250 on the wiki here), but figured I'd get to a reasonably representative day sometime.
How did your day go?
Cheers
Ruth
- supervised the library before school and at lunch, and throughout the day
- worked with a teacher during roll call to ensure all her class had books (and buried the 'lost library card' excuse) - we had lots of great books out on the tables and they all found something to read. One in particular was very happy to get a brand new copy of I am Number Four - film out soon.
- helped a teacher set up the digital projector
- introduced a Year 8 class to adventure fiction book possibilities and found novels for individual students
- met with the Principal and SAM regarding library SASS staffing and discussed same with my head teacher
- discussed a future lesson combining adventure fiction and film study with an English teacher, revamping a lesson I created last year for her class, which she liked and wants to repeat this year
- bought fundraising Valentine's Day jellybean bags (and gave them away to eager students)
- because I'd baked Valentine's Day chocolate brownies for my staff
- copied the file of last year's school photos for the computer co-ordinator (who ate a brownie with considerable enthusiasm)
- discussed a work issue with another colleague
- ate lunch with my library staff colleagues (we also ate brownies)
- watched a short "Batman safety video" that was an obsession of one of my students. You must watch this, Miss! Hmm, I still prefer the so-bad-it's-good shark scene from the '60s Batman movie
- was the recipient of three sheets of perspex from a staff member who knows I was after some (I'll show you why in a later post) - she found a cheap source and only wanted a can of Coke in return - and then was more than happy to settle for a brownie (brownie diplomacy is fine fine work!)
- added a Jeff Kinney article to the display cabinet with book and film reviews (usually of books from films - I added a bunch of new pieces there last Friday)
- lent and reserved and discussed books with students
- helped some lost Year 7 kids out with a late note
- calmed down an agitated Asperger's kid who was worried about why the book he wanted had gone from where he left it on Friday (it's called borrowing, honey, but we can reserve it for you...)
- asked the general assistant to trim a couple of pieces of MDF for our new bookcases
- admired the bookcase my school assistant had assembled (will show you soon when all three are done, they're FABBOBANANAS! - photos soon!) and helped put it in its planned location, where we all admired it again
- reminded seniors of the distinction between 'study periods' and the no-go concept of 'free periods'
- organised a student who's doing a short volunteer project with us for his Work Studies course (will post about that, too - it's a very very handy list!)
- discussed the senior study skills program with one of my colleagues, saw her presentation draft and helped with image/Flickr/Powerpoint advice for slides with impact
- organised the duplication of study skills materials
- planned the worksheets needed for my study skills presentation on Thursday (topic: Ethical Assignments, a revision/reminder of HSC All My Own Work)
- discussed/demonstrated Hipstamatic (iPhone camera app) with several people
- shared some brownies with our wonderful cleaner
- got to the end of the day and wondered about how fast the day had gone!
Today, I am sure, this list doesn't represent everything I did; but it's a reasonable, representatively varied and busy if inevitably incomplete, day in the life of a teacher librarian. And tomorrow will be different again. All the fun of the fair! I wasn't at school during the sixth round of Library Day in the Life (I'm number 93 of about 250 on the wiki here), but figured I'd get to a reasonably representative day sometime.
How did your day go?
Cheers
Ruth
Water for Elephants: film / movie trailer
As a lot of teacher librarians have probably read the book...
If that doesn't work, find the international trailer for Water for Elephants by clicking here.
Happy Library Lovers' Day!
Cheers
Ruth
If that doesn't work, find the international trailer for Water for Elephants by clicking here.
Happy Library Lovers' Day!
Cheers
Ruth
What Vampire Do YOU Want For YOUR Valentine?
In anticipation for ♥tomorrow ♥, when I'm interviewing a couple of authors who are not only loving, and married to each other, but they sell compelling vampire fiction they wrote together (check back for that awesome interview!) I wanted to also post a quick blurb about my favorite vampire characters in film and television.
I am borrowing this idea from other blogs that were doing the same thing. Of course I'm presenting ♥vampires ♥ who are not on their lists. (So be sure you continue to blog hop.) Gotta love the BAD-boy vampire. Which hunk presented here is YOUR favorite?
I am borrowing this idea from other blogs that were doing the same thing. Of course I'm presenting ♥vampires ♥ who are not on their lists. (So be sure you continue to blog hop.) Gotta love the BAD-boy vampire. Which hunk presented here is YOUR favorite?
 |
| #1 ♥Eric ♥ - of True Blood (Charlaine Harris - Sookie Stackhouse Series) |
 |  |
| #2 Barnabas Collins (Dark Shadows 1960s Soap Opera) | |
| NOTE: ♥Johnny Depp ♥ will be playing Barnabas Collins soon! |
 |
| #3 - ♥Spike ♥ (Buffy The Vampire Slayer - authors vary in the book series) |
 |
| #4 - ♥Kate Beckinsale ♥ - Underword by Author Kevin Grevioux |
 |
| Vampire Lestat - Queen of The Damned (by Anne Rice) |
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Does Your Blog Deserve An Award?
Not all blogs get the recognition they deserve. If you have such a blog, invite me to drop by (post your URL). If your hard work is obvious, I'll award you with a PERSONALIZED "most prestigious and scintillating blog award!"
*If you have a particular REASON you'd like this award, feel free to mention it.* Drop me a line.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Vampire Academy - For Adults Only
I bought my copy in the children's section, of the book store, after all, and Vampire Academy simply does not belong there. No 12-year-old should be reading stories that condone sex between adult teachers and impressionable young students.
Don't get me wrong. The romance between a 24-year-old guardian, Dimitri, and 17-year-old Rose Hathaway seemed very compelling in all of its presentation. Dimitri is hot, HOT, hot, but Rose is his STUDENT and she's a minor! (I worry this sort of book can give very young girls hope for establishing romance with teacher-predator types). Admittedly, the two are under some sort of spell when they "do it" and the teacher apologizes later. Yet the writing was so compelling, I was living vicariously through that student and seriously wanted to disrobe to show that teacher all of my stretch marks and cellulite. Readers be warned! (Things could get embarrassing)
Ethics aside, I think this is a most compelling read for adults. Rose proves extremely likeable even while flawed. She's the would-be guardian-in-training to Lissa, a rare-version of living-breathing (mortal) vampire with special gifts, and the two females form an extremely strong bond that gets Rose into numerous fist fights and other trouble. Sadly, Rose's best intentions regularly cause more harm than good; bless her adorable half-vampire self.
Mead writes brilliant dialog and the plot is extremely compelling and believable. Here's an example where Rose is considering a boy her own age, Manson, who she really likes (he utterly worships her) but she doesn't feel any chemical attraction for him; not like she feels for her instructor, whose seemingly indifferent at this point:
[page 195] "How hard would it be, I wondered, to go out with him? (Manson) He was nice, funny, and reasonably good-looking. We got along. Why did I get caught up in so many messes with other guys when I had a perfectly sweet one here who wanted me? Why couldn't I just return his feelings?
The answer? She's too mesmerized by her hunky self defense instructor and all other males pale by comparison. That's why! Fortunately, Mead also writes amusing details into the book's regular script.
[pag 193] There was so much testosterone in the air, I felt l needed a gas mask.
If it weren't for the ethics violation, I would definitely be giving this first book in the series ten out of five stars. I love all the teasers that Author Richelle Mead works into the plot, little snippets of information that keep the reader begging for more details as the bigger story unfolds. I loved this book so much I bought "Frostbite" (the next installment in this 6 book series). It's been just that wonderful to meet all the characters and to observe their individual evolutionary processes. I cannot wait to read more about Christian (Lissa's brooding boyfriend and he's so enjoyably mysterious).
Great entertaining and fast paced read!
(Reviewer's Admission: I bought this book and read it in paperback)
GIFSL* no.56: Valentine's Day 2011
What's a teacher librarian to do to fancy up the library for Valentine's Day? (note: as ever, not just for pretty's sake, but to change the space, add excitement and buzz and encourage reading, to get them through the door.)
Cast your peepers over this idea:
That's made from free stuff, folks. Catalogue/magazine pages. The tutorial (and source of the picture) is here but it's not at all a hard idea to play with. Is it? Maybe you've got kids who'd like to help? Maybe you could have some with the names of favourite books/characters on them? Maybe...
Go play. Have fun. Make your library special for your kids, so they say WOW and love being there. Isn't that how it should be? And won't that be fun for you too?
Cheers
Ruth
*GIFSL = good ideas for school libraries
Cast your peepers over this idea:
Go play. Have fun. Make your library special for your kids, so they say WOW and love being there. Isn't that how it should be? And won't that be fun for you too?
Cheers
Ruth
*GIFSL = good ideas for school libraries
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
So what are they doing better in Finland (in education)?
Teaching less and learning more. Read an excellent overview with handy graphs and a video in Less is More. Teach Less, Learn More by David Truss on Connected Principals.
“This creativity aspect is very important because in Finland we believe that risk-taking, creativity and innovation are very, very important for a society like ours. And particularly working in this global and globalized world it is more important than what you actually know and remember, it is more what you are and what you are capable of doing.” ~ Pasi Sahlberg
Worth reading the whole piece - click on over. We seem, here, to be using the UK and US as our educational models, far more than places like Finland, even though the Finnish approach is more successful.
Cheers
Ruth
“This creativity aspect is very important because in Finland we believe that risk-taking, creativity and innovation are very, very important for a society like ours. And particularly working in this global and globalized world it is more important than what you actually know and remember, it is more what you are and what you are capable of doing.” ~ Pasi Sahlberg
Worth reading the whole piece - click on over. We seem, here, to be using the UK and US as our educational models, far more than places like Finland, even though the Finnish approach is more successful.
Cheers
Ruth
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Currently Reading: "Vampire Academy" by Richelle Mead
I am currently reading: Vampire Academy, by Richelle Mead
bloggers 
have promised would be superb. I hope, like those reviewers, I will lo♥e LO♥E lo♥e this book. This is the month of February, after all. This is the SEASON for surrounding ourselves with lo♥e.May YOU, dear reader, feel supported by people who utterly and completely adore you. Happy month of Valentine's Day!
The Joy of Statistics
For all the dross and muck and pointless stuff on YouTube, there are also gems. Here's one to share with your colleagues in Maths, Science, Social Science, and anyone else teaching students about statistics - a one hour BBC documentary with Dr Hans Rosling. Free and available on YouTube. Bargain.
EDITED: Hmmm. YouTube playing games; this seems to have gone 'private' since I drafted this blog entry.
You can find the video embedded here:
http://www.gapminder.org/videos/the-joy-of-stats/
and it played when I just checked it. Other related videos on that page, too.
Original YouTube link here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOmqHzkkOo
Remind your teachers to load this ahead of the lesson, so they're not waiting for it to load as they show it.
Found via the Laughing Squid.
Cheers
Ruth
EDITED: Hmmm. YouTube playing games; this seems to have gone 'private' since I drafted this blog entry.
You can find the video embedded here:
http://www.gapminder.org/videos/the-joy-of-stats/
and it played when I just checked it. Other related videos on that page, too.
Original YouTube link here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOmqHzkkOo
Remind your teachers to load this ahead of the lesson, so they're not waiting for it to load as they show it.
Found via the Laughing Squid.
Cheers
Ruth
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
