September 29, 2010
“Books have a kind of usability that, for most people, isn’t about to be trumped by bourgeoisie concerns about portability: They are the only auto-playing, backwards-compatible to the dawn of the English language, entirely self-contained medium we have left.” This article in MIT’s Technology Review takes issue with the constant claims made by tech pundits […]
September 28, 2010
It seems that bookstores are joining the pattern of businesses who temporarily open small shops in malls for the holiday season. Borders will be doing just that after closing hundreds of regular stores recently. Look for stores to open where an outlet has closed. -Shira
September 27, 2010
The New York Times has a timely article about the controversy surrounding Library Systems & Services, Inc. (LSSI), as it continues to take over libraries around the country. But is there really anything to be concerned about? In an era of outsourcing and privatization, why not libraries as well? What is the big deal (if any)? Be sure to read […]
September 26, 2010
When asked if there was any science fiction that most accurately described their fields of study, a few scientists in robotics, paleoanthropology, evolutionary psychology, bioengineering, and physics were actually able to offer some interesting recommendations of books, television shows, and movies…
September 25, 2010
Last year, two Evanston Township High School faculty members (English department, librarian and media specialist Nancy Figel, and literacy coordinator Regina Armour) led a pilot project which found that graphic novels are “effective pre-reading and review aids.” Now they are introducing this new curriculum into “reading intervention” classes at ETHS, to “raise reading levels among struggling readers and […]
September 25, 2010
– Which is just what the 23 southern writers featured in the upcoming anthology Don’t Quit Your Day Job: Acclaimed Authors and the Day Jobs They Quit did! Like William Faulkner before them (who won a Nobel Prize 25 years after resigning from the post office), the acclaimed authors in this collection, edited by Sonny Brewer, all gave up their day jobs. You […]
September 20, 2010
For most travelers, an airport delay usually means plenty of time spent griping, grumbling, grousing, and groaning. Longer delays (and more seasoned, synonymically gifted travelers) may result in kicking, kvetching, moaning, murmuring, barking and bellyaching. With even more time spent crammed into uncomfortable airport chairs eating dry $9 sandwiches and listening to the endless looping drones of CNN anchors most travelers are fresh […]
September 20, 2010
Matt Richtel, technology reporter for the NY Times, has written some great features about the effect on our brains of being constantly plugged into digital devices, cellphones, and e-mail. His conclusion? Giving our brains downtime improves attention spans, memory, learning, and concentration. In other words, an uncluttered mind is a very good thing. Mary B., […]
September 14, 2010
The fifth annual awards from the International Thriller Writers was announced several weeks ago in NYC. Twist Phelan won for her story ” A Stab in the Heart.” ( EPL owns a few of her novels, some of which I am currently investigating!) Phelan is an endurance athlete and former trial attorney. Barbara Vey, an […]
September 14, 2010
After $11.5 million dollars, improved climate controls, and heightened security measures, the Vatican announced the reopening of its Apostolic library. All 70,000 volumes were off limits to the four to five thousand scholars who visit the facility annually. Started in 1450, the collection is renowned for its rare and spectacularly illuminated manuscripts. Shira S.
