Adventure #1

This summer I've decided to take the kids somewhere each weekend instead of loading them up for a long car trip (the radio can't be loud enough to drown them out arguing in the backseat.)  After a couple weeks, they have started calling the little activities "adventures."  Several weeks ago we went to the Allentown auto museum, America on Wheels, to see the special Disney Pixar Cars2 display.  I have a feeling another "adventure" will have to consist of going to see the new movie when it opens in June.  Here's the photos:

Pippi & Toby

Summer is here...Vacation!

Monkey doing some filing

Monkey online

Monkey checks for new mail

Monkey makes copies

Everybody should take a little vacation this summer.  Monkey took a trip to the library! 

Happy National Library Week!

Don't you think it's time you did something nice for your favorite librarian?  If you don't have a favorite, just pick me!  My fellow librarians and I came up with some good suggestions we wish would be discounted in honor of this celebratory week:
-Offer us a discount on cardigans, preferably argyles
-Stylists, can you offer a price reduction on a shampoo, blow out and bun?  And just tuck a pencil in if you don't have hairpins
-We're looking for deals on the chains we use to keep track of our glasses-they always manage to get lost
-Do you do shoe repair?  We need our pointy shoes fixed.
Ok, these might be a bit far-fetched, but how about just paying that quarter library fine you've owed for the past 6 months?

Headlines

Headlines can make or break a magazine cover.  How often have you picked up a magazine just because of an attention-grabbing headline (we've all been lured.)  Some recent headlines that have caught my eye:
- Save on groceries: A plate full of plants (The Herb Companion) Sounds appetizing
- Ticks suck! (DirtRag)
- NYT paywall subscription instructions- no more complex than affordable healthcare act (Adweek)
-Never get a blood transfusion in these countries (Bottom line/personal)  It seems like if you need one, you need one immediately 
-Look Sexy!  Makeup that flirts for you (Cosmo) Yes because I'm too lazy to do it myself
-Blimps are back! (Popular Science) Oh please no-Next they'll offer flight service from the top of the Empire State Building

Waiting for Superman

After watching this documentary over the weekend, I felt it just added to the bleak state of current affairs.  Waiting for Superman shows why America's schools are failing and why we are falling behind other developed nations in educating our youth. This was fraught with meaning for me as I am contemplating moving from one school district to another.  It made me think my second grader doesn't have a chance no matter where she goes to school.  Even the so called "better" districts may not be offering a great education, just in nicer surroundings than the inner city schools.  The point I think everyone who watches Waiting for Superman will take away from it is that failure to lay the educational foundation for students has lasting results for the future.  To parody a song phrase 'the future is not looking so bright, so take off the shades.'

A good egg...

is the title of an article in May's Prevention magazine.  This is a completely reworked format.  The logo even has softer edges!  It is a fresh look for a jam packed advice and awareness publication.  Find out what all the labels mean on that carton of eggs you are buying.  The article describes three types of egg production farms focusing on the hens housing, feed, and freedom to enjoy the outdoors.  To see a video of one of the farms go to prevention.com/organic-chicken-farm.  It also gives the facts about Salmonella and what the chance is that it will be in one of your eggs.  Easter is coming, so do your healthy egg research now.  There is something of interest to all in Prevention.  Look for Sheryl Crow on the cover and pick it up!

Reality TV- just unrealistic

Is there really a need for reality TV anymore?  I actually canceled my cable service months ago and I haven't missed it.  I catch up on news online and still do watch TV (only CNN though) at the gym or at my Dad's house.  The news is all just bad lately.  The whole first section of the Sunday New York Times this weekend was just depressing.  Then I came across an article in the Arts & Leisure section, 'Have I got a show for you...' which contained true or false summaries about reality shows being considered for spring programming lineups.  Do we really need to watch any of these?  With the current junk programming, I was ready to believe all of them were being considered- no matter how absurd they seemed.  It appears couch potatoes will be tuning into shows with titles like 'Extreme Couponing' (TLC) which sounds like typical American consumers buying what they don't need just because they clipped a coupon.  Or how about 'Moonshiners' (Discovery) documenting techniques for making hooch in Appalachia.  Why not one on meth?  That seems to be a bigger problem in that region.  Would you watch 'Pregnant in heels'  (Bravo) focusing on the pseudo-problems of overly wealthy pregnant women in NYC?  Give me a break, please!  I won't be getting cable service anytime soon if this is an indication of what viewing choices I would have.

April's Reader's Digest

I think I like Reader's Digest because of its size.  It's great to tuck inside even a small purse and while some of it is still a bit mature for my taste, other sections are interesting and funny- ok, well there was this one joke that I had to read several times and I still didn't get it.  Maybe Reader's Digest is too mature for me!
April's issue had a lot of trivia-type items, which I love.  In a little section they called Mind the Gap, they highlighted some of the items that make up this year's (for the class of 2014) Mindset List compiled by Beloit College.  I suppose you have to be slightly mature to enjoy this- I know I did.  Check out the Mindset List online and chuckle over gems like #50:  Toothpaste tubes have always stood up on their caps.

Watch for more news in April.  I'm not fooling!

Dangers of acetaminophen

April's Harvard women's health watch warns of the dangers of both over-the-counter and prescribed acetaminophen.  The toxicity of this common pain reliever  should not be underestimated as overdose can cause liver failure.  Closely monitor intake of acetaminophen by following this article's advice:
- Don't take 2 over-the-counter medicines that both contain acetaminophen.
- Don't take more than the label recommends or your doctor prescribes.
- Don't take more than the recommended dosage in any 24 hour period.
- Don't mix with alcohol.
Stay safe and read all medication labels carefully.  For more advice sign up on the website for the free weekly HEALTHbeat e-newsletter from the Harvard Medical School.

People remembers Elizabeth Taylor

The April 11th issue of People remembers Elizabeth Taylor in a multi-page photo spread and brief biography of her accomplishments.  It almost runs like the 12 Days of Christmas song:
12- age she starred in National Velvet
10- length in years of her longest marriage
8- marriages
7- husbands
5- Academy Award nominations
4- children
2- violet eyes
1- Taylor-Burton diamond (69.42 carats)

Definitely more than 15 minutes of fame... if only we could all live this glamorously.

More magazine

It's nice to know maybe I'm not as old as I think, because many of the features in More magazine just don't really appeal to me.  Too bad for More because I don't think I'll be renewing my subscription.  The subtitle of the magazine is 'For women of style and substance.'  I thought that fit me, but maybe not.  I did find a couple things of interest in April's issue to share:
-women ages 55 to 64 are less likely to house clean daily (I'm not really close to that age bracket yet, but it's nice to know there is something to look forward to at that age)
-The back page feature called 'Big names, big brains' tells where 10 female stars went to college (some ivy league schools) and the degrees they earned (none went to Drexel though)
-A lengthy but very interesting article, A country of women, on older women living in Chernobyl's radioactive wasteland.  Is it coincidental that there were butchered animals in two of the photos?  A very eerie symbolism.

Why to drink organic milk

April's Health magazine features a guide on '11 Things it's best to buy organic' and milk is one of them.  I have to say since trying organic milk, I will never go back to regular milk.  I think the organic tastes just like the milk I used to drink as a kid.  The flavor is richer and it goes down smoother.  And it doesn't have to be whole milk either.  Organic comes in 2%, 1%, and skim (I usually buy the 2%) and all of them are just as good for drinking straight as in a nice cup of tea.  The main reason Health gives in favor of organic milk:
Organic milk is free of the hormone rBST, given to dairy cows which increases their milk production.  Studies show it may not be good for humans, though, leading to increased health risks.
Why take the risk?  Organic milk tastes better and it's truly worth the extra cost.

In my office...

April's Marie Claire has an article 'What does your desk say about you?'  Of course, everyone makes some kind of personality statement with what's in their office.  I thought I'd share a virtual trip to my office with you and take a look at some things I like with me when I'm working.
Yes, I do have my diploma (which Marie Claire says shows your boss they've hired a winner- I sure hope so!).  Actually it was just sitting on the floor at my apartment, where I'll never have as much room as in my office, so it's actually a space saver.
My coffee mug (vital)- I use a San Diego Wild Animal Park mug, mainly because I had two at home which I got when my daughter and I camped there.  (Marie Claire says don't go for a too cutesy design)
Box of tissues- Marie Claire says it makes you look compassionate.  Mine also double as napkins because I love to eat at my desk.
Moccasins- sometimes my feet hurt...MC says it shows you're "motivated and concerned about your well-being."  Ok, I just don't want achy feet.
Fingerless gloves- Mine are grey wool with red skulls (there's my personality coming through!)
US Holocaust Museum calendar- My fave charity...they send me one every year with my membership.
A soft shawl- A gift from the lady who retired from my job.  I think of her fondly every time I use it.
Sea salt grinder & pepper mill- Sorry about the sodium, but I need my veggies seasoned.
Two small plush bears- A white one & a brown one which were gifts from a wonderful friend and library volunteer.
My Lenox heart shaped candy dish- Always filled with peppermint LifeSavers...I'm addicted.
My bulletin board- Surprisingly for a librarian no cat pics.  I have a couple pics of my kids and monkeys (no, they are not one and the same!).  Also an article on how to behave in front of a gorilla, just in case one should happen through my office.
All in all, I think I'm pretty organized, but then I do have a lot of room to spread out.  Maybe I could further de-clutter my apartment by taking more stuff to work!

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire- 100 years later

In Sunday's NYT there was an article about remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist fire where over 140 workers (mostly female immigrants) died because of poor working conditions and slack fire inspection laws.  The 100 year anniversary is March 25th and will be remembered by events organized by Ruth Sergel, founder of the Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition.  The event was a catalyst for womens' involvement in worker's unions, building code improvements and worker's rights.  The NYTCityRoom blog has several feature entries this week on the history and remembrance of this tragedy that changed American labor and the Times Topic page has archive highlights.  A fascinating book on the subject is “Triangle: The Fire That Changed America,” a 2003 history by David Von Drehle.

The Panda's in for Spring

Panda trend - black and white

Harper's Bazaar published its fashion issue in March.  Aside from the great subscriber cover (the newstand cover just had Kim Kardashian) the editor's choice section showcased some Spring trends I will and won't be following- that is of course if the snow ever stops!  Easy to follow trends include animal skin patterned goods (when has snakeskin ever been out?), black and white (ditto), lace (love it-so feminine), and neutrals (I am definitely seeing a pair of nude platform heels in my future to wear with summer dresses).  Trends which will be difficult for me personally to follow are:  Chartreuse & other neon brights (we did this in the 80's- not going there again!) and Reds (just not my best color).  The issue also has some great photos of Kate Middleton in Issa- I'd personally like to see Kate in an Issa wedding dress on April 29th, but we will just have to wait and see!

Get your protein...

An article titled Staying strong:  How exercise & diet can help preserve your muscles in the April 2011 Nutrition Action Healthletter says as the body ages it needs more protein and immediately after strength training is the best time to consume protein to build up protein in the muscles.  How much does the RDA recommend and what are good sources of protein, you might ask?  The RDA is .36 grams of protein per pound of body weight.  So if I am 110 pounds (really I am) I should eat 39.6 grams of protein per day.  But remember, protein does not have to come from meat alone.  Vary your protein sources with options like these:

Edamame - yummy!

A favorite of mine- edamame (1/2 c. has 8g)
Nuts- 1/4 c. has 6g
Peas- surprisingly have 4g of protein per 1/2 c.
A cup of milk has 8g
An egg contains 6g
Would you rather indulge while getting your RDA of protein?  The Nutrition Action Healthletter suggests:
A Kashi TLC chewy granola bar (the dark mocha almond is very good) has 6g of protein
If you like Starbucks, a Nonfat Caffe Latte grande is full of a whopping 13g of protein.
Have fun getting your protein!

Abandon

Thanks to Publishers Weekly for sending me an advanced reader's copy of Meg Cabot's new YA novel Abandon. This is the first in the Abandon Trilogy with book 2 tentatively titled Underworld. In Abandon, Cabot conjures a vision of the gateway to the afterlife complete with a handsome gatekeeper.  I liked the way Cabot blended myth and history into the novel's location and traditions bringing a bit of reality to the fantasy. Abandon is a clean fantasy that YA readers will enjoy in a Twilight sort of way while the novel is entertaining enough to be an absorbing, quick read for busy adults who need a literary escape.  Publication date is April 24, 2011 and it can be pre-ordered at Amazon.

  Read the complete synopsis online at PW.

Great past covers

Short and sweet today...Take a look at this link from the American Society of Magazine Editors top 40 covers from 1965 to 2005...I've chosen my favorite of the list to display here.


National Geographic June 1985



Wait a minute Mr. Postman

Email, texting, evites, online bill paying...Sure it saves us money on communications (44 cents at last count), but it's killing the US Postal Service.  And we wonder why the price of a stamp keeps going up.  They have lost $8.5 billion in 2010 alone and mail volume decreased by 17% from 2006-2009.  A proposed solution is explained in April's issue of Popular Science.  The chief counsel at the Postal Regulatory Commission has suggested an innovative concept to boost revenue for the USPS, however it doesn't involve paper communications.

The proposal is for installing monitors on mail trucks that could gather data and sell it to private companies.  Likely information could be air pollution measurements, traffic conditions, ozone levels, or reporting Wi-fi coverage areas or dead zones for cellular service.  (And you thought you were paranoid about the postman reading your mail!)

The concept is not quite original though.  Some Greyhound buses already have sensors which track atmospheric weather information for the National Weather Service.

It appears the USPS, which has been in place since 1775 (another invention courtesy of Ben Franklin) will need to evolve to meet the current needs of our digital society.

Buying the right shoes

Those who know me may think this is another story about where each pair of 5 inch heels in my closet came from, but what is even more important is your workout shoes.  I recently had to buy yet another pair of sneakers.  With the number of miles I'm doing every week they seem to lose their support quickly.  I was overwhelmed by the selection, so much so that I bought two pair.  March's Runner's World has some great tips for picking shoes you & your feet will love.
*Have your feet measured each time you go to buy shoes - your foot size can change
*Wear your workout socks so you can be sure of the fit
*Shop late in the day when your feet are their largest - this is good if you're buying those 5 inch heels also!
Check the Runner's World online shoe finder (on the homepage) to give you some ideas before you hit the store.