http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/ en Copyright 2008 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:46:14 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss This year the Library planted a “Victory Garden.” Begun as a tribute to one of our most beloved staff members, Bea Shacknow, the garden has flourished and become food for the homeless in Nassau County. Elaine Zimmer and Heather Greco, with help from Gary Peluso planted tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, beans and annual flowers in the area that borders the southeast part of the building. They were joined in July by teen volunteers who helped water and pick the vegetables. They thoroughly enjoyed their outdoor experience and plan to help again next year. The proceeds of their labors are enjoyed by residents of the INN in Hempstead, a facility that feeds hundreds of people each week. We are very proud of the work our staff has done to help others, and the example they have set for the next generation. ]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/08/victory_garden_1.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/08/victory_garden_1.html Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:46:14 -0500 Nothing is more frustrating than trying to get personal help when calling a store or business on the telephone. More often than not, you’re greeted by an automated system offering a multitude of choices for everything but speaking with another human being. The website www.gethuman.com (also available through the Consumer and Shopping database listings on the library’s homepage) provides hundreds of 800 phone numbers plus the “secret” of getting beyond the automated system to a customer service representative. You can search by the name of a company, an industry (finance, government, insurance, stores, etc.), or by country (companies in the US, Canada and England are covered), or browse through the alphabetical listings. ]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/08/is_anybody_there.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/08/is_anybody_there.html Did you know... Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:31:32 -0500 Have you seen the old pictures of Plainview-Old Bethpage that the library put up near the circulation desk? Would you like to see these and other old pictures of the community posted on an Internet site for everyone to enjoy? I love to see how our community looked and how it changed and the memories these pictures bring back. There’s a project called “Long Island Memories” which is digitizing these photographs and our library hopes to become part of it. Take a look at some of the pictures other libraries have posed of their communities. They are just wonderful!]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/long_island_memories_1.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/long_island_memories_1.html Did you know... Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:17:53 -0500 Have you tried playing Wii? FYI, Wii is a video game console from Nintendo. Wii Sports features bowling, tennis, and golf games. I tried bowling using the Wii-mote, a unique control that is strapped to your wrist. The bowling screen with pins comes up in front of you. You press the remote buttons on the Wii-mote while swinging your arm back to bowl. I felt like I was actually bowling! The hottest new product is Wii Fit combining fun and fitness into one package for “all ages” to enjoy. Check out the Wii website: http://www.nintendowii.net/ to find out more. ]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/do_you_wii.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/do_you_wii.html Did you know... Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:34:37 -0500 This nonfiction book about Chris McCandless is the best book I have ever read. The precise details that Krakauer writes are amazing. I myself am only 20 years old and I have always wanted to see the country and be in the wilderness. After reading this book, I won't do what Chris did but that is not the point. The point is that Chris was not an idiot. He thought he knew what he was doing; he just had the misfortune of eating the wrong thing. It is a great adventure book. I will now watch the movie but I already know that the movie will be so much worse because books explain so much more. I feel bad for the McCandless family and the fact that Chris was found only 19 days later is depressing. Rest in peace Chris McCandless. This book was written and researched so well. Amazing book! Submitted by Brett. ]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/into_the_wild_by_jon_krakauer.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/into_the_wild_by_jon_krakauer.html Book Reviews Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:13:29 -0500 Have you noticed the interesting 3-D display near the Circulation Desk? It features Frommer Travel Books and accompanying art work about the world of travel. It was created by the library's very talented artist, Laura Centofranchi. Laura has been with us just over a year and has contributed greatly to the new spirit in the Library. She painted the cafe area free-hand, creates all the flyers, posters and brochures, and advises us on color and taste. We really value her artistic "eye" and rely on her instincts. The travel display is great fun and part of a nationwide contest. If we win, the Library will receive a free lecture from Arthur and his daughter Pauline Frommer or we might win a whole collection of his travel books. Whatever the outcome, we can all enjoy the beautiful display. Take time to look at Ms. Centofranchi's delightful work while planning your next trip. ]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/have_you_noticed_the_interesti_1.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/have_you_noticed_the_interesti_1.html Director Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:46:28 -0500 This great book is the 4th in the Artemis Fowl Series, so it is best if you read the first three to better understand it. This is the story of Artemis Fowl, his bodyguard Butler, and his fairy friends Holly Short, Commander Root, Mulch Diggums, and Foaly. The antagonist of the book is the returning evil pixie, Opal Koboi. Opal devises a plan to not only kill each of the heroes that ruined her plan in the second book, but to expose the fairy world to the humans. Once again its up Artemis and his followers to keep the two worlds from colliding which is much harder for them because Artemis can hardly remember what Fairies are let alone how to save them. They also must try to escape the dastardly deaths that Opal has planned for them, which only some may accomplish. This is a page turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Some parts are a bit predictable, but this tale also has many twists and turns. You'll laugh and cry and you'll maybe even want to go looking for fairies yourself! Hope you enjoy it :^) Submitted by Lauren ]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/artemis_fowl_the_opal_deceptio.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/artemis_fowl_the_opal_deceptio.html Book Reviews Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:44:36 -0500 In July, 2006, Renee had a great idea to collect books to send to soldiers serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Chris and I joined her and we sent a few boxes to soldiers via the anysoldier.com website. It is now two years later, and through our program “For Our Soldiers” we have sent over 1,200 care packages containing food, books, toiletries, dvd’s, and anything else we could fit in a box, at a cost of over $8,000 in postage. Our friends, co-workers, families and our most generous community, Plainview-Old Bethpage, have reached deeply into their hearts and pockets. Stop by the “For Our Soldiers” table outside of Community Services and read some of the wonderful letters and emails from the recipients of our packages. We have been overwhelmed by the gratitude and humility of these brave men and women. Read their words and you will leave the Library with a smile on your face and a greater appreciation for the sacrifice of our soldiers. ]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/for_our_soldiers_2.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/for_our_soldiers_2.html Did you know... Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:00:34 -0500 Reading this book was like having a backstage pass to a rock and roll concert that goes on for 40 years. Considering Eric Clapton doesn't say much beyond "thank you" at his live performances, it was interesting to read about his life, loves, music and addictions in his own voice. I found this book compelling, easy to read and hard to put down. Submitted by Stephanie. ]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/clapton_the_autobiography.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/07/clapton_the_autobiography.html Book Reviews Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:47:36 -0500 This book had many different themes put together, like romance and violence which made this book great. It had a lot of emotions and at the end, everything worked out differently than someone would imagine. This book is great for young readers because it gives them a thriller and romance all in one. Submitted by Amna ]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/06/eclipse_by_stephanie_meyer.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/06/eclipse_by_stephanie_meyer.html Book Reviews Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:47:58 -0500 It’s summer time and there’s no more hiding in sweat pants and baggie shirts. Studies show that keeping a food and activity journal is a helpful tool in the fight to get fit. I was ready for a reality check, so I got on the scale and then went looking for a website to use for journaling. I tried a couple but found them cumbersome to use until I tried www.my-calorie-counter.com. It has a huge database of nutritional information on many common foods, including lots of popular brands and restaurant items as well. It lets you set your own portion size, too. You can also create custom food entries for foods that you eat regularly that are not included in the database. The site has a large list of activities and the calories burned when you engage in them. If you’re into blogging, you can post to a like-minded community blog and share your experience with others. There are plenty of links to articles on health and fitness. If you are honest about listing everything thing you’ve eaten, you may find the answer to that age-old question, “Why can’t I lose weight?” Then you can take steps needed to make that question unnecessary. ]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/06/its_that_time_again.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/06/its_that_time_again.html Did you know... Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:03:27 -0500 I love to shop and I’m always looking for the best buys at bargain prices. A friend of mine told me about this shopping website. It’s called Overstock.com. It’s an on-line wholesale and retail service featuring bedding books, clothing, electronics, furniture, jewelry, sports equipment and watches. This site has Clearance Bins, Steals Of The Week, Top Sellers, and Gift Cards that you may purchase online. Stop in today. ]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/06/are_you_a_shopaholic.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/06/are_you_a_shopaholic.html Did you know... Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:21:28 -0500 Have you heard of or considered investing in a GPS? Technology allows you to navigate with a GPS via satellites. I received a GPS as a gift. It works great. You input your destination and the GPS gives you turn by turn directions and calculates an estimated time of arrival. If you miss an exit or turn while driving, the GPS recalculates your directions. Are you interested in purchasing one or would you like to read more? “Consumer Reports” has rated GPS navigators in the June 2008 issue. If you are not ready to buy one, Google maps is useful for getting directions. ]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/06/tired_of_getting_lost_when_dri.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/06/tired_of_getting_lost_when_dri.html Did you know... Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:44:05 -0500 This summer we encourage all of our younger patrons to "Read for the Gold," as part of our exciting Summer Reading program. There are a variety of programs designed specifically for infants thru teens. Each of the various programs promotes summertime reading, and rewards participants with weekly prizes, stickers and certificates. The programs will start on June 30th and continue thru August 17th. Come in or call Family Center to get more details.]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/06/read_for_the_gold_1.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/06/read_for_the_gold_1.html Kids Stuff Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:23:21 -0500 Summertime fare, I think of barbecues and casual dining. These are the kinds of restaurants to consider when you are too tired to flick the switch, marinate the meat or clean up the mess. Grab a bite at Big Daddy’s Barbecue in Massapequa - hot, smoky and fiery food, extremely powerful. You don’t need the sun to feel the heat! Turtle Crossing is another favorite of mine. Take a ride to East Hampton for the day and stop by this restaurant for huge portions of tasty ribs, brisket and shrimp. It has an upbeat crowd so bring the family to enjoy the noisy fun atmosphere. If you would like a home away from home, with fabulous Northern Italian food and great service you must try Fianona in New Hyde Park, a family operated business of our friend/co-worker Evita. She does not want to brag, but our fellow staff members have no problem doing so. It should be added to the list of restaurants you must definitely try. ]]> http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/06/dining_around_long_island_1.html http://www.nassaulibrary.org/pobblog/2008/06/dining_around_long_island_1.html Did you know... Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:22:53 -0500