Library Notes
Lynn Denison
January 22, 2013
Now is the time when NASCAR fans are becoming excited about the beginning of a new season. The NASCAR season is the longest running season of any sport in the United States, usually beginning in February and lasting through November. One of our new books at Rowan Public Library is NASCAR Nation, How Racing’s Values Mirror the Nation’s, by Chris Myers. To quote the author, “America is the greatest country on earth. . . . If cars are for most Americans, then NASCAR is also for most Americans. Baseball is American’s pastime and football is American’s passion, but NASCAR is its roots . . . It’s family time and it’s NASCAR time. NASCAR has millions of steadfast fans.”
In NASCAR Nation, longtime Fox Sports broadcaster and NASCAR prerace show host, Chris Myers, makes the case for what makes racing the embodiment of the best that makes America great. As you read this book you’ll enjoy learning about Chris’ experience of going from a NASCAR outsider approximately ten years ago to a part of the inner circle in the close knit NASCAR community that he now calls home. It is a light and easy read and one recommended for those who are new to NASCAR as well as for those who can’t remember when NASCAR wasn’t a big part of their lives.
NASCAR is the highest class of stock car auto racing in the United States. “Stock car” means, in the original sense of the term, an automobile that has not been modified from its original factory configuration. Later the term stock car came to mean any production-based automobile used in racing. This term is used to differentiate such a car from a race car, a special, custom-built car designed only for racing purposes. Today most American stock cars may superficially resemble standard American family sedans, but are in fact purpose-built racing machines built to a strict set of regulations.
For those new and long time racing fans the library has a plethora of books as well as DVDS’s on the subject. One of the DVD’s is Red Dirt Rising, a film that “chronicles the origins of stock car racing during the Fightin’ Forties and explores the origins of what has become one of the most lucrative sporting organizations in the world.” We also have Petty Blue, the story of the Petty family, known as “NASCAR’s royal family of racing;” Together: the Hendrick Motorsports Story; The Ride of Their Lives, and many other NASCAR related DVD’s.
Some of the books we have include In the Blink of the Eye: Dale, Daytona, and the Day that Changed Everything, by Michael Waltrip and Ellis Henican; Growing Up NASCAR: Racing’s Most Outrageous Promoter Tells All, by Humpy Wheeler & Peter Golenbock ; He Crashed Me So I Crashed Him Back, by Mark Bechtel; Real NASCAR: White Lightning, Red Clay and Big Bill France, by Daniel S. Pierce; and a beautiful book, NASCAR Then & Now by Ben White with many photographs by Nigel Kinrade.
These are just a few of the offerings we have available. Please stop by Rowan Public Library soon to explore these and other materials to increase your knowledge of NASCAR and help you enjoy this exciting racing season even more.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Library Notes
1-20-2013
Marissa Creamer
The Magic of Snow
The hustle and bustle of the holidays is behind us; the glittery decorations have been put away for another year; the giddy euphoria of New Year’s Eve is past. We are left with the stark reality of January, with its resolutions to lose weight and exercise, and the cold, gray, dreariness of winter. In winter we need some magic, some sparkle, something to brighten up the gray landscape; we need snow. There is something magical about the first snowfall; everything looks pristine when covered in a fresh blanket of glistening white. The stark gray trunks of trees are beautiful in contrast; the world is peaceful and quiet.
The mystery of the snowflake has long fascinated humans. The first medieval scientist to examine snowflakes was so astounded by their remarkable symmetry that he wondered if these ice crystals might even have souls. You can explore the magic of snowflakes with “The Snowflake: Winter’s Secret Beauty,” by Kenneth Libbrecht. This fascinating book details what snowflakes are, how they form, and why each one is unique. Libbrecht also discusses snow crystals and what type of weather conditions produce snowflakes. These fleeting works of art were “plucked from the air as they fell” and photographed by Patricia Rasmussen.
Of course, it was the snowflake savant Wilson Bentley who first photographed snowflakes, on his Vermont farm back in 1885. "Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated. When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind." Using a bellows camera with a microscope attached, Bentley was finally able to replicate the visual complexity of a single snow crystal in a photograph. His passion for the amazing diversity of snowflakes led to a collection of over 5000 photographs. Read more about Wilson Bentley and his enthusiasm for snow in the Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book “Snowflake Bentley,” written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, with illustrations by Mary Azarian.
Although snow is a relatively rare occurrence in this area, you can still bring the gossamer beauty of a snowfall into your home with “100 Snowflakes to Crochet,” by Caitlin Sainio. Designed for all skill levels, this book begins with a review of crochet basics, and contains discussions of materials and finishings, the structure of snowflakes, and methods of blocking and starching your creations. The “Snowflake Selector” lets you browse for a pattern that matches your skill level so you can make your own indoor snowdrift. Projects show you inventive ways to use your creations, and include a beautiful “Blizzard Scarf,” snowflake-adorned pillows, framed snowflake art, and a colorful snowflake mobile.
Come to Rowan Public Library for these and other books about snow, and make sure you are well stocked with plenty of reading material in case we actually see some of the white stuff and get snowed in!
1-20-2013
Marissa Creamer
The Magic of Snow
The hustle and bustle of the holidays is behind us; the glittery decorations have been put away for another year; the giddy euphoria of New Year’s Eve is past. We are left with the stark reality of January, with its resolutions to lose weight and exercise, and the cold, gray, dreariness of winter. In winter we need some magic, some sparkle, something to brighten up the gray landscape; we need snow. There is something magical about the first snowfall; everything looks pristine when covered in a fresh blanket of glistening white. The stark gray trunks of trees are beautiful in contrast; the world is peaceful and quiet.
The mystery of the snowflake has long fascinated humans. The first medieval scientist to examine snowflakes was so astounded by their remarkable symmetry that he wondered if these ice crystals might even have souls. You can explore the magic of snowflakes with “The Snowflake: Winter’s Secret Beauty,” by Kenneth Libbrecht. This fascinating book details what snowflakes are, how they form, and why each one is unique. Libbrecht also discusses snow crystals and what type of weather conditions produce snowflakes. These fleeting works of art were “plucked from the air as they fell” and photographed by Patricia Rasmussen.
Of course, it was the snowflake savant Wilson Bentley who first photographed snowflakes, on his Vermont farm back in 1885. "Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated. When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind." Using a bellows camera with a microscope attached, Bentley was finally able to replicate the visual complexity of a single snow crystal in a photograph. His passion for the amazing diversity of snowflakes led to a collection of over 5000 photographs. Read more about Wilson Bentley and his enthusiasm for snow in the Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book “Snowflake Bentley,” written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, with illustrations by Mary Azarian.
Although snow is a relatively rare occurrence in this area, you can still bring the gossamer beauty of a snowfall into your home with “100 Snowflakes to Crochet,” by Caitlin Sainio. Designed for all skill levels, this book begins with a review of crochet basics, and contains discussions of materials and finishings, the structure of snowflakes, and methods of blocking and starching your creations. The “Snowflake Selector” lets you browse for a pattern that matches your skill level so you can make your own indoor snowdrift. Projects show you inventive ways to use your creations, and include a beautiful “Blizzard Scarf,” snowflake-adorned pillows, framed snowflake art, and a colorful snowflake mobile.
Come to Rowan Public Library for these and other books about snow, and make sure you are well stocked with plenty of reading material in case we actually see some of the white stuff and get snowed in!
Sunday, January 06, 2013
New Adventures for a New Year
by Marissa Creamer Rowan Public Library
It’s a new year and
Rowan Public Library has new adventures to help you through the doldrums of
winter. Curl up with one of these stories featuring young people (and a “space
cat”) who embark on a journey and experience exciting adventures:
“The
Theory of Everything” by Kari Luna blends realism, science fiction, fantasy,
and eighties rock music into an unusual story with heart. Sophie has started
yet another high school, but that hasn’t stopped her “episodes.” One minute
she’s talking to “Fab Physics Boy,” and the next thing she knows she’s in the
middle of a panda marching band. Or watching birds in the wallpaper pattern
peel off the wall and fly away. Like her missing theoretical physicist father,
Sophie has no control over these visions, and her mother fears she may be
suffering from a mental illness. Determined to figure out her visions once and
for all, Sophie sets out for New York City to search for her father and learn
about his string theory of parallel universes. Has he become lost in one of these alternate
worlds? Guided by her shaman panda Walt,
Sophie learns more about her travel episodes, love, and acceptance.
Another fourteen year old girl embarking on a
journey is featured in the latest Fairyland book by Catherynne Valente. In “The
Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two,” September is beginning
to fear that she will never find her way back to Fairyland when the Blue Wind
arrives and winks her “out of the world like a firefly.” Soaring to the moon in
her Model A Ford, which seems to be coming to life, September hopes to be
reunited with her old friends Elle and Saturday. First, however, she must
deliver a package to the Whelk of the Moon. She soon learns that the moon is in
danger of being destroyed by the terrible Yeti Cinderskin, and sets out to
confront him. Along the way September meets many creatures that guide her as she
searches for her path in life. As usual,
Valente’s descriptions are magical: “his clothes flashed—long periwinkle
trousers with teal patches and curling cornflower shoes like a jester’s. But
what his coat hid within flashed brighter. September gasped. Planets hung on
the lining of that thick jacket—small globes full of swirling clouds or
shifting seas, continents like tiny chunks of ruby or topaz, cool silver moons
and boiling purple suns. Light poured out from the depths of the coat, bathing her
in colors.” If you are new to Fairyland, make sure you begin with September’s
first visit: “The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own
Making.”
In
the latest “Binky the Space Cat Adventure” by Ashley Spires, Binky is embarking
on a journey as well. In “License to Scratch,” Binky, his assistant space dog
Gordie, and commanding officer Gracie see disaster on the horizon at the
appearance of “SUITCASES!” Their humans
are about to set off into deep space unprotected! Binky and Gracie are loaded
into portable space pods for the long “flight” to the “pet hotel, “which turns
out to be...the vet! Will their humans ever return? Agonizing days of boredom
lead to an escape attempt and the discovery of sinister goings-on involving
aliens (bugs). Sadly, this fifth title is reported to be the last Binky
Adventure. Don’t miss out on the trademark combination of dry humor, slapstick,
and heart in this graphic novel series for all ages.
Journey
to Rowan Public Library for these adventures and find many more.
LIBRARY NOTES
USING LESS IN THE NEW YEAR
PAUL BIRKHEAD
Have you ever noticed the piles of trash that collect on curbsides the day after Christmas? The amount of paper and cardboard that gets thrown away is quite staggering. However, in a day or two, the refuse gets carted away and the problem appears solved, right? Not quite. Let the resources at Rowan Public Library educate you about what happens to all the trash that we generate, why we throw away so much, and what we can do to lessen our impact on the environment.
Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair with Trash is a book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edward Humes. In Garbology, Humes gives the reader an inside look at what happens to the roughly 102 tons of garbage that an average American generates over a lifetime. The journey from curb to landfill is both fascinating and heartbreaking. It is especially disheartening to learn that edible food makes up a large portion of our trash.
Food waste is the topic of the book, American Wasteland, by Jonathan Bloom. Bloom makes a point that even as grocery prices skyrocket, the amount of food Americans squander continues to increase. One reason might be that Americans are more detached than ever from the sources of their food. Another reason is that fewer Americans have memories of times when food was not in abundance, such as during the Great Depression. The problem of food waste can also be partially blamed on modern technology. In a sad bit of irony, modern-day, efficient refrigerators and freezers have enabled us to keep food longer, but it has also made it easier to forget about food until it’s too late to salvage.
Don’t Throw It Out is a book by the editors of Yankee Magazine. Inside the book are hundreds of nifty and thrifty ideas to help you waste less and save more. Want to get that last bit of ketchup out of the bottle, keep your eggs fresh, or bring biscuits back to life? Practical tips are shared so the reader can tackle questions that crop up in the kitchen. In fact, the book analyzes every room of a typical house and advice is given to “make it last”, “fix it fast”, and “pass it along” the right way.
In the coming year, let us all pledge to be mindful of the three R’s of the environment: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Also, don’t forget to stop by Rowan Public Library and check out a book or two. It’s the ultimate in book recycling.
USING LESS IN THE NEW YEAR
PAUL BIRKHEAD
Have you ever noticed the piles of trash that collect on curbsides the day after Christmas? The amount of paper and cardboard that gets thrown away is quite staggering. However, in a day or two, the refuse gets carted away and the problem appears solved, right? Not quite. Let the resources at Rowan Public Library educate you about what happens to all the trash that we generate, why we throw away so much, and what we can do to lessen our impact on the environment.
Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair with Trash is a book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edward Humes. In Garbology, Humes gives the reader an inside look at what happens to the roughly 102 tons of garbage that an average American generates over a lifetime. The journey from curb to landfill is both fascinating and heartbreaking. It is especially disheartening to learn that edible food makes up a large portion of our trash.
Food waste is the topic of the book, American Wasteland, by Jonathan Bloom. Bloom makes a point that even as grocery prices skyrocket, the amount of food Americans squander continues to increase. One reason might be that Americans are more detached than ever from the sources of their food. Another reason is that fewer Americans have memories of times when food was not in abundance, such as during the Great Depression. The problem of food waste can also be partially blamed on modern technology. In a sad bit of irony, modern-day, efficient refrigerators and freezers have enabled us to keep food longer, but it has also made it easier to forget about food until it’s too late to salvage.
Don’t Throw It Out is a book by the editors of Yankee Magazine. Inside the book are hundreds of nifty and thrifty ideas to help you waste less and save more. Want to get that last bit of ketchup out of the bottle, keep your eggs fresh, or bring biscuits back to life? Practical tips are shared so the reader can tackle questions that crop up in the kitchen. In fact, the book analyzes every room of a typical house and advice is given to “make it last”, “fix it fast”, and “pass it along” the right way.
In the coming year, let us all pledge to be mindful of the three R’s of the environment: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Also, don’t forget to stop by Rowan Public Library and check out a book or two. It’s the ultimate in book recycling.
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