This library must be a 'happening' place

Today is April 28th and it is a beautiful Spring day. The birds are chirping, the flowers growing, and most of the computers in town are broken. Say what? It must be so because today we have had a run of computer sign-ups by the students in town whose own computers are not working. I hope that you know that we have five computers on the main floor of the library that are for the public. We have time limits on them but you can use them for the Internet or for word processing. We only charge for printing (the first 50cents are on us) All you have to do is sign-up for a computer at the circulation desk and the next available one is for you.
I know we are a 'happening' place because of the turn-out for the Jazz concert last Sunday or for the Poetry Tea on Thursday. And we will still be a 'happening' place when the third annual Movies in May takes place on May 9, 10., and 11. Far out.

A good read

How many of you have read We Need to Talk About Kevin? This book is some-what disturbing to read yet read it you will! Now Lionel Shriver has a new book out, The Post-Birthday World. It is not like 'Kevin' but it is a great book and, yes, a must read.

TAI CHI is Cancelled today

The rain has entered the building and taken over our TAI CHI space for Monday, April 16. Hopefully we will be able to have class next week. Please call the library to make sure! Remember to keep practicing (scroll down and follow directions.) Nancy

Library Skills (not)

There must be a manual for proper use of the library, or on library skills. I have found one on the internet that is perfect for my 'peeps'(people).

Shall We Wear a Scarlet Letter?

I'm not sure how many of us have ever read The Scarlet Letter or how many of us in the future will read this book but this week it has taken on new meaning. Scarlett is the school color for Rutgers University, and our Scarlet Knights Women's Basketball team is what we are reading. Since their surprise rise to the NCAA championship in March to their press conference yesterday these ladies have been on a roller coaster ride and seem to be holding on to that rail, and not falling off. Relentless, athletic, and forceful on the basketball court and articulate, even tempered and composed in front of the press this proves to us how lucky we are that we, in New Jersey, can call them our Scarlet Knights.
I had very little thought about the controversy. Don Imus, never my favorite, was to me a buffoon who acted his part. He must somehow believe that since his ad revenues are great he can say and do as he pleases. Some one called him on it. That's what happens. He thought he would say "I'm a good person" and it would be over. Two weeks suspension? Fine, he says. I'll take it with dignity. But then the ladies took to the podium. And said just what we needed to know.. "I am someone's daughter."
That was it for me. She is right. If someone used those words when talking about my daughter I would want him gone. I would want the world to know you can't say things like this, you can't let people know you think things like this, and you shouldn't think things like this. We should want people to respect our daughters (and sons). And if you have a seat of power, be it being the coach or on national television or radio, you can't say these things and expect us not to react. They shouldn't be said at all. And that should be that. Think what would happen if you used the expression that Mr. Imus used at your workplace. Would you still have your job?

Perhaps we should wear a Scarlet letter in support of these fine ladies. Or just wear Scarlet. On Tuesday, when the team meets with Mr. Imus and he tries to repair the injustice served to the team.

TAI CHI Week 5

Here are three photos to help remind you how to do our favorite, chinese walking. Follow along with the descriptions below:

1.(top photo) Left hand forward palm upright, right hand at your side, palm down. Left foot forward......

2. As you step forward with your left foot bring your left arm down to your hip and your right arm comes up and your right foot comes forward...

3.(bottom photo) and then....Right hand forward with palm up (holding melon), right foot forward, left hand at your hip, palm side down.

Knees soft, shoulders down, spine out, tail bone in, eyes forward...wait, there must be more to remember...oh, right, relax!

TAI CHI Weeks 4 & 5

Wow! We are half way through our Tai Chi exercise program and already I feel better in my skin, and clothes! Now that our fearless leader Liz has been giving us cheat sheets to the program, we really don't need my blog updates. But update I will. Today I just wanted to remind you that both Fanwood and Scotch Plains libraries have books and DVD's on Tai Chi and other exercise programs. You will find the in non-fiction 613.7. If you need any help finding the books ask at the desk. If you need help with the exercises, well, I wish I could help!

Another book to put on your must read list!

I just read the book Talk Talk by T.C.Boyle and loved it. It's about what happens when someone is a victum of ...never mind. If I were you I'd put it on my must read list.