This blog began in 2003 as Mrs. Rabbitt's Bookbag and continued as From the Library Director from 2005-2010. You can read my newspaper columns at FromtheLibraryColumn published Thursdays in the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

WHCD 2010

President Obama, rising comedic star, at the 2010 White House Correspondent's Dinner

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Donate Electronics

Mashable has a great listing for donating old electronics instead of cluttering your cellar with them or sneaking them into a dumpster.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Weeding Books

A common dilemma. Weeding books into compost. Read a good account in PhillyBurbs.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Icelandic Interruptions

These sites are handy if you want to avoid Volcanic Stress.  The NY Times tracked airport status during the April event but the last post was on April 22.  Perhaps they will use the same link the next time Eyjafjallajökull erupts.

The Met Office in the UK has a great page, Volcanic Ash Advisory from London, with updated projections.  Refresh this link once you get to the page for the latest updates. This was very helpful during the eruption in April when flights were canceled because it was apparent that Ireland and most of Europe were affected.

If you are traveling to Ireland, like I was (more aptly, wasn't) The Irish Aviation Authority had updates all along the way.  News that their air space was closed was online BEFORE my Delta flight was canceled.

We found that the airlines website was the last place to go ... and the last place to call.  Check the Aviation Authority in the country you are traveling to ... perhaps you'll get some information like I did to prepare you for the shock of the canceled flight.



Flights resume!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

UVM's Maple Syryp Research

You have to love a website devoted to maple syrup research! And take the quiz to see how much you know.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Voices Together, Virtually

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Saving Time


Read everything you wanted to know about daylight savings time ... and more at Daylight Savings Time from WebExhibits.com.
Just as sunflowers turn their heads to catch every sunbeam, so too have we discovered a simple way to get more from our sun.
Or read the books inspired by the subject: Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time by David Prerau and Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time by Michael Downing.

Read my column Saving Time With Ben in the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin, October 7, 2009.

The Grace of Gander, Newfoundland

Looks like Vimeo had to take down the videos. Sorry about that.

Tom Brokaw did a special on Gander, Newfoundland's generosity and grace on September 11, 2001. It aired during the Olympics. Now the videos of that piece can't be found on the web.

It was a truly inspiring piece and one I hope you find and watch.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Temple Grandin: The world needs all kinds of minds | Video on TED.com

Over 50 Pad-like Devices

Who said you need to buy an iPad? Look at the other 50.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Easy Bake

Imagine that. Easy Bake Ovens are still around.
Evolution, recipes and obituary. Thanks to Consumerist for the links.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Safety Mode

How 1 Piece of Paper Can Save Millions


Download a pdf of this great flyer from Catalog Choice. Post it everywhere where one piece of paper can save millions.

It's time for me to once again go through the catalogs invading my mailbox.

Future of Print

Read ten comments or interviews on the future of print.