Close Encounters of the Mars Kind

Snopes has the truth on Mars.  Mars comes close to Earth every few years and was very close in 2003.  An email might come to your inbox this August so smile and ignore it.  Click here for the Snopes Truth.

From the Library: Literacy volunteers make a difference - Norwood, MA - Norwood Bulletin

From the Library: Literacy volunteers make a difference - Norwood, MA - Norwood Bulletin

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Easy On the Eyes

This 'eye chart' should tell you whether or not your computer is infected with the Conficker Virus. The explanation?

Conficker (aka Downadup, Kido) is known to block access to over 100 anti-virus and security websites.If you are blocked from loading the remote images in the first row of the top table above (AV/security sites) but not blocked from loading the remote images in the second row (websites of alternative operating systems) then your Windows PC may be infected by Conficker (or some other malicious software). If you can see all six images in both rows of the top table, you are either not infected by Conficker, or you may be using a proxy server, in which case you will not be able to use this test to make an accurate determination, since Conficker will be unable to block you from viewing the AV/security sites.

Quoted from the Conficker Working Group website.

More on the Kindle

Amazon's early data suggest that Kindle users buy significantly more books than they did before owning the device, and it's not hard to understand why: The bookstore is now following you around wherever you go.

Stephen Johnson, How the e-Book Will Change the Way We Read and Write, April 20, 2009 Wall Street Journal.

Image by John Weber from the Wall Street Journal

Redline Boston: Nothin' But a Voice and a Microphone

Miss Marion. “Lida Rose.” Think “Music Man,” the wonderful 1957 Broadway play and 1962 smash movie. Who could forget Miss Marion, River City’s lovely “Madame Librarian.” Or “Lida Rose,” the song sung by four cranky, argumentative school board members who made up a perfect barbershop quartet. Four handlebar moustaches, four straw hats, four voices and a simple way to bring four points of view together. Ah, harmony. And so what’s all this got to do with the Morrill Memorial Library? Read on.

Read the entire From the Library column in the Daily News Transcript. 

What A Discovery

When researching for our Florida trip, I read SeaWorld Discovery Cove and Aquatica: Orlando's Salute to the Seas by Kelly Monaghan. About the pricing she says:

"Prepare yourself for a shock. Discovery Cove is probably the most expensive theme park you will ever visit ... [but] this very special park is worth every penny."

We made our reservations and happily found out that she was right.  

Expensive, yes. Perfect, yes. Worth every penny, yes. For tips about the park, read the book, visit the website, make your reservations far in advance. Take my advice and skip the water parks and theme parks for at least one day and go. Monaghan has great advice: get to the park early in the morning, make your dolphin encounter reservations early in the day, wear the short-sleeved, mid-thigh wet suit. My advice is to find a shady block of lounge chairs close to the stingray lagoon and aviary as soon as you enter and plan for a wonderful day. Don't miss the aviary. The use of the wetsuit or vest and mask are included. Dolphin-safe sunscreen is included and mandatory. A photo of your group is included. A continental breakfast is included. A delicious lunch buffet is included. All softdrinks, slushes, beer and water are included. Towels, chairs included. Clean, fine sand, customer service and lifeguards are in abundance. If you don't choose to swim, there will probably be plenty of sunshine, plenty of comfort and plenty to watch and do.

Earth Day 2009 Disney Nature

Peeps and More

Visit the official Peeps site. Or perhaps you are looking for suggestions on how to 'prepare' Peeps? Or not? Perhaps Crunchy Peep Salad or Laura Rebecca's Kitchen Peeps On the Lawn Dessert Salad? My daughter (aged 27) prefers her Peeps frozen. I prefer my Peeps given AWAY as gifts. The Urban Dictionary defines Peeps:

Marshmallow candies in the shape of rabbits and baby chickens. Usually served around Easter. Also short for "people" (friends or close pals.).

The Washington Post holds an annual Peeps Show and there were 1,100 submissions in the diorama contest this year. Vote for your favorite. National Geographic's Peeps in Places Photo Challenge has been extended until April 13.

Did you know that 1 PEEP contains 32 calories and 0 grams of fat. Plain, frozen or not. Sweet.

The Real Map of the US

Download a screensaver that will make you smile all season. The United Countries of Baseball.  Vote your loyalty or wear the map on your tee shirt. 

Are You Kidding Me?

A few weeks back I confessed in this column that I am not a technological geek. This week I have yet another personal confession: I am not a sportswoman. Oh, yes, I did climb Mount Washington under extreme duress many years ago, I spent countless summers camping with my family, and I watched them ice skate, race, swim and ski, joining in until I was outclassed. I cheer my adult triathlete daughter on along with the best of parents.

I often get caught up in the World Series Mania in the fall and Superbowl Fever in January. But, yes, I sometimes have to ask dumb questions as I watch. I am, therefore, sadly never to be confused with a true sports fanatic.

So, you might ask, “Are you kidding me? Why is this librarian purchasing the sports books in the library?’”

And I will answer, “It’s a fun job and somebody has to do it.” This spring is especially enjoyable as a plethora of books hit the market and our library shelves and I get to order them.

Read the entire From the Library column in the Daily News Transcript

The Magic in Mud

It's Opening Week for the Red Sox and major league baseball so NPR appropriately did a segment on Baseball Rubbing Mud.

"Any knowledgeable baseball fan will tell you that the big league baseball teams never use brand new baseballs in a game. They're too shiny to play with. So, what do umpires use to prep the balls and dull the shine?
New Jersey mud."

Secret ingredient? The owner only knows.

"What counts is that the muck, described as resembling a cross between chocolate pudding and whipped cold cream, really works!"

Read or listen to the NPR segment here.

Walkability

The Boston Globe West article, Walk This Way, led me to the WalkScore website. The Morrill Memorial Library has a walk score of 85. What does this mean for me? My place of work is very near to a 'walker's paradise.' Check our your work place or your neighborhood by visiting WalkScore.com.

High Flying

Watch Ueli Gegenschatz, the ultimate human flying machine.  Mr. Gegenshcatz appeared this year on TED and explains his obsession with perfecting human flight in extreme wingsuit jumping.  It might be a bit crazy but his high-flying is beautiful.