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The New York Times is reporting today that federal funding for RIF is in grave danger under Department of Education budget proposals. Reading this made me feel ill and, as a proud Chicagoan, almost betrayed by Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. His mother is a respected educator in Chicago, having worked on the southeast side of The City for nearly 50 years. I am quite sure that Mr. Duncan has known from his earliest years just how important it is to cultivate a love of reading in the hearts and minds of our most at-risk children. After all, they will be leading us one day!
When I was in the first or second (I think second) grade, we didn't have much. One magical day, our teacher led us to the school library where tables were set up, piled high with books. Now, I always loved a trip to the library, even then, but on that day, something astonishing happened - she told us to look carefully at the books and then... we could choose one to take home and keep! It was like Christmas and my Birthday and the Luckiest Day Ever, all rolled up together. And, boy, did I take my time! At long last, I settled on Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume. (Some of you remember the awesomely trippy purple cover.) No one told me I was too young or tried to change my mind. The nice RIF lady just confirmed, "That's the one you want? Okay."
I still have that book. There were many times I didn't have "kids" novels in the house. I read the World Book and Harlequin romances and a collection of Poe stories and whatever I could find. I even re-read all the Dr. Seuss books we had around the house, but that novel was something else.
Darlings, I am growing old. That was close to 30 years ago (ack!) and I still remember how special I felt and how that fed my (admittedly, already pretty strong) love of books. And now we want to take that same opportunity away from other kids, those who probably need it more than I ever did?
Shame on you, Arne Duncan and Department of Education. You have cleft my heart in twain.
NOTE: RIF is asking supporters to urge their senators to sign a letter in support of RIF. You can get more info here.
09 April 2010
08 April 2010
Three Themes?
I think this blog, if I sustain it this time, is going to end up being quite different from what I started. I’ve noticed that, with the many links I post on facebook, they generally fit into one of three categories - libraries and literature, health and fitness, and marijuana policy reform. How did that happen?
Well, I think no one on earth who has ever met me would be surprised by the focus on the world of books. Family legend is that I taught myself to read from a very young age, well before kindergarten. I don’t know if that’s true, but I do know that I have loved books forever, since my memory begins. So, that’s a no-brainer.
But health and fitness? That story is a little longer. For much of my life I was overweight. No, let’s be honest. I was fat. And I was not fit or very physically active. And, for the most part, I was okay with that. I felt like I wasn’t eating that much and I thought I was pretty healthy.
I met Science Boy when I was fat and he loved me the way I was (although he did encourage me to exercise with him because, he claimed, he wanted me to be a little healthier, not because of my weight). I was determined not to give into societal pressure or to make myself miserable trying to meet someone else’s standards. But then, on (I think) July 5, 2006, something changed. I don’t even know what, exactly, it was. SB and I were in Grant Park at the free India.Arie concert and I announced to him that I planned to lose weight and that I needed him to be supportive to let me do it my own way. He was and I did.
Now, although I have not yet reached my goals, I see that I have made tremendous progress. For the first time in my life I am athletic. Maybe not an elite athlete, but an athlete nonetheless. I am eating healthier. I have lost more than 70 pounds. I have muscles. I do not know everything, not by a long shot and I have yet to conquer my relationship with cigarettes, but I am a work in progress and I am going to keep working toward progress.
I have become passionate about learning more and sharing information, particularly with children and families. (Lucky for me, the amazing corporation that funds our grant project has recently asked us to make fitness and nutrition a part of programming.) I think a lot of people just don’t know some things because no one ever told them. I just want everyone to have access to the information (that’s the librarian I am at my core). What they do with the information is up to them, but they should have access to it. (For example, I think restaurants can serve 3,000 calorie chili cheese fries if people want to buy them but, as a consumer, I want that nutritional information available so I can make an educated choice.)
So. That’s the second focus.
And now. Marijuana Policy Reform. That one either shocks the hell out of people or doesn’t surprise them in the least. First of all, I am not a frequent – or even regular – user. I have indulged (and inhaled). However, in general, I have control issues and prefer to have complete control of my facilities. (This is the same reason I very rarely drink much.) For me, the issue of Marijuana Policy Reform is one of Justice and Fairness.
As I have done my whole life, when I began to wonder why marijuana is regarded so differently than, say, alcohol, I started to research. I have read many different books and articles as well as considered personal accounts (both written and oral) on both sides of the issue. I have thought about medicinal cannabis and whether it should be considered in a different way than cannabis used for recreational purposes. After much thought, I think it is ridiculous to enact Prohibition against cannabis when alcohol is legal and far more sinister. I hate the drug testing laws. In theory, I can drink all weekend, beat the shit of kid or partner while drunk, maybe drive drunk and endanger a few lives and show up to work Monday with a raging hangover headache and keep my job.
On the other hand, if I take a hit of week Friday night, maybe eat a few more cookies than I should and go to sleep, then show up to work stone cold sober on Monday, I could lose my job if a random drug test is demanded, regardless of how exemplary my performance at my job. (That goes for if I have used cannabis not recreationally but under a doctor’s advice to ease the nausea caused by chemotherapy.) How does that even make sense?) So. I think that the Prohibition of Marijuana is ridiculous. (I won’t even go into how legalization would lead to regulation, which could enable taxation which could help many states that are currently in dire financial straits, plus ease the hold of some drug cartels, plus actually make it harder for kids to get weed – a business owner who stands to lose his license and face a huge fine is less likely to sell to a kid than an unscrupulous thug on the street corner. At least right now I won’t go into all that. No promises for later.)
So, let’s see where this goes and how long I maintain it this time. Maybe having the netbook will help. Both of these entries were written when I had no internet access and then posted to the blog that evening. (I recorded the time when I wrote them.) So, that gives me more opportunity to write.
Well, I think no one on earth who has ever met me would be surprised by the focus on the world of books. Family legend is that I taught myself to read from a very young age, well before kindergarten. I don’t know if that’s true, but I do know that I have loved books forever, since my memory begins. So, that’s a no-brainer.
But health and fitness? That story is a little longer. For much of my life I was overweight. No, let’s be honest. I was fat. And I was not fit or very physically active. And, for the most part, I was okay with that. I felt like I wasn’t eating that much and I thought I was pretty healthy.
I met Science Boy when I was fat and he loved me the way I was (although he did encourage me to exercise with him because, he claimed, he wanted me to be a little healthier, not because of my weight). I was determined not to give into societal pressure or to make myself miserable trying to meet someone else’s standards. But then, on (I think) July 5, 2006, something changed. I don’t even know what, exactly, it was. SB and I were in Grant Park at the free India.Arie concert and I announced to him that I planned to lose weight and that I needed him to be supportive to let me do it my own way. He was and I did.
Now, although I have not yet reached my goals, I see that I have made tremendous progress. For the first time in my life I am athletic. Maybe not an elite athlete, but an athlete nonetheless. I am eating healthier. I have lost more than 70 pounds. I have muscles. I do not know everything, not by a long shot and I have yet to conquer my relationship with cigarettes, but I am a work in progress and I am going to keep working toward progress.
I have become passionate about learning more and sharing information, particularly with children and families. (Lucky for me, the amazing corporation that funds our grant project has recently asked us to make fitness and nutrition a part of programming.) I think a lot of people just don’t know some things because no one ever told them. I just want everyone to have access to the information (that’s the librarian I am at my core). What they do with the information is up to them, but they should have access to it. (For example, I think restaurants can serve 3,000 calorie chili cheese fries if people want to buy them but, as a consumer, I want that nutritional information available so I can make an educated choice.)
So. That’s the second focus.
And now. Marijuana Policy Reform. That one either shocks the hell out of people or doesn’t surprise them in the least. First of all, I am not a frequent – or even regular – user. I have indulged (and inhaled). However, in general, I have control issues and prefer to have complete control of my facilities. (This is the same reason I very rarely drink much.) For me, the issue of Marijuana Policy Reform is one of Justice and Fairness.
As I have done my whole life, when I began to wonder why marijuana is regarded so differently than, say, alcohol, I started to research. I have read many different books and articles as well as considered personal accounts (both written and oral) on both sides of the issue. I have thought about medicinal cannabis and whether it should be considered in a different way than cannabis used for recreational purposes. After much thought, I think it is ridiculous to enact Prohibition against cannabis when alcohol is legal and far more sinister. I hate the drug testing laws. In theory, I can drink all weekend, beat the shit of kid or partner while drunk, maybe drive drunk and endanger a few lives and show up to work Monday with a raging hangover headache and keep my job.
On the other hand, if I take a hit of week Friday night, maybe eat a few more cookies than I should and go to sleep, then show up to work stone cold sober on Monday, I could lose my job if a random drug test is demanded, regardless of how exemplary my performance at my job. (That goes for if I have used cannabis not recreationally but under a doctor’s advice to ease the nausea caused by chemotherapy.) How does that even make sense?) So. I think that the Prohibition of Marijuana is ridiculous. (I won’t even go into how legalization would lead to regulation, which could enable taxation which could help many states that are currently in dire financial straits, plus ease the hold of some drug cartels, plus actually make it harder for kids to get weed – a business owner who stands to lose his license and face a huge fine is less likely to sell to a kid than an unscrupulous thug on the street corner. At least right now I won’t go into all that. No promises for later.)
So, let’s see where this goes and how long I maintain it this time. Maybe having the netbook will help. Both of these entries were written when I had no internet access and then posted to the blog that evening. (I recorded the time when I wrote them.) So, that gives me more opportunity to write.
Building a Healthier Chicago
I have been attending the Building a Healthier Chicago conference the past few days. There has been a lot of fascinating information provided so far and a number of things I plan to look into more thoroughly. Beyond my personal interest, I am interested in ways we can better integrate messages that stress better nutrition and fitness into our library programs. I have encountered some resistance form a few people who think that, as librarians, that “is not our job,” but isn’t a healthier community the job of EVERYone who serves that community? I am not saying that we sacrifice the literacy and love of reading piece of our work to become nutritionists, but it is vital to help families understand healthy living messages when we can. It has been proven through plenty of research that children learn better when they receive proper nutrition and appropriate physical fitness. If they are eating well and getting movement, they will also be able to better love reading. All the pieces fit together, people!
Yesterday, I got a pedometer from the conference. The recommendation is that everyone takes 10,000 steps a day. I thought, piece of cake! I am active. 10,000 steps will be nothing! Well. As I write this, it is 11:30am and I am right around 4,900 steps. And that’s when an extra 1.5 mile walk from the parking garage to the conference and a walk during break factored in. I think I will hit the 10,000 steps today, but what about a “typical” day when I am *not* walking 1.5 miles one way to work? I plan to wear the pedometer tomorrow to see what I get when there are no special events or extended breaks and I guess I will work my way up.
Dr. James O. Hill presented the Keynote Address yesterday and he was fantastic. He emphasized how important it is not to be too stressed about reach goal immediately. He gave the example of a woman who started using a pedometer and found she was taking 2,000 steps a day. She wanted to improve but became discouraged because after using a pedometer again a week later, she was only at 3,000 steps a day. He pointed out that that had been a “heroic improvement.” I think that’s true. We beat ourselves up for not achieving perfectly, instantly, instead of looking at where we are coming from and appreciating that any improvement, no matter how small, is still an improvement. So, we’ll see. Wherever I find my step count tomorrow, I won’t beat myself up over it. I’ll just figure out ways to take more steps and I will reach 10,000, then make that sustainable.
Yesterday, I got a pedometer from the conference. The recommendation is that everyone takes 10,000 steps a day. I thought, piece of cake! I am active. 10,000 steps will be nothing! Well. As I write this, it is 11:30am and I am right around 4,900 steps. And that’s when an extra 1.5 mile walk from the parking garage to the conference and a walk during break factored in. I think I will hit the 10,000 steps today, but what about a “typical” day when I am *not* walking 1.5 miles one way to work? I plan to wear the pedometer tomorrow to see what I get when there are no special events or extended breaks and I guess I will work my way up.
Dr. James O. Hill presented the Keynote Address yesterday and he was fantastic. He emphasized how important it is not to be too stressed about reach goal immediately. He gave the example of a woman who started using a pedometer and found she was taking 2,000 steps a day. She wanted to improve but became discouraged because after using a pedometer again a week later, she was only at 3,000 steps a day. He pointed out that that had been a “heroic improvement.” I think that’s true. We beat ourselves up for not achieving perfectly, instantly, instead of looking at where we are coming from and appreciating that any improvement, no matter how small, is still an improvement. So, we’ll see. Wherever I find my step count tomorrow, I won’t beat myself up over it. I’ll just figure out ways to take more steps and I will reach 10,000, then make that sustainable.
07 April 2010
No Excuses
I have no excuses for how woefully remiss I have been about blogging - unless you count exhaustion, some mild depression and too much time at work vallid! It probably doesn't help that Facebook makes it ever so easy to post articles, which I do often. The downside of that is that I usually post the link to the article and that's it. Often I offer no commentary or anything.
I hate to make promises to start posting here again; I have broken those before. Hell, I don't even know if anyone is even still reading! But I am going to try. I've really missed my musings here. I have things to say. Right now, I am really interested in helping children (and their adults) live healthier lives through incorporating health messages into literacy based programming, the "no excuses" brand of school reform (particularly in low-income communities) I have been reading about, and marijuana policy reform. Let's see if I can get my act together enough to start writing again...
I hate to make promises to start posting here again; I have broken those before. Hell, I don't even know if anyone is even still reading! But I am going to try. I've really missed my musings here. I have things to say. Right now, I am really interested in helping children (and their adults) live healthier lives through incorporating health messages into literacy based programming, the "no excuses" brand of school reform (particularly in low-income communities) I have been reading about, and marijuana policy reform. Let's see if I can get my act together enough to start writing again...
10 August 2009
Where Ya Been?!?
I know, I know. Once again, I disappeared from Book-Kitten and, once again, I have gotten a few kind e-mails from my tiny circle of readers inquirng after my general well-being.
Thank you. I am fine, just unbearably busy. I think about the site, I mean to post, and then time slips away and I still haven't done it.
I haven't completely given up on this yet. I have hope that I will somehow manage my time a tiny bit better in the near future and will, once again, post here. Whether I have any readers left at that point is not clear, but...
If you're on facebook, look me up. I do manage to post there (mainly because it takes an average of 3 seconds per post).
Thanks again to those of you who wrote.
Thank you. I am fine, just unbearably busy. I think about the site, I mean to post, and then time slips away and I still haven't done it.
I haven't completely given up on this yet. I have hope that I will somehow manage my time a tiny bit better in the near future and will, once again, post here. Whether I have any readers left at that point is not clear, but...
If you're on facebook, look me up. I do manage to post there (mainly because it takes an average of 3 seconds per post).
Thanks again to those of you who wrote.
Remembering Janet McDonald
Janet McDonald would have been 55 years old today. Sadly, she passed away two years ago, far too young. In my corner of the world - and I suspect most others, her books are still speaking directly to many of the young people who need her most, letting them know that they are NOT alone. What a wonderful gift she gave the world!
27 January 2009
So Sad.
He wrote one of what I consider the most perfect sentences ever: "All of a sudden I slid right down her voice into her living room."
When I wrote to him some years back and said I loved this sentence but couldn't quote it directly at the moment, he wrote back and included a photocopy of the appropriate page from his story "A&P," the sentence marked in red. What a gracious man, as well as a talented writer.
I had a professor who was convinced that Updike deserved - and would receive - the Nobel Prize in Literature. He made me believe it, too, and every Nobel season, I would wait to see if this was the year. I am convinced that Pink Floyd were fans (how else to explain their lyric, "Rabbit, run?").
The literary world shines a little less brightly today.
26 January 2009
John Newbery Medal
WINNER
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
HONORS
The Underneath by Kathi Appelt
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle
Savvy by Ingrid Law
After Tupac and D. Foster by Jacqueline Woodson (I love, love, LOVE this book, so I am *thrilled* it got an honor!)
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
HONORS
The Underneath by Kathi Appelt
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle
Savvy by Ingrid Law
After Tupac and D. Foster by Jacqueline Woodson (I love, love, LOVE this book, so I am *thrilled* it got an honor!)
Andrew Carnegie Medal
Paul R. Gagne and Melissa Reilly, Weston Woods Studios, producers of March On!: the Day My Brother Martin Changed the World
Pura Belpre Award for Illustration
WINNER
Yuyi Morales for Just in Case
HONORS
Rudy Gutierrez for Papa and Me written by Arthur Dorros
Lulu Delacre for The Storyteller's Candle/La velita de los cuentos written by Lucia Gonzalez
Amy Cordova for What Can You Do With a Rebozo? written by Carmen Tafolla
Yuyi Morales for Just in Case
HONORS
Rudy Gutierrez for Papa and Me written by Arthur Dorros
Lulu Delacre for The Storyteller's Candle/La velita de los cuentos written by Lucia Gonzalez
Amy Cordova for What Can You Do With a Rebozo? written by Carmen Tafolla
Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production
WINNER
Recorded Books for The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian written and narrated by Sherman Alexie
HONORS
Listen and Live Audio for Curse of the Blue Tattoo: Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady written by L.A. Meyer and narrated by Katherine Kellgren
Listening Library for Elijah of Buxton written by Christopher Paul Curtis and narrated by Mirron Willis
Weston Woods Studios for I'm Dirty by Kate and Jim McMullan and narrated by Steve Buscemi
Peachtree Publishers for Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: a Cuban Folktale written and narrated by Carmen Agra Deedy
Harper Children's Audio/HarperCollins Publishers for Nation written by Terry Pratchett and narrated by Stephen Briggs
Recorded Books for The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian written and narrated by Sherman Alexie
HONORS
Listen and Live Audio for Curse of the Blue Tattoo: Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady written by L.A. Meyer and narrated by Katherine Kellgren
Listening Library for Elijah of Buxton written by Christopher Paul Curtis and narrated by Mirron Willis
Weston Woods Studios for I'm Dirty by Kate and Jim McMullan and narrated by Steve Buscemi
Peachtree Publishers for Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: a Cuban Folktale written and narrated by Carmen Agra Deedy
Harper Children's Audio/HarperCollins Publishers for Nation written by Terry Pratchett and narrated by Stephen Briggs
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
WINNER
Floyd Cooper for The Blacker the Berry, written by Joyce Carol Thomas
HONOR
Kadir Nelson for We are the Ship
Sean Qualls for Before John Was a Jazz Giant, written by Carole Boston Weatherford
Jerry Pinkney for The Moon Over Star, written by Dianna Hutts Aston
Floyd Cooper for The Blacker the Berry, written by Joyce Carol Thomas
HONOR
Kadir Nelson for We are the Ship
Sean Qualls for Before John Was a Jazz Giant, written by Carole Boston Weatherford
Jerry Pinkney for The Moon Over Star, written by Dianna Hutts Aston
Schneider Family Book Award
Best Children's Book
Piano Starts Here: Young Art Tatum written and illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker
Best Middle School Book
Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor (yay!)
Best Teen Book
Jerk, California by Jonathan Friesen
Piano Starts Here: Young Art Tatum written and illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker
Best Middle School Book
Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor (yay!)
Best Teen Book
Jerk, California by Jonathan Friesen
Alex Awards
City of Thieves by David Benioff
Dragons of Babel by Michael Swanwick
Finding Nouf by Zoe Ferraris
The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti
Just After Sunset: Stories by Stephen King
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
Over and Under by Todd Tucker
The Oxford Project written by Stephen G. Bloom, photographs by Peter Feldstein
Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow
Three Girls and their Brother by Theresa Rebeck
Dragons of Babel by Michael Swanwick
Finding Nouf by Zoe Ferraris
The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti
Just After Sunset: Stories by Stephen King
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
Over and Under by Todd Tucker
The Oxford Project written by Stephen G. Bloom, photographs by Peter Feldstein
Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow
Three Girls and their Brother by Theresa Rebeck
ALA Book Awards
Time again for the most exciting day in the children's lit year -- announcement of the ALA Children's Book Awards.
Awards to be announced today are: Alex Awards for the best adult books that appeal to teen audience
Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children's video
Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children
Coretta Scott King Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults that demonstrate sensitivity to "the true worth and value of all beings"
Laura Ingalls Wilder Award honors an author or illustrator whose books are published in the U.S. and have, over a period of years, made a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children
Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults
May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian, or teacher of children's literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults
Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children's book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the United States
Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature
Odyssey Award for audiobook excellence
Pura Belpre Award for a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work "best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth"
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for most distinguished informational book for children
Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the outstanding book for beginning reader
William C. Morris Award honors a book written for young adults by a first-time, previously unpublished author. The first award will be given in 2009
I'm going to try to get in on the webcast and post the winners as announced. Later, I will add links and pictures to those entries.
As y'all know, I suck at predicting winners. I would love to see The GUardian by Julius Lester recognized. I am pretty confident that We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson will at LEAST get an Honor, but more likely, the Caldecott (and Coretta Scott King). WOuldn't be a bit surprised to see The Hunger Games honored in some way. And really hoping that The Underneath is *not* on any lists (though I really think it will be).
Only a few more hours!
Awards to be announced today are: Alex Awards for the best adult books that appeal to teen audience
Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children's video
Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children
Coretta Scott King Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults that demonstrate sensitivity to "the true worth and value of all beings"
Laura Ingalls Wilder Award honors an author or illustrator whose books are published in the U.S. and have, over a period of years, made a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children
Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults
May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian, or teacher of children's literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults
Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children's book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the United States
Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature
Odyssey Award for audiobook excellence
Pura Belpre Award for a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work "best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth"
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for most distinguished informational book for children
Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the outstanding book for beginning reader
William C. Morris Award honors a book written for young adults by a first-time, previously unpublished author. The first award will be given in 2009
I'm going to try to get in on the webcast and post the winners as announced. Later, I will add links and pictures to those entries.
As y'all know, I suck at predicting winners. I would love to see The GUardian by Julius Lester recognized. I am pretty confident that We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson will at LEAST get an Honor, but more likely, the Caldecott (and Coretta Scott King). WOuldn't be a bit surprised to see The Hunger Games honored in some way. And really hoping that The Underneath is *not* on any lists (though I really think it will be).
Only a few more hours!
14 September 2008
wow. so sad.
I have been terrible about finding time to blog this summer. I have been blogging from time to time on myspace, but not even a lot there.
sigh. I will try harder. I miss my bloggy friends.
ANYway, what shook me out of my stupor was waking up to the terribly sad news that David Foster Wallace has apparently hanged himself. What a loss - to his family and friends and to the literary world. I am so sad he had so much pain.
There is an unofficial David Foster Wallace website here.
Wishing peace and comfort to his family and friends. I hope he is at peace now.
sigh. I will try harder. I miss my bloggy friends.
ANYway, what shook me out of my stupor was waking up to the terribly sad news that David Foster Wallace has apparently hanged himself. What a loss - to his family and friends and to the literary world. I am so sad he had so much pain.
There is an unofficial David Foster Wallace website here.
Wishing peace and comfort to his family and friends. I hope he is at peace now.
30 June 2008
LOVE this!
A judge cited my all-time favorite poem in the Guantamano case:
Read the whole story here.
Better yet, read "The Hunting of the Snark." I know I plan to re-read it when I get home!
"The government insists that the statements made in the documents are reliable because the State and Defense Departments would not have put them in intelligence documents were that not the case," the court wrote. "This comes perilously close to suggesting that whatever the government says must be treated as true."
The judges compared the argument to the logic in Carroll's nonsense poem, in which a hapless crew hunts for a creature that is never quite defined. The Bellman, the ship's leader, led his men across the ocean, guided by a map that was just a blank piece of paper. He rallied and reassured his crew simply by repeating himself.
"I have said it thrice: What I tell you three times is true," the Bellman says in the poem.
"Lewis Carroll notwithstanding, the fact that the government has 'said it thrice' does not make an allegation true," the court wrote.
Read the whole story here.
Better yet, read "The Hunting of the Snark." I know I plan to re-read it when I get home!
19 June 2008
In Memoriam: Tasha Tudor
I just received word that the incomparable Tasha Tudor died yesterday at the age of 92.She is, of course, best known for her detailed and delicate 
illustrations in books for young people. My personal favorite is The Doll's House written by Rumer Godden. Yes, the story captivated me, but all these years later, I can still easily call to mind the face of Birdie, the sweet and flighty and doomed celluloid mother doll.
illustrations in books for young people. My personal favorite is The Doll's House written by Rumer Godden. Yes, the story captivated me, but all these years later, I can still easily call to mind the face of Birdie, the sweet and flighty and doomed celluloid mother doll. There is magic in the art of Tasha Tudor, and we are lucky she shared it with all of us.
13 June 2008
Quote o' the day
"There's more to life than books you know, but not much more." (from "Handsome Devil" by the Smiths)
Finally!
I will *finally* read Pride and Prejudice! I will be reading it on-line at this too-clever-for words site.
no big shock here...
| What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm You're probably in the final stages of a Ph.D. or otherwise finding a way to make your living out of reading. You are one of the literati. Other people's grammatical mistakes make you insane. | |
| Dedicated Reader | |
| Literate Good Citizen | |
| Book Snob | |
| Non-Reader | |
| Fad Reader | |
| What Kind of Reader Are You? Create Your Own Quiz | |
12 June 2008
Fight the Power
In a brilliantly proactive move, Barack Obama's team has set up a website specifically to combat false information being disseminated by those who would have him lose.
04 June 2008
¡SÃ se puede!
"There has never been anything false about hope." (Barack Obama)
My heart is overflowing right now. For the first time in too long to remember, I am truly hopeful about the future of our country.
As a people, we are *not* apathetic, letting others do unto us without asserting ourselves for what we believe to be true and right. Our votes *do* make a difference.
Science Boy laughed at me a little bit this morning. We were speaking about the nomination and suddenly, I said I wished Tupac was alive. SB gave me the "is my Babi crazy?" look, so I explained. Tupac's amazing hit, "Changes," is one of the songs I play when I am running. it carries me through. But lately, everytime I hear the lyrics, "And though it seems heaven sent / We ain't ready to see a Black president," I want to cry out, yes! Our world is changing! We *are* ready! I love that song, and I am so happy that it seems that maybe that lyric is wrong now...
I was moved to tears by the news of the nomination. It seems like this is a new world that, to quote my favorite high school valedictorian:
We will be teaching the next generation, spreading our ideas throughout the world, and providing a lasting legacy for humanity to come. Even though it may be a little scary, we will do our best to create a saner, more stable planet for our children, and will try to disprove ignorance, intolerance, and hatred.
The incomparable and tireless hero, Caesar Chavez, champion of a people who were marginalized by mainstream society, reminded those who would be trampled that they deserved better, that they could *make* it better, that "¡SÃ se puede!"
Yes. *WE* can!
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." (Barack Obama)
My heart is so full. My hope shines so bright.
23 May 2008
17 May 2008
Give the Gift of Life
On any given day, more than 6,000 men, women and children are searching the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry for a life-saving donor like you. These patients have leukemia, lymphoma and other life-threatening diseases that can be treated by a bone marrow or cord blood transplant. For many of these patients, a transplant may be the best and only hope of a cure.
You are giving someone hope when you join the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry.
Help the NMDP reach their goal of recruiting 46,000 members to the Registry during the Thanks Mom marrow donor drive. During Thanks Mom, May 5 - 19, you can join online for free, while funding remains.
Until the NMDP reaches its goal during Thanks Mom (May 5 to May 19, 2008), generous partners and contributors are covering the costs to add members to the Registry.
It's easy to join:
Step 1. -- Confirm you meet basic donor guidelines.
Step 2. -- Complete the online registration form and order your tissue-typing kit. This step will take about 30 minutes. Please remember funding is limited. To join for free, you must complete the online registration step before May 20 or while funding remains.
Step 3. -- Use the kit to give a swab of cheek cells to test for your tissue type.
I signed up tonight. If this is something you'd like to do, click here.
You are giving someone hope when you join the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry.
Help the NMDP reach their goal of recruiting 46,000 members to the Registry during the Thanks Mom marrow donor drive. During Thanks Mom, May 5 - 19, you can join online for free, while funding remains.
Until the NMDP reaches its goal during Thanks Mom (May 5 to May 19, 2008), generous partners and contributors are covering the costs to add members to the Registry.
It's easy to join:
Step 1. -- Confirm you meet basic donor guidelines.
Step 2. -- Complete the online registration form and order your tissue-typing kit. This step will take about 30 minutes. Please remember funding is limited. To join for free, you must complete the online registration step before May 20 or while funding remains.
Step 3. -- Use the kit to give a swab of cheek cells to test for your tissue type.
I signed up tonight. If this is something you'd like to do, click here.
15 May 2008
I Always Feel Like, Somebody's Watching Me...
This picture was on the on-line Chicago Tribune today, and, for some reason, it was creepin' me out.
Bad.
Maybe because it firs put me in mind of looking in your reaerview mirror and seeing a person where there shouldn't be one. (Oh, crap. Now I'm freaking myself out more...)
Clicking on the photo reveals that it is a crop of a larger photo, one that depicts, "An August 1, 1951, photo shows a slotted peephole in the steel door of gambling room in Melrose Park that was raided by Cook County sheriff's police. (Tribune archive photo)"
Bad.
Maybe because it firs put me in mind of looking in your reaerview mirror and seeing a person where there shouldn't be one. (Oh, crap. Now I'm freaking myself out more...)
Clicking on the photo reveals that it is a crop of a larger photo, one that depicts, "An August 1, 1951, photo shows a slotted peephole in the steel door of gambling room in Melrose Park that was raided by Cook County sheriff's police. (Tribune archive photo)"
Still creepy, though.
FREE is my favorite price!
Thursday, May 15 is Free Iced Coffee Day from 10am to 10pm at Dunkin Donuts:
“Stop by your local Dunkin' Donuts on Thursday May 15, 2008 from 10am
until 10pm and receive a FREE small (16 oz.) sized Iced Coffee*.You will have the option of trying one of our 9 flavors (French Vanilla,
Toasted Almond, Raspberry, Hazelnut, Coconut, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Caramel, and Blueberry) or create your own flavor by combining 2-3 flavors.*At participating Dunkin' Donuts shops only. Thursday, May 15, 2008 from 10am-10pm. Cannot be combined with any other offer. One free small 16 oz. Iced Coffee per person, per visit.”
Thursday is also the day McDonald’s is giving out free samples of their new chicken breakfast and lunch sandwiches (but you have to buy a drink to score that one...).
I'mma skip on the McDonald's (Science Boy and I are taking Gram out for dinner tonight, so trying to have a low-cal day), but think I'm just about ready to go get a blueberry iced coffee.
14 May 2008
Crockpotting
Science Boy and I have been using the crockpot more often in the past few months. (Or, rather, I have been using the crockpot and he has been happily eating the results!) Gram even gave us hers when she found out I use it since she says she hasn't used it in 20 years. Still works great!
I love the way the house smells delicious when I get home from work and how lovely it is to have dinner ready to go.
While doing a random search, I came across the fantabulous Crockpot Lady's blog. She has resolved to use her crockpot Every. Single. Day. Wow. Looks like she has lots of great ideas and recipes. I think I {heart}her!
I love the way the house smells delicious when I get home from work and how lovely it is to have dinner ready to go.
While doing a random search, I came across the fantabulous Crockpot Lady's blog. She has resolved to use her crockpot Every. Single. Day. Wow. Looks like she has lots of great ideas and recipes. I think I {heart}
HELP!! Walk NOW for Autism!
Hi, friends!
Walk NOW for Autism!
Well, not *right* now. And you don't actually have to walk anywhere. I will do it for you.
May 18 is the Walk Now for Autism 5K walk in Chicago. My colleagues and I have spent a lot of time this past year discussing autism and how we can best serve those families with a member on the autism spectrum. I decided that one thing I, personally, can do is to help raise awareness and money for research by participating in the event.
I will be walking and I would like to ask every one of you to contribute in any way you can. Seriously. If you can only give $1, I will take it and thank you with sincere appreciation.
A few facts (I am, after all, a Librarian):
* 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
* 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
* 67 children are diagnosed per day
* A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
* More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
* Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
* Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
* Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases * Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
* There is no medical detection or cure for autism
You can contribute directly online by going to our Baby Got Book team page. If you are not comfortable using your credit card (or want to give less than the $20 minimum the site requires from credit card donations -- and we would appreciate ANY amount!), you can click on "make offline donation" and a form will pop up. Fill out the form, print it, and you can mail it with a check made out to "Autism Speaks" to the address they provide (or, if you'll see me soon, just give it to me and I can take it along to the walk).
Please feel free to pass this on to others who might be interested in contributing, too.
THANK YOU!
wishing peace, love, and healthy children to all,
Katharine
Hey! Where'd those blogs come from?!
I added a few posts I had put up at my myspace blog. I really do plan to start blogging here again soon - I *like* this site! - but until then, I pasted a few from the other blog.
05 May 2008
Sticks and Stones... But Mostly Stones
On Saturday, Science Boy, The Boy and I went to the Art Institute of Chicago to see the Edward Hopper / Winslow Homer exhibit. It was lovely and exhausting. We had a great day -- the two of them always enjoy ganging up on me to tease...
We rode the train home and then just had a short walk. There were three boys playing in a field on our way. I would have guessed them to be between 10-13 years old. I noticed them and then didn't pay any more attention.
Suddenly, one of the boys shouted something. I glanced over and saw them watching us. He yelled again, his words clearer.
"White Bitch!"
And then, the little darling threw a rock at me.
He missed.
SB saw a rock land but had missed the yelling. He asked, "Did someone throw a rock at us."
"Yeah, those kids," I nodded that way. We kept going and the same kid called out, loud and clear, "White Bitch!" again. Another rock. (Thankfully, another miss.)
This time, SB heard and froze. He turned to look at the kids. The same one who seemed to be doing all the yelling and rock throwing called out that ugly name one more time and then yelled, "We'll beat all your asses!"
Then, he and his friends, turned and ran away.
Our mood was somewhat subdued after that. I felt so wounded. "They don't even know me," I said. "I am a bitch sometimes, but I don't think it's because I'm White."
This might be the time to mention that SB and I live in a relatively poor, predominantly African-American community on Chicago's West Side. We've only lived here since August, but I like it. People are pretty friendly and our apartment is beautiful. I like our neighbors. When an electrical fire broke out on our back porch a few weeks ago, neighbors saw, called the fire department, and alerted SB. People say hi when they pass you on the sidewalk.
SB is African-American; I am Caucasian. It's never been an issue.
This is the second time I have been called a White Bitch since we moved. The first time, Two teen girls were walking past my house as I was bringing mail in in the evening. I said, "Hello."
One replied, "White Bitch."
That time hurt, too.
I just don't understand what would move someone to call another person, one they don't even know, an ugly name based on nothing more than race. I try to be pleasant to the people I encounter. These children, both of them who have called me this name, are very likely neighbors.
And do I have to worry that might run into these boys again one day while I am walking home, heaving their nasty words and solid rocks?
I've been lucky that their aim with the rocks was not good this past Saturday. Their words, however, hit their mark.
We rode the train home and then just had a short walk. There were three boys playing in a field on our way. I would have guessed them to be between 10-13 years old. I noticed them and then didn't pay any more attention.
Suddenly, one of the boys shouted something. I glanced over and saw them watching us. He yelled again, his words clearer.
"White Bitch!"
And then, the little darling threw a rock at me.
He missed.
SB saw a rock land but had missed the yelling. He asked, "Did someone throw a rock at us."
"Yeah, those kids," I nodded that way. We kept going and the same kid called out, loud and clear, "White Bitch!" again. Another rock. (Thankfully, another miss.)
This time, SB heard and froze. He turned to look at the kids. The same one who seemed to be doing all the yelling and rock throwing called out that ugly name one more time and then yelled, "We'll beat all your asses!"
Then, he and his friends, turned and ran away.
Our mood was somewhat subdued after that. I felt so wounded. "They don't even know me," I said. "I am a bitch sometimes, but I don't think it's because I'm White."
This might be the time to mention that SB and I live in a relatively poor, predominantly African-American community on Chicago's West Side. We've only lived here since August, but I like it. People are pretty friendly and our apartment is beautiful. I like our neighbors. When an electrical fire broke out on our back porch a few weeks ago, neighbors saw, called the fire department, and alerted SB. People say hi when they pass you on the sidewalk.
SB is African-American; I am Caucasian. It's never been an issue.
This is the second time I have been called a White Bitch since we moved. The first time, Two teen girls were walking past my house as I was bringing mail in in the evening. I said, "Hello."
One replied, "White Bitch."
That time hurt, too.
I just don't understand what would move someone to call another person, one they don't even know, an ugly name based on nothing more than race. I try to be pleasant to the people I encounter. These children, both of them who have called me this name, are very likely neighbors.
And do I have to worry that might run into these boys again one day while I am walking home, heaving their nasty words and solid rocks?
I've been lucky that their aim with the rocks was not good this past Saturday. Their words, however, hit their mark.
01 May 2008
Lighten Up!
Oak Lawn, IL put up auxiliary stop signs a little while back, hoping they would get attention and gently encourage drivers to actually heed the "stop" on the top sign.
IDOT, however, is not amused and has insisted the signs come down.
How sad. The Mayor complied, but said, "I think government needs to take itself less seriously... We have to take the work seriously, but it's OK to smile and to be creative in enforcing a serious message."
Very true.
And, NOT from Oak Lawn (actually, I am not sure *where* I got this), my all-time favorite STOP sign:
29 April 2008
31 March 2008
I'm not dead yet
SIGH.
I really mean to blog more, especially when I have fabulous cyber-pals who e-mail to see if I am okay.
I am.
Maybe a little blue lately, but mostly fine.
I just haven't had much time or energy to blog. Too much time spent at work, where blogging is verboten.
I will try to start up again SOON. Promise.
In the meantime, how blue am I? Well, apparently,
Not entirely inaccurate...
I'll be back soon.
Peace out, all!
I really mean to blog more, especially when I have fabulous cyber-pals who e-mail to see if I am okay.
I am.
Maybe a little blue lately, but mostly fine.
I just haven't had much time or energy to blog. Too much time spent at work, where blogging is verboten.
I will try to start up again SOON. Promise.
In the meantime, how blue am I? Well, apparently,
| You Are Sky Blue |
 And while you strive to have an ideal life, you are pretty mellow about it. You know your time will come. |
Not entirely inaccurate...
I'll be back soon.
Peace out, all!
14 January 2008
almost forgot...
My fabulous friend and colleague, A, texted me Saturday to let me know that the Coretta Scott King committee is adding a new award: The Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. This will be awarded to an author, illustrator, and/or a librarian! I have no details, just a brief text message received. If anyone else has more details, please fill me in. A tells me this is to be awarded beginning in 2009.
corrections
I have to leave for work, but throughout the day, I will clean up the award info, add links, (maybe) give opinions, etc.
I'mma have a lot to think about on the ride in!
updated at noon, 1/14/08: As far as I know, all of the information and links below are now correct. Thanks for your patience. My top priority was just getting the news up ASAP!
I'mma have a lot to think about on the ride in!
updated at noon, 1/14/08: As far as I know, all of the information and links below are now correct. Thanks for your patience. My top priority was just getting the news up ASAP!
Randolph Caldecott Medal
Winner:
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Honors:
Henry's Freedom Box illustrated by Kadir Nelson and written by Ellen Levine
First, the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
The Wall by Peter Sis
Knuffle Bunny, Too by Mo Willems
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
Winner:
There is a Bird on Your Head by Mo Willems
Honors:
First, the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Hello, Bumblebee Bat by Darrin Lunde and illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne
Jazz Baby written by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Vulture View by April Pulley Sayre and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
There is a Bird on Your Head by Mo Willems
Honors:
First, the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Hello, Bumblebee Bat by Darrin Lunde and illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne
Jazz Baby written by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Vulture View by April Pulley Sayre and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Andrew Carnegie Medal
Winner:
Jump In! Freestyle Edition produced by Kevin Lafferty along with executive producer John Davis, and co-producers, Amy Palmer Robertson and Danielle Sterling
Jump In! Freestyle Edition produced by Kevin Lafferty along with executive producer John Davis, and co-producers, Amy Palmer Robertson and Danielle Sterling
Pure Belpre Author Award
Winner:
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Sean Qualls
Honors:
Frida: ¡Viva la vida! Long Live Life! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach retold by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Michael Austin
Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marissa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Sean Qualls
Honors:
Frida: ¡Viva la vida! Long Live Life! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach retold by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Michael Austin
Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marissa Montes, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
Pura Belpre Award for Illustration
Los Gatos Black on Halloween illustrated by Yuyi Morales and written by Marisa Montes
Honors:
My Name Is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez/Me llamo gabito: La vida de Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez illustrated by Raúl Colón and written by Monica Brown
My Colors, My World/Mis colores, mi mundo written and illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez
Robert F. Sibert Medal
Winner:
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain written and illustrated by Peter SÃs
Honors:
Nic Bishop Spiders by Nic Bishop
Lightship written and illustrated by Brian Floca
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain written and illustrated by Peter SÃs
Honors:
Nic Bishop Spiders by Nic Bishop
Lightship written and illustrated by Brian Floca
Mildred L. Batchelder Award
Winner:
VIZ Media for Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe, translated by Alexander O. Smith
Honors:
Milkweed Editions for The Cat or, How I Lost Eternity by Jutta Richter, translated by Anna Brailovsky
Phaidon Press for Nicholas and the Gang by Rene Goscinny, translated by Anthea Bell
VIZ Media for Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe, translated by Alexander O. Smith
Honors:
Milkweed Editions for The Cat or, How I Lost Eternity by Jutta Richter, translated by Anna Brailovsky
Phaidon Press for Nicholas and the Gang by Rene Goscinny, translated by Anthea Bell
Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production
Winner:
Live Oak Media for Jazz
Honors:
Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary 'Jacky' Faber, Ship's Boy, produced by Listen & Live Audio
Dooby Dooby Moo, produced by Scholastic/Weston Woods
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, produced by Listening Library
Skulduggery Pleasant, produced by HarperChildren's Audio
Treasure Island, produced by Listening Library
Live Oak Media for Jazz
Honors:
Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary 'Jacky' Faber, Ship's Boy, produced by Listen & Live Audio
Dooby Dooby Moo, produced by Scholastic/Weston Woods
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, produced by Listening Library
Skulduggery Pleasant, produced by HarperChildren's Audio
Treasure Island, produced by Listening Library
Michael L. Printz Award
Winner:
The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean
Honors:
Dreamquake by Elizabeth Knox
One Whole and Perfect Day by Judith Clarke
Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins
Your Own, Sylvia: A Verse Portrait of Sylvia Plath by Stephanie Hemphill
The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean
Honors:
Dreamquake by Elizabeth Knox
One Whole and Perfect Day by Judith Clarke
Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins
Your Own, Sylvia: A Verse Portrait of Sylvia Plath by Stephanie Hemphill
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards
Winner:
Let it Shine written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan
Honors:
The Secret Olivia Told Me illustrated by Nancy Devard and written by N. Joy
Jazz on a Saturday Night written and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
Let it Shine written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan Honors:
The Secret Olivia Told Me illustrated by Nancy Devard and written by N. Joy
Jazz on a Saturday Night written and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
Schneider Family Book Awards
Best Children's Book
Kami and the Yaks written by Andrea Stenn Stryer and illustrated by Bert Dodson
Best Middle School Book
Reaching for Sun by Tracy Vaughn Zimmer
Best Teen Book
Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby
Kami and the Yaks written by Andrea Stenn Stryer and illustrated by Bert Dodson
Best Middle School Book
Reaching for Sun by Tracy Vaughn Zimmer
Best Teen Book
Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby
Alex Awards
American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in the New China by Matthew Polly
Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff
Essex County Volume 1: Tales from the Farm by Jeff Lemire
Genghis: Birth of an Empire by Conn Iggulden
The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Night Birds by Thomas Maltman
The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz
Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff
Essex County Volume 1: Tales from the Farm by Jeff Lemire
Genghis: Birth of an Empire by Conn Iggulden
The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Night Birds by Thomas Maltman
The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz
ALA Book Awards
I am *really* hoping our Monday Morning staff meeting doesn't overlap with this most exciting day in the children's lit year -- annoouncement of the ALA Children's Book Awards.
Awards to be announced today are:
Alex Awards for the best adult books that appeal to teen audience
Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children's video
Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children
Coretta Scott King Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults that demonstrate sensitivity to "the true worth and value of all beings"
Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults
May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian, or teacher of children's literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults
Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children's book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the United States
Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature
Odyssey Award for audiobook excellence
Pura Belpre Award for a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work "best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth"
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for most distinguished informational book for children
Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the outstanding book for beginning reader
I'm going to try to get in on the webcast and post the winners as announced. Later, I will add links and pictures to those entries.
Predictions? I am almost always wrong. BUT. I think Elijah of Buxton is Newbery-bound and I would love to see the innovative artwork in 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore acknowledged.
Awards to be announced today are:
Alex Awards for the best adult books that appeal to teen audience
Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children's video
Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children
Coretta Scott King Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults that demonstrate sensitivity to "the true worth and value of all beings"
Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults
May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian, or teacher of children's literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults
Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children's book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the United States
Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature
Odyssey Award for audiobook excellence
Pura Belpre Award for a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work "best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth"
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for most distinguished informational book for children
Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the outstanding book for beginning reader
I'm going to try to get in on the webcast and post the winners as announced. Later, I will add links and pictures to those entries.
Predictions? I am almost always wrong. BUT. I think Elijah of Buxton is Newbery-bound and I would love to see the innovative artwork in 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore acknowledged.
13 December 2007
sad news
This announcement was on Paul Kidby's website:
Folks,
I would have liked to keep this one quiet for a little while, but because of upcoming conventions and of course the need to keep my publishers informed, it seems to me unfair to withhold the news. I have been diagnosed with a very rare form of early onset Alzheimer's, which lay behind this year's phantom "stroke".
We are taking it fairly philosophically down here and possibly with a mild optimism. For now work is continuing on the completion of Nation and the basic notes are already being laid down for Unseen Academicals. All other things being equal, I expect to meet most current and, as far as possible, future commitments but will discuss things with the various organisers. Frankly, I would prefer it if people kept things cheerful, because I think there's time for at least a few more books yet :o)
Terry Pratchett
PS I would just like to draw attention to everyone reading the above that this should be interpreted as 'I am not dead'. I will, of course, be dead at some future point, as will everybody else. For me, this maybe further off than you think - it's too soon to tell. I know it's a very human thing to say "Is there anything I can do", but in this case I would only entertain offers from very high-end experts in brain chemistry.
Folks,
I would have liked to keep this one quiet for a little while, but because of upcoming conventions and of course the need to keep my publishers informed, it seems to me unfair to withhold the news. I have been diagnosed with a very rare form of early onset Alzheimer's, which lay behind this year's phantom "stroke".
We are taking it fairly philosophically down here and possibly with a mild optimism. For now work is continuing on the completion of Nation and the basic notes are already being laid down for Unseen Academicals. All other things being equal, I expect to meet most current and, as far as possible, future commitments but will discuss things with the various organisers. Frankly, I would prefer it if people kept things cheerful, because I think there's time for at least a few more books yet :o)
Terry Pratchett
PS I would just like to draw attention to everyone reading the above that this should be interpreted as 'I am not dead'. I will, of course, be dead at some future point, as will everybody else. For me, this maybe further off than you think - it's too soon to tell. I know it's a very human thing to say "Is there anything I can do", but in this case I would only entertain offers from very high-end experts in brain chemistry.
10 December 2007
How does one type a squeal of anticipation?
Okay, so Science Boy and I went to see The Golden Compass on Friday night. More on that later, if I can wrangle the time.
BUT... They showed, like, 57 commercials and previews before the film. Finally I leaned over and whispered to SB, "Y'know, I want to see a preview of Inkheart so badly and this would be the perfect film to them to show it before!"
No sooner had the words left my mouth, then...
I must have given a little yelp of excitement, because SB told me to settle down and I noticed a glare or two from our neighbors. But I don't care! Finally, a peek!
It looks good. Dustfinger, in particular, looks perfect to me and it seems there may be just a touch of humor, which is often a good thing. No release date given, just "Coming Soon."
If you want to see a preview of Inkheart, click here.
And, even better: Inkdeath will be coming in the Spring. Calloo, Callay!
BUT... They showed, like, 57 commercials and previews before the film. Finally I leaned over and whispered to SB, "Y'know, I want to see a preview of Inkheart so badly and this would be the perfect film to them to show it before!"
No sooner had the words left my mouth, then...
I must have given a little yelp of excitement, because SB told me to settle down and I noticed a glare or two from our neighbors. But I don't care! Finally, a peek!
It looks good. Dustfinger, in particular, looks perfect to me and it seems there may be just a touch of humor, which is often a good thing. No release date given, just "Coming Soon."
If you want to see a preview of Inkheart, click here.
And, even better: Inkdeath will be coming in the Spring. Calloo, Callay!
30 November 2007
lovely
I was just finishing The Aurora County All-Stars, Deborah Wiles excellent new book, and was struck by the beauty of this statement:
"It is hard to see inside someone's heart unless you have an invitation, and, even then, you must agree to come inside."
"It is hard to see inside someone's heart unless you have an invitation, and, even then, you must agree to come inside."
quotes o' the day
Wisdom from a couple of baseball legends:
"Life is not a spectator sport. If you're going to spend your whole life in the grandstand, just watching what goes on, in my opinion, you're wasting your life." (Jackie Robinson)
"Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on earth." (Roberto Clemente)
"Life is not a spectator sport. If you're going to spend your whole life in the grandstand, just watching what goes on, in my opinion, you're wasting your life." (Jackie Robinson)
"Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on earth." (Roberto Clemente)
10 November 2007
So Sad
Norman Mailer died today. He was 84 years old.I am on my way out of the house and will re-write this post later, but just wanted to share the sad news that yet another literary light has dimmed. There's an article in the Chicago Tribune.
LATER: Okay, I am back and find I don't have much to add that hasn't been written, better than I could, by others. Among the many articles appearing online, The New York Times has a really good obit.
In 2000, we held an auction of card catalog cards at the library I worked for at the time. I wrote personal thank you notes after the auction to all of the children's authors who had contributed, as well as to my favorites among those who wrote primarily for adults. One of the people who wrote back was Norman Mailer, to whom I had written about my especial affection for The Gospel According to the Son. This morning, I dug through my "treasure chest" of letters and artwork from various authors and found his letter:
I feel very, very lucky to have this treasure.
One quote keeps running through my mind this day. It was not written about Mailer, but it may as well have been. It is from Shakespeare's Hamlet:
He was a man, take him for all in all,
I shall not look upon his like again.
26 October 2007
Help Kelvyn Park win BIG!
Hi! One Chicago Park District Park has the chance to win $25,000 for park improvements. There are 14 parks competing for this prize. To vote, please go to http://www.staplesdreampark.com/.
I have worked with several of the parks competing for this awesome opportunity and I would ask that, unless you already have a strong preference for a particular park, you consider voting for KELVYN PARK. The staff at Kelvyn is very responsible and dedicated and makes sure children and their parents are actively engaged in programs. They have been a joy to work with and would no doubt do great things for their community if awarded this prize .
I have worked with several of the parks competing for this awesome opportunity and I would ask that, unless you already have a strong preference for a particular park, you consider voting for KELVYN PARK. The staff at Kelvyn is very responsible and dedicated and makes sure children and their parents are actively engaged in programs. They have been a joy to work with and would no doubt do great things for their community if awarded this prize .
23 October 2007
More Payton Raine
Science Boy and I went to meet Payton Raine last night. She is super tiny and *way* cute!
22 October 2007
In loving Memory: Susan K. Roberts
In 2003, I applied for a job as the Director of Youth Services at the Grande Prairie Public library. In many ways, it was a dream job. This was my library as a little girl! I remember when they were building it, how excited we were. I remember working on a giant latch hook rug in the children's room and looking for books with my friend, Sonal.
On October 6, 2003 Susan K. Roberts, the Library Director, called to offer me the job. I was thrilled and accepted immediately.
For the next two years, I was very happy there. (I left after Science Boy and I moved to the City and I found work closer to our new home.) The staff of that library was amazing. (And one of those staff members became my beloved Science Boy!) The camaraderie and love shared there was extended to patrons. The circulation department at the library remains the best I have encountered anywhere in the world. All of that was nutured under Susan's leadership.
Susan was a wonderful Director, especially in the way she was always looking forward to what possibilities might be explored. She always supported any new ideas I (or anyone else) wanted to try out, whether that meant remaining open for 24-hours on the first anniversary of 9-11, staying open to register voters until midnight on the last day to regster before the 2004 Presidential elections, or writing a huge, mulit-library grant for a Library-Palooza! celebration. (We didn't get that grant, but Susan still went ahead a few years later and put on her own Library-Palooza program.)
Susan was also a whiz at writing grants and seeking out new opportunities for library support and funding. She truly loved the communities we served and did her best to provide the very best for them.
Personally, Susan could be a lot of fun. She loved her staff, her family, her pets. She had a grea capacity for empathy and listened when you spoke. She had an opinion on everything. She told great stories and argued passionaltely against Bush and the war. (She may be the only person I knew who hated him more than I do and we spent a lot of time agreeing on why he sucks.)
Susan died this morning after a short battle with lung cancer. She was only 60 years old. She had only recently decided to leave Grande Prairie after many, many years as the Director after being offered a poition in a library that would offer new challenges.
Susan touched the lives of all who knew her. We shall all be a bit poorer for her passing.
Edited to add: The Library will be closed on Sunday in memory of Susan.
On October 6, 2003 Susan K. Roberts, the Library Director, called to offer me the job. I was thrilled and accepted immediately.
For the next two years, I was very happy there. (I left after Science Boy and I moved to the City and I found work closer to our new home.) The staff of that library was amazing. (And one of those staff members became my beloved Science Boy!) The camaraderie and love shared there was extended to patrons. The circulation department at the library remains the best I have encountered anywhere in the world. All of that was nutured under Susan's leadership.
Susan was a wonderful Director, especially in the way she was always looking forward to what possibilities might be explored. She always supported any new ideas I (or anyone else) wanted to try out, whether that meant remaining open for 24-hours on the first anniversary of 9-11, staying open to register voters until midnight on the last day to regster before the 2004 Presidential elections, or writing a huge, mulit-library grant for a Library-Palooza! celebration. (We didn't get that grant, but Susan still went ahead a few years later and put on her own Library-Palooza program.)
Susan was also a whiz at writing grants and seeking out new opportunities for library support and funding. She truly loved the communities we served and did her best to provide the very best for them.
Personally, Susan could be a lot of fun. She loved her staff, her family, her pets. She had a grea capacity for empathy and listened when you spoke. She had an opinion on everything. She told great stories and argued passionaltely against Bush and the war. (She may be the only person I knew who hated him more than I do and we spent a lot of time agreeing on why he sucks.)
Susan died this morning after a short battle with lung cancer. She was only 60 years old. She had only recently decided to leave Grande Prairie after many, many years as the Director after being offered a poition in a library that would offer new challenges.
Susan touched the lives of all who knew her. We shall all be a bit poorer for her passing.
Edited to add: The Library will be closed on Sunday in memory of Susan.
It's a girl!
It's a girl!
My brother, Will, and his wife, Darcie, welcomed Miss Payton Raine Kalweit to the family last night at 6:05 p.m. I told my brother, Jim, that the Bears would win and that Payton would be born during a spectacular, last-second, game-winning touchdown...
Did I call that or what?
Payton weighed in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces and is 19.75" long. Her big brother, Anthony, is enchanted by her. I am looking forward to heading to Munster Community Hospital tonight to meet the child and to assure her that I will *not* let her Uncle Jim call her Moose (after Muhsin Muhammad, who caught the TD). Yay!
Our beloved Grandpa Kalweit died 19 years ago yesterday. Having Payton join us on the same date gives us something to celebrate on October 21st! Huzzah!
(And, Bonus: Jim is probably coming to town next week. It's nice to have good stuff goin' on!)
This is Payton less than an hour after she arrived:
My brother, Will, and his wife, Darcie, welcomed Miss Payton Raine Kalweit to the family last night at 6:05 p.m. I told my brother, Jim, that the Bears would win and that Payton would be born during a spectacular, last-second, game-winning touchdown...
Did I call that or what?
Payton weighed in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces and is 19.75" long. Her big brother, Anthony, is enchanted by her. I am looking forward to heading to Munster Community Hospital tonight to meet the child and to assure her that I will *not* let her Uncle Jim call her Moose (after Muhsin Muhammad, who caught the TD). Yay!
Our beloved Grandpa Kalweit died 19 years ago yesterday. Having Payton join us on the same date gives us something to celebrate on October 21st! Huzzah!
(And, Bonus: Jim is probably coming to town next week. It's nice to have good stuff goin' on!)
This is Payton less than an hour after she arrived:
12 October 2007
I need to vent
Tonight, on my way home from the train, I was mugged.
A guy ran up behind me, grabbed my collar, and stuck something in my neck and told me to give him my money. I told him to hold on and opened my tote bag to get my wallet. He told me to get it quick or "I'll blow your fucking head off, Bitch." I told him hold on and he told me just give him the purse, so I did.
He ran across the street and started to look through the purse. (It looked like he didn't have a gun at all and was using his fingers; not that it was worth taking a chance over.) THEN, like, 3 seconds later, another guy came and told me to give him my money. I said, "I just gave your friend all my money, dumbass!" (In retrospect, probably not the smartest thing to say.) He stuck his hand in my jeans pocket (ick!) and said "What do you got in here?" I grabbed my lighter out and said, "I Have a lighter. Do you want that?" Guess not.
He reached for the other pocket. I said, "Those are just my car keys and my boyfriend has the car at work, so it won't do you any good." He took off, joined his friend, and ran down the street. They turned down my street. Those punks probably live on my block! Luckily, my phone was in my back pocket, so I called 911.
A man and woman came from across another block and waited with me until the police came. I am just so angry! This is my neighborhood, too, and I don't want to be scared walking home!
They got my license, credit card (already cancelled), debit card, checkbook, a check my Ma gave me for my birthday, makeup bag, hand lotion, $16, some receipts, and a John Legend iTunes card from Starbucks. Our new address is on the checks, but we have ADT security, so I think we'll be fine. Science Boy works nights and isn't home until close to midnight most nights.I am still shaking. (This happened at 7:52pm CST.)
And, while a part of me is scared, the overwhelming emotion is anger. Our neighborhood is considered kind of "bad," but that is mostly because it is fairly poor and predominently Black. (Racism is alive and well in Chicago.) People have been friendly and kind. My experiences have been overwhelmingly good. (For example, the man and woman who came and waited with me until the police came were kind.)
I don't want to revise that opinion because of two teenage punks. And I am angry at them for perpetuating the stereotype of young Black men being thugs. I have met many, many young Black men in much poorer neighborhoods than this who have been decent. My hope is that they are caught (I was able to give the police a decent description of height and what they were wearing) and get in huge trouble and that it is worth the damned $16 to them. And, now... I don't get home until dark most nights. There is no other way to get home. I will have to continue to walk in the dark. I walk down a main, well-lit street, but clearly that didn't do me any good tonight. What do I do? How do I make myself safer?
DAMN IT! What is wrong with people?!? How do you rob your neighbors?
A guy ran up behind me, grabbed my collar, and stuck something in my neck and told me to give him my money. I told him to hold on and opened my tote bag to get my wallet. He told me to get it quick or "I'll blow your fucking head off, Bitch." I told him hold on and he told me just give him the purse, so I did.
He ran across the street and started to look through the purse. (It looked like he didn't have a gun at all and was using his fingers; not that it was worth taking a chance over.) THEN, like, 3 seconds later, another guy came and told me to give him my money. I said, "I just gave your friend all my money, dumbass!" (In retrospect, probably not the smartest thing to say.) He stuck his hand in my jeans pocket (ick!) and said "What do you got in here?" I grabbed my lighter out and said, "I Have a lighter. Do you want that?" Guess not.
He reached for the other pocket. I said, "Those are just my car keys and my boyfriend has the car at work, so it won't do you any good." He took off, joined his friend, and ran down the street. They turned down my street. Those punks probably live on my block! Luckily, my phone was in my back pocket, so I called 911.
A man and woman came from across another block and waited with me until the police came. I am just so angry! This is my neighborhood, too, and I don't want to be scared walking home!
They got my license, credit card (already cancelled), debit card, checkbook, a check my Ma gave me for my birthday, makeup bag, hand lotion, $16, some receipts, and a John Legend iTunes card from Starbucks. Our new address is on the checks, but we have ADT security, so I think we'll be fine. Science Boy works nights and isn't home until close to midnight most nights.I am still shaking. (This happened at 7:52pm CST.)
And, while a part of me is scared, the overwhelming emotion is anger. Our neighborhood is considered kind of "bad," but that is mostly because it is fairly poor and predominently Black. (Racism is alive and well in Chicago.) People have been friendly and kind. My experiences have been overwhelmingly good. (For example, the man and woman who came and waited with me until the police came were kind.)
I don't want to revise that opinion because of two teenage punks. And I am angry at them for perpetuating the stereotype of young Black men being thugs. I have met many, many young Black men in much poorer neighborhoods than this who have been decent. My hope is that they are caught (I was able to give the police a decent description of height and what they were wearing) and get in huge trouble and that it is worth the damned $16 to them. And, now... I don't get home until dark most nights. There is no other way to get home. I will have to continue to walk in the dark. I walk down a main, well-lit street, but clearly that didn't do me any good tonight. What do I do? How do I make myself safer?
DAMN IT! What is wrong with people?!? How do you rob your neighbors?
07 September 2007
In Memoriam: Madeleine L'Engle
Obituaries of the amazing Madeleine L'Engle, who died last night, are beginning to appear on-line. The Associated Press obituary reports:Although L'Engle was often labeled a children's author, she disliked that classification. In a 1993 Associated Press interview, she said she did not write down to children.
"In my dreams, I never have an age," she said. "I never write for any age group in mind. When people do, they tend to be tolerant and condescending and they don't write as well as they can write.
"When you underestimate your audience, you're cutting yourself off from your best work."
I, like so many others, was riveted by A Wrinkle in Time as a child. When I re-read it to The Boy many years later, I found that it had held up well. I still rate it high on the list of books I love and that have stayed with me all my life. Thankfully, though she has left us, her wonderful works will remain to touch each new generation that encounters them.
One of my favorite L'Engle quotes:
"It is not clever to underestimate yourself."
edited to add: The New York Times now has an obituary on-line.
breaking (sad) news
Madeleine L’Engle died last night in Connecticut, at the age of 88. Best known for her 1963 Newbery Award winner A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels, L’Engle was the author of more than 60 books for adults and young readers.
I will update this soon, just wanted to post this news. I am going to try to e-mail The Boy in Germany, as she is a special favorite of his...
I will update this soon, just wanted to post this news. I am going to try to e-mail The Boy in Germany, as she is a special favorite of his...
23 August 2007
In Memoriam: Grace Paley
Grace Paley, amazing author and social activist died yesterday. She was 84 years old. There is a good obituary at The New York Times and a good piece at NPR, complete with links to audio files.
I especially like the end of the NPR piece: Grace Paley's voice was ardent, delicious, idealistic and funny... whenever people told Paley they loved one of her stories, she would say, "So, what's wrong with the rest?"
Nothing at all, Grace. Rest in Peace.
I especially like the end of the NPR piece: Grace Paley's voice was ardent, delicious, idealistic and funny... whenever people told Paley they loved one of her stories, she would say, "So, what's wrong with the rest?"
Nothing at all, Grace. Rest in Peace.
Congratulations, Gary Paulsen!
The Chicago Tribune reports: "The Chicago Tribune Young Adult Literary Prize -- to Gary Paulsen for a distinguished career during which he has authored more than 175 books for children and adults, including Hatchet, Dogsong and The Winter Room, all Newberry Honor Books."
Not only is the award well deserved, but -even better! - the article goes on to say: "Paulsen will be given his prize at the Harold Washington Library Center at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, during the Children's Humanities Festival."
Huzzah! Read the whole story here.
Not only is the award well deserved, but -even better! - the article goes on to say: "Paulsen will be given his prize at the Harold Washington Library Center at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, during the Children's Humanities Festival."
Huzzah! Read the whole story here.
21 August 2007
Maybe this shouldn't surprise me...
... but this story from Yahoo made me very, very sad:
"One in four adults say they read no books at all in the past year, according to an Associated Press-Ipsos poll released Tuesday. Of those who did read, women and seniors were most avid, and religious works and popular fiction were the top choices."
I am going to try to take some small crumb of comfort from the fact that there are avid readers I know who read magazines and newspapers constantly, so their not reading books doesn't mean they aren't readers.
But, even so...
Damn.
"One in four adults say they read no books at all in the past year, according to an Associated Press-Ipsos poll released Tuesday. Of those who did read, women and seniors were most avid, and religious works and popular fiction were the top choices."
I am going to try to take some small crumb of comfort from the fact that there are avid readers I know who read magazines and newspapers constantly, so their not reading books doesn't mean they aren't readers.
But, even so...
Damn.
13 August 2007
A Time for Love
Huzzah! We got tickets to see Stevie on September 10th! The concert sold out pretty quick, so we're feeling pretty lucky. Yay, yay, YAY! I feel like we got the golden ticket!
03 August 2007
Richton Perk - coupon and official Grand Opening info
As many of you know, my parents' coffee shop, Richton Perk, opened quietly a few weeks ago. Now, they're getting ready to celebrate!
They'll have an official Grand Opening on Monday, August 6, beginning at 1pm. Richton Park Mayor, Richard Reinbold, will preside over the festivities. They'll be be offering specials and samples all afternoon, so if you're n the area, stop by and say hi!
Also, they will be open Saturdays, 7am to noon beginning on Saturday, August 11.
Below, please find a coupon good for $1 off any purchase, good for next week, 8/06 through 8/11. (The coupon is also at http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/book-kitten/Richton%20Perk/?action=view¤t=coupon.jpg)
If you have a myspace page, you can add them as a friend -- or even just check out their page, at http://www.myspace.com/richtonperk.
Thanks to everyone who has already stopped by. I hope you've had good experiences and can honestly recommend them to friends.
Peace and love to all,
Katharine
They'll have an official Grand Opening on Monday, August 6, beginning at 1pm. Richton Park Mayor, Richard Reinbold, will preside over the festivities. They'll be be offering specials and samples all afternoon, so if you're n the area, stop by and say hi!
Also, they will be open Saturdays, 7am to noon beginning on Saturday, August 11.
Below, please find a coupon good for $1 off any purchase, good for next week, 8/06 through 8/11. (The coupon is also at http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/book-kitten/Richton%20Perk/?action=view¤t=coupon.jpg)
If you have a myspace page, you can add them as a friend -- or even just check out their page, at http://www.myspace.com/richtonperk.
Thanks to everyone who has already stopped by. I hope you've had good experiences and can honestly recommend them to friends.
Peace and love to all,
Katharine
02 August 2007
Woo-hoo!
Seriously excited to learn that the incomparable Stevie Wonder is coming to Chicago in September. He is one of my Favorite. Musicians. EVAH. I plan to be there!
10 July 2007
worth a look...
I'm not sure how I happened upon it, but I found I have bookmarked Trevor's Blog, which features absolutely lovely original artwork. If you have a chance, take a peek.
Get a cuppa Joe!
This morning, my parents opened a new coffee shop: Richton Perk. It is located right next to the Richton Park Metra stop. Woo-hoo!
I haven't been there since they first bought the building, but I can tell you that a lot of thought and planning and care and stress has gone into this. They have opened quietly, with no fanfare except a "now open" sign. They're planning to have a Grand Opening toward the end of the month, once they've had a chance to work any first-days bugs out.
Right now, they are offering coffee (iced and hot), tea (iced and hot), smoothies, frapuccino, as well as homemade sandwiches and salads. (I can tell you from past experience that Ma makes *great* sandwiches!)
The hours are limited to Monday-Friday, 5am - 3pm for now. They're looking to extend those hours in the future, but for now, I think Ma will have a nervous breakdown if she doesn't get some rest!
If you're in the area, please consider stopping by for a cuppa. And let me know how it is! (We're hoping to get down there soon.)
Richton Perk
3812 Sauk Trail
Richton Park, IL
708.481.3700
update: Richton Perk now has a myspace page: www.myspace.com/richtonperk. Check it out!
I haven't been there since they first bought the building, but I can tell you that a lot of thought and planning and care and stress has gone into this. They have opened quietly, with no fanfare except a "now open" sign. They're planning to have a Grand Opening toward the end of the month, once they've had a chance to work any first-days bugs out.
Right now, they are offering coffee (iced and hot), tea (iced and hot), smoothies, frapuccino, as well as homemade sandwiches and salads. (I can tell you from past experience that Ma makes *great* sandwiches!)
The hours are limited to Monday-Friday, 5am - 3pm for now. They're looking to extend those hours in the future, but for now, I think Ma will have a nervous breakdown if she doesn't get some rest!
If you're in the area, please consider stopping by for a cuppa. And let me know how it is! (We're hoping to get down there soon.)
Richton Perk
3812 Sauk Trail
Richton Park, IL
708.481.3700
update: Richton Perk now has a myspace page: www.myspace.com/richtonperk. Check it out!
22 June 2007
Quote o' the Day
"Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." (Leonard Cohen)
01 June 2007
I hope I don't die in a plane crash!
Thanks, Erinello!
Your Score: Carole Lombard
You scored 19% grit, 9% wit, 47% flair, and 40% class!
You're a little bit of a fruitcake, but you always act out in style. You have a good sense of humor, are game for almost anything, but you like to have nice things about you and are attracted to the high life. You're stylish and modern, but you've got a few rough edges that keep you from attaining true sophistication. Your leading men include William Powell, Fredric March, and Clark Gable. Watch out for small planes.
The Classic Dames Test written by gidgetgoes on OkCupid Free Online Dating
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