A few summer notes

Alright, it was pointed out to me that I shouldn't let a post with a photo of beer cans sit so long, unattended and un-superceded. Even though it's summer. So here are some bits culled from what's been coming across my RSS feed lately. Many thanks to the LibrarianInBlack for these links. First, here's a great explanation of RSS in plain English. I love its low-techness. Then there's this new cool tool from MIT called Scratch. The high-falutin' description says "Scratch is a new programming language that makes it easy to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art -- and share your creations on the web. Scratch is designed to help young people (ages 8 and up) develop 21st century learning skills. As they create Scratch projects, young people learn important mathematical and computational ideas, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the process of design." I dunno, to me it just looks like fun. Then there's the fake bookcase wallpaper that LiB says "is sure to make you look more smart and your house look more cluttered, both at the same time!"

My friend Christine alerted me to this fine video on YouTube of the Physics Guy. I sent the link to our physics teacher, who, of course, already knew about it. I seriously think Ray should give extra credit for contributions like this, don't you? And, hey, sharpening my tech skills during the summer, I just uploaded my first two videos to YouTube. I know, easy. Too easy! Anyway, these are clips from the Veretski Pass (klezmer group) visit we helped host in February. First, there's a rendition of Yankee Doodle Dandy with a Jewish accent. The second is a bulgar from a performance for a world music class on campus.

On Friday I leave for the American Library Association Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. I'll try to bring home some good swag.

Transition to summer

Well, it was easily a three-hanky graduation. For starters, the two (male) faculty speakers couldn't hold it together, so how could anyone else? The Gargoyle audio slide show does a great job of capturing the mood.

We're launching into the usual summer tasks, starting with cleanup of audiovisual equipment. Sigh, students replaced by overhead projectors.



And here's a nice tidbit. John Chrastka, American Library Association Manager for Membership Development, interviewed ALA Office for Diversity Program Officer Gwendolyn "Wendy" Prellwitz for the ALA in Focus series. Wendy spoke about some of her favorite Spectrum Scholars, including our very own Corinne. Check out the praise: "going to be a rock star school librarian," "being recruited so heavily," "amazing insight, amazing energy, [she has] a real commitment to change." I'm so proud!

From the sublime to the ridiculous. Here's what was just found behind the overhead projectors in the storeroom:



All empty. Hmmm.

Which (somehow) brings me to the next point. It's summer break. Officially. Time to take the blog offline for awhile. Except for occasional updates (keep us in your feed list!), Gargoyles Loose in the Library will be back in the fall.