Overcoming tremendous odds

Technology: I think I wrote enough on Monday....

Vantastic and Vugly: I made an organic lemon cake mix with no eggs. I used tofu as a replacement. Not quite the same thing. Dry and not nearly as tasty = vugly results. On the other hand, Earth Balance, a vegan margarine alternative is VANTASTIC. I have always loved butter, like really really loved it. I used to (and sometimes still do) eat saltines with butter as an after school snack. Absolutely no nutritional value but yummy. Just yummy.

Good News: Have you ever seen the show Intervention? I often despair for those with addictions. It just seems like such an impossible obstacle to battle. An many don't win the battle. Kimberly Woo did, and now may even attend Harvard. Her story is about dedication and hard work. It's the kind of story that makes me feel good and gives me a little hope about the power of anyone to overcome addiction.

Wii-this one's all about technologieeeeee

Technology: I went to ALA Sunday and Monday (was working Saturday). I went to the ALA Tech Source booth where Jenny Levine handed me the controller to test out the Nintendo Wii. In the world of techie librarians I get the impression she is a pretty big deal. Anywho...I ended up playing tennis. I made it clear that I had never played the Wii before but nether she nor my partner (who I didn't know) didn't seem to think that merited any explanation. Let me tell you - the wii may be easy to use, but it wasn't for me, not the first time, not without explanation. Just prior to that I went to "Using Technology to Market to Young Adults". I found it interesting. I was quite put off by Michael something or other (Stephens) who I think participates in second life just so he can wear tight jeans. He seemed so condescending - like when he devoted a substantial portion of the presentation to showing library signs that say thinks like "Please turn off your cell phone", when one of those slides appeared the audience would ruthlessly alternate between groans of horror and chuckles of disdain. I thought it seemed like an alright sign. He showed the Charlotte-Mecklenburg alternative about Respect and that seemed like an even better sign - until I realized it was shown to demonstrate the horrors of 'traditional' libraries. Here's the thing - what is the point of humiliating libraries (I will say he didn't identify all the libraries)? So many technologies are new and so many of us (unlike Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Hennepin) are struggling with how to accomodate them into our libraries. How about instead of ridiculing us mere nontechie mortals you just present the alternative and the justifications for it? I love technology (though I only lasted 45 seconds at Wii and thoroughly annoyed the partner who reiterated several times I should just swing) but I never thought about not putting out a 'no cell phone' sign. Now I am thinking about it, but have been slightly alienated in the process. I did think the indie librarian (Kimberly Bolan) was great - she covered marketing, technologies, and realistic applications without condescension, righteousness, or self-promotion (apparently his YouTube staff clip is just amazing). He did give some great information, I just guess the format and delivery wasn't my style. And I still want to buy a Wii. So there!
Overall I thought the program on reentry services for inmates and cultural compotency were the most interesting. I wish I had attended the program on Darfur. Hopefully there won't need to be a program on that topic next year....

Where to eat?

Technology: Just super excited that I figured out how to add a librarything widget to my blog. I won't dwell on how easy it was, I will just bask in my accomplishment. I so wish I was more tech savvy!



Vantastic: I was in SC this past weekend. (Despite a cancelled flight on the way there when a catering truck ran into the plane and a 5 hour delay on the way home). I had few to no vegan options. I was a fool - why did I look at Happy Cow before I went. I have been using the Happy Cow websites for years to figure out vegetarian, and now vegan, options for eating out. If I had used my trusty old resource I would have known to eat at Soul Vegetarian South. I'm sure I would have enjoyed it since I am very familiar with their DC location. Maybe next time....



Good News: We all take different paths in life. Some are much more circutious and challenging then others. I can't think of better news then a story of people that face 100 more obstacles than I could ever imagine and succeed beyond their wildest expectations by having the chance to earn a college degree. Southeastern University is making dreams come true for those that really deserve it.

Teachers rock!

Technology: I created my resume in publisher - and I think it is pretty darn cool. But now trying to print it is such a hassle. And I hate how limiting posting a resume is online - it doesn't allow for creative and alternative formats. That is what web 2.0 is all about!

Vantastic: I really LOVE shoes, but when I became a vegetarian and gave up leather that greatly limited my selection. (I hate cheesy vinyl) And then I became intensely concerned about fair trade and sweatshops I never thought I would find another pair of cute shoes again. Until I stumbled upon mooshoes. They are a company in NYC specializing in vegan shoes. Their focus is not labor conditions and environmental preservation - which are number top priorities but you can still find hot vegan labor friendly shoes there. Pricey - but really outstanding in the looks department. I just love the Bridget Black. Now if only if I could afford to buy them!

Good News: Yesterday was rough. I read about a teacher that tried to kill a student he slept with, a teacher that bugged another teacher's classroom, a student accused a music teacher of using profanity extensively in the classroom, and a teacher that accepted bribes to let people out of detention early. Not a stellar day for the profession. So here is a bright spot to counter all that negativity! The teachers of Samuel W. Mason elementary school are making a difference. So much so the governor of Massachusetts wants other schools to follow their lead. Go teachers!

When I eat vegetarian I'm wishing it was vegan

Technology: I wish I had more time to blog. I am going to figure out how to add the library thing widget to my blog. Zenaida has provided a suggestion that I just need the time to follow up on...


Vugly or Vantastic? I have decided to start reviewing the fabulous and not so fabulous vegan products - food and otherwise - in my life. I was in SC this weekend and I will admit that I definitely ate food and wore sunscreen that was not vegan. Life is a balance. Given my preference I would be all local, organic, fair trade, and sustainable each waking moment - which is best supported by veganism in my opinion. So it is what I strive for and hopefully these reviews will help. If I love it it is vegan fantastic - Vantastic and if I don't it is vegan ugly - Vugly. So here is the first: Amy's Roasted Vegetable Pizza is vantastic. I love pizza and this is a great vegan option. It is flavorful, delicious and heats up quickly.

Good News: I often ponder how to live a life of purpose and meaning. I want to live each moment dedicated to community involvement and global causes. I am definitely not there yet but this story about girls that started an organization to spend time in Hispaniola was inspirational. Too often we relate stories of teenage consumerism, misbehavior, and apathy. Given just a little direction, a lot of support, and a role model (their mom has a non-profit, Infante Sanos, dedicated to prenatal health care in the region) - teens can and will do amazing things!

Be a Mentor

Technology: Can I create folders for my blogroll?

Lunch: I think I am going to revamp this section. Being a vegan is a huge part of my life (even though it is usually a bigger deal for other people then it is for me). But my lunches are way boring as of late. Instead I may start reviewing vegan foods, products, eateries, etc. My first huge recommendation is for travel in the Big Apple. I love LifeThyme. What a yummy grocery store and it has the best vegan and raw food bakery ever. I hate raw food but I love that bakery. This weekend I had strawberry shortcake which was fantastic. I adore the almond cookies. So much better then some other bakery I won't mention.

Good News: Okay. This is a little self serving. This article is about the power of Mentors, specifically an organization called Mentors, Inc. I have a great protege but she was already well on her way to greatness. My relationship was more about friendship and fun. So being a mentor can really span quite a range of needs. Think about it - it is a good thing!

Human apathy worse then computer failures

Technology: The internet at my house isn't working. So I can't upload more photos to my photobucket account - which I am using instead of Flickr because I don't want a Yahoo account. But really - lets talk about technology....I never made it to my high school reunion (probably a blessing in disguise) because of the massive computer glitch that the airlines tried to pass off as weather related. But that will happen, technology is infallible as we all are. I think the real breakdown was the incredibly crappy service I received from US Airways.

Lunch: Boring - just another hummus sandwhich. I did *artfully* (if I say so myself) photograph the necessary ingredients but unfortunately I cannot upload it from my camera because internet at home isn't working and I don't have the authority to do so on my computer at work. I stopped by Java Green last Thursday and ate some Pumpkin Spice Cake made by Sweet - n - Natural (so much better then Sticky Fingers - but they don't have a website). They can be reached at 301-805-0007. So good - can't wait to eat some again!

Good News: What I am realizing about the "good news" stories that I find is that sometimes it is just a glimmer of hope admist the larger context of continuing struggle and adversity. For example, many immigrants fail to graduate from high school and it is becoming less and less likely with mandatory high stakes testing tied to diplomas. But there are those that perservere despite odds and that is the good news. Deibis Hernadez became the first one in his family to graduate from high school, despite a spotty primary education, language barriers, and the need to work. I just hope that we - as a society - can acknowledge that it takes some people 10X the effort that we put forth to become half as successful.

Vegan Pastry Monopoly

Technology - I just have so much to learn. Today I am feeling overwhelmed by all the possible uses of technology and the skills required to utilize it. (I think it is because I am pseudo sick).

Lunch - I am actually going to address a non lunch related issue. I don't like Sticky Fingers. I know, I know - vegan heresy. I just don't think it is that good. The chocolate chip cookies are hard like rocks, the sticky buns are dry, the pesto pasta is disgusting. I love the idea I just don't think they are that great. I would recommend the almond cake and the pecan cookies and the staff is nice. Don't get me wrong - I continue to eat there, I just usually resent the cost and the fact it's the only game in town. (Java Green sells great pastries by some ladies I meet at D.C.'s green festival but I can't remember the name - I dream of their sweet potato pie). And I just have to include this blog in my blog because I love it: the urban vegan. (I think she is brasilian!)

Good News: to be announced.

Scratchy Throat

Technology: I signed up for bloglines yesterday - in anticipation for Week #4 of our library web 2.0 pilot program - and love it! I still don't quite understand RSS feeds but I do like that it will make my "good news" segment easier to troll for.

Lunch: I don't feel good today. I have a sandwhich and soup (courtesy of a can). I don't know why people think it is hard to be a vegan.

Good News: This will be controversial I am sure, but here goes: New Haven has approved id's for illegal immigrants. I think the difference between me and most Americans is that when I think of illegal immigrants I think of hard working Central and Southern Americans doing the work that no one else wants to do. When Americans think of illegal immigrants they seem to think of the terrorists that attacked the World Trade Center. To me terrorists and illegal immigrants are two different subjects. Maybe they are thinking of "my illegals" - why else would they propose a wall between countries? I just don't understand the vehement hatred and disdain that so many Americans have for foreigners - illegal or otherwise. I hope I don't ever understand.

Free school is cool!

Technology: Really, what is a widget? I just don't get it. I did check out Birmingham's Myspace page (which has a "widget") and that is pretty cool!

Lunch (by others): Thanks to the roomie who prepped a chickpea salad last night. It was a yummy lunch today. Ingredients (I'm guessing here) - chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, that pizza spice mix she loves so much, and maybe chives. I usually hate cucumbers but they were good in the mix. I had diced fresh mango as a side and an apple and peanut butter for desert. I would love to eat only local produce but just think of all the foods I would have to forsake, mangoes, peanuts!, bananas, kiwis, rice, coconut milk.......the list goes on.

Good News: Someone is finally addressing the insane costs of tuition! Being a graduate student I am acutely aware of the ridiculous price tag for higher education. Maybe this plan (free community college for all residents of MA) isn't really feasible but so what? Yeah to governor Deval Patrick for bringing it to the table.

Boston was a BLAST!

Technology: Still in the midst of playing around with Flickr. Still don't see how it can really be a marketing tool or beneficial to libraries. Maybe I just expect too profound of a result.

Lazy Lunch: I have leftovers today. Yippee! I went to My Thai Cafe Vegetarian & Bubble Tea Bistro and ordered the vegan pad thai. It isn't my favorite dish from there but the noodles are so yummy. Big thanks to my boyfriend for eating there EVERY time I am in Boston.

Good News: Athletes support reading - a double bonus for a me who appreciates the support as a former teacher and future librarian. And I am also proud to have found an article at the OC Register, a newspaper I refused to read when I lived in Southern California. Maybe I am growing in my old age. Teehee