Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Annual Baseball Opening Day Blog Entry
Hi All, Well, I just thought of a new tradition...at the start of each season for all the major sports (Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hockey) I'm going to have an 'opening day' entry that talks about the various sports... So, here we are - it is opening day for the 2011 baseball season. Lots of baseball fans love numbers and statistics. Click here for a seriously fantastic stats oriented website (Baseball-Register.com). The folks who put this site together are remarkably obsessive, computer savvy and organized. Amazing stats from literally every baseball game ever played. Player stats, team stats and a sort function make this a baseball fans' fantasy website. Speaking of fantasy....lots of baseball fans play rotisserie (fantasy baseball). And why not, with baseball statistics part of the lore of the game it is easy to see why folks have combined computers with baseball to come up with fantasy baseball. Click here for a few of the more popular fantasy baseball websites: ESPN Fantasy Baseball Yahoo! Fantasy Baseball CBS Sports.com Now that you've picked a team for fantasy baseball, click here for a some 'perspective' on your players. Note that there are many, many, many, many more blogs to be read than just the 5 that I've listed below. Why so many blogs? Because they are so easy to create and update. Folks can create a blog in minutes and be up and writing in probably 5 minutes or less. Can you say democratization of the ideas? Some really good baseball blogs include: MLB Blogs - direct from MLB...authoritative and updated often! Baseball Blogs from the Yahoo! Directory - yep, it still works. Why did I include this? Because every major league baseball team has a blog and this link goes to all of the blogs - instead of linking each of them individually. Baseball Musings.com - not so much a blog as it is a website...includes video and, on the right side of the screen you'll see links to other baseball blogs, links to other baseball news websites, and sigh...more links to other baseball tags. This stuff is endless! Egads... Finally, if you know what a depth chart is, than congratulations, you are a seriously obsessed (in a good way, I mean) baseball fan. Click here to see depth charts from MLBDepthCharts.com. Enjoy the links, the season and the games this year. It'll be a very interesting season! Go Mets! Go Yankees! Okay, one last link - here is one of the best odes to baseball ever written - click here for a link to the book from Amazon.com. stu Friends the Farmingdale Public Library on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter by clicking here!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - For Real
Hi All,
Perspective, recognizing what is important, letting things go...while all these phrases might be cliches, they are true. Heck, that's why cliches are cliches - they are truisms and ideas that folks have been able to put into words.
Frustration, dealing with people, angst, problems...these are all some reasons why people get unhappy and/or depressed.
Alas, some years ago an author by the name of Richard Carlson wrote a book called, 'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - And It's All Small Stuff
Click here for a link to the book in the card catalog at the Farmingdale Public Library.
Now, I am NOT saying that this is the only book that might help readers give perspective to various parts of their life. What I am saying is that this is a very popular, easy-to-read book - that is well liked by many, many readers. Click here for the link from Amazon.com to the book.
Also notice that of the nearly 300 customer reviews, nearly 195 of them (nearly 2/3 of the reviews) gave the book a 5 star review. Click here to see the 292 reviews - review by review.
So, what makes the book so gosh darn good? Well, with super short chapters - each varies in length from 2-4 pages - and with titles like: 'Make Peace with Imperfection', 'Develop Your Compassion', 'Allow Yourself to Be Bored', 'Let Others Have the Glory', 'Experiment with Your Back Burner', 'Praise and Blame Are All the Same', 'Look Beyond Behavior', 'See the Innocence', and 'Turn Your Melodrama into a Mellow-Drama', you will understand that the book is NOT a high pressure sales job.
It is practical advice on how to live a happier, less stressful life. And you'll be happier too!
Note also that the author created a small cottage industry since he wrote books on the similar topic for teenagers, women, and for families.
One downer though, Richard Carlson passed away December 2006. At least we have these books as his lasting legacy!
Regards,
Stu
Friend the Farmingdale Public Library on Facebook - it is free, easy to do and you'll get up-to-date info on library programs and events.
Follow the library's Twitter feed for real-time news, events and happenings at the library.
Perspective, recognizing what is important, letting things go...while all these phrases might be cliches, they are true. Heck, that's why cliches are cliches - they are truisms and ideas that folks have been able to put into words.
Frustration, dealing with people, angst, problems...these are all some reasons why people get unhappy and/or depressed.
Alas, some years ago an author by the name of Richard Carlson wrote a book called, 'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - And It's All Small Stuff
Click here for a link to the book in the card catalog at the Farmingdale Public Library.
Now, I am NOT saying that this is the only book that might help readers give perspective to various parts of their life. What I am saying is that this is a very popular, easy-to-read book - that is well liked by many, many readers. Click here for the link from Amazon.com to the book.
Also notice that of the nearly 300 customer reviews, nearly 195 of them (nearly 2/3 of the reviews) gave the book a 5 star review. Click here to see the 292 reviews - review by review.
So, what makes the book so gosh darn good? Well, with super short chapters - each varies in length from 2-4 pages - and with titles like: 'Make Peace with Imperfection', 'Develop Your Compassion', 'Allow Yourself to Be Bored', 'Let Others Have the Glory', 'Experiment with Your Back Burner', 'Praise and Blame Are All the Same', 'Look Beyond Behavior', 'See the Innocence', and 'Turn Your Melodrama into a Mellow-Drama', you will understand that the book is NOT a high pressure sales job.
It is practical advice on how to live a happier, less stressful life. And you'll be happier too!
Note also that the author created a small cottage industry since he wrote books on the similar topic for teenagers, women, and for families.
One downer though, Richard Carlson passed away December 2006. At least we have these books as his lasting legacy!
Regards,
Stu
Friend the Farmingdale Public Library on Facebook - it is free, easy to do and you'll get up-to-date info on library programs and events.
Follow the library's Twitter feed for real-time news, events and happenings at the library.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Computer Gaming Websites
Hi All,
It is a bright, sunny Monday afternoon here in Farmingdale! What better way to meet the day (okay, by the time I am posting it is early afternoon) with a post talking about....computer gaming websites.
It used to be - years and years ago - that computer games were looked up on by non-gamers as being, well 'odd' or 'out-of-the mainstream'. Well, thanks to the ubiquity of computers and the internet, that is not the case anymore. Click here for an article that speaks to this fact.
And this article also.
Most of the hardcore gamers who play computer games are probably familiar with the various websites that are available. The bulk of the rest of this post discusses - lists - some of the more popular computer game websites.
Get your game on folks!
TopTenReviews.com - reviews, comparisons and more on computer hardware and of course, computer games
Gamespot.com - whether you've got a PC, Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, PSP, 3D3, DS or other game console you'll find reviews, advice, cheats, Easter Eggs (yes, I know what an Easter Egg is in game parlance...), Editor's picks and more on this site...go to it fellow gamer.
Finally, check out Gamesradar.com for more computer game advice, suggestions, cheats and more!
So...if you like this blog post, you probably know more about computer games than I do...I just pick up some of this stuff from various family members who play computer games.
Enjoy and happy gaming!
stu
PS, check out the Gamestop.com website if you want to actually purchase computer games.
Friend the library on Facebook for four fantastic reasons: 1. find friendly people who help you, 2. free material for patrons, 3. free wifi at the library, 4. a child-friendly environment where children can learn, play and be entertained.
Follow us on Twitter because, like a a good neighbor - the library is always there for you!
It is a bright, sunny Monday afternoon here in Farmingdale! What better way to meet the day (okay, by the time I am posting it is early afternoon) with a post talking about....computer gaming websites.
It used to be - years and years ago - that computer games were looked up on by non-gamers as being, well 'odd' or 'out-of-the mainstream'. Well, thanks to the ubiquity of computers and the internet, that is not the case anymore. Click here for an article that speaks to this fact.
And this article also.
Most of the hardcore gamers who play computer games are probably familiar with the various websites that are available. The bulk of the rest of this post discusses - lists - some of the more popular computer game websites.
Get your game on folks!
TopTenReviews.com - reviews, comparisons and more on computer hardware and of course, computer games
Gamespot.com - whether you've got a PC, Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, PSP, 3D3, DS or other game console you'll find reviews, advice, cheats, Easter Eggs (yes, I know what an Easter Egg is in game parlance...), Editor's picks and more on this site...go to it fellow gamer.
Finally, check out Gamesradar.com for more computer game advice, suggestions, cheats and more!
So...if you like this blog post, you probably know more about computer games than I do...I just pick up some of this stuff from various family members who play computer games.
Enjoy and happy gaming!
stu
PS, check out the Gamestop.com website if you want to actually purchase computer games.
Friend the library on Facebook for four fantastic reasons: 1. find friendly people who help you, 2. free material for patrons, 3. free wifi at the library, 4. a child-friendly environment where children can learn, play and be entertained.
Follow us on Twitter because, like a a good neighbor - the library is always there for you!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Farmingdale Community Summit Exp and Health Fair
Hi All,
Shameless plug for the library entry is coming - you might want to read this. It is very, very helpful, educational, good stuff...
On Thursday, March 24th from 6pm-8pm at the Farmingdale High School there is going to be the Farmingdale Community Summit Expo and Health Fair.
Attendees will be able to meet local sports leagues, civic organizations, local businesses and be part of a Trash or Treasure Antiques Road Show. (Attendees can have one piece appraised by a professional appraiser.)
Also at the Farmingdale Community Summit Expo and Health Fair will be the 'Art of Giving', a Middle School Student Art Show and Narrative, Free Chiropractic Screenings, Free Blood Pressure Testing, Voter Registration and....if you bring books from the Farmingdale Public Libray - fines will be waived for books (only books!)
Finally, attendees will be able to watch and cheer four years olds in the annual Trike-a-thon for charity.
There will be food, raffles, and prizes at the Summit Expo and Health Fair so come one, come all! It is sure to be a good time for all - don't miss it.
Click here for directions to the Farmingdale High School!
Regards,
Stu
Friend us on Facebook - the library can never, ever have too many friends!
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Shameless plug for the library entry is coming - you might want to read this. It is very, very helpful, educational, good stuff...
On Thursday, March 24th from 6pm-8pm at the Farmingdale High School there is going to be the Farmingdale Community Summit Expo and Health Fair.
Attendees will be able to meet local sports leagues, civic organizations, local businesses and be part of a Trash or Treasure Antiques Road Show. (Attendees can have one piece appraised by a professional appraiser.)
Also at the Farmingdale Community Summit Expo and Health Fair will be the 'Art of Giving', a Middle School Student Art Show and Narrative, Free Chiropractic Screenings, Free Blood Pressure Testing, Voter Registration and....if you bring books from the Farmingdale Public Libray - fines will be waived for books (only books!)
Finally, attendees will be able to watch and cheer four years olds in the annual Trike-a-thon for charity.
There will be food, raffles, and prizes at the Summit Expo and Health Fair so come one, come all! It is sure to be a good time for all - don't miss it.
Click here for directions to the Farmingdale High School!
Regards,
Stu
Friend us on Facebook - the library can never, ever have too many friends!
Follow us on Twitter because we tweet on as many topics as there are colors of the rainbow!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Amazing Scenery and Photographs
Hi All,
If 'a picture is worth a thousand words' the links in this posts will fill a whole encyclopedia!
Check out these amazing photography websites!
Scenery Photography.com
Amazing-Scenery.com
Flower Photography and Flower Photography Part II
Tundra Photography From National Geographic
Desert Photography
Tropical Rainforest Photography
Enjoy the photos!
Stu
Friend the library on Facebook - social networking has hit the library bigtime!
Follow the library on Twitter - we tweet our patrons very, very well!
If 'a picture is worth a thousand words' the links in this posts will fill a whole encyclopedia!
Check out these amazing photography websites!
Scenery Photography.com
Amazing-Scenery.com
Flower Photography and Flower Photography Part II
Tundra Photography From National Geographic
Desert Photography
Tropical Rainforest Photography
Enjoy the photos!
Stu
Friend the library on Facebook - social networking has hit the library bigtime!
Follow the library on Twitter - we tweet our patrons very, very well!
Birthday Parties - For Kids
Hi All,
It is a gloomy, dreary, wet Monday morning. And it is for that reason that I want to brighten the day , get hearts thumping and racing and get the sounds of childrens' laughter in the air.
What better way to do that than to talk about how to throw a spectacular, fiscally prudent (read inexpensive), lively, fun birthday party?
Forthwith a few very helpful links on how to throw a birthday party for a child!!!
From ehow.com comes this article on 'How to Throw a Child's Birthday Party on a Budget'. Click here for the link. There are two things of note about the entry: 1. The entry has step-by-step instructions on how to throw the party - neat. Also, the last piece of advice in the entry is to make sure to write thank-you's - which is excellent and polite advice.
Click here for another article on the same topic - and nearly has the same title - but offers different advice - 'How to Throw a Birthday Party on a Budget'. The thing to note about this article is that they suggest having a theme for the party...interesting idea. And it makes sense. One thing that I would suggest is that you should take into account your child's likes and dislikes. In other words, don't have a NY Mets theme if your child is a NY Yankees fan.
Finally, you might want to click on this link from Wisebread. Entitled 'How To Throw a Kid's Birthday Party That's Fun, Happily Memorable, and Not So Expensive'. Again, same idea but this article has excellent subject headings. For example, there is a section entitled, "It is the charm of the hosts and the pleasantness of the guests that matter'. Sounds corny doesn't it - but it does kind of make sense. Another applicable section deals with counting all the costs (both in terms of time and effort to organize, coordinate and host the party) to have the party.
Some basic themes are in all the articles that I've found on the web Parents who are thinking about a child's birthday party need to think about:
Finally, don't forget about this link from About.com on Children's birthday parties. Okay, one last piece of advice - don't forget about the Related Links at the bottom of the About.com article I just mentioned. There are even more articles and links about Children's birthday parties. Wow!!!! Great stuff.
Regards and I hope you have a great child's birthday party!
Stu
Click here to friend us on Facebook for all the right reasons...like: free books, free DVD's, free downloadable books and programs and free reference questions answered fast and accurately and with a smile!
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It is a gloomy, dreary, wet Monday morning. And it is for that reason that I want to brighten the day , get hearts thumping and racing and get the sounds of childrens' laughter in the air.
What better way to do that than to talk about how to throw a spectacular, fiscally prudent (read inexpensive), lively, fun birthday party?
Forthwith a few very helpful links on how to throw a birthday party for a child!!!
From ehow.com comes this article on 'How to Throw a Child's Birthday Party on a Budget'. Click here for the link. There are two things of note about the entry: 1. The entry has step-by-step instructions on how to throw the party - neat. Also, the last piece of advice in the entry is to make sure to write thank-you's - which is excellent and polite advice.
Click here for another article on the same topic - and nearly has the same title - but offers different advice - 'How to Throw a Birthday Party on a Budget'. The thing to note about this article is that they suggest having a theme for the party...interesting idea. And it makes sense. One thing that I would suggest is that you should take into account your child's likes and dislikes. In other words, don't have a NY Mets theme if your child is a NY Yankees fan.
Finally, you might want to click on this link from Wisebread. Entitled 'How To Throw a Kid's Birthday Party That's Fun, Happily Memorable, and Not So Expensive'. Again, same idea but this article has excellent subject headings. For example, there is a section entitled, "It is the charm of the hosts and the pleasantness of the guests that matter'. Sounds corny doesn't it - but it does kind of make sense. Another applicable section deals with counting all the costs (both in terms of time and effort to organize, coordinate and host the party) to have the party.
Some basic themes are in all the articles that I've found on the web Parents who are thinking about a child's birthday party need to think about:
- Venue
- Activities
- Food
- Decorations
- Treat bags
Finally, don't forget about this link from About.com on Children's birthday parties. Okay, one last piece of advice - don't forget about the Related Links at the bottom of the About.com article I just mentioned. There are even more articles and links about Children's birthday parties. Wow!!!! Great stuff.
Regards and I hope you have a great child's birthday party!
Stu
Click here to friend us on Facebook for all the right reasons...like: free books, free DVD's, free downloadable books and programs and free reference questions answered fast and accurately and with a smile!
Follow us on Twitter so you can make all 140 characters in your Tweet count!!!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Semordinlap Palindromes - Backwards and Forwards
Hi All,
Yes, I know, two days in a row with a blog entry. I'm on a roll now!
Yesterdays' blog entry was just a bit stuffy and formal and well, too button-down. I'm going to change that today that's for sure. Just trying to mix it up for my readers!
Readers might have noticed the strange words in the title of todays' post...
So what the heck is a semordinlap? Well, actually I'm trying (possibly not succeeding) to be funny. You see a palindrome is (click here) 'a word, line, verse, number, sentence, etc., that reads the same backword as forward. For example, the phrase 'madam, I'm adam' or 'poor Dan is in a droop' are examples of palindromes. So...the word 'semordinlap' is actually the word 'palindromes' backwards'.
Click here for a list of 886 palindromes that someone created...go figure. Click here for another list of 50 palindromes - note that these are just words that are spelled the same backwards and forwards. Kind of cute.
Okay, now for another interesting website...you've probably heard of NASA - the National Aeronautics and Space Administration? Well, they do amazing things for the space and earth sciences. Click here to view the main NASA website. Some links that you might find interesting include 'News', 'Missions', 'Connect', and 'Multimedia'. Click on any of the words and you'll go to that particular part of the NASA website.
One of the best parts of the NASA site is the Image of the Day gallery - click here to view the link. So, what does the image gallery do for you? It is a day by day link of images dealing with things related to NASA (including missions, topics of interest relating to NASA, people topics and much more). If you like science, astronomy and 'things' related to outer space this is a neat site for you to bookmark or make a favorite.
Regards,
Stu
Friendly folks find Farmingdale's Facebook page fantastically fun. So why not friend us!
Talented Twitterers try to talk about Farmingdale's timely Twitter tour. So why not follow us on Twitter. We'll tweet you well!
Yes, I know, two days in a row with a blog entry. I'm on a roll now!
Yesterdays' blog entry was just a bit stuffy and formal and well, too button-down. I'm going to change that today that's for sure. Just trying to mix it up for my readers!
Readers might have noticed the strange words in the title of todays' post...
So what the heck is a semordinlap? Well, actually I'm trying (possibly not succeeding) to be funny. You see a palindrome is (click here) 'a word, line, verse, number, sentence, etc., that reads the same backword as forward. For example, the phrase 'madam, I'm adam' or 'poor Dan is in a droop' are examples of palindromes. So...the word 'semordinlap' is actually the word 'palindromes' backwards'.
Click here for a list of 886 palindromes that someone created...go figure. Click here for another list of 50 palindromes - note that these are just words that are spelled the same backwards and forwards. Kind of cute.
Okay, now for another interesting website...you've probably heard of NASA - the National Aeronautics and Space Administration? Well, they do amazing things for the space and earth sciences. Click here to view the main NASA website. Some links that you might find interesting include 'News', 'Missions', 'Connect', and 'Multimedia'. Click on any of the words and you'll go to that particular part of the NASA website.
One of the best parts of the NASA site is the Image of the Day gallery - click here to view the link. So, what does the image gallery do for you? It is a day by day link of images dealing with things related to NASA (including missions, topics of interest relating to NASA, people topics and much more). If you like science, astronomy and 'things' related to outer space this is a neat site for you to bookmark or make a favorite.
Regards,
Stu
Friendly folks find Farmingdale's Facebook page fantastically fun. So why not friend us!
Talented Twitterers try to talk about Farmingdale's timely Twitter tour. So why not follow us on Twitter. We'll tweet you well!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Shameless Reference Plug - BottomLine and About.com
Hi All,
I know, I know its been over a month since I've posted last. A lot has been happening in the life of the Farmingdale Public Library over that one month period...to say that we've been busy is an understatement. And that is really all for the good - a busy library makes for a happy, educated, learned, active, vibrant community. And that is what a library should try to instill in its patrons!
Once again I will try to keep to a blog post schedule of three times per week - on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I might miss some days, but I really will try to keep to the schedule.
So, that being said, I want to talk about one (serious) reference resources that we have at the reference desk that give you fast, easy to absorb information. Of course the sources I'll mention are timely, unbiased and authoritative. I also want to talk about one internet source that, while it is not as formal as the 'serious' source, is just as valid and useful and helpful...
So, what's the first title? Drum roll please....
The Bottom Line. What is that you ask? I've never heard of or seen that resource before...
Well, The Bottom Line is a weekly publication that gives readers advice on a variety of topics.
Topics that advice is given on includes: health, travel, financial, personal relationships, organization of personal affects, legal issues, tax issues, entertainment, how to save money and much, much more.
Articles are - at most - about 1 page in length and are written by industry experts that The Bottom Line finds to have the article written. The Bottom Line can be found at the reference desk where we keep 4 weeks of old issues behind the desk.
Well, I promised a less formal, stuffy web resource and well, here it is: About.com
Long-time readers of this blog might recognize About.com from prior blog posts that I've written. It is about time that I give About.com its due and dedicate a partial blog entry to the site.
So , what is About.com? (Click here to link to the site.) Very simply it is a site that has real, live humans who act as 'Guides' in a whole world of topics. For example, About.com has these Guides on topics that range from home repair, to gardening, to personal finance, to religion, to exercise to travel to well, almost any topic that you can imagine. Click here for a full list of topics that About.com Guides cover!
About.com Guides post daily (in many cases, but not all) entries on their topic of specialty. Included in these entries are in the various topics related articles in About.com. In addition, there are links to outside (regular internet) links that pertain to the topic that the Guide is discussing.
Regards,
Stu
Like a good neighbor, the Farmingdale Public Library is always there! So friend us on Facebook - its good stuff - and free!
Do you like all-things-library. We thought so too - so why not follow us on Twitter. You'll have a fuller, happier, even-better library experience. Trust us!
I know, I know its been over a month since I've posted last. A lot has been happening in the life of the Farmingdale Public Library over that one month period...to say that we've been busy is an understatement. And that is really all for the good - a busy library makes for a happy, educated, learned, active, vibrant community. And that is what a library should try to instill in its patrons!
Once again I will try to keep to a blog post schedule of three times per week - on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I might miss some days, but I really will try to keep to the schedule.
So, that being said, I want to talk about one (serious) reference resources that we have at the reference desk that give you fast, easy to absorb information. Of course the sources I'll mention are timely, unbiased and authoritative. I also want to talk about one internet source that, while it is not as formal as the 'serious' source, is just as valid and useful and helpful...
So, what's the first title? Drum roll please....
The Bottom Line. What is that you ask? I've never heard of or seen that resource before...
Well, The Bottom Line is a weekly publication that gives readers advice on a variety of topics.
Topics that advice is given on includes: health, travel, financial, personal relationships, organization of personal affects, legal issues, tax issues, entertainment, how to save money and much, much more.
Articles are - at most - about 1 page in length and are written by industry experts that The Bottom Line finds to have the article written. The Bottom Line can be found at the reference desk where we keep 4 weeks of old issues behind the desk.
Well, I promised a less formal, stuffy web resource and well, here it is: About.com
Long-time readers of this blog might recognize About.com from prior blog posts that I've written. It is about time that I give About.com its due and dedicate a partial blog entry to the site.
So , what is About.com? (Click here to link to the site.) Very simply it is a site that has real, live humans who act as 'Guides' in a whole world of topics. For example, About.com has these Guides on topics that range from home repair, to gardening, to personal finance, to religion, to exercise to travel to well, almost any topic that you can imagine. Click here for a full list of topics that About.com Guides cover!
About.com Guides post daily (in many cases, but not all) entries on their topic of specialty. Included in these entries are in the various topics related articles in About.com. In addition, there are links to outside (regular internet) links that pertain to the topic that the Guide is discussing.
Regards,
Stu
Like a good neighbor, the Farmingdale Public Library is always there! So friend us on Facebook - its good stuff - and free!
Do you like all-things-library. We thought so too - so why not follow us on Twitter. You'll have a fuller, happier, even-better library experience. Trust us!
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