Friday Fun Time!

Hi All,

Just wanted to kick off the weekend with a fun post. Click on this link for the 'Top 15 Most Popular Funny Websites'. Link came from Ebizmba and, as the website says, 'is constantly updated....the number is an average of each website's Alexa Global Traffic Rank and the US Traffic Rank from both Compete and Quantcast.

So...what are the most popular funny sites? Break, Cracked, CollegeHumor, VideoBash, Failblog, theOnion, eBaumsWorld and theCHIVE - among others!

Here's a brief summary of one of the sites: EBaumsWorld. Site has links to videos, pictures, games, audio, jokes, blogs and more. At the bottom of the page uses can find various categories are organized even more specifically. For example, under the heading of Video, users an find 'animated videos', 'hilarious videos', 'extreme videos'. 'cool videos', 'stand-up videos', WayBack WHENsday videos', and 'Fail videos'. Kind of fun stuff for what looks to be a rainy Saturday morning and early afternoon.

One last thing - click here to see some very funny flash mob videos - you'll enjoy them!

Enjoy!
Stu

Allergy Relief

Hi All,

Its spring - and its been a fairly dry one. But - and there is always a 'but' - spring still means 'allergies' for millions of people.

Click on this link from WebMD for various ways to lession the impact of the spring allergy season on your sinuses and head.

From AccuWeather.com comes this dust and dander report for the next few weeks - very helpful! And it can help you prepare for days that are highly allergic!

Well, since we stay in our homes for so much of the day and night - click on this link for ways to allergy proof your house. And finally, from EverydayHealth.com comes this link entitled, '10 Tips to Keep Your Home Allergan Free.

So there you have it - some very helpful allergy related tips for the spring that has just sprung!

Cool stuff - hope this relieves some your allergy problems!

Regards,

Stu

Job Resources and More at the Library

Hi All,

Just a quickie post about some job resources. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a resource that we've used at the library for years and years.

The book has chapters on various fields that employees can work in. For example, there are chapters on job in fields as varied as management, professional, service, sales, administrative and more. Under each job summary are headings for 'Nature of the Work', 'Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement', 'Employment', 'Job Outlook', 'Projections', 'Earnings', 'Wages', 'Related Occupations' and 'Sources of Additional Information'.

This is a fantastic, wonderful, amazing, concise, accurate, helpful, free resource that every prospective job seeker should consult upon starting a job search.

Click here to go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website to access the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Finally, the library has a wonderful resource on Wednesday nights'. We have a program called the Career and Education Resource Center. Basically this is one-on-one help with our professional career counselor. Interested parties can call the library at 249-9090 and ask for the reference desk to make an appointment. Appointments last for one hour and start on Wednesday nights at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm or 8pm. Click on this link for more information and more job resources from the library website.

Now, get to work and use this resource or call the library!

Regards,
Stu

Movie Records: Largest Box Office Opening Weekends

Hi All,

I'm not sure if you are aware of the all the hype and hoopla surround the movie 'The Hunger Games'. If you aren't aware of it - click this link for a brief summary of what the movie is about.

Click on this link from BoxOfficeMojo get the movie/sales/ticket/business side of how popular the movie is with moviegoers! FYI, the movie made over $150 million in its opening weekend! That's in the top 3 all-time for movies!

BTW, we also own the book at the library...unfortunately there are reserves on the book, but you can click on this link and reserve the book online. All you need is your library card number and you'll be good to go!

Finally, there are two sequels to 'The Hunger Games': the first sequel is 'Catching Fire'; while the second sequel is 'Mockingjay'. Both of which can be reserved from the library. Click here to reserve 'Catching Fire'; click here to reserve 'Mockingjay'.

Enjoy the movie and the books!
Stu

O is For...

Hi All,

It is a Friday morning and the weekend is right ahead of us! Time for a fun blog entry! Things, sites, names, organizations, and groups with the letter 'O' is today's topic.

Optimum Online - link to Cablevision's Optimum Online cable service. You can also bundle their internet service with cable tv and phone service to get a better monthly rate.

Orkut - chat, call, email, friend, like, with friends, family, associates, and coworkers. A kind of social network - by Google. Precursor to Google+.

OSHA - OSHA was created in 1970 to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Site has links for Workers, Regulations, Enforcement, Data & Statistics, Training, Publications, a Newsroom and links for Small Business.

Orbitz - another online travel website. Users can make flight reservations, book car rentals, book cruises and more. Easy-t0-use and to navigate and users can find great deals on travel related services.

Old Navy - national retailer of men's and women's clothing, boys and girls clothing, toddler and baby clothing. Stylish, well-known apparel for the whole family. Users can buy clothing online and find where Old Navy stores are located among other site features. FYI for the day: did you know that the Gap owns Old Navy?

Enjoy the fun sites!
Stu

Schumer Backs Second LIRR Track in Farmingdale

Hi All,

Just found this article from Farmingdale Patch about Senator Schumer Backing a Second LIRR in Farmingdale. Click link for more information on this project.

And for more information about the Historic Farmingdale Railroad Station, click on this link from Wikipedia that has detailed information on the Farmingdale Railroad Station's history, platforms and tracks, and more .

Click on this link to the library catalog for a book on 'The History of Farmingdale Railroad Service 1841-1991, written by Edward J. Thompson. Note that we have two copies of the book - one copy is in the local history collection; the other copy is in the reference collection. Note also that both copies remain in the library, but you certainly can read the books in the library.

You also might want to click on this link from the Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society. The link goes to a page that talks about Farmingdale the LIRR.

Enjoy the information!

Regards,
Stu

Famous Duos Day! (Not What You Think It Is)

Hi All,

Here is a list of famous duos in history and in American culture - with links! (Shout out to VS - thanks for the general idea for the post)

Bert and Ernie

Peanut Butter and Jelly - link from Wikipedia - boy I could use a pbj sandwhich right about now.

Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman - the Internet Movie Database link for the movie that made them famous

Batman and Robin - history of Batman and Robin - quite the dynamic duo!

Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees - what can I say? I'm an abashedly loyal and large Yankees fan - sorry Mets fans...

Snoopy and Woodstock (dancing)

Hamburgers and French Fries - quite the combo and now that Spring and Summer

Milk and Cookies - I've been gypped - check out item number one on the list.

Spaghetti and Meatballs - now we're talking good, home-style cooking. Yum!

And finally, click on this link for even more famous duos - link is from Buzzle.com

Enjoy the entry!
Stu

Water, Water, Everywhere

Hi All,

Check out this report from a company called Surging Seas. It discusses the long-term (the next 30 years or so) affect of global warming on sea level.

Seeing as how we live on Long Island and so much of the Long Island's life (and recreation and business and entertainment) is relates to the water, beaches, shores and the water; I thought that this would be a relevant piece to post on the blog.

Without further ado, here is the link to the Surging Seas article and website and maps related to the research that they conducted.

Click on this link for Climate Central's Coastal Flood Risk Lookup feature. Very interesting material!

Regards,
Stu

Happy Pi Day!

Hi All,

What the heck does the title of this post mean? Indeed, if you remember today's date...

Today is March 14th; which equates to 3/14. Which are the first few digits of 'pi'. Click here to find out a bit about Piday.

And they've come out with Piday images - click here for those pix.

Celebrate Pi day with Reddit Math and Apple Pie - click here.

And there's even more from Squidoo - click here to learn more.

Here are a few other ways to celebrate Pi Day.

Enjoy the links.

Stu

Calling All Writers and Wordsmiths

Hi All,

Are you an aspiring author? Do you like to write? Do you want to write your memoirs or poetry or short stories? Or do you just like to write just for the sake of writing and for the love of words?

If so, you are in luck.

This blog entry is for you then!

Click on this link - which got me thinking about writers and writing - from the Brooklyn Public Library which talks about the BPL's new on-demand book printing machine. Very cool stuff! and you'd get to print out copies of your book.

Now, I suspect that you don't realize how many resources we have at the library to help aspiring writers write. Click on this link from our card catalog. I did a title search using the term 'writing'. I then narrowed down the search to find material that is only found in the Farmingdale Public Library. Look at all these amazing results for all current and future writers! Great material for, well, your material. (Cute, eh?)

But wait, there's more (as they say on the infomercials you see on television late at night)...

Amazon.com has their own self-publishing page - you can view the information by clicking on this link. Be sure to read all the information regarding this process - it might seem a bit clunky, but you'll be doing yourself a service by reading before printing.

If you go to the website SelfPublishing.com (Helping Authors Become Publishers) you'll learn all about self publishing. Neat site - good information - and timely.

So there you have it. Some resources that can immediately start you on your way to being a published author!

Good luck - and if you are a Farmingdale resident, we'd love to have a copy of your book in our collection!

Regards,
Stu

Who's Hiring Locally?

Hi All,

Just found a neat section on the Farmingdale Patch website. The section is called 'Who's Hiring' and contains a list of local businesses that are hiring. Jobs are located in Farmingdale, Amityille, Massapequa and in other local towns.

Which brings me to a job resource that we have at the Farmingdale PL.

On Wednesday nights we have a career counselor from 5pm-9pm. The sessions are by appointment only and are one hour in length.

Our career counselor is professionally trained and can give advice on resumes, coverletters, career changing, career advice, interviewing techniques.

If you are looking for a new job or if you are considering changing jobs, our career counselor is the person you want to speak to. She is absolutely fantastic at helping career changers and movers finding new positions! Best thing about our service? It's free!!!!

Finally, click on this link for several excellent job resource websites that we've found at the Farmingdale Public Library.

Regards,
Stu

Daylight Savings Time

Hi All,

You might realize this - or you might not...tomorrow morning at 2am is the 'official' start of Daylight Saving Time. Click here for a bit of history regarding Daylight Saving Time . I'll use 'DST' hereafter in this blog entry to save typing and time.

Click on this link from the LA Times to learn a bit about some health and survival tips regarding DST. Go figure.

Also, this link from National Geographic has a good article entitled, 'Daylight Saving Time 2012: Why and When Does It Begin?" The article gives a nice brief background on DST and its history.

And if you click on this link from Wikipedia, you'll learn more than you ever needed to know about DST. Enjoy!

And while you are moving your clocks ahead tonight, you might want to check the batteries in all of your smoke alarms at home. Click here for a link to just this topic from a Kansas City television station. The source might be half a continent away, but the message is the same: change the batteries on your smoke alarms!

And remember, while we might lose an hour of sleep each night, we now get to enjoy an extra hour of daylight at the end of the day! No more coming home from work in the dark!!!

Regards,
Stu

Paul Gatto Music - Thursdays at the Library - Free Jazz

Hi All,

Just a quick shout-out to all blog readers. No, I'm not trying to make this an advertising blog for library events.

Although, occasionally I will make mention of a really, really good library program that I think readers will want to go to. (Click here for a link to the library schedule of programs via the web. You'll get a long list of programs that you might want to go to.)

One of which is the library's weekly jazz band. Paul Gatto and his band play wonderful, fantastic, swinging jazz at the library every Thursday from 11am-2pm.

You can find this swinging, hep, happening band downstairs in room A/B.

Or you can listen to the sweet sounds jazz and let your feet tap your way over to room A/B.

Trust me - you'll be happy you did.

And now for the kicker...we've got absolutely fabulous jazz CD's that are ripe for the taking. They are free, easy to listen to and you'll expand your musical horizons. How great is that?

Click here for the card catalog link to see the CD's in the Farmingdale PL collection.

Enjoy,
Stu

Long Islanders at Their Best

Hi All,

Just came across a neat part of the Newsday website. It is called 'Outstanding Photos From Long Islanders'. Basically the site is where Long Islanders send pictures that they've taken. Pretty neat stuff. Some of the photos are really, really great. Take a look at the photos by clicking on this link from Newsday.com.

Other sites (besides for this part of Newsday's website) that photographers and photography enthusiasts can post photos include Photo.net, Photobucket, and PopPhoto.com.

Note that on many of the sites other users can make comments about uploaded photos.

Enjoy.
Stu

Tax Season, CPA's and the IRS...

Hi All,

As if you hadn't realized it tax season is in full swing. Taxes are due on April 17th this year due to state holidays in some states. Click on this link to learn more about why the tax deadline is on April 17th this year and not on April 15. Note that the document opens in Adobe Acrobat format - a pdf file. Scroll down to page 3 of the document and the answer is in the first 3 paragraphs.

First, some links that might be of use to you.

Click on this link for the IRS website where you can get federal government tax documents like the 1040, schedule A or schedule B...
Click on this link for the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance website where you can get state government tax documents like the IT-201 or the instruction booklet for the IT-201.

And did you know....that the Farmingdale Public Library has tax documents of our own at the reference desk? Betcha didn't know that.

And what's more, we have both Federal (IRS) and State (NYS) tax forms. We've got many of the more common forms for patrons to take. In particular we have the 1040, 1040 instruction booklet, the IT-201 and the IT-201 instruction booklet available at the ready.

How do you decide which - if any - tax professional to use if you decide to have your taxes done by a tax professional? Click here for a link that explains what criteria to use to whittle down the list of tax professionals so that you choose one that is capable, efficient, accurate, timely and reasonably priced. Okay,okay, I can hear the squawking for another link. Click on this link as well to fine another link that explains how to choose a CPA for both an individual and for a small/medium sized business.

When I was reading Newsday's website this afternoon, I came across this link entitled, 'Transcript: CPA's Answer Personal and Business Tax Questions'. Click on the prior link to view the video. FYI, the article was published on March 1st, 2012 and there is a video included.

Finally, the Farmingdale Public Library has volunteers from Hofstra University come in to the library and help patrons with their taxes. Volunteers are at the library on Saturday mornings from 10am-1pm. The service is a first-come, first-serve basis.

Hope this entry helped -and as the tax deadline approaches, I'll post another blog entry regarding taxes and the tax deadline.

Regards,
Stu

Cash Mobs - What the Heck Are They?

Hi All,

Today I'm going to go a bit 'techie' on you.

You might have heard about flash mobs. And if you don't know what a flash mob is; click here to find out. Simply put, a flash mob is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual and seemingly pointless act for a brief time, often for the purposes of entertainment, satire, or artistic expression. Flash mobs are organized via telecommunications (cell phone), social media (Twitter, Facebook), or viral emails. The previous definition comes from Wikipedia - which, regular users know that I use as a helpful source of information in the blog.

And now, if you really, really want to get geeky, you can click on this link from Youtube. I did a simple search for 'flash mobs on long island'. A lot of times a flash mob is video recorded and then the results are uploaded to the web (in many cases to Youtube) so folks can view the event.

So...now that you know what a flash mob is, what the heck is a 'cash mob'?

Well, in a similar vein as a flash mob, a cash mob 'is a group of people who assemble at a local business and all buy items from that business. The purpose of these mobs is to support both the local businessess and the local community. Again, the source of my information is Wikipedia - click here for the link to the site description for cash mobs.

Now, the reason I'm writing about cash mobs is the article that I saw on the Newsday website on Monday, March 5th. Entitled 'Cash Mob Idea Spreads on Long Island'. Click here for the link to the Newsday site for the article.

To learn even more about Cash Mobs and the 'rules' under which they operate, click on this link.

To learn even more about Flash Mobs and how they are spreading, click on this link from CNN for an article.

Interesting stuff, eh? And now, blog readers can say they have heard of both flash mobs and cash mobs just by reading this entry. How cool is that? And it didn't even hurt!

Enjoy the mob scene!

Regards,
Stu

The Number 6

Hi All,

The number 6. It doesn't seem like much, its after 5 and before 7 in our number system. Kind of squished between the two - and certainly far from number 1 and somewhat close to the number 10. Ah well, someone has to be the sixth batter...

You know, there are so many links and special players and ideas related to the number 6, I decided to do a second entry. If you remember, I posted a blog entry back on February 6th (how appropriate!) relating to the number 6. This is kind of a sequel of sorts to that entry.

Things relating to the number 6 include....

Motel 6 - national motel chain. On the site you can make reservations, learn about programs and promotions and check out the rooms that you'll be staying in on your sojourn. Nice site.

Perl 6 - dev.perl.org Rakudo, a Perl 6 compiler based on Parrot, allows compilation by tecode...huh? Its programming language stuff. Check it out if you enjoy computers, programming and like Perl (not the stone you wear on a string...)

June 6th, xxxx (also 6/6/xxxx) - has lots of famous events that occurred on that date. Charles X succeeded his abdicated cousin Queen Christina to the Swedish throne in 1654. The battle of Normandy begins in 1944 (aka D-Day or Operation Overlord took place.) The NBA was created in 1946 and in 1971 Soyuz program was launched by Russia.

Honeycomb's are six sided - click here for a bit of information on them.

LeBron James wears the number 6 on his uniform.

Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Bill Russell wore uniform number 6 as well.

A sextet is a formation containing exactly six members - commonly associated with vocal or musical instrument groups...

Six Degrees of Separation - I've probably written about this before....this refers to the idea that everyone is, on average, approximately six steps away, by way of introduction, from any other person on Earth....click on this link for the Kevin Bacon Game.

Enjoy the links and the players and the entry.

Regards,
Stu

Hospital Comparisons on Long Island

Hi All,

Hopefully you'll never have to use this site, but if you do...Hospital Compare from the Department of Health and Human Services (sponsored by the United States Government) is absolutely fabulous. I don't throw around compliments like that often, but this site is just great!

Starting at the beginning - a good place to start I would think :) - users can enter a location (Zip Code, City or State) in the boxes provided. Users can then focus on types of hospitals by narrowing down by General Hospitals, by Medical Condition or by Surgical Procedures.

The example that I'll use in this blog entry is a search for hospitals in the zip code 11501 (Mineola, New York). Once I did that search I saw a page that listed 62 hospitals that are withing 25 miles of Mineola. The usual suspects of hospitals comes up - including: Winthrop University Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, North Shore University Hospital and others.

The chart lists hospitals by the hospital type (acute care, acute care - veterans, Children's hospital, Critical Care hospitals and whether or not the hospital offers emergency services).

The real value of the site comes when users click on the tab at the top of the page that says 'Quality of Care'. When users click on this link they can see data on:

1. Survey of Patients' Hospital Experiences
2. Process of Care Measures
3. Outcome of Care Measures
4. Use of Medical Imaging
5. Patient Safety Measures

Users can compare up to 3 different hospitals in chart format - which makes it very, very easy to digest all the data. Users can also view the data in graph or table format for easier viewing and consumption of the information. Wow - very informative, timely and useful information is at your fingertips now!

Enjoy the site - I hope you find it useful and timely.

Regards,
Stu