Sippy cups for patrons

Please people keep control of your beverages while in the library. If you cannot handle drinking your beverage without spilling then we need to talk. Pre-schoolers have better handling skills than some of the people I've seen. Today for example. A nice patron managed to spill 1 liter of water onto the floor in the computer lab. We had to contain the lake left behind by the patron that ran off. Now we have fans running so that the carpet will not be an invitation for nasty microbes. I despise playing "Mom" at work.

Or the time last winter when a patron managed to spill their Venti Starbucks coffee onto the desk, keyboard, mouse and CPU. The person left in such a hurry that their cup was still laying where it fell. I only noticed the mess because I heard this loud beeping from the computer, because it was damaged! That was the worst mess we have had with our computers in some time. Thankfully we replaced them all recently. I cannot understand why people disappear immediately afterward. Responsibility is evaded so much nowadays. I miss the old times when people actually admitted to mistakes and were at least willing to help clean up their spills.

Book of the Week: Me & Emma By: Elizabeth Flock

The book covers very touchy complex topics. The tragic death of a parent, physical and sexual abuse, and depression. It is told from the perspective of 8 year old Carrie Culver (Parker), including fantastic southern dialogue. You almost feel like you are 8 and reading the thoughts of this little girl. I loved the way this character refers to distance in Barbie lengths.

Despite having a step-father and having her named changed to Parker, deep down Carrie still considers herself a Culver, the surname being the only remnant she has of her father. She tells of the tragic death of her father, the only person she truly felt love from, witnessed by her younger sister Emma. When ever she was having a terrible day she would rescind into those happy memories with her father. Her mother's indifference and depression slowly takes its toll on Carrie's life; for a positive thinking little girl she has difficulty connecting the complexity of depression.

She can't bear to think about her step-father, Richard, as a father figure. The verbally, physically and sexually abusive man. He is constantly up-front about his hate for her and makes sure that she is taught to be obedient. She did what she could to avoid the man however many days she was not able to hide. "I try to stay away from home as much as I possibly can."

When her step-father decides to move the family to a new home Carrie finds a friend in the lonesome old man. He strikes her as being grumpy and most likely is yet he can't find the reason to dislike Carrie. She begins spending time with Mr. Wilson and learns how to shoot a gun. She learns that he knew her paternal grandfather and is impressed that she has a knack for playing a banjo and firing a gun. He becomes a grandfatherly figure for Carrie, telling her the truth, not avoiding her questions. In a strange way he begins to fill the hole in her heart.

What amazing childhood flashbacks I had reading this one. This was a sad reminder of how poorly children are treated. This is not a feel good book. I was left feeling depressed and saddened. It was a good read but the images will be left with you for days if not for life.

Hot Foot Express

The shuttle bus had its heat on full blast today. My 10 minute ride was uncomfortable. My feet were burning because the heater was located behind my feet and that thing was pumping out a good deal of HOT air. Ouch. I was anxious to get off the shuttle and get to work......sad I know.

It's cool out in the morning but not that cool. Mr. Driver Man lay off the blasting heat.
Thanks!

Book of the Week:Garbage Land on the secret trail of trash By: Elizabeth Royte

In the Land fills America's hidden secrets are hidden deep within. Our lives are on display underneath piles of gunk. Who knew your trash was the leftover imprint of your life?

I have always been interested in recycling and how the rate of waste disposal has become this incredible invisible elephant in the room. I think of myself as being an eco-conscious person but I am realizing that I may not be as good as I should. I, too, am guilty of being a consumer and not thinking about the ways my consumption has impacted the environment. As my life becomes more and more busy I find that I neglect the eco-consciousness I once had.

In the introduction the author details the contents of her trash can, sorting through the typical paper items; tissues, receipts, boxes, etc. then on to the household items like dust, dirt, broken stuff and the kitchen organics. Going through her garbage was an awaking for her, realizing that the same items often found their way in the can. She was concerned about a few things: her diet was very evident, she needed to diversify her eating habits, she went through a lot of paper and that her family threw out a lot of stuff. She remarked how irritated she became when she realized that the instant she replaced the trash bag garbage began collecting immediately.

It is said that one way to reduce your trash or at least become more aware is to have only on garbage can. That eliminates the questions. But really, is that an option? Could I, could you only use 1 trash can? I'm not sure I would like to. It's a goal. Maybe then I would be able to focus on the waste levels my family goes through.

Quotes to note:

pg.57 "Wet garbage, engineers knew, would generate leachate for thousands of years: the dumps of the Roman Empire, more than two thousand years old, are still leaching today."

That quote knocked me out. Whoa. Still leaching toxins.

pg.59 "According to researchers at Texas A&M University, the leachate produced inside Subtitle D landfills, which contain only municipal solid waste, and Subtitle C landfills, which contain hazardous waste, is chemically identical. "

Another blow. How frightening.

I recommend reading this book for everyone. You will become much more aware of your waste. Landfills are only getting more and more filled. The next question is Where do we put it next?

My BIG fat Greek bus ride

There is a Greek shuttle bus driver that occasionally I encounter. I noticed the first time I was his passenger that he was a tad bold in his driving style. Yet after today I am realizing that this guy is an aggressive driver. I find it very strange since he is rather friendly and otherwise nice. It must be the driving that sets him off. He cuts people off, has no problem honking his horn or shaking his fist at people. I love that he has a slight accent so that if I close my eyes it feels like I'm visiting another country. This driver likes to speed so you can either sway with the bus as it takes the corners or hold on tightly.

As I watched my fellow passengers I noticed that they were getting concerned with this guy. It was solidified once he cut off some slow left turning commuters by passing them on the right. He blazingly leaned on his horn as he passed a confused delivery truck, muttering about the truck's driver being an idiot. (Which I agree, why should anyone feel they can stop in the middle of the road as they search for an address by peering over the passenger side seat? During rush hour of all times.)

Now, I see that this guy is nuts when he drives, but you will NEVER be late getting to your destination. (In fact if I am running behind and get on his bus I most likely will make to work on time.) And he is good at maneuvering these large buses as if they were compact cars. I say drive on angry Greek driver-guy. Cut off all those local jerks and let them know that other countries have much more skilled aggressive drivers.