I am a crap writer.
My spelling is appalling, my grammar even worse and I break every writing rule there is and probably alot more. Before I started writing I never knew there were so many rules. Passive voice, active voice. Past tense, present tense. Show, not tell. Gerunds...
Ahhh!!!
It's enough to make you want to throw the bloody manuscript out the window or take up drinking or eat vast amounts of chocolate.
Mmm, tempting...
Sadly none of these things are an option because a) I write and store everything on my laptop so throwing it out of the window is sooo not a good idea b) I don't like alcohol and c) though I may love chocolate it is not something that will make my writing any better, however much I wish it was so.
Not writing isn't an option either as my head is constantly filled with stories.
Finding out I'm a crap writer is, in truth, a little sad and disheartening. Then again I am in surprisingly good company. Dan Brown, Nicholas Sparks, Nora Roberts, J K Rowling and many others have all been accused of being crap or hack writers.
And though I don't consider myself nearly as good as them if I can write something that is at least half as good and is enjoyed by others I'd be pretty happy.
I'll certainly be getting plenty of practice. 50,000 words over 30 days.
Why, may you ask?
Well November is the annual National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo for those in the know. And I, along with a great many others, will be taking part.
Yes I know. It sounds like madness and I'll probably be mad by the end of it or at the very least a little bit more loopy than I normally am.
Is it the end of November yet?
PS: Gerunds - and yes I had never heard of them before either. Google as always to the rescue...
PS Again: Since I am busy preparing for NaNoWriMo, i.e. skiving off by not writing or reading and instead watching the latest episodes of Supernatural, Vampire Diaries, etc I have instead borrowed from the web goddess herself, Tosca and posted some weblinks that I have come across recently in my web travels.
Happy webbing or writing or whatever the case may be.
The Weird, The Wonderful and The Downright Strange...
Abebooks Weird Room
http://www.abebooks.com/books/weird/index.shtml
As you know I love bookie things so when I came across this book site that features "everything that's bizarre, odd and downright weird in books" I just had to share it. How can you not love sites like this.
Amusing Planet
www.amusingplanet.com
I
love travel and interesting places so this website is perfect of
someone like me as it combines both. Take a look and see some of the
amazing things that are on our planet.
Coursera
https://www.coursera.org
I love the idea of this website which offers around 200 courses that are taught at universities around the world for free. All you have to do is enrol and pick what course you want to do. Of course the only problem is, is that once you've finished you'll want to do another and then another...
The Blog Farm
www.theblogfarm.com
A website featuring blogs. Over 3900 blogs. Wow that's alot of blogs and lot of web reading. I think I've died and gone to heaven...
BoredPanda
http://www.boredpanda.com
This site is addictive. Seriously. Once you get started it's hard to stop. There's something here for everyone. From the truly creative and wonderful to the very weird and strange.
Showing posts with label Cool websites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cool websites. Show all posts
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Friday, 2 December 2011
5 reasons you should check out Bakerella's book/website and make cake pops!
List by Tosca
"Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie."
- Jim Davis
Angie Dudley. Bakerella. Cake pops! No idea what I'm talking about? Then I'm about to school you. Earlier this week I spotted a mention of cake pops on a friend's Facebook status update, and loved it. Absolutely. Loved. It. You can see a pic of her cake pops to the left :) So, what exactly is a cake pop? It's a little cake that sits on a stick. Doesn't seem like much when I put it like that, does it? Give it to Angie Dudley and my Facebook friend, though, and they turn it into a work of art. If you don't believe me, then check out her hugely popular Bakerella.com site. Initially, I was afraid to even look at the instructions because they look complicated. Reader comments, though, all talk about how simple the process really is. How could you not want to see it/make it/touch it/eat it? I was desperately wanting to get my hands on a copy of her book. Unfortunately for me (fortunately for Bakerella), every copy is out :( So I did the next best thing, and popped on over to Bakerella.com and was blown away by what you can do with a bit of cake and a stick. (No, that's not a euphemism). Don't take my word for it, though. Below the fold you'll be able to find out a bit more about the book.
"Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie."
- Jim Davis
Angie Dudley. Bakerella. Cake pops! No idea what I'm talking about? Then I'm about to school you. Earlier this week I spotted a mention of cake pops on a friend's Facebook status update, and loved it. Absolutely. Loved. It. You can see a pic of her cake pops to the left :) So, what exactly is a cake pop? It's a little cake that sits on a stick. Doesn't seem like much when I put it like that, does it? Give it to Angie Dudley and my Facebook friend, though, and they turn it into a work of art. If you don't believe me, then check out her hugely popular Bakerella.com site. Initially, I was afraid to even look at the instructions because they look complicated. Reader comments, though, all talk about how simple the process really is. How could you not want to see it/make it/touch it/eat it? I was desperately wanting to get my hands on a copy of her book. Unfortunately for me (fortunately for Bakerella), every copy is out :( So I did the next best thing, and popped on over to Bakerella.com and was blown away by what you can do with a bit of cake and a stick. (No, that's not a euphemism). Don't take my word for it, though. Below the fold you'll be able to find out a bit more about the book.Wednesday, 28 September 2011
All things New
I was having a wander around the Auckland Libraries website on Monday and found something NEW. That's brand new, fresh and extra helpful.
There is a new addition to the New and Recommended option on our top toolbar. Click on "New Titles" and a whole new world of the most recent additions to the library collection opens up before you.
Browse our new titles lists which includes books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, downloadable books and more. It is updated monthly, which should give you enough time to read the ones you ordered last month. There is also an option to print out some of the lists (perhaps your school library could do this for you).
We also offer a number of RSS feeds for new titles.
RSS for all new titles: Please see a daily feed of the latest Auckland Libraries titles to hit the library catalogue.
RSS for new titles by category: Please see an alternative selection of new titles lists updated daily, weekly, monthly or bi-monthly. Each comes with an RSS feed.
(Note: Although these lists are on the former Auckland City Libraries website, they contain titles from across the Auckland region.)
So far I have ordered two fiction, two graphic novels and one music CD. It is a wonderfully dangerous addition to our website. Check it out today.
There is a new addition to the New and Recommended option on our top toolbar. Click on "New Titles" and a whole new world of the most recent additions to the library collection opens up before you.
Browse our new titles lists which includes books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, downloadable books and more. It is updated monthly, which should give you enough time to read the ones you ordered last month. There is also an option to print out some of the lists (perhaps your school library could do this for you).
We also offer a number of RSS feeds for new titles.
RSS for all new titles: Please see a daily feed of the latest Auckland Libraries titles to hit the library catalogue.
RSS for new titles by category: Please see an alternative selection of new titles lists updated daily, weekly, monthly or bi-monthly. Each comes with an RSS feed.
(Note: Although these lists are on the former Auckland City Libraries website, they contain titles from across the Auckland region.)
So far I have ordered two fiction, two graphic novels and one music CD. It is a wonderfully dangerous addition to our website. Check it out today.
Friday, 22 July 2011
Top 5 for Friday - Minus Two: Webcomics
When is a Top 5 not a Top 5. When it is a Top 3 of course. Sally was talking to me the other day about the world of web comics so I asked her to put something on paper. Here are the results (and they come with a warning that there is an element of adult content in all three).
Sally's Top Three Webcomics
Comics aren’t just found in the graphic novel section of your library (or bookshop) or on the funnies page of the newspaper. There is a wealth of comics (of wildly varying quality) out there on the web, and it can be hard to know where to start. So I thought I'd give you a jumping off point and list some of my favourites, should you like to dive into this world of webcomics yourself. This was supposed to be a Top 5 For Friday blog, but while I came up with the top three easily enough, I had trouble narrowing it down for the final two.
So, without further ado, here are Sally’s Top Five Three Webcomics!
1. Bad Machinery by John Allison - scarygoround.com
Bad Machinery tells the stories of three schoolgirl sleuths and three schoolboy investigators, attending Griswalds Grammar School in Keane End, Tackleford. While not exactly enemies, a mixture of pride, mistrust and pig-headedness keep them at cross purposes.
Bad Machinery is a spin off comic of John Allison's previous comic, Scary Go Round, which in turn was a spin-off of Bobbins. I never really read Bobbins, but if you've got plenty of time to kill and your eyes are up to the task of looking at a computer screen that long, I'd recommend going back through the archives of Scary Go Round.
The stories of Bad Machinery are delightfully weird and dosed with just the right amount of fantasy and magic. And while the humour may not be to everyone’s taste, it gets me laughing aloud (or if there are other people around, at least chortling to myself) on a regular basis.
There’s a link on the main page to the start of the current story line, but at this point it doesn’t take long to get through the Bad Machinery archive, and it’s a good idea to do so to get a proper introduction to the characters. Bad Machinery updates every weekday.
2. Hark, A Vagrant! by Kate Beaton – harkavagrant.com
Kate Beaton is hilarious. Of course it helps that her comics tend to be about historical personages or literature or super heroes, which are all things I enjoy myself. If you only read two things of hers, her interpretation of Nancy Drew covers is wonderful, and then there was her reimagining of Peter Parker as the Brown Recluse Spider Man. It makes me laugh just thinking about it. It was a close run thing as to which of Bad Machinery and Hark, A Vagrant! would end up as number one, and Bad Machinery only won because of the serial nature of the stories. Kate Beaton’s comics tend to be stand-alone, which is an advantage too, of course, because it means that you can dip in and out of them as you please. One of the downsides to Hark, A Vagrant! is that it doesn’t have a regular update schedule, but if you follow Kate Beaton on twitter she tweets when there’s an update, and often posts sketches and little journal comics to twitpic between updates. Kate Beaton has also had some of her cartoons published in the New Yorker.
3. Sam and Fuzzy by Sam Logan – samandfuzzy.com
Basically, Sam and Fuzzy is a comic about an ordinary, everyday kind of guy, whose best friend is a walking talking teddy bear. The strip has been running a while now and so much has happened, but most recently, Sam discovered he was the heir to the throne of the Emperor of the Ninja Mafia, which he has taken over, reformed and now uses it to do Good Deeds. Of course, the ninjas who are used to the old way of doing things aren’t so fond of this do-goodery, especially because it means they’re mostly out of work. But Sam and his small band of dedicated employees persevere to do battle with hamsters, robot clones and brand mascots (Fig Pig. Terrifying. Gross). There’s a lot of back story to get through if you’re really keen, but you can start at the beginning of Sam and Fuzzy Fix Your Problem and pick up the thread from there without any worries. A new character gets introduced here, and she makes a good audience surrogate, asking all the questions a newcomer to the comic needs answered. Sam and Fuzzy is updated on regular Mon/Wed/Fri schedule.
Honourable Mentions:
Questionable Content by Jeph Jacques – questionablecontent.net
Octopus Pie by Meredith Gran – octopuspie.com
XKCD by Randall Munroe – xkcd.com
Gunnerkrigg Court by Tom Siddell – gunnerkriggcourt.com
Sally's Top Three Webcomics
Comics aren’t just found in the graphic novel section of your library (or bookshop) or on the funnies page of the newspaper. There is a wealth of comics (of wildly varying quality) out there on the web, and it can be hard to know where to start. So I thought I'd give you a jumping off point and list some of my favourites, should you like to dive into this world of webcomics yourself. This was supposed to be a Top 5 For Friday blog, but while I came up with the top three easily enough, I had trouble narrowing it down for the final two.
So, without further ado, here are Sally’s Top Five Three Webcomics!
1. Bad Machinery by John Allison - scarygoround.com
Bad Machinery tells the stories of three schoolgirl sleuths and three schoolboy investigators, attending Griswalds Grammar School in Keane End, Tackleford. While not exactly enemies, a mixture of pride, mistrust and pig-headedness keep them at cross purposes.
Bad Machinery is a spin off comic of John Allison's previous comic, Scary Go Round, which in turn was a spin-off of Bobbins. I never really read Bobbins, but if you've got plenty of time to kill and your eyes are up to the task of looking at a computer screen that long, I'd recommend going back through the archives of Scary Go Round.
The stories of Bad Machinery are delightfully weird and dosed with just the right amount of fantasy and magic. And while the humour may not be to everyone’s taste, it gets me laughing aloud (or if there are other people around, at least chortling to myself) on a regular basis.
There’s a link on the main page to the start of the current story line, but at this point it doesn’t take long to get through the Bad Machinery archive, and it’s a good idea to do so to get a proper introduction to the characters. Bad Machinery updates every weekday.
2. Hark, A Vagrant! by Kate Beaton – harkavagrant.com
Kate Beaton is hilarious. Of course it helps that her comics tend to be about historical personages or literature or super heroes, which are all things I enjoy myself. If you only read two things of hers, her interpretation of Nancy Drew covers is wonderful, and then there was her reimagining of Peter Parker as the Brown Recluse Spider Man. It makes me laugh just thinking about it. It was a close run thing as to which of Bad Machinery and Hark, A Vagrant! would end up as number one, and Bad Machinery only won because of the serial nature of the stories. Kate Beaton’s comics tend to be stand-alone, which is an advantage too, of course, because it means that you can dip in and out of them as you please. One of the downsides to Hark, A Vagrant! is that it doesn’t have a regular update schedule, but if you follow Kate Beaton on twitter she tweets when there’s an update, and often posts sketches and little journal comics to twitpic between updates. Kate Beaton has also had some of her cartoons published in the New Yorker.
3. Sam and Fuzzy by Sam Logan – samandfuzzy.com
Basically, Sam and Fuzzy is a comic about an ordinary, everyday kind of guy, whose best friend is a walking talking teddy bear. The strip has been running a while now and so much has happened, but most recently, Sam discovered he was the heir to the throne of the Emperor of the Ninja Mafia, which he has taken over, reformed and now uses it to do Good Deeds. Of course, the ninjas who are used to the old way of doing things aren’t so fond of this do-goodery, especially because it means they’re mostly out of work. But Sam and his small band of dedicated employees persevere to do battle with hamsters, robot clones and brand mascots (Fig Pig. Terrifying. Gross). There’s a lot of back story to get through if you’re really keen, but you can start at the beginning of Sam and Fuzzy Fix Your Problem and pick up the thread from there without any worries. A new character gets introduced here, and she makes a good audience surrogate, asking all the questions a newcomer to the comic needs answered. Sam and Fuzzy is updated on regular Mon/Wed/Fri schedule.
Honourable Mentions:
Questionable Content by Jeph Jacques – questionablecontent.net
Octopus Pie by Meredith Gran – octopuspie.com
XKCD by Randall Munroe – xkcd.com
Gunnerkrigg Court by Tom Siddell – gunnerkriggcourt.com
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
A Week of it
Didn't there used to be a TV show of that name?
I digress. This week is Maori Language Week, where we celebrate one of the official languages of New Zealand. But that's not all. As well as practicing our te Reo this week, we should also be supporting and celebrating:
I digress. This week is Maori Language Week, where we celebrate one of the official languages of New Zealand. But that's not all. As well as practicing our te Reo this week, we should also be supporting and celebrating:
- The Neurological Foundation of New Zealand Annual Appeal Week. Funding for brain research is needed more than ever to improve the outcomes for the growing number of New Zealanders being diagnosed with neurological disorders from Parkinsons and Alzheimers to stroke, migraine and epilepsy (and traumatic brain injuries).
- Sir Peter Blake Trust Leadership Week. Leadership Week is an annual event that highlights the strategic relevance and value that great leadership provides for New Zealand and showcases the work being done to develop our nation’s leadership capability. Auckland Libraries are running an online competition for Leadership week - check out the competition page.
- Independence Day. A big shout out to our American residents who will have been getting all patriotic yesterday (NZ time) and today (American time) for their 4th of July celebrations. The link takes you through to an interesting website I found. Happy birthday (or Hari Huritau) U.S.A.
In addition I can report that today is Work-a-holics Day (and Carribean Day), Thursday is both Chocolate Day and Macaroni Day and Friday is Video Game Day. So sounds like there is something for everyone.
Ka kite ano
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
The Essence of Words
If books and literature in novel and short story form are the power of words, then poetry may be considered the essence or flavour of words. Sometimes short and pithy, sometimes longer and rambling, they take the reader on a personal journey.Auckland Libraries now has a fantastic resource for all poetry lovers that you can access with your library card.
Columbia Granger's World of Poetry contains over 250,000 poems in full text and 450,000 citations. The poems in full text are the most widely-read in the English language, as well as in Spanish, French, German, and Italian. Included also is poetry in Portuguese, Polish, Yiddish, Welsh, Gaelic, and other Celtic languages, as well as poems in the ancient languages: Anglo-Saxon, Provencal and Latin. There is complete coverage of the works of several individual great poets, including the complete poems of Shelley, Blake, Burns, Keats, Marvell, Poe, Unamuno, Heine, Baudelaire, and other major poets.
In addition you will find a wealth of current poetry from some of the best poetry periodicals, such as Poetry Magazine, The Southern Review, and Poetry Northwest.
Plus you can find commentaries on the poems and biographies of the poet's lives. Full text copies of entire books are included in the resource including titles on Chinese and Asian literature.
If poetry closer to home is more your think, pick up the just released Chords & other poems by Kiwi balladeer Sam Hunt. This slim volume contains the melancholic irreverance I have come to expect from Sam Hunt. It suits the moods of the rainy cold winter months admirably.
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
New Digital Resources
Our Web guru Jo Lo reports that three new eResources have been added to the Digital Library: the Encyclopedia of Popular Music, New York Times (1851–2007) and Picture Post Historical Archive.
The New York Times (1851-2007)This database offers full-page images and article images from the New York Times dating back to 1851. You’ll find digital reproductions of every page from every issue, cover to cover, in downloadable PDF files. It’s perfect for students of modern US history who want to see stories and images of the events as they occurred, from one of America's most well-known newspapers.
The Encyclopedia of Popular MusicThis is a searchable online encyclopaedia covering popular music of all genres and periods from 1900 to the present day, including jazz, country, folk, rap, reggae, techno, musicals and world music.The encyclopaedia is also cross-searchable from the Oxford Music Online eResource.
Picture Post Historical ArchiveThe Picture Post Historical Archive comprises the complete archive of the Picture Post from its first issue in 1938 to its last in 1957, all digitised from originals in full colour. A great resource for those interested in images of daily life of pre- and post-war Britain, from the newspaper that helped define modern photo-journalism.
The New York Times (1851-2007)This database offers full-page images and article images from the New York Times dating back to 1851. You’ll find digital reproductions of every page from every issue, cover to cover, in downloadable PDF files. It’s perfect for students of modern US history who want to see stories and images of the events as they occurred, from one of America's most well-known newspapers.
The Encyclopedia of Popular MusicThis is a searchable online encyclopaedia covering popular music of all genres and periods from 1900 to the present day, including jazz, country, folk, rap, reggae, techno, musicals and world music.The encyclopaedia is also cross-searchable from the Oxford Music Online eResource.
Picture Post Historical ArchiveThe Picture Post Historical Archive comprises the complete archive of the Picture Post from its first issue in 1938 to its last in 1957, all digitised from originals in full colour. A great resource for those interested in images of daily life of pre- and post-war Britain, from the newspaper that helped define modern photo-journalism.
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Early Rodney Times now online
The early issues of Auckland Star and Rodney Times are now online, thanks to a collaboration between the National Library of New Zealand and Auckland Libraries. Here are some excerpts from the news release on our website.
Digitised, browseable and fully searchable, the first 33 years of the Auckland Star, and 44 years of the Rodney Times can now be read online on the National Library’s Papers Past website.
In 1901, the weekly Rodney and Otamatea Times, a four-page broadsheet, was printed on one of the first stone litho flat-bed press machines developed by Furnival & Co. Two casual workers shared the job of turning the large wheel by hand while the printer fed sheets of newsprint into the rollers.
The newspaper, published on Fridays, sold for three pennies a copy, and the annual subscription was eight shillings. This paper was renamed several times over the years, including a period as the Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, and most recently as the Rodney Gazette. You can now view issues from March 1901 to December 1945 online.
“The release of the early years of the Auckland Star and Rodney Times is a great example of National Library working in cooperation with Auckland Libraries, which holds the physical copies of the paper, and Fairfax Media, which holds the copyright, to make an invaluable historical resource available to New Zealanders at the touch of a button,” said National Librarian, Bill Macnaught.
Allison Dobbie, Manager Libraries and Information, Auckland Council, is equally enthusiastic about the collaborative project. “Auckland Libraries is committed to helping New Zealanders and researchers from around the world to access our past. Working with partners in this way helps to make this possible.”
“While the experience of the originals is irreplaceable, the value of digitised copies lie in the ease of searching and accessing the wealth of stories in these treasures for people everywhere.”
To have a look for yourself go to the Papers Past website.
Digitised, browseable and fully searchable, the first 33 years of the Auckland Star, and 44 years of the Rodney Times can now be read online on the National Library’s Papers Past website.
In 1901, the weekly Rodney and Otamatea Times, a four-page broadsheet, was printed on one of the first stone litho flat-bed press machines developed by Furnival & Co. Two casual workers shared the job of turning the large wheel by hand while the printer fed sheets of newsprint into the rollers.
The newspaper, published on Fridays, sold for three pennies a copy, and the annual subscription was eight shillings. This paper was renamed several times over the years, including a period as the Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, and most recently as the Rodney Gazette. You can now view issues from March 1901 to December 1945 online.
“The release of the early years of the Auckland Star and Rodney Times is a great example of National Library working in cooperation with Auckland Libraries, which holds the physical copies of the paper, and Fairfax Media, which holds the copyright, to make an invaluable historical resource available to New Zealanders at the touch of a button,” said National Librarian, Bill Macnaught.
Allison Dobbie, Manager Libraries and Information, Auckland Council, is equally enthusiastic about the collaborative project. “Auckland Libraries is committed to helping New Zealanders and researchers from around the world to access our past. Working with partners in this way helps to make this possible.”
“While the experience of the originals is irreplaceable, the value of digitised copies lie in the ease of searching and accessing the wealth of stories in these treasures for people everywhere.”
To have a look for yourself go to the Papers Past website.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Find us on the Web
If you are reading this Blog, you have already found Auckland Libraries on the World Wide Web. But we are not the only place on the internet that you can keep up to date with what is happening at Auckland Libraries including recommendations for reading and information on some of the services we provide. So if my unique sense of humour and blogging is not your style, check out some of these other blogs and web pages to see if they are.
Auckland Libraries Blogging
Auckland Central's 'Books in the city' - Introducing Books in the city – the blog for people who can't live without reading. We'll cover news, opinions and special features from the world of books.
Kintalk / Whānau Kōrero - Introducing Kintalk / Whānau Kōrero – the blog to let you know what's happening in the world of family history and genealogy.
Auckland Central's 'Teen blog' - The team is back with a fresh twist on all things teen. Tune in for reviews, interviews and commentary on books, music, movies, life and more.
Auckland Central's 'All things musical' - Matt and Jerome talk about the world of music in and around the libraries. Get news and reviews, pics and sound opinions about our concerts, CDs, collections and resources.
Manukau's 'Top 5 goodies' - Top 5 lists of library resources, created by Tosca and Danielle for Auckland Libraries - Manukau.
Auckland Libraries on Facebook
Central
Auckland City Libraries
Auckland Research Centre
Grey Lynn Library
North
Rodney Libraries
South
Manukau Libraries
Auckland Libraries on Twitter
Central
@Auckland_Libs - updated by Jo
North
@shorelibs - updated by Sean
@rodneylibraries - updated by Anne
South
@Manukau_Libs - updated by Tosca
AND INTRODUCING (drum roll please) the new Auckland Libraries Facebook Page which brings all your favourite libraries and librarians together to chat, help, recommend and get to know you and what you want from your library. We'll keep you updated with news, highlights, events, eNewsletters and all things library-related. Feel free to leave a query, comment, suggestion or feedback. You can even drop by our page to just say HI.
Auckland Libraries Blogging
Auckland Central's 'Books in the city' - Introducing Books in the city – the blog for people who can't live without reading. We'll cover news, opinions and special features from the world of books.
Kintalk / Whānau Kōrero - Introducing Kintalk / Whānau Kōrero – the blog to let you know what's happening in the world of family history and genealogy.
Auckland Central's 'Teen blog' - The team is back with a fresh twist on all things teen. Tune in for reviews, interviews and commentary on books, music, movies, life and more.
Auckland Central's 'All things musical' - Matt and Jerome talk about the world of music in and around the libraries. Get news and reviews, pics and sound opinions about our concerts, CDs, collections and resources.
Manukau's 'Top 5 goodies' - Top 5 lists of library resources, created by Tosca and Danielle for Auckland Libraries - Manukau.
Auckland Libraries on Facebook
Central
Auckland City Libraries
Auckland Research Centre
Grey Lynn Library
North
Rodney Libraries
South
Manukau Libraries
Auckland Libraries on Twitter
Central
@Auckland_Libs - updated by Jo
North
@shorelibs - updated by Sean
@rodneylibraries - updated by Anne
South
@Manukau_Libs - updated by Tosca
AND INTRODUCING (drum roll please) the new Auckland Libraries Facebook Page which brings all your favourite libraries and librarians together to chat, help, recommend and get to know you and what you want from your library. We'll keep you updated with news, highlights, events, eNewsletters and all things library-related. Feel free to leave a query, comment, suggestion or feedback. You can even drop by our page to just say HI.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Best Books of 2010
There are plenty of magazines, newspapers and websites at the moment telling us all what they think are the best books of 2010. If you are a Christmas grinch (or even slightly cynical) you might think that this is a conspiracy plan by the booksellers to give you ideas on what should be in yours (or others) Christmas stockings. Or you could be like me, and welcome the lists with open arms so that I can request my first pile of reading from the Library for the New Year. Here are a few for you to have a look at.
The Sunday Star Times list can be accessed through the Stuff.co.nz website.
The New Zealand Listener Top 100 and the New Zealand Herald Best Books lists can both be accessed through the New Zealand Booksellers website.
Our cousins at Christchurch City Library blog have their own "Simply the Best" list (plus a link through to the New York Times list)
And finally one of our favourites. The Kiwi Guru of books and book news Mr Graham Beattie has plenty of links and lists this month on Beatties Book Blog
Now if someone could just find one of those lists that I have left lying around with vibrant highlighting on it, my Santa stocking could be full on Christmas morning.
The Sunday Star Times list can be accessed through the Stuff.co.nz website.
The New Zealand Listener Top 100 and the New Zealand Herald Best Books lists can both be accessed through the New Zealand Booksellers website.
Our cousins at Christchurch City Library blog have their own "Simply the Best" list (plus a link through to the New York Times list)
And finally one of our favourites. The Kiwi Guru of books and book news Mr Graham Beattie has plenty of links and lists this month on Beatties Book Blog
Now if someone could just find one of those lists that I have left lying around with vibrant highlighting on it, my Santa stocking could be full on Christmas morning.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Information 24/7 - Library Resources from Home or Work
If you were a member of any of the previous library networks: Auckland, Manukau, North Shore, Waitakere, Rodney, Franklin and Papakura – you now have access to the Digital Library.
The Digital Library is ideal for those who cannot physically get to the library for books and information due to time constraints or other reasons. It is great for researchers, teachers, students, and parents helping their kids with homework. You can use your current library barcode and PIN to access the Digital Library, which holds 100+ specialist eResources encompassing some of the world’s most sought after information including:
The Digital Library is ideal for those who cannot physically get to the library for books and information due to time constraints or other reasons. It is great for researchers, teachers, students, and parents helping their kids with homework. You can use your current library barcode and PIN to access the Digital Library, which holds 100+ specialist eResources encompassing some of the world’s most sought after information including:
1. Renowned encyclopaedias, e.g. World Book Online and Encyclopaedia Britannica Online
2. Top business statistics and information, e.g. Kompass, MarketLine
3. Top arts eResources: Oxford Art Online and William Blake’s America
4. Fun interactive children’s sites: TumbleBooks and TumbleReadables
5. World-class online exhibitions e.g. Shades of Grey, Shakespeare, and, Is It Real Gold?
6. Downloadable Media (eAudio books)
7. Auckland and specialist family history databases, e.g. passenger lists and cemetery records
8. Digitised heritage material e.g. Manuscripts Online
Visit the all-new Digital Library now: www.aucklandcitylibraries.com/digitallibrary. Over the next few weeks I will be having a look at some of these resources. While most of them do need a library card for access, some are open sites. Have a look around and if you have any questions, let me know.
Friday, 29 October 2010
Friday Top 5 - Where to find us
You would have to be some sort of hermit, or have just been rescued from two years on a desert island, not to know that this is the last week of the Rodney District Council and that from 1st November we will all be part of Auckland City.
We've already touched on what that means for Library goers (more books, more resources, the same friendly smile). But today I just want to point you towards where you can find us on the World Wide Web because, we're not going anywhere.
We've already touched on what that means for Library goers (more books, more resources, the same friendly smile). But today I just want to point you towards where you can find us on the World Wide Web because, we're not going anywhere.
- Rodney Libraries website. We have changed and updated our website. This only went live a couple of days ago so there may still be a couple of glitches to work out (let us know if you find anything). It looks a lot like the Auckland Libraries website which covers all 55 libraries, but if you want to look for specifically local content, this is the place to come.
- Rodney Libraries blog. Our daily diary of book reviews, library events and news from the library and literary world (plus local snippets) stays in the same place with the same look. With the departure of blogger rodneylibraries (Kris - Good luck for the future), regular posts will happen Monday, Wednesday and Friday. But there may be posts on the other days, so don't forget to check us out.
- Rodney Libraries Facebook page. Your chance to interact with us on one of the most popular social networking sites in the world. Links through to our catalogue and our blog. Tell us what you like best, what you want, and watch out for news of events happening in your local library.
- Rodney Libraries Twitter. Get quick updates and news by following rodneylibraries and/or kowhaireader on Twitter.
- Rodney Libraries Flickr. Relive the action from Clifford storytimes, see the team in action at work and out promoting the libraries at schools and Shows, watch as we make improvements to our libraries and find out what display has gone up in your local library.
Of course, for a catch-all the place you really need to check out next week is the new Auckland Libraries website. I know I will be.
Have a fantastic weekend everyone.
Friday, 1 October 2010
Follow a Library Friday
TODAY is "Follow a Library Friday". This is a Twitter idea to see how many fantastic libraries there are out there and who is following them. It's actually crept into some of the other social networking media such as YouTube and Blogging.
If you want to find out what it's all about, log onto Twitter and follow us. We're @rodneylibraries and @kowhaireader and if you want to find out all about this event just use the #followalibrary.
The other side of the world is waking up so there will be some great places to visit over the weekend.
Ka kite
If you want to find out what it's all about, log onto Twitter and follow us. We're @rodneylibraries and @kowhaireader and if you want to find out all about this event just use the #followalibrary.
The other side of the world is waking up so there will be some great places to visit over the weekend.
Ka kite
Friday, 18 June 2010
Rural Wonderland
It's that time of the year where we celebrate all things rural with the National Field Days being held at Mystery Creek, Hamilton. It is an annual pilgrimage for many farmers and those involved in the rural support industries (and many who aren't).
To find out who is there, what's happening and when at the Field Days this year, go to their website http://www.fieldays.co.nz/
When you get home, whether you want to know about the animals, the machinery or the land, Rodney Libraries will have something to help you out. For instance,
Get Away Back! This is a photographic record from the heartland around New Zealand
Practical Small Farming in New Zealand The 2009 edition is on our shelves and it covers everything from buying and fencing the land, stock sense, and poisonous plants.
A Century of Farm Tractors is just the sort of thing that would interest my father whose current project is restoring an old David Brown tractor to it's former glory. It looks like a baby next to the two John Deere's he uses for his farm contracting but I can at least recognise some of the controls from learning to drive when I was younger.
How to Build Animal Housing is another popular book in Rodney. From chicken coops to barns and stables, this is in such demand, we have recently purchased extra copies.
But if you just want to relax with a taste of the iconic Kiwi farmer, you can't go past our collection of Footrot Flats or Fred Dagg.
To find out who is there, what's happening and when at the Field Days this year, go to their website http://www.fieldays.co.nz/
When you get home, whether you want to know about the animals, the machinery or the land, Rodney Libraries will have something to help you out. For instance,
Get Away Back! This is a photographic record from the heartland around New Zealand
Practical Small Farming in New Zealand The 2009 edition is on our shelves and it covers everything from buying and fencing the land, stock sense, and poisonous plants.
A Century of Farm Tractors is just the sort of thing that would interest my father whose current project is restoring an old David Brown tractor to it's former glory. It looks like a baby next to the two John Deere's he uses for his farm contracting but I can at least recognise some of the controls from learning to drive when I was younger.
How to Build Animal Housing is another popular book in Rodney. From chicken coops to barns and stables, this is in such demand, we have recently purchased extra copies.
But if you just want to relax with a taste of the iconic Kiwi farmer, you can't go past our collection of Footrot Flats or Fred Dagg.
Friday, 11 June 2010
Snippets on Friday
It's been one of those weekends where there have been heaps of things happening, lots about to happen and "This week in history" has been very interesting as well.
Thursday was the anniversary of the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886. I'v always been fascinated by this story. As well as books in our information section, there are also a variety of fiction titles which use the events as their base. I did a keyword search for Tarawera to find a selection.
New Zealand officially became Nuclear Free on 8th June 1987. For books on the Antinuclear Movement in New Zealand check our catalogue.
Judy Garland was born 10th June 1922. I didn't realise she suffered so badly from depression throughout her life. There definitely was a public persona and a private one. For books, music and DVD's check out our Rodney Libraries catalogue link here.
Of course, the big event about to happen is the kick-off for the 2010 Football World Cup Tournament. Bookmark the FIFA website for up-to-date information during the tournament. Have a look at this link for Football and this link for Soccer (which tends to be where most of our books on the lovely game are catalogued) to find coaching manuals, celebrities, stories and all the facts and figures you could hope for.
Phew - We'v packed quite a lot into a short week. Have an awesome weekend everyone. Ka kite ano.
Thursday was the anniversary of the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886. I'v always been fascinated by this story. As well as books in our information section, there are also a variety of fiction titles which use the events as their base. I did a keyword search for Tarawera to find a selection.
New Zealand officially became Nuclear Free on 8th June 1987. For books on the Antinuclear Movement in New Zealand check our catalogue.
Judy Garland was born 10th June 1922. I didn't realise she suffered so badly from depression throughout her life. There definitely was a public persona and a private one. For books, music and DVD's check out our Rodney Libraries catalogue link here.
Of course, the big event about to happen is the kick-off for the 2010 Football World Cup Tournament. Bookmark the FIFA website for up-to-date information during the tournament. Have a look at this link for Football and this link for Soccer (which tends to be where most of our books on the lovely game are catalogued) to find coaching manuals, celebrities, stories and all the facts and figures you could hope for.
Phew - We'v packed quite a lot into a short week. Have an awesome weekend everyone. Ka kite ano.
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Hello to Orewa College Library
I was trolling around the library and literary message boards today (I had a brief gap in my day) and tripped over the Blog for our friends at the Orewa College Library. It's not brand brand new, but it is new to me and looks like it is already quite active.
Check them out at http://orewacollegelibrary.blogspot.com/
Are there any other local School Library blogs or websites out there that would like a mention? Send us an email and we will see what we can do.
Check them out at http://orewacollegelibrary.blogspot.com/
Are there any other local School Library blogs or websites out there that would like a mention? Send us an email and we will see what we can do.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Magazine Junkie Antidote
I am an almost reformed magazine junkie. I say reformed after surveying my living room over the weekend (for the brief time that I spent at home). However I have now found something to help me with my addiction. And it's right here on the World Wide Web.
I would like to introduce you to one of our latest E-resources (electronic resources) which are databases we subscribe to for you and which are available through our Rodney Libraries website. All you need to access them is your library card and a PIN number.
This particular database is called Popular Magazines. Here you will find thousands of magazine, newsletter, newswires and handbooks. There is something for everyone, from Harper's Bazaar to Popular Mechanics , the Oprah magazine to Family Handyman.
There is a range of industry and professional publications as well. Although predominantly sourced in America, there are titles from around the globe.
Of course if you are the sort the still prefers to turn the page, you can still take advantage of Rodney Libraries, with the seven libraries holding a range of titles. You can check our range on our website here.
I would like to introduce you to one of our latest E-resources (electronic resources) which are databases we subscribe to for you and which are available through our Rodney Libraries website. All you need to access them is your library card and a PIN number.
This particular database is called Popular Magazines. Here you will find thousands of magazine, newsletter, newswires and handbooks. There is something for everyone, from Harper's Bazaar to Popular Mechanics , the Oprah magazine to Family Handyman.
There is a range of industry and professional publications as well. Although predominantly sourced in America, there are titles from around the globe.
Of course if you are the sort the still prefers to turn the page, you can still take advantage of Rodney Libraries, with the seven libraries holding a range of titles. You can check our range on our website here.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Bookworm Websites
I am going to give away some of my trade secrets today. Here is another list of cool websites for the bookworms out there (and where we go when we lack inspiration)
Beattie's Book Blog - We've said it before, but you are hardpressed to go past Graham Beatties' blog for news both national and international to do with books and the publishing industry.
Christchurch City Libraries - They set the standard really high for Library blogs in New Zealand. Live blogging from literary events around New Zealand are a highlight so check out what is happening at the New Zealand Post Readers and Writer's Week in Wellington this month.
Bookiemonster - A new favourite who was highlighted in the Sunday papers recently by author Nicky Pellegrino (also talking about the new style of book bloggers). Bookiemonster is also an online seller.
Good Books NZ - Another online seller, but this one has a point of difference. All profits go to Oxfam.
Manukau Libraries - Our colleagues down in Manukau have put together some great reviews and news on their new-look website.
NZ Books - This periodical is dedicated to reviewing New Zealand publications.
NZ Book Council - The home of New Zealand publishing news
Trade Me Book Forum - It's amazing what gems you pick up on this interactive forum, from where the big second hand book sales are to what to read next to the regular book quiz.
Have fun on the World Wide Web and have a great day.
Beattie's Book Blog - We've said it before, but you are hardpressed to go past Graham Beatties' blog for news both national and international to do with books and the publishing industry.
Christchurch City Libraries - They set the standard really high for Library blogs in New Zealand. Live blogging from literary events around New Zealand are a highlight so check out what is happening at the New Zealand Post Readers and Writer's Week in Wellington this month.
Bookiemonster - A new favourite who was highlighted in the Sunday papers recently by author Nicky Pellegrino (also talking about the new style of book bloggers). Bookiemonster is also an online seller.
Good Books NZ - Another online seller, but this one has a point of difference. All profits go to Oxfam.
Manukau Libraries - Our colleagues down in Manukau have put together some great reviews and news on their new-look website.
NZ Books - This periodical is dedicated to reviewing New Zealand publications.
NZ Book Council - The home of New Zealand publishing news
Trade Me Book Forum - It's amazing what gems you pick up on this interactive forum, from where the big second hand book sales are to what to read next to the regular book quiz.
Have fun on the World Wide Web and have a great day.
Friday, 15 January 2010
Ignite - Evolve - Liberate Yourself for 2010
Some of us were lucky enough to hear motivational speaker Sally Anderson recently. It was a riveting, energy filled and inspiring presentation - just right for the beginning of the year when we all have great ideas of what we would like to achieve, be it beating past demons, taking on new challenges or simply being the best that we can be (not wanting to mention the "R" word).
Sally recommended some further reading, and having checked the shelves of the Rodney Libraries I see that we hold a lot of it. So here is the list with links provided so you can pick the best one for you.
Relationships
Passionate Marriage – Author Robert Schnarch (We don't hold this but we have ordered his latest book Intimacy & Desire: Awaken the passion in your marriage)
5 LOVE Languages – Author Gary Chapman
Money/Manifesting
Ask & It Is Given – Author Esther & Jerry Hicks
The Amazing Power Of Deliberate Intent – Author Esther & Jerry Hicks (we don't have this specific book but we do have others so click on the authors names above).
Think & Grow Rich – Author Napoleon Hill
The Magic Of Believing – Author Claude Bristols
The Dynamic Laws Of Prosperity – Author Catherine Ponder
The Millionaire Maker: Act, Think & Make Money The Way The Wealthy Do - Author Loral
Langemeier
Secret To Attracting Money CD's – Joe Vitale – www.joevitale.com - (They absolutely ROCK). We don't have these in the library but we do have a couple of his books so click on his name to see if they can help you.
Leadership – Following your calling
Even Eagles Need A Push – Author David McNally
Synchronicity: The Inner Path Of Leadership – Author Joseph Jaworski
Motivational
Excuse Me Your Life Is Waiting – Author Lyn Grabhorn
10 Secrets To Success & Inner Peace – Author Wayne Dyer
The Winners Bible – Author Dr Kerry Spackman
Who Stole My Mojo – Author Gary Bertwhistle
The Compassionate Samurai – Author Brian Klemmer
A New Earth – Author Eckhardt Tolle
Why Me Why This Why Now – Author Robyn Norwood
Born To Succeed – Author Colin Turner
A Course In Miracles – The Inner Peace Foundation – A lifetime read by your bed
And here is the link through to Sally's website for you to find out more on how to Ignite - Evolve and Liberate your 2010
Sally recommended some further reading, and having checked the shelves of the Rodney Libraries I see that we hold a lot of it. So here is the list with links provided so you can pick the best one for you.
Relationships
Passionate Marriage – Author Robert Schnarch (We don't hold this but we have ordered his latest book Intimacy & Desire: Awaken the passion in your marriage)
5 LOVE Languages – Author Gary Chapman
Money/Manifesting
Ask & It Is Given – Author Esther & Jerry Hicks
The Amazing Power Of Deliberate Intent – Author Esther & Jerry Hicks (we don't have this specific book but we do have others so click on the authors names above).
Think & Grow Rich – Author Napoleon Hill
The Magic Of Believing – Author Claude Bristols
The Dynamic Laws Of Prosperity – Author Catherine Ponder
The Millionaire Maker: Act, Think & Make Money The Way The Wealthy Do - Author Loral
Langemeier
Secret To Attracting Money CD's – Joe Vitale – www.joevitale.com - (They absolutely ROCK). We don't have these in the library but we do have a couple of his books so click on his name to see if they can help you.
Leadership – Following your calling
Even Eagles Need A Push – Author David McNally
Synchronicity: The Inner Path Of Leadership – Author Joseph Jaworski
Motivational
Excuse Me Your Life Is Waiting – Author Lyn Grabhorn
10 Secrets To Success & Inner Peace – Author Wayne Dyer
The Winners Bible – Author Dr Kerry Spackman
Who Stole My Mojo – Author Gary Bertwhistle
The Compassionate Samurai – Author Brian Klemmer
A New Earth – Author Eckhardt Tolle
Why Me Why This Why Now – Author Robyn Norwood
Born To Succeed – Author Colin Turner
A Course In Miracles – The Inner Peace Foundation – A lifetime read by your bed
And here is the link through to Sally's website for you to find out more on how to Ignite - Evolve and Liberate your 2010
Friday, 11 December 2009
The Gift of Giving
Every person or family has that one (or two) "hard to buy for" person. The type that either has everything or that you just can't figure out what to get them. And trudging around even an air-conditioned mall, let alone a hot street, now that summer finally appears to have arrived, is something that gets the blood pressure and stress levels right up in the red zone.So here's an idea. Go to one of the numerous charity websites and make a donation or purchase something useful for someone in need on their behalf. I first stumbled on these websites when a group of us purchased a couple of chickens for an African Village as an anniversary gift for a colleague (it's a long story, but it was an appropriate gift). Then last Christmas, I received a gift of giving myself, some books for a poor school in South America. It was fantastic, so I filed the idea away for future reference, and here we are. In the leadup to Christmas and wondering what to buy. So here are a few ideas.
Oxfam: 0800 600 700 or http://www.oxfamunwrapped.org.nz/. This is probably one of the more well-known sites (probably best to stick to the reputable organisations if you want to be sure your gifts, both of them, get to where you want them to). Gifts start from $5 for packets of seeds and include goats ($47), safe water, training and baby buffalo.
Unicef: 0800 243 575 or http://www.inspiredgifts.org.nz/. $31 will immunise 100 children against polio or help their imaginations fly with storybooks from $33. Options from Unicef go from little to large ($4,485 to purchase a motorbike which will be used to deliver healthcare to remote areas).
World Vision: 0800 245 000 or http://www.giftsofhope.org.nz/. LIke many of the organisations you can choose between helping agriculture, health, education or emergency funds with your donation.
TEAR Fund: 0800 800 777 or http://www.giftforlife.co.nz/. Like Oxfam gifts start at $5. I think I might spend $10 on Live and Learn for my Secret Santa with a difference.
Fred Hollows Foundation: 0800 227 229 or http://www.giveamiracle.org.nz/. Getting closer to home, $25 will give back the gift of sight to someone.
Royal NZ Foundation for the Blind: 0800 366 283 or http://www.rnzfb.org.nz/. If you want to keep your dollars in New Zealand, what better way that to look at one of our local charities. I'm a little biased about this one, as we have regular visits from a family of guide dog breeders and puppy walkers. One of our library labs has just graduated and is off to his new owner for his first Christmas as a working dog - Good luck Leica. It costs just $20 a month to sponsor a puppy. At just less that $5 a week, maybe it is something that the whole family can do together.
Happy shopping everyone.
Image credit Kris Litman.
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