Image by comedy_nose. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Amazon is taking the phrase “special delivery” very seriously.
A recent article in MIT Technology Review (December 2013), discusses Amazon’s interest in launching a new delivery system using drones. Although this service is continuing to be researched, it has already been proven to be feasible. In 2012, these mini, propeller-based aircraft were used to deliver supplies to refugee camps in Haiti. Click here to read the full article by David Talbot titled: Separating Hype from Reality on Amazon’s Drones.
Fun facts: Specific to Amazon, Econsultancy (December 2013) released online holiday shopping statistics for this year in comparison to 2012.
This post is an original series created by librarians/media specialists across Central Minnesota featuring books. If you have a book you would like to showcase, send your review to our offices.
Review by Maria Burnham, SRRHS Library Media Specialist
Cover art for Girl Meets Boy by Tracey Emin. Retrieved online 12/12/13.
I have to believe that everyone, at some point in their lives, has had a discussion with someone about the difference in perspective between men and women. Oftentimes my husband and I talk about how we “interrupt” a conversation we’ve had or events in our lives so differently from each other. Frankly, we just see things differently because we are different genders. And that idea is exactly the premise of Girl Meets Boy: Because There Are Two Sides to Every Story.
The book is actually a compilation of short stories about male/female relationships among teens. Each story is told twice, once from the male perspective and once from the female lens, and each chapter of the book is written by a different YA author. The first story in the book is written by Chris Crutcher and it’s a story of a young (and quite handsome) young man named John who has a bad habit of lying to girlfriends to get what he wants. However, he vows to change his ways, so his next female relationship takes him down a new road of friendship and love. Once you learn of this relationship through John’s eyes, the next chapter retells the story through the lens of his newest love interest, Wanda Wickham, written by the book’s editor, Kelly Milner Halls. And once you learn how Wanda sees the world, your view on the whole situation completely changes.
I love that each chapter of this book is a little different because the voice always changes and you never know what you’re going to read. The book is fairly short and would be a good fit for a struggling reader because the stories cut right to the chase. Warning: some of the content about the relationships relate to sexual intimacy, so the book is probably most appropriate at a high school level.
**This legislative update was originally written by Elaine Keefe, lobbyist for MLA/MEMO** (Received on December 5, 2013 at 4:07:49 PM )
On Thursday the state economic forecast was released and it contains good news!
The state has a projected surplus of almost $1.1 billion. After the school property tax recognition shift is repaid, along with a loan from the state airport fund, $825 million remains on the bottom line. You can read the forecast documents on the Minnesota Management and Budget website: http://www.mmb.state.mn.us/nov-2013-forecast. I attended a series of news conferences held today by MMB officials, Governor Dayton, and DFL and Republican legislative leaders. All of them cautioned that things could change between now and the next forecast in late February. Here is a summary of their comments: MMB officials pointed out that the money is not yet in the bank, and that we are only 5 months into the current state fiscal year. They also noted that one way to avoid the need for future education funding shifts would be to build a bigger state budget reserve. Governor Dayton said that if the February forecast shows a similar surplus, he will propose a series of tax cuts. He wants to repeal the business sales taxes that were passed last session (on warehouses, equipment repair and telecommunications equipment). The projected cost of repealing those taxes in the current biennium is $315 million. He also wants to cuts taxes for the middle class by conforming with federal law to eliminate the marriage penalty and expand the working family credit. House DFL leaders seemed supportive of Governor Dayton’s tax cut proposals. Senate DFL leaders said that their top priority was to build up a larger state budget reserve. They were non-committal about tax cuts. House and Senate Republican leaders said the large surplus proved that the tax increases passed last session were unnecessary. They support repealing all of them.
Elaine Keefe Capitol Hill Associates
525 Park Street, Suite 310
St. Paul, MN 55103
office 651-293-0229
cell 612-590-1244
elaine@capitolhillassoc.com
Image by UrbaneWomanMag. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
This time of the year, surrounded by holiday sweets and treats, you may be looking for tips and tricks to stay in shape. MakeUseOf posted an article you might find helpful, while at work.
Image by Maria Reyes-McDavis. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
The best writers are able to adjust the style of writing to fit the intended audience. Blogging is a web-based, log of information generated by a user(s.)It is often reflective and a less formal medium for writers to share content and deliberate.
In an article by Edudemic, Dr. Patricia Fioriello talks about how blogging helps improve general writing and critical thinking skills at any age. Fioriello encourages this medium to engage reluctant writers stating, “Blogging helps students find their voice.” She further discusses the positive influences it has on writing in the article, How Blogging Can Help Reluctant Writers(August, 2013.)
The Blogger has over 46 million unique visitors each month
Tip: Check out this year’s top ranked blog for school libraries, Blue Skunk.
Don’t forget, about the 23 Mobile Things Program starting soon. Participants from the library profession will be asked to blog about their experiences testing new apps. Click here to learn more about this program.
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