Hope you plan on joining us for the ALA 2009 Annual Conference!
Music
For over 100 years, Booklist magazine has been reading everything--so you don't have to. But how do we read that many books? For the first time ever, the intrepid editors of Booklist provide a glimpse into the their top-secret methods. Prepare to be shocked and amazed.
Movies
Legendary author Avi speaks to Booklist about Poppy and Ereth - his newest and most autobiographical book - as well as how he ended up with his famous name, how his lack of a distinctive style helps him as a writer, his thoughts on how the Newbery Award could improve, and which of his books is the "best." Hint: it's a trick question.
Television
Lauren Myracle, the oft-challenged author of such books as ttyl and the new Peace, Love & Baby Ducks, sits down with Booklist to discuss why libraries "rule the world," how she handles angry emails from parents, and the Stephen King influences behind last year's Bliss. Myracle also touches on how her early experiences as a middle school teacher convinced her she was "a crappy human being"--but at least gave her plenty of stories to tell.
Books
T.A. Barron, author of the Lost Years of Merlin books and the in-progress Merlin's Dragon trilogy, speaks to Booklist about the 32 rejection letters that helped convince him to quit his venture capital business and begin writing fantasy epics. (One of his business partners had a different suggestion: therapy.) Barron also gives his thoughts on finishing up the 12-book Merlin cycle and how to make fantasy feel "true."
Heroes
The Advocacy Associates’ Stephanie Vance, also known as the Advocacy Guru, conducted this podcast, highlighting the great experiences of library advocates and what they learned while in Washington, D.C. Vance and other library advocates discuss the importance of NLLD, advice for other library advocates and steps that every library advocate should know when building relationships with their elected officials
Members of the American Library Association (ALA) are change-agents within their communities. From public to academic to school to research and special libraries, ALA members have an immediate, dynamic impact on the quality of life in a community; on successful student learning outcomes; on the sustainability of critical engagements with the past and the extending access to tools for charting a new future; and on the usefulness of work/life in every field of human endeavor. And this profile would like to show them off.
United We Serve Obama to engage more Americans in serving their communities this summer. United We Serve kicks off on June 22 and runs through September 11, which will be marked for the first time as a national day of service and remembrance. The initiative focuses on four key areas: education, health, energy, and the environment; and community renewal. It is being lead by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives and strengthens communities through volunteering and service.
The White House contacted ALA to encourage libraries to get involved. Libraries are a critical piece of the initiative, as one of the four broad issues it will address is supporting education and literacy for all Americans. Volunteer opportunities can be posted right now at serve.gov.
Who I'd like to meet: Libraries, librarians, library workers, students, library supporters, and library lovers.
You can chat with Tina, ALA's Member Specialist for Membership Development, using Meebo:
If she's not in, leave a message!
PLEASE keep in mind that following our internal policies I cannot approve any comments containing urls.
DEAREST FRIEND, AUTHOR JAN AS WE KNOW LIKES FOR ALL OF US TO BE A FAMILY. AS SHE FEELS VERY CLOSE AND CONNECTED TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!! THIS WEEK WITH EVERYONE'S OVERWHELMING COMMENTS SHE'D LIKE TO SHARE ONE OF HER BIGGEST AND BOLDEST STATEMENTS!!
“When someone stabs me in the back I turn around, pull it out and smile. Because they had just handed me their biggest weapon and they had just taught me how to use it!!”
HELLO FRIENDS, AUTHOR JAN IS MOURNING THE LOSS OF MICHAEL JACKSON AND FELT EXTREMELY HONORED WHEN HE JOINED OUR FAN CLUB. SHE'D LIKE TO RELEASE ANOTHER EXCERPT FROM HER PERSONAL DIARY IN HIS MEMORY!!
“The Broken Journey of God’s Children”
We ask for breaks, but get broken. Without fear nor hate we still love. Some of us are able to walk, others not. Frail bodies filled with curiosity and wonder to be wanted. Many evils taunting our happy faces filled with tears of nothing but forgiveness for humanity. Even while our wings are clipped by misunderstanding we’ll still fly someday.
We move about this earth so weary. Upon many lands we try to help other people even if we fall in the process. But, I guess this is our duty. To prove that golden hearts can understand the meaning of life. Forgiving when evil strikes. And loving everyone being full of hope that their sins will truly be forgiven.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
HELLO DEAREST ONE, AUTHOR JAN RECEIVED A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH; "NO CANCER & NO FURTHER PROCEEDURES REQUIRED!!" SHE WANTS TO THANK EVERYONE FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS AS THEY HAVE DEFINATELY WORKED!! WE ALL MAKE A GREAT TEAM!!
HERE'S ANOTHER LITTLE QUOTE FROM JAN'S PERSONAL DIARY...
“Shafted”
When you pilfer from a pauper. If you harm the disabled. Or even lie to a child…
You’ve slapped the face of almighty God Himself!!
*EXCERPT FROM THE CHAPTER "THE DIARY OF A JADED GIRL" FROM HER NEWLY RELEASED BOOK; "MY JADED LIFE"
Hey, most of the new student media projects are done, posted a link to them in our latest Blog.
Peace, John
“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music. ... I get most joy in life out of music.”
Hey! Thank you for supporting my music. Check out my web site at www.vanessathompson.net and my music videos at www.youtube.com. One of my youtube videos is below for you to hear. If you like it, feel free to put it on your page and share it with your friends. There are also some banners on my page if you want to use them on your page. If you have Facebook, please add me. Some are putting me in their top friends. The support is really appreciated. Hope you like the new cover on Hollywood Celebrity Magazine. If you like my music, please add it to your play list for others to hear. Thank you :)
I will be opening for Baby Bash & Frankie J with special guest Paula Deanda in July, 2009 at the El Corazon in Seattle, Wa. at 8 PM. If you can be there, get you tickets now before it sells out. It is for all ages. See you there ~ Vanessa :)
Dearest Friend, Author Jan Is Healing Nicely. Although she still has to keep her foot propped up and in the icy boot, she sends her warmest wishes!! And she wants me to Personally Thank All of You for Your Friendship & Support through her Surgery!!! She feels that she wouldn't have made it without your prayers!!
Here's Another "Sneek Peak" from her book this week!! :)
“Mighty Warrior”
Oh mighty, sing your cries to me A bloody path has dried Tell me the tale of your victory The empty fields blow too silent...
.................................
Like feathers they warm your soul Their emptiness has room for grief Silence is the loudest sound When lovers blood is lost
