James Patterson's Alexander Cross series has always been titled after nursery rhymes such as "Along Came A Spider", "Kills the Girls", etc. Because his newest title is named "Cross", you would expect a major change in the series. That is not case.
Other than the title, the only change is that Alexander Cross, a forensic psychologist, has left the FBI and police work behind to open a private practice. He gets sucked back into crime fighting by looking for his wife's killer. The death of his wife has been in the background throughout the series, and we finally learn something about her and her murder ten years ago. He finds the answers he needs and realizes that he has to get over her to stop his hazardous work and build a permanent relationship with another woman.
Because I have read the entire series, I was disappointed in the plot of the book. I found it followed the same pattern as the other books without adding anything new to the series. Patterson is known for his original and shocking villians. This one seems very boring by comparison, and I ended up not caring if Cross caught him or not. The pace of the book is still very fast paced so if you want a quick, easy read this is a great book. If you have read the series, you may be disappointed.
Judy Bastin
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Friday, January 12, 2007
Poetry not for the squeamish...
Review from my daughter:
Although I'm not a huge poetry fan -- I tend to like my prose, and stick with my prose, and be happy with my prose -- I do want to recommend this delightfully disgusting book:Now We Are Sick: An Anthology of Nasty Verse, edited by Neil Gaiman and Stephen Jones.
It's set up much like a Shel Silverstein or Jack Prelutsky book of verses, but the reading material is definitely oriented toward the child inside of the adult. From the ghoulish to the gorey, there are giggles aplenty throughout. At 108 pages (of verse), it's a quick and enjoyable read.
Why am I posting about it here? While it's certainly not a fairy tale, the writers have drawn on that substance from which the best stories are made -- fear of things that go bump in the night, and the dark side of humanity that feeds those very bumpers. With nods to other authors, like Lewis Carrol ("You're Deceased, Father William," etc), this book is definitely one you want to get your hands on.
Happy reading!
Although I'm not a huge poetry fan -- I tend to like my prose, and stick with my prose, and be happy with my prose -- I do want to recommend this delightfully disgusting book:Now We Are Sick: An Anthology of Nasty Verse, edited by Neil Gaiman and Stephen Jones.
It's set up much like a Shel Silverstein or Jack Prelutsky book of verses, but the reading material is definitely oriented toward the child inside of the adult. From the ghoulish to the gorey, there are giggles aplenty throughout. At 108 pages (of verse), it's a quick and enjoyable read.
Why am I posting about it here? While it's certainly not a fairy tale, the writers have drawn on that substance from which the best stories are made -- fear of things that go bump in the night, and the dark side of humanity that feeds those very bumpers. With nods to other authors, like Lewis Carrol ("You're Deceased, Father William," etc), this book is definitely one you want to get your hands on.
Happy reading!
Friday, December 01, 2006
State Library Update
The State Library of Kansas is a big supporter of library efforts in Kansas, including this one at Butler Community College.
The State Librarian speaks to all that's happened at the State Library this year:
http://skyways.lib.ks.us/news/publish/article_00314.shtml
And for a further look at libraries in Kansas, check out the Kansas Libraries newsletter for December here:
http://skyways.lib.ks.us/news/publish/cat_index_52.shtml
I'm serving on the Kansas Library Network Board/State Library Advisory Commission and enjoy quarterly meetings with my peers and the State Librarians. Any interested parties are invited... we need to get the minutes and agenda into a public forum or blog so people CAN attend. I'll be working on it!
Micaela
The State Librarian speaks to all that's happened at the State Library this year:
http://skyways.lib.ks.us/news/publish/article_00314.shtml
And for a further look at libraries in Kansas, check out the Kansas Libraries newsletter for December here:
http://skyways.lib.ks.us/news/publish/cat_index_52.shtml
I'm serving on the Kansas Library Network Board/State Library Advisory Commission and enjoy quarterly meetings with my peers and the State Librarians. Any interested parties are invited... we need to get the minutes and agenda into a public forum or blog so people CAN attend. I'll be working on it!
Micaela
Friday, November 03, 2006
A note from a fellow librarian
Hi Micaela,
I just wanted to take a second and send you and your staff a note of praise! I was working with a transfer student from Butler and was extremely impressed. He knew his stuff! I do one-on-one consultations with our Chemistry students in which we evaluate their information seeking behavior and in his search path there was not one mention of google, wikipedia, etc. He had carefully thought about his keyword selections and used advanced techniques when formulating his query. He spoke very highly of your team and was genuinely appreciative of all the help the librarians at Butler gave him during his time at your college.
Keep up the fantasic work!
K-State at Salina Library
2310 Centennial Road
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 826-2616
That's what we live for... thank you!
--Micaela
I just wanted to take a second and send you and your staff a note of praise! I was working with a transfer student from Butler and was extremely impressed. He knew his stuff! I do one-on-one consultations with our Chemistry students in which we evaluate their information seeking behavior and in his search path there was not one mention of google, wikipedia, etc. He had carefully thought about his keyword selections and used advanced techniques when formulating his query. He spoke very highly of your team and was genuinely appreciative of all the help the librarians at Butler gave him during his time at your college.
Keep up the fantasic work!
K-State at Salina Library
2310 Centennial Road
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 826-2616
That's what we live for... thank you!
--Micaela
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Back from vacation... to an upgrade
Hey all,
Just back from a trip to Albany, NY to attend the wedding of my mother-in-law. It was a great time.
This arrived while I was gone:
PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kim Harp, Legislative Reference
State Library of Kansas
300 SW 10th Ave Rm 343-N
Topeka, KS 66612
785-296-2149
kimh@kslib.info
Free Software Streamlines Download Audiobook Use
Topeka, KS 10/17/06
Have you tried downloading a book from the State Library’s Audiobooks, Music and More yet? Now Overdrive gives you one more reason why you should go to http://kansas.lib.overdrive.com to download your next audiobook.
Overdrive, Inc., a leading digital media distributor, announced today the release of Version 2.1 of OverDrive Media Console, free PC desktop software that enables download, management, and playback of digital audiobooks, music, and video. This free upgrade includes “Transfer Wizard,” a feature that with two mouse clicks transfers a downloaded audiobook from a PC to supported portable MP3 players. It is even easier than before!
The new software, available at http://www.overdrive.com/MediaConsole/, also provides audiobook listeners with book marking, speed adjustment, chapter navigation, resume from furthest point played, and hot key navigation features.
Audiobooks, Music and More! provides access to thousands of award-winning audiobook titles from the leading publishers, authors, and narrators including new best sellers by John Grisham, Richard Patterson, Tom Clancy, Amy Tan, Janet Evanovich, Mitch Albom, David Sedaris, Dave Barry, Meg Cabot, Dean Koontz and hundreds more.
Users of earlier versions of OverDrive Media Console 2.0 will be prompted to update to the newer version. All new patrons of Kansas libraries will automatically be offered this new release.
For more information on Audiobooks, Music and More! contact the State Library at 785-296-3296 or audiobooks@kslib.info.
###
Just back from a trip to Albany, NY to attend the wedding of my mother-in-law. It was a great time.
This arrived while I was gone:
PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kim Harp, Legislative Reference
State Library of Kansas
300 SW 10th Ave Rm 343-N
Topeka, KS 66612
785-296-2149
kimh@kslib.info
Free Software Streamlines Download Audiobook Use
Topeka, KS 10/17/06
Have you tried downloading a book from the State Library’s Audiobooks, Music and More yet? Now Overdrive gives you one more reason why you should go to http://kansas.lib.overdrive.com to download your next audiobook.
Overdrive, Inc., a leading digital media distributor, announced today the release of Version 2.1 of OverDrive Media Console, free PC desktop software that enables download, management, and playback of digital audiobooks, music, and video. This free upgrade includes “Transfer Wizard,” a feature that with two mouse clicks transfers a downloaded audiobook from a PC to supported portable MP3 players. It is even easier than before!
The new software, available at http://www.overdrive.com/MediaConsole/, also provides audiobook listeners with book marking, speed adjustment, chapter navigation, resume from furthest point played, and hot key navigation features.
Audiobooks, Music and More! provides access to thousands of award-winning audiobook titles from the leading publishers, authors, and narrators including new best sellers by John Grisham, Richard Patterson, Tom Clancy, Amy Tan, Janet Evanovich, Mitch Albom, David Sedaris, Dave Barry, Meg Cabot, Dean Koontz and hundreds more.
Users of earlier versions of OverDrive Media Console 2.0 will be prompted to update to the newer version. All new patrons of Kansas libraries will automatically be offered this new release.
For more information on Audiobooks, Music and More! contact the State Library at 785-296-3296 or audiobooks@kslib.info.
###
Friday, October 06, 2006
Chronicle Careers: 10/3/2006: Show Your Librarian Some Love
Chronicle Careers: 10/3/2006: Show Your Librarian Some Love
What a gentle reminder...
And how I appreciate those who do show the love.
What a gentle reminder...
And how I appreciate those who do show the love.
Monday, October 02, 2006
And they don't call it a Laptop because?...
CPSC Releases Tips on Notebook Computer Use
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2006
Release #06-271 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC Releases Tips on Notebook Computer Use
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Notebook computers are now a part of modern life. They can be found in offices, schools and homes across the country. There are tens of millions of portable computers in use. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of at least 47 incidents involving smoke or fire associated with notebook computers, from January 2001 through August 2006. To promote safe use of notebook computers, batteries and chargers, CPSC offers the following tips:
Do not use incompatible computer batteries and chargers. If unsure about whether a replacement battery or charger is compatible, contact the product manufacturer.
Computer batteries can get hot during normal use. Do not use your computer on your lap.
Do not use your computer on soft surfaces, such as a sofa, bed or carpet, because it can restrict airflow and cause overheating.
Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.
Do not crush, puncture or put a high degree of pressure on the battery as this can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.
Avoid dropping or bumping the computer. Dropping it, especially on a hard surface, can potentially cause damage to the computer and battery. If you suspect damage contact the manufacturer.
Do not place the computer in areas that may get very hot.
Do not get your computer or battery wet. Even though they will dry and appear to operate normally, the circuitry could slowly corrode and pose a safety hazard.
Follow battery usage, storage and charging guidelines found in the user’s guide.
---
Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2006
Release #06-271 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC Releases Tips on Notebook Computer Use
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Notebook computers are now a part of modern life. They can be found in offices, schools and homes across the country. There are tens of millions of portable computers in use. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of at least 47 incidents involving smoke or fire associated with notebook computers, from January 2001 through August 2006. To promote safe use of notebook computers, batteries and chargers, CPSC offers the following tips:
Do not use incompatible computer batteries and chargers. If unsure about whether a replacement battery or charger is compatible, contact the product manufacturer.
Computer batteries can get hot during normal use. Do not use your computer on your lap.
Do not use your computer on soft surfaces, such as a sofa, bed or carpet, because it can restrict airflow and cause overheating.
Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.
Do not crush, puncture or put a high degree of pressure on the battery as this can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.
Avoid dropping or bumping the computer. Dropping it, especially on a hard surface, can potentially cause damage to the computer and battery. If you suspect damage contact the manufacturer.
Do not place the computer in areas that may get very hot.
Do not get your computer or battery wet. Even though they will dry and appear to operate normally, the circuitry could slowly corrode and pose a safety hazard.
Follow battery usage, storage and charging guidelines found in the user’s guide.
---
Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
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