Happy Holidays!

Wishing everyone a Happy Holidays! Hope all the Students Get a Restful Break from School.

Finals Resting Place Returns Tonight!

Jack is Back! And he was so excited to return, Jack appeared one day earlier than expected.

It's that time of the year again where students must endure a nightmare before leaving for Christmas break. A nightmare called "finals!"

The Finals Resting Place is an annual activity during finals week where the library provides free snacks, games and a contest to help students relax and take quality breaks while studying for finals in the library. This event runs from Tuesday, December 7th to Wednesday, December 15th.

The library will be open late for students on December 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14. On these evenings, the library will remain open until midnight. Snacks will be offered on these evenings beginning at 8:00pm. Games will be available throughout the event.

The "Best Excuse" contest will begin on Tuesday evening, December 7th and a winner will be selected at noon on December 15th. The library wants the best and most creative excuse of why your library materials are late. "Excuse" forms are available in the library next to the submission box on the Circulation Desk. Be sure to include your name and number along with your excuse so the library can contact you. No limits on the number of submissions made. The winner will receive a mystery Christmas gift from the Library.

Although the Library is making the study environment fun and festive, the Library does observe absolute quiet throughout the building during this period.

Happy 90th Birthday Ray Bradbury

The display at the front of the library celebrates the long life of Ray Bradbury.

The American writer Ray Bradbury was born August 22, 1920. At age 13 his family moved to Los Angeles where he continues to reside. Bradbury began publishing horror and detective stories in pulp magazines during the early 1940s. His first book, Dark Carnival, was published in 1947.

During the 1950s Bradbury wrote the books for which he is most renowned: The Martian Chronicles, The Illustrated Man, Fahrenheit 451, and Dandelion Wine. Bradbury has also written movie and television scripts, most notably the script for John Huston’s 1956 production of Moby Dick. Among his many television scripts are those for three seasons of Ray Bradbury Presents during the 1980s.

Ray Bradbury’s writing provides memorable and sometimes poetic imagery that has made him a favorite of millions of readers. Though criticized throughout his career for violating the scientific standards of “hard science fiction” Bradbury continues to write in his own way because he is interested in using a fantastic approach to exploring the human condition on our planet and in outer space.

His latest book Now and Forever was published in 2007. It includes a retelling of Moby Dick in which a space captain is obsessed with capturing a great white comet. Ray Bradbury continues to write and publish, and he also makes public appearances at which he enjoys interacting with his fans.

Senate passes the Cobell vs. Salazar

The Senate passed the Cobell vs. Salazar Settlement on 11/19/10 when approving H.R. 4783. On November 19, 2010, the U.S. Senate passed legislation approving the Cobell v. Salazar class action settlement and authorizing $3.4 billion in funds. The bill will be sent to the U.S. House of Representatives, where it must also pass in order to become law.

This step in the settlement of the Cobell vs. Salazar class action suit is the fruit of a twelve-year battle of Native Americans with Individual Money Accounts (IMA)to force the U.S. Government to provide an accurate accounting of the money in their accounts held in trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and to make reparations for mishandling.

For access to the key documents in the case go to: http://www.cobellsettlement.com/docs/key_docs.php.

Veterans History Project

In celebration of Veteran's Day, the Library would like to highlight a Library of Congress project collecting the history and stories of servicemen & servicewomen who have served in the armed forces since World War I up to present day conflicts. Sponsored and created by the American Folklife Center in 2000, this project collects, preserves and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may directly hear from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The project is also expanding to include the stories of civilian U.S. citizens who were actively involved in supporting war efforts, such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, and so on.

Novel/Movie Adaptation Display

Come see the Novel/Movie Adaptation display this month at the Al Harris Library! Many novels have been the basis of films, some of which have gone on to become prize-winning movies. In addition to the items on this display, you may check out a variety of other movies and novels, including some recent ones. Here are some of the novels and movies available at the Library: The African Queen, Ben Hur, Clockwork Orange, The Color Purple, The English Patient, Gone with the Wind, Like Water for Chocolate, No Country for Old Men, Sense & Sensibility, Up in the Air, and Wuthering Heights.

Celebrate Diversity: New Spanish Films

Come explore and celebrate the diversity of Spanish language and culture. The Al Harris Library has added twelve new films to its growing collection of world cinema. In stories ranging from the Andes to Brazilian beaches these groundbreaking films highlight the growing body of work in contemporary Latin Cinema.


So come to the library and check out your new films:

Battle In Heaven

Madeinusa

The Headless Woman

Amores Perros

Tony Manero

The Maid

Nine Queens

The Secret in Their Eyes

City of God

Los Bastardos

7 Soles

El Norte

Don't Forget to Vote on Tues., Nov. 2!

There are many candidates/positions to vote upon and 11 state questions.

List of Candidates: http://www.ok.gov/elections/Candidates_&_Elections/Candidates.html

State Questions: http://www.ok.gov/elections/documents/sq_gen10.pdf

History of the Super Bowl

Take a look at one of the current Al Harris Library displays featuring the History of the Super Bowl. The 45th annual game will be watched by 100 million Americans on February 6, 2011. It is also the second biggest food day in the United States after Thanksgiving.

One of the reasons the Super Bowl is so popular is that pro football is the only major professional men's team sport with a single-elimination playoff system. Superbowl is do-or-die; that's what makes the game so special.

Some of the books in the display (available to be checked out by anyone) are: Super Bowl An American Cultural Celebration, Super Facts of the Super Bowl, The Ultimate Super Bowl Book, Friday Night Lights, Gridiron Gauntlet, Bloody Sunday, Bootlegger's Boy (Barry Switzer), Football Fortunes, Forty-Seven Straight, No Ordinary Joe, and The Real All Americans.

Other books displayed offer practical football information such as: The Complete Book of Offensive Football Drills, Football for Dummies, and many more.

Introducing our new podcast series: BookGrowl

BookGrowl is an audio podcast series developed by the Al Harris Library where SWOSU authors, faculty and administration are invited to discuss and share books that are important to them and their students.

The first four podcasts are available for download or streaming on the library's website:

1) Dr. Henrietta Mann, President of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribal College
2) Dr. Chad Kinder, Parks and Recreation Management Dept.
3) Dr. Keith Talley, Music Dept.
4) Dr. Valerie Reimers, Language & Literature Dept.

Banned Books and Censorship

We hope you enjoyed the banned books display around the library to celebrate Banned Books Week (Sept 25-Oct 2).

What's the difference between a challenge and a banning?

A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others.

Books usually are challenged with the best intentions - to protect others, frequently children, from difficult ideas and information. Censorship can be subtle, almost imperceptible, as well as blatant and overt, but, nonetheless, harmful.

In the heading above, you will find a google map with book bans and challenges since 2007. Additionally, the following link will direct you to Google's Transparency Report (Government requests to remove content from the World Wide Web):

http://www.google.com/transparencyreport/governmentrequests/

Unfinished Books Written By Notable Authors

There are many reasons for notable authors to leave behind unfinished books. Death is a major cause. Yet, fans of an author will often want to read even an uncompleted work to get what pleasure they can from what was left behind or to see where the author was mentally when he or she died.

Examples include "The Varieties of Reference" a probing piece of philosophy by Gareth Evans, cut down by lung cancer. His work contributes to analytical philosophy despite its incompleteness. In literature "Sandition" by Jane Austin, exists as several chapters of a sunny and bouncy novel written during self-aware months in which she was also dying of cancer.

Another reason books are left unfinished is because the scheme for the total work is larger than the author can complete, or sometimes the author stops work on a piece because he or she looses interest in it or becomes dissatisfied with the way the book is shapping up.

Examples of authors whose literary schemes where too large to complete during their life times include Chaucer, Virgil and Edmund Spencer. Yet, each author has had fans appreciate their work for centuries.

Then there is the example of Jean Paul Sartre who started but did not finish many works, that are now in print, because he was not satified with the work, lost interest, or became interested in something else.

One of the pleasures of reading unfinished books is the pleasure of challenging oneself to visualize how the author would have completed the book, or the reader is free to visualize how he or she would have done so.

Look at the display titled "Unfinished Books By Notable Authors" at the Al Harris Library to see examples of published but unfinished books from our literary heritage.

Happy 50th for To Kill a Mockingbird

July 11, 2010, marked the 50th anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird written by Southern novelist Harper Lee. This book is considered to be one of the ten most important books of the last century. The importance of issues such as: race and diversity; prejudice and tolerance; friendship and family; fear and change; morality and ethics; justice and judgment; and compassion and forgiveness are woven into this compelling story.

In 1961, the novel won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. Additionally, To Kill a Mockingbird has a world-wide following, for it has been translated into nearly 50 languages, and more than 40 million copies have been sold worldwide. In 1962 the book became an Oscar-winning film starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch.

Many of the books and other resources that are located on the display relate to themes that are found in To Kill a Mockingbird. Stop by and take a look at these materials and spend a few minutes viewing a scene from the film as part of the celebration.

September is College Month at OKCMOA

Free admission to Oklahoma City Museum of Art for all college students during the month of September. Present valid college I.D. at the door. Enjoy a range of artwork, independent film screenings, have a meal at their cafe or enjoy the skyline nightlife on the Museum's rooftop terrace where cocktails are served while listening to live music performances.

2010 Organizational Fair

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Library's Org Fair Booth. If you would like to use or ask about any of the equipment showcased yesterday, just stop by the Circulation Desk (library entrance). Congratulations to all the prize wheel winners! We gave away nearly a 1,000 library pens, nearly $500 in fine forgiveness bucks, and 24 prizes (including 10 library t-shirts, a CD case, a CD/radio, a digital frame, 4 tote bags, a Xbox360 carrying case, a digital camera, and a DVD player). Plus, our favorite bulldog was back running around taking pictures with Wright Radio personalities, the new SWOSU President, Miss SWOSU, faculty, staff and students.

To see the list of prize winners and photos from this year's Org Fair, check out the Library's Facebook page (http://tinyurl.com/289erwm).

Dawg Days Video Game Tournament Winners

---- Amos Beaver III -------- Gregory Brewer ----

The SWOSU Libraries would like to thank everyone who stopped by to play at our annual dawg days tournament and helped to make this a fun evening in the library.

We extend a big congratulations to Gregory Brewer (Wii Tournament Winner) and Amos Beaver III (PS3 Tournament Winner) who preservered through thunderstorms and technical glitches to become champions of their tournament bracket. Gregory Brewer is a sophomore and computer science major. Amos Beaver III is a sophomore and a history major.

William Faulkner Goes Online

What would it be like to hear a Nobel Prize winning author speak to your class?

In the late 1950s, English students at the University of Virginia got the opportunity that most American literature scholars would kill for — to speak with William Faulkner.

Faulkner spent two years as the writer-in-residence at UVA, where he gave lectures and readings and took questions from students. The lectures were recorded on reel-to-reel tapes, which have recently been digitized and published online.

You are invited to visit the site "Faulkner at Virginia: An Introduction" where you can read about and listen to William Faulkner's lectures.

Oklahoma Authors

Whether you are interested in reading about Oklahoma’s State Capitol, Route 66, the Oklahoma Land Rush, or you just want to read a good novel or some good poetry, you may find what you want in the display of books by Oklahoma authors at the Al Harris Library. Oklahoma is home to many good writers of both fiction and non-fiction.

One of Oklahoma's famous writers is Ralph Ellison, the author of Invisible Man which won the National Book Award in 1953. Ellison was born in Oklahoma City. Another interesting book on the display is Main Street Was Two Blocks Long by Norene Murphey Hokett from Carnegie, Oklahoma. My Sun, My Son was written by Ottis Ballard, a former SWOSU employee.

Come check out these and other books by Oklahoma authors!

A Bully of a Time

Step back in time to 1915 and meet a bully of a president as Teddy Roosevelt dives into his family’s experiences in the White House, his adventures as a rancher and cowboy on the Dakota Plains, his experiences in Oklahoma Territory on the great wolf hunt, life in Cuba with the Rough Riders, and more!

Free to the General Public

Doors open at 6pm - Program begins at 7pm

Visit the Oklahoma History Center: http://www.okhistorycenter.org/

Tour de France.

France should be the locale for the most famous bicycle race in the world since the first production bicycle was produced there in 1865. It had an iron frame and wooden wheels - and was aptly named the Boneshaker. Production ceased in 1868.

The Tour de France was originally conceived only as a means to increase sales of a little sports newspaper named L'Auto. The Tour de France is celebrating it's 97th anniversary on 2010 and it will run from July 3-25, this year.

See the display at the Al Harris Library and check out (yes you can take them home) all the books about France: history, art, cooking, politics, and of course, the Tour de France. French language resources are also available.


One of the most famous riders of the Tour de France is a Texan named Lance Armstrong - He has won the race an amazing seven consecutive times! His story of surviving cancer surgery and chemotheraphy and going on to win the tour de France provides inspiration to thousands of cancer patients.

NOAA Launches Oil Spill Mapping Site

People interested in keeping track of the latest on the Deepwater Horizon spill cleanup efforts can now do so on a new Web site developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The site provides up-to-the-minute information about efforts to respond to the spill that occurred April 20, and is part of NOAA's ongoing transparency plan, according to the agency.

For more information:

http://www.geoplatform.gov/gulfresponse/

Moon Zoo

The goal of the Moon Zoo website is "to provide detailed crater counts for as much of the Moon's surface as possible." Be sure to check out the website by scrolling over the link:

http://www.moonzoo.org/

In the meantime check out our library display in front of the circulation desk on the Men & women who have made space travel a reality: Read about the Mercury, Gemini & Apollo Missions from the astronauts who carried them out and lived to tell the tale.

Get Graphic this May!

Why not take a break from studying with some relaxing and fun literature.

May 1st kicked off the month with Free Comic Book Day at participating stores and May continues with a selection of graphic novels displayed at the front entrance display.

Although fun and relaxing, this illustrated form of literature has a profound history in America starting as a children's form of literature to become censored nationwide to the embrace of illustrative styles from around the world and now assisting with reading literacy as seen through the numerous literary awards. Stop by the display and watch the computer monitor for the inside scoop to this popular form of literature.

Planning a Vacation? Visit a Park

This is the time of year when nothing can be better than to take a trip outdoors to experience the natural beauty of our country. With that in mind, there’s no better place to visit than a state or national park where trails have been created, picnic locations are abundant, and caverns and waterfalls can be explored. Learning about the history of the United States is another opportunity that is made available through a visit to a National Park. Take a look at these books, videos, and even recipes to plan a trip or just examine all of the options that are available for a great summer vacation on display at the library.

Earth Day Videos

UN Secretary General Welcome Message for the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity from CBD on Vimeo.

Biodiversity and Climate Change from CBD on Vimeo.

"Reduce Your Carbon Footprint" Campaign Concludes

To conclude the "Reduce Your Carbon Footprint" campaign, the Library is giving away plantable bookmarks. Pick up your bookmark today at the circulation desk.

Earth Day 2010 is here! The United Nations declared 2010 as the "Year of Biodiversity."

To illustrate that diversity, the Library will be showing the Discovery Channel's series, Planet Earth, in its entirety throughout the day in the Library's NewsRoom.

"Reduce Your Carbon Footprint" Campaign

As part of National Library Week, the Library began "Reduce Your Carbon Footprint" awareness today which is a week-long campaign leading up to Earth Day on April 22.

Curious about the size of your carbon footprint? Use the calculator to measure your footprint.

Follow the Library on Facebook for daily tips on how you can reduce your carbon footprint.

On Earth Day, stop by the Library Newsroom for the day-long airing of Discovery Channel's Planet Earth series. Also, the Library will provide a special Earth Day gift. Stayed tuned for more details!

114th Boston Marathon Library Display

Monday, April 19, 2010
The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest and most prestigious annual marathon and part of the World Marathon Majors. A maximum field of 25,000 participants begin in the rural town of Hopkinton and run the legendary 26 miles through eight other cities and towns before finishing in Boston's Back Bay.

Read Odd Happenings Along the Course on the link for odd stories that have happened over the years.... such as the stray black lab that ran at the front of the pack for a dozen miles. The lab tripped up the former champ, Johnny Keller. Read Johnny's comments regarding what he thought the dog's fate should be.

Thirdhand smoke

The term "Thirdhand smoke", coined by Dr. Jonathan Winickoff, refers to the residue of tobacco smoke that lingers in the environment after the cigarette has been extinguished.

Beliefs About the Health Effects of "Thirdhand" Smoke and Home Smoking Bans presents research on the health hazards of thirdhand smoke.

Another resource on the same subject is the 2006 Surgeon General's Report: The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke.

Word of Warning about Census Scams

At your door:

An official Census enumerator will never, ever insist on coming into your house. A real Census enumerator can do everything they need to do there at your front door. Anyone who tells you that they're a Census employee and absolutely has to enter your home is a fraud. Always ask to see ID and proper Census credentials. If in doubt, contact the Census Bureau Regional Office or call the police.

On the phone:

If you receive a phone call from the Census Bureau, the call will originate from one of their regional offices or the national processing center. The caller should have stated in the message from which place they were calling. If in doubt, terminate the phone call and then contact the National Processing Center (301-763-INFO or 301-763-4636) and they will assist you.

By email:

Like most phishing scams, the email will attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, social security numbers, bank account or credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity and direct the email recipient to a fake website. Also, don't open any attachments which may contain code that could infect your computer. Before deleting a fraudulent email, the Census Bureau asks that the bogus email be forwarded to their fraud reporting division at ITSO.Fraud.Reporting@census.gov.

Census scams in OKC

New Student Loan Initiative

New measures being signed today will revamp the student loan program to help more Americans earn a college degree. Under the change, private banks and processors are to be taken out of the loan origination business and will no longer collect fees for acting as middlemen.

The savings, estimated at about $68 billion over 10 years, would instead be used to boost Pell Grants, reduce interest rates and stretch out repayment periods. Pell Grants help low- and moderate-income families pay for college.

For More Information see Businessweek

Internet's Most Successful Scams

1. Online Dating Scams
2. Fake or "Rogue" Anti-virus Scams
3. Facebook Impersonation
4. Becoming a Bot (Highjacked home computers)
5. The fakosphere

For more info, follow the link above to the full article.

Americans Support Healthcare Bill's Passage

The Gallup Poll reports nearly half of Americans give a thumbs-up to Congress' passage of a healthcare reform bill last weekend, with 49% calling it "a good thing." Republicans and Democrats have polar opposite reactions, with independents evenly split.

Good thing 49%

Bad thing 40%

No opinion 11%

For more information go to Gallup

March 8th Tornado in Hammon, OK

National Weather Service Information on the March 8th Hammon Tornado.

A relatively long tracked tornado touched down in a rural area to the southwest of Hammon around 5:20 PM CST, and then tracked to the northeast towards the town of Hammon. This tornado was on the ground for around 40 minutes, moving mainly over rural areas. Near the end of the tornado track, the tornado clipped the southeastern edge of Hammon, destroying several barns, and damaging several homes. The tornado finally dissipated to the northeast of Hammon.

C-SPAN Video Archives Online

C-SPAN has announced uploading their entire video archive to the Internet for free. C-SPAN is the only cable station that records and broadcasts every Congressional session, White House press briefing and other official activities from Washington, D.C.

How much information are we talking? That's 23 years of political history, 160,000 hours of video footage and 5 presidential administrations. Also included, video footage from "Book TV", featured programming on C-SPAN2 which documents public appearances of top non-fiction authors.

An archival feature for this web site, the Congressional Chronicle shows which members of Congress have spoken the most in the House and Senate. This ranking feature includes a profile page with biographical information, number of appearances, recent appearances, appearances with other notable figures, total floor time, committee assignments, and a photo gallery.

Besides searching for members of Congress, web site users can track information and actions on Congressional bills.

Wallet Stolen? Seven Steps to Follow.

There are seven things to do (before and after) your wallet is stolen. Click on the blue title above to help protect yourself. This article is from a camping website, but it has some excellent tips for anyone who owns a credit card.

This Friday! C-SPAN Civics Bus to Visit Weatherford Public Library

C-SPAN Civics Bus will arrive at the Weatherford Public Library on Friday, March 19 from 2:30p-4:00p.

The C-SPAN Civics Bus is a 45-foot mobile multimedia experience that brings the world of public affairs to communities nationwide. Visitors can tour the bus, see how interviews are produced and learn about C-SPAN's unique public affairs programming.

Going To Mexico on Spring Break?

There are a few things you should know before leaving the country to make sure your trip goes well and that you don't have any trouble coming back through customs. Click on the blue title above to peruse the Top Ten Traveler Tips for traveling abroad.

Jim Thompson: Oklahoma Author

Legendary crime writer Jim Thompson was many things: hobo, bellhop, roughneck, boozer, factory worker, Marine, devoted father and husband, and, for a brief time, a registered Communist. That last role is rarely mentioned in Thompson’s story as one of America’s most fearless purveyors of pulp-fiction-as-art—in the same league as hard-boiled luminaries like James M. Cain, Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and Chester Himes—decades before Quentin Tarantino made the genre fashionable.

For more information: JT

Motivational Books & Videos

Mac Anderson, the founder of "Simple Truths", was previously the founder and CEO of McCord Travel (one of the largest travel companies in the Midwest) and part owner and Vice President of Orval Kent Food Company (the largest manufacturer of prepared salad products in the country). Desiring to share his insights about leadership, he developed his current company. Mac is also a motivational business speaker. Purchased to provide encouragement to our business and computer students, this book and video display showcases these motivational books. Take a look at the videos, then check out one of these books for your reading pleasure.

Alice in Wonderland

Take a journey down the rabbit hole and watch the first ever film version (1903) of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, restored with it's original color tints by the BFI National Archive.

Click here to watch the 10 minute film for free: Alice in Wonderland

Ready To Quit Smoking?

The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust is pleased to offer the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, a FREE service for all Oklahomans with a desire to stop smoking or using other tobacco products.

If you'd like to quit tobacco, we invite you to begin your journey with this quality, professional service, and give yourself every chance to make this quit attempt a successful one!

Through the Helpline, callers receive one-on-one quit coaching, specialized materials, and referrals to community resources. Callers interested in receiving follow-up can enroll in the Helpline's multiple call program in which they will receive a series of telephone based coaching sessions with the same Quit Coach throughout their quitting process.

Participants in the multiple call program may also receive free nicotine patches, or gum, or they may be referred to their health insurance plan or health care professional for additional treatment.

1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669)

1-800-793-1552 (Spanish)

Hours of Operation: Monday - Sunday 7 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Iditarod XXXVII

The Iditarod, also known as the "Last Great Race", is one of the biggest sporting events Alaska has to offer. There are about 50-100 teams involved each year, but the number varies from year to year. The race starts in Anchorage, Alaska and ends in Nome, Alaska. The official start is from Willow, Alaska, but since Anchorage is the biggest community in Alaska, the mushers start from Anchorage the day before the actual start as part of the ceremonial process. The race is comprised of one human on the sled trying to guide the dogs the right direction. Then there about 16 siberian husky dogs, but teams can have as many as 12 dogs.

Come check out the display that is across from the computers on the first floor. There you will find a listing of the mushers participating in the race, the calendar of events as well as some great books on the race and about Alaska.

For more information go to www.iditarod.com

New Films at the Library

Come explore your growing collection of films from Criterion. The Criterion Collection is an ongoing series of important classic and contemporary films dedicated to gathering the greatest films from around the world.

This semester we have added French Gangster films, Texas Family Dramas, Kafkaesque Train stories and American Literary Classics.

So come to the library and check out your new films:

Two-Lane Blacktop Monte Hellman

The Ballad of the Sad Cafe Simon Callow

Le doulos Jean-Pierre Melville

Le deuxième souffle Jean-Pierre Melville

Paris, Texas Wim Wenders

Europa Lars von Trier

Stranger Than Paradise Jim Jarmusch

Wise Blood John Huston

Online Olympics

Wired Magazine has compiled a list of online destinations for getting your fix of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

For more information: 2010 Winter Olympics

College Drinking - A Few Facts.

Think it's cool to drink while going to school? Click on the blue title above to check out some facts on college drinking.

In the latest survey conducted in the United States, over 1,400 students die yearly from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, included motor vehicle crashes. Over 500,000 full time students are injured while under the influence, and over 600,000 are hit or assaulted by another student who had been drinking. Also see if you believe any of the Alcohol Myths located on that website.


More facts: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/alcohol.htm

The 2011 United States Budget Available Online.

The President's Budget of the United States Government, Fiscal Year 2011 is now available from the United States Government Printing Office (GPO). The public can search or browse the budget, which is accessible from GPO's Federal Digital System (Click on the blue title above.)

FY 2011 Budget documents are available in PDF, with many of the tables also available for separate viewing and downloading as spreadsheets in xls and comma delimited formats.

Would You Pick Up A Penny From The Ground?

A penny saved may be a penny earned, but it may not even be worth picking up any denominations under a $50. Click on the blue title above to see the shocking amount of debt the United States has accrued.

The United States as a country currently has the largest debt in the world, followed by Japan. Trouble may be ahead since people in both countries are living longer and usually don't generate a whole lot of tax revenue after they retire.

Oklahoma's Top 100 Delinquent Tax Payers.

You might be surprised that many Oklahomans and Oklahoma companies often do not pay their taxes. The outcome could be that taxes will be raised for everyone else to make up the difference.

Click on the blue title above to check out the top 100 delinquent tax payers in Oklahoma.

Indoor Tanning - Risks to College Students:

Tanning beds use UV-B and UV-A rays to penetrate human skin in order to produce more melanin which darkens the skin.

Click on the blue title above to link to the FDA's website on the risks of indoor tanning. See the story of the former Miss Maryland - who stopped tanning at age 20 when she was diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. She had used tanning beds at least 4 times a week from age 17 to 20.

If you still want to tan after reading her story, be aware of the riskiest indoor tanning practices:

1. Failing to wear googles, which can lead to short - and long-term eye injury.
2. Starting with long exposures, which can lead to burning. Sunburn can take 6 to 48 hours to develop, so you might not realize it until it's too late.
3. Failing to follow exposure times recommended for your skin type.
4. Tanning while taking medications which can make you more sensitive to UV rays.

Impact of Video Games on Modern Society

Ten years ago, did anyone realize...

...that children and students of all ages would learn music appreciation and music history from Guitar Hero or Rock Band?

...that kids would learn social and communication skills in a MMORPG?

...adults would use Wii Fit to replace personal trainers?

...adults and kids would play cell phone games to pass the time while waiting for the movie to start?

Stop by the library and check out one of three new displays offering insight into how we as soceity have evolved to include video games in our daily lives.

John Hope Franklin

John Hope Franklin was the James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of History, and for seven years was Professor of Legal History in the Law School at Duke University. He was a native of Oklahoma and a graduate of Fisk University. He received the A.M. and Ph.D. degrees in history from Harvard University. He has taught at a number of institutions, including Fisk University, St. Augustine's College, North Carolina Central University, and Howard University. In 1956 he went to Brooklyn College as Chairman of the Department of History; and in 1964, he joined the faculty of the University of Chicago, serving as Chairman of the Department of History from 1967 to 1970. At Chicago, he was the John Matthews Manly Distinguished Service Professor from 1969 to 1982, when he became Professor Emeritus.

Learn more about John Hope Franklin by stopping by the library display.

2010 Winter Olympics Display

Stop by the Library and check out the 2010 Winter Olympics Display! On display, you will find several interesting books about the history of the Olympics, as well as fun facts and many pictures of past Olympics. A list of the original Greek events and the current winter events have been provided, as well as a daily medal count for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Four time Acadamy Award winning Chariots of Fire (including Best Picture), a true story of the 1924 Olympic Games will be playing, as well.

This year's games will be held in Vancouver, Canada, February 12-28, 2010. For more information about the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, visit their official website!

Law Library of Congress & Google to Digitalize Information

75,000 volumes of Congressional Hearings are being digitalized by Google into Adobe Acrobat PDF files. The three categories are: Census, Freedom of Information/Privacy, and Immigration.

Since the primary objective is to get books online as quickly as possible, there may be occasional duplicate or missing pages. Click on the blue title above to link to website. (After you're there - click on Census, Freedom of information, etc. - then choose your desired PDF.)