Creepy news from BlogHer about abortion stop word on USG funded article database. It's not surprising or unexpected that Bush's administration would try to block the free flow of information. But it is chilling news. Next time you see a librarian, thank them for their service on the information front lines. It's too bad it's come to this, but there it is. They're fighting the good fight for us day and day out. Thank you!

And more on the ignorance front, our friends and allies are uneasy about it too! Read on at Justin Webb's blog on the BBC.

I won't exactly call Numerology ignorance, but check it out on Zooillogix:

Well, according to Biblestudy.org, "If ten is the number which marks the perfection of Divine order, then eleven is an addition to it, subversive of and undoing that order. If twelve is the number which marks the perfection of Divine government, then eleven falls short of it. So that whether we regard it as being 10 + 1, or 12 - 1, it is the number which marks, disorder, disorganization, imperfection, and disintegration." We hope to live up to the prophecy.

AND the BBC! Apparently numerology's not just for séances anymore! It's just reminds me of "This is Spinal Tap" with the whole "It goes up to 11!" thing.

La Prima's interests

Last year when La Prima was applying to summer day camps, she had to fill out a form telling what her favorite food is, what music she likes, what games she plays, what books she likes to read, etc. For the question, "what music do you like?" La Prima answered "Louis Armstrong". [!] She had heard Satchmo in music class that year, and I guess he made an impression. Here, from the National Archives site, is his WWI draft card.

Mother Reader is talking about getting support for the "Reading is Fundamental" campaign, which is in danger of losing funding under the current regime. Which brought me to search for my favorite "READ" posters. I think La Prima would approve of this one, as do I!

There is also an announcement on Narnia web that Harper Collins, the publisher of the Narnia books, is launching a "read it before you see it" campaign for Prince Caspian - a great idea. I've been trying to get the Chronicles of Narnia series into circulation in our house, but Harry Potter is definitely the obsession nowadays.

And finally, via Boing Boing, a new nautilus-shaped house in Mexico City that I covet. Wouldn't it be awesome to live in this place?! I love the outside being inside. And the colors! I wonder if the architect would build one on a reclaimed lot in Philly? Hmmmm.....

Librarian Book Carts... Update!

Thanks again to Lakshmi for her inimitable web sleuthing. She sent me this link to a "Pimp My Book Cart" contest.

St Catherine of Alexandria, Patron Saint of Librarians (scholars and secretaries)

Librarian Book Cart Drill Teams - Who Knew?

I've known many Librarians in my day. And no one ever filled me in on the wonderful mystery that is Book Cart Drill Team Championships that are held at the ALA conferences. I am stunned. First, that I was living in ignorance all this time. Second, that the routines are so good. Because I've tried pushing those carts and I have yet to not stub my toe or crash into a carrel or bookshelf. Bravo!

Lakshmi put me on to this phenom when she told me her local Librarians' Drill team placed third at this year's championships. And sent me the Christian Science Monitor Link to prove it.

I'm still amazed, and realizing, for the zillionth time, that I made a mistake with my career path! I shoulda been a Librarian!

St Catherine of Alexandria, Patron Saint of Librarians (scholars and secretaries)