January 18, 2008

Researching Jane...

On January 13th, PBS began airing The Complete Jane Austen, a collection of six film adaptations and one original feature, of Austen's novels. Whether you're studying Austen's classics in school, reading for pleasure, or a fan of period pieces, you won't regret spending Sundays with Jane .

The next movie on tap is Northanger Abbey and will premier this coming Sunday, January 20th.

If watching the movies has piqued your interest, I would recommend visiting the website that PBS has dedicated to The Complete Jane Austen series. It's a wonderful source of information on all things Jane - synopses, biographies, teaching guides, character analyses, social and historical perspectives, and recommended readings for both academic research and just for fun. Watch the interview with screenwriter Andrew Davies and learn how he worked the classic Austen themes of longing, betrayal, and redemption into brand new, trademark scenes for each of the four new adaptations.

Book Club-goers, you'll also find a downloadable kit for creating book clubs for Austen's novels; it includes discussion questions, activities, bookmarks...even recipes for food discussed in the literature! England isn't well-known for its hard-to-pass-up delicacies, but why not try A Perfect Cup of Tea from Sense and Sensibility, or White Soup from Pride and Prejudice? I think the recipe for Bakes Apples from Emma sounds delicious!

In addition to PBS's website, the Library has some great resources for anyone who is interested in Austen and 19th century British literature. If you're searching from home, remember that you'll need your Library card to enter our databases. For assistance in searching the databases or located any of the following items, please contact Information Services:

What Do I Read Next?
This database provides reading suggestions based on titles of books that you have enjoyed in the past, as well as on genre, author, time period, characters, setting, and even age of the reader. Let's say you enjoy historical romances set in England during the 19th century; you can input all of these factors and What Do I Read Next will customize a list of books for your next reading adventure. Try Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (my fav!) or Bleak House by Charles Dickens (long, but worth the 880 pages!)

Gale Literature Resource Center
This database allows you to search for "Austen" under "Authors By Type" and you'll find biographies, articles, criticisms, novel overviews, further readings by and about Jane Austen, and links to additional Austen-dedicated websites.

All Things Austen: An Encyclopedia of Austen's World
A two-volume set of writings about the settings of Austen's novels, these books discuss topics such as clothing, accessories, entertainment, military life, education, and business.

Jane Austen: A Companion
An entertaining guide to all of Austen's works and includes biographical commentary as well as essays on themes found in the novels.

Tea with Jane Austen
A lively presentation of the importance of tea in Austen's time and the presence of tea in each of her novels. Find recipes for Lemon Cheesecake for Fanny and Edward and Plum Cake for an Elegant Breakfast.

Calling all Jane Austen fans! On Sunday, April 20th at 2:00pm, the Library will be hosting the program, Appearance vs. Essence in Pride and Prejudice. More details coming soon, so keep checking our Events Blog or subscribe to our blog feeds!

Posted by EricaB at 04:50 PM | Comments (0)

October 29, 2007

Extra, Extra...Read All About It!

Wrestling with your pets over the sports section will soon be a thing of the past.

Accessing the latest world, national, and local news is easier than ever with the availability of our online news databases. Whether you are searching for the most recent hometown little league scores, the first review ever published of a long-running London theater production, or the latest business transactions taking place in Beijing, you are never more than a click away from the information you want. The following list will guide you to great coverage - both past and present - on anything news-related.

If you are checking out the list from home, please have your Library card available. You will be prompted to enter your Library barcode in order to log into the databases and begin searching. Having trouble logging in? Ask a Librarian!

With NewsBank: World Newspapers, you'll never feel out of the loop just because your favorite newspaper is published thousands of miles away from where you live. This database contains current & archived full-text articles of world, local, and regional news from over 600 U.S. & 700 international sources. A clickable world map allows you to easily narrow newspaper searches to specific regions or countries of the world, and international articles are translated into English. A list of monthly hot topics and full-text special reports can be accessed. Here, you will also find Darien Times, Darien News-Review, and all other Connecticut newspapers. Archives for select international papers begin as early as 1977.

NewsBank: World News Magazines contains present issues and archives of popular magazines such as Sports Illustrated, Fortune International, Newsweek, Popular Science, In Style, Real Simple, Parenting, and Entertainment Weekly. Searches can be conducted by keyword, date, or timeframe.

iCONN Newsstand provides access to full-text articles of some of the nation's most widely circulated papers, such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, The Washington Post, and The Christian Science Monitor. Whether you are browsing our catalog from home or browsing the shelves at the library, be sure to check out the New York Time Book Reviews for recommendations; full-text reviews date back to 1997. You can access the entire New York Times Magazine issue, as well.

Looking for a newspaper issue from a year that is not archived in our databases? Stop by or contact the information desk. We have many issues available on microfilm......with some newspapers dating as far back as the 1800s!

Experience the day's news in photographs with AccuNet/AP Photo Multimedia, a searchable database of over 700,000 images, sound recordings, and graphics that can be freely downloaded. Worldwide, national, and local events in sports, entertainment, business, politics, and weather are indexed and archived.

Posted by EricaB at 06:04 PM | Comments (2)

October 16, 2007

Ready...Set...Design!

Mark your calendars - the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Darien Library is right around the corner. To honor the unveiling of our new logo, this month’s research guide features some wonderful resources on graphic design.

See you on the 28th!

Books:

Nine Pioneers In American Graphic Design by R. Roger Remington & Barbara J. Hodik
This book chronicles legendary graphic design artists such as Will Burtin, a creator of several World's Fair exhibits, and Alvin Lustig, "whose career was cut tragically short by blindness and death at age 40." Color illustrations, including posters, advertisements, book jackets, and magazines are provided.

Graphic Design Twentieth Century by Alston W. Purvis & Martijn F. Le Coultre
Over 500 color reproductions present a "pictorial history of the past hundred year" through different subcultures, propoganda, nostalgia, nationalism, and rebellion. The book covers movements such as Art Nouveau, Avant-Garde, Punk, and computer graphics.

Over 50 Years of American Comic Books by Ron Goulart
Travel back in time and learn about one of the staples of American pop culture. Goulart, a foremost authority on comics, discusses the transition of the art form from newspaper to book, the creation of the DC & Marvel empires, and the world's introduction to Superman, Archie, and Looney Tunes.

Cartoon America: Comic Art in the Library of Congress edited by Harry Katz
The Library of Congress, home to a massive collection of one-of-a-kind cartoon art, provides a volume uniquely focused on the social and political value of cartoons throughout time. Essays written by John Updike, Art Spiegelman, Kevin Kallaugher, and other notables assess the famous designs of cartoonists, such as Charles Schulz, Thomas Nast, and Charles Addams.

From Lascaux to Brooklyn by Paul Rand
A critically acclaimed graphic designer, art director, and advertising consultant, Rand articulates the theory of logo design in a visually stunning book. He will take you from conception through application and he explains how to achieve an effective logo through high-quality design and marketing.

The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
The 20th anniversary edition of this best-selling book includes new insights on how brain functions relate to drawing, techniques for using drawing skills in educational & corporate environments, and how to incorporate self-expression through art. Edwards presents a practical, step-by-step approach to drawing and design.

Opportunities In Commercial Art and Graphic Design Careers by Barbara Gordon
Find recommendations on choosing career paths, art schools, galleries, and agents, as well as the opportunities available in book publishing, fashion, advertising, public relations, television, and film. A directory of training schools and programs is provided.

Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market edited by Mary Cox
A comprehensive guide for freelancers, here you will find information on running a small art business, instructions for self-promotion & attracting new clients, copyright laws, licensing, and creating a résumé & portfolio. Also included is a directory of publishers, art galleries, record labels, advertising agencies, and syndicates, as well as tips for applying to each company.

DVDs:

How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way by Stan Lee & John Buscema
Two "Marvel Comics legends" team up to guide you through a course on designing professional-looking comic-book characters and understanding terminology, form, perspective, action motion, and inking. Included are examples from Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, Conan The Barbarian, and others.

Magazines:

American Artist
Keep up-to-date on exhibitions, competitions, professional issues, print publications & reproductions, the latest research on historical movements, and the most recent artistic techniques. This monthly magazine provides information on all aspects of art and is a good source for drawing tips and design inspirations.

Websites:

Color, Contrast, and Dimension
An eye-opening lesson on color theory, this interactive site showcases how the application of color affects the elements of design. It is based on the book, Eyes on the News, by Pegie Stark Adam of the Poynter Institute.

Communication Arts
The online component of the leading trade publication in graphic design, this site features current events & articles, exhibits, technology, media, and career information for professionals.

AIGA
The professional association for design and the hub for leadership and activity in the design community, this site provides articles on topics such as cross-cultural design, business, ethics, and social issues.

Manga Tutorials
Develop techniques for creating Japanese comic books, from designing the characters and panels to creating a storyline and drawing action elements.

Posted by EricaB at 03:45 PM | Comments (0)

October 05, 2007

Food For Thought

My thoughts, exactly! These days, understanding nutritional guidelines can sometimes require a PhD and a ton of patience. Gone are the simple days when that cute, little food pyramid we memorized in grade school had all the answers to eating healthily. Today, simply walking into a grocery store can bring on a headache and a flood of questions – should I buy whole wheat, 7-grain, 9-grain, 12-grain, or just bite the bullet and pick up the white bread? We've all made uncertain meal choices in the past, but now there’s no more need to fret over spilled milk – or whether you should drink whole, skim, or 2%! Take a look at the resources listed below, and make sure to visit the library to check out some of the great materials we have on nutrition.

Also, during the month of October, the Darien Community Association will be providing talks about nutrition in youth and midlife. Please visit the community calendar for more information.

Books:

Encyclopedia of Foods: A Guide To Healthy Nutrition
Experts at the Mayo Clinic, UCLA, and Dole have presented a beautiful, comprehensive, can't-miss source of information on everything and anything to do with nutrition. Part 1 provides suggestions on menu planning, grocery shopping, storage, and safety, as well as the ways that foods influence every aspect of health & well-being. Part 2 discusses individual foods from every food group and includes preparation and serving-size suggestions.

Nutrition And Well-Being A To Z
Professionals from the fields of nutrition, dietetics, food science, agriculture, medicine, and public health have created a 2-volume book that provides detailed information on topics ranging from dieting, weight management, food addiction, and nutritional deficiencies to food safety, international dietary habits, and lifecycle nutrition.

The Oxford Book Of Health Foods by J.G. Vaughan & P.A. Judd
You never have to fear the health-food store again. This book presents the culinary and nutritional benefits of vitamins, minerals, nuts, cereals, herbal medicines, and functional foods, such as ginseng, pumpkin seeds, probiotics, St. John's wort, and peppermint.

Healthy Eating During Pregnancy by W. Allan Walker, M.D.
Harvard Medical School provides guidance on what to eat before, during, and after pregnancy. Also included are meal-planning recommendations, recipes, and a discussion on the importance of weight control and exercise.

Ending The Food Fight by David Ludwig, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Ludwig presents a biological, psychological, and behavioral approach to understanding children's food choices and presents a 9-week plan for turning around bad eating habits and achieving a healthy weight.

Cooking Healthy With The Kids In Mind by JoAnna M. Lund
Impress your children with "Get-out-of-Bed Breakfasts" and "Yes, You've Got To Eat Your Veggies and Salads," and they'll never ask for that pop tart or fruit rollup again.

The Healthy Hedonist by Myra Kornfeld
In addition to 200 mostly-vegetarian recipes, such as black bean burgers with bell pepper-avocado sauce, Kornfeld presents a guide to stocking the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer so that you can whip up a healthy meal on a moment's notice.

A New Way To Cook by Sally Schneider
You never have to forgo pizza for wimpy salad again! Schneider has redefined healthy eating, and along with 600 recipes that cover everything from traditional American comfort food to fine French cuisine, she presents hundreds of cooking and food-substitution techniques for creating wonderful flavors without sacrificing your waistline.

The Healthy Kitchen: Recipes For A Better Body, Life, & Spirit by Andrew Weil, M.D. & Rosie Daley
This book offers guidelines for reading food labels, using low-fat and nondairy alternatives, ways to make cooking fun for kids, common food myths, and the foods that everyone should try to include in their diets.

New Wok Cooking: Easy, Healthy, One-Pot Meals by Rosa Ross
Whipping up a healthy meal doesn't have to mean creating a mess in the kitchen. Find nearly 150 Asian-inspired recipes that use healthy cooking techniques, such as steaming, stir-frying, and poaching. Try the tea-poached salmon or the steamed five-spice sweet potato cakes.

Cook It Light Desserts by Jeanne Jones
Satisfy your sweet tooth without any worry. This book provides over 200 healthy dessert recipes, such as German chocolate cake and banana cream pie - all with reduced calories, fat, sodium and cholesterol.

Books On CD:

The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
An average shopper is confronted with thousands of food choices at the modern American supermarket. Pollan examines the food chains that provide all of these choices, and he offers political, economic, and psychological perspective on that anxiety-laden question: What's for dinner?

DVDs:

Super Size Me by Morgan Spurlock
For 30 straight days, award-winning filmmaker Spurlock subjects himself to a "McDonald's-only" diet to expose what can happen to one's health by frequently choosing fast food rather than more nutritious options. He presents a case for examining corporate responsibility, nutritional education, and physical education programs in schools.

Magazines & Newsletters:

Eating Well
Keep up-to-date on all of the trends in healthy eating and the food industry with this monthly magazine. Use the recipe index to quickly find all of the characteristics designated to the meals included in the issue: healthy-weight, low-carb, or high-fiber, plus number of calories, fat, carbs, fiber, and sodium as compared to the daily recommended value.

Consumer Reports On Health
This monthly newsletter provides advice ranging from nutrition to disease prevention to the most recent medical breakthroughs affecting your health.

Websites:

Nutrition.gov
Find advice on grocery shopping, healthy cooking methods, ethnic foods, recipes, and dietary supplements. Access the USDA MyPyramid For Kids food guide, popular weight loss programs, and tips to promote body image in children and adults.

USDA Food & Nutrition Information Center
Learn what to pack for school lunch. Plus, find information on food safety, labels, diet and disease, sports nutrition, vitamins and minerals, organic foods, vegetarian nutrition, and recommendations for what to eat during different life stages, such as infancy, adolescence, pregnancy, and adulthood.

Aim For A Healthy Weight
Access interactive tools, such as the Body Mass Index calculator, Menu Planner, and Portion Distortion. Learn how to assess your risk of being over- or underweight and find recommendations for weight control.

Mayo Clinic's Food & Nutrition Center
Learn all you need to know about the different types of fibers, fats, cholesterols, and sweeteners that are part of a healthy diet. Read articles & FAQs, listen to podcasts by registered dieticians, and find out if margarine truly is healthier than butter.

Eat Right.org
The American Dietetic Association has provided an extensive list of further reading on topics such as child & teen nutrition, sports nutrition, food sensitivities, special needs, food facts, and nutritional lifestyle.

Posted by EricaB at 02:05 PM | Comments (2)