Geocaching is fun!

       Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices or mobile recievers (smartphones). The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online.



A typical cache is a waterproof container, ranging in size from nano, about the size of a shelled peanut, to large, which can be as big as a 5 gallon bucket. Most caches contain at minimum a log for finders to sign, and larger caches might contain items for trading.

We have several books in our system to help you get started geocaching. In fact, the Beaverton Main Library and the Hillsboro Shute Park Library both have actual geocaches on site!



The Groundspeak Geocaching Logo is a registered trademark of Groundspeak, Inc. Used with permission.

AccessScience

AccessScience was voted one of the best Reference Databases for 2012. And it is FREE with your library card.

Visit, http://www.wccls.org/ and then go to ONLINE RESOURCES, then Science and Technology and AccessScience is at the top of the list!

I think one of the best features is the ability to download images and illustrations for use in PowerPoint presentations! These images may be found in the Study Center or in the Multimedia Image Gallery. A time saving feature for those pesky last minute science reports.

The database also has study guides, animation and videos to help grasp concepts.

Check it out today!

Free Kindle App on your Android-You can download Library2go titles

Yes, the OverDrive process for sending a Kindle book to a Kindle device or a Kindle app is the same. Whether you are sending the Kindle book to a Kindle reader or a Kindle app on a different gadget, it all happens on a desktop computer, using the Library2Go website and the Amazon website. At the end of the process, you choose which Kindle app or reader you want to send the book to, then sync the app with your Amazon account. The instructions here (http://www.wccls.org/library2gohelp/kindle) work the same, no matter if you're using a Kindle reader or a Kindle app on another device.


You can even try it yourself by downloading the Kindle app for PC (http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_pc_mkt_lnd?docId=1000426311) onto your computer if you don't have a mobile device to test with. That's what I did when the Kindle lending for Library2Go first launched.

New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge

This is an ideal gift for anyone wanting a desk reference of their own.  The latest edition of this guide features updated and expanded entries in nearly 50 categories.  The annotation from our library catalog states, "Whether you are researching the history of Western art, investigating an obscure medical test, following current environmental trends, studying Shakespeare, brushing up on your crossword and Sudoku skills, or simply looking for a deeper understanding of the world, this book is for you.  An indispensable resource for every home, office, dorm room and library, this new edition of the New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge offers in-depth explorations of art, astronomy, biology, business, economics, the environment, film, geography, history, the Internet, literature, mathematics, music, mythology, philosophy, sports, theater, film, and many other subjects."  Definitely a worthwhile purchase for anyone with a curious mind.

Scholarly Articles

Patrons doing scholarly research here at the Beaverton City Library will often run into the problem that the library doesn't subscribe to the print version of the periodical that they need.  The next step to take is to search the A to Z Serials Access database which will tell the patron if the journal is available full-text online.  If that fails, the Internet is your next step.  Typing in the title of the article in quotations will sometimes lead you to the full-text version, but often it will guide you to one of the subscription services like JSTOR or just be referenced in the bibliography of an article.  But don't give up yet!  Authors submitting articles to scholarly journals are often associated with educational institutions and frequently have their own websites.  Searching the author's name with keywords from the article title will yield surprising results.  I'm not promising that it will work every time, but it is more than worth the effort to give this method a try.  If successful, I am guaranteeing that you will have a very happy patron.

Holiday Reading

For our patrons who celebrate things other than Christmas this time of year, here are a few titles that might be of interest to you:

Eight Tales for Eight Nights: stories for Chanukah by Peninnah Schram offers eight traditional tales from around the world that introduce the customs and meanings of Chanukah.


Andrea Carneiro's Jewish Cooking Boot Camp: the modern girl's guide to cooking like a Jewish grandmother, includes over 50 easy-to-follow recipes for such classic dishes as Honey Cake, Rugelach, and Matzo Balls, background on Jewish holidays putting food and tradition into context, interviews with rabbis about creating modern traditions, and tips from Jewish bartenders and party planners.


Inviting God: celebrating the soul meaning of the Jewish holidays, by David Aaron, provides insight into the reasons why we celebrate.

Kwanzaa from holiday to everyday: a complete guide for making Kwanzaa a part of your life, by Maitefa Angaza is a guide to how Kwanzaa, a winter celebration of family, friends, and the African American community, can be part of life all year round. It provides information on the seven principles and offers ideas for planning Kwanzaa gatherings.

Eric Copage's, Kwanzaa: An African-American Celebration of Culture and Cooking, is a complete guide to the history and foods of Kwanzaa. In addition to 125 recipes, it also includes folktales that illustrate each of the seven principles of the celebration.

Happy holidays, and happy reading!

Are you a Cartophiliac?

Do you love everything having to do with maps or atlases? Then this is the book for you!

Maphead, by Ken Jennings
From Jeopardy! legend and trivia master Ken Jennings comes a fun, informative and entertaining book that covers just about everything you ever wanted to know about maps, and then some. How much do you know about geocaching, highpointing, road atlas rallying, or "unreal estate"? Ken will fill in the blanks on these and many other related topics. Even if you're not a map lover, you will likely enjoy this book, as it's written in a very humorous and casual style. Chosen as an Amazon Best Book of the Month for September 2011.

Library2Go Help Pages

The Washington County Cooperative staff have a very helpful Library2Go help page.  Our experience with these eBooks is that it takes a little time to figure out the process but your patience is rewarded with great access to a wide range of free titles!

Oregon Job Hunters-Trying to prepare for the NCRC?

If you have seen Worksource Oregon's website or visited any of their facilities lately, you might have noticed that there is a new readiness test. It is called the NCRC, the National Career Readiness Certificate, and it measures key workplace skills. So, how do you prepare for it?
There are a couple of options for prepping for the NCRC assessments. Through the WorkSource Oregon Centers, an individual can take what is called the Initial Skills Review. This gives an indication of how the individuals will do on the assessments for the NCRC. After completing the ISR, individuals can access the WIN Courseware. This is online, self-paced courseware that help prepare the individual for the NCRC assessments. The courseware can be accessed from outside of the WorkSource Centers after an individuals has logged in once. Staff at the WorkSource Center can also provide PDF versions of the courseware if requested.

Individuals can also access online practice tests through ACT, the company who created the NCRC. These cost $5.00 each. Here is link to that resource: http://www.act.org/workkeys/practice .

When the program was in the pilot phase of implementation, there were some workbooks purchased in 2008-2009 by one of the pilot sites, but at this point, there are no free booklets at the WorkSource Oregon locations, or libraries. But the Beaverton City Library has always been a good place to find general materials on brushing up on your math, reading comprehension, writing, and research skills.

Where can I find books on relationships?

Relationships are complicated--so finding books on the subject are in many areas!
Relationship books -- Areas to look

100s
Western guide to feng shui for romance 133.3337 COL
Nonviolent communication 153.6 ROS
How to change anybody: proven techniques to reshape 153.85 LIE
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking 153.6
Women Who Love Too Much 155.633 NOR
How to be an adult in relationships 158 RIC
What your mother couldn't tell you & your father didn't know 158.2 GRA
Boundaries : where you end and I begin 158.2 KAT
Conscious Living: finding joy in the real world 158.1 HEN

For students or anyone who is interested in exploring careers, the Oregon Career Information System is one of the most helpful resources I have ever used. Although the database focuses on Oregon schools and programs of study, the user can expand their search to includes schools throughout the United States. It's a highly interactive site and what I have found is that the more you use it, the more you find with each new search. One of the most valuable aspects of the database is that it covers not only the two and four year schools, but also those institutions that offer short-term study programs or certificates for various occupations. Included in the detailed information:

• Overviews of individual occupations with details on specific work activities, common work activities, working conditions, physical demands, skills and abilities, knowledge, interests, preparation, helpful high school courses, hiring practices, wages, employment and outlook, advancement, and further resources. It then allows you to search schools that offer programs of study in that occupation.



• The program section addresses program admission, graduate admissions, typical course work, things to know, and other resources. The schools offering those programs are listed by geographical region in Oregon (or you can choose an out-of-state location) and then give detailed information about the school, student body, costs, financial aid, admissions, academics, student life, housing, student services, and career services. Website links are also given.



• If you aren't sure about a particular job title but are interested in a specific field of work like health care or business, the clusters index lists appropriate occupations within a variety of fields.



• The financial aid section is extremely useful in that it allows you to narrow your search to certain types of financial help like scholarships, grants and loans. The scholarship list is very detailed and there is a section specifically for Oregon residents.


• The exploration tools section is helpful in that it lets the user sort through various areas such as occupation, undergraduate or graduate schools, financial aid and one of the most interesting tools, the Reality Check which gives a very realistic picture of how much money you will need to live and which occupation will may for those needs.

Check it out!

NeighborhoodScout

Moving to another area of the country can be a daunting task and finding out as much information on your new home base can be overwhelming. A website that can help in determining which neighborhoods are best suited to your needs and dreams is NeighborhoodScout.com. The website uses the latest neighborhood statistics available from several leading government sources including the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the U.S. Department of Justice, the National Center for Education Statistics, and the U.S. Geological Service, among others. The neighborhood profiles include school quality, housing costs, crime rates, income levels, the age, size and style of homes, the density of buildings, rental areas versus owner occupied, the proportion of families with children, the ages of persons in the neighborhood, ethnic and racial makeup, educational levels, languages spoken, types of careers of those living in the neighborhood and much more. Although you can subscribe to the database for more detailed information, the statistics that are available free of charge are substantial.

B

Unlimited

Celebrated fitness instructor Jillian Michaels gives readers tips on building a successful, fulfilling life. Included in her book are chapters on finding your passion, forgiving and accepting responsibility, getting an attitude adjustment, getting organized, strengthening your willpower and managing emotions, and learning the art of conscious choice making. The audio version of this title is very entertaining because it is read by the author, and if you're familiar with Jillian, she doesn't pull any punches!

Fellow Food Geeks, Rejoice

Alton Brown, food network star and author, has left the building... well, network but not before writing the final installation in his Good Eats series. Entitled, Good Eats 3: The Later Years, Mr. Brown again offers his recipes in a format that is part graphic novel, part encyclopedia, feeding both body and mind.

Chanterelle Foraging Season

The fall rains have begun and that means chanterelle foraging!

To help get you started check out these books:

Mushrooms, wild and edible : a seasonal guide to the most easily recognized mushrooms by Vincent J. Marteka

All that the rain promises and more : a hip pocket guide to western mushrooms by David Arora

The complete book of mushrooms by Augusto Rinaldi

Edible wild mushrooms of North America : a field-to-kitchen guide by David W. Fischer

Mushrooms of Northwest North America by Helen M.E. Schalkwyk

Beaverton Library Map - where is everything around the library?

View Beaverton City Library in a larger map

Felons and Ex-Offenders - Job Hunting Resources

More than 5,000 sentenced prisoners are released from state or federal jurisdiction in Oregon correctional facilities each year, in figures from 2008-to present according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin. People who have done time and now have legal histories have an uphill battle if they search for work. Often they fall through the cracks and end up in the same kinds of troubles as before.

A man was searching for felony friendly job listings at the library and I had no good leads and decided to give him a referral to Worksource Oregon which did publish a list of felony friendly employers, but it was not online.

I gathered these resources however in the process:

List of Felony Friendly Employers Dated March 2011

Get to know your State

Oregon Transparency is a state government website all about helping you to understand and know your state government.

Information includes:

Money coming in

Money going out

State Workforce

Get acquainted today!


(ss)

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

For many people the passing of Steve Jobs will mean many things. Reading about Jobs and the genius of Macintosh and Apple can teach us many things about leadership and marketing.

Here are some books that I would recommend:

The Macintosh way/ Guy Kawasaki
An out of print classic, one of the best business books.
Steve Jobs / Walter Isaacson
New-supposed to come out in November--but will they postpone it's release?
The Little Kingdom / Michael Moritz
(first published in 1984, then revised) Readable book about the history of Apple and Macintosh.

Are you an Alternate History buff?

Are you intrigued by questions like: What if the Nazis had won World War II? What if John F. Kennedy had not been assassinated in 1963? What if Dracula actually existed and married the widowed Queen Victoria? These and many other questions have been asked- and answered- in a wide variety of alternate history books, stories, and even some non-fiction works.

If you're interested in alternate history, parallel worlds, and "what if?", you should check out the website Uchronia.net. It's chock-full of lists of alternate history series, anthologies, and references, and it's searchable too. There's even a list by date of divergence (when the alternate event took place), so you can look at works based in a particular time period: dinosaurs, Columbus, Kennedy, the Civil War, etc. For the alternate history fan, this website is a must.


(jh)

Looking for your next great read?

NoveList Plus is a wonderful database of fiction and nonfiction titles. With an advance search you have the ability to locate titles based on author's nationality and/or cultural identity (i.e. Native American).

NoveList Plus can recommend books based on your favorite author. Author Read-alikes.

NoveList Plus is so much more than a database of books.

You can access NoveList Plus from http://www.wccls.org/ under online resources/ literature.

Check it out today!

FREE eBooks!

Would you like to add to your eBook library without depleting your bank account? Check out these websites for FREE eBooks.

Baen Books: Science Fiction and Fantasy books from the publisher, Baen.

Book Lending: Not really free but this site matches lenders and borrowers of Kindle e-books.

Digital Book Index: provides links to full-text digital books.

E-Discover the Classics: 500 classics. This site was created by The Colorado Library Consortium and Douglas County Libraries.

Munseys: At this site you are able to find books based on your device type. 20,000 titles.

These are a few of the lesser known free e-Book sites. Google free eBooks to discover more, such as the original: Project Gutenberg.

Dreams of hitting the jackpot...

Sometimes I indulge myself and wonder what would I do if I won it big in Vegas? But, then more importantly I start to wonder is it even possible?

21, bringing down the house: the inside story of six M.I.T. students who took Vegas for millions by Ben Mezrich might just answer that question.

An intriguing read about gambling and what is legal and/or ethical and is it worth the risk.

Lipstick, Gold and more

If you are fascinated or intrigued by how things are made please be sure to check out the online resource: How Products Are Made: An Illustrated Guide To Product Manufacturing

There are 7 volumes so don't wait to answer that all time favorite question, "how is that made?"

You also have the option to listen as the entry is read to you.

How many hours would you survive?

In this unbelievable yet true story, adventurer Aron Ralston is injured in a rock climbing accident. This gripping tale is told in both flashbacks and real time, and there's rarely a dull moment. Even knowing the outcoming- all you have to do is look at the cover!- the reader is still drawn into the story, eager for every detail of his unique experience.

A movie based on this autobiography, starring James Franco, was released in theaters in 2010 under the title "127 Hours".

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Aron Ralston

Anatomy Illustrations online

Our human anatomy books are very popular and often checked out.  You now have access to human anatomy drawings and illustrations online through Science Online, a database provided by your Washington County Libraries:

Human Anatomy Diagrams without Labels


New versions of human anatomy diagrams without labels have been added to Science Online, providing valuable tools for reinforcing what students are learning in their lessons. Perfect teacher handouts, these diagrams will be useful for students to test themselves or for instructors to use as tests in class.

Just use your library card to logon!

(lf)

And, Don't Hold the Anchovies, Please!

My third grade teacher introduced me to the words and art of Shel Silverstein and I have been a fan of his children's books since that time.

Every Thing on It, scheduled to be released in a few weeks, introduces a collection of previously unpublished poems and drawings by Mr. Silverstein. Thanks again, Mr. Dorsey.

Professionals? We have books for you at the Beaverton City Library

Most people think that public libraries carry mostly popular materials and materials for the young. And they do! But we also support a community that includes educated professionals, businesspeople, and entrepreneurs. Here are a few of the selections we have this year for you:



Banking

Banking and Financial Institutions: A Guide for Directors, Investors, and Counterparties



Legal / Paralegal



Paralegal practice & procedure : a practical guide for the legal assistant

Practical aviation law



Wills, trusts, and probate law for paralegals







Operations

An introduction to emergency exercise design and evaluation



Management

Fundamentals of organizational communication : knowledge, sensitivity, skills, values
Green Supply Chain Management: Product Life Cycle Approach
Management Communication







Manufacturing

Contemporary logistics

Mastering purchasing management for inbound supply chains

Psychology

Handbook of pediatric psychology



Project Management

Microsoft Project 2010 inside out



Sales

Key account management : the definitive guide



Teaching

Approaches to behavior and classroom management : integrating discipline and care


Warehousing

Warehouse Management
A supply chain logistics program for warehouse management

Magical Realism Fiction

Growing up my Mom had tons of herbal and non traditional remedies. If you had a wart, my mom would have you rub an apple peel on the wart on a full moon and bury it in a secret spot. On the next full moon you would dig up the apple peel and your wart would be gone. Funny that I do not remember if it worked but as kids we loved the thought and mystery behind it and searched for friends that had warts!

If you like the hopefulness of magic and mystery without the other worldliness of science fiction/fantasy check out the milder genre of magical realism fiction.

Sarah Addison Allen is a wonderful, New York Times bestselling author that writes realistic fiction but infuses the characters with special gifts and magical touches.

If you enjoy books about friendship, family, relationships set in a charming southern town you should definitely check out Sarah Addison Allen.

Food Cart Mania

If you live in Portland or have visited Portland you probably have a favorite Food Cart. Whether you want to statisfy a potato craving at midnight or a Sunday morning waffle, there is a food cart nearby to assist.

Did you know that Mercy Corps Northwest is nearby to assist you in starting a food cart business?

Mercy Corps Northwest provides classes, micro loans, business counseling, matching grants, prison reentry programs and refugee farming classes.

Mercy Corps is known for their work overseas but the they also have a strong local commitment. Mercy Corps Northwest is dedicated to assisting low-income populations by increasing their economic self-sufficiency.

Check them out today!

Family Caregiver Training

I was browsing through the July/August 2011 issue of The Advisory: a publication of the Washington County Disability, Aging & Veteran Services Division and found that a training session for family members and other unpaid caregivers providing care in the home will be offered on Wednesdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26 & November 2 from 1:00 - 4:00 p. m. at No Worries Training Center, Parkside Business Center, 8285 SW Nimbus Ave., Suite 150 (at the corner of Nimbus & Hall in Beaverton.) The sessions include: basic personal care techniques and assistive equipment, medication administration, dealing with challenging behaviors, elder law considerations, end-of-life planning and self-care and community resources. The training is sponsored by No Worries In-Home Care and WCDAVS Family Caregiver Support Program. Call to register: 503-846-3089.

Classic who-dun-its

There are so many subgenres in mystery: paranormal, crime fiction, historical mysteries, contemporary cozies, police procedures and the list goes on.

If it is to overwhelming here is a quick and dirty list of classic mystery authors to check out:

Dorothy Sayers

Robert B. Parker
P.D. James

Walter Mosley

Anne Perry

I scream, you scream, we all scream...

Today is National Ice Cream Day and, if you are like me, a little mid-summer inclement weather is not going to deter you from enjoying this frozen delight. If you are are inclined to make your own, here are a couple of titles to help you get started:



Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream written by Jeni Britton Bauer is a collection of over 100 recipes including Salty Caramel, Lavender, and Queen City Cayenne.




And who can forget our old friends Ben and Jerry who serve up the recipes for their classics like Cherry Garcia as well as a simple but delicious French Vanilla in their book Ben and Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream Book by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

I enjoy listening to books on CD since I have a lengthy commute and this was one of the most fascinating books that I have read. As the jacket says:

"Henrietta Lacks died from cervical cancer at the age of 31. Before her death, doctors culled cells from Henrietta, cultivating the first set of 'immortal' cells ever, and used them to engineer breakthrough cancer treatments, the polio vaccine, and other crucial medical and scientific advancements. Henrietta's family, though, never knew any of this until twenty years after her death and never received any of the profits from the use of her cells. Here, Skloot unfolds this story of bioethics." A mixture of science, ethics, and family drama, this book will captivate you from beginning to end.

Farmers' Markets

If you're interested in farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area (or any place in the United States) this is the website to check out. Listing resources as to where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats and many other items, this site also includes an online store where you can purchase a myriad of products including chocolate and desserts, farm crafts, flowers, herbs, pet needs, gifts and much more. An events calender lists festivals, tours, workshops, field days, courses and many other kinds of food and farming related events throughout the United States. Going on a road trip this summer? Why not plan your trip with a visit to a farm or farmers' market on your way!

Moonwalking With Einstein, by Joshua Foer

This is the captivating (and true) story of how Joshua Foer went from covering the U.S. Memory Championships as a scientific journalist to a competitor at them in just one year. Along the way, he learned a great deal about how memory works- and sometimes, dramatically, doesn't. Though it does have tips on how to improve your memory, it is less a how-to book and more a fascinating look at the human mind and one man's journey of discovery. An Amazon Best Book of the Month.

Finding Out about Doctors

Finding the Dirt about Doctors

Oregon medical board, www.oregon.gov/OMB, has put on their website every official act that they have levied against a doctor, the ones that have reached to a conclusion, but not the unwarranted accusations. At least the last 20 years is full text on line but for older orders, you may have to call the office to request the results and pay $10-$20 for each order. The website does have the status of their certification, but appears to not list their office address or phone any longer. It also lists Medical School and Residency graduation and dates.
A doctor’s standing will be listed on the OMB such as: Provisional ..or.. Good standing. Measures against a doctor can be a range-- from severe accidents to dull ones like a failure to send a chart in a timely manner, due administrative errors etc. And some things don’t even make it onto the OMB site. Some things that have nothing to do with malpractice yet if they have a judgment against them, for example a judgement from court that they have a substance abuse problem then that will be fully online. There is a link to recent (within the last 4 years) malpractice rulings (final judgments). If there are older cases, you would have to request a list from the Board and pay a fee (around $10-20).

State Medical Examiners--other states not Oregonhttp://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/education-careers/becoming-physician/medical-licensure/state-medical-boards.shtml is the link to the AMA list of state boards of Medical Examiners. Or, if long websites are hard to remember then Google -State boards of Medical Examiners. You will find this site, plus individual state sites. It appears that most states now have a fairly robust list of licensees. Two previous states where a known doctor held licenses back in the 70’s still lists his name, but not as an active physician. (Remember that physicians can be listed under M for Medical doctor or P for Physician and Surgeon.) Different states will include different specialties, such as acupuncturist, physician assistants, etc, and most states have a separate nursing board.

ABMS website http://www.certificationmatters.org/ is the website for ABMS searching as of Feb 2011 with a nice interface, in which search must be initiated, and then you are prompted to log in. It's free to register. Even without a subscription to the print volumes, ABMS.org will tell you which board-certification that person is certified with.
However some information lags ex: if they just got it in the last 6 months, if they moved, it might not be correct. Other examples: One known specialist isn’t even listed in ABMS yet he is board certified in addiction medicine. It is legal for a doctor to merely say that he specializes in xxx (anything within the realm of medicine and/or surgery). The question to ask is really, is he board-certified in that specialty.

The AMA-ASSN site. http://www.ama-assn.org/ Vast but sketchy - It has a “find a doctor” button. It lists physicians who are not always members of the AMA too. But it’s self-reported. So if someone responds that they are a surgeon then.. okay maybe they merely say they are but it’s not 100% a convincer that they are certified as a surgeon. What if a doctor’s profile is not in there? Maybe he’s not a member. Perhaps it’s not showing much for nonmembers.

Paying dot com sites (i.e., healthgrades.com)
Sites that make you pay $10 for this info has been incorrect there too. A known doctor did a search in it and reported back that it was not correct (the address was 8 years old). For fee sites do not generally provide more than the info on free sites.

What people really want
The depth of information that is available at the National Practitioner Data site is what people really want, but it is not often available to the general public. It’s only available to state boards of medical examiners who are trying to judge whether they are able to be licensed in a new state, administrators of hospitals who have paid a big fee, government agencies like the DEA, etc.


The Call and Confirm methodYou should be able to contact a doctor and ask them what state their license is in, what their specialty certification is and when, what their interest is (what are the last 2 conferences that the doctor attended). Then you can go to that board or the ABMS and confirm it. If you can’t confirm it it’s either really new or maybe something is actually fishy.

Science and Summer

Did you know that in addition to the Summer Reading Program the library also has great books to keep your kids busy and learning this summer?

Vacuum Bazookas, Electric Rainbow JellyHow do you crack nuts with a piece of string? Reverse gravity? Cobble together a clock out of a coffee cup, a soda bottle, and some water? Use a vacuum cleaner and nineteenth-century railroad technology to fashion a makeshift bazooka that can launch paper projectiles? Create a rainbow in a block of Jello?This book describes twenty-nine unusual but practical experiments, detailing how they are done and the math and physics behind them. (from publisher).




Check out this website for more science fun:

Awesome Summer Science Fun

All in the name of love...

Sex on the Moon: The Amazing Story Behind the Most Audacious Heist in History

Thad Roberts was known as a thrill seeker while at NASA's Cooperative Education Program at Johnson Space Center in Houston but a thief? Roberts gives up his promising career in science when he meets a girl and decides to give her the moon...stealing moon rocks that NASA considered worthless.

"Movie-worthy treatment to the guy who stole moon rocks from NASA"--The New York Daily News

Where is your Relationships Section?

It's on many different shelves.
Relationship books -- Areas to look


100s
Western guide to feng shui for romance 133.3337 COL
Nonviolent communication 153.6 ROS
How to change anybody: proven techniques to reshape 153.85 LIE
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking 153.6
Women Who Love Too Much 155.633 NOR
How to be an adult in relationships 158 RIC
What your mother couldn't tell you & your father didn't know 158.2 GRA
Boundaries : where you end and I begin 158.2 KAT
Conscious Living: finding joy in the real world 158.1 HEN

The six pillars of self-esteem 155.2 BRA 1995
Undefended love (without defenses or qualifications) 158.2 PSA
Co-Dependence - Healing the Human Condition 158.1 WHI
The five things we cannot change: and the happiness we find by 158 RIC
The Seven Levels of Intimacy: The Art of Loving and the Joy 158.2 KEL
Boundaries and Relationships :knowing, protecting and enjoying the 158.2 WHI
How can I forgive you? 179.9

200s
If the Buddha married /If the Buddha dated 294.3444 KAS
Four Agreements 299.792
The Mastery of Love 299.792

300s
Marriage confidential : 100 honest answers to the questions every husband wants to ask, and every wife needs to know (not at bcl) 306.7 BRO
He's just not that into you :306.7 BEH 2004
How to be a great lover 306.7 PAG
Every day I love you more:just not today: lessons in 306.7SHU
She wants a ring-- and I don't wanna change a thing 306.7 BAR
Why marriages succeed or fail 306.81 GOT
Getting the love you want 306.7 HEN
The sex-starved marriage 306.7 WEI
Women can't hear what men don't say 306.7 FAE
The new couple : why the old rules don't work and what does 306.7 TAY
Not "just friends" : rebuilding trust 306.736 GLA 2004
Break up or break through : a spiritual guide to (Gay & Lesbian) 306.766
The intimacy dance : a guide to long-term success in gay and 306.766 BER
The proper care and feeding of husbands 306.81 SCH 2004
The seven principles for making marriage work 306.81 GOT
What no one tells the bride 306.872 STA
"Just sign here, honey" : women's 10 biggest legal mistakes 349.73 BAR
How Can I Get Through to You?: Closing the Intimacy Gap Between Men and Women 362.8286 REA

600s
Five Love Languages 646.78 CHA or 306.872 or 248.844
Passionate Marriage 616.8915 SCH
Sex and the seasoned woman 613.954 SHE
Satisfaction (sex instruction) 613.96 CAT
The new love and sex after 60 -- 613.96 BUT 2002
Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment 616.86 HEND
How to break your addiction to a person [Separation (Psychology)] 616.858 HAL 2004
Long Distance Relationships 646.7
A woman's guide to living alone : 10 ways to survive grief 646.7008 STO
Living Alone and Loving it (Hillsboro has) 646.7008 FELDON
Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus 646.78 GRA
How to stay lovers for life 646.78 WOL
The RoMANtic's guide : hundreds of creative tips for a lifetime 646.78 WEB
Essential manners for couples : from snoring and sex to finances 646.78 POS

800s
The soul of Rumi : a new collection of ecstatic poems 891.5511 JAL Books

Learning Express Database

As a resident of Oregon you have 24/7 access to Learing Express. Learning Express is a database that can be accessed through http://www.wccls.org/ under Online Resources- careers.
"Whatever your goal, LearningExpress Library's resources will help you succeed. Each of our Learning Centers offers the practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, eBooks, and information you need to achieve the results you want—at school, at work, or in life. Looking to land a job? You'll find an entire Learning Center dedicated to helping you get the one that's right for you." ~Learning Express website.

The biggest secret is that there are downloadable exam ebooks. The list of available titles include:

• 501 Algebra Questions



• Pre-GED Language Arts Writing



• GED Math



• Air Traffic Control Test Prep

Log on today and get started!

Adapt!

"From a spaceport in the Mojave Desert, to the street battles of Iraq, to a blazing offshore drilling rig, to everyday decisions in our business and personal lives, this is a handbook for surviving—and prospering—in our complex and ever-shifting world.

"...When faced with complex problems, we have all become accustomed to looking to our leaders to set out a grand vision, experts to draw up a detailed plan of action, or gurus who can provide us with some infallible solution.

In this groundbreaking book, Tim Harford shows us a new and inspiring approach to solving the most pressing problems in our lives."
(quoted from author website: http://timharford.com/books/adapt/ )

Check availability

Kickin' it old school

Okay, I admit it. I am a proud product of the 70's and 80's. I came of age during the John Hughes era. So when I saw this little tome and read the description, my heart sang a bit and I quickly added my name to the waiting list. Now I'm craving a Marathon bar.

Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops? The Lost Toys, Tastes, and Trends of the 70s and 80s by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper

So you want to be a gardener?

But do you want to become a Master Gardener?

About this time of year, your efforts to begin a garden are paying off. Greens and sprouts are taking off. Beneficial insects and worms are crittering about, and you are learning from our great collection of books on gardening here at the library.

But have you ever wanted to take it further and learn so that you can use those skills or teach others? Exploring a Master Gardener certificate, taught by the Oregon State University Extension service, is a popular endeavor for many people who fall in love with gardening here. That means that the winter classes fill quickly. If you want to lean more, be prepared to sign up for this in September.

That is just around the corner!

Summer (finally!) Reads

Now that temperatures have reached a summertime-ish level, your thoughts may be turning to beach reads. The New York Times has an interesting list of books to get you started.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/27/books/summers-beach-books-get-a-makeover.html?pagewanted=1&ref=books

Happy summer reading!

Is It Just Me? Or is it nuts out there?

The title sets the stage for Whoopi Goldberg's observations on how society just isn't as civil as it once was. Everyone will recognize and nod their head in agreement when Whoopie discusses drunk driving, texting while driving, blogging, manners (or lack thereof), cell phones, bullying and the myriad of occasions when respect for fellow humans is nonexistent. After reading this book, I thought that an outline of it could be used in school situations to teach students on how not to behave!

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!

I needed an escape. An escape from reality shows, bad news, and the tacky banter of today's sitcoms. I went and picked up Oklahoma! What a relief. Great dancing, absurdly funny lyrics, lifestyle situations that make you cringe in that way that old movies do, but still... worth seeing, if you haven't seen it. I love the songs--heard them all my life but I never bothered to see the musical.

Oklahoma!

I was very impressed by the dance numbers, and laughed audibly at the song "Can't say No"

Go ahead, put it on hold.

So You Got a New Puppy!

All of these books come highly recommended for raising and training a puppy.

How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With

by Clarice Rutherford

The Puppy Whisperer: a Compassionate, Nonviolent Guide to Early Training and Care

by Paul Owens

My Smart Puppy: Fun, Effective and Easy Puppy Training

by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson

Puppy Preschool: Raising Your Puppy Right-- Right from the Start

by John Ross and Barbara McKinney

Oregon Career Information System

For students or anyone who is interested in exploring careers, the Oregon Career Information System is one of the most helpful resources I have ever used. Although the database focuses on Oregon schools and programs of study, the user can expand their search to includes schools throughout the United States. It's a highly interactive site and what I have found is that the more you use it, the more you find with each new search. One of the most valuable aspects of the database is that it covers not only the two and four year schools, but also those institutions that offer short-term study programs or certificates for various occupations. Included in the detailed information:

• Overviews of individual occupations with details on specific work activities, common work activities, working conditions, physical demands, skills and abilities, knowledge, interests, preparation, helpful high school courses, hiring practices, wages, employment and outlook, advancement, and further resources. It then allows you to search schools that offer programs of study in that occupation.



• The program section addresses program admission, graduate admissions, typical course work, things to know, and other resources. The schools offering those programs are listed by geographical region in Oregon (or you can choose an out-of-state location) and then give detailed information about the school, student body, costs, financial aid, admissions, academics, student life, housing, student services, and career services. Website links are also given.



• If you aren't sure about a particular job title but are interested in a specific field of work like health care or business, the clusters index lists appropriate occupations within a variety of fields.



• The financial aid section is extremely useful in that it allows you to narrow your search to certain types of financial help like scholarships, grants and loans. The scholarship list is very detailed and there is a section specifically for Oregon residents.


• The exploration tools section is helpful in that it lets the user sort through various areas such as occupation, undergraduate or graduate schools, financial aid and one of the most interesting tools, the Reality Check which gives a very realistic picture of how much money you will need to live and which occupation will may for those needs.

Check it out!

Foodies and Reading

Memiors and biographies of chefs and cooking are so popular these days!  Blood, Bones and Butter; the inadvertent education of a relucantant chef  by Gabrielle Hamilton and Life, on the Line: a chef's story of chasing greatness, facing death, and redefining the way we eat by Grant Achatz are two recent and popular titles.  Here are a couple of older titles that may also be of interest.

Never Eat Your Heart Out by Judith Moore

Nobody Know the Truffles I've Seen by George Lang

Stand Facing the Stove: the story of the women who gave America the Joy of Cooking by Anne Mendelson

Beaverton Library has amazing magazines

If you are looking for ways to save money maybe it is time to look at your magazine subscriptions.

Beaverton Library has some AMAZING magazines. And, all the past issues may be borrowed!

If you like Art, we have Art in America












If science and technology is more your interes check out ieee spectrum, the magazine of technology insiders.
This month's issue reviews the top 10 tech cars!


Concerned about the environment? Check out



E - The Environmental Magazine







We have so many more...stop by soon and check them out!

ReliefWeb

ReliefWeb was launched in October 1996 and is administered by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This site contains reliable and timely information regarding humanitarian emergencies throughout the world. It is highly interactive in that it allows the user to see in-depth profiles, updates and reports on individual countries and disasters. For example, the latest information regarding relief efforts in Japan were listed and as I was creating this blog, several updates to the site were made. Jobs and training opportunities are also listed, letting the user focus on a particular country, type of job, organizational source, etc. This is an incredible resource for anyone interested in humanitarian efforts throughout the world.

Oregon Book Award Winners Announced

Congratulations to the winners of the 24th Annual Oregon Book Awards!




Ken Kesey Award For Fiction


Lean on Pete by Willy Vlautin of Portland



Stafford/Hall Award For Poetry

The Book of Men and Women by David Biespel of Portland



Francis Fuller Victor Award For General Nonfiction


Savages & Scoundrels by Paul Vandevelder of Corvallis


Sarah Winnemucca Award For Creative Nonfiction



The Far Corner by John Daniel






Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award For Children's Literature



Calvin Coconut: The Zippy Fix by Graham Salisbury of Lake Oswego



Leslie Bradshaw Award For Young Adult Literature



The Last Great Getaway of the Water Balloon Boys by Scott Carter of Salem