Noted, with disgust, on librarian.net: UNESCO advisor and librarian denied a visa to visit Iraq and inspect the damage to the national library. Why? Because he's French, of course, and France opposed the military action. idiotes!

Well, I'm at work all weekend. Saturday and Sunday. The price I pay to avoid the silliness of Staff Development Day and get three days off next week. It'll be worth it in the end, but right now I wish I was at the beach!

Good news updates: I got my registration from CLA/ALA today, and not only is one of my favorite authors, Charles de Lint, going to be there, but CLA's President's Program features non other than Rex Murphy! Gloria Steinem will also be speaking. This looks like it's shaping up to be pretty interesting all around...also, my copy of El Amar came in the mail today. I'm listening to it right now.

Still raining....my place is okay so far, but Michael came home to a few inches of standing water yesterday. It is easing off, fortunately, but with the ground so saturated it wouldn't take much to flood again.

Did you know that the University of Calgary has a program on how to write computer viruses? If you want to catch a thief...

In other news, Canada's proposition to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana made NPR's Talk of the Nation yesterday. Some of those callers sounded a wee bit upset.... and it was more than a little strange to hear discussion on whether the Bush administration would "take steps to prevent such legislation being enacted" if they didnt' like it, and whether Canada would "have the guts to stand up to them." Sad, isn't it?

We're underwater here in SoFla. 11 inches of rain in one day, with more on the way. They even closed the airport! I, and most of the people I know, barely made it home through the floods last night--what are we going to do today I wonder? Canoe home?

At least my car is okay. I've been nervous of driving in flood conditions ever since last year, when I tried to drive through what I thought was a shallow puddle and turned out to be a knee-deep lake. Macha was in the shop for 2 weeks getting her engine rebuilt, and I'm sure if I get another claim like that on my insurance they'll drop me like a hot coal. And rates here are astronomical as it is, even for people with clean records and no claims!

In other news...Toronto health officials now humbly admit that they "closed the book" too soon on the SARS outbreak out of hubris. Oh really. What a surprise. I'm sure the quarantined students in Markham feel so much better now.

Ordered your librarian pinup calendar yet? I think I just might do that, if for no other reason than to see how many of the models I recognize. I've always felt that Alberta Librarians are the best, anyway...or at least the most fun! Read more in the Calgary Herald.

I finally got my Hossam Ramzy CD, Rhythms of the Nile, from amazon yesterday. This is a 2 disc set that teaches Egyptian percussion rhythms. Now I can annoy my neighbors with drumbeats and zills till all hours, woo hoo! Can you tell I'm looking forward to it?

Back after a relaxing three-day weekend... not quite sure why the US needs Remembrance Day (sorry...Veteran's day), Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day, but we get a paid holiday for it, so who's complaining.

Unfortunately, Toronto has been put back on the WHO's list of areas with recent local transmission of SARS. They are not recommending travel restrictions, but the CDC in the US has issued it's own travel alert. Not sure what, if anything, this will mean for my trip to CLA/ALA in June, except that I'll probably have to take personal vacation time. That's assuming, of course, that the reports saying that this situation is under control and will soon be contained are true, and we don't get hit hard enough to outright travel bans... the Canadian Medical Association is not convinced that the country's health community has the tools to handle these situations properly. I'm hoping they're wrong.

More response to the Patriot Act: Vive la resistance!

more Friday fiveness:

1. Crest
2. Anything made of recycled paper
3. Anything that looks good when I go shoeshopping
4. Classic Coke--and Canadian tastes better than US
5. Extra

These questions are a little uninspiring so far....

Interesting news today is that we now have the first images of Earth as seen from another planet! The photos were taken by the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft, currently orbiting the Red Planet. See them here. In another unearthly story, some scientists are speculating that The SARS virus may have come from outer space, and some historical pandemics may have the same origin. Certainly more exciting than the civet cat theory, at any rate.

The US Justice Department, the FBI, and terror investgations. @ your library, among other places. Do we feel safe yet?

Jayson Blair just gets more appealing all the time. Now he's bragging about his genius in fooling his "idiot" editors....

Just for fun, I've decided to start participating in the Friday Five. Every friday, they post questions for bloggers to answer in their blogs as a fun community exercise. This week they're asking about food. So here goes....hope you don't get too bored.

1. I prefer filtered, refrigerated water. Tap water here is too warm and tastes funny, and bottled water is often full of impurities.
2. Favorite chip flavour: salt and vinegar, of course!
3. My preferences are too variable to choose one favorite recipie. Right now I'm exploring a middle eastern cookbook so I'm into couscous, tabouleh, kebabs and spices.
4. Sunny side up, but I prefer omelettes with mushroom, garlic, and cheese...
5. Michael made me breakfast this weekend. And despite his eternal protestations, he cooks pretty well!

I went to a new bellydancing class last night, taught by Mariem. I'm not sure if I'm going to continue it beyond the month I already paid for, though. Mariem is a really great dancer--I met her when I saw her dance at a bellydance party last month--but at this point her teaching style seems to consist of getting up in front of the class, dancing on her own to a piece of music, and expecting us to follow along. This instruction style works in Hollywood, but in real life I spend a lot of the class frustrated, not being able to keep up or even figure out what she's doing before she switches moves. And she seems to spend more time looking at herself in the mirror than noticing what her students are doing. I like her as a person and would recommend her highly as a dancer, but I'm not paying for lessons to watch someone else practice her routines.

It's been a bad time back home in Canada. First the SARS outbreak in Toronto, and now, a case of Mad Cow Disease has been confirmed in Alberta. The US has banned all imports of Canadian beef and cattle. This will be devistating to Alberta ranchers, who are still suffering the effects of years of drought conditions. Read the Calgary Herald article here. See the US perspective at the New York Times.

Noted on librarian.net: Iraq's library may be safer than was previously thought. Check out the Boston Globe article here

Some news: I managed to lose the Broward County Library Association Vice Presidential election yesterday. It went to a co-worker instead. The funny thing is that neither of us were really sure we wanted the position, so I was campaigning for him, and he was campaigning for me! So by losing the election, I actually won. Go figure!

I've been wading my way through Kenneth Branagh's massive Hamlet this weekend. And unfortunately it is a bit of a long haul. I was predisposed to really like this movie--I must have seen Henry V in the theatre 4 or 5 times, and I really liked Much Ado About Nothing as well despite the wooden performance by Keanu Reeves. But this one is leaving me cold. The sets, costumes, lighting, and much of the camera work is gorgeous, but I keep on thinking something to the effect of, "gee, that's not the right way to play that scene," or, "boy, the impact of that moment was totally lost the way he directed it," and so on. Oh well....I'm only halfway through the four-hour marathon; perhaps the last half will be better!

Expat strangeness: I heard a spot on Cape Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac on NPR on my way to work. Totally different perspective than the info I've seen in the Canadian press! At home, we get reports about him swearing onstage and berating his audiences, erratic behavior that includes wearing kilts the "traditional" way and then allowing himself to be exposed, and his numerous financial problems. Within the last 6-8 months, I've read stories of his numerous debts, complex bankrupcy proceedings, and apparent racist comments during a concert a few days ago. Whereas on NPR, he's a "good businessman" who's moved past his "early mistakes and bad-boy behavior" which mostly stemmed from not being able to handle the pressures of fame at such a young age! I've got nothing against the guy, and I respect him as a musician, but I think I detect some major spin going on here! If you're interested, see and hear the story Here.

More metareporting on the Jayson Blair debacle, this time from UPI.

I got notice today that Peel's Prairie Provinces, 3rd ed. has officially been launched. For those of you who may not know, this book and its corresponding database of citations and images is the project that I worked on for the first year of my professional life. Got me into BIP anyway...take a look and see how you like it.

The Ancient World Web is a blog that focuses on news about archaeology and the ancient world. Enjoy!

I can't believe it's only Wednesday! I don't think this week could get any slower! I don't know if I'll make it to the weekend! Help!

A friend recommended this site to me this week: FetchBook.Info. Type in a title, or browse the subject categories, and it will give you recommendations on the cheapest place to buy the book online. Kind of cool, eh?

I heard a great track from Dar Williams' latest album on WLRN's Folk and Acoustic Music program last weekend. You should be able to listen to some of her music on the site, which uses a flash player. In case you're wondering, the song that got to me was "The One Who Knows" from The Beauty of the Rain.

I can't believe that I forgot to link to htmlgoodies on this site! I'm updating the sidebar today...if you want to teach yourself html, javascript, or just about anything else, I can't recommend this site and it's tutorials highly enough. Clear, well-organized instruction at all levels from beginner to expert, and best of all, it's One Hundred Per Cent Free. Who could ask for anything more?

I've been reading about the Jayson Blair controversy today ... see the exhaustive NY Times article Here. For an interesting, if pointed, critique from another perspective, try reading this.

If you're a librarian, you've probably already seen The ALA Library: Terrorist Sanctuary by Paul Walfield. But, just in case you missed it....there you go. A total misunderstanding of the issues, if you ask me, but then, he didn't, did he?

Well, I got the DVD/VHS player. What a process, though! First getting a machine that added high-pitched squeaks and chirps to DVD sound; then going to the store to be told I need an adapter to use the RCA jacks because "no DVD player will work with a coaxial cable;" then going home to find the new method of connection blocks any connection between the two machines; then at least a half-hour of troubleshooting on the phone with a totally inarticulate salesboy who advised me to buy even more equipment to make the setup work; all to take it back to the store again to be told I was right the first time and the machine was defective! This is only the short version of the story, of course, as the details would be way to boring to read. But it sucked up hours of a day that I should have spent at the park relaxing, and pissed me off at salespeople who don't know their products and try to make me feel stupid for having a machine that doesn't work. Technostress. Joy joy.

I've read most of the blogging book I mentioned earlier, but I'm finding that it doesn't quite meet my needs. The author's intended audience seems to be total web novices, and so she spends a lot of time on definintions, shoring up the potential blogger's confidence, talking about blog community and philosophy, outlining proper netiquette, helping you set up a blogging schedule, and so on. On the positive side, she's got a warm, approachable tone, a supportive attitude, and the book is full of good links and advice for those new to web publishing. Not great for specific DIY tips and tricks, which is what I was hoping for when I checked it out, but if you are thinking of looking into the whole weblog thing and don't know where to start, this book might be a good place. The title? The weblog handbook: practical advice on creating and maintaining your blog, by Rebecca Blood. See the author's blog at Rebecca's Pocket

One of the good links included in the book is that to librarian.net. Surf to your heart's content....

ds12.5.2003

So. A couple of weeks ago, I bought a TV from a friend who's moving. And this weekend, I'm hoping to go shopping for a DVD/VHS player. So what, you say? What's the big deal? Well, it's a big deal for me because this will be the first time in seven years that I have actually had a television in my home. I've been without ever since I left my parents' place in 1997.

Now you all think I'm a freak. You're thinking you could maybe understand how someone could live without a cell phone, or without a home computer, but how can someone survive without a TV? Well, when I first left home I was too poor. Then when I moved back to Edmonton to do my Masters, I figured that I was good enough at distracting myself from schoolwork as it was without the added attraction of television. After that I was so used to keeping myself busy other ways that the expense of the equipment and the montly fee for cable seemed too much to pay for something I was doing just fine without. So why the change in attitude? I admit: the thing that tipped me over the edge was a desire to watch The Prisoner on DVD, and the thought that if I had the equipment I could use bellydancing instructional videos at home. So, here we go. Reentering the land of the wired, even if only in a small way.

Got to admit, though, part of me wonders if it will change my home life too much; if the Lure of the Screen will pull me away from all the books I'm trying to read and all the other stuff I'm trying to do until I'm a total couch potato doing nothing but watch videos all day (still not getting cable. I'm not ready! Don't push me!). Not like I haven't got a lot of precedent in stalling my attempts at personal growth and development with sudden needs to immerse myself in light fiction/socializing/whatever works as the excuse-of-the-moment. Well, we'll just have to see how it goes.

My search for Canadian employment continues this week as I put together my lastest application, this time for Queen's University. Last time I was hunting the academic positions were not forthcoming; I'm hoping for better (or faster!) luck this time. Luckily there are quite a few openings in and around Ottawa lately, which is where I'd prefer to go next. This position looks pretty good--it's in a Humanities library, and I have all of the required and most of the preferred experience, so with any luck I'll at least get an interview.

Ever the bookworm (what can I say, it's a vocational hazard), I've taken a book out from the library on blogging. So maybe this page will get a whole lot more exciting soon. Or, hey, maybe not... Stay tuned and we'll see.

ds9.5.2003

Site of the day: Peep Research

Because librarians take their patron surveys seriously!

Pulled out my copy of Light on Yoga today and went through the first series of poses. Though even some of those are a little too advanced for me right now. Sarvangasana on the first day? I know it's the "mother of all poses," but my body just isn't ready for it. Same with Halasana. So I'm going to progress just a little slower in some respects than Iyengar tells me to.

The ultimate goal, anyway, is to improve my bellydancing and get ready for some of the floorwork moves. Because even though I can do a little more than I thought I would be able to, some of the stuff our teacher is showing us is just beyond my present level. Usually this kind of thing frustrates me--I want to be better right now!--but so far I've been successful in cultivating a different attitude, and just being okay with where I am. Hopefully this means that I will also be more successful in sustaining practice over the long term, too...unfufilled potential being my lifelong nemesis.

We're getting into summer weather here in Florida, which means beastly hot and horridly humid. Even after being here for 2 1/2 years, I'm still not used to it. If you'd told me when I left home that I would miss winter weather, I'd have said you were joking, but my body really seems to need the seasonal cycle. As it is, it looks great outside, but if you try to actually get out and do anything, you're running for air conditioning and ice-cold margaritas within a few minutes. Frustrating!

ds8.5.2003

I'm really feeling depressed about the state of the world this morning. Can't really talk to much about the specifics of the situation, because the people involved don't want the details disseminated. I doubt anyone will read this at all, never mind anyone who would know who and where I'm talking about, but on the off chance, I'll refrain from outlining the whole sordid mess. Anyway, I never in a million years imagined something like this could happen to someone I know--never mind the particular person in question, who is quiet, gentle, and working to make the world a better place--and it's extremely depressing. Even worse is that the institutions that should be working to help this individual, the organizations we set up to ensure citizens' health and safety, are abandoning ship in droves. So who does one turn to when all else has failed?

The whole thing reeks of something I've encountered again and again in the past three years. Namely: a society that seems hell-bent on avoiding responsibility and accountability at all costs. How did we get to the point where so much of our energy is put into avoiding liability? I, and most of the people I know, work hard to accept the full burden of personal responsibility for our lives and our actions. We do this with the expectation that the people we work for, and the goverments and agencies we pay for with our taxes, will reciprocate. And all anyone is worried about is dissociating themselves from people that are in trouble, and shutting out those who truly need help. Because gods forbid that these people should ever be held accountable for anything. Or ever have to look beyond anything other than their own comfort, their own personal profit, and that of their friends. And if people's lives are destroyed in the process? If their lives are uprooted, or they lose their jobs, or they or their families are hurt? Well, you can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, can you? Better change your inner-tude and figure out where the cheese got moved to before the dancing elephants make off with it.

Okay, I'm sad and pissed off and not even making sense anymore to anyone who can't follow the MotivationSpeak. So that's all for now.

ds7.5.2003

well, what do you know.... last night, I decided to spend more time blogging. And this morning, what should I hear on my drive to work but an NPR Morning Edition spot on new trends in blogs! Talk about synchronicity....Click here to see the text of the report.

Now, back to counting tax forms and sucking up my morning coffee...

~*LATER*~

I can't believe this. I decided to check the links on my web site, which I haven't done in a loooooong time, and it looks like all the cool librarian sites are gone! The Intolerant Librarian...gone...the link now leads to about 20 popup ads and a web site for some aspiring teenage actress. Thwart Not The Librarian...gone...without a trace. The Invisible Library....gone as well. Searching the web for the site names just brings up the old URLs. I am shocked and saddened. What are all us radical librarians going to do without all these great sites to show off? Help!

Oh well. At least we still have the Bellydancing Librarian....
ds6.5.2003

Okay. So obviously I'm *not* a good, regular blogger, filling all of you in on the details of my life. Somehow, it seems like an exercise in hubris to keep an online diary. Who would find the details of my life interesting? Would anyone ever visit it? Do I have anything at all interesting to say? And so on. So I'm going to start again, reminding myself that this is more of an exercise for me than something to show the world. Though I guess if I did update it regularly, friends and family could visit to see what I'm about.

Activities since the beginning of the year have been varied. Professionally, I moved to another location. So I'm out of the the emotional and physical toxic waste pit that was my old library, and in a newer building with less dust, less mold, and a much better work environment. I give you.....Southwest Regional Library! I originally moved into the Adult Reference Department, but a little over a month ago I transferred within my department to become the Librarian I in the Computer Technology Centre. This means I work the Lab desk more, the Reference Desk less, am responsible for computer troubleshooting, and teach more classes to both fellow staff and the public. I also get to supervise 2 paraprofessionals, which should fill a big gap in my resume. So far it's going pretty well.

Last month, I gave a presentation at the Florida Library Association's Annual Conference in Orlando, as part of a panel on joint-use libraries. See my PowerPoint presentation Here. Click on the slide background to start things rolling.

I also got rooked into running for Vice President/President-Elect of the Broward County Library Assocation. I'm hoping the other guy will win. So VOTE FOR NEIL!

Personally, I've been getting more involved in the local arts scene. I'm still doing the bellydance classes, which are going well. I got promoted to the Advanced class, which makes things a whole lot more challenging! Often I feel I'm in over my head, but it's also given me more motivation to practice at home, which makes it all good. Myriam (my teacher) has also started hosting monthly performance parties at a local cafe, and she has mentioned the possibility of my signing up to be a featured performer/soloist at one of these gatherings. This scares me, especially when I see the level most of the other performers are at. But didn't I tell myself I was going to stop fearing/watching/reading, and start doing? I've said I will maybe dance in July. We'll see if I keep my nerve up. Hopefully I'll have some dancing pictures of myself to post soon, too.

So why don't we give you some bellydance links:

Shira's site is put up by a California dancer and is very comprehensive. There are instructional tips, photos, video and book reviews, articles, history, zill rhythm diagrams...you name it, you can probably find at least a little bit about it here.

Aziza Sa'id's Middle Eastern Belly Dance Site is another comprehensive resource.

bhuz.com is an online directory and forum with message boards, an online journal, teacher and dancer listings, online store, and more.

Did you know that men bellydance too? DaVid has a huge list of links for your edification.

Morocco has got to be one of the foremost dancers and middle eastern dance authorities in the United States. She also was my instructor's "most influential" teacher. Learn about her and benefit from her experience on her site.

That enough to get you started? :)

On other arts fronts, after a long haitus from theatre, I managed to get a part in a local production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum put on by Broward on Broadway. I landed the part of Philia, the blond, not-to-intelligent virgin courtesan who wants to escape her contract with a famous Captain in order to be with her true love, Hero. Don't think we could have had any more fun putting on this show, and to my great surprise and pleasure, nearly all my friends came out to see it. Want to see some photos? Click here! I'm the one in the white...well...one of them.... It was great to get back on stage again. Another group here is putting on a production of Sweeney Todd in the fall, and I've signed up to audition.

Still picking at my guitar here and there, though I haven't had a lot of time/energy for it lately. Also trying to start up a regular yoga practice again, as a complement to the dancing. Ambitious? Me? All I know is this stuff, along with Michael, is what is keeping me sane.

Just about time for me to sign off here. I'll leave you with one last link: Bookcrossings, a totally cool place to set your previously read books free into the wild. I'm hooked!

--ds5.5.2003