Where The Wild Things Are

Where The Wild Things Are - Max
Originally uploaded by optimusprym8

It's been rumored for awhile that there's a Where the Wild Things Are movie in the works, but it appears that there is now confirmation. MTV Movies has a really nice photo of Max in the forest. As always I'm skeptical of classic children's books being reimagined, but so far this looks pretty good. Spike Jonze has done some stuff I like (Being John Malkovich and some music videos) so I'll reserve judgment for now.

via Library Stew

Mothra

9669 Yellow-striped Armyworm Moth, Spodoptera ornithogalli IMG_3417
Originally uploaded by Anita Gould

Apparently there is a sizable infestation of Armywing Moths in southern Michigan. Though they are somewhat of a nuisance (keep 'em away from your wool and your books), a noted entomologist was quoted that they are "not one of the seven signs of the end of the Earth." What a relief.

via Library Preservation

Sew What! Skirts

Sew What! Skirts
Originally uploaded by veganmom30

I thought I'd written about this book before, but apparently I have not. It's friggin awesome! I've made several skirts using the formulas inside and have had really good luck in getting a nice fit - much better than when I've used conventional patterns. So far I've been playing around with it and have made a few that, while not fitting perfectly, have helped me to figure out exactly the measurements I need to use in the future. I really like that their formulas take into account the fact that everyone's got different hip-to-waist ratio, including how much vertical distance there is between the two. I've read some comments online from folks who thought that the formulas didn't work well for people with curves, but I have to disagree - I think the formulas work much better for people with curves than most conventional patterns.

I could go on and on, but my favorite sewing blog A Dress a Day has a terrific review that points out many of the things that make it so great. I don't often find it necessary to purchase books (having access to just about everything through my library and others - as a reminder, you do too) but this is a definite machine-side keeper.

Eloise on the big screen

Eloise
Originally uploaded by Wilma (:

I'd heard awhile back that an Eloise movie was in the works, and it seems that Charles Shyer will be directing. Shyer's written some good ones (including Smokey and the Bandit) and written and directed some others (including Father of the Bride), so that's a point in his favor. I'm still reserving judgment but remaining cautiously optimistic.

via Cinematical

Ravenclaw!

The sorting hat says that I belong in Ravenclaw!

Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose intelligence is surest."

Ravenclaw students tend to be clever, witty, intelligent, and knowledgeable.
Notable residents include Cho Chang and Padma Patil (objects of Harry and Ron's affections), and Luna Lovegood (daughter of The Quibbler magazine's editor).

Take the most scientific Harry Potter
Quiz ever created.

Get Sorted Now!

via Madame Librarian

Wiimoteness

Lightsaber Battle
Originally uploaded by Paul Livingstone

I'm really looking forward to trying the Wii Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix game, in part because I think that using the Wiimote as a wand will be fairly neat. It looks as if that won't be the only neat pop cultural use, as LucasArts is allegedly working on a game that would allow us mere mortals to wield our own lightsabers.

via Game | Life

8

8
Originally uploaded by labworks

I got tagged to tell y'all eight random facts about myself. Here goes--

1. My favorite hot drink is English Breakfast Tea with sugar and milk.
2. Brian Regan is one of my favorite comedians.
3. I have developed somewhat of a liking for knit lit, despite the fact that a lot of it is predictable and not particularly well crafted.
4. I have probably eaten my weight in Pepperidge Farm Parmesan Goldfish Crackers.
5. Making up nicknames for people (and dogs) is really gratifying for me.
6. I was a member of Busy Bobbins 4-H when I was young.
7. I am allergic to cats (really their dander) and dust (really the mites).
8. David Tennant is my favorite Doctor Who.

Tag: Anyone who hasn't done it yet, or wants to do it again.

via Susan of All Trades

Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

I finished this book awhile back and have mentioned a few times how freaking awesome it is (read it now! seriously). I've always been pretty interested in the environment (even earning the nickname -from my sister?- the Recycling Nazi while in high school) and my ability as one person to make the world a better place, but more than anything else being environmentally responsible appeals to me because it is efficient. It just makes sense to use things that originate near you, and to waste as little as possible.

Reading Kingsolver's story of local eating inspired me to plant my first vegetable garden this year and to make the trek to Ann Arbor's farm market (tho it does mean using more gas, the selection cannot be beat, and it's the only place to get local dairy). I'm by no means truly living locally at this point, but I feel good about doing what I can, one bit at a time.

Mary Lee has a review up at A Year of Reading

UPDATE: added to the AVM Blogpost Roundup

freaking cool for those with lil' ones

Star Wars AT-AT Imperial Stroller
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

I don't often frequent babycentric blogs, as I don't have (and don't want) of 'em (babies, I mean, not blogs). However, when I come across something as cool as this, I have to give it notice. DaddyTypes and Thingamababy both have more info on this modded stroller which is probably the only AT-AT ever to be used for baby transport.

via Neatorama

MarioCraft

papercraft Kuribo
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

Crafty Nintendo fans, get on over to GotOrioN for patterns to create your favorite characters from paper. Cyute!

via Neatorama

Rasterbate!

Rasterbated Boondock Saints image
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

Makeuseof has instructions for making your own giant image wall using the Rasterbater. You would not, of course, have to use an image from Boondock Saints, but it does look damn cool (I love that movie!).

via Neatorama

AWFJ Top 100 Films meme: 34

old movie projector
Originally uploaded by FasterDix

The Alliance of Women Film Journalists has released a list of their Top 100 Films. Those in bold are those I've seen. This list reminds me of a lot of movies I've meant to watch but haven't yet.

THE ACCUSED (1988)
ADAM’S RIB (1949)
THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951)
ALL ABOUT EVE (1950)
ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER (1999)
ALICE DOESN’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE (1974)
ALIEN (1979)
AN ANGEL AT MY TABLE (1990)
AN UNMARRIED WOMAN (1978)
AMELIE (2001)
ANNIE HALL (1977)
THE APARTMENT(1960)
ARMY OF SHADOWS (1969)
BABETTE’S FEAST (1987)
BEING JULIA (2004)
BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM (2002)
BORN YESTERDAY (1950)
BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S (1961)
BRIEF ENCOUNTER (1945)
BRINGING UP BABY (1938)
CARRIE (1976)
CASABLANCA (1942)
CENTRAL STATION (1998)
CHINATOWN (1974)
CITIZEN KANE (1941)
CLUELESS (1995)
COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER (1980)
DANCE, GIRL, DANCE (1940)
EARRINGS OF MADAME DE… (1953)
ENTRE NOUS (1983)
ERIN BROCKOVICH (2000)
ET THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL (1982)
FANNY AND ALEXANDER (1982)
FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE (1993)
FARGO (1996)
FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH (1982)
FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (1991)
FRIDA (2002)
FUNNY GIRL (1968)
GAS FOOD LODGING (1992)
GHOST WORLD (2001)
GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)
GORILLAS IN THE MIST (1988)
THE GRADUATE (1967)
HAROLD AND MAUDE (1972)
HEAVENLY CREATURES (1994)
HIS GIRL FRIDAY (1940)
THE HOURS (2002)
IMITATION OF LIFE (1934/1959)
IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934)
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
JULES ET JIM (1962)
JULIA (1977)
KLUTE (1971)
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN (1992)
LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE (1992)
LITTLE WOMEN (1933)
LOST IN TRANSLATION (2003)
THE MAGDELENE SISTERS (2002)
MESHES OF THE AFTERNOON (1943)
MILDRED PIERCE (1945)
MILLION DOLLAR BABY (2004)
MONSOON WEDDING (2001)
MURIEL’S WEDDING (1994)
MY BRILLIANT CAREER (1979)
NASHVILLE (1975)
NATIONAL VELVET (1944)
NORMA RAE (1979)
NOTORIOUS (1946)
NOWHERE IN AFRICA (2001)
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940)
THE PIANO (1993)
RABBIT PROOF FENCE (2002)
RAISE THE RED LANTERN (1991)
REAR WINDOW (1954)
REBECCA (1940)
REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955)
ROSEMARY’S BABY (1968)
RUN LOLA RUN (1998)
SECRETS & LIES (1995)
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (1995)
SILKWOOD (1983)
STELLA DALLAS (1937)
SUNSET BLVD. (1950)
TERMS OF ENDEARMENT (1983)
THELMA & LOUISE (1991)
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962)
TOOTSIE (1982)
TOUCH OF EVIL (1958)
VAGABOND (1985)
VERA DRAKE (2004)
VERTIGO (1958)
VOLVER (2006)
WATER (2005)
WHALE RIDER (2002)
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (1989)
THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)
WOMAN OF THE YEAR (1942)
THE WOMEN (1939)
WORKING GIRL (1988)

via Cinematical

Angie O'Plasty and the Broken Hearts

clementina alley - broken heart
Originally uploaded by ladypictureshow

I'm playing with a new band - Angie O'Plasty and the Broken Hearts - (rhythm guitar and some vocals) and we've got a show this weekend!

Saturday June 30
Sports Channel
St. Clair Shores (On Jefferson, just 3 blocks north of 10 Mile -next to Harbor Lanes Bowling Alley)

Word has it that the Sports Channel is very comfortable and family friendly (no age requirements). They have pool, darts, and other games, and the food is good and very affordable.

The music will be a mix of classic and contemporary rock - 1960s to the present.

DIY Fabric Labels

Make Your Own Labels - Allyson Hill
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

Allyson Hill has a great tutorial on how to make your own labels using printable fabric. I had no idea you could make such professional looking labels using this type of process, but I'm pretty impressed by her results.

I wasn't familiar with Allyson's blog before but it looks like she's got a ton of great crafty stuff there.

via Craftzine

WildCharger

WildCharger
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

File under Neat: The WildCharger is a wireless charging system that you simply place your electronic goodies on top of and go! Of course, you have to purchase adapters that hook into each of your gadgets, and who knows how much the whole set-up will cost. I've recently become aware of how many chargers we have plugged in throughout the house, and each of those keeps drawing energy even when the gadget isn't attached, so something like this would be great in that it'd only be one thing to unplug each morning (saving energy and time).

Sci-Fi Tech article

via Gadget Lab

Tefal Quick Cup

Tefal Quick Cup
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

I drink quite a lot of tea, especially as I try to limit the amount of pop I consume. I use an electric kettle (a really nice one K's mom and grandma got me last summer) and it's perfectly fine, but it would be pretty great to have hot water in only three seconds. In addition to being nice for impatient folks like myself, the Tefal Quick Cup saves a fairly significant amount of energy (especially when you think about it in terms of how many people heat water for beverages). It's only available in the UK starting next month, but hopefully it'll come across the pond eventually.

Evening Standard article

via Gadget Lab

cover art

Scott Westerfeld books
Originally uploaded by Canton Public Library (MI)

One of my favorite trilogies is Uglies-Pretties-Specials by Scott Westerfeld. (Actually, there'll soon be a fourth book, Extras - cannot wait! This is another on my list of galleys to look for at ALA.) The covers of the US editions are pretty good, but nowhere near as awesome as these German versions.

The! Best! News!

Frank Portman @ Cupcake Royale
Originally uploaded by ChrisB in SEA

Frank Portman, author of last year's brilliant King Dork has a new book coming out! It'll be called Andromeda Klein and I cannot wait to read it. It won't be out until January, so I'm hoping I'll be able to find a galley at ALA. So impatient!

Noted at Alice's CWIM Blog

Bloomfield Hills library lawsuit

Newspapers
Originally uploaded by chelmck

Award-winning librarian and all-around class act Larry Neal has written an excellent letter to the editor of the Macomb Daily detailing the nitty-gritty of the ridiculous lawsuit against the Bloomfield Hills Public Library. A must-read!

first lily

asiatic lilies
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

The first of the Asiatic Lilies has bloomed - two flowers at once. Nice.

greeny goodness

veggie garden growing
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

The veggie garden is growing like crazy, especially the peas and beans. Woot!

buzz

thistle? with small flying insect
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

This cute little flower just bloomed (I want to call it a thistle, but I could be wrong). I went to take a photo of it today and saw this little bug buzzing around it. He looks like a teeny tiny bee, but his wings are a little out of proportion.

windows!

new living room window with truck reflection
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

We got new windows on Monday. Woot! They're a vast improvement upon the old 1968 aluminum ones the house came with - we've already noticed that the temperature stays cooler overnight and they definitely muffle the various noises our neighbors make. Hoorah!

mulch

front garden weeded and mulched
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

Last night after work I weeded the front garden and put down mulch. I haven't used mulch before, but if it helps keep the weeds out I'll be happy. I'm pleased with the black color - I'm not a huge fan of the red mulch everyone else in the neighborhood seems to have. I need to weed in the back and side flower gardens now, and buy more mulch for those areas.

lady

ladybug on trumpet vine
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

This little cutie was hanging out on the trumpet vine the other day.

fresh!

this morning's haul from the Ann Arbor Farmers Market
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

This morning K and I headed over to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. I was really pleased to find a good selection of organic, (fairly) locally produced produce. We got some eggs from a farm just outside A2, and the produce is from farms within about a half-hour. I already made the asparagus for lunch (forgot to take a photo before I snarfed it) and it was delicious! On a tip from one of my coworkers, I put it on a plate with some olive oil, minced garlic, and "Italian Seasoning" (a mix that we probably have most of separately, but it was in the cupboard and it worked) and microwaved it for a few minutes. I'm really pleased that it turned out so well.

My pal Bill from Mount P told me earlier today that his fiance (congrats, you two!) makes asparagus in the broiler with similar preparation - our oven is mega unreliable, but I'm not sure if the broiler is any better. I may give it a shot next week if there's good asparagus at the market.

I finished reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle last night. What a great book! I was sort of sad to finish it. I can't remember the last non-fiction book I enjoyed so much.

flowahs

iris
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

It's been really hot the past few days and the iris are looking pretty well faded, but a few days ago this one looked pretty nice.

something is growing!!

cucumbers sprouting
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

Holy crap! The cucumbers are sprouting! I'm so geeked that something is actually growing.

dog days

belly-rub, please!
Originally uploaded by annethelibrarian

It's been pretty warm lately, and that means that the pooches like to lay in the nice, cool grass in the back yard. If people are standing within spitting distance, Logan believes that belly-rubs ought to be mandatory - she's totally willing to make it easy for you.