Blog Post
Joseph Mitchell- the quintessential reporter
by Maxine
Today, July 27, is the birthday of New Yorker writer, Joseph Mitchell who was born in Fairmont, North Carolina in 1908. His Southern roots informed his writing although most of his stories were of eccentric characters living on the edge in New York City. He talked with fishmongers, gypsies and Mohawk Indians who worked as riveters on bridges and skyscrapers. He interviewed criminals, politicians and celebrities. He wrote about gin mill owners, con artists and a flea circus operator. Most of his writing is collected in the book, Up in the Old Hotel. Mitchell thought of himself as a good interviewer because "he had lost the ability to detect insanity."
Blog Post
The Big Mac, a (nearly) perfect form of global currency
by remnil
Have you ever exchanged your dollars for a different currency? I don't know about you, but I'm always confused as to how much I'm actually getting. If I can trade one dollar for 0.75 euros, can I still get as much stuff as I would with a dollar (which, admittedly, is not that much)?
For over 20 years, The Economist has been giving a clever answer to this complex question: Big Macs. The Economist's Big Mac Index compares the prices of that beloved artery-clogger around the globe, and in the process helps show just how much you can get for your dollar. Or franc. Or rouble. In their latest index, you can get a burger in the U.S. for about $3.41. But in China, it will only cost you $1.45. If you're traveling to Norway, though, it will cost you a whopping (pun intended) $6.88!
The Big Mac isn't a perfect way to measure exchange rates and purchasing power. After all, you can't trade them across international borders (eww!). But they have the advantage of being made the same way no matter where you go, an elusive quality in international markets.
Want to find out more about the Big Mac index, or any number of other current events or international trade topics? As an AADL cardholder, you can actually access The Economist in its full-text glory in General OneFile, one of our great research databases. You will need to login to your aadl.org account to follow the database link.
Blog Post
Know before you buy
by Nicole R
Got your eye on a new grill? Replacing that old air conditioner? If you'd like to review the product information in Consumer Reports, the AADL can help - and you don't even need to leave home!
Library card holders can access full text articles from the magazine using the General OneFile database, accessible from the Research page. Once you're at the InfoTrac site, choose the Advanced Search screen to limit your search by publication and enter "Consumer Reports" into the publication title box.
Of course, if you’re coming to the library, you can still find the print copy of Consumer Reports at all of our branches.
Blog Post
Anime Insider now available at four locations!
by joy k
The library’s recently started subscribing to a new anime magazine, Anime Insider. It features articles on new series coming over from Japan, manga reviews, and other industry news. Visit them online for a sneak peak at their content. The magazine is available at our Downtown Teen section and our Malletts Creek, Northeast, and Pittsfield branches.
The library still gets Newtype USA; you can also browse the full list of magazines available at our locations here.
Blog Post
Outdoor Types- New magazine titles at the Library
by Robb
Earlier this year the Library started getting several new magazine titles that should appeal to outdoor enthusiast types. American Iron a motorcycle magazine is carried at the Downtown branch. We also now get Grays Sporting Journal at the Downtown branch and Michigan Sportsman at the Downtown, Malletts & Pittsfield branch libraries.
Blog Post
Yes! Building a Just and Sustainable World
by annevm
Here’s a relatively new magazine at the library that is worth a look: It's called Yes! and the published mission "is to support you and other people worldwide in building a just, sustainable, and compassionate world." Doesn't that sound promising? The spring issue has articles on "Women Take Charge in Oaxaca" and “How to Use Films to Make Change," among many other fascinating topics. If you're intrigued and want to find out more, check out non-current issues of the magazine at the library, or visit the magazine’s website.
Blog Post
Periodicals Listmania!
by jimmyg
Did you ever wish you could browse the entire list of magazines the library has in the collection? Or perhaps narrow it down by branch? Well buckle yourself in because sometimes wishes do come true.
It is now possible to view the complete list of magazines and newspapers in the collection, narrow it down by location - Downtown, Malletts Creek, Northeast, West and Pittsfield, look at what titles are brand new, and look at what foreign language titles are in the collection.
You can also do a quick and easy keyword search for a specific magazine in the Search box. Go to the Catalog page, find the Browse Media section, and select Periodicals in the By Media column.
Blog Post
Great News for Hackers and Hobbyists!
by anned
Grab your Dremel, soldering iron, and those old electronic parts that are collecting dust in your closet. The Downtown Library, Pittsfield Branch, and Malletts Creek now carry the magazine Make: technology on your time.
Make combines articles on science, technology, and art with DIY projects reminiscent of 1960s Popular Mechanics. The latest issue shows you how to assemble a cloud chamber that will track cosmic rays, build a panoramic pinhole camera, make a $5 crackerbox amplifier, plus oodles of other things that you can construct using a bit of ingenuity, passion, and free time. Want even more info or to interact with other makers? Visit Make’s website and check out their blog, podcasts, projects, and more.
Blog Post
Shutterbug
by Robb
The Library now subscribes to the monthly photography magazine Shutterbug for the Downtown, Malletts Creek & Pittsfield branches . There’s a lot in the magazine for camera enthusiasts at all levels including point and shoot digital camera users like me. I reviewed the April issue of the magazine and especially appreciated the article on the Nikon SLR D40 that extolled this camera but also pointed out weaknesses.
Shutterbug also has a fine website with informative sections devoted to techniques, equipment reviews, refresher courses, forums, etc.
Blog Post
Consumer Auto Mania
by jimmyg
The 2007 Consumer Reports Annual April Auto Issue is now at the library. All locations have non-circulating copies.
This issue is jam-packed with lists of the best & worst vehicles for reliability, owner satisfaction, fuel economy, and performance.
As well as sections on:
The best vehicles for under $25,000.
Ratings for 258 recently tested vehicles.
Profiles of 250 models including pricing, reliability, and specifications.
Crash-test ratings and safety equipment for 250 vehicles.
The ten top picks of the year.