Recommendation from the Librarian

Grey Gardens, a film by Albert and David Maysles

I watched this documentary about a year ago and WOW! HBO recently produced a fictionalized account of the life of Edith "Big Edie" Bouvier Beale and her daughter, Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange; that film was based on this cult classic. If you've seen that movie or want to know more about Jackie O.'s eccentric family then this is a MUST SEE!

SUMMARY
Meet Big and Little Edie Beale—high-society dropouts, mother and daughter, reclusive cousins of Jackie O.—thriving together amid the decay and disorder of their ramshackle East Hampton mansion. An impossibly intimate portrait and an eerie echo of the Kennedy Camelot, Albert and David Maysles’s 1976 Grey Gardens quickly became a cult classic and established Little Edie as a fashion icon and philosopher queen. Thirty years later, the filmmakers revisited their landmark documentary with a sequel of sorts, The Beales of Grey Gardens, culled from hours of never-before-seen footage recently found in the filmmakers’ vaults.

Roam (or Rome) If You Want To!

Lonely Planet is an awesome website whether you plan on sight-seeing or just want to see a site! This website offers users information (and inspiration!) on travel, tips to ensure an awesome vacation experience and destination information to help you plan that perfect getaway.

Lonely Planet produces not only a website, but also: travel guide books including specialist activity guides, shoestring guides and phrasebooks: a television series called Lonely Planet Six Degrees: and webisodes on their travel video site. Lonely Planet has established a valuable online community of independent travellers, allowing travellers to upload and watch their own video as well as view videos created by Lonely Planet.

Its a pretty cool site even if you plan on having a stay-cation!

Locals Make Documentary

Here's more proof (as if we needed it) that Rhody folks are some of THE coolest folks on the planet. This site was passed along to me by the very proud parents of an amazing Middletown photographer who's on the adventure of a lifetime with some other Rhodies! These brave men and one woman are heading to the Northwest Passage to document what is happening both environmentally and politically to this elusive maritime route through the Arctic and Canadian Archipelago.

Over 100 years after the Northwest Passage was finally transformed by Roald Amundsen from the realm of legend, it is once again being viewed as a gateway to riches. According to the U.S. Geological survey, the Arctic contains 1/4 of the world's undiscovered energy resources. The sovereignty of the Arctic is in dispute, with five countries - Canada, Russia, the United States, Norway and Denmark - being recognized under international law. A race among these nations is underway for the Arctic's fish, diamonds, shipping routes and oil.

Hole in the Wall Productions has assembled a team of sailors, divers and filmmakers uniquely suited to not only take on the challenges of an Arctic expedition, but to capture it on film in dramatic and compelling ways that highlight environmental and political issues surrounding the Passage.

The site includes a very cool blog detailing the crew's planned route, their current location, recently taken film clips and journal entries about the day-to-day happenings of this adventurous group. Don't forget to sign up to receive email news and announcements (a link is provided at the bottom of the homepage).

So check it out! WHOO HOO! Rhody folks are so terribly cool!

Cool New Website for YAs

Are you smart with money? It can be hard to get a handle on the Benjamins when your after school job pays only a few Washingtons a week. Well fear not dear reader, I've found a way to raise your dollar IQ points without breaking the bank.

The Federal Trade Commission (or simply FTC to those hep cats out there in cyberspace) is the nation's consumer protection agency. This remarkable agency protects consumers like you and me from false advertising and unfair business practices. Basically these are the folks who keep a close eye on all those claims Billy Mays makes on 3am infomercials.

To prove that they aren't a bunch of unfun money geeks, the FTC just set up an experimental website called You Are Here. The site helps users become savvy consumers by demonstrating the benefits of competition, the influence of advertising on buying decisions, and the rules and regulations that many business people need to follow. Essentially this site makes you money smart and doesn't bore you to death in the process. (Why wasn't this available when I was in high school?!)

So what can you do on the site? (So glad you asked!) There's a ton of fun stuff: you can design and print advertisements, uncover suspicious claims in ads, and learn how prices are determined based on supply, demand and production costs.

So get money smart!

For All You Cool Mamas Out There

Helping people effectively surf the Internet is a great way to find some really fantastically awesome websites. (Sigh...I love being a librarian!) Here's one I came across recently, and I know we have several moms who follow the blog thus I wanted to pass this along.

Simple Mom is a site that is designed to help "home managers" live simply and stay sane. It's written by moms and the articles are practical and short. Read about green and frugal living, money management, organization, making your home a heavenly haven and MORE!

You can also get the updates on your RSS feed. (Not sure what that is? Let my web guru Lee Lefever tell ya: click here.)

Because I Heart Lee Lefever

When you are looking for something on the Internet (and you don't have your trusty librarian sitting beside you) do you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of information out there? Do you hit the ENTER key and get a results list that could rival War and Peace?

My computer guru Lee Lefever (remember him?) has put together a great video designed to help you get more from your web searches.

So watch it, then surf the world wide web with confidence!

Recommendation from the Librarian

Looking for a great document? I got one for you and it'll knock your knee socks off! It's totally tubular, dude!

Surfwise : The Amazing True Odyssey of the Paskowitz Family

Summary
Legendary surfer, Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz, abandoned a successful medical practice to withdraw from the lifestyle of mainstream America. But unlike other American searchers such as Thoreau and Kerouac, Paskowitz took his wife and nine children along for the ride, all eleven of them living in a 24-foot camper. The family spent their days living by Doc's rules on health, fitness, sexuality, and above all surfing. The Paskowitzs' prove that America may be running out of frontiers, but it hasn't run out of frontiersmen.

Here's a recent article on Doc from Surfer Magazine.

Edward & Bella...& Catherine?

Are you obsessed with the film Twilight? Director Catherine Hardwicke has put together a book about the making of this popular teen horror/romance film.

Twilight Director's Notebook takes a look at the film through the eyes of it's director. The book is filled with never-before-seen pictures of the film and behind-the-scene's gossip!

Summary
In this intimate book, readers will follow visionary director Catherine Hardwicke through the creative process that went into transforming Stephenie Meyer’s breathtaking novel into box office gold. Designed to replicate the director’s own personal notebook that she kept on set, readers will discover the inside secrets on wardrobe, storyboard sketches, behind-the- scenes photographs, personal notes about Catherine’s favorite scenes, and much more.

UPDATE

Remember a few weeks back when I talked about volunteering for a worthy cause? The Volunteer Center of Rhode Island and Rhode Island's AmeriCorps agency have merged to form the Rhode Island Service Alliance.

The Serve Rhode Island Volunteer Corps (Serve Corps) is a new initiative from Serve Rhode Island, whose mission is to ignite a new energy and interest in volunteerism in the Ocean State. The state's non-profit organizations are in need of help, and we are confident that Rhode Islanders will step up and answer this important call to service.

Sign up is quick and easy! Call (401) 421-6547 or go to the website. Remember: Together we can make a difference.

The 4-1-1 on 2-1-1

The United Way is helping Rhode Islanders get connected to the resources they need thanks to a new program called 2-1-1.

What is 2-1-1?
It's an easy to remember phone number and website linking users in need to available health and human service programs. From the single mother needing food for her children to the senior citizen looking for in-home care, United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island brings people and services together.

What will United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island do?
They deliver comprehensive information and referral services, free of charge and 24/7/365, to the public by telephone, through the Internet and in print publications, in any language.

What can services can they connect you with?
After-school programs, Alzheimer's resources, basic needs - food, shelter, child care/health services, consumer protection, counseling, crisis intervention, disability services, domestic violence programs, donating food, clothing, etc., emergency shelter, energy/utility assistance, family counseling, financial assistance, health care/insurance, HIV/AIDS testing, homelessness, housing or rent assistance, job training, legal assistance, mentoring opportunities, parenting education programs, problem gambling, senior services/elder care, substance abuse programs, suicide prevention, transportation assistance, veterans services, and volunteer opportunities.

So dial 2-1-1 on your phone or click here and start getting the information you need to help create a better tomorrow!

Do Something Wonderful

Are you looking for a "dare to be great" situation? Why not volunteer at the Volunteer Center of RI. The mission of the VCRI is to connect people and opportunities for effective community service. They do this by promoting volunteerism statewide, connecting volunteers to opportunities, building the capacity for effective volunteerism through training and consultation and by collaborating with community stakeholders where volunteers are involved.

The site allows users to search for volunteer opportunities by Member Agencies, Board Opportunities, Internships, Family Friendly, Teen Opportunities, Court Mandated Service, and Disaster/Crisis Response. Users can also search by city, state and keywords. The site features great synopsises of agencies looking for volunteers so you can get to know a group before joining up.

So check out the VCRI! Tell 'em Chris sent you!

Tax Time Help

Are you over 50 and need help preparing your taxes? The AARP can bail you out (sorry, but I couldn't resist). The AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives.

From February 2nd until April 15th the AARP will hold tax-aide programs right here at MPL. These programs run 3 times a week.

Mondays: 12:00-3:00pm
Wednesdays: 4:00-7:00pm
Saturdays: 9:30am-1:00pm

These seminars offer free one-on-one counseling, as well as assistance to help individuals prepare basic tax forms, including the 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and other standard schedules. For more information about these on-site programs please call (401) 846-1573.

What if you can't make it to MPL? Don't worry! The AARP offers assistance over the telephone and on Internet as well. For more information on this please go to: https://locator.aarp.org/vmis/sites/tax_aide_locator.jsp

Hail to the Chief!

Today we watched power pass from one president to another, and in the process we witnessed the first African American man assume the nation's highest office. In honor of this occasion here are some wonderful websites that will help you get to know a little more about our government.

Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States: George Washington to Barack H. Obama

Find U.S. presidents' inaugural addresses, brief historical synopses of each inauguration, pictures of the presidents, and the text of the oath of office. Includes information about the five presidents who assumed office without inauguration. Searchable and browsable. From Bartleby.com.

The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden

This site from the Smithsonian presents background information on the presidency, the campaigns to achieve it, and the men who have been president. Find brief biographical sketches, lists of achievements, images of items in the Smithsonian's collection, and classroom aids. The "Resources" section includes a list of all the presidential candidates, a list of military service of the presidents, a bibliography, and annotated links to other presidential websites.

Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States

This site makes available material compiled and published by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, employing the same database used in producing the hardcover printed volumes. Contains the public papers from the current administration and previous administrations starting in 1991. The volumes are searchable as well as browsable by table of contents, photographic portfolio, presidential documents published in the Federal Register, subject, name of person mentioned, and document category.

Our First Ladies

This site from the White House presents brief biographies of the current and past first ladies. Some profiles include images.

Free Stuff (No Kidding!)

Did you know the Middletown Public Library has discount passes to some amazing museums in Rhode Island AND Massachusetts? Well we do!

We provide passes and coupons to a variety of educational and cultural destinations throughout little Rhody and our sister state to the north. Passes and coupons can be obtained at the Circulation Desk.

So what passes do we have?

Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Bristol, RI & Seekonk, MA
Pass admits 2 adults and 4 children under the age of 18


Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, Bristol, RI
Pass admits 2 adults and 6 children under the age of 18


Children's Museum, Providence, RI
Coupon allows free admission for up to 4 people


Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
Coupon admits 2 adults at $8.00 each and discounted admission to special exhibits


Museum of Science, Boston, MA
Coupon admits up to 4 people at $5.00 each


New England Aquarium, Boston, MA
Coupon admits up to 4 people at $8.00 each - not valid July and August


Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Pass allows 2 adults free admission and 10% discount in the museum store


Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI
Pass admits up to 4 people at below prices:
July and August: $9.00 adults, $5.00 children/Rest of the year: $6.00 adults, $3.00 children

So gather up your friends and family and go see something wonderful!

(Please remember that passes cannot be reserved or renewed. Overdue fine is $5.00 per day. And if the pass is lost or damaged full replacement cost is charged.)

Jobs and Employment Resources

Looking for a job? Looking to change jobs? Looking for great employees? Well look no further! The amazing Heather (my reference librarian partner-in-crime) has compiled a WONDERFUL list of online resources to help you at any stage (or any side) of the job seeking game.

RHODE ISLAND JOB and INFORMATION SITES

RI Department of Labor & Training
This site has valuable information and resources for employers and job seekers. In the Hot Jobs section there are links for State Vacancies and other employment links. Most of the Labor & Training divisions are listed here along with their functions and contacts.

Providence Journal Career Center
Browse jobs listed in the Providence Journal's Job Center.

RIJobs.com
Several major local newspapers, including the Newport Daily News, Sakonnet Times, and Barrington Times have joined together to form RIJobs.com, a Rhode Island job site dedicated to connecting employers and job seekers across the state.

JOB LISTINGS

America's Job Bank
Thousands of new job listings each day. Funded through Unemployment Insurance taxes, this service links the 1,800 state Employment Service offices. Most of the jobs are full-time and the majority are in the private sector. The job openings come from all over the country and represent all types of work, from professional and technical to blue collar, from management to clerical and sales. Resumes can be developed and posted online.

Best Jobs USA
Resources for job seekers and employers. Contains searchable job listings, rankings of employers, a database of trade shows, a resume bank, information on hiring employees, and more.

Boston Works
Search thousands of jobs by job title, region, employer, industry and more. Sponsored by the Boston Globe.

Career Builder
This site claims to list "hundreds of thousands" of available jobs in the United States. Searchable by location, job type, industry, and other factors.

Career One Stop
This government site is the "nation's publicly-funded resource for job seekers and businesses. Find jobs from entry level to technical to professional to CEO. Identify job-ready workers with the right skills...Explore alternative career paths, compare salary data for different occupations, learn which careers are hot, get resume writing tips and job interview strategies, and much more." A product of a federal-state partnership "funded by grants to states."

Moster.com
This site is currently undergoing a total redesign. According to Monster.com the new site will be up and read to go around January 10, 2009. You can see a real-time countdown on the site.

The Riley Guide
Excellent resource for using the Internet for finding a job. Contains introductions to, and annotated links for, job resources categorized by Work Opportunities (career fields), Salary Surveys (what you are worth), Research (career and work options), and Help (with resumes, cover letters, whatever you need). Don't miss the weekly "What's New" and the Quick Index or Table of Contents pages for more navigational options. Compiled and regularly updated by librarian and consultant Margaret F. (Riley) Dikel.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

JobStar Central: Job Search Guide
A library-sponsored guide to job-search resources on the Web. This site includes extensive listings of employer telephone hotlines, local career centers, libraries, and job search events. Job listings are primarily in California, but job seekers nationwide can use the salary information section (with connections to over 300 salary surveys); the resume section with state-of-the-art info; the career guides, and Ask Electra, the Electronic Librarian.

Occupational Outlook Handbook
Detailed job descriptions, along with the employment outlook, educational requirements, and the salary to expect for most occupations. Revised every two years by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Department of Labor
The government website features the information and services the Department of Labor offers on various labor and employment topics.

SALARIES

International Salary Calculator
The Center for Mobility Resources, which sponsors the site, maintains cost of living information for more than 500 cities in the US and Canada, and hundred more worldwide. Just plug in your current location and income, type where you're going, and "calculate". Also available in Spanish.

Salary.com
this site offers "in depth coverage of salary information over a comprehensive set of industries and thousands of job titles." The Salary Wizard tool searches for salary ranges by occupation and by region. Other features include salary news and advice, brief job descriptions, links for job searching, and a section for Human Resources (HR) Professionals.

SalaryExpert.com
This searchable site determines the mean salary, total compensation, and equivalent "renter's buying power" for a chosen job title in a chosen zip code or metro area. Try out the international version as well as the links to many other career sites.

New Year's Resolution

One of the top resolutions people have for the New Year is: GET HEALTHY!

Here are some wonderful websites and books that can help you with that goal!

WEBSITES

USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
This government site has the latest nutritional and dietary guidelines and news releases as well as recipes. When you sign in to The Interactive Healthy Eating Index with age and gender information, it will compare your diet to the food pyramid and give you a score based on analysis of the foods and quantities you provide, as compared to recommended intake levels. The Index requires screen setting and display of at least 800x600 DPI and 256 colors. Some of the files require Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Weight Loss Products and Programs
Profiles of popular weight-loss products and programs, listing characteristics of the products and programs, strengths and weaknesses, and other comments. Also includes examples of ineffective weight-loss products. From a nutritionist at the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.

Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program
A list of questions to ask before joining a weight-loss program. Discusses safety, costs, staff qualifications, product risks, and results. From the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Calorie Control Council
News and information about calorie control, weight loss, and low-calorie and reduced-fat foods and beverages, from a "non-profit association representing the low-calorie and reduced-fat food and beverage industry." Includes calculators, dieting trends and statisticsm exercise tips, and descriptions of low-calorie sweeteners, polyols, and fat replacers. BE AWARE: Information about sweeteners is heavily weighted in favor of the use of these products, with little information about risks and side effects.

Small Step
An alarming rise in deaths in the last 10 years due to poor diet and exercise has prompted this site. Take the "small steps" to better nutrition and health by browsing the headings: "Getting the Facts," "Eating Better," "Getting Active," and "Learning More." Includes success stories and an e-mail newsletter. Also available in Spanish. From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

BOOKS

American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, 3rd Edition
by Roberta Larson Duyff, MS, RD, FADA, CFCS. Wiley, 2006.
Includes the most up-to-date Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Offers quick access to timely advice on a multitude of food and nutrition topics. Includes chapters on food for fitness, healthy weight, vegetarian eating and nutrition for every stage of life.

Dieting for Dummies – 2nd Edition
by Jane Kirby, RD. Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2004
Written in a user-friendly style by a registered dietitian, this guide offers methods for evaluating diet programs, coping with cravings and eating healthfully at home or away.

The Healthy Beef Cookbook
by American Dietetic Association and National Cattlemen's Beef Association, et. al. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2005.
Shows health-conscious cooks exciting new ways to use lean beef in everything from quick and easy suppers to special occasion entrees. More than 130 delicious, nutritious recipes that feature the cuts of beef that meet current government guidelines for lean labeling.

The Eating Well Diet
by Dr. Jean Harvey-Berino, PhD, RD. The Countryman Press, 2007.
Develop healthy eating habits with over 150 recipes, inspiring messages and practical tips. Helpful charts and sensible strategies will encourage you to set goals and track your progress.

The Way To Eat
by David L. Katz, MD, MPH and Maura Gonzalez, MS, RD. Source Books, 2003.
A comprehensive guide to a lifetime of eating well in support of three goals: overall good health, weight control and enjoyment of food.

The Dish On Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!
by Carolyn O’Neil, MS, RD and Densie Webb, PhD, RD. Atria Books, Simon and Schuster, 2004.
A collection of tasty recipes, combined with solid nutritional advice and a common-sense approach.

Eating on the Run
by Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD. Human Kinetics, 2004.
Features practical, healthful strategies for grocery shopping, eating out and quick meal preparation for today’s busy lifestyle.

The Good Housekeeping Supermarket Diet: Your Shopping List for Delicious and Healthy
Weight Loss
by Janis Jibrin, MS, RD. Hearst Books, 2006.
Use the tear-out guide to help you shop more efficiently. Stock your pantry, then try the recipes. You’ll also find a calorie counter for 100-calorie snacks, as well as tips used by successful dieters.

A Healthier You: Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
by US Department of Health and Human Services. US Government Printing Office, 2005.
It's a one-stop, easy to-use resource full of good advice on nutrition and activity.

Healthy Eating Every Day
by Ruth Ann Carpenter, MS, RD and Carrie E. Finley, MS. Human Kinetics, 2005.
Teaches realistic goal-setting, coping with lapses and celebrating successes. Food shopping tips are included.

Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think
by Brian Wansink, PhD. Bantam Books, 2006.
Learn how to recognize those triggers that make you want to eat too much, or want to eat those foods loaded with empty calories. Written in an easy-to-read style that will make you nod your head in recognition of your own cravings.

Nutrition for Life
by Lisa Hark, PhD, RD and Darwin Deen, MD. DK Publishing, Inc., 2005.
Described as a "one volume encyclopedia" of everything that's been said before, this guide provides straightforward information on nutrition.

The Portion Teller: Smartsize Your Way to Permanent Weight Loss
by Lisa R. Young, PhD, RD. Morgan Road Books, 2005.
Is that mound of pasta really just one serving? Learn what a “portion” actually looks like and how to be more realistic about what goes on your plate. Lots of visuals and comparisons for portion sizes.

So What Can I Eat?!: How to Make Sense of the New Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Make Them Your Own
by Elisa Zied, MS, RD with Ruth Winter, MS. Wiley, 2006.
Yes, you can have some chocolate now and then. Learn how to work with a shopping list, make menu plans and prepare balanced meals that include foods you may have thought forbidden.

The Step Diet Book
by James O. Hill, PhD; John C. Peters, PhD; Bonnie T. Jortberg, MS, RD. Workman Publishing Company, Inc. 2004.
A practical guide combining dozens of recipes with advice on how to increase the number of steps we walk each day.

10 Habits That Mess Up a Woman’s Diet: Simple Strategies to Eat Right, Lose Weight, and Reclaim Your Health
by Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD. McGraw-Hill, 2006.
How many of us taste-test while cooking? But those calories don’t count, do they? Learn about the many simple mistakes women make that interfere with successful dieting.

The Traveler’s Diet: Eating Right and Staying Fit on the Road
by Peter Greenberg. Villard Books, 2006.
Do you gain weight every time you leave town? The author confides his secrets about eating, exercising and sleep habits while traveling. Stay on track on the road.

The Volumetrics Eating Plan
by Barbara Rolls, PhD. HarperCollins, 2005.
Shows how to select those foods that let us eat satisfying portions but leave us feeling full on fewer calories. Includes 125 recipes, menu planners, charts and helpful sidebars.

New Year's Is Right Around the Corner!

Fun facts about New Years

This site includes information about New Year's traditions, a brief history of New Year's resolutions, information about the celebration of New Years in ancient cultures, global good luck traditions, a list of common resolutions, and the lyrics to "Auld Lang Syne" by Robert Burns. From a company that provides materials and training for performance improvement.

Times Square Alliance: New Year's Eve

This site provides information on the spectacular celebration of New Year's Eve in Times Square, New York City, on December 31. It includes facts on the construction and descent of the famous Waterford crystal ball, event fact sheets and schedules, and a FAQ filled with details on viewing areas, public facilities, vendors, transportation, history, and more. From the Times Square District Management Association.

Chinese New Year

This site provides information on how the Chinese New Year's Day is determined, the Chinese solar/lunar calendar, the animals of the Chinese zodiac, significance of Chinese dragons, calligraphy, and Chinese graphics.

Feature Stories: New Year's Resolutions Guide

This series of articles provides ideas for sticking to resolutions made for the new year. Includes general resolution advice, and strategies for weight loss, exercise, and quitting smoking. From the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Pearl One, Knit Two

There is a new after school fad that teens are doing, and it involves needles. Breathe Mom and Dad...I'm talking about knitting needles. It seems among certain social circles knitting is the cool thing to do! So does your teen want to know more? Here are a few websites s/he might like!

Craft Yarn Council of America: Learn the basics of knitting and crocheting, find free patterns, participate in a discussion group, or investigate one of the council's special programs at this site. One of the programs is this trade association's Warm Up America program of donating afghans to people in need.

FreePatterns.com Over 1500 free craft patterns for crochet, cross-stitch, quilting, crafts, plastic canvas, and knitting. Free registration required. Images and diagrams may be available. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF).

Knit Net: An online magazine for knitters. Free content includes articles, patterns, a list of knitting blogs, and video demonstrations. (More content is available with a paid subscription.) The magazine is published six times a year.

Knitting Charities: Knitting for a Better World: Annotated list of organizations and projects focused on knitting and crocheting for charitable causes. Includes knitting for premature infants, children in hospitals, domestic violence victims, chemotherapy patients, U.S. armed forces, humanitarian projects in other countries, and more. From a publisher of craft books.

Knitty: Little Purls of Wisdom: "The web-only knitting magazine for knitters with a fresh attitude." Offers a collection of free patterns for sweaters, socks, hats, and other clothing and gifts. Patterns are rated for difficulty, and include recommendations for materials, needle sizes, and gauge. Also include articles about knitting techniques and the knitting community.

Book of the Day!

sTORI telling by Tori Spelling with Hilary Liftin

Looking for something light and fluffy to read?

Portraying Donna Martin on Beverly Hills, 90210, Tori Spelling became one of the most recognizable young actresses of her generation, with a not-so-private personal life every bit as fascinating as her character's exploits. Yet years later the name Tori Spelling too often closed--and sometimes slammed--the same doors it had opened. sTORI Telling is Tori's chance to finally tell her side of the tabloid-worthy life she's led, and she talks about it all: her decadent childhood birthday parties, her nose job, her fairy-tale wedding to the wrong man, her so-called feud with her mother. Tori has already revealed her flair for brilliant, self-effacing satire on her VH1 show So NoTORIous and Oxygen's Tori & Dean: Inn Love, but her memoir goes deeper, into the real life behind the rumors: her complicated relationship with her parents; her struggles as an actress after 90210; her accident-prone love life; and, ultimately, her quest to define herself on her own terms. --From amazon.com.

COMING SOON! (October 2008)

The Smart Cookies' Guide to Making More Dough : How Five Young Women Got Smart, Formed a Money Club, and Took Control of Their Finances by the Smart Cookies with Jennifer Barrett

Let The Smart Cookies show you how to eliminate debt, spend smarter, save better, and achieve financial freedom-without sacrificing your social life or your sanity!

They were five dynamic young women: smart, successful-and secretly drowning in debt. Inspired by an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show on personal finance, Andrea, Angela, Katie, Robyn, and Sandra formed a money club, together developing strategies for turning their finances around. Just one year later they had dramatically improved their financial situations-and had made major developments in their careers, relationships, and life goals to boot. Their proven recipe for success has since been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, MSNBC, and in the New York Daily News.

How did they do it? These five women-with varied careers in marketing, public relations, social work, and TV production-joined forces to create a fun, simple, effective strategy for achieving financial success, forming a money club and supporting each other every step of the way. Now, in this extraordinary hands-on guide, the women, who soon dubbed themselves The Smart Cookies, share the secrets of their success.

Weaving anecdotes from their own lives with practical, how-to advice, The Smart Cookies offer strategies that cut across the financial spectrum, whether you-re deeply in debt or just want to manage your money better. Tackling the unique financial challenges facing women today, they offer easy-to-follow advice on everything from creating a spending plan to boosting your income to starting your own money club.


RESERVE YOUR COPY TODAY!