Saturday, October 29, 2011

Face Painting for Kids on Oct. 31

Do your kids need some cool face paint to go with their costumes on Monday? Stop by the Main Library Children's Room (161 Washington Avenue) on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. Kids can get their faces painted for free before heading out for trick-or-treating. Please register at 427-4310

NYS Library Family Literacy Library Services Grant Awards Announced

From New York's Libraries Information Network:

Family literacy library services will be expanded or newly offered through 91 public libraries, library branches and public library systems with the help of grants from the New York State Library, Deputy Commissioner for the State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education, Jeffrey Cannell announced. The projects total $234,745 in the first year and are beginning now or in some cases have begun already.

"New York State’s Family Literacy Library Services grants enable public libraries and public library systems to develop or expand their services to parents, caregivers and children," said Mr. Cannell. "Libraries will partner with schools and other community agencies to help parents provide early literacy experiences and activities that are crucial for children’s success in school and beyond."

Locally, $39,547 was awarded to Comics Connect: Using Graphic Novels to Boost Literacy. Eight libraries in the Mohawk Valley Library System and 13 libraries in the Upper Hudson Library System will collaborate with local schools and parent organizations. Graphic novels will be used with boys in grades 3-6 to build heightened interest in reading. The project will also increase library use and inform parents and educators about graphic literature through workshops, library programs, expanded collections and classroom kits.

More information on the NYS Family Literacy Library Services Program.
Contact Cassandra Artale, Library Development Specialist, New York State Library / Division of Library Development, cartale@mail.nysed.gov.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Drop Off Your Unwanted or Expired Medications this Saturday

Saturday, October 29, you can dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications at a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day collection site. Find a drug collection site near you. If you can’t participate in Prescription Drug Take Back Day, learn how to safely and properly dispose of unused medicines.

Monday, October 24, 2011

CNSE's NANOvember 2011

Be a part of CNSE’s month-long celebration showcasing the exciting world of nanotechnology and the global leadership of CNSE and NYS in the most important science of the 21st century!

Pre-register for NANOvember events.

Nano vs. Nature
Wednesday, November 2, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Learn how nanotechnology innovations can protect life and prevent damage caused by Mother Nature. CNSE Vice President for Economic Outreach and Business Development Michael Fancher discusses nanoscale-enabled smarter and safer communities.

CNSE Community Day
Saturday, November 5, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Receive an up-close look at the world of nanotechnology as CNSE invites residents of the Capital Region, Tech Valley and NYS to tour CNSE’s Albany NanoTech Complex.

CNSE Community Lecture Series
Monday, November 7, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Discover the potential benefits of stem cell research done at the nanoscale while playing a bingo game with CNSE Associate Professor of Nanobioscience Dr. Janet Paluh.

CNSE Community Lecture Series
Monday, November 14, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Learn about the potential of nanotechnology, its growing impact on all facets of society, and the global leadership of CNSE and NYS with CNSE Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros.

Capital Region Nanotechnology Showcase
Saturday, November 19, 12 - 4:00 p.m.
CNSE and the Times Union Classroom Enrichment Program give high school students a chance to showcase projects that answer the question, “How is nanotechnology changing the world?”

CNSE Community Lecture Series
Monday, November 21, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
A look inside the region’s strong history of innovation, the rapid development of New York’s nanotechnology economy, and expectations for future growth with CNSE Assistant Professor of Nanoeconomics Dr. Laura Schultz.

CNSE Community Lecture Series
Monday, November 28, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Discover the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry and the leading-edge research being conducted at CNSE, including the U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC), with CNSE Vice President for Clean Energy Programs Dr. Pradeep Haldar.

NanoQuin World
Throughout the month of November, you can see firsthand how nanotechnology has become an integral part of everyday life by visiting CNSE’s unique informational display at Crossgates Mall in front of Brookstone, which showcases the numerous applications of nanotechnology know-how.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Theater of War

SOCIAL NETWORK” ACTOR TO APPEAR IN CAPITAL DISTRICT
Theater of War to be Presented in Albany
Monday , October 24 ▪ 12:30 p. m. –3 p.m., at New York State Museum, Clark Auditorium ▪ FREE
The State Museum partners with SUNY Empire State College for a special presentation to raise awareness about the issues facing active-duty military and veterans, especially those who have endured combat situations, and to discover ways society can best respond to their needs. The three-part presentation includes readings from Sophocles’ Ajax and Philoctet performed by several well-known stage and film actors, including Academy Award–nominee Jesse Eisenberg (“The Social Network”); a panel discussion; and a town hall meeting.

The performance is free and open to the public; however, due to limited seating at the performance advance registration is requested.

New York State Education Department
New York State Museum • Cultural Education Center • Albany NY 12230
518 474-5877
www.nysm.nysed.gov

Friday, October 21, 2011

Where Consumers Cut Back

Some of my colleagues were interested to know if there is research regarding where consumers cut back first, second, etc., when times
are hard. This is different than what one OUGHT to cut back in hard
times, for which I find oodles of examples; I was looking for what people
ACTUALLY do.

Where Would You Cut Your Household Budget First? (2007) is interesting but flawed, in that it reflects what people saw they would do if there were hard times. But at the time, things seemed rosy.

More useful were Psychology of Bad Times Fueling Consumer Cutbacks (2008) and Consumer Cutbacks: Temporary or Permanent? (2009), which reported on actual hard-times responses.

Also very helpful: Americans Cutting Back on Everyday Expenses to Save Money (Harris poll, 2011).

Addressing the issue from a different angle: 12 Things We Buy in a Bad Economy (TIME - 2011)

But THE treasure trove, if one takes the time to study it, is the Consumer Expenditure Survey from the US Department of Labor, especially the most recent multiyear table (2006-2010 PDF), as well as the ones for previous years, going back to 1981.

Thanks to Alisa Coddington, John Skutnik, Terese Mulkern Terry, and Chantal Walvoord for their wisdom.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

APL seeks Temporary Librarian I in Collection Management Services

Albany Public Library

Position Available: Temporary Librarian I, Collection Management Services

Job Description: The Collection Management Services Librarian I Temporary Position performs original and copy cataloging and adapt online records according to Upper Hudson Library System and Albany Public Library guidelines.

Required Skills and Abilities: a working knowledge of library technical services and procedures; and the ability to perform both independently and as a team member. Preference will be given to candidates with previous professional experience in library technical services and/or familiarity with the Horizon library automation system.

Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from a registered college or university accredited by the American Library Association or registered by the NYS Education Department to grant degrees with a Master’s Degree* in Library Science, Information Services or equivalent.

*Minimum qualifications are in accordance with New York State Education Department Division of Library Development.

Special requirement: Eligibility and application for a New York State Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate at the time of appointment.

Work Schedule: Up to 37.5 hours/week, Monday – Friday

Supervisor: Head of Collection Management Services

Salary: $22.35 per hour

Application Deadline: Applications for this position will be accepted until filled.

Apply to: Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume and three professional references to:

Human Resources Manager
Albany Public Library
161 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12210
e-mail: reinharm@albanypubliclibrary.org

Albany Public Library is an AA/EO institution and is strongly and actively committed to increasing diversity within its organization.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

"Checking Out" by librarian and archivist Shannon O'Neill

From the Sunday, October 16, 2011 NYT, page 9 Sunday Review:

Op-Art Checking Out

"Shannon O'Neill is an archivist and reference librarian at the Atlantic City Free Public Library. "

"AS a librarian and archivist, I am often asked if I believe that, one day, libraries will disappear. While the present situation for many libraries is difficult budget cuts, closings and furloughs I think that libraries will persist.

Libraries are always in a state of transformation: as the means of information production and consumption change, so do libraries. We exist to help you navigate complex systems of information, whether its the bureaucracy of the welfare system or a pile of dusty boxes filled with archival documents. This is an increasingly necessary service in a society that is ever more reliant upon data.

What has changed, and will continue to change, is the library's appearance. The way the library looks today is drastically different from the way it did 50 years ago. Many of the visual cues of library-ness are vanishing. When we moved to automated and integrated library systems, we no longer had a need for iconic items like card catalogs or stamps for due dates.

One of my duties as an archivist is to document history. Given this, I cannot help but preserve the library artifacts that I find."

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Meet the School Board Candidates Forum today

The Albany City Council PTA and the League of Women Voters of Albany County are sponsoring a Meet the School Board Candidates Forum on Tuesday, October 18th, 6:30-8:30pm, in the North Cafeteria at Albany High School.Please come and meet the candidates, Melissa Mackey, Ginnie Farrell and Sue Adler,and hear what they have to say. There will be an opportunity for questions.

Dan Wilcox

Monday, October 17, 2011

H. Carl McCall Appointed as Chair of SUNY Board of Trustees

Statement from Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher

"Few individuals have served New York State with such distinction and in so many capacities as the Honorable H. Carl McCall. As a former state senator, as New York State Comptroller, and as the state’s Commissioner of Human Rights, Mr. McCall has proven one of our most valued and admired public servants. And now, I’m proud to call him Chairman McCall as he assumes his new leadership role in the service of the citizens of New York State.

“At the same time, I want to express my sincere gratitude and admiration to Trustee Carl Hayden for his exceptional leadership during a particularly tumultuous and historic period in SUNY's history.

“The appointment of Carl McCall – a long-time member of our Board of Trustees – ushers in a new era of achievement for SUNY, and I commend Governor Andrew Cuomo for providing the state university with such a stalwart leader. In his new capacity, Chairman McCall will be able to give even greater force, wisdom, and vision to the task of making SUNY the most outstanding public higher education system in the country.

“Since his first days in office, Governor Cuomo articulated a clear vision for public higher education as a catalyst for New York’s economic recovery, and he has delivered on his promise. The governor proposed, helped pass, and signed into law landmark reform for New York's tuition policies, which will help SUNY maintain both quality and accessibility for years to come.

“Now, with the selection of Carl McCall to lead the Board of Trustees, Governor Cuomo has shown, once again, that his commitment to SUNY’s academic excellence and its role as an economic driver is for the long haul. We look forward to a fruitful partnership.”

About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating more than 467,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses with nearly 3 million alumni around the globe. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Publicatio​ns About Antibiotic Resistance and Generic Drugs

Antibiotic Resistance - Antibiotic drugs can save lives. But the more often you use an antibiotic, the more likely it is that germs will become drug resistant. Learn what you can do to minimize this problem.

Generic Drugs - A generic drug is a copy of a brand name drug, but it works the same and can save you money. Learn more about the effectiveness, appearance, and safety of generic drugs.

Discover personal health books, information on dieting and nutrition, medical problems, mental health issues, and more at Publications.USA.gov. Find more health publications to view online or order in print.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Free Online Training & Certifications for Job Seekers: Sign Up at Oct. 17 Event

Albany Public Library and its partners in ALLbany Online are providing free online training and free certification tests for up to 200 unemployed and underemployed people. Participants need to sign up for the free training/certification program on Monday, Oct. 17, from 2 to 7 p.m. in the small auditorium of the Main Library at 161 Washington Avenue. Registrations will be taken on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please call Albany Public Library’s Working Knowledge Public Computing Center at 427-4325.

More info HERE.

UGR History Project annual fundraiser features noted storyteller & musician

Eshu Bumpus, noted African-American storyteller and jazz musician, will be the featured performer at a fundraiser on October 29th to benefit the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc. Bumpus weaves folktales with humor, history, mystery, and engaging physical characterization. He draws crowds wherever he performs, including 36 sold-out shows in 13 days at the Smithsonian Institution, and a memorable performance at URHPCR’s conference in April. Joining him for the musical portion are fellow renowned musicians Paul Arslanian, music director for UMass Amherst’s Dance Department, and Bob Weiner, a percussionist who has performed with Harry Belafonte, Itzhak Perlman, Betty Buckley, and others.

“Eshu was a big hit at our conference in April, so we’re delighted he could
come back to Albany for our fundraiser,” said Mary Liz Stewart, co-founder of URHPCR. The Eshu Bumpus Trio will perform on Saturday, October 29th, 6-9 pm, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, 405 Washington Avenue, in Albany. The benefit includes hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, and cash bar. Tickets are $40 in advance, or $50 per person / $90 per couple at the door. For more information or to order tickets, see www.ugrworkshop.com, call (518) 432-4432, or mail a check or money order to URHPCR, P.O. Box 10851, Albany, NY 12201.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Hospital Patients Can Now Choose Their Own Visitors

Patients in Medicare- and Medicaid-participating hospitals now have the right to choose their own visitors during a hospital stay and name a person of their choice to make medical decisions on their behalf, regardless of whether or not the person is a family member.

Learn more about the changes.

JAMES W. LOEWEN speaks at Siena College

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, Siena College will sponsor a lecture by James W. Loewen, author of Lies My Teacher Told Me. Loewen is a best-selling author, a leading critic of the teaching of history in our schools, and a lively and provocative speaker.

His topic will be, “Lies My Teacher Told Me About the Civil War,” his
emphasis will be on how popular myths about the Civil War influence
contemporary race relations.

Supporters of the Underground Railroad will likely be interested in what he has to say so we are sharing this announcement with you. The event is free and open to the public.

A LECTURE BY JAMES W. LOEWEN
AUTHOR OF LIES MY TEACHER TOLD ME
7 PM OCTOBER 12
SARAZEN STUDENT UNION 243

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

SPONSORED BY:

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS
DAMIETTA CROSS-CULTURAL CENTER
STANDISH LIBRARY

Renewable Energy Options for Your Home

You can learn more about renewable energy options for your home with these publications:
Guide to Renewable Energy - Homeowners may want to consider renewable energy options such as solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, and small wind systems.
Small Wind Electric Systems: A U.S. Consumer's Guide - The handbook provides consumers with information to help them determine whether a small wind electric system can provide all or a portion of the energy they need for their home or business.
More Publications on Going Green

Thursday, October 06, 2011

New CDTA schedules now available

New Schedules Effective November 13, 2011 for:

Trunk Routes

Route 6 - Second / Whitehall
Route 7 – Glenmont
Route 10 – Western Avenue
Route 11 – UAlbany Shuttle
Route 12 – Washington Ave
Route 13 – New Scotland Avenue
Route 18 – Delaware Avenue

Neighborhood Routes

Route 100 – Mid City Belt
Route 114 – Madison / Washington
Route 116 – Albany / Menands
Route 125 – Clinton / Sand Creek
Route 138 – Allen / Livingston

Commuter Routes

Route 712 – Harriman Campus / Patroon Creek
Route 734 – Hackett / Buckingham Pond
Route 737 – Corporate Woods / Airport

Sylvia Nasar at UAlbany

Sylvia Nasar, journalist and nonfiction writer
October 11 (Tuesday)
Reading — 7:00 p.m. [Note early start time], Main Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Uptown Campus

Sylvia Nasar, journalist and author, achieved international acclaim for A Beautiful Mind (1994), a biography of Nobel Prize-winning economist John Forbes Nash. Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award and a Pulitzer finalist, the book was made into a 2001 film that received four Oscars including Best Picture. Nasar’s newest book is Grand Pursuit: The Story of Economic Genius (2011), a sweeping history of the invention of modern economics. A New York Times economics correspondent from 1991 to 1999, she currently holds the Knight Chair in Business Journalism at Columbia University.

Cosponsored by UAlbany’s Center for Institutional Investment Management

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

A Celebration of Aimé Césaire

October 6 (Thursday)
Panel Discussion/Reading — 4:15 p.m., Standish Room, Science Library, Uptown Campus

Poet of Martinique, Aimé Césaire (1913-2008) was a major voice of Caribbean literature, anti-colonial activism, modern French poetry, pan-African culture, and the historic “Négritude” movement. Members of the UAlbany community will celebrate Césaire’s poetry and mark the first complete and unexpurgated publication in English of his 1948 collection, Soleil cou coupé [Solar Throat Slashed], translated and edited by A. James Arnold and Clayton Eshleman. Arnold will lead a discussion with UAlbany professor Eloise Briére and other faculty members on Césaire’s work.

Cosponsored by UAlbany’s Departments of Languages, Literatures and Cultures; Latin American, Caribbean and U. S. Latino Studies; English; Africana Studies; and the NYS Writers Institute

Freeze warning in western Albany County, frost advisory in eastern Albany County

Freeze warning in effect from midnight tonight to 10 am EDT
Thursday...

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a freeze
warning... which is in effect from midnight tonight to 10 am EDT
Thursday for western Massachusetts... southern Vermont... and for
the eastern Catskills... the Mohawk and Schoharie valleys... the
southern and eastern Adirondacks... the Lake George Saratoga region
and the northern and central Taconics of east central New York..

* temperature... temperatures are expected to drop into the mid 20s
to lower 30s across the warned area tonight.

* Impacts... widespread below freezing temperatures will likely
result in a killing frost across the warned area... bring to an
end the 2011 growing season.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A freeze warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or
highly likely. These conditions will kill crops and other
sensitive vegetation.
***
Frost advisory in effect from midnight tonight to 10 am EDT
Thursday...

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a frost
advisory... which is in effect from midnight tonight to 10 am EDT
Thursday for northwestern Connecticut... and for the capital
district... Mid Hudson valley and southern Taconics of east central
New York..

* temperature... temperatures will drop to between 33 and 36
degrees tonight across the advisory area.

* Impacts... areas of frost are likely to form tonight across the
advisory area... resulting in damage to sensitive outdoor plants
and crops if no measures are taken to protect them.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A frost advisory means that frost is possible. Sensitive outdoor
plants may be killed if left uncovered.


From HERE.

Ian Frazier at SUNY

Ian Frazier, humorist and nonfiction writer
October 5 (Wednesday)
Seminar — 4:15 p.m., Standish Room, Science Library, Uptown Campus
Reading — 8:00 p.m., Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center, Uptown Campus

Ian Frazier, is a leading American humorist, travel author, and staff writer for the New Yorker. Frazier has published two highly-praised and funny travelogues: Great Plains (1989), about his explorations of the American Midwest; and Travels in Siberia (2010), a current bestseller about Russia’s “Wild East.” The New York Times reviewer called the Siberia book, “an uproarious, sometimes dark yarn filled with dubious meals, broken-down vehicles, abandoned slave labor camps ... and ubiquitous statues of Lenin….” Frazier’s other recent books include Lamentations of the Father (2008) and Gone to New York (2005).