Happy National Weatherperson’s Day!

To many of us, the weather forecast is how we decide what clothes to put on, if we really want to go for a walk, or if we need to leave earlier than normal to safely get to work.  Today is National Weatherperson’s Day. It commemorates the birth of one of America’s first weathermen, John Jeffries, who started writing down his weather observations in 1774. The science of weather or the people working with that science aren’t things I normally think about even though I check the forecast every day, but since it’s their day, let’s celebrate with some weather-related books.

• The everything weather book : from daily forecasts to blizzards, hurricanes, and tornadoes : all you need to know to be your own weatherman by Mark Cantrell
• Extreme weather : a guide to surviving flash floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, heat waves, snowstorms, tsunamis, and other natural disasters by Bonnie Schneider
• Freaks of the storm : from flying cows to stealing thunder, the world’s strangest true weather stories by Randy Cerveny
• Man vs. weather : how to be your own weatherman by Dennis DiClaudio

      

• Pioneers in the world of weather and climatology edited by Sherman Hollar
• Scanning the skies : a history of tornado forecasting by Marlene Bradford
• Storm kings : the untold history of America’s first tornado chasers by Lee Sandlin
• Warnings : the true story of how science tamed the weather by Mike Smith
• Weather on the air : a history of broadcast meteorology by Robert Henson

I used to have a favorite weatherman and one night, at a late movie showing, I saw him and asked for his autograph. I think he was confused, but he nicely signed the back of a random business card I had in my purse. Do you have/did you have a favorite weatherperson? If so, maybe thank them (or think nice thoughts about them) for letting you know if you’ll see the sun today.

-Aisha

An international experience without breaking the bank!

Currently everyone is feeling the stress of the economy.  The need for a gratifying distraction is paramount during these times, and although something exotic like an international getaway isn’t always feasible, a simulated experience is at your fingertips with the assistance of your local library.  Here are some options that give all the joys of learning about a culture without the hassles of waiting in long queues at the airport or locating lost luggage.

To truly experience a culture we need to look at several aspects:  language, entertainment, religion and food. Let’s use Thailand as our example:

•   Language:   To  quench your curiosity, head to the Film and Audio Department and take a gander at the language learning CDs.  For Thailand I would use the  Berlitz Thai Travel Pack.  The CD contains the basic travel phrases while the book presents the unique  beauty of Thai script.
•  Entertainment:  Make use of the ever-growing  foreign films and CD selections.  Born to Fight is an interesting Thai movie dealing with mystery and murder in a local village, and Radio Thailand: Transmissions from the Tropical Kingdom, gives an excellent feel for traditional Thai music.  
• Religion and daily life: Take a look at Pure and Simple:  Teachings of a Thai Laywoman (then consider, perhaps, visiting the local Buddhist Center).  See also the beautiful photo book A Day in the Life of Thailand which has scenic pictures that help simulate the feeling of actually being there.
• Food:   Nothing speaks more about a culture than what they use for daily nourishment.  For the brave I suggest that you lend your hand at cooking traditional foods yourself.  My favorite Thai cookbook is Quick and Easy Thai.  The majority of the ingredients are easily found in the Strip District and the instructions are easy to  follow. Feel like  going out?  I would steer you towards Thai Gourment in Bloomfield:  the atmosphere is traditional and the food is phenomenal!

 We live in an incredibly diverse city that provides a window to other cultures so take advantage of it!  Simply pick a country, look at what CLP  has to offer, add in what is available here in the city and take a holiday!  Go ahead, you’ve earned it!

  MA