Useless Knowledge...

So why do I have all this useless knowledge? It was a 3 word gift to me from my parents and not the ones you are probably thinking. My words were, "Look it up." I always wanted to retort, " Just tell me the dang answer!" But the other day Mom and I were talking...


Me: That's the fourth dead skunk I've seen today!

Mom: Okay... 

Me: That one didn't even smell.

Mom: Maybe it used up all of it's smell before it got hit.

Me: Maybe... Do they run out?

Mom: Well that one did.

Me: I should look it up.


From http://www.exotic-mammals.com/html/spraying.htm (site built by longtime skunk keepers in the UK) I learned that Skunks have 2 scent glands that each contain 10-15 ml of sticky, stinky fluid. Since they have weak eyesight skunks can spray a mist or a cloud of stink if they can't see what is frightening them but if they can see skunks are super accurate often spraying a jet of fluid directly into the eyes of an attacker from about 6-9 ft away. This can cause temporary blindness and the smell can cause vomiting.

They have about 7-10 shots before they empty their scent glands. Most predators don't stick around that long. Once they run out they need anywhere from 7-10 days to refill.

So indeed, the last skunk we saw smashed on the road that day may have emptied its scent glands into numerous predators before the final insult - getting smooshed by a car. Talk about a bad day.

And since my parents gave me this wonderful gift, I get to share it with you.

Don't you feel smarter already?

Magnetic Musings

Someone must have been in a bad mood.

It has been 3 years since I went back to school for my Masters degree in Library Science. 3 years, many long hours of writer's block, lots of projects, numerous databases explored, countless articles read, and one official panic attack (over cataloging, go figure).

But, all good things must come to an end and on Monday, August 6th I submitted my final assignment. My grade was posted on August 8th and I am now waiting for that beautiful diploma to come in the mail so I can prove that I did it!

Some of it was hard, some of it was annoying and time-consuming, but looking back I can honestly say that I enjoyed nearly every minute of the experience. Never thought I would admit that! There is something about having discussions with people who share your passion that is so invigorating. I loved debating the issues of copyright, privacy, and what the future holds for librarians with people who agree that we all don't have to agree. I am going to miss that.

I don't fear for my chosen profession any longer. Librarians aren't just the people at the desk. They are people who are on the forefront of information accessibility. They can find what you need, more often than not, without sifting through millions of Google hits.They are passionate about literacy for children and adults. They are positioned in the community to effect change and to be a part of the solutions to poverty, education, and equality. They are your first resource not a last resort. We'll save you time and do it with a smile because we love what we do (If we don't smile find another person to help you).

I could go on...