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...

Sad News - for me anyhow...

Posted at Central Library in the READ Center:


On Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Jerry the Degu died in his sleep.

Jerry the Degu came to live with at McCollough Branch Library in the summer
of 2002. Right from the start he was an ornery little guy who loved
running, running, running on his wheel.

In those days it seemed he was in constant motion.

He came to live at Central Library in 2006 where he established quite a
following. He loved it when people of all ages visited him in the READ Center.

His favorite things were always Cheerios, running, his willow ball nest, and the
occasional shoulder rides with his friend and caretaker. Jerry remained sweet
tempered and genuinely cute his whole life - bringing joy to all.

He was preceded in death by his brother Tom.
He is survived by his friends Buttercup the Degu, Cinnamon the Cat,
Miss Lola the Book Bus driver and the Staff of the Read Center.

He will be missed.

In honor of Jerry’s lifelong work at the EVPL, we invite you to share your memories of Jerry in his memorial book.

Magnetic Musings

New message. Hmmm...

Just finished re-reading City of Tranquil Light by Bo caldwell for my Book Club and I once again found myself so moved by the gentle strength of the faith portrayed in the book that I wanted to re-post a blog entry from November 17, 2011:

Set in the turn of the 20th Century China City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell is the stoy of two Mennonite Missionaries who leave home to live in the plains of Northern China. In China they discover love, hate, danger, turmoil, doubt, but also deep contentment. Life is hard, sometimes excruciatingly so, but their love for the people of China and dedication to God keeps them standing firm through good times of plenty and hard times of drought, famine, and war.

This tender story is one of deep relationships and the amazing power forgiveness has on the lives of all it touches. Full of wisdom it is based on the real lives of Caldwell's grandparent's, enhanced with pieces from the lives of other missionaries to China making the book an even more compelling read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Magnetic Musings

I received a set of magnetic words from a friend for Christmas and put them on my filing cabinet at work. So far most of the musings have been mine but this morning I saw a new one. Thinking it might be fun or at least moderately amusing to share the random and anonymous musings of myself and my co-workers I have decided to post them on ocassion.