New Stuff Tuesday – June 19

Posted on June 19, 2012 by kyle

Corn Palaces & Butter Queens

Corn Palaces & Butter Queens:
A History of Crop Art & Dairy Sculpture
by Pamela Simpson
NA6750 .A2 U6 2012
New Arrivals, 2nd floor

When I was younger, I had the [mis?]fortunate of taking a cross-country road trip with my family. We usually went to the east because of family, but this time, we headed towards the Left Coast. We ended up covering a lot of ground on our way out to Wyoming. One of the places that we stopped: the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. I can’t say that I understood the significance then, but with this week’s New Stuff Tuesday, I have a better idea and appreciation for it.

Simpson, a longtime professor from Washington and Lee University, details the seemingly bizarre practices of the incorporation of food into art and architecture in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The use of grains and other foodstuffs displayed the bounties of the region’s soils and thus the country’s superiority as an agricultural powerhouse. The author describes the art forms themselves, as well as in the context of the time period, with events like the World’s Fair going on. Peppered with photographs of the quirky yet impressive works, Simpson provides excellent insight into an interesting part of American art history.

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Archaeological excavation south of Fort Atkinson

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Barbara

clip art of archaeologist diggingDid you know there was an archaeological excavation site south of Fort Atkinson? The Finch Excavation Site, studied by the Great Lakes Archaeological Research Center since 2009, will be the topic of a talk by Richard H. Kubicek, Principal Investigator, at the Hoard’s Historians quarterly enrichment program on Thurs., June 21, 2-3:30pm (at the Hoard Historical Museum in Fort Atkinson, 401 Whitewater Avenue). It’s a free program, although donations to the Museum are always welcome.

There have been a few articles in area newspapers about this site, including “Archaeologists uncover prehistoric Indian site” (by James Debilzen, for the Daily Union, Dec. 1, 2009), “Anthropologists explore treasures near Lake Koshkonong” (by Neil Johnson, for the Janesville Gazette, May 2, 2010), and “Koshkonong dig yields wealth of artifacts” (Neil Johnson, Janesville Gazette, Sept. 4, 2010).

According to these articles, tools and pottery consistent with cultures from the Middle Woodland, Late Woodland, and some items from the Mississippian Era were uncovered at the Finch Site. Want to know more about these cultures? Andersen Library can help. Search HALCAT to find books such as The Woodland Indians of the western Great Lakes (3rd-floor Main Collection, E78 .E2 R5 1983) and Twelve millennia: Archaeology of the upper Mississippi River Valley (3rd-floor Main Collection, E78.M75 T44 2003). Search article databases such as America: History and Life with Full Text to find articles including “The archaeological contexts and themes of Middle Woodland symbolic representation in the American Bottom” (Illinois Archaeology: Journal of the Illinois Archaeology Survey, 2008, vol.20, pp.1-47) and The Woodland tradition (Wisconsin Archeologist, 1997, vol.78:no.1/2, pp.141-201; available in print in Andersen Library’s 1st-floor Bound Periodicals collection).

Please ask a librarian for assistance with finding materials.

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Project Implicit

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Barbara

“Project Implicit is a non-profit organization and international collaborative network of researchers investigating implicit social cognition – thoughts and feelings outside of conscious awareness and control. Project Implicit is the product of a team of scientists whose research produced new ways of understanding attitudes, stereotypes and other hidden biases that influence perception, judgment, and action.” It began as a research collaboration in 1998 by researchers at the University of Washington, Harvard University, and the University of Virginia.

You can try out some implicit association tests online at the Project Implicit demonstration site, and you can volunteer to participate in ongoing research.

Search the article databases to find articles that have used data from Project Implicit, such as “Implicit attitude generalization occurs immediately; Explicit attitude generalization takes time” (Psychological Science, 2008, vol.19:no.3, pp.249-254) and “Test your prejudices online” (Information Today, 2007, vol.24:no.3, pp.28-29).

Please ask a librarian for assistance with finding materials.

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Al-Qaida Ten Years Later

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Kate

Cover of Al=Qaida Ten Years LaterWhile the United States has been at war during the past 10 years fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan, this book chronicles the proceedings of a conference held by the Marine Corps University attempt to “comprehend the multidimensional aspects of Al-Qaida’s threat in various theaters where it has operated over the past decade since the events of 11 September 2001” and more importantly, what Al-Qaida may plan for in the future.

The book and the presenters discuss the far-reaching effects of Al-Qaida all around the world, from Asia to Africa as well as the struggles of the United Nations to quell the organization. According to one presenter, the recent Arab Spring uprisings may have a positive influence on bringing a change to the Al-Qaida organization by getting rid of the roots of religious, cultural, and political underpinnings of terrorism.

This book provides even those with a basic understanding of Al-Qaida and Middle Eastern policies with insight into the ongoing and ever-evolving strategies in diplomacy during and after war. Pick it up at the UW-Whitewater Andersen Library and check it out.

FDLP logo Andersen Library is a federal and Wisconsin depository library with many federal and state government documents on a variety of current and relevant issues available to you in print, microfiche, CD-ROM, and electronically. Check out your government at Andersen Library!

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New Stuff Tuesday – June 12

Posted on June 12, 2012 by kyle

Stuff

Stuff:
Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things
by Randy Frost & Gail Steketee
RC533 .F76 2010
New Arrivals, 2nd floor

Back when I had cable, I was a big fan of the design shows. More specifically, I loved the organization ones, where the pros would come in and help people get everything in order. It’s a glimpse into the lives and houses of others, and especially interesting to see how personalities play out with respect to how much junk they have. This week’s featured title looks at the people that just have too much stuff.

While Hoarders has brought hoarding to the general public for five seasons, Frost and Steketee have been studying it for over twenty years. They have put their knowledge together in this book, which details compulsive hoarding, a disorder that affects more than an estimated six million people. The pair use case studies to explain the facets of what compels individuals to attach emotions and feelings to objects. In addition, they provide insights into causes and treatments of the disorder, as well the impulses that govern our relationships with things. If you want to learn more about it, they also conveniently list their references for further research.

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Ray Bradbury (summer reading)

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Barbara

Cover of Farenheit 451 graphic novelAmerican author Ray Bradbury passed away last week, on June 5th. I couldn’t let his passing go by without a blog entry in his honor, because I’ve enjoyed many a tale by him. Most of you probably have read some of his works, especially Farenheit 451, but he also wrote The Martian Chronicles, The Illustrated Man, Dandelion Wine, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and others. Dandelion Wine has a special place in my heart because it includes a moment when a young boy realizes he’s alive. That may sound odd, but I remember having a moment exactly like that when I was very young and out on my swing. I’m alive, I suddenly realized. I suppose you could say that’s the moment, in Terminator-speak, of becoming self-aware. There’s much more in that book that made an impression on me, but you’ll have to read it to see if it has any effect on you! I can assure that I am not alone in appreciating Bradbury’s talent; Bradbury received many honors, from the National Medal of Arts in 2004 to the title Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master from the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America in 1989. When he received the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters in 2000 from the National Book Foundation, he credited libraries for his education (You’ll have to read the speech to learn how Farenheit 451 is connected to both the UCLA library and Playboy):

“This is quite amazing because who you’re honoring tonight is not only myself but the ghost of a lot of your favorite writers. And I wouldn’t be here except that they spoke to me in the library. The library’s been the center of my life. I never made it to college. I started going to the library when I graduated from high school. I went to the library every day for three or four days a week for 10 years and I graduated from the library when I was 28.”

Andersen Library has several of Bradbury’s books, and I recommend them to you. Search the HALCAT to get their call numbers. Three of his books are available as graphic novels here, too (Farenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, and Something Wicked This Way Comes).

RIP, Ray Bradbury. I think I’ll reread my copy of Dandelion Wine this summer!

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“I’ll Have Another!” Books on horses and horse racing

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Barbara

Are you going to be breathlessly awaiting the results of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday? Are you hoping I’ll Have Another wins? Crazy about horses?

Cover of Gamble bookYou could have a fun time this summer reading about horses, and Andersen Library can help! Search HALCAT (the Harold Andersen Library catalog) to find nonfiction titles such as The horse God built: The untold story of Secretariat, the world’s greatest racehorse (3rd-floor Main Collection, SF355.S42 S29 2007), Seabiscuit: An American legend (3rd-floor Main Collection, SF355.S4 H55 2001), and Run for the roses: 100 years at the Kentucky Derby (3rd-floor OVERSIZE Main Collection, SF357 .K4 B64). Fiction is available too, including Dick Francis’s gamble (2nd-floor Browsing Books, PR6106.R4523 G36 2011).

Please ask a librarian for assistance with finding materials.

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Vote today, June 5

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Ronna

Today Wisconsin citizens have the opportunity to vote in what the Wisconsin State Journal is calling the “historic” recall election (Madison.com, 06/05/2012). On the ballot are the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor, as well as several Senate seats.

Not sure where to vote? Type in your address and look up your polling place here: https://vpa.wi.gov/ .

Additional voting information, including a link to look up your legislators, is available on the Wisconsin Vote website.

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New Stuff Tuesday – June 5

Posted on June 5, 2012 by kyle

Bully Society

The Bully Society:
School Shootings and the Crisis of Bullying in America’s Schools
by Jessie Klein
BF637 .B85 K584 2012
New Arrivals, 2nd floor

So I went this great birthday party this weekend, and I found myself surrounding by children. When talking with a couple of the parents, it turns out that a few of my new little friends have had a hard time at school because other kids decide that it’s OK to tease and pick on them. Having those thoughts on my mind made this week’s New Stuff Tuesday pick a no-brainer.

Klein, professor at Adelphi University, claims that societal acceptance and promotion of competition have caused the rise in school shootings and childhood aggression overall. She examines school shootings as the ultimate eruption under the pressure of bullies, seeking to find the answers to break the vicious cycle. Performing a content analysis on over one hundred and fifty incidents of violence, the author points to nonconformity, either due to social status or gender and sexuality norms, as the culprits for these tragedies. Klein also includes an explanation of the methodology of her study, as well references for further research. If you’re looking for a place to start on a topic that has received substantial press lately, this would be a good one.

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What’s Your Next Move?

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Barbara

My Next Move web site screenshotAre you trying to figure out what your career should be? My Next Move lets you search for careers with keywords, browse potential careers by industries, or answer a series of questions about yourself to help match your interests and abilities to potential careers. The site also provides information about careers (requirements, outlook, salary, etc.). It was created for the U.S. Dept. of Labor and uses information from its O*NET database of occupation characteristics and outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This site is very easy to use!

There’s also a My Next Move for Veterans that tries to match your military experience with civilian opportunities.

FDLP logo Andersen Library is a federal and Wisconsin depository library with many federal and state government documents on a variety of current and relevant issues available to you in print, microfiche, CD-ROM, and electronically. Check out your government at Andersen Library!

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