New Stuff Tuesday – December 4

Posted on December 4, 2007 by kyle

Making & Selling America's Favorite Sport

Brand NFL:
Making & Selling America’s Favorite Sport
by Michael Oriard
GV954.3 .O75 2007
New Book Island, 2nd floor

With football season in full swing, the Packers still doing well, and the BCS bound to make a lot of people mad yet again, I figure that we should highlight a new addition to the collection about the pigskin game.

Oriard, currently a distinguished professor at Oregon State University, takes on the task of profiling one of the most popular American professional sports and its commercialization over the years. Oriard brings an interesting perspective, as he played for the Kansas City Chiefs in the early 1970s. The book’s jacket highlights the fact that professional football brings in over six billion dollars in revenue a year as an industry – not too shabby. The heart of the book centers around the marketing of the NFL and whether or not the branding that took place in the late 1980s actually hurt the sport and its previously noncommerical appeal. One little tidbit from the book: he value of the Green Bay Packers increased to $911 million in 2006, making them one of the most valuable in the League.

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Ten Tips for Better Photos Dec. 7

Posted on December 3, 2007 by Barbara

Friends of the University Library logo

Charles Cottle, UWW Political Science professor, will present “Ten Tips for Better Photos,” a program sponsored by the Friends of the University Library on Friday, December 7th, from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm (location: International Education Conference Room, Andersen Library Building, L2254).

Photo of a digital camera

During this session Dr. Cottle will present tips on how to take better pictures. Using his own photos from China, Mexico, Ecuador, and Wisconsin, he will show examples of what works, and what doesn’t. He will also offer a few ideas, with examples, about the relative merits of digital versus film photography. To see samples of his photos, go to http://cecfoto.com/.

Please join us!

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Empowering Youth with Nutrition and Physical Activity

Posted on November 29, 2007 by Kate

Trying to get kids and young teenagers to eat healthy and to stay active isn’t easy for any adult. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture has created a workbook entitled Empowering Youth with Nutrition and Physical Activity for teachers and caregivers to encourage the youth of America to make healthy choices for a healthy future. Topics discussed include facts about diseases brought on by unhealthy behavior, how to incorporate healthy eating into a young person’s daily diet, guidelines for offering healthful meals and snacks, nutritional information about labels, fats, sugars, and how to incorporate safe physical activities into a young person’s life. Check this book out today and start planning a healthier future for yourself and for the young people you teach or even for your own children or nieces and nephews.

Government Printing Office logo

The University Library is a federal depository with many federal, state, local, and international documents on a variety of current and relevant issues available to you in print, microfiche, CD-ROM, and electronically. Come check out your government at the University Library!

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Elections 2008 Information

Posted on November 29, 2007 by Barbara

The Documents Center of the University of Michigan Library has compiled a web site with links to all sorts of information about Elections 2008.

Use the links at the top of the page to navigate to Presidential candidates, political advertising, Congressional candidates, campaign finances, public opinion polls, election calendars, and historic Presidential votes by Congressional District.

Government Printing Office logo

The University Library is a federal depository with many federal, state, local, and international documents on a variety of current and relevant issues available to you in print, microfiche, CD-ROM, and electronically. Come check out your government at the University Library!

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Getting books from other libraries

Posted on November 28, 2007 by Barbara

OK, you need books for your paper and there aren’t enough here at UW-Whitewater on your topic, or they are already checked out. What’s a diligent student to do?

  • Try other UW libraries first. It’s free to UWW students and faculty, and books arrive in 2-4 weekdays. Here’s how: In the Library catalog, click the purple “UB & Other Catalogs” button and then click “Connect” with “All UB Libraries” highlighted in the top box. Search for a particular title or for a topic. At the bottom of the list of catalogs click on “Show” to see results, then click on the title(s) of interest. While displaying a title’s record, click on the purple “Requests” button and login. Click “OK” with “UB_Request” in the drop-down. Type your 7-digit UWW ID number again and click “Submit Request.” You should see a message that your request was successful.
  • Try local public libraries (for some titles). Their catalogs are online. For a selection see Find–Other Libraries from the Library’s home page. Links to area public library catalogs are in the lower right corner of the page. This option may not be appropriate for more academic titles, which are less likely to be in a local public library’s collection.
  • Use ILLiad Interlibrary Loan service to request books from non-UWS libraries. You don’t need to know what libraries have the book you need. There is a cost: $1 per requested book (you can pay when the book is available). This usually takes 5-7 weekdays, so plan ahead.

You will get an email to your campus email account when UB or ILLiad requests are filled and you can come to the Circulation Desk to pick up the materials.

Of course, it is possible to put a hold on a book that is checked out at UWW, but you have no control over whether the person will return it promptly, so it’s better to see if it’s available from another UW library first.

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New Stuff Tuesday – November 27

Posted on November 27, 2007 by kyle

A Critical Analysis

Paranormal Claims:
A Critical Analysis
Edited by Bryan Farha
BF1031 .P37 2007
New Book Island, 2nd floor

You might have heard through the grapevine about the books in the library that will supposedly make a person go crazy if the books are opened. I think it’s safe to say that although reading may cause headaches, nightmares or delusions, there isn’t a single book in the library that causes instant insanity. Of course, that depends on who you believe.

This week’s featured title might pique your interest if you’re into the ‘dark side’ of things or a fan of Mythbusters. Farha, a professor at Oklahoma City University and regular contributor to critical thinking periodicals like Skeptic and Skeptical Inquirer, compiled a collection of readings on the topics that go beyond this world. The essays take a hard look at paranormal occurrences and the truth (or lack there of) behind them. Titles of works include “The Fine Art of Baloney Detection” and “Why Smart People Believe Weird Things” and claims of faith healing, alternative medicine, fortune-telling and more are explored.

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Terri Jentz on campus Mon., Dec. 3

Posted on November 26, 2007 by Barbara

Terri Jentz will speak about “Strange Piece of Paradise: Violence Hiding in Plain Sight” on Monday, December 3rd, at 7 p.m. in the Young Auditorium as part of the Letters and Sciences Community Reading Initiative.

Strange Piece of Paradise cover

Jentz has written Strange Piece of Paradise to recount her investigation into the mystery of an attack by an axe-wielding stranger upon her and a friend in 1977 while they were camping in Cline Falls State Park in central Oregon. In May 2006 USA Today described it: “Part true crime, part memoir, part a profile of a stone-cold psychopath and part an exploration of violence and its effect on people and communities, Jentz’s book is tough to read — and even tougher to put down.” In a review for The New York Times Sunday Book Review, Mary Roach says that “Like many such journeys, “Strange Piece of Paradise” is not likely to be an undertaking you regret. The author’s experience as a screenwriter has given her an unerring feel for visual detail…” Excerpts from a number of reviews are available from Barnes and Noble’s web site or Amazon’s web site. The New York Times named it one of the fifty nonfiction “Notable Books of the Year” for 2006.

The University Library has a copy of the book in its 3rd-floor Main Collection (call no. HV6793.O7 J46 2007), but if it is checked out on campus then UW-W faculty, staff, and students may request a copy free from other UW campus libraries using the Universal Borrowing service. Requested items should arrive in 2-4 weekdays. The Irvin L. Young Memorial (public) Library in Whitewater also has this book in its collection.

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Want to be informed about the Great Lakes?

Posted on November 22, 2007 by Barbara

Wisconsin Great Lakes Chronicle 2006 book cover

Concerned about our Great Lakes and Wisconsin’s coastal areas? You aren’t alone! These majestic and valuable areas are of great importance to all 8 states that border the lakes (the world’s single largest supply of fresh water, accounting for about 20% of the total) and to all people who use and enjoy them. Where can you educate yourself about the issues facing these resources? Here are some suggestions:

  • The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program issues an annual report called Wisconsin Great Lakes Chronicle. It is a beautiful publication that contains some stunning photos, and also provides a briefing of issues and initiatives related to Wisconsin coastal resources. The reports since 2002 are available in the Library’s 2nd-floor Wisconsin Documents collection (COA 1/2:G 766/), or online from the Division of Intergovernmental Relations within the state Dept. of Administration. Use the links on the left side of the web page (under the heading “Coastal Management”) for more information.
  • Governor Doyle is chair of the Council of Great Lakes Governors, a not-for-profit organization that provides a newsletter and information on its web site related to invasive species, restoration efforts, progress toward legal protections, and more.
  • The International Joint Commission also provides information online. This binational (Canada and United States) organization was established by the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 and exists to “help prevent and resolve disputes relating to the use and quality of boundary waters.” Among its publications online are its annual report, a biennial report on Great Lakes water quality (last done December 2006), and special reports such as Emerging Issues of the Great Lakes in the 21st Century Report and Then and Now: Aquatic Alien Invasive Species and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Ecosystem.
  • The Great Lakes Commission is a binational organization with members from the 8 “Lake” states and associates from two Canadian provinces. Among the information it provides online: an annual water use report, reports on beach health and dredging, an overview of aquatic nuisance species, legislative priorities, resources for teaching about the Great Lakes (click “T.E.A.C.H. Great Lakes” under Communications and Education), and information on the 6,500-mile Great Lakes Circle Tour.
  • The Great Lakes Information Network is a partnership of agencies and organizations serving the Great Lakes region. The web site provides data, links to other sites, and news gathered from all over relevant to the Lakes.

Of course, there are also books and articles that are available, including a 2002 book Restoration of the Great Lakes : promises, practices, performances (3rd-floor Main Collection TD223.3 .S67 2002). Ask a reference librarian if you would like assistance locating more books (using the catalog) or finding articles in library databases.

Government Printing Office logo

The University Library is a federal depository with many federal, state, local, and international documents on a variety of current and relevant issues available to you in print, microfiche, CD-ROM, and electronically. Come check out your government at the University Library!

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Turkey Day Facts

Posted on November 21, 2007 by Barbara

Here is some trivia to use to amaze your friends and family this holiday, brought to you from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Image of a turkey

Which states produce most of the traditional Thanksgiving Day foods many of us will be eating? Wisconsin is number one for producing cranberries (if you’re a native I hope you knew that). Minnesota produces the most turkeys (no mean comments, please, we’re talking about fowl only!), North Carolina produces the most sweet potatoes, and Illinois grows the most pumpkins. Wisconsin also leads in “contracted production of snap (green) beans.” So you see, Wisconsin is a great place to be for this holiday!

There are three places in the U.S. named after the bird of honor, the largest being Turkey, Texas (2006 population: 489 residents).

Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November became a national holiday tradition in 1863, thanks to Abraham Lincoln.  National days of thanksgiving had been proclaimed by earlier presidents (not always in the fall), starting with George Washington in 1789, but Lincoln’s date became the practice of later presidents until Franklin Roosevelt tried to move it up a week in 1939 and 1940. This met with resistance and confusion as not all states moved their observances.  Congress acted to fix the national observance on the fourth Thursday of November in 1941. For more information on the history of Thanksgiving, including the text of George Washington’s 1789 proclamation,  see the Encyclopedia Smithsonian and “Today in History: November 25” (American Memory, The Library of Congress). [This paragraph amended 11/19/2009]

Want more? Go to Facts for Features: Thanksgiving Day Nov. 22, 2007. For truly enquiring minds, there are fact releases for other observances throughout the year (going back to 2000), such as other holidays, the SuperBowl, the 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik, and the Presidential Elections.

Government Printing Office logo

The University Library is a federal depository with many federal, state, local, and international documents on a variety of current and relevant issues available to you in print, microfiche, CD-ROM, and electronically. Come check out your government at the University Library!

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New Stuff Tuesday – November 20

Posted on November 20, 2007 by kyle

A Year Without 'Made in China': One Family's True Life Adventure in the Global Economy

A Year Without “Made in China”:
One Family’s True Life Adventure in the Global Economy
By Sara Bongiorni
HF1604 .Z4 U643 2007
New Book Island, 2nd floor

Boycotting a product or brand is a piece of cake because it’s not difficult to find a substitute. For example, if I wanted to boycott McDonald’s, I’d just go to Culver’s for my grease fix. On the other hand, how do you go about boycotting an entire country? Sure, you could abstain from buying products from say, Macedonia. But could you hold back from purchasing things from China (granted, you may want to watch out right now with all the toy recalls)?

Well, if you’re curious what it’s like to boycott China for an entire year, then you might want to read this book. Journalist Sara Bongiorni and her family spent one year without be swayed by the Chinese goods available everywhere. Instead of just saying, “China is the leader” – Bongiorni uses this book to show on a personal level how their power affects every aspect of daily life. It demonstrates just how pervasive and dominating China has become in the global economy.

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