Friday, February 29, 2008

iYouth Happenings!

What’s the most exciting new thing happening in the iSchool right now? That’s right. It’s iYouth! While iYouth may be the new kid on the block, so to speak, we have lots of excitement and great ideas to help keep us in the forefront of what’s going on.
Our focus is to be a voice for those interested in children and youth services, children and YA literature, children and teen issues, children and teen… Well, you get the picture. Anyone is welcome to join us, even if it is only for the pleasure of our glorious company and scintillating conversation.
Here are some of the upcoming events where you might see us:
· March 3: Open meeting, social networking and discussion. 6:30-8:00 PM. MGH 420, then field trip to Shultzy’s!
· March 10: Book Club where we will discuss “SLAM!” by Nick Hornby and "Let's play in the Forest (While the Wolf is Not Around)" by Claudia Rueda. 9:30-10:30 AM. MGH 310D.
· April 14: Book Club – books to be determined. This meeting will also include time for discussion regarding formal organization of the group. 9:00-10:30 AM. MGH 310D
· April 21: Scrabble Tournament for Literacy. All proceeds will go to “Page Ahead,” a non-profit that gives books to kids. 5:00-8:00 PM. College Inn.

If you actually read about those fabulous events we have planned, you will have noticed that one of the things happening within the group is a plan for formal organization of iYouth, including a website and officers! I know, the excitement is almost palpable. If you would like to join in the fun, please feel free to contact us or just show up at one of our meetings.

Anne Dame
amdame1@u.washington.edu

Thursday, February 28, 2008

"F#@$ class/Get your education on The Ave!"

I recently picked up the self-titled debut by Seattle hip-hop outfit the Blue Scholars. Now, I don't know about you, but I always like finding new hip-hop, and new local hip-hop even more. It means that local live shows will likely be cheap and plentiful.

According to their website, "Emcee Geologic and DJ/producer Sabzi [the duo behind Blue Scholars] bring an innovative yet familiar sound distinguishable from what's currently blasted on MTV or BET." That's a fair enough assessment I suppose. Their music is reminiscent of other great West Coast hip-hop, such as Hieroglyphics and Blackalicious: upbeat, funk-fueled beats and dense, loquacious lyrics. It's excellent stuff to listen to on those days when the sun comes out. You can find albums by all of these artists @ Your Library!

The motivation for this post though is one particular Blue Scholars track called "The Ave." They being from Seattle and all it is, indeed, about life on University Avenue: dodging gutter punks, getting in fights with frat boys, talking philosophy in coffee shops, making fun of over-privileged undergrads, and stealing records from Second Time Around. It's fun stuff. Here's a video of the band performing live at Bumpershoot (opening for Kanye, no less!)



And if you wanna catch all the lyrics, check this page here (you'll have to scroll down a bit, but it's there).

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Odd Book Titles



Vote for the oddest book title of the year at TheBookseller.com.

Candidates include I Was Tortured by the Pygmy Love Queen and Solving Cheese Problems.


Photo courtesy of *nomad* (Flickr)

Monday, February 11, 2008

Bloglines - Scientist Valentines

Happy v-day to all you iSchoolers 'n' friends! How are you celebrating (or not celebrating)? I'll be...on a bookmobile for my Directed Fieldwork...ahh, how romantic.

Here are some scientist valentines to send to all your loved and liked ones. And if you're feeling especially kind, to your archnemesis too.