Astonish the Rest

Still remembered as one of our greatest humorists, Mark Twain is among the best-known and best-loved authors in American history. Born on November 30, 1835, he was named Samuel Clemens -- "Mark Twain" was a pen name he'd permanently choose after first trying out such names as "Thomas Jefferson Snodgrass" and "Josh."

Best known for such classics as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain's writings are celebrated to this day for their wit, fun, and forthright wisdom. So let's give thanks to one of our favorite authors by taking a closer look at the life and times of Mark Twain:

- Samuel Clemens chose his pen name based on the phrase used by Mississippi River steamboat crews to announce that the water was at least 12 feet deep -- and, therefore, safe enough to travel.

- He encouraged his younger brother, Henry, to also become a steamboat pilot. Henry was eventually killed when a boiler on his boat exploded -- an event which Twain claimed to have seen in a dream before it happened.

- While growing up, Twain's family once owned 19 cats at the same time. (Twain was prone to finding colorful names for his cats, including Sin, Sour Mash, and Famine and Pestilence.)

- Though there were some drawbacks to using it -- it only typed in capital letters, and you had to use a foot pedal to advance to the next line -- Twain purchased his first typewriter in 1874 for $125.

- A mark of his fame: he once received a letter from a fan, who wrote down for the address: "Mark Twain, God Knows Where." (That was enough for the postal service!)

- The author put The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn on hold while he invented and patented his very own memory game. (See it here!)

- Twain asked that all his unfinished manuscripts be burned when he died. (No chance of someone coming along to finish his unfinished stories!)  One unpublished work remained, however: his autobiography, mostly written by dictation, which he left with strict instructions that it was not to be published until a century after he died. His request was (mostly) honored -- and the first two (of three) volumes were published in 2010 and 2013.

- Halley's Comet (named after English astronomer Edmond Halley) passes through Earth's vicinity once every 75 years, give or take. When Twain was born, the Comet was visible in the night sky, a fact which Twain was quite proud of:

"I came in with Halley's Comet in 1835. It is coming again next year, and I expect to go out with it. ... The Almighty has said, no doubt: 'Now here are these two unaccountable freaks; they came in together, they must go out together.' Oh, I am looking forward to that." 

Twain proved right; when he passed away in 1910, the Comet had just emerged from the far side of the Sun.

Some words of wisdom from Twain:

"It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them."

"There are two times in a man's life when he should not speculate: when he can't afford it, and when he can."

"The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter."

"The proper office of a friend is to side with you when you are in the wrong. Nearly anybody will side with you when you are in the right."

"A sin takes on a new and real terror when there seems a chance that it is going to be found out."

"All you need is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure."

"Always do right. That will gratify some of the people, and astonish the rest."

"When in doubt, tell the truth."

On the web:

- The Official Web Site of Mark Twain

- Mark Twain Biography - from Biography.com

- Mark Twain House and Museum - the official site for the Connecticut museum.

- "The Eternal, Charming Chatter of the "'Autobiography of Mark Twain'" - from the New Yorker.

- "Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offenses" - In my favorite Twain piece, the author reviews The Last of the Mohicans and the other books in James Fenimore Cooper's Leatherstocking series.


At the Library:

- From the Catalog - Twain's books and audiobooks, as well as filmed adaptations of his works, available through the Library Catalog.

- The Autobiography of Mark Twain - Volumes 1 and 2 now available from the Library Catalog.



-- Post by Ms. B

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is next week. Are you ready? Do you still need a few last minute ideas to add to your menu? Are you looking for some decorating tips? Or maybe you want some craft ideas to keep your kids busy while you prepare the meal?

If so, you've come to the right place. Check out these websites and books and DVDs from the county library collection for lots of great ideas.

And have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

On the Web:

PBS Food -- Thanksgiving recipes, meal planning tips and more.

King Arthur Flour -- For your baking needs (includes gluten free recipes).

Eating Well  -- Looking for a healthier menu for the big day? Then be sure to check out the recipes from the cooks at Eating Well.

Cooking Light -- More recipes and advice for a healthier menu at Thanksgiving.

Martha Stewart -- Feeling ambitious? While it might be a bit late to plan a Martha Stewart style Thanksgiving, you might still find a thing two that might work for you.

Food Network -- From the many chefs at Food Network, you will find all kinds of Thanksgiving advice.

Cook's Illustrated -- A Thanksgiving Guide from America's Test Kitchen. Also, check out their cooking timeline for helping in getting organized.

From Our Collection:

How to Cook a Turkey : And All the Other Trimmings by the Editors of Fine Living -- Never cooked a turkey before? Have, but it's been awhile? Then this is the book for you.

Thanksgiving: Festive Recipes for the Holiday Table by Chuck Williams -- This Williams-Sonoma book well help you create a happy and festive holiday atmosphere.

Thanksgiving : How to Cook It Well by Sam Sifton -- From a former New York Times restaurant critic comes this handy book that tells you how to prepare, and survive, your Thanksgiving dinner.

All New Crafts for Thanksgiving by Kathy Ross -- This book has instructions for kids to make place cards, napkin rings and even a cornucopia out of everyday items from your home.

Jacques Pepin Celebrates! Thanksgiving -- Want to try a French take on Thanksgiving? Then check out this DVD with famed chef Jacques Pepin and his family sharing their holiday traditions.

Vegetarian Times Complete Thanksgiving Cookbook by the editors of Vegetarian Times -- If you'd rather have a vegetarian Thanksgiving check out this cookbook filled with lots of meatless alternatives for Turkey Day.

Thanksgiving: The American Holiday by Laurie C. Hillstrom -- If you are all prepared for Thanksgiving day, then you might want to spend some time learning more about the history and traditions of this great holiday.


-- Post by Tracy

The TARDIS, Weeping Angels, and BBC America ... all @ MPL!

Watch it on BBC America right here at the Library!

You might recall that we here at Monroeville Public Library are big fans of the long-running sci-fi adventure series, Doctor Who. That's why we're so excited for this Saturday -- when we're having a day-long celebration of the Doctor's 50th Anniversary!

Best of all, at 2:50 p.m., we'll be watching "The Day of the Doctor" -- the all-new 50th anniversary special airing on BBC America!

Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Program Room

FREE and open to all ages!

We'll have a life-sized TARDIS on display, as well as a life-sized Weeping Angel! (Taking photos will be welcomed and encouraged.)

At 2:50 p.m., we'll watch the 50th Anniversary Doctor Who special, "The Day of the Doctor," on BBC America right here at the Library! Be sure to come before the airing so that you can:

- Get your picture taken with our life-sized TARDIS and Weeping Angel
- Enter our costume contest
- Compete in our Doctor Who Trivia challenge
- Snack on Gallifreyian finger foods
- Try your hand at Whovian crafts
- Enjoy a "Doctor Who" marathon (of new and classic series)
- Win prizes
- Have fun!

All this leading up to "The Day of the Doctor" at 2:50 p.m. on BBC America!

Any questions, you can contact the Library at 412-372-0500, ex. 19. Just ask for the Teen Librarian.

Hope to see you there. Allons-y!

-- Post by Ms. B

Almost Human

The newest Mars Rover is searching for evidence that the Red Planet could have once supported life. The stock market's been closed by its first-ever robotic bell ringer. Robot toys are reaching new heights of sophistication. And Almost Human, a new sci-fi series about a futuristic worlds where human cops work side-by-side with robotic partners, premieres on FOX this Sunday at 8 p.m. EST.

It's a good time to be a robot fan -- particularly for those of us in the Pittsburgh area, where cutting-edge robotics is one of our area's biggest and best industries.

Read on to find out more about robotics, including some recommended robot reads (fiction and non-fiction), robotics news from around the 'Burgh and around the world, and a few just-for-fun robotic links.

Robot Fiction - From the Catalog


- I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

The robots of Asimov's fiction are governed by three unbreakable rules, meant to keep robots safe and obedient to humans. Of course, rules are fraught with ambiguity, and Asimov does a fascinating, entertaining job of coming up with a slew of short stories that exploit each and every loophole.


- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick

Serving as the inspiration for the film Blade Runner, this novel centers on Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter on the prowl for six rogue androids masquerading as humans.


- Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson

Our dependance on robots and technology is ever-increasing. In this novel, robots find a way to use that technology against humanity itself.

Robot Non-Fiction - From the Catalog


- Robots, Androids, and Animatrons: 12 Incredible Projects You Can Build by John Iovine.

You don't have to be an expert to a roboticist!  These 12 projects are intended for those with a new interest in the field of robotics.


- Robots of Westinghouse, 1924-Today by Scott Schaut.

From the New York World's Fairs exhibits to a mechanical dog, this book takes you through the history of the robotics designed by Westinghouse.


- Robotics: A Very Short Introduction by Alan Winfield.

A good jumping-off point for the robotics beginner.


- Moral Machines: Teaching Robots Right From Wrong by Wendell Wallach and Colin Allen.

Isaac Asimov would approve of this non-fiction book, which makes the argument that, as robots and technology increases in sophistication and intelligence, morality must become a component of programming.

"Hoops," the basketball-dunking robot at the Carnegie Science Center

Local Robotics

- Robot City: How Machines are Driving the Future of Pittsburgh - from The Verge.

Steel production may no longer be Pittsburgh's best-known export -- but we're still working with metal. Robotics remains a primary industry of Pittsburgh, with local scientists and engineers working to create personal robotic butlers, design robotics-based prosthetic limbs, and even deliver exploratory robots to the moon.


- RoboWorld - from the Carnegie Science Center.

It's billed as "the world's largest permanent robotics exhibition" -- and it's right here in Pittsburgh. RoboWorld's exhibits include robots that shoot hoops, answer questions, play air hockey, create artwork, and more. (Be sure to stop by the basement of the Science Center on your way out to get some robot-served ice cream.)


- The Robot Hall of Fame - from Carnegie Mellon University.

Created by CMU in 2003, the purpose of the Robot Hall of Fame is to "call attention to the increasing contributions of robots to society." Inductees include real-life robots like the Sojourner, Spirit, and Opportunity Mars Rovers; Honda's humanoid ASIMO; and the vacuum-cleaning Roomba. (There's also such fictional robots as Star Trek's Data and Star War's R2-D2 and C-3P0.) There's even a place to nominate your favorite robots for the 2014 induction ceremony!

The robot rover "Curiosity" takes a self-portrait on the surface of Mars

Robots Around the World - And Beyond

- Superfast Rock-Paper-Scissors Robot "Wins" Every Time - from BBC News.

Okay, it sort of cheats a little bit. But this robot, which uses high-speed recognition programming to "read" what shape the human hand is going to make, is virtually unbeatable at Rock-Paper-Scissors. Watch the video and be amazed!


- Robotics - from Time Tech.

Vehicles that perform their own valet parking?  A robot that solves Rubik's cubes?  A robot comedian? Take a look at these articles (and fascinating accompanying vidoes) for some of the most cutting-edge -- and truly unique -- machines from the modern age.


- Robonaut 2 - from NASA.

One small step for a robot, one giant leap for robot-kind. "R2" is the first humanoid robot to make it aboard the International Space Station. Cool and fun, the real purpose of the robonauts is also to help NASA work closer to developing robots that can help humans work and explore outer space, lending an extra pair of "hands" or taking on tasks deemed too dangerous for humans.

Just for Fun


- Robot Reportedly Commits Suicide After Becoming Fed Up With Doing Housework (Or, You Know, It Was Just a Machine Malfunction) - from Time.

A Roomba robot wheeling itself to its doom?  Maybe those sci-fi stories were right after all.


- Skiing Robot Not Very Useful But Totally Fun to Watch - from the Singularity Hub.

Sometimes being fun to watch is what makes a robot useful. Check out the videos here!


- "Chiron Beta Prime" - from Jonathan Coulton.

Robotic overlords can't stop this family from enjoying the holiday season. Enjoy this music video from "geek musician" Jonathan Coulton.

-- Post by Tracy and Ms. B

One Hit Wonders

There are not too many people who have not seen the film Gone With the Wind or even read the novel of the same name by Margaret Mitchell. But I'm not sure how many people know that Mitchell never wrote another novel in her life. She was a first time novelist with the publication of GWTW in 1936. The book was met with mostly positive reviews and record setting sales.

Mitchell was overwhelmed by the success and the intrusion of her and her husband's privacy. That success led to Mitchell's constant involvement in copyright issues, translations and piracy. Also, her and her husband's ill health meant she didn't have time to write another novel. And in 1949 Mitchell was struck by a car on her way to see a movie. She never regained consciousness and died five days later.

More than 30 million copies have been sold of Gone With The Wind in the more than 75 years since the book was first published. Not too many books can claim that stat!

Amazingly, there are many other very successful authors who never wrote more than one novel in their lifetime. Here are few of them:

Harper Lee -- The infamously reclusive author of To Kill A Mockingbird has not spoken about her only novel or why she has never written another. It's been reported that she was working on a second novel in the 1960s, but it was never publsihed.

Emily Bronte -- Wuthering Heights would be Bronte's only novel since she died in 1848, a year after its publication. The Bronte siblings, and fellow authors, (Charlotte, Anne, Emily and brother Branwell) lived a very sheltered life in Northern England, which led to their rich imaginations.

J.D. Salinger -- Another reclusive author, Salinger wrote many short stories and novellas. But after the publication of Catcher in the Rye, Salinger chose a life of anonymity over publishing any more of his writings.

Boris Pasternak -- After failing to find a publisher in the Soviet Union, Pasternak looked to the west to have his novel, Doctor Zhivago published in 1957. This caused quite a fury in his homeland. His health declined soon after and he passed away in 1960.

Anna Sewell -- One of the most beloved children books, Black Beauty, was the only novel written by Sewell. Not until she was in her late fifties did Sewell put her love of horses into this story which would be published only a short time before her death in 1878. It is still one of the most popular books of all time.

-- Post by Tracy

Tickle Your Funny Bone

Are you looking for something to read that will make you laugh? Then why not think about reading one of the many books written by some of America's humorists.

What's a humorist, you say? Isn't that the same as a comedian? Well, yes and no. A humorist can be a comedian and vice versa, but humorists tend to be more focused on the written word than comedians are. A humorist is more likely to tell a story that happens to be funny, while a comedian is telling a joke or anecdote to make you laugh.

One of America's greatest humorists was Will Rogers. Born in Oklahoma (November 4, 1879), he lived a somewhat nomadic life searching for a profession. As a young man, he developed a talent for roping tricks, which he learned from cowboys when he was just a kid. This led to a life as a performer. While performing his tricks for audiences he began telling stories. Finally people were coming to hear his stories more than his rope tricks. These "stories" were actually more of a commentary on the articles he had read in the paper.

Rogers continued performing (including several appearances in motion pictures) and by the 20s he had also added public speaking to his other skills. This led to radio appearances, which led to a newspaper column.

Much of his writings were political in nature, but Rogers was probably the most read and popular columnist of his day. He had an everyman quality about him that his readers could identify with. At the time of his death in 1935 (an airplane accident) he was at the pinnacle of his career.

-- Request works by Will Rogers from the Catalog

Looking for some other humorists when you're done with Will Rogers? Then check out some of these other American humorists. Hopefully you find one that will tickle your funny bone!

James Thurber -- Known for his cartoons, he was also a prolific writer of humorous short stories.

Bill Bryson -- His books cover everything from hiking the Appalachian trail to the history of domestic life to the oddities of the English language.

Nora Ephron -- She was a woman of many talents - writer, journalist, director and blogger. Her look on life, love and growing older made her a favorite of many.

Dave Barry -- The former syndicated columnist has had a successful career from his quirky look on American life. His writings were even turned into a television show, Dave's World.

David Sedaris -- He reached mainstream success when he was featured on NPR's This American Life. His (somewhat exaggerated) stories and observations of life have put him at the top of the bestseller's lists for years.

Erma Bombeck -- The author of more than a dozen books which take a very humorous look at suburban life.

Jon Stewart -- As host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show, Stewart entertains millions of people on a nightly basis with his off beat look at the day's events.



-- Post by Tracy

Battle School

Ender Wiggin is a true child prodigy, a six-year-old genius whose mind and skill set earned him acceptance into a prestigious, one-of-a-kind boarding school.

But for Ender, admittance to Battle School isn't a privilege. It's a requirement. Earth is at war with an alien species, and the world's governments have come up with a desperate plan to begin training a new generation of soldiers in a very special environment: the zero-gravity of space itself.

That's the premise of Ender's Game, a popular science fiction novel that's been a favorite of sci-fi fans for nearly thirty years. The book began life as a short story, first appearing in a 1977 edition of Analog. Author Orson Scott Card eventually turned the story into a full-length novel, publishing it in 1985. (Card made publishing history when he won both the Hugo and the Nebula awards -- two annual awards given to top sci-fi/fantasy fiction -- two years in a row, for Ender's Game and its sequel, Speaker for the Dead.)

The book was a runaway success, and has remained a popular seller ever since publication. (Back in the public eye thanks to the new movie, the book has spent the last 53 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.) This weekend saw the release of a movie based on the book, starring Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Alfre Woodard, Hailee Steinfeld, and Ben Kingsley.

Read on for reviews of the new film and the classic novel, as well as links to the complete series in the Catalog!

From the Web:

- "And a Child Shall Lead Them Into Space Battle" - The New York Times review.

- Richard Roeper's Review - Watch this video review.

- "Does the Ender Justify the Means?" - The IGN review.

- Film Review: "Ender's Game" - From Variety.

- Orson Scott Card Talks Ender’s Game in Rare Interview - From Wired.

- Stranger in a Strange Land: Ender's Game, its controversial author, and a very personal history - An in-depth and personal essay by Rany Jazayerli, on why he's a fan of the book that changed his childhood.

- Creating the Innocent Killer: Ender's Game, Intention, and Morality by John Kessel - A different take on what makes Ender's Game so appealing.

- Design FX: How Ender’s Game Filmed Zero-G Battles That Obey the Laws of Physics - A video from Wired on the unique special effects employed in the new film.

- Goodreads Sweepstakes - A sweepstakes for Ender's Game fans, sponsored by publisher Tor.

The students of Battle School

From the Collection:

The Original Series:

- Ender's Game
- Speaker for the Dead
- Xenocide
- Children of the Mind

The Sequel Series:

- Ender's Shadow - The first in a quartet of books recounting the events of Ender's Game, from the perspective of Ender's friend, Bean.

- Shadow of the Hegemon - Second book in the series. Picks up with Bean's life after the events of Ender's Game.

- Shadow Puppets 

- Shadow of the Giant

Other stories from the Enderverse:


- Ender in Exile - A "midquel" set between the events of Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead.
- Shadows in Flight - A new story about Bean, set after the events of Shadow of the Giant.

- First Meetings - A short story collection of tales from the Enderverse.
- A War of Gifts: An Ender Story - A holiday novella.

The New Prequel Trilogy:

- Earth Unaware 
- Earth Afire
- Earth Awakens - The third book (set for publication next year).

- Ender's Game [on audiobook] - Available as an unabridged audiobook and as a full cast production.

- Ender's Game [graphic novels] - The graphic novel series by Orson Scott Card.

- Ender's World: Fresh Perspectives on the SF classic Ender's Game - Essays, critiques, and insights by authors, showrunners, and former members of the Air Force and Marines. Edited by Orson Scott Card

-- Post by Ms. B