A library book checked out in 1889 was returned to the library in Sydney Australia. Back when I worked full time, had two kids in school, sports, and band, I was known to turn books in late. My husband would tease saying when I walked into the library alarms went off. Now days I take pride that I am on time with returning my books. But I am in small town America and it only takes 3 minutes to get to the library, and that is on a heavy traffic day.
Just good to know that I am not alone in returning library books late. The book was a first edition copy of Charles Darwin’s Insectivorus Plants. It was checked out January 30,1889, 122 years ago. I guess back in the day what was either all the entertainment you could find or maybe the reading was a bit……detailed and slow. The library has now put the book on the “read only” list.
The book has been in a personal collection for the last 50 years. I hope they gave him some slack on late fees.
Today is summer solstice. Years ago I mentioned to a friend that is was summer solstice, she then looked at me with such seriousness and said; “You know that is Pagan, right?” Without skipping a beat I told her of course I knew that and she should see what I had planned later that night in the forest with other Pagan creatures. I don’t think the Pagan’s can take full credit for summer solstice. I believe the workings of the universe get credit for this one. I am one who believes God created the workings, but some disagree on that and always will. That doesn’t change the fact it is summer. I might bake a cake to celebrate. I can always find a reason to bake a cake.
The FDA is trying a new tactic to get folks to stop smoking. Those who smoke will be seeing graphic images on the packs of cigarettes that show the darker side of smoking. Images that include mouth cancer, autopsy scars, blackened lungs and 6 other images will be in place by September 2012. Do you think this could make some impact? I think it could. I think it could have a larger impact on the youth of America.
Phillip Morris and RJ Reynolds have protested the new graphic warnings. They are in the business to make money so of course they will oppose the latest trend to lower the number of people who smoke. Time will tell.
Just in my own thoughts after seeing some discussions about gaming systems; I would find it interesting to know how many truckers have gaming systems in their trucks. How many play games to relax or maybe even use the games to release some frustration? I would also wonder if they do have gaming systems does it interfere with their business of being on time or possibly not getting enough sleep. My husband, who only has games at home, has told me at times he will play battle/war games and pretend the enemy is all the people he had to share the road with on his last trip with some dispatchers and receiving clerks thrown in for extra fun.
I read an article today that stated eye-tracking technology could change the way we interact with computers. They say it could some day replace the mouse, which can be a pain for some folks, literally. A prototype laptop has be produced by a Chinese company that uses your eyes to move cursors, pages and other tasks. They say some consumers have used special glasses to see where customer’s eyes travel while shopping. It is along the same lines only it will take the tracking information and use it for movements we do with our computer mouse.
Researchers state that some things simply cannot replace the human hand, such as typing and confirming a choice on the screen. The technology is still in the research and development stage and very expensive. I believe though it is a peek into the future of possible technology my granddaughter could some day be using.
Hung LeHong, research vice president for Gartner’s innovation research team stated; In the next two years the most common place to see eye-control technology will be in interactive public displays, tablets, laptops and smart phones, and perhaps in video games.
Can you imagine the positive implications this could mean for the physically handicapped?
I hope this finds you well, take care and stay safe,
KJ
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