Fiction editor Deborah Treisman talks to George Saunders about his new book, “Tenth of December”: http://nyr.kr/Wprlav
Photograph: Damon Winter/The New York Times/Redux
I haven’t gone fishing since I caught a goldfish in the goldfish pond at my god sister’s grandmother’s condo complex in Vero Beach, Florida in 1992, but I do love a good fishing show (see Fishing with John) and this one in the works looks promising. It stars Mickey Melchiondo from Ween and Les Claypool from Primus, and will be produced by Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
Primus and Ween have long legacies of sea-themed music. The opening song on Primus’ 1989 debut album, “Suck on This” is “John the Fisherman,” the first chapter in a four-part saga about questing for mythical aquatic creatures. Ween’s 1997 album “The Mollusk” is an ode to the Jersey coast, composed and recorded in a Holgate beach house. (The track, “Ocean Man” is featured on “SpongeBob SquarePants.”)
Here’s a Fresh Air interview with Parker and Stone about one of their other projects, ‘Book of Mormon.’
(The bloopers above have nothing really to do with anything except that I think they’re hilarious and could watch them forever. “I thought I had it in reverse” is maybe my motto.)
- Nell
Since everybody here is submitting Byron, I’ll submit another poet of the Romantic period.
Adam Mickiewicz (24 December 1798 – 26 November 1855) was a Polish national poet, essayist, translator, publicist and political writer. A prime representative of the Polish Romantic period, he is one of that country’s Three Bards and the greatest poet in all Polish literature. He is also considered one of the greatest Slavicand European poets. He has been described as a “Slavic bard”. He was a leading Romantic dramatist and has been compared in Poland and in Europe to Byron and Goethe.
In 1823 he was arrested, investigated for his political activities, specifically his membership in the Philomaths society, and in 1824 banished to central Russia. He had already published two small volumes of miscellaneous poetry at Vilnius, which had been favorably received by the Slavic public, and on his arrival at Saint Petersburg found himself welcomed into the leading literary circles, where he became a great favorite both for his agreeable manners and his extraordinary talent of improvisation. Mickiewicz In 1825 he visited the Crimea, which inspired a collection of sonnets (Sonety Krymskie — The Crimean Sonnets) with their admirably elegant rhythm and rich Oriental coloring. There, Mickiewicz had an affair with a Polish female agent of the Tsarist Secret Police - Karolina Sobańska, who was also a mistress of Russian general officer Jan de Witte, who actually told her to seduce the Polish poet. Before she seduced Mickiewicz, she’d had an affair with Alexander Pushkin.
He died, probably of cholera, at Constantinople in the Ottoman Empire, where he had gone to help organize Polish forces to fight against Russia in the Crimean War. His remains were later moved to Wawel Cathedral in Kraków, Poland.
To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of him, but I have a respect for his talent and I actually like to read his Lausanne Lyrics.
Photo: Sven Hoppe, Associated Press (via Day in Pictures, Jan. 23, 2013 - SFGate)
Émile Zola reads.
Learn more about new summer internship opportunities for undergraduate students at the Ransom Center.
Former undergraduate intern Rachel Platis worked on selecting photographs for an exhibition. Photo by Pete Smith.
Us right now.
”
Without wonder and insight, acting is just a trade. With it, it becomes creation.
Bette Davis (via vanityfair)
(Source: vanityfair.com, via vanityfair)
![myimaginarybrooklyn:
Top Four Things Library Supporters Can Do To Make a Difference | Advocate’s Corner
By Stephanie Vance
Are you concerned about operating budgets, database funding, or enhancing (or maintaining) your community’s access to materials? How about copyright restrictions, recognition of school libraries in the education process, or cybersecurity? Maybe public safety? Or Internet access? Or simply having enough parking?
These issues have one thing in common: each is impacted by governmental decisions. In fact, if you work in a library, sell to a library, support a library, or have ever walked into a library, your life has been impacted by policymakers who often have no idea who you are or what you do for the community. Perhaps more important, they will continue to have no idea unless you tell them.
Yes, it must be you—the person reading this column—who speaks out, not only directly to decision makers, but to opinion leaders in your community as well. Personalized and thoughtful communications from citizens are some of the most effective ways to be heard—and agreed with—in any policy environment.
And if you’re not convinced that decision makers are paying attention, remember this: we are all in a fierce competition for time, attention, and resources. Others will be advocating loudly and adamantly for their pet concerns. Only those who show how they would use limited resources to directly and powerfully benefit their community will succeed.
So how can you do that? Glad you asked. Here are four effective strategies that anyone can use to make a positive difference—for your library, for your patrons, for the community and, who knows, maybe even the world!
Number One: Know What You Want
As a former Congressional staff person, I saw too many letters and emails from constituents saying such things as “we should support [insert name of issue, cause, or industry here] more.” In the library world, for example, it might be “we should be more supportive of libraries.” My first thought was always “What would ‘support’ for libraries look like? Do you want us to cosponsor a bill? Vote a certain way? Make a statement? Visit you in the district? What?” In other words, I always wanted to know what the person asking specifically wanted us to do—and I rarely got an answer. That always gave me a perfect reason to stop thinking about the issue and move on to the next.
In the political world, there are essentially two kinds of asks: relationship-building and policy-oriented.
Relationship-building asks help engage a policymaker or staff person in the issue. Some examples include:
Will you make a public statement? (perhaps in support of National Library Week April 14-20 or a new service in your library)
Will you attend an event? Many libraries have had success with “book dedication” ceremonies, where the favorite books of legislators are added to the stacks.
Will you participate in a “Library Snapshot Day”?
Will you speak at our conference?
Will you write an article for our newsletter?
Policy asks are oriented around specific legislative or government initiatives such as asking a member to support continued funding for libraries in an appropriations bill or to co-sponsor legislation, such as a bill to increase student access to effective school library programs (both real issues).
The American Library Association’s Washington Office is a perfect resource for finding out more about both policy and relationship-building asks, particularly at the federal level.
Number Two: Know Your Audience
To be effective, you’ll want to know what gets the person you’re trying to influence up in the morning and what keeps them up at night. For policymakers, what gets them up is usually a policy interest they love—and what keeps them up is usually reelection. You can connect to these concerns by knowing two important things: who the decision maker represents and what bills he or she has introduced—even if not related to libraries.
You can answer the representation question at ALA’s Legislative Action Center by simply typing in your home or work address. To find the legislators for an entire state, select your state under the “search by state” menu. Elected officials represent distinct groups of people and devote their energy to the requests and needs of those individuals. This is why you must demonstrate some sort of connection to that area, whether you live or work there, or you serve people from there.
You can find out about their legislative interests by looking up bills they’ve introduced. These bills may not be connected in any way to library concerns, but it’s still good to know what they care about so you can frame your issue in a way that resonates with them. For example, if he or she has introduced legislation on small business issues, talking about how your library has helped people start small businesses would be a good way to attract the policymaker’s attention. And remember that libraries connect to everything. If necessary, you can always fall back on “we can help you research [insert legislator’s favorite issue here]” if necessary.
Finally, you might also want to know where they are on the political spectrum. A more fiscally conservative member of Congress, for example, will be more intrigued with arguments about economic development and job creation, while a member of Congress interested in civil rights issues might be more interested in access and equity concerns. Never feel as though you can’t talk to one party or the other. Library concerns are truly bipartisan.
Number Three: Know How to Talk to Them Using the SPIT Technique
What you bring to the policy table is a compelling story about the impact of policy issues on people that the member of Congress represents. Develop your story based on the “SPIT” technique, which stands for Specific, Personal, Informative, and Trustworthy.
The following questions should help:
Specific: What do you want? Remember to ask them to engage: “come visit our library” is better than “our library provides valuable services.” Why would the elected official want that? What interests him or her and how does what you want connect to their interests?
Personal: How have you improved people’s lives? Is there a good individual story you can tell (i.e., so-and-so learned to read through the reading to the dogs program).
Information: How many people use the library? How many have you helped? What special services do you provide?
Trustworthy: How specifically will you follow-up to build a long-term relationship? Why should they trust you?
Number Four: What Really Matters in Effective Influence
Because you will likely have very limited time in any interaction with an elected official or their staff person, it will simply not be possible to relay everything you want them to know in that very short period of time. Plus, they will likely have questions about the issues you raise that you will need to answer. Most advocates do not follow-up on these meetings, and then wonder why their representatives don’t do what they were asked to do. You can boost your chances of success through effective follow-up. Some strategies to consider include:
Encouraging other supporters to connect with the office
Asking to meet with a staff person in the local office
Drafting and sending any public statements you’ve asked a policymaker to make
Following relevant officials on social media (and commenting positively)
Attending a town hall or community meeting
Reinforcing your initial ask with polite and persistent follow-up
With hundreds of decisions to make in a given day, policymakers forget about things. Frequently. Without effective follow-up you run the risk of being lost in the noise.
Take Action. Now
You’re not in this alone. More details on every one of these techniques (and more) are available on the American Library Association’s website section on Advocacy & Legislation. Use the worksheets, checklists, webinar recordings, manuals and articles to help build your own effective advocacy plan.
In the end remember that no matter how wonderful your programs, no matter how many patrons, students, or professionals you serve, and no matter how many friends and trustees you have, your library will not get the attention it deserves if you don’t speak up. Policymakers need your insights to help them understand how the decisions they make play out in the real world. Through your advocacy efforts, you’ll also play a critical role in promoting an environment of civic engagement of benefit both to your community as well as democracy at large. And isn’t that what libraries are all about?](http://25.media.tumblr.com/0d53d33cf00ddf04b9d1d4aabd76f597/tumblr_mh1bfnQVH31rnav7ro1_250.jpg)
Top Four Things Library Supporters Can Do To Make a Difference | Advocate’s Corner
By
Are you concerned about operating budgets, database funding, or enhancing (or maintaining) your community’s access to materials? How about copyright restrictions, recognition of school libraries in the education process, or cybersecurity? Maybe public safety? Or Internet access? Or simply having enough parking?
These issues have one thing in common: each is impacted by governmental decisions. In fact, if you work in a library, sell to a library, support a library, or have ever walked into a library, your life has been impacted by policymakers who often have no idea who you are or what you do for the community. Perhaps more important, they will continue to have no idea unless you tell them.
Yes, it must be you—the person reading this column—who speaks out, not only directly to decision makers, but to opinion leaders in your community as well. Personalized and thoughtful communications from citizens are some of the most effective ways to be heard—and agreed with—in any policy environment.
And if you’re not convinced that decision makers are paying attention, remember this: we are all in a fierce competition for time, attention, and resources. Others will be advocating loudly and adamantly for their pet concerns. Only those who show how they would use limited resources to directly and powerfully benefit their community will succeed.
So how can you do that? Glad you asked. Here are four effective strategies that anyone can use to make a positive difference—for your library, for your patrons, for the community and, who knows, maybe even the world!
Number One: Know What You Want
As a former Congressional staff person, I saw too many letters and emails from constituents saying such things as “we should support [insert name of issue, cause, or industry here] more.” In the library world, for example, it might be “we should be more supportive of libraries.” My first thought was always “What would ‘support’ for libraries look like? Do you want us to cosponsor a bill? Vote a certain way? Make a statement? Visit you in the district? What?” In other words, I always wanted to know what the person asking specifically wanted us to do—and I rarely got an answer. That always gave me a perfect reason to stop thinking about the issue and move on to the next.
In the political world, there are essentially two kinds of asks: relationship-building and policy-oriented.
Relationship-building asks help engage a policymaker or staff person in the issue. Some examples include:
- Will you make a public statement? (perhaps in support of National Library Week April 14-20 or a new service in your library)
- Will you attend an event? Many libraries have had success with “book dedication” ceremonies, where the favorite books of legislators are added to the stacks.
- Will you participate in a “Library Snapshot Day”?
- Will you speak at our conference?
- Will you write an article for our newsletter?
Policy asks are oriented around specific legislative or government initiatives such as asking a member to support continued funding for libraries in an appropriations bill or to co-sponsor legislation, such as a bill to increase student access to effective school library programs (both real issues).
The American Library Association’s Washington Office is a perfect resource for finding out more about both policy and relationship-building asks, particularly at the federal level.
Number Two: Know Your Audience
To be effective, you’ll want to know what gets the person you’re trying to influence up in the morning and what keeps them up at night. For policymakers, what gets them up is usually a policy interest they love—and what keeps them up is usually reelection. You can connect to these concerns by knowing two important things: who the decision maker represents and what bills he or she has introduced—even if not related to libraries.
You can answer the representation question at ALA’s Legislative Action Center by simply typing in your home or work address. To find the legislators for an entire state, select your state under the “search by state” menu. Elected officials represent distinct groups of people and devote their energy to the requests and needs of those individuals. This is why you must demonstrate some sort of connection to that area, whether you live or work there, or you serve people from there.
You can find out about their legislative interests by looking up bills they’ve introduced. These bills may not be connected in any way to library concerns, but it’s still good to know what they care about so you can frame your issue in a way that resonates with them. For example, if he or she has introduced legislation on small business issues, talking about how your library has helped people start small businesses would be a good way to attract the policymaker’s attention. And remember that libraries connect to everything. If necessary, you can always fall back on “we can help you research [insert legislator’s favorite issue here]” if necessary.
Finally, you might also want to know where they are on the political spectrum. A more fiscally conservative member of Congress, for example, will be more intrigued with arguments about economic development and job creation, while a member of Congress interested in civil rights issues might be more interested in access and equity concerns. Never feel as though you can’t talk to one party or the other. Library concerns are truly bipartisan.
Number Three: Know How to Talk to Them Using the SPIT Technique
What you bring to the policy table is a compelling story about the impact of policy issues on people that the member of Congress represents. Develop your story based on the “SPIT” technique, which stands for Specific, Personal, Informative, and Trustworthy.
The following questions should help:
- Specific: What do you want? Remember to ask them to engage: “come visit our library” is better than “our library provides valuable services.” Why would the elected official want that? What interests him or her and how does what you want connect to their interests?
- Personal: How have you improved people’s lives? Is there a good individual story you can tell (i.e., so-and-so learned to read through the reading to the dogs program).
- Information: How many people use the library? How many have you helped? What special services do you provide?
- Trustworthy: How specifically will you follow-up to build a long-term relationship? Why should they trust you?
Number Four: What Really Matters in Effective Influence
Because you will likely have very limited time in any interaction with an elected official or their staff person, it will simply not be possible to relay everything you want them to know in that very short period of time. Plus, they will likely have questions about the issues you raise that you will need to answer. Most advocates do not follow-up on these meetings, and then wonder why their representatives don’t do what they were asked to do. You can boost your chances of success through effective follow-up. Some strategies to consider include:
- Encouraging other supporters to connect with the office
- Asking to meet with a staff person in the local office
- Drafting and sending any public statements you’ve asked a policymaker to make
- Following relevant officials on social media (and commenting positively)
- Attending a town hall or community meeting
- Reinforcing your initial ask with polite and persistent follow-up
With hundreds of decisions to make in a given day, policymakers forget about things. Frequently. Without effective follow-up you run the risk of being lost in the noise.
Take Action. Now
You’re not in this alone. More details on every one of these techniques (and more) are available on the American Library Association’s website section on Advocacy & Legislation. Use the worksheets, checklists, webinar recordings, manuals and articles to help build your own effective advocacy plan.
In the end remember that no matter how wonderful your programs, no matter how many patrons, students, or professionals you serve, and no matter how many friends and trustees you have, your library will not get the attention it deserves if you don’t speak up. Policymakers need your insights to help them understand how the decisions they make play out in the real world. Through your advocacy efforts, you’ll also play a critical role in promoting an environment of civic engagement of benefit both to your community as well as democracy at large. And isn’t that what libraries are all about?
Photo of the Day: Surreal Winter Lollipops
Photo by: Matas Jūras (Vilnius, Lithuania); Kaunas, Lithuania
Today, in 1788, George Gordon, Lord Byron, was born in London.
(Source: airows)
Photo of the Day: “The little monk is sleeping”
Photo by: Kyaw Zaw Lay (Myanmar); Near Maketilar, Myanmar
Kundiman, an organization dedicated to “the creation and cultivation of Asian American poetry,” is now accepting submissions for its annual Kundiman Poetry Prize. One winner will receive $1,000, book publication with Alice James Books, and a featured reading in New York City. The deadline is March 1, 2013.
