The Pope

Pope Benedict I died on this date in 579. Today's Pope Benedict XVI is not only a much studied Pope, he is a prolific author himself. Co-Workers for the Truth is a book of his daily meditations, God and the World is a more theological discussion of Catholicism. Between the collections of the college and the seminary we can learn much about today's Benedict.

Connection: CIS 2007 meets CIS 2008

Last week, the United States Senate passed the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, part of which lifts current restrictions that prevent HIV-positive individuals from immigrating to the United States. Read about this developing news story in a July 21st Africa News Service article. Curious to know more about connections between global health and immigration? Visit the Reference Desk for more reading ideas.

Road Trip

On this date in 1903 the Ford Motor Company sold its first car. 105 years ago tomorrow some dad somewhere said "road trip!" and 30 minutes later the phrase "don't make me stop this car" was uttered for the first time. We have some travel guides available electronically which might help you start planning your own road trip. They cover Wisconsin, Michigan, and at least 14 other states. We acquired them as part of a large package of electronic titles and they are readable from a campus computer or from home if you use your library account. I'm not saying they are the ultimate source for travel planning, but they might provide a starting point if you are still dreaming of a family vacation.

Fun Films

Disneyland Park opened 53 years ago today. You might be surprised to discover that we have many animated and children's films in the Van Wylen collection, including favorites from the Disney Studios. If summer is getting a little long and boredom is setting in, check out our free rentals!

Connection: How much does Google know?

Advocates of privacy rights are leery of Google's presence in our lives. Lots of news sources are covering this topic; national news outlets, sources in the information industry, business news analysts, politicians, academics, health professionals, and many, many more. PC Magazine Online published a summary article in 2007 that continues to encapsulate issues of concern. The launch of a Google project to help patients archive their medical records has unearthed another wave of concern as expressed in this USA Today article. Curious to learn more? Ask for sources at the Reference Desk and consider setting a search alert to maintain your awareness of this leading news story.

Political History

On July 9, 1850, Zachary Taylor died and Millard Fillmore became the 13th president of the United States. Beyond the books we have acquired on current politics, we continue to purchase material on the history of our country. New to our collection are two titles by Cokie Roberts: Founding Mothers and Ladies of Liberty. Both take a look at the role of women in political history. Very popular is the HBO production John Adams on dvd. If you want to see this one you might want to place a hold!

Connection: The Big Hope

The Hope College Jazz Chamber Ensemble performed and taught at The Big Hope at Hope Liverpool University last month. Read more about the event and then listen to a performance recording available at The Big Hope web site.

Food Controversial Food

Food is a hot topic this summer. Thomas Pawlick wrote The End of Food in 2006 and described the adulteration of the food supply. This month Paul Roberts uses the same title for a book about the food industry. In In Defense of Food Michael Pollan asks if what we are eating is really food at all. Bottomfeeder: How to Eat Ethically in a World of Vanishing Seafood illustrates the toll we take on the oceans. Stuffed and Starved is an analysis of why both famine and feast exist in the world. Most of these books are brand new to Van Wylen, and might inspire you to visit the local farmers market after you visit the library.