Angry (Thirsty) Birds

Our bird population is thirsty and maybe a bit angry over last year’s dearth of water in our area. Tim Sebesta and Jessica Armenta revealed how our bird population has adjusted to our drought and how it has affected migration. A joint ALL/LIFE program. 

Image: http://nestbirds1.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bird-bath1.jpg

Instant Immersion

Today at LIFE we were treated to ethnic foods and stories of countries and their cultures by our library ESL students. Lead by Ruth McDonald and Jill Vu, we had representatives from Mexico, Bulgaria, Cambria, Kazakhstan, Venezuela (means little Venice), Costa Rica, Canada (Quebec), and Cameroon. Some wore native dress. What a colorful and fun program. Our LIFE'rs chatted and sampled the delightful fare with these talented ESL students who shared their love of their respective countries.

Image: http://www.razoo.com/story/Multicultural-Center-Of-Central-Minnesota

Practical Applications of Nanotechnology

Daniel Kainer was back to show how nanotechnology touches all of our lives.  Kainer revealed how atomic-sized, human-engineered particles are the wave of your future from medicine to computer speed and storage to even the food you will eat.

*Daniel Kainer, Director of the LSC-Montgomery Biotechnology Institute,

Image: http://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/modern-technology/gold-nanotech1.htm

Genealogy Virtual Vacation

Don’t have the funds to visit homeland of your ancestors? No problem. Library Director Mick Stafford revealed which websites and databases provide address information. Then learn how that information can unlock a virtual vacation using Google map technology and a few other websites.

Image: http://library.santaclaraca.gov/index.aspx?page=1170

eReader Rodeo and Roundup

The latest array of digital readers and tablets including Kindle Touch, Kindle Fire, NOOK Color, NOOK Tablet, and the iPad 2 were on display.  There was hands-on access for all the devices with tips and tricks to utilize your digital device with Dorrie Scott, Abraham Korah, and Melanie Wachsmann.

Image: http://www.androidpit.com/en/android/blog/400957/Battle-of-the-Displays-Kindle-Fire-vs-Nook-Tablet-vs-iPad-2

The Yin and the Yang of Yoga

Barbara Morrison of the Texas Yoga Center was back to share ways to keep centered, strong, and positive. She had us move through some stretching yoga exercises - all in our chairs. Have you ever done a back bend and a forward bend in a chair? We learned about ancient home remedies from ayurveda and the different body tyes in ayurveda. If you're a hot type, balance it out by eating some ice cream. Not bad. Click on the attachments details.

Creating Balance with Opposites (pdf) and Easy Home Remedies (pdf)

Image: Copyright Texas Yoga Center, http://www.texasyogacenter.com/photos.html

Square Foot Gardening

Denise Miller, garden educator, shared her years of knowledge on how to create a small raised bed area enriched with compost and tender, loving, but manageable care. Growing your own organic produce can be a healthy, enriching project, and fun for the whole family.

Image: http://daylefergusson.blogspot.com/2010/06/organic-gardening-for-health-happiness.html