Thursday, August 28, 2014

Calling all Baconnoisseurs!

According to the Royal Bacon Society, International Bacon Day takes place on the Saturday before Labor Day, which this year is on Saturday, August 30th.

Over the past few decades, bacon has experienced a surge in popularity.  There are many theories as to why, but perhaps the simplest is, "because it tastes good."

Bacon's cult following has brought about some bacinnovations, such as the Bacon Explosion, the Danger Dog (a hot dog wrapped in bacon then deep fried), Baconnade (lemonade with bacon flavoring), and many other delicious and daring combinations found at fairs, street festivals, and possibly your own kitchen! 

It is possible that this obsession with bacon is actually older than one might think.  In the 12th century, a church in Dunmow, England "promise[d] a flitch (side) of bacon to any married man who could swear before the congregation and God that he had not quarreled with his wife for a year and a day" (http://englishbreakfastsociety.com/history-of-bacon.html).  The tradition still takes place every 4 years, and you can read more about it here! 

In conclusion - bacon up your holiday weekend!  Need inspiration?
Try Everything tastes better with bacon : 70 fabulous recipes for every meal of the day.
Not a meat-eater?  Veganize this! : from surf & turf to ice cream pie : 200 animal-free recipes for people who love to eat has some great alternatives for vegan and gluten-free diets.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Wayback Wednesday: Student Life: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow



Student Activity Day, 1969 (From the Parkland Archives Photo Collection.)

“Get involved in something while you are here at Parkland,” read the message in the 1973-1974 Student Handbook from Student Government President Brenda Kendricks, “Be a part of tomorrow TODAY!”

Parkland has a long history of providing a well-rounded educational experience by offering support for student clubs, publications, and government through the Student Activities Office and now through the Office of Student Life, located in U222 in the Student Union. Some of the more interesting clubs that have been available throughout the years include:
  •   S.W.A.M.P (Student’s Working Against Man’s Pollution) – established to “further open discussion of environmental problems”
  • S.I.S.T.E.R (Students Interested in Sister’s Total Equal Rights) – formed to “promote awareness of the problems and concerns faced by women in our society” 
  • PLATO Republic – Acted as a forum for students interested in the PLATO System
  • Wax Stackers – an outlet for students in broadcasting

Kendricks’ message from the past is as appropriate TODAY as it was YESTERDAY, and TOMORROW, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of student clubs and organizations at the Welcome Convocation and Activities Fair. Be sure to check it out!
 ***
Wayback Wednesday is a feature of the Parkland College Archives. If you have ideas you'd like to see in future posts, email us at archives@parkland.edu. The Archives is open to faculty, staff, students and the public by appointment. 

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Back to School Hours

Classes start on Monday, August 18th which means that the Library will be returning to our normal semester hours.

Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 8:00pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm
Sunday Closed

Have a great semester!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

"O Captain! My Captain!"



This iconic American poem written by Walt Whitman was revitalized in popular culture by the film Dead Poet’s Society starring the recently deceased Robin Williams.

The poem was originally written by Whitman as a tribute to the life and death of Abraham Lincoln.  However it has taken on additional meaning of late.  Many remember Williams role as John Keating, an English teacher who challenges his students to embrace literature and invited them to call him “O Captain!  My Captain!”

The poem speaks of a sorrow endured by Whitman at the death of Lincoln.  Now it speaks of a similar sorrow to a new generation, at the death of a beloved comedian and actor.

To read the poem for yourself, check out Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman - available in the Library.

Robin Williams
1951-2014


The following movies featuring Robin Williams are also available at the Parkland Library: Awakenings, The Fisher King, Hamlet, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, Lee Daniels' The Butler, The Night Listener, Happy Feet, August Rush, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Read These Before You See the Movie: August 2014





2014 is a big year for books being made into movies. We all know the book is often times better than what is translated to the screen, so check out one, two, or more of these books before seeing it on the big screen.

August gives us these four goodies.


The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais
Call Number: PS3613.O584 H86 2010
Movie details. Release date: August 8th


The Giver by Lois Lowry
Call Number: PZ7.L9673 Gi 1993
Movie details. Release date: August 15th


If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Call number: pbk - Forman
Movie details. Release date: August 22nd




The Switch by Elmore Leonard 
Call Number: pbk - Leonard
Movie details (Life of Crime). Release date: August 29th









Stay tuned for September's books to movies list!