Experimenting with Pavlov

Our adopted cat, Oscar, a dark striped tabby with white feet, and I have been working together on an experiment for several months.

Oscar had been an indoor cat in Manhattan, enjoying apartment life on the tenth floor. We continued to keep him indoors, to protect him from the dangers of suburban living.

Eventually, Oscar discovered the outdoors, and we developed a modus operandi that we could both be happy with. I would let him outdoors for a few minutes, usually accompanying him, and sometimes just "keeping an eye out" for him for a few minutes. To entice and reward him for returning in by himself, we developed the custom of providing a small treat for him upon his return to the kitchen.

This morning, however, our experiment took an unexpected turn. After spending a few minutes outside the front door, (16 degrees F.), smelling of the frozen grass, and whatnot, Oscar quickly re-entered and received his reward.

Upon enjoying his snack, he immediately went to the side door, indicating he wanted to be let out again. Since I had to be in the kitchen anyway, I let him out. Looking out the window, I saw that he instantly wanted to be let back in. He proceeded to the refrigerator and meowed.

As I took his treat out of the fridge, it occurred to me that while Pavlov and I thought we had trained our animals, in a sense, they had trained us.

This well-trained kitty, after eating his second treat of the morning, headed for the side door out once again, but I left the kitchen. Enough of this game!

Happiest New Year Yet Wishes!

Many of us have decided to have a "quiet" New Year, with a small group of family and/or friends, some nice cheese and crackers, and a little special libation to welcome in the new year.

In gratitude for the past year, with many new experiences, friends, and good news, we are also happy to have had our technology levels raised, becoming more familiar with avatars, blogs, youTube, podcasts, and wikis.

And therefore we look forward to a new year of more discoveries, happy events, ever-increasing knowledge of newer technologies, (while appreciating the contributions of pioneers such as Dr. Eugene Garfield!!!), and wish to all the Happiest New Year Yet!

Connecticut servicemen lost at Pearl Harbor

In the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, by the Japanese, which propelled the U.S. into World War II, seventeen servicemen from Connecticut were lost.
They were: Lt. j.g. Eric Allen, Darien; Henry Carlson, Norwich; Ensign Edward Gosselin, Darien; Sgt. Vincent M. Horan, Stamford; Coxswain Henry J. Lanquette, Wallingford; Seaman 1/C John Luntta, Canton; Ensign William O"Neill, Stamford; Stanislaus Orzech, Meriden;
SF 3/C Richard Patterson, Berlin; Seaman 1/C George Povesko, Bridgeport; Mike Quattro, Norwich; Chief Radioman Thomas F. Reeves, Thomaston; Seaman 1/C William Seeley, New London; Pfc. George Smith, Hartford; 2nd Lt. Gordon Sterling; Pfc. Felix Wegrzyn, Bridgeport; and Ensign Ulmont Whitehead Jr., Hartford.
As reported in the Stamford Times, December 16, 2007, p. A8.

Following Icebergs

Earlier, I mentioned how apt I found the analogy of "Avoiding Icebergs."

Now, I have attempted to digest all that Michael Stephens has explicated in his "Into a new world of Librarianship." In all of his suggestions, which are creative and compelling, I find that his addition of the Library 2.0 meme "the Library is human" very meaningful to me.

After over two decades in the field, I find this a heartwarming aspect. So often, we need to create for the patron; a suggestion, small idea, example, encouragement, etc. Sometimes, this is all the patron needs to get an inspiration, or courage, to weather on with a tough academic assignment or difficult question.

The other suggestions Michael makes are very inspiring; we librarians obviously have our work cut out for us, and he is outlining for us the tools, attitudes, and creativity needed to continue to progress in our service to patrons and our own continuing education as library service providers.

YouTube, Finally!

For some reason, probably deep in my psyche, I have been avoiding YouTube.

However, after gathering up my courage, today I found that it is quite delightful!

In the category, Pets & Animals, I found an Asian entry for "Kitty rubs face, very cute."

Cute, nothing: it was absolutely charming, adorable, and I wish I could capture my own kitty being so entertaining! Then I checked out "The cat diaries: episode 13: the cat tower."

Once again, I found some terrific cat antic activities, very sweet and worth revisiting.

I can see that YouTube can be very addicting. Sorry I waited so long to try it!!!

serendipity at the reference desk

While working at Reference 2nd floor with Tom, I learned about Google Scholar. Tom was answering a medical question which involved chemistry, health, and statistics.

With Google Scholar, Tom located an article which was quite perfect for the question.

Thank you, Tom, for the enlightening example!

On Gratitude

At this season of Thanksgiving, I appreciate not only the many blessings I have in my work, my inspiring fellow librarians, my family, home, and other wonderful things I have received, but also that I can share thoughts in this exciting new method of blogging!

Thanks to all who have commented on my entries.

And welcome to Anna, the first member of my family who will be reading this also!

May all have a terrific Thanksgiving!