Opinion

The job of a reference librarian is livelier than you might think. Some of the questions they receive in the course of the day are real, well...

Tell some drivers about common traffic laws and they'll look at you like a small weasel just poked its head out of your mouth and started speaking Mandarin Chinese.

Set on the eve of the first Women's Rights Convention, Miriam Grace Monfredo's Seneca Falls mystery series provides tales of murder and intrigue that are both historically accurate and satisfying, cozy "cold weather" reads.

A semi-true account of the first annual Piker Press Conference. After the business was taken care of, there was plenty of time to show everyone around the Valley. Home is always a lot more interesting when described by a writer.

Going to jail is for other people. Bad people. People with lots of tattoos who eat nails and do drugs. But have you ever wondered what it would be like if an average, well-behaved person like YOU went to jail? Tedi finds out.

Marketers just don't seem to think when they create merchandise to go along with films. Faux Dalmatian hide? Extra copies of Sauron's Ring? A Wiggles Tarot Deck? Sick. Just sick.

<b>Gypsy's Guide to Good Living</b> When I was Your Age: My Daughter and Myself. The teen years are the most challenging since the "terrible two's", and teens today live in a different world than the one their parents grew up in. Despite that, there's plenty of room for common ground.

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The first time leaving your baby and husband alone together while you go out of town is always tough for a new mother. But apparently, it's even tougher on Daddy and Lillian. They'll live through it, but just barely.

Today, as you read this, you should have your lists in hand and know where you intend to begin making changes in your life. You're ready for steps two and three. Part II of II.

Writers are the most interesting people. With the advent of "instant messenger" technology, writers from all over can connect to network, share their progress and discuss Buddhist androids. Which is really important to their careers. Swear to God.

<b>Gypsy's Guide to Good Living:</b> Setting yourself up for success isn't as difficult as you would think. In fact, it's a matter of executing three easy steps, then monitoring your progress. Part I of II.

<b>Gypsy's Guide to Good Living:</b> My dream partner was described as "a little husky, loves to fish, wants someone to spoil and be spoiled by." Yes. I answered a personal ad.

When it comes to clothing, older is better. Well, maybe not better, but you just can't trust new clothing. Plus, as in the case of the dreaded Nipple Shirt, if it's gross enough, people won't bother you.

Welcome to Gypsy's Guide to Good Living, a column devoted to some of the more practical aspects of being alive. This week, controlling your spending can be easier than you think.

The heck with a good book. This summer, let's set aside the time to watch some bad movies. From Kiera Knightly's flat chest to Halle Berry's enormous hat, there's sure to be something for everyone to make fun of.

An overflowing bin of avocados at the grocery store is proof that summer has arrived, and there is arguably no better way to eat an avacado than in the perfect batch of guacamole.

It's not where you go that makes a good summer vacation, it's the PR spin you put on it. With a little creative marketing, you can convince yourself that any destination is a great one.

The marriage of documentaries and reality television: sure, it might be dumbing down science a little bit, but who wouldn't want to watch Paris Hilton try to harvest live electric eels for scientific research? (BZZZZT! "Omigod, <i>owww</i>!!!")

From the time he was a young boy, John Queen always had a certain way with horses. That's why they didn't like him.

Looking for something to read for the summer that has a compelling plot, engaging characters, and appeals to a "vacation mood"? Here's a list of novels that are just the thing for a good, summer pool read.

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If your lawn mower or weed trimmer can't make a decent showing at a Nascar event, it's not good enough for this elite squad from the Dept. of Landscape Security.

Bernie was being open-minded and out fell a, well, a <i>musing</i> about Descartes, soup, and the nature of life.

If you've never worked retail, you've never been abused by total strangers in myriad thoughtless ways. Take a walk on the sales side. It might make you think twice the next time you venture into a store...

Peter Pan isn't the only one who never really grew up. From mis-reading books about space to using the bathroom as an arena for personal challenge and showmanship, some people - men, mostly - never change.

Packing for the trip can be a more harrowing adventure than any you experience while away from home. Does he really need four pairs of shoes? Does she really need 10 different books? Yes. Hell, yes.

Crimes against nature used to be priced too high for anyone but criminal masterminds. Then came easy credit. Now, plastic surgery isn't just for Michael Jackson anymore.

If you think the warning labels on cups of coffee are unnecessary, then you've lived a sheltered life around intelligent people. Meet the Face of Stupidity: he is Fourmyle, the family cat.

It's hard to be cutting edge when you've lost your digital knife sharpener. But when the chips are down, the silicon chips go in. Lost in the modern world, but with 24 hour access to Mapquest.