Monday, December 17, 2012

Name That Asteroid!

So here's the conversation...

Me: Hello, my name is (101955) 1999 RQ36.
You: That's a terrible name!
Me: Well, it's not my fault. I'm just an asteroid, and I was given a boring science name by the geniuses at the Minor Planet Center of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. What the heck am I supposed to do?
You: Wow! That name is just as bad as yours! Well, maybe a bunch of kids could send in suggestions for new names. Then you could get a really cool name instead of that other ridiculous name that nobody can remember.
Me: Wow, what a great idea!

So, if you're under the age of 18, here's your chance to...NAME THAT ASTEROID!

You only have until December 31, 2012 to get that name sent in. So put on your thinking caps and come up with a good one. Maybe your name will get chosen and you will be the one that gets to say, "Remember that asteroid (101955) 1999 RQ36? (You'll have to remember the name because it will be YOUR asteroid at this point) Well, I'm the dude/chick who gave it its cool new name (insert name here)." Then you'll put it on a t-shirt and be famous for the rest of your life, and everyone else's, because asteroids usually stay in space for like millions and billions of years.

There are some guidelines to naming the asteroid. For instance, you can't just name it whatever you want. Scientists won't be very happy if you try to name it Inky Pinky Squigglebottom, H.R. Pufnstuf, or some other silly name like Lemony Snicket. Read the guidelines, submit your suggestion, and keep your fingers crossed! If you win, we'll have a big party for you here at the library! Promise!

Click this link for all the details. Name That Asteroid!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

New Irish Genealogy Online Resources

New England Historic & Genealogical Society reports:

A Note from the Editor: New Irish Resources


by Lynn Betlock, Editor

Researchers tracing Irish ancestors will be pleased to note that new Irish resources have recently been made available online

National Archives of Ireland Website

In November, the National Archives of Ireland launched a new genealogy website, which offers access to Census Records for 1901 and 1911, Soldiers’ Wills from 1914 to 1917, and Tithe Applotment Books (head-of-household substitutes) from 1823 to 1837. (FamilySearch has Tithe Applotment Books from 1814 through 1855.) In years to come, the Archives plans to add the following collections: Calendars of Wills and Administrations, 1858–1922; nineteenth-century census survivals, 1821–51; Valuation Office House and Field Books, 1848–60; and census search forms for the 1841 and 1851 censuses.

Irish Military Records

The Military Archives is responsible for the records of Ireland’s Department of Defence, the Defence Forces, and the Army Pensions Board. The website features the Military Archives Image Identification Project and the Irish Army Census Collection, 1922 (which is in its third and final phase). (An Irish Times article provides background information on the 1922 census.) According to the website, “the Military Archives holds only the personnel records of those who served in the military of the Irish Free State from 1922, as well as material pertaining to the Irish Volunteers and the Independence movement, 1913–1921.”

British Army records, including those for Irish regiments, can be obtained at the National Archives of England. An article entitled “Information Document on the Irish Regiments of the British Army up to 31st July 1922” can be a useful guide. Other sources of military records in Ireland are “The National Library, which holds a number of lists of Irish Personnel in the British Army from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, or Dublin City Library and Archive . . . which is the point of contact for the Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association."   posted by mb

Monday, December 3, 2012

A Talk on Shen Yun Performing Arts

There will be a talk and presentation on Shen Yun, sponsored by the Asian Arts Foundation, on Monday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Central Park Library Redwood Room.  For 5,000 years Chinese culture inspired countless artists and poets. Through the presentation about Shen Yun Performing Arts, you will experience the authenticity, freshness, and joy of the true Chinese civilization as it moves towards a world of ever-increasing diversity.

Call Reference at 1-408-615-2900 to reserve a space at this free program about Shen Yun Performing Arts.


posted by JB