Fast Facts 9-25

By the Capital Area District Library Reference Department

The Reference Staff at the Downtown Lansing Library includes librarians with a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. They are some of the most valuable best resources the library offers! For example, Marisela G. heads up our language resources. She is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, so she often assists patrons who would otherwise have a difficult time communicating with staff. 

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DARE TO ASK: EXCUSE ME, SIR, BUT DID YOU JUST SPIT?

QUESTIONS

Why do men need to spit so much in public? — Anne, Jacksonville Beach, Fla.
What is it with guys and spitting? — Cheryl, New Haven, Conn.

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Your Other 8 Hours: The Power of Positive Prejudice

By Robert Pagliarini,
Tribune Media Services

Several weeks ago at a fundraising event, I was introduced to a man in his late 40s. He had perfect hair, a GQ grin and was dressed impeccably in a custom suit. The only thing that sparkled more than his white teeth was his gold Rolex. As I was shaking his hand, I immediately assessed what kind of person he was, but, after speaking with him, my initial characterization was destroyed and so was my spirit. I realized that I had unfairly (and inaccurately) prejudged who he was.

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Videoview

STARTING THIS WEEK: “THE AMERICAN”: The title is accurate in terms of this well-filmed vehicle for an unusually somber George Clooney, who really is the only American in the European-made story of a hit man who mulls getting out of the business and takes some downtime in Italy after a mission goes wrong. The locals make him feel welcome – particularly one woman (Violante Placido) he develops feelings for – but opening himself up to others increases the odds he won’t survive much longer. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; audio commentary by director Anton Corbijn; deleted scenes. *** (R: AS, N, V) (Also on Blu-ray)

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Mother Flippin’: One Funny Mother – The Magic Place

By Tashmica Torok

I do not enjoy cooking.  I love to eat and therefore must cook.  During our first year together Paul and I muddled through.  He could live on peanut butter toast and chocolate milk.  I would love to insert a quip about the perpetual child here but I could have lived on the equally nutritious peanut butter and honey sandwich with a hot chocolate.  I swear it tastes just like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

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Interpersonal EDGE: Is Spirituality Good for Success?

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. I’ve gone through a tough year, and I’ve been seeking ways to make sense of all this chaos. I’m looking at joining a church and researching different spiritual traditions. Is there any research that says what the impact is of spirituality on success at work?

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“Men Of A Certain Age” Returns For A Second Season

 

 

 

 

 

Andre Braugher, Ray Romano and Scott Bakula star in “Men of a Certain Age”.  The show explores the unique bonds of male friendship among three men experiencing the changes and challenges of mid-life.

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News Spotlight – Michigan Lottery Commercial Casting January 4th

  WHAT:   Michigan Lottery Commercial Casting – The I Group will be conducting a state-wide, open call for new talent to take part in a Michigan   Lottery commercial. The goal is to involve kids and adults throughout Michigan in this TV commercial because the commercial focus is to show the great benefit of the    Michigan Lottery and how it affects our local community.

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    Portrait of ‘The Monster’ on Death Row

    By Claudia Núñez

    Translated by Elena Shore,
    New America Media
     
    SAN QUENTIN, CA —  “Are you afraid?” Mauricio Silva asks before his cell door opens. He’s been in prison for 31 years for the murder of four teenagers, including his 17-year-old sister whom he strangled with his bare hands.
     

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    Higher Purpose

    By Tom Lagana

     
    After two days of presenting seminars in New England, I made a mad dash to the airport. Finding myself with a little time to spare, I sat in the main terminal for a few minutes of relaxation. Although this tiny airport appeared to be fairly new, it was unusually empty for 4:30 p.m. on a weekday. From my vantage point, I counted four people.

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