About Me
My name is Mike Waugh. This blog features reviews of media and music. I like to throw in some humor, and creative projects that I'm working on, mostly songs, but some writing as well. I also try to find some insight in my normal middle-class middle-aged lifestyle (thanks to a good job with the city). And what blog would be complete without a little techno-geek post once in while?
I currently work in a public library as a Librarian II in the Reference department, where along with regular reference desk duties, I handle some web and technology issues.
I've played in a variety of local Baton Rouge based bands. Local 309 and Blind Deer are my current projects. I write songs and attempt to sing them. I've dabbled in a variety of musical genres including folk, funk, rock, country, reggae, world music, and jazz. Mike Waugh Brand Music was my brainchild, but has since disbanded. Back in the day when I had long hair and just as much idealism, I was in a locally successful college jam band called Pinecone On Tent (1995-1998). I have also contributed directly to the demise of the following bands: Lake Waugh, Brother Theresa, Softshoe Leslie, Canem, Paul Lemle's Outlaw Posse, Group Coma, Grateful Nonsense and the Nuevo Hippie Cover Band.
I am the webmaster for Chelsea's Cafe. I practically lived there in my college years, either as a cook, bartender, sound engineer, daiquiri mixer, performer, and patron.
My current hobbies include competitive Scrabble, stock-picking, gardening and hiking. I have another blog dedicated to Scrabble, called The Elusive Quetzal.
I am married. My wife and I are both vegetarians. I do the cooking. I have an online recipe file at VeggieWaugh.
Our family consists of four dogs, three cats and four horses.
If you are an old chum of mine, or would like to introduce yourself, feel free to mail me:
Last updated: 3/18/08
I belong to a homeschool group newsletter and ran onto this. I thought I would share it with you. Maybe you should listen to the recommendations. Being a homeschool mom, I love to gather older books, for the content is far better than some of the newer written literature. Wish I could afford to buy some of the books libraries throw out!
Last issue I mentioned some books that libraries are ditching on a regular basis. I happened upon a blog entry that is a good example of what librarians think their duty is regarding books:
http://www.mwbrand.com/waughblog/2005/07/the-island-of-u.html
The gentleman who wrote the entry obviously didn't have the time or inclination to actually OPEN and READ a few paragraphs of the books he was 'de-selecting' -- before passing judgment. These
particular books are older looking, but I regularly find even brand NEW, beautiful books that have been lovingly donated by women's clubs, etc. carelessly 'weeded' or 'de-selected' by (ahem) what I would call uneducated librarians. Notice how he speaks of too much 'information' being on the shelves -- as though literature were simply 'information'.
"Copper-Toed Boots" by Marguerite de Angeli is a LOVELY fiction story set in early Michigan. "Nobody Plays With a Cabbage" is
one of my favorite read-alouds of all time. And this so-called librarian doesn't even seem to recognize Walter de la Mare? Did he ever take a course in children's literature?
They will tell you the books simply aren't being checked-out and are outdated. The REAL problem is that librarians aren't doing their job recommending good books! Otherwise, children would be reading them, enjoying them, and coming back for more great recommendations. (To be fair, there are some books that should be
discarded -- Outdated geography, outdated technology, inferior fiction, etc. -- but I see hundreds of books at every library sale
that are much more valuable for their content than so many being published today.)
Okay, off my soap box now. ;-)
But --
Get out there and rescue books! Build your own home library!
At some point the libraries will be DONE throwing them out.
If some of these old books aren't being bought, I wish someone would send me a few!
I am a grandmother, raising 2 grandchildren on a disability income. The oldest one has learning difficulties, which our schools cannot find time to deal with. I have the time needed, and her sister helps while she does her own school work here at home.
J Abney
hi mike-
i remember you a little, sorry to bother, but i was hoping you might know how to email Ron Clayton. I'm from Carlotta St, but have been living in Iowa for Grad Painting for the past year. I would apprec any help!'
thanks, alisha
besideher@hotmail.com
i promise not to harm him (hehehe), we were old friends and i will be in town soon, just looking to say hi. thanks again