Libraries & librarians are awesome! Many years ago, after typing my way through Northwestern at a work study job in the library basement, I got my start in advertising/ marketing in the publishing division of the ALA. I learned quite a bit about librarians during my time there. First, public librarians rock! Second, most librarians are in love with their career. They have to be to go to grad sch to get a MLS degree and then commit to what can be a very low-paying job, under a very large local magnifying lens. Finally, one of ALA's most important events is Banned Books Week, a necessity because our freedom to read is attacked continually from coast to coast by different groups with different agendas. In fact, ALA has an entire office dedicated to intellectual freedom. So, Go Librarians!

I saw an article in the Chicago Tribune a few weeks ago about this. It's a big blow for Fermilab and for Chicago/Illinois pride in general. Fermilab has a fantastic track record and the money should be made available. (access Trib article here through http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-01-10/news/ct-met-tevatron-closing-20110110_1_tevatron-pier-oddone-kurt-riesselmann) I too hit the pay wall from the journal--and as a freelance writer, I hate paywalls. Having once been in academic and biz-to-biz publishing, I know that there are serious reasons the journals don't take adverts--but this is the 2000s. There must be a way to support free electronic dissemination of information without being accused of advertiser bias. Perhaps the journals could run ads that appeal to grad students and writers: coffee, energy drinks, soda, take-out pizza, child care, etc. No conflict of interest and free articles for everyone! Also, really, they ought to drop paper publishing.

Keryn & Jen: Thanks for your comments! Jen, glad to hear another generation is learning the Time Warp. Keryn: Yes, you are right. MM was loudly corrected by her daughter about Miss Pillsbury. Thanks!