Library Randomness – Mary and Jeff Bell Library Blog

“Tell me a horror story about…”: Generating Spooky Stories with ChatGPT

Post author:Trisha Hernandez
Post published:October 27, 2023
Post category:Books & More Library Randomness

Greetings, readers!! There are many things to know about me, but the most relevant for today is that I’m a big horror and true crime fan. The thrill began as a child when I would sit in the center of my parent’s bed (obviously the center - my effort to ensure that if something was hiding under the bed, it couldn’t reach me on that big California king), reading Alvin Schwartz’ Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (https://go.exlibris.link/cmRcXzPk). I…

Why do we do the things we do?

Post author:Risha Dulip
Post published:May 13, 2022
Post category:Hello, from the Staff Library Randomness

During the pandemic, I decided health and wellness would help me feel some normalcy and like many Americans, I acquiesced to exercise. However, I soon realized that exercising was great but tracking my health and wellness was even better. Enter Fitbit! While I choose the device specific for its features and simplicity, I relished in its ability to not take calls and a momentary reprieve from digital content. While I used the app for a bit without social connections, it…

HOLIDAY MADNESS with the Bell Library!

Post author:Bell Library
Post published:May 4, 2022
Post category:Behind the Scenes Hello, from the Staff Library Randomness We Made This

Do you ever wonder what your Library Faculty & Staff do to unwind and have a good laugh? Well, the library is full of spunky and funny individuals that come together to cheer one another on and bring smiles to each other's faces. I’m Julie Sanchez and I can tell you that behind the scenes we have our good laughs to power us through our days. We love celebrating holidays and spreading cheer and here are some funny times we've…

Dog holding a pipe in his mouth.

Unexpected and Still Historic

Post author:Amanda Kowalski
Post published:March 22, 2022
Post category:Library Randomness Today's Special

People expect the archives to be a serious place filled with staunch academic research. While it is that, it is also so much more. For the staff of Special Collections and Archives sometimes the unexpected is the most exciting part of our collections. The Charles F.H. von Blucher papers are historic, they document the settling of South Texas. These papers start in the mid-1800s and follow the Blucher family through several generations. The Bluchers were surveyors and engineers which makes…

Beyond Distraction: Finding Focus in a Digital Landscape

Post author:Tara Carlisle
Post published:February 22, 2022
Post category:Library Randomness Things to Do

Most of what we do relies on digital technology, whether it’s to work, stay in touch with family and friends, or order takeout. And while we agree these technologies are very useful and fun, they also have a never-ending appetite for our attention to keep us engaged. For example, when we're trying to focus on the task at hand - researching a topic, studying for a test, completing a grant application – inevitably, an email, text, news flash pops up…

Encyclopedias

Post author:Derrik Hiatt
Post published:September 14, 2021
Post category:Books & More Library Randomness

When I was growing up, I loved to read the World Book Encyclopedia. I suppose you could say I was a word nerd. It was not unusual for me climb up onto the desk to pull down two or three of the hefty, green and white volumes off the shelf, then go back and forth looking up different topics just for fun. I might look for a picture of a particular city, or read about the climate of South America,…

Intermittent Fasting

Post author:Bell Library
Post published:August 31, 2021
Post category:Library Randomness

Intermittent fasting is defined as “an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. It does not specify which foods you should eat but rather when you should eat them. In this respect, it is not a diet in the conventional sense but more accurately described as an eating pattern.” Intermittent fasting is a good cycle to pick up on as it has many beneficial effects. Benefits include weight and body fat loss, increased fat burning, lowered blood…

One Librarian’s (Very Personal) Opinion on GOP Lawmakers Wanting to Ban ‘Woke’ Philosophies

Post author:Alexa Hight
Post published:June 11, 2021
Post category:Behind the Scenes Library Randomness Today's Special

About a month ago, the Texas Tribune published an article on the Texas Legislature 2021: GOP lawmakers want to ban “woke philosophies” like critical race theory in Texas schools. The article briefly explains what critical race theory (CRT) is with “an academic discipline that views race as a social construct and examines how racism has shaped legal and social systems.” Sounds fairly reasonable, given the history of what are now known as the United States and recent events around policing of black people and other…

They’re Heeeere: Mosquito Season in South Texas

Post author:Bell Library
Post published:June 8, 2021
Post category:Library Randomness

You may have noticed, after the recent rainfall, the mosquito population has been booming. Swarms of the little bloodsuckers wait, ready to engulf you as soon as you step out of your car, home, almost anywhere outside. Here are some tips to prevent getting bit or to avoid these buzzing pests altogether. Thing’s mosquitos don’t like: Mosquito RepellentLemon eucalyptus oilLavenderCitronellaTea Tree OilCinnamon Oil Prevent mosquito growth: Get rid of standing waterClear debrisMosquito yard spray Protect yourself: Loose fitting clothingClothing that…

Haircuts at Home (Save Money and Look Good)

Post author:Bell Library
Post published:June 4, 2021
Post category:Library Randomness

Hey everyone! Shortly after we were asked to stay at home, a number of salons and barbershops began to close leaving us wondering when we’ll be able to get our next haircut (among other concerns, of course). During this time, I took it upon myself to understand what it takes to cut your own hair at home. At first, it was a very intimidating feat; but, after a couple of YouTube tutorials and step-by-steps, I was able to shape together…