December Daze at the Bridgewater Library and Events in Our Area

Programs at the Bridgewater Library, other libraries in the Somerset County Library System and around the community…

This Holiday Season, Open Up a World of Possibilities...Please consider donating a new-looking book to Books for Kids at the Bridgewater Library before Dec. 10th. Reading material will be distributed to children and teens throughout New Jersey who have limited access to books. Book donations can be placed in the container at the entrance to the Youth Services room of the Bridgewater Library. We thank you for taking the time to help give New Jersey's children a chance to explore the world of books.
You can make a difference in a child's life. Donate a new book to Books for Kids!
This program is sponsored by the Children's Services Section of the New Jersey Library Association.




@ Bridgewater Library: Programs

 Nappy's Puppets presents: 'How Santa Got His Job' Saturday December 3, 2011 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Registration Required.
As the weather begins to get colder and colder, and the snow begins to fall, one thing is clear: the holiday season is in the air! What better way to ring it in than to join Jim 'Nappy' Napolitano and his puppet friends as he performs the Steven Krensky story, 'How Santa Got His Job.' Join Nappy and the gang as they recount this classic tale. See how Santa went from chimney sweep and postman, to diner cook and zookeeper, and finally as little kids' favorite gift giver - Santa Claus! 

After-School Special: Picture This: 'The Collage Art of Ezra Jack Keats' (Grades K-5) Monday December 5, 2011 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM Registration Required.
It is the 50th Anniversary of Ezra Jack Keats' 'The Snowy Day,' and a perfect opportunity to celebrate this author/illustrator and his collage art.
Join us as we read several of his stories, then use unusual papers to create beautiful collages.




Make a Difference @ the Library! (Volunteer Opportunities)Wednesday, December 7th from 7:00-8:00pm Registration Required.
ATTENTION STUDENTS IN GRADES 5 AND 6: Here is your chance to make a difference by volunteering at the library! Volunteer hours are limited so make sure you sign up soon!



Spook Handy: America's Story Through Folk Songs Saturday December 10, 2011 11:00 AM to 12:00 All Ages No registration required.
America's Story through Folk Songs traces American Folk Music from Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger through today. Honoring the great traditions of American roots music, songs inspired by the Dust Bowl, Great Depression, Civil Right Movement, 60's and 70's Peace Movement and more recent issues are presented with a completely contemporary sound and unabashedly positive sensibility. The passion, purpose and spirit of American folk music is alive and well. 

Lobby Harp Concert : Enjoy the beautiful holiday sounds of the Celtic harp in our lobby with harpist Odarka Polanskyj. Monday December 12, 2011 1-3 p.m.







Lego Club. For Children in Grades K-6. Registration begins November 28th. Monday December 12, 2011 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM Hey LEGO fans - Here's a club just for you! Get together with other LEGO-maniacs, share ideas and tips on building, and have a great time! Library LEGOS will be available for building, please do not bring your own. Please Note: Parents are welcome to stay; however, younger siblings cannot be permitted to join this program.





Advocacy Series: Sexuality and Hygiene for Adolescents Thursday, December 15th 7:00-8:30pm Participants may register here: http://www.poac.net/regform.asp?pid=55
Adolescence can be a difficult time for children and families, and can be especially difficult for children with developmental disabilities and their families. This presentation will provide an overview of the specific challenges present during puberty and adolescence, specifically issues of sexuality and hygiene. Strategies for increasing independence in grooming, hygiene, health, and dressing will be reviewed. In addition, issues and strategies surrounding sexuality, modesty, privacy, boundaries and personal safety will be discussed. Continuing Education Credit is available.    See this calendar for the many other FREE workshops POAC offers for Parents, Professionals, and Paraprofessionals  Working with Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities.

Holiday Sing-along (All Ages) Saturday December 17th 10 a.m. No Registration Required.

 

 

Special Family Storytime: 'Gifts and Giving' (Ages 2 and up) Tuesday December 20, 2011 10:00-10:45 AM, repeated at 1:30-2:15 PM
Bring along your aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents to this storytime emphasizing the joy in giving. No registration required.

Our Nov-Dec. weekly sessions run from Nov. 1st – Dec. 20th.

Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Family Story Time (ages 2-6) no registration required. Join us each week for stories, songs, finger plays, and a short film.



Wednesdays at 10 & 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Toddler Time (18 mo.-3) no registration required. Clapping and singing, rhymes and books….introduce your toddler to the beginnings of story time!





Thursdays at 9:30 Infant Lap Sit (birth to 18 months) no registration required. Clap your hands and stamp your feet and let you baby feel the beat of stories, songs and rhymes.

Looking for an evening storytime? Bound Brook has a Pajama Storytime every other Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Check their schedule for details.

There are LOTS OF PROGRAMS at other system libraries for your children & teens
…check out their online calendars under the “events/programs” tab on our home page for more information.



@ the Library – for Teens:

Multi-Generation Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 Friday, December 16th from 7:00-9:30pm Registration begins November 25th.
Join us as we celebrate the final chapter of the Harry Potter movies! In the last installment, Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord's three remaining Horcruxes, the magical items responsible for his immortality. But, as the mystical Deathly Hallows are uncovered, and Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle of the series begins and life as they know it will never be the same. Harry Potter costumes are encouraged! Light refreshments will be served and a copy of the DVD will be raffled off!

**Parents: Please note this film is rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images**

Teen Advisory Board: Tuesday December 20th, 2011. 6:30 to 7:30 PM For students in Grade 6 – 12 **Registration required
Do you want to make a difference at your library? Do you have suggestions for programs, new books, movies, or video games? Then come to one of our upcoming T.A.B. meeting! Community service hours will be awarded for attendance and snacks will be served!

2012 Garden State Teen Book Awards
Make your voice heard! Every year, teens around New Jersey vote for their favorite books. From November 1st through December 15th, stop by the Teen Area and look for the special display of nominated books and past winners. Vote for your favorites and get a chance to win a $50 prize.

@ the Library: Displays:

Why not MAKE SOMETHING SPECIAL for a friend or family member this holiday season? Get some ideas from our display of craft and cooking books under the “Thanks & Giving” sign at the back of the Youth Services Reference Desk.
And take a look at the books nominated for the 2012 Garden State Book Awards on the bookcase behind the Youth Service Reference Desk….we’d love your opinions on your favorites! (If your class would like to conduct an election, you can download this ballot.)


When the weather outside is grey, it is a great time to indulge in a bit of fantasy reading…check out our Once Upon a Time display above the magazine section for some great folk and fairy tale selections.


Lots of films starring children’s characters are in theaters this month.

We have a display of Puss in Boots books above the magazines. Or you can revisit the world of The Muppets (we have lots of their old TV episodes and films!) You can also place a hold on The Invention of Hugo Cabret (in book or audio form) or check out his new book Wonderstruck. By the way, the automaton that inspired The Invention of Hugo Cabret is on display at the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia. Click here to see more information and a YouTube video of it in action: http://www.fi.edu/learn/sci-tech/automaton/automaton.php?cts=instrumentation Looking for more – for example, information about the silent films HUGO was based on?…ask a librarian for assistance.

Around the Community: 

Here are just a few events from listings in various calendars & online newsletters including njartsmaven.com, Hillsborough, Branchburg, Somerville Macaroni Kid, and Warren Macaroni Kid. If your family is looking for things to do, take a look at these sites, as well as many other area event listings in the “useful websites” section on the right side of this blog (if you are getting this via email, just click on the headline to see them listed.)

FROST FEST at the Environmental Education Center 190 Lord Sterling Rd. Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Celebrate winter with us! Visit the Environmental Education Center and discover a world of fun indoors and out. Almost daily activities include a dogsled demo, ice sculpting, snowshoeing, candle making, and much more! Visit our indoor winter wonderland of educational habitat exhibits and holiday music! Don't forget the Hibernation Masquerade on Sunday, December 18, Noon-4:00pm. Wear your pajamas, make masks, dance, and say good night to the animals! Here’s the full Frost Fest calendar. Events require registration.

Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Turtle Back Zoo
Starting Friday November 25. Friday-Sunday nights through Dec. 17th, then every night through January 1st (closed Christmas Eve & Christmas).
Time: 5-9PM
Experience Turtle Back Zoo in the winter as 100,000 bulbs and 40 lit displays illuminate the zoo this holiday season! Admission is free for 2011!
Help keep the gift of giving alive! Turtle Back Zoo will be collecting non-perishable food, winter coats and unwrapped new toys for the needy each evening of holiday lights. Help the lights shine a little brighter this year with your donation.
Sponsored by: Covanta, Essex County Parks Foundation, McCloone's Boathouse, Prudential Financial, PSE&G, & the Zoological Society of NJ

FREE PUPPET SHOW/STORY TIME FOR LITTLE ONES

FREE Puppet Show and Story Time for the Youngest of Children!offered in conjunction with the River Valley Waldorf School for children ages 2 through 5 with a parent or caregiver.
Educator Amanda Blanco will artfully weave together puppet shows, interactive games and stories to enchant both children and adults alike. 
This program is graciously offered through the River Valley Waldorf School and will be held at the Hunterdon Art Museum
WHEN: Friday, December 2, 10:00 AM
WHERE: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center Street, Clinton

Home Depot Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety along with instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment.

• All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.

Making Snowman Napkin Holders  Dates: Saturday, December 3, 2011
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• Start the holiday season with a fun, family project -- Children can build and paint a Snowman Napkin Holder.

Build & Grow at Lowe's

A free children's clinic with instruction will be held at Lowes 10 a.m. Each participant will receive a free apron, goggles, a themed patch, and a certificate of merit upon completion of their project. Your kids won't want to miss the first part of the 2011 Build and Grow train! Come back each week to build the next piece and complete your train! Lowe's 315 US Highway 206 Hillsborough, 08844    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM  Children up to age 12   Due to high demand, please register online at:  http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/Home.aspx Cost: FREE!!!
Caboose: Saturday 12/03/2011 Your kids won't want to miss the first part of the 2011 Build and Grow train! Come back each week to build the next piece and complete your train!
Coal Car: Saturday 12/10/2011 It's the second part of the 2011 Lowe's Train! Bring your kids to Lowe's and they can build this awesome Coal Car!


For more info: www.lowesbuildandgrow.com 908-904-6140

Holidays around the World – arts and crafts and live youth performances. Sunday December 4, 2011 1 to 5PM
The Children's Museum of Somerset County will be hosting its annual 'Holidays Around the World' program on Sunday December 4th, from 1 to 5 PM, at The PeopleCare Center, 120 Finderne Ave, Bridgewater. The program will feature several performances by youth groups, and holiday crafts from many regions around the world, including India, China, Mexico, and Israel. The suggested age range is 3 to 9, and the suggested donation is $3 per child. No RSVP is required.
Families can arrive and leave at any time. Parents and/or caregivers are expected to stay with children during the museum visit. Please use discretion in bringing very young children, as the museum is NOT baby-proof (some craft items are small and could present a choking hazard). Main Location: The PeopleCare Center, 120 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 (parking and entrance are in the rear of the building). For more information: http://childrensmuseumnj.org
TEENS, LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER HOURS?? – Check here for volunteer opportunities at The Children’s Museum this winter.


At the Morris Museum 6 Normandy Heights Road | Morristown, NJ 07960
Friday, Dec. 2 | New Exhibition Opening
Lego Lovers, Check out The Art of the Brick®
Nathan Sawaya is an award-winning artist who creates large-scale sculptures using only toy building blocks: LEGO® bricks. See this touring exhibition, which focuses exclusively on LEGO as an art medium. Read more here.
On View through February 20, 2012
Image: Yellow, Nathan Sawaya, brickartist.com

Teddy Bear Tea  Saturday, Dec. 3 | Seatings at 11 AM, 1 & 3 PM

Guests will be treated to scrumptious treats, a festive performance in the Bickford Theatre and a special visit from Santa, who brings a gift for each child. Recommended for ages 3 - 8. 
Reservations are required. Please call: 973.971.3706
Tickets: $20






At the RVCC Planetarium:
The Alien Who Stole Christmas Saturdays & Sundays, December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18 2:00 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6 - 10 accompanied by an adult) Discover the stars visible in the winter sky. Then follow Santa on a trip through the solar system when a friendly alien kidnaps. The kids on the other planets need presents too, you know!

Winter Wonder Lights Saturdays & Sundays, December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18 3:00 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6 - adult) Listen to songs such as "Wizards in Winter," "Rockin' around the Christmas Tree," and "Jingle Bell Rock" while lasers dance on the dome overhead.





Local Nutcrackers:
New Jersey Youth Ballet is performing on  Saturday, December 3rd 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Bridgewater Senior Center 445 Somerville Rd  Bridgewater NJ 08807 Tickets are $10.
and Saturday, December 10th 2011 at 4:00 p.m.  Hillsborough High School  466 Raider Blvd Hillsborough NJ 08844  Tickets are $15.00.
For Tickets Contact The New Jersey Youth Ballet  (908) 874-8800 www.danceconnectionnj.com/contact.php
Here’s a nice description of the Nutcracker Story.

The Washington Rock Ballet invites you to join Clara, the Sugarplum Fairy, tiny mice and a host of other enchanting characters in our annual production of the Nutcracker. This joyous holiday tradition features over seventy students of dancexpress. Guest performers include dancers of the amazing American Ballet Theatre and several dramatic party parents in dazzling attire.
Tickets start at $25.

• Saturday DEC 10th 2pm
• Sunday DEC 11th 2pm

at the Watchung Hills Regional High School Performing Arts Center  Watchung, NJ

UPCOMING HOLIDAY SHOWS @ SOPAC
WHERE: South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ TICKETS: To purchase tickets, visit www.SOPACnow.org or call 973.313.ARTS All Ages WHEN: SUN 12/4 @ 4 PM & 7 PM TICKETS: Tickets:$30, $40 General Public $25, $35 SOPAC Members
The Nutcracker The New York Theatre Ballet Based on the Fairy Tale by E. A. Hoffmann Music by Peter Tchaikovsky Choreography by Keith Michael E. A. Hoffmann's fairy tale, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, first premiered in 1892 with music by Peter Tchaikovsky and choreographer Marius Petipa. New York Theatre Ballet's production, choreographed by Keith Michael, is the only hour-long Nutcracker, presented by a professional troupe, in the metro area. It is perfectly suited to the attention span of younger audience members, yet sophisticated enough for the most discerning adult.

MENKEN & AHREN’S MUSICAL “A CHRISMAS CAROL” OPENS @ CENTENARY STAGE COMPANY IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

A CHRISTMAS CAROL By Alan Menken, Lynn Ahrens & Mike Okrent Based on a story by Charles Dickens Directed by Michael Blevins
November 25-December 11, Thursdays at 7:30 PM (“Family Night”, with 2/1 “rush” ticket prices available at the door) , Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM.  Sitnik Theatre, David and Carol Lackland Center, 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown (on the campus of Centenary College) TICKETS: $22.50 and $27.50 with discounts for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.centenarystageco.org or by calling the Box Office at 908.979.0900.
Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol, comes to life as a musical extravaganza on the Centenary Stage this holiday season.
“A tonic for children and adults…a transfixing journey…,” raved the New York Times about the show that ran for ten years in Madison Square Garden. Charles Dickens' classic gets the full Broadway treatment by the Broadway team of Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid), Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical) and Mike Okrent (Crazy For You, Me and My Girl). A Christmas Carol retains its emotional power and pure joy, thanks to the marvelously-told story by Ockrent and Ahrens, and the Menken/Ahrens score filled with beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics.

SEND-UP OF HOLIDAY CLASSIC PREMIERES @ GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE

THE NUTCRACKER AND I WHEN: November 29 – December 31 WHERE: George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick Soon-to-Be-Holiday Classic Recommended for Audiences Aged 10 and Up
Enjoy this nutty send up of The Nutcracker story featuring Tchaikovsky’s glorious music with a hysterical new story and lyrics by the award-winning masters of musical parody Emmy Award winner Peter Brash and Gerard Alessandrini, author of the long-running hit Forbidden Broadway.
At a chaotic dress rehearsal for the local dance company’s annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet, the lead dancer has an unfortunate accident with a prop Christmas Tree -- bringing new meaning to the old adage “Break-A-Leg!” When the pain killers kick in and visions of sugar plums begin to dance in her head, we’re off for a wild adventure in Snow Globe City with a life sized Nutcracker (of course) and the Sugar Rush Fairy in hot pursuit. A wacky, wonderful holiday comedy -- complete with magic nuts and mistletoe!
Click here to purchase tickets or call the box office at 732-246-7717

STATE THEATRE ANNOUNCES SPECIAL PRICES FOR STUDENTS

STUDENTS MEET THE ARTS $8 Student Tickets for Many Classical Music and Dance Programs
WHERE: State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick TICKETS: For tickets or more information, call the State Theatre ticket office at 732.246.SHOW (7469), or online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org.

FUN SUNDAYS FOR KIDS @ HUNTERDON ART MUSEUM

Explore the integration of Art & Science combine Art & Science in hands-on workshops that are fun (& educational) Ages 5 & up welcome! Kids, Teens, Adults... Imagination is more important than knowledge. —Albert Einstein WHERE: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center Street, Clinton 908.735.8415

935: Balloons WHEN: Dec. 4, 1:00 to 3:00 PM COST: $20 / $15 per session Learn about compression, combustion and Newton's Third Law of motion as you make your balloon-powered car and rocket.
936: Hot and Cold WHEN: Dec. 18, 1:00 to 3:00 PM COST: $20 / $15 per session Paint with ice! Use water to bend and build a sculpture! Use temperature as your tool to make works of art as you learn about freezing, boiling and evaporation.



On Sunday, December 11 from 2-4 pm master storyteller Linda Howe will tell a special holiday story at the Farmstead Arts Center, 450 King George Road, Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920. The storytelling will include a group art project that will use recycled materials to create an animal that will be displayed at the farmhouse. The cost is $10 for adults and children. $5 for seniors and children 5 and under. To register and for more information, visit http://farmsteadstories.eventbrite.com. Tickets will be sold at the door based on availability.

NEW PLAYS FORUM HELD IN 2 LOCATIONS BY PTNJ

AN EVENING OF NEW PLAYS

• Staged Readings of 19 New Plays
  
• Intimate discussions with artists
  

WHEN: November 29-December 2, 3, 4 at 7 PM, unless otherwise noted WHERE: Fairleigh Dickinson University and The Growing Stage TICKETS: $10 general admission for an evening; $25 for a FORUM pass (attend all 23 readings); Children attend free (with paying adult) Purchase your tickets online or by calling the box office at 973.514.1787 X10. Readings at Fairleigh Dickinson University will be held at the Dreyfuss Theatre, 285 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ. Click here for directions. Click here for a printable map of the campus (the Dreyfuss Theatre is located in Building 9).
The Growing Stage is located in the Historic Palace Theatre, Route 183, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ. Click here for directions. All tickets are general admission. There will be a talk-back following the reading.
Week One of FORUM Readings: FDU - Fairleigh Dickinson University TGS - The Growing Stage Click on the title to learn more about the play.

• Thursday, December 1 - LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY by Joan Cushing – 7 PM at TGS
  
• Friday, December 2 - LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY by Joan Cushing – 7 PM at FDU
  
• Saturday, December 3 - WITH TWO WINGS by Anne Negri – 1 PM at TGS
  
• Saturday, December 3 - WITH TWO WINGS by Anne Negri – 7 PM at FDU
  
• Sunday, December 4 - THEATRE FOR YOUR MOTHER: THE LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD SHOW by Russell Davis – 1 PM at TGS
  
• Sunday, December 4 - THEATRE FOR YOUR MOTHER: THE LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD SHOW by Russell Davis – 7 PM at FDU

FORUM brings playwrights, actors and audience members together to enjoy the creative process of bringing a play to life. Staged readings of 19 innovative new plays by some of the country’s best writers with intimate discussions between author and audience following each performance.

Luna Stage Company, West Orange

Mi Casa, Tu Casa December 2 - 18 Mi Casa, Tu Casa is a bilingual holiday celebration for the entire family. Luna Stage is having a party at their casa and you’re invited! This production features a five-member band and a pair of host storytellers who guide their guests through an engaging line-up of Latino folksongs and fables, seasonal poems, holiday musical favorites, and personal anecdotes of family traditions. Even audience members become part of the fiesta in this unique interactive experience. TICKETS: $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and younger For more information, or to purchase tickets: (973) 395-5551 Visit Luna Stage Company's website



The Casa Band:  Michael Aquino, Deivis Garcia, Jane Keitel, Chris Brown and Cindi Merkel
MI CASA, TU CASA

The Growing Stage, Netcong

Babes in Toyland Book by Perry Arthur Kroeger, music by Victor Herbert; lyrics by Geln Macdonough and Perry Arthur Kroeger; conceived by Perry Arthur Kroeger and Stephen L. Fredericks November 25 - December 18
Something is amiss in the Land of Make Believe. Barnaby is threatening Mother Goose with eviction unless her daughter, Bo Peep, marries him. Who could possibly save the day? This original Growing Stage adaptation is loosely based on the Victor Herbert operetta and the classic Laurel & Hardy film. For more information, or to purchase tickets: (973) 347-4946, http://www.growingstage.com/




McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton

A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens; adaptation by David Thompson December 4 - 24
Celebrate the season with McCarter's critically acclaimed production of Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his magical journey through Christmas past, present, and future, and experience the show that embodies the peace and goodwill of the season.
For more information, or to purchase tickets: (609) 258-2787 Visit McCarter Theatre Center's website







Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Madison

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol Adapted for the stage by Neil Bartlett from the story by Charles Dickens December 1 - January 1
This inventive adaption is ingenious in its approach to this timeless holiday tale, and profoundly captures the true essence of the original novel. With a cast of nine actors playing more than 50 roles, this production features a new visual landscape which conjures up this delightful, funny, haunted and haunting morality tale that, in the end, is always beautifully touching.
For more information, or to purchase tickets: (973) 408-5600 Visit the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's website

A TRIO OF DECEMBER PROGRAMS @ BROOK ARTS CENTER

WINTERSONG
WHEN: Friday & Saturday, December 9 & 10. Doors open at 7 PM, the show starts at 8 PM. WHERE: The Brook Arts Center, 10 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook TICKETS: $10.00
Come join the Brook for two nights of Rock, Pop, Country, Folk, and R&B Christmas fun for all, featuring the Wintersong Band and Singers. In 2009 friends and collaborators Michael Hoddy and Jon Torgrimsen decided to throw a rockin’ Christmas concert—the result was Wintersong. Now in its second year, Wintersong is sure to become part of your holiday tradition. www.reverbnation.com/thewintersongband
WRSU – RUTGERS RADIO The first partnership between the Brook Theater and WRSU Radio WHEN: December 17 from 7 – 11 PM TICKETS: Admission to the event is $10 for all ages.
This Annual 2011 Rock & Roll Christmas Show will showcase 4 to 5 of New Jersey’s best local bands and will help raise money to support Rutgers’s radio station WRSU 88.7 FM which is a non-commercial, nonprofit radio station and is student-managed under the guidance of a faculty broadcast administrator.http://wrsu.rutgers.edu
NELSON ILLUSIONS WHEN: Thursday, December 29 at 2 PM and on Friday, December 30 at 7 PM TICKETS: Thursday - $10/kids & seniors; $15 for adults; Friday - $12/kids & seniors; $20 for adults
The Brook welcomes the award-winning magic of Nelson Illusions as they entertain patrons with their Smoke & Mystery Tour. Nelson Illusions has been seen in 32 countries, on over 40 television shows, cruise ships, theaters, arenas and fairs throughout the United States and Canada.
Nelson Illusions is a unique variety show featuring a family trio of skilled magicians and illusionists and crew that perform both as individuals and together as a unit. The program is a dazzling blend of theater, mystery, comedy and romance presented in a variety format. The show features a mix of large and small stage illusions, award winning routines and a wide selection of stunning magical impossibilities.www.nelsonillusions.com
Tickets for all shows can be purchased Available at Mama Rosina’s, Lou’s Sub Shop and Pranzatelli’s Audio Outlet, and on-line at www.ticketweb.com

Let Your Fingers Do (More) Walking:


  ‘Tis the season to be thankful – and to share our blessings with less fortunate. Here’s a nice way to celebrate this holiday season – make a “Thankful Tree” – details here. 













  Your family can also turn outgrown shoes into a gift for the less fortunate…check out how at www.soles4souls.org Share the book New Old Shoes to learn more.












Stuck inside on a cold wet day?  In a mood for a story?…famous actors read books aloud at: www.storylineonline.net.  You can find this link (and many others) by following the links on the right side of our online newsletter. (If you are getting this as a weekly update, click on the headline to see them.)


 
From Macaroni Kid Family Safety Alerts: (subscribe to see them regularly)

Deck the Halls, but Keep it Safe!

When decking your halls this holiday season, avoid the possibility of accidental poisoning by keeping certain plants and berries safely out of reach of little hands and paws. 

• Though your local florist may champion the colorful poinsettia as a benign plant breed, the plant's vibrant red leaves emit a potentially toxic sap that can cause skin, mouth and stomach irritation when handled or ingested. Best to keep these Christmassy decorative up high. If you suspect your child or pet has come into contact with poinsettia leaves, a quick scrub ...

Little-bitty Teeny-weenie Pink & Daisy Bear Bikini

Cute, fluffy, fun, but dangerous recalled toys & clothing you need to know about...

These adorable Build-a-Bear "Fruit Tutu Bikini" sets may be cute, but they could also be deadly--and not just to your teddy bear! The pink inflatable inner tube can easily be pulled over your child's head, creating a risk of strangulation. Build-a-Bear is recalling all 19,720 of the sets, which were sold for $12.50 at Build-a-Bear Workshop stores nationwide from April, to August of 2011. If you have this product, take the plastic inner tube away from your child, and return it to your local Build-a-Bear store for a $5 coupon. Or, call 866-236-5683 for information on receiving a refund. 


If you bought your child a pair of these "Kidget Animal Slippers" from a Family Dollar Store from September to October of 2011, take them back for a refund. The plastic eyes can become detached and cause a choking hazard to small children. The duck, lion and dog face slippers were sold nationwide at Family Dollar Stores for about $5. The code FD9619108020690611 is printed inside the slipper. Call  Family Dollar at 800-547-0359, or visit www.familydollar.com for more information. 



These Keds look sharp--and they ARE! The ornamental stars on the heels are sharp enough that they can cause lacerations when they become dislodged, so Collective Brands is recalling all 45,000 of the "Know it All" girl's black and white and pink rubber-soled sneakers sold nationwide online and at department stores from June, to October, 2011. Contact Collective Brands at 800-365-4933 or e-mailkedskidsrecall@collectivebrands.com, or visit www.collectivebrands.com for information on receiving a $30 gift card in exchange for the product. 


Music may be good for the soul, but if your budding instrumentalist is playing with this Musical Wooden Table Toy, it's time to redirect his talents. The problem with the 14,000 Battat's Musical Table Toys is that the xylophone keys and pegs can easily become detached, creating a choking hazard in small children. Contact the manufacturer at (800) 247-6144 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.battatco.com for information on receiving a refund. 


For more product recall information, visit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.


If you have 5 ounce, 10 ounce or bulk 48 ounce packages of Ocean Spray Craisons in your Christmas pantry, save the package, and throw the craisons away! The product may contain tiny metal shavings or fibers. While the company maintains that it is unlikely that these uniquely "high fiber" metal shavings will cause you harm when ingested, we're guessing you'd rather not take the chance when it comes to your health and safety. Cut the UPC code from the packaging, and call 800-662-3263 for a coupon to replace the recalled packages.
Pick Another Butter

Chuck your Smucker's Natural Chunky peanut butter, if it has this UPC code: 5150001701. It could be contaminated with the harmful Salmonella bacteria, which may cause a host of unpleasant symptoms, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, organ failure or death.  Check your product code, and if it is  either 1307004 or 1308004, with a sell-by date of August 3, 2012 or August 4, 2012, toss the PB, and contact Smucker's at 888-550-9555 for a free replacement coupon.
 
Unhygienic Hygiene Products

The last thing you want from your "feminine hygiene" product is a urinary tract infection, but if you bought certain lots of Kotex brand Natural Balance tampons, that is what you could get! Kimberly Clark is recalling specific lots of "regular absorbency" 18 or 36 count boxes of these products because they may contain the Enterbacter bacterium, which can cause vaginal or urinary tract infections and even be deadly to those suffering from compromised immune systems. For information on specific product recall information, visit the FDA product recall page by clicking here , or call 800-335-6839 for information on how to safely dispose of this product.  

Wonder of the Day #411: How Many Is a Googol?

If you’re curious about a googol, you might be tempted to try Google. Or you could just read on instead!
Have you ever wondered…

• How many is a googol?
  
• What is an exponent?
  
• Is google a noun or a verb?

Did you know?


What’s the biggest number you can think of? A million? A billion? A trillion? A gazillion? Infinity?

Long ago, mathematicians came up with an easy way of representing very large numbers. They created exponents (also called “powers”) to represent the mathematical function of multiplying a number by itself a certain number of times.

Let’s look at some examples. If you see 10², 10 is the “base,” and the ² is the exponent or power.
10² means 10 to the second power or 10 multiplied by itself twice. Thus, 10² is the same as 10 x 10 or 100.
Likewise, 10³ is the same as 10 x 10 x 10, which equals 1,000. Do you see a pattern?
When 10 is the base, the exponent will be the number of zeroes after the 1 in the answer. So, 10⁶ would be a 1 with 6 zeroes or 1,000,000 (1 million).

Exponents work with any base. For example, 4² is the same as 4 x 4 (16), and 4³ is the same as 4 x 4 x 4 (64).

How would 1 billion and 1 trillion be represented as exponents? One billion is 1 followed by 9 zeroes or 10⁹. One trillion is 1 followed by 12 zeroes or 10¹².

Believe it or not, mathematicians use numbers much bigger than 1 trillion. In 1938, a 9-year-old boy named Milton Sirotta, who was the nephew of American mathematician Edward Kasner, invented a new number that he called a “googol.”

According to Milton, a googol is 10¹⁰⁰ or 1 followed by 100 zeroes! How big is a googol? Really, really big!
Mathematicians believe a googol is bigger than the number of subatomic particles in the universe. Despite its size, a googol is still smaller than the total number of possible different games of chess (approximately 10¹²⁰).

Not content with the mind-blowing size of the googol, Milton also invented an even bigger number: the googolplex. A googolplex is 10^googol or 1 with a googol of zeroes after it.
How big is a googolplex? If all the matter in the universe was turned into paper, it still wouldn’t be enough paper to write down all the zeroes in a googolplex.

Even if you tried to write out all the zeroes in a googolplex — and could write two numbers per second — it would take you longer than the age of the universe to write it down!

Googol and googolplex aren’t used very often, except to show the difference between an incredibly large number and infinity… or to remind students how exponents can be used to generate huge numbers quickly.

These terms did inspire one of the most famous and successful companies in the world today, though. Technology giant Google chose its name based on a purposeful misspelling of googol.
The company wanted to convey that its Internet search engine could provide huge quantities of information for its users. Google’s current headquarters in Mountain View, California, has come to be known as the Googleplex.

Google now processes more than 1 billion search requests every day. The main Google search engine is the Internet’s most-visited website. In fact, unique visitors to Google passed 1 billion for the first time in May 2011.
The Google search engine — a noun — has become so associated with Internet searching that google — a verb — was added to the dictionary. It means “to use the Google search engine to obtain information on the Internet.”

Try it out!
Ready to google? If you’ve never used the Google search engine before, give it a whirl.
Type in your name, for example. Or you could type in a question you’ve always wondered about.
There’s much more to Google than just its search engine, though. Try one of these other fun features, and see what you can learn!

• Google Earth
  
• Google Sky
  
• Google Maps
  
• Google Doodles
  
• Google Translate

You can check out a new Daily Wonder every day at wonderopolis.org. (We have a link under “Daily Wonder” at the side of this blog.)