Lichtenberger Engineering Library

Jul 02 2020

Fireworks!

Posted on July 2, 2020 by Carol Johnk

It is already July, when we would normally be thinking of parades, fireworks, and picnics.
Things will definitely be different this summer!

Many communities are looking for creative and safe alternatives to the traditional fireworks gatherings. The fear is there will more backyard firework displays – leading to more accidents and injuries. Some places – like Coralville – will be having fireworks this year, but held in an entirely different manner. There will be drive-by fireworks – spectators will be able to park and watch from their car, with strict social distancing guidelines. They will also live-stream the fireworks on Facebook. In other communities there will be vehicle parades – drive-by parades – for which residents will be able to safely view the parade in their own yards. Neighborhood residents are encouraged to decorate and enter their vehicle in the parades. Sadly, candy being thrown during the parades won’t be allowed.

If you are looking for information about the safe handling and treatment of waste fireworks, check out this EPA brochure. You’ll discover what you need to know to safely dispose of spent fireworks.

If you want to know the fireworks control laws for each individual state, the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) has the site for you! Click on your state and find the pertinent laws! Be sure to check out your state’s Fireworks Control Laws before deciding to do your own fireworks displays. Local municipalities also have laws that one must follow.

Here’s more in-depth information on safe fireworks displays.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1123: Code for Fireworks Display: (must be accessed through InfoHawk)
For specific information check out these specific chapters!

Chapter 4: construction requirements for the fireworks
Chapter 5: site selection
Chapter 6: launching fireworks from a boat (“Floating vessel”)
Chapter 10: qualifications needed to set off fireworks

NFPA 1124: Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage, and Retail sales of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles: (must be accessed through Infohawk)

Chapter 5: storage of fireworks
Chapter 8: transporting fireworks on Public Highways

Curious about the specifics of different types of fireworks? Check out the patents! Our patent guide will help direct you in your search!

How about this one from 2012? Described as an “Electronic toy with synchornized (sic) sound and lighting system that utilizes projectiles and method of use.”

It is described as: “An electronic toy with synchronized sound and lighting system that utilizes projectiles, and method, including a base, a projectile, pre-recorded sounds, a speaker, LED lights, and various circuitry.”

Or, there is this one from 1899: “Fireworks, i.e. pyrotechnic devices for amusement, display, illumination or signal purposes characterised by having holder or support other than casing, e.g. whirler or spike support.” This “invention relates to toy fireworks, and has for its object to produce a device for exhibiting pyrotechnic effects resembling pin or catharine wheels.”

When you are out celebrating and watching the displays and listening to the whistles and the booms (whether virtually or socially distanced), please be mindful of your neighbors and those around you. The United States Marine Corp has a webpage dedicated to raising awareness of how fireworks can affect veterans with PTSD. They aren’t asking that you forego your festivities, but be aware of where you are and what time of the day – or night – you are shooting off your fireworks. Fireworks also effect pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), has information on ways to keep your pets happy and healthy during the festivities. There is info on how to care for your pet during the celebration and also includes tips on preparation and cleanup after the celebration.

Wherever your fascination and interest with fireworks lie,
check out our webpage and discover all the resources that we have available!

RESOURCES:

EPA Fireworks Brochure. June 2017. Safe Handling and Treatment of Waste Fireworks. United States Environmental Protection Agency.

National Fire Codes. Accessible through our webpage (need Hawk ID and Password(=).

2020 State Fireworks Control Laws. American Pyrotechnics Association.

Electronic toy with synchorized (sic) sound and lighting system that utilizes projectiles and method of use. Patent US20140187119A1

Toy fireworks. Patent US638416A. United States.

Marine Corps Community Services. 2016. Fireworks and PTSD: How to Raise Awareness. United States Marine Corp. (Accessed July 2020)

American Veterinary Medical Association. 2020. July 4 Safety. AVMA; American Veterinary Medical Association.

Jun 22 2020

Need to Return Some Library Material?

Posted on June 22, 2020June 23, 2020 by Carol Johnk

Wondering about returning the resources you’ve borrowed from the library?
It may be easier than you think!

University of Iowa students can return items to the Lichtenberger Engineering Library and to any of the UI Libraries from afar! You may drop items off at one of 46 participating libraries across the state and region. See a map of these locations or the list of locations at the end of this article. If you are without access to a drop-off library and live further than 30 miles from Iowa City can request a UPS shipping label.

Have tools or electronics you need to return? Schedule a time for a drop-off by emailing lib-engineering@uiowa.edu

Live near campus? Return books at the Main Library drop box (125 W. Washington Street, return slots available at both the south and north entrances) or the Hardin Library drop box (600 Newton Road, next to the entrance that faces University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics).

Before returning library items, please observe the following safe-handling practices:

Do not clean, disinfect, or microwave library materials before returning them. For example, do not use water, Lysol, or any other cleaner on materials.
If you or your family members are sick or have been sick, seal materials in a zip-lock style bag if possible before returning.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before handling library materials for return and again after you have completed the return.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact us! You may email us at: lib-engineering@uiowa.edu. We have online chat available Mon-Fri from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. You may access this by going to our homepage and clicking on the link “Chat with a Librarian.” During those same hours you may text us at 319.250.2176.

List of locations for materials return

Iowa State University Parks Library, 701 Morrill Road, Ames, IA
DMACC Ankeny campus Library Bldg 6, 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA
Scott Community College Library, 500 Belmont Rd, Bettendorf, IA
DMACC Boone campus Library, 1125 Hancock Drive, Boone, IA
Northeast Iowa Community College Library Student Center, 1625 Hwy 150 S., Calmar, IA
DMACC Carroll campus Library, 906 North Grant Rd., Carroll, IA
University of Northern Iowa Rod Library, 1227 W 27th Street, Cedar Falls, IA
Mount Mercy University Busse Library, 1330 Elmhurst Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Kirkwood Community College Library Benton Hall, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Clinton Community College Library, 1000 Lincoln Blvd, Clinton, IA
Coralville Public Library, 1401 5th Street, Coralville, IA
Southwestern Community College Library, 1501 W. Townline Street, Creston, IA
Saint Ambrose University Library, 518 W. Locust Street, Davenport, IA
DMACC Urban/Des Moines campus Library Bldg 1, 1100 7th Street, Des Moines, IA
Drake University Cowles Library, 2725 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Grand View University Library, 1350 Morton Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Mercy College of Health Sciences Library Sullivan Center, 928 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Loras College Library, 1450 Alta Vista, Dubuque, IA
University of Dubuque Charles C. Myers Library, 2195 Grace Street, Dubuque, IA
Grinnell College Library, 1111 6th Ave, Grinnell, IA
Simpson College Dunn Library, 508 N C Street, Indianola, IA
Kirkwood Community College Library, 1816 Lower Muscatine Rd, Iowa City, IA
University of Iowa Hardin Library, 600 Newtown Road, Iowa City, IA
University of Iowa Main Library, 125 W. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA
Southeastern Community College Fred Karre Memorial Library, 335 Messenger Rd, Keokuk, IA
Cornell College Cole Library, 320 3rd Street SW, Mount Vernon, IA
Muscatine Community College Library, 152 Colorado Street, Muscatine, IA
North Liberty Public Library, 520 W. Cherry Street, North Liberty, IA
Northwestern College DeWitt Library, 101 7th Street SW, Orange City, IA
William Penn University Wilcox Library, 201 Trueblood Avenue, Oskaloosa, IA
Indian Hills Community College Library, 525 Grandview Avenue, Ottumwa, IA
Northeast Iowa Community College Library, 8342 NICC Drive, Peosta, IA
Dordt University Hulst Library, 700 7th Street NE, Sioux Center, IA
Briar Cliff University Bishop Mueller Library, 3303 Rebecca Street, Sioux City, IA
Morningside College Library, 1501 Morningside Avenue, Sioux City, IA
Hawkeye Community College Library Main Campus, 1501 East Orange Road, Waterloo, IA
Wartburg College Vogel Library, 100 Wartburg Blvd, Waverly, IA
University of Illinois Main Library, 1408 W Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL
Indiana University Wells Library, 1320 E. Tenth Street, Bloomington, IN
Purdue University Library, West State Street, West Lafayette, IN
University of Michigan Hatcher Graduate Library, 913 S. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI
Michigan State University Main Library, 366 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI
University of Minnesota Wilson Library, 309 19th Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN
University of Nebraska Love Library, 13th & R Street, Lincoln, NE
University of Wisconsin Memorial Library, 728 State Street, Madison, WI

Jun 09 2020

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Antiracism Resources

Posted on June 9, 2020June 10, 2020 by Kari Kozak

Antiracism is more than simply not being racist. This list is intended to provide general information about anti-oppression, racism, privilege, and inclusion, especially in terms of higher education in the STEM fields as well as information and resources for the social justice issues key to current dialogues within the University of Iowa community and beyond. This list is by no means an exhaustive list of antiracism resources nor does it capture all of the many facets of the larger conversations about the issues listed here. This list serves as an introduction to these issues and as a starting place for finding information from a variety of sources.

Definition: Anti-racism can be defined as some form of focused and sustained action, which includes inter-cultural, inter-faith, multi-lingual and inter-abled (i.e. differently abled) communities with the intent to change a system or an institutional policy, practice, or procedure which has racist effects. (Anti-racism Digital Library)

Journals:

Chronicle of Higher Education
Journal of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering
New York Times
NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) Magazine
SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) Magazine
SWE (Society of Women Engineers) Magazine

Articles:

Chotiner, Issac. “A Black Lives Matter Co-founder Explains Why This Time is Different.” New Yorker. June 3, 2020.
Coates, Ta-Nehisi. “The Case for Reparations.” The Atlantic, June 2014. Access The Atlantic.
Frederick, Angela, and Dara Shifrer. “Race and Disability: From Analogy to Intersectionality.” Sociology of Race and Ethnicity, vol. 5, no. 2, 2019, pp. 200–214.
Gibbs, Kenneth, Jr. “Diversity in STEM: What It Is and Why It Matters.” Scientific American Blogs. September 10, 2014.
Harmon, Amy. 2019 “For a Black Mathematician, What It’s Like to Be the ‘Only One’.” New York Times, February 18, 2019. Access to New York Times
Hurtado, Sylvia, et al. “‘We Do Science Here’: Underrepresented Students’ Interactions with Faculty in Different College Contexts.” Journal of Social Issues, vol. 67, no. 3, 2011, pp. 553–579.
Jack, Anthony Abraham. 2019. “I was a Low-Income College Student. Classes Weren’t the Hard Part.” New York Times, September 10, 2019. Access to New York Times
Lang, James M. 2019. “Do you Truly Grasp Why That Student Keeps Missing Class?” The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Malcom, Shirley M, and Lindsey E Malcom-Piqueux. “Critical Mass Revisited: Learning Lessons From Research on Diversity in STEM Fields.” Educational Researcher, vol. 42, no. 3, 2013, pp. 176–178.
Oluo, Ijeoma. “Welcome To The Anti-Racism Movement — Here’s What You’ve Missed.” The Establishment. April 15, 2019.
O’Meara, KerryAnn. “Undoing the Can of Worms.” Inside Higher Ed, July 27, 2018
O’Meara, KerryAnn , Audrey Jaeger, Joy Misra, Courtney Lennarz, and Alexandra Kuvaeva. 2018. “Undoing disparities in faculty workloads: A randomized trial experiment.” PLoS ONE 13(12): e0207316
Johnson, Catherine M., Carrie B. Myers,Kelly Ward, Nick Sanyal and Dusten Hollist. “American Indian/Alaska Native Graduate Students: Fostering Indigenous Perspectives in STEM” Journal of American Indian Education Vol. 56, No. 3 (Fall 2017), pp. 34-5

Electronic Books:

Alexander, Michelle. The New Jim Crow : Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. New Press, 2010. (Online Access)
Branche, et al. Diversity across the Curriculum : a Guide for Faculty in Higher Education. Anker Pub. Co., 2007. (Online Access)
Diangelo, Robin. White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism. 2018. (Online Access)
Kendi, Ibram X. How to Be an Antiracist. First ed., One World, 2019.
Landreman, Lisa M. The Art of Effective Facilitation : Reflections from Social Justice Educators. First ed., Stylus Publishing, 2013. (Online Access)
Lareau, Annette. Unequal Childhoods Class, Race, and Family Life. 2nd ed., University of California Press, 2011. (Online Access)
Mayhew, Matthew J., et al. How College Affects Students. Volume 3, 21st Century Evidence That Higher Education Works. First ed., Jossey-Bass, a Wiley Brand, 2016. (Online Access)
Pearson, et al. Changing the Face of Engineering The African American Experience / Edited by John Brooks Slaughter, Yu Tao, Willie Pearson, Jr. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2015. (Online Access)
Packard, Becky Wai-Ling, and Norman L. Fortenberry. Successful STEM Mentoring Initiatives for Underrepresented Students : a Research-Based Guide for Faculty and Administrators. Stylus, 2016. (Online Access)
Smith, Daryl G. Diversity’s Promise for Higher Education Making It Work. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2009. (Online Access)
Stewart, Abigail J., and Virginia Valian. An Inclusive Academy : Achieving Diversity and Excellence. The MIT Press, 2018. (Online Access)
Tatum, Beverly Daniel. “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” : and Other Conversations about Race. Basic Books, 2003. (Online Access)

Print Books:

Bell, Ella L. J. Edmondson, and Stella M. Nkomo. Our Separate Ways : Black and White Women and the Struggle for Professional Identity. Harvard Business School Press, 2001.
Eddo-Lodge, Reni. Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People about Race. Bloomsbury Circus, 2017.
Kendi, Ibram X. Stamped from the Beginning : the Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. Nation Books, 2016.
Oluo, Ijeoma. So You Want to Talk about Race. First ed., Seal Press, 2018.
Shukla, Nikesh, et al. The Good Immigrant : 26 Writers Reflect on America First ed., Little, Brown and Company, 2019.

This list was created with the assistance of Dr. Jennifer Fiegel and Kristin Lang.

Jun 05 2020

Designing Disney!

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Carol Johnk

It’s (almost) summer and time to think of vacations.
Do you love amusement parks?

It may be a little more difficult to go to an amusement park this summer, but when you are waiting in line for the your chance at surviving the Rock N Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, have you ever wondered how secure that seat belt actually is? The “Pressure activated seat belt locking mechanism,” you know, the one that allows the operator to lock the seat belt from a remote location? It was invented by Alexander Burkat for the Disney Corporation. The patent application was filed by the Walt Disney Company in 1991 and granted in 1993.

Want something a bit tamer than the Rock N Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith? The Teacups more your style? They could still move pretty quickly – and if you get dizzy they might not be a treat, but they don’t go upside down like roller coasters… Or, maybe you’d like the teacups if they weren’t quite so predictable and had a little more excitement? Well, in 2013 a patent was issued to Disney for a “Turntable racing system.” They created a teacup-like ride that incorporated a screen on the walls to provide imagery or a show element to the ride. There is a racing element to is because it also provides “selective vehicle orienting” so it also has a translational movement to each pod.

The summary section of the patent states: “The translational movement is used to allow the vehicles to be repositioned throughout the ride such that the vehicles may take turns leading, trailing, or being in the pack of vehicles as well as being near either side of the vehicle pack and display or show elements provided on the sidewall(s) of the ride facility.”

Maybe your tastes run a little more toward the carousel or merry-go-round. Disney has updated those, too – making them less predictable and more interactive.

How about trying a “Ring carousel ride?” What makes it a “ring” carousel ride? From the patent:”…The new ride described may be labeled a ring carousel ride because the ride includes two or more ring-shaped vehicle support surfaces that are concentric and that are independently driven….” Each ring of the ride can go in the same or opposite directions and the speed of each ring can vary. With all the rings moving in the same direction and at varying speeds it can provide a racing experience – including head-to-head racing and passing!

These are just 3 of the innovative and fun amusement park experiences that Disney has worked on! They developed haptic floor systems with a quake plate for virtual rides, avatar personalization, systems for adaptive gaming experiences, to name just a few more! Interested in exploring more Disney patents? Check our guide on patents. You can learn about what patents are, the most effective ways to search for them, and where to search! (And they don’t have to be only Disney patents – we have (and therefore YOU have) access to patents from all over the world! The European Patent Office has access to over 90 million patents!

Now, whenever you go to an amusement park and get on a ride (or just watch from the sideline!), you can think of all the engineering and innovation that goes into those rides – and where to find the information!!

Resources:

Burkat, Alexander, inventor. Pressure activated seat belt locking mechanism. Current Assignee: Disney Enterprise Inc. Patent number: US5182836A.

Baxter, Anthony W., Edward A. Nemeth, Alfredo M. Ayala, inventors. Turntable racing system. Current Assignee: Disney Enterprise Inc. Patent number: US20140261052A1

Crawford, David W., Edward A. Nemeth, inventors. Ring carousel ride. Current Assignee: Disney Enterprise Inc. Patent Number: US20130040744A1

Patents; Library Guide. Lichtenberger Engineering Library.

Jun 01 2020

Virtual Boot Camp! UPDATED

Posted on June 1, 2020June 10, 2020 by Carol Johnk

In conjunction with the #ShutDownAcademia, #ShutDownSTEM, and #Strike4BlackLives initiatives, the workshop has been postponed until tomorrow, June 11^th, at 2 pm. We encourage everyone to take today and consider ways to combat the racism that is pervasive in the academia, the community, and our country. The Engineering Library has helped to compile an introductory reading list at https://bit.ly/37ibjf5.

Virtual Boot Coming to a Computer Near You!
Wednesdays, June 10 – July 29
2:00 – 2:30 pm (CDT)

Calling all graduate and undergraduate students, researchers, faculty and staff!

Are you working on your thesis, dissertation, research paper, or an article to publish
and want some help putting it together?

We’ve developed an informative series of eight workshops designed to aid researchers – at all levels – with technical writing tips, library resources, literature reviews, searches, citations, and more! Our goal? To help you write a more polished paper!

Virtual Boot Camp sessions will be on Wednesdays, beginning June 10^th with the final one on July 29^th. They will be held live from 2:00 to 2:30 pm, with the videos available later if you were unable to make the session, or if you’d like to review the information!

Registration is required for each individual live session. Once you are registered a link will be emailed to you an hour before the session begins! Check out the Virtual Boot Camp website for complete information!

If any questions or concerns, please email Kari Kozak (kari-kozak@uiowa.edu or lib-engineering@uiowa.edu). Presenters include those from: Lichtenberger Engineering Library, Graduate College, and the Writing Center.

Scheduled Sessions:

June 10: Finding Articles, Journals, Government Reports – Library Introduction

Learn about the breadth of resources available in the engineering library – from the online databases and books to technical reports and standards. Uncover the mysteries around how to access everything remotely. Discover the 265+ tools now available for checkout, including new 3D scanners, EEG, oscilloscope, and VR headsets, just to name a few! Learn how you can gain access to these items.

Taught by Kari Kozak, Head, Lichtenberger Engineering Library.
Register here

June 17: Introduction to Comprehensive Literature Reviews

Have you ever struggled with doing literature reviews? Although you do not have to conduct a literature review as thoroughly as a systematic review, some strategies from systematic reviews (defined as “a research method that aims to locate and summarize all available evidence for a research question in order to guide decisions and practices”) may help you tackle your research question in a more rigorous way This workshop will introduce three review types (literature reviews, scoping/mapping reviews and systematic reviews), the review process and research question frameworks, search strategy and some available resources and services.

Taught by Marina Zhang, Engineering & Informatics Librarian, Lichtenberger Engineering Library.
Register here

June 24: Submitting Your Thesis/Dissertation

Learn about the thesis submission process, issues related to copyright and embargo, and additional resources available from the Graduate College. Learn more about the Microsoft Word tools you can use to format your thesis.

Taught by Erin Kaufman, Graduate College
Register here

July 1: Saving Time (& Citations) with Endnote Desktop

Want to make your research and writing more efficient? Hate the last-minute rush of trying to create a correctly formatted bibliography? This workshop is for you! We will introduce Endnote Desktop, a citation management tool that can help you import, organize, share, and manage your citations and documents, as well as create correctly formatted in-text citations and bibliographies in almost any style — in seconds. Install Endnote Desktop before the class: this interactive workshop will cover everything that you need to know to get up and running with Endnote.

Please download EndNote onto your computer before the class. The full version of EndNote will be taught – the desktop version is freely available to graduate students, staff, and faculty.

Video Tutorial on Downloading Endnote

Taught by Marina Zhang, Engineering & Informatics Librarian, Lichtenberger Engineering Library.
Register here

July 8: Lions and Tigers and Predatory Journals, Oh My!

In this workshop, you will learn strategies for navigating through the jungle of scholarly publishing. Have you ever wondered how to identify which journal to publish in? Want to learn how to avoid predatory publishers? What is the difference between traditional publishing and open access? This workshop will provide answers to these questions and more. Bring your own questions too!

Taught by Kari Kozak, Head, Lichtenberger Engineering Library.
Register here

July 15: Demystifying Scholarly Metrics

How do you make a list of every single paper that cites you? How do you gather evidence and demonstrate potential values and research impact? This workshop will help you understand how to interpret “standard” scholarly metrics (h-index, impact factor, CiteScore etc.) and where to find them, explore three major sources of citation data (Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar), and identify best practices on broadening your research impact.

Taught by Marina Zhang, Engineering & Informatics Librarian, Lichtenberger Engineering Library.
Register here

July 22: Keeping up to date: Searching while you are sleeping (Alerts and Notifications)

Are you overwhelmed trying to keep up on the recent research done in your area? Many of the library’s databases allow you to set up alerts and notifications. Alerts can tell you when there is a new issue of your favorite journal, when work by a particular author is available, when a specific article is cited, and when new articles are published that match a saved search. These searches will run automatically overnight and will send you an email with the results. Learn how to set up these alerts and notifications so you can really learn to search while you sleep!

Taught by Kari Kozak, Head, Lichtenberger Engineering Library.
Register here

July 29: Finding and Using a Good Writing Model

In this workshop, we will discuss common challenges faced by students writing at the graduate level, and we will learn various ways to energize and organize your writing. Discover techniques to give your project momentum and motivate daily writing during this phase of your graduate research.

Taught by Deirdre Egan, The Writing Center
Register here

Let us help you with your research paper!
Register today!!

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Kari Kozak, at kari-kozak@uiowa.edu in advance of the event.

May 12 2020

DeStress Fest Day 5 Recap!

Posted on May 12, 2020May 12, 2020 by Carol Johnk

Missed anything from today’s Destress Fest? This is the last day for our DeStress Fest. We hope it helped make your days a little easier and, well, less stressed! If you’ve missed anything, head to our website and check it out!

Need some humor to start the day? How about a cheesy Dad Joke? Check our DeStress Fest webpage at 9:00 a.m. every weekday for a new joke to groan at!

Today’s joke:
What are the strongest days of the week?
Saturday & Sunday, the rest are weak-days!
(you may groan now!)

We had our final meditation session this morning. A representative from Student Wellness lead us through guided meditation to help you discover new ways to help you relax. Today’s session was led by Haley Hines. She taught a body scan method as a way to “get out of our heads.” This method pinpoint places in the body where you may be feeling stressed and tense. The Student Wellness Center has a Koru mindfullness program which you may access here. They’d love to talk with you!

Who doesn’t love chocolate and peanut butter together? Well, today’s recipe is for a yummy Chocolate PB Cake in a Mug! Easy and tasty! We want to see your results – so post your photos here. The crazier the mug – the better!!!

At 4:00 p.m. each week day we have posted an Inspirational Quote for the day! It’s getting late in the day and you could no doubt use a bit of inspiration!

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope or confidence.” Helen Keller

Do you have a quote that you have found to be especially helpful? We have a board where you can share it. It might just be what someone else needs to hear!

Didn’t make Show and Tail last Friday? We have a board where we encourage you to post pictures of that special pet that is driving your crazy or making you smile!

We hope DeStress Fest has helped you have a better week!
We’ve enjoyed sharing it with you!

May 11 2020

DeStress Fest Day 4 Recap!

Posted on May 11, 2020May 11, 2020 by Carol Johnk

Missed anything from today’s Destress Fest? Enjoy this recap and then be sure to join us tomorrow!

Need some humor to start the day? How about a cheesy Dad Joke? Check our DeStress Fest webpage at 9:00 a.m. every weekday for a new joke to groan at!

Today’s joke:
There’s a fine line between a numerator and denominator!
(you may groan now)

At 11:00 a.m. join us for a Live guided meditation session! A representative from Student Wellness will lead you through guided meditation to help you relax, so you are ready to face the rest of the day! Don’t worry if you haven’t tried meditation before, the sessions are short – 10 to 15 minutes. And no, you don’t have to be able to sit in a lotus position to participate! This is a live session so registration is required – you’ll get an email with the session’s link an hour before the session begins. Register here for Tuesday’s session! The representative will be available for questions following the session. Today’s session was led by JoAnn Daehler-Miller. She focused on the Gatha method which was developed to train minds to not just be learning minds, but also observing minds. This method helps relieve stress and anxiety – just what is needed during finals week!

Who doesn’t love a Snickerdoodle cookie? Well, today’s recipe is for a yummy Snickerdoodle Cake in a Mug! Easy and tasty! We want to see your results – so post your photos here. The crazier the mug – the better!!!

It’s getting later in the day and your motivation is wavering. At 4:00 p.m. each week day check out our Inspirational Quote for the day!

“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity” — Sun Tsu

Definitely an appropriate quote for this week! Do you have a quote that you have found to be especially helpful? We have a board where you can share it. It might just be what someone else needs to hear!

Didn’t make Show and Tail last Friday? We have a board where we encourage you to post pictures of that special pet that is driving your crazy or making you smile!

Join us tomorrow for DeStress Fest Day 5!

May 08 2020

DeStress Fest Day 3 Recap!

Posted on May 8, 2020May 8, 2020 by Carol Johnk

Missed anything from today’s Destress Fest? Enjoy this recap and then be sure to join us Monday!

Need some humor to start the day? How about a cheesy Dad Joke? Check our DeStress Fest webpage at 9:00 a.m. every weekday for a new joke to groan at!

Today’s joke:
Did you hear about the mathematician who was afraid of negative numbers?
He’d stop at nothing to avoid them!

Today’s recipe is for a yummy Birthday Cake in a Mug – this recipe also includes instructions on how to make it vegan! It may not be your birthday – but celebrate anyway! We want to see your results – so post your photos here. The crazier the mug – the better!!!

It’s getting later in the day and your motivation is wavering. At 4:00 p.m. each week day check out our Inspirational Quote for the day!

“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.” This inspiring quote comes from Joseph Campbell.

Do you have a quote that you have found to be especially helpful? We have a board where you can share it. It might just be what someone else needs to hear!

Didn’t make Show and Tail this afternoon? We have a board where we encourage you to post pictures of that special pet that is driving your crazy or making you smile!

Join us Monday for DeStress Fest Day 4!

May 07 2020

DeStress Fest Recap Day 2!

Posted on May 7, 2020May 7, 2020 by Carol Johnk

Missed anything from today’s Destress Fest? Enjoy this recap and then be sure to join us tomorrow!

Need some humor to start the day? How about a cheesy Dad Joke? Check our DeStress Fest webpage at 9:00 a.m. every weekday for a new joke to groan at!

Today’s joke:
What does an atom say when it loses an electron?
“Man, I really gotta keep an ion them!”

At 11:00 a.m. join us for a Live guided meditation session! A representative from Student Wellness will lead you through guided meditation to help you relax, so you are ready to face the rest of the day! Don’t worry if you haven’t tried meditation before, the sessions are short – 10 to 15 minutes. And no, you don’t have to be able to sit in a lotus position to participate! This is a live session so registration is required – you’ll get an email with the session’s link an hour before the session begins. Register here for tomorrow’s session! The representative will be available for questions following the session. Today’s session was led by JoAnn Daehler-Miller and focused on an exercise which is useful for high stress and anxiety times. It helps with focus, but also provides energy to help finish that paper or project! Register for tomorrow and see what helpful mindfulness practice will be presented!

Need a snack boost in the afternoon? We’ve got you covered, there, too! Every week day at 1:00 p.m. a new Cake in a Mug recipe will be posted! We encourage you to try the recipes and then go to our DeStress Fest page and post a picture of your creation – the crazier the mug, the better!

Today’s recipe is for a yummy Coffee Cake in a Mug – this recipe also includes instructions on how to make it gluten-free! We want to see your results – so post your photos here. The crazier the mug – the better!!!

It’s getting later in the day and your motivation is wavering. At 4:00 p.m. each week day check out our Inspirational Quote for the day!

Today’s quote is from Nelson Mandela. “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

Do you have a quote that you have found to be especially helpful? We have a board where you can share it. It might just be what someone else needs to hear!

AND!!! Friday, May 8, at 2:00 p.m. (CDT) we will have a Live “Show and Tail” event! Register here and then share that “co-worker” who is keeping you company! All pets with tails are welcome – fish, lizards, birds, cats, dogs, turtles, whatever is keeping you company now! Zoom meeting information will be sent to registrants an hour before “Show and Tail!”

Can’t make Show and Tail? We have a board where we encourage you to post pictures of that special pet that is driving your crazy or making you smile!

Join us tomorrow for DeStress Fest Day 3!

May 06 2020

DeStress Fest Day 1 Recap!

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Carol Johnk

Missed anything from today’s Destress Fest? Enjoy this recap and then be sure to join us tomorrow!

Need some humor to start the day? How about a cheesy Dad Joke? Check our DeStress Fest webpage at 9:00 a.m. every weekday for a new joke to groan at!

Today’s joke:
Two windmills are standing in a wind farm.
One asks, “what’s your favorite kind of music?
Thee other says, “I’m a big metal fan.”

Need a snack boost in the afternoon? We’ve got you covered, there, too! Every week day at 1:00 p.m. a new Cake in a Cup recipe will be posted! We encourage you to try the recipes and then go to our DeStress Fest page and post a picture of your creation – the crazier the mug, the better!

Today’s recipe is for a yummy Chocolate Mug Cake – give it a try and let us see your results!

It’s getting later in the day and your motivation is wavering. At 4:00 p.m. each week day check out our Inspirational Quote for the day!

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Henry Ford.

We have a board where you can share inspirational quotes that have helped you.

Friday, May 8, at 2:00 p.m. (CDT) we will have a Live “Show and Tail” event! Register here and then share that “co-worker” who is keeping you company! All pets with tails are welcome – fish, lizards, birds, cats, dogs, turtles, whatever is keeping you company now! Zoom meeting information will be sent to registrants an hour before “Show and Tail!”

Can’t make Show and Tail? We have a board where we encourage you to post pictures of that special pet that is driving your crazy or making you smile!

The University of Iowa Libraries