Brian Banmiller's blog

Libraries are looking for more readers and they’re getting creative.

One library in Scotland recently celebrated “love your library day.” And in addition to the books, reading and games there was pole dancing. To drum up interest the library hired a local pole dancing instructor to come teach a free class. And officials say it was a hit with a full class that included a police officer and a few men.

They say the pole dancing was a fun and interesting way to bring more people in, try out all the services and ultimately borrow more books. And this isn’t the first time higher ups have turned to the pole for a little more business.  read more »

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is attempting to go where no Iranian has gone before.

Last week Iran successfully launched a monkey into space and retrieved it alive. Since then Ahmadinejad has announced he wants to be the first human the country’s space program sends into orbit. He says sending living things into space is the result of Iranian effort and the dedication of many scientists and he wants to be a part of it.  read more »

Art imitates life; and it’s paying off.

I recently spoke with author Stephen Enna about a trilogy written with business partner Dennis Wootten. In their books; “Aloha,” “Adios” and “Goodbye” they offer a fictional solution for some of the country’s biggest problems. This includes a rising national deficit, gay marriage and multiple terrorist threats.

“There is a definite thread of reality in the fiction that we have woven here. And a lot of people that have read it and including the reviews that have been done have said, you know this isn’t a bad idea.”

Enna says he and Wootten wrote the book thinking there is a better way to solve our problems then with two parties constantly warring.  read more »

A world famous assassination site is getting a little more family friendly.

According to reports Pakistan is planning to build a $30 million amusement park and outdoor activity center in Abbottabad. This is the city where U.S. Navy SEALs found, shot and killed Osama Bin Laden in 2011.

The private venture will take five years to complete and will include a zoo, water sports, mini golf, rock climbing and paragliding. The park will start at 50 acres but is expected to grow to 500; this is 440 acres bigger than California’s Disneyland.  read more »

What if the country’s biggest problems could be solved through fiction?

Stephen Enna and Dennis Wootten are the authors of “Aloha,” “Adios” and “Goodbye;” a trilogy that begins with President Obama losing the 2012 election to an unknown contender.

“And the reason he’s going to beat him is because the national debt is 15 trillion dollars and the interest on it is 400 billion a year. And the U.S. is going under financially.”

The story then continues with a radical idea of how the country can dig itself out of debt.  read more »

Pest control is taking on a whole new meaning.

According to Australian Popular Science you can now turn an ordinary cockroach into your own cyborg. The idea is the brainchild of an engineer from North Carolina State University and two neuroscientists. They envision a network of these creepy crawly robots to assist in search and rescue. And inspire kids to research and investigate the human nervous system. To help get you started they have developed a $100 RoboRoach kit that includes everything needed for insect neurosurgery.  read more »

There’s a new gym in town; but only for the plus size.

Downsize Fitness health clubs have just one rule; you can only apply if you are at least fifty pounds overweight. Started by a hedge fund manager who wanted to lose weight the clubs feature equipment designed for heavier people and personal trainers used to working with overweight people. They also offer group classes such as Pilates, yoga and boot camp.

The owner says the inspiration for the gym came from the TV show “The Biggest Loser.” He says overweight people feel like they’re on display at the gym. But at Downsize Fitness he says they can tackle their goals in a comfortable environment.  read more »

Cats might not be man’s best friend but they’re definitely moving up in the world.

A Japanese housing and construction group has created a new home that takes being a cat lover to a whole new level. After researching what cat owners and their pets want in a home the company designed an appropriate living space for people complete with all the amenities for their feline friends.

This includes platforms to climb on, tunnels to explore and open air cat walks. It also features a bathroom with enough space for a litter box and special fences so your pet won’t be able to escape. To top it off everything in the house is made using material that is resistant to scratching and easy to clean.  read more »

The digital age of publishing might be wiping out major newspapers; but there’s one thing the online editions can’t do.

San Francisco’s Animal Control Agency is single handedly trying to keep the print edition of the San Francisco Chronicle in circulation. The agency relies on the daily newspaper to line animal cages and clean up after the puppies. But digital subscriptions and smartphones are cutting the supply of old newspapers. To keep up a steady supply they are turning to the city’s public library.  read more »

Planning a trip; there are a few places you should avoid resting your weary head.

Recently the travel website Trivago looked at hotel reviews from more than 140 accommodation booking sites. And coming in dead last on the list of one hundred cities is London and its hundreds of hotels.

Major complaints from customers included overpriced mini bars, bad breakfasts and slow service. A spokeswoman for the site says London hotels were also criticized for overcrowding, long lines, small rooms and bad views.

She says the website, owned by Expedia, releases this list twice a year to help people with their travel plans. And if you still want to visit a city with not so hot hotels then the list can at least help you pick the best of the worst.  read more »