Today is Veterans Day, which is celebrated annually on the anniversary of the Armistice between Allied and Central Powers, ending World War I. Many places observe a silent memorial at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month each year.

Today is also the anniversary of the first performance of "God Bless America." Irving Berlin wrote this song especially for Kate Smith, who sang it on her radio broadcast in 1938. It quickly became a great patriotic favorite of the nation and one of Smith’s most requested songs.

Thursday is the 70^th anniversary of the Holland Tunnel, which runs underneath the Hudson River between New York City and Jersey City. Comprised of two tubes, each large enough for two lanes of traffic, the Holland was the first underwater tunnel built in the US.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Porcupines prickle in books and activities at Wednesday’s 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. storytimes. Circus and clown stories will be featured in Saturday morning’s 10:00 storytime.

BOOK TALK

Those of you who like to read about real life law and order may find these books, suggested by Children’s Librarian Mary Stickford, interesting.

"Sheriff Joe Arpaio: America’s Toughest Sheriff," written by Joe Arpaio with Len Sherman, tells the story of the sheriff of Maricopa County in Arizona. "After the Madness: A Judge’s Own Prison Memoir" is written by Sol Wachtler. This story of life in prison, written by a former state supreme court chief judge, is fascinating, startling, and at times funny and includes the author’s proposals for reforming our prisons and judicial system. And if you think you’re ready to tackle the O.J. Simpson trial again, you might want to check out "Without A Doubt," written by lead prosecutor Marcia Clark with Teresa Carpenter.

If the military is more to your liking, Mary recommends "Spite House: The Last Secret of the War in Vietnam," by Monika Jensen-Stevenson. For an insider’s view of military life today, try reading "Hazardous Duty," written by Colonel David H. Hackworth with Tom Mathews. Col. Hackworth, US Army, Retired, is America’s most decorated living soldier and now serves as a military reporter for "Newsweek Magazine."

DID YOU KNOW?

A "U.S. News & World Report" poll conducted this past summer asked 1,000 Americans who was likely to go to heaven. Here are some results: Mother Teresa, 79%; Oprah Winfrey, 66%; Michael Jordan, 65%; Colin Powell, 61%; Princess Diana, 60%; Al Gore, 55%; Hillary Clinton, 55%; Bill Clinton, 52%; Pat Robertson, 47%; ;Newt Gingrich, 40%; Dennis Rodman, 28%; and OJ Simpson, 19%. Interestingly, another person finished first, ahead of Mother Teresa. The biggest vote-getter, the person whom more than 87% of the Americans voting believed likely to go to heaven was themselves!

Here’s a tip for overcoming stage fright. Do you feel your mouth go dry, your knees shake, and your stomach turn sour before making a presentation to an audience? Such tension actually starts in your mind. You can change "worry thoughts" by visualizing each member of the audience as being terribly thirsty. While waiting to be introduced, imagine each person holding an empty drinking glass. Picture yourself carrying a pitcher full of their favorite ice cold drink. As you step up to the podium, say to them mentally, "Here I am! I have just what you’re thirsting for!" You’ll see gratitude on their faces, instead of judgment!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

"A hypochondriac is a person who can’t leave being well enough alone." (unknown)