HCPLJL

You Oughta Be in Pictures #91: Fun with Photos

2010-06-30T17:12:00.002-05:00

You Oughta Be in Pictures #91: Fun with Photos

I chose a photo to edit in FotoFlexer and BeFunky. I looked at BigHugeLabs, but it seemed more complicated to start. I used the cartoon function each site has to edit my picture.

The results are similar but not exactly the same. They could be closer in resemblance, but BeFunky had more "built in" cartoon options. I choose option 3, because I liked the way it looked. There were also a couple of Premium options, but I wasn't interested in registering or pursuing it further at this time.
Take a look. Which of these two edits do you prefer? Be sure to scroll down for my image generator pic.

This is the FotoFlexer edit.

This is the BeFunky edit.

I used the image generator funny pho.to to generate this:

I liked this better than using my face. It seems a little more magical. Trying to fit my face in some of the images I did like was just not working out.

I don't think I'll use the funny.pho.to site again. Like some of the others, there were too many ads all over the place.

Here is the profile pic I use on Amazon, but Cartoonized on BeFunky.

You Oughta Be in Pictures #90: Sharing Photos

2010-06-29T12:48:00.000-05:00

You Oughta Be in Pictures #90: Sharing Photos

I watched the suggested video for an overview of photosharing. It was a very basic overview.

I am familiar with the sites listed: Flikr, Photobucket, Picasa , and Facebook.
I have a Flikr account and have played with Photobucket and Picasa. I may get more involved with Picasa via Google, but only time will tell. I'm not interested in Facebook.

Features that are important to me when sharing my photos? Both privacy and copyright/creative commons options are important to me. More the privacy at this point, so I can control who sees my photos. The creative commons option is nice too, for those items that I don't really consider private and am willing to "set free". Flikr lets me do both.

My main concern is taking the time to really organize what I do have. I do take pictures and share with family, but I'm not as into it as I could be. At this point I just like to have my pics backed up so I don't lose them.

Memorial Day

2010-05-28T14:57:00.000-05:00

Please take a moment to Remember.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z8hh7WGLNw

You Oughta Be In Pictures #89: Basic Photo Editing

2010-05-18T11:35:00.002-05:00

You Oughta Be In Pictures #89: Basic Photo Editing

From the choices available, Picnik, Photoshop, and Fotoflexer, I used a sample photo from Fotoflexer to edit. I first flipped the water lily, then used the flipped image with the original to create a two picture collage. I then used the collage to make a poster. Here it is:

The photo editing features important for my use are basic - cropping, red-eye fix, and resizing, although I do like some of the fun effects I've used both Picnik and Fotoflexer because they were easy and I did not need to register for them, but at this time I prefer Fotoflexer. It was easier to play with the photos and had a few fun features the other did not. Mostly, it will depend on your own needs and prefernces which you will choose.

iGoogle

2010-05-14T11:42:00.000-05:00

"Resistance is Futile!" So True...

I admit that I have become more involved with Google. What started as a way to chat with my child has now evolved into an iGoogle account. This is similar to My Yahoo!, but fancier. I have my Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Reader, and a few other things in one spot. I'm still testing out some Apps.

Now I just need to convert, um convince, the rest of the family.

The Web According to Google #88: Wave, Buzz, and Mobile

2010-04-30T10:19:00.002-05:00

The Web According to Google #88: Wave, Buzz, and Mobile

Wow, talk about being connected. Google Wave and Google Buzz are more developments to connect to others. Yahoo! has something for you to get updates from those in your contacts & Buzz may be something similar (and beyond). Wave, I'm not sure I'm quite ready for it yet-I've just been introduced to sharing Google Docs. I think I'll wait to see how it develops before going any deeper into that pool.

Some of the Google Mobile apps are interesting, but I don't have a mobile phone. I could borrow my DH's, but it has a small not very clear screen (not 3G). If I did have a more web capable phone, I would choose Maps and Search. Those are apps I use regularly on my PC. When I do get a cell phone, eventually sometime, I don't think I'll have access to these anyway.

The Web According to Google #87: Google Reader

2010-04-29T22:03:00.000-05:00

The Web According to Google #87: Google Reader

I took the tour to try the service out. I may still sign up later. At this time I mainly use Bloglines for my feeds. I also watch a few feeds on My Yahoo! also. I can see where using Google Reader in iGoogle and adding feeds could be more convenient. I usually check email on a daily basis and I like the few I watch on My Yahoo! being just a click away. I’m just debating how involve I want to be with iGoogle at this time.

Subcribe to a favorite site with feeds? I’m already subscribed to my favorite sites via Bloglines and did not want to duplicate. I found that there are some preselected bundles you can try out. I selected the Staff Picks list. It still duplicates a few sites, but it looks like a fun way to experiment. I can always delete the ones I don’t like. Now I have 14 (minus the few dups) new feeds to read.

The Web According to Google #86: Calendar and Documents

2010-04-12T23:03:00.000-05:00

The Web According to Google #86: Calendar and Documents

Creating a calendar in Google Calendar and adding some events and tasks to it was easy. I think I would use Google Calendar more at home than in the workplace. Not a lot of my work is something I can do from home. I can see how sharing a calendar with family could be very good if all cooperated. I still have trouble getting some to write it on the home wall calendar. There could be other uses for those sharing a common calendar, whether it be a coach posting times for practice or to combine multiple work and play schedules for a family.

I created a file Google Docs and shared it with a few people, including myself at a non-Gmail address. I can see this as a way to collaborate on a group document. You do need to create a Google account in order to participate in a shared Doc. I also uploaded one from my computer. This is a good way to keep and access documents online instead on carrying them on a flash drive. I can see myself using Google Docs in addition to a desktop office application. It is a way to easily access and share documents, but I don't want to be limited if I cannot connect to the net.

The Web According to Google #85: Resistance is Futile

2010-04-12T20:47:00.000-05:00

The Web According to Google #85: Resistance is Futile

For those in the know: Resistance is futile

I use several Google products on a regular basis. Among them are Websearch, Gmail, Maps, Earth, and a
few others. Most of these are search functions of one sort or another and I like the way they work. The mail I use due to my DDs preference and allows me to keep in touch during the day. They are not the only products I use for the various search and mail funtions, but they are a very nice and convenient set to access.

I check out Google Labs on a regular basis. You never know what may be there. Of the current list, City Tours and People Hopper look interesting. I'm more likely to use the City Tours than People Hopper, but I think the People Hopper concept would appeall to a number of people.

I browsed around Google Books. I admit it had been a little while since I did this last. Wow. It just keeps on growing. I like that they have LIFE magazine available for viewing. The My Library feature is a convenient way to keep track of the items you like. I can see this becoming an extra resource for Libraries seeking reviews, previews, or actual books and magazines in their entirety.

Publishing Evolution #84: Writer Communities & Author Websites

2010-04-05T20:32:00.001-05:00

Publishing Evolution #84: Writer Communities & Author Websites

I have gone to favorite author websites to find out the latest on upcomomg publications. They are usually the best source for that information and often have excerpts to whet your appetite. Most of the time, I just read the website info and like reading about the authors. Once in a while I will contact an author with a question.

The idea of a book being published based on popular vote gives some concern. I understand publishers wanting to publish popular, thus moneymaking, titles. However, I think that such voting should be taken with a grain of salt. Having a lot of people vote for something doesn't always mean it is good. It may be a good way to "test the waters", but how do you know whether the author just has a very large family to skew the vote?

Publishing Evolution #83: Paper to Pixels (or e-ink)

2010-04-05T19:09:00.000-05:00

Publishing Evolution #83: Paper to Pixels (or e-ink)

I prefer paper over pixels. It is much easier to read a paper book in bed than a PC, laptop, or E-reader. With a book it is easier to hide the light I use after dh goes to bed. There are also times that I will take a paperback (or 2 or 3) with me while traveling and leave them behind when finished for someone else to discover. (a note in the book lets them know it is not lost, but abandoned) Another reason is access. I share 2 computers betweem 3 people at home. One is an avid gamer who hovers when not on the net. The other is a student & video maker. I really don't have time to read online.

I have learned patience in getting my reading material. I have found that books tend to be less expensive if bought used. less money per book = more books Beside, I just like the feel of a book.

I'm not sure how I feel yet about the cost of a digital book versus a paper copy. Again, I tend to get used books most of the time. The few time I did get digital copies was when I use the Library's download service. It was free and there wwas no risk of an overdue fee.

I visited iFiction to look at what it offers. I like the idea of preview and then pay. It give me the chance to see if I like the story and wrting style. The price is right, too. I have seen it range from $0.49 to $4.00 to read the "rest of the story". The preview percentage also differs. I think it is at the authors discretion. The links to the author Bios are nice too. It looks like a good way for authors to get exposure.

Publishing Evolution #82: Print on Demand

2010-03-30T16:00:00.001-05:00

Publishing Evolution #82: Print on Demand

Writer Beware has an excellent piece on print on demand (POD). I recommend it to any wanting to know about POD.

I visited each of the websites listed,  Lulu, Xlibris, Author House, iUniverse , and Createspace (Amazon.com) to see what they offer. Using these services to print a book can vary in cost, but only regarding the extent of services wanted. The sites themselves are similar with the varying levels of service and cost to have your book printed. What site you would use depends on your tastes.

As for the published books, I saw that there was often 3 possible formats - hardback, paperback, and ebook. Sometimes the cost of a printed book is higher than traditionally published books, probably depending on demand or what the author thinks they can get for it. To my pleasant suprise, however, I found that the ebook format costs less than "traditional" ebooks. This can be a good way to get exposure as an author.

I experienced a form of self publishing in college. Some professors had written their lecture notes and other information they thought relevant to the class that was not included in the textbook. This addition "book" was available at the local copy center for a fee and was printed while you waited. I thought it was a good way to get the information out without needing to have printed copies in stock. The wait wasn't long for printing/copying and the material was always useful. (The professor did write it for the class.)

I might consider buying a self published book, if I found one that was of interest. Cost could be a factor, but if I was interested enough....   I do like to look at books before I buy. Getting reviews can also help. That is one reason I work in a Library and buy used books.

The Future of Media #81: Get Out Your Crystal Ball

2010-02-23T22:40:00.000-06:00

The Future of Media #81: Get Out Your Crystal Ball

You can't look at a crystal ball without thinking of the past. I remember the 8-track vs audiocassette debate and Betamax vs VHS. I remember when the laserdisc first appeared (Think DVD, but LP sized). I still have LPs, 45s and a record player to play them on. I am an early adopter in some regards. You may have read in an earlier post that I have owned a widescreen HDTV CRT for about 8 years.

Technology moves on. I remember when the internet was just starting. Now you can have streaming video on your PC, Laptop, or hand-held device. Despite all this, I think we will always want a format you can hold in your hand AND the convenience of computer access.

But not everyone has internet access. And in homes that do, there may be only one computer. Just because you hear about all the tech, dosn't mean it is in wide use. I watched the HD DVD vs Blu-ray race and still get regular DVDs. I don't see my DVD player dying anytime soon. Same with my VCR, tho if I want to record with it I would need a converter box (maybe. I need to look at the back of the electronics again. Good thing the system is on wheels.)

The new 3D movies are fun, but I don't see myself adopting that tech at home yet, unless it just means a pair of 3D glasses. Maybe the new 3D developments will help advance virtual reality technology. Holo-deck anyone? I think that is the influence for the future.

But I will still go to the movies. Besides, the last movie I attended included 3 adults and 6 teens and I don't think they all would have fit in my living room even if it was clean.

The Future of Media #80: Movies

2010-02-21T10:09:00.001-06:00

The Future of Media #80: Movies

I have used Hulu to watch a free full-length film on my laptop, but I prefer the larger screen of my TV. That is why we have DVDs and cables for connecting the laptop to the larger TV 'monitor'.

I looked for a trailer for the upcoming movie "The Last Airbender". Hulu did not have it in their trailer list, but gave me a search option to find it on other sites. IMDB, or Internet Movie Database, is usually my default site for finding info on movies. They had the trailers with a quick search. I like the additional info IMDB provides. This movie is based on an anime titled "Avatar, the Last Airbender". I guess they changed the movie title after that other Avatar movie came out.

I don't think I would use any of the fee-based services to get the movies I want at home. Between the public Library, Hulu, and other free sites, I can usually find what I want.

The Future of Media #79: Television

2010-02-21T09:39:00.001-06:00

The Future of Media #79: Television

Television. First of all, let me state a couple of things. I have owned a widescreen HD CRT TV for over 8 years and get my programming over the air. I was ahead of the curve with HD programming and had no problems with the changeover. I used to watch a few programs on a regular basis. After the TV writer's strike, I became disaffected by TV. I now rarely watch TV, except for the occasional DVD or something like the Olympics.

I visit Hulu occasionally, just to see if there are any new programs I might be interested in viewing. The site does provide decent coverage. Some shows may be a short series and in that case may have a limited time for viewing. Viewers should be aware of such limitations so they are not caught in the middle of a series when it is rotated out. I actually found one program I liked enough to buy the DVDs.

Have I ever watched a TV show on my cell phone? Well, no, because I don't have a cell phone. Even if I did, I don't think I would want to do so. There really isn't anything out there that I am interested in watching on so small of a screen.
I do check on one YouTube user "channel" regularly, because the poster is a relative. I do not post videos to a site on a regular basis.

Searching #78: Video

2010-02-20T21:31:00.000-06:00

Searching #78: Video

I've looked around HCPL’s YouTube channel. How could our own branch video add to the mix of searchable video content on the Internet? I think that would depend on how the video is titled, described, and tagged. Most of the search result seem to depend on these three things. I like how the book reviews include the book title and the event videos are location and event specific.

I searched for a particular video using both Truveo and Blinkx. I decided to look for the "Printing at Freeman" set from the above channel to see what would happen.

Truveo listed 3 of the 4 "Printing at Freeman" videos and one other video titled "TMI - The Episcopal School of Texas Print Shop Ribbon Cutting" under the all of their tabs.

Blinkx had a 2 page list, but none of the "Printing at Freeman" videos were in the list. I guess that it due to the search method they use. I don't like the auto preview they start up. I would rather choose what to view on my own.

I also search for "Amish Paradise" on both sites. Truveo had 1828 hits and Blinkx had 1430. Again Blinkx had the annoying preview that automatically played. Both had a preview of the hits- pictures with Truveo and either pics or repeating clips at Blinkx.

Truveo lists the channels, or sources, of its hits. The site also has Top Ranked, Most Recent, Most, Popular, and Highest Rated categories. You can also choose to list the hits three across with the title and source or a listing that includes channels, descriptions, tags, and age of post.

Blinkx has a list with title, description, source, and date. They also have a video wall feature. It creates a 5x5 video wall of the pics & clips found. If you mouse over the wall, each 'tile' will expand a bit with info. They give you instructions on how to add the wall to your site or blog, but I think I will pass.

Of these two, I find Truveo to be less annoying.

Searching #77: Images

2010-02-17T11:58:00.007-06:00

Searching #77: Images

Exercise 1 asks "Using All Free Clip Art , how many clicks did it take to get to a color Santa that doesn’t look like a troll?" My answer: 2

I used the search function by typing "santa" in the box and clicked on search. (click 1) I looked at the search results and decided to stick with All Free Clip Art. I selected the 5th link in the list: http://www.allfree-clipart.com/clipart/Holidays/Christmas/christmas-clipart13.html (click 2) Voila, three color Santas! One may look like a bit like a troll and another was kind of skinny, but I have at least one that meets specs.

I read “10 Places to Find Free Images Online” . I did not try the site that a commenter warned about on the exercise blog. I did try several others. A couple had bad links. Here are 2 I like:

FreePhotosBank does have advertising for other sites around the free photos, but if you pay attention, you can search and get free photos. I like the details given about each photo and the options for jpeg or zip downloads. Their Terms of Use are very clear that only the photos listing "freephotobank" as photographer are free to use so long as the site is credited. Other photographers should be contacted for permission to use their photos. The photo above is from FreePhotosBank.

I have used Flickr before. I really like their use of the Creative Commons licensing. Like the site above, the terms are very clear on what is needed for each level of licensing. Again, free use of photos, just properly accredit if needed.

I have logged into the clip art program HCPL uses before. Here is an illustration that could be used for a program at my branch. Image copyright Jupiterimages

Searching #76: Sound Effects

2010-02-16T13:42:00.069-06:00

Searching #76: Sound Effects

I the first Exercise, I used FindSounds to search for and post links to at least three animal sound effects in my blog. Here they are:
Rattler Toad Moo

lettersnstuff is the site I eventually found via FindSounds. The site states that it provides free content. You can take a look to judge yourself. I did see several sites that did give me contact info if I wished to use recordings ( Here is an example), but many more with nothing at all on copyright. If it wasn't obvious, I wasn't going to dig too far.

The second exercise recommends using the Simply the Best Sounds website. I like this one better because it states right off the difference between public use and not.
The following sounds were clearly marked Public Domain: Boing2 Typing Cow

I highly recommend the Simply the Best Sounds website. I will remember it for future use.

Skipped Posts

2010-01-27T13:06:00.002-06:00

You may have noticed some missing posts. Those are all pet based. Unless you count the plant at home and the rock at work, I don't have pets. I should have submitted the rock for the Parade of Pets.

Searching #75: Google and Beyond

2010-01-16T12:51:00.005-06:00

Searching #75: Google and Beyond

I typed in four queries in Blindsearch to see how I rated the search engines Google, Yahoo!, and Bing. Out of the 4 searches, Google was my choice for 3 searches, with Yahoo picking up the fourth. I did think if funny that, in one search, both Google and Yahoo had Yahoo Shopping as the first result.

The week that I searched, Google was #1 on Hitwise. Its closest competitor was Yahoo. Google had just over 71% of the share and Yahoo just under 15% based on volume.

I do usually use Google, but have used Yahoo, too. I think these results reinforce my current choices.

I have explored the features Google and always find new things. One thing did I discovered that I might find useful, if I had a cell, is Google SMS. Pretty neat. I don't know if I'll tell my DH about this one though. He is too Google dependent as is. I will keep the number handy.

Genealogy #70: Genealogy 2.0

2009-10-24T21:19:00.007-05:00

Genealogy #70: Genealogy 2.0

I created a free account with MyHeritage. I made a Celebrity Collage and used the widget to add the results to this blog. See below. I may change it out later when I get a better pic. I think that a different picture may give different results. I do like the family tree set up, but am wondering about the limitations before it is no longer free.

I went to Footnote and browsed the Member Discoveries. I think what people are doing on Footnote is pretty neat. It is a combination geneology/history & social networking site. It has free registration too, unless you want to view some of he documents. A lot of it can be viewed free, though. I may decide to use this as a way to connect with some folks that I may, or not, be related to. My maiden name is not common.

http://www.myheritage.com/collage
MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity

Genealogy #69: Database Researching

2009-10-23T12:49:00.005-05:00

Genealogy #69: Database Researching

I conducted a search in Ancestry.com for historical records concerning my paternal grandmother. I was able to easily bring up her record on the SS death index. I also looked at Immigration Records. I found a record that matches all I know about her except the birthdate listed. If the immigration record had the age in years instead of months, it would be right on, including names of other family members. I'll have to confirm with some other family members.

It helps to know as much as you can beore starting. In my case, knowing the incoming immigration port made it easy.

Genealogy # 68: Detective Work

2009-09-25T16:00:00.006-05:00

Genealogy # 68: Detective Work

I've looked at some of the examples provided of oral history projects and listen to some of the stories. I especially liked the JSC Oral History Project, since I am interested in Space.
However, my favorite oral history project is Storycorps from NPR. I hear it on the local station KUHF , 88.7FM.

I've never pursued an oral history project, except once as a high school project, many years ago. I would have liked doing one to record some family history, but the subject I was interested in passed away. My paternal grandmother immigrated here from Hungary and I would have like to hear more of her story. I think my father would be a good subject, too, but we live states apart. Maybe I can recruit one of my brothers.

I went to the Find-a-Grave site and search for the Oakwood Cemetery in Warren, Ohio. It lists 1057 interments. I have always been curious about that cemetery, but found that there really is no easy way to sort for the oldest grave. I searched for another cemetery in Trumbull County and found the Lover's Lane Memorial Cemetery, also known as the Leavittsburg Cemetery. This one only has 13 graves.

The oldest know grave at the Lover's Lane Memorial Cemetery is Fox from 1853. There is a headstone picture with just the surname and date. The top of the stone is missing. There are also a couple of listings without dates due to the condition of the markers. It looks like someone wanted to preserve what was still there before the condition got worse. This is an interesting site, but still has it's limitations.

Genealogy #67: Genealogy Genesis

2009-09-25T15:43:00.002-05:00

Genealogy #67: Genealogy Genesis

I have studied my geneology, but have been lucky enough to have some family members who have kept track of the records. I may eventually get into it more myself, but do appreciate what others have done.

For beginning researchers, I advise talking to family members to see what may have already been done. One side of my family updates records at the yearly family reunion. On the other side, I have an uncle who has kept track of his sibs & their kids, plus a generation or two in the past.

My future goal is to find out if those folks in Michigan with my maiden name are related or not. I have my theories, but need to finish the proof.

Crafts & Hobbies #66: Knitting and Crocheting

2009-07-06T16:10:00.005-05:00

Crafts & Hobbies #66: Knitting and Crocheting

I have crocheted in the past and even tried using thread instead of yarn to get a form of lace. I could never get the hang of knitting, too many parts. I don't really crochet here on the Gulf Coast, due to the heat. I was more inspired when I lived near the snowbelt. Plus I had a Grandmother who could crochet an entire afghan in just a day or two. (she was fast!)

If I had to choose making between a prayer shawl, chemo hat, or lap blanket, I would make a lap blanket. A group I was with in the North made lap blankets for the local nursing homes. It was fun to make them as a group and most of our group was male. I could also do the chemo hats, since I did hats before. However, I would need to practice a bit to get my skills up to par.

Does our branch have a knitting group? Our Children's Dept has had a knitting program this Summer. After the July program finishes, they will have another in August. These are both weekly beginner programs, but intermediate programs are possible in the Fall. The Young Adult Dept has had at least one knitting/crocheting progam in the past.

The Adult Dept doesn't have a "sponsored"program, but Bay Area Knitting & Crochet try to meet in our Conference room twice monthly. If we wanted to have a branch program, we would probably approach the Bay Area Knitting & Crochet group for assitance. They might be willing to host a program for us.

Crafts & Hobbies #65: Coin Collecting

2009-06-29T21:27:00.004-05:00

Crafts & Hobbies #65: Coin Collecting

Wow. My piggy bank is special, because that is where I keep my interesting stuff. I have a box for the overflow. I consider myself a casual collector. I think it started when Grandpa would give us kids Kennedy half-dollars and Eisenhower dollars. I don't know if any of the other grand kids kept theirs, but I kept mine. Some of the Kennedy's are silver!

Just looking in the box, I see the Kennedy half-dollars and Eisenhower dollars. It is nice to hear the silver ones clink.
There is a Buffalo nickle with Indian profile on front. No date found - it is quite worn.
An Indian head penny, that unfortunately has some corrosion obscuring the date there also.
A Lincoln wheat back penny has the date 1917, but I think I have one or two older in the bank - 190- somethings. A steel penny too.
Roosevelt dimes - 1963 & silver and an oddly colored 1966.

I also have some foreign coins. I really like the Canadian coins I have. Three of them feature King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II as a young woman, and Queen Elizabeth II as an older woman. It shows the changing of the crown and how long Elizabeth II has been Queen.

I also have most , if not all of the state quarters. I just need to find where I put my folder for them. One member of the household does have their folder filled.

Like I said before, I'm a casual collector. I keep stuff in a box & piggy bank. I occasionally check websites for values, but most of what I have is just because it is interesting. There are some dealers in my area and I have window shopped before, but my stuff is just "found". I don't see myself buying coins as an investment. I check my change on a regular basis because you never know what you might find. I'm watchng for those nickles & what ever else cathces my eye.

Crafts & Hobbies #64: Zines

2009-06-23T12:42:00.002-05:00

Crafts & Hobbies #64: Zines

I think I might make my own Zine, but it might just be a one-shot & not for distribution. Subject-wise, boy that's a tough one. This could be either instructional or self expression (or both). I can see turning some of the procedures I've written for work turned into a Zine. Maybe staff would remember some of the instructions if they have a more creative format.

I can see how the old pulp magazines could have started this way and some are still in publication today. I think that Libraries with zines are just providing another form of content to their customers. You need to start somewhere and, from what I saw, some of these zines have a big following. If the customers are reading it, why not have it in the Library?

Crafts & Hobbies #63: Digital Scrapbooking

2009-06-19T12:47:00.010-05:00

Crafts & Hobbies #63: Digital Scrapbooking

I went to Scrapblog.com and took the 5 minute video tutorial, then created a layout using their free online program. No registration is required to create, but if you want to save, publish, or share, registration is necessary. I didn't try Crop Mom or Scrapbook Flair, but may take a look in the future.

My thoughts on digital scrapbooking: It is fun and I could learn to really like it. I like the idea of keeping stuff stored online, if available, because it doesn't take up memory on your PC.

I did you encounter a problem in trying to make a layout. I found I could not share what I made unless I registered with the website. Permission settings make a difference in how a layout may be viewed if you embed a link in your blog. If the permission is not set to public, others may not be able to see the layout. I only have one page for this "scrapblog", but it could be more.

Here is my layout.

Crafts & Hobbies #62: Decoupage

2009-06-17T18:31:00.007-05:00

Crafts & Hobbies #62: Decoupage

I remember doing decoupage in scouts. There were several projects. One was a cigar box. We decorated it inside and out with decopage. If you didn't know it was a cigar box to begin with, you would have never suspected it when we were finished. We also did bottles. You could get a neat stained glass effect using colored tissue paper on a clear bottle or jar.

I really haven't done much decoupage since then, but liked some of the projects I saw on Flickr.
The decoupage chair by moxie may have taken time, but it looks worth it. Daxiang stef's switchplate gives me some ideas on how just a little thing can make a big difference. A switchplate is something I might try to begin decoupage again.

Crafts & Hobbies #61: Craftspiration!

2009-06-08T14:42:00.013-05:00

Crafts & Hobbies #61: Craftspiration!

I took a look at Repurposeful, Instructables, and Craftzine. On Instructables, I found the Duct Tape Tear-Away Scratch Pad. This is a really neat and practical craft. You use scrap paper and duct tape to make a tear-away scratch pad. A very Green idea in reusing the paper. The comments on the post are very positive. I'll be using some of the desktop calendar pages that I use as scrap paper. They are aready cut to size. Now where is that duct tape?

Here is my Duct tape Tear-Away Pad:

Front & Back pics

This was EASY. I skipped the glue stick & it still works fine.

Next time, I'll have a front cover too. I used an empty tissue box for the cardboard.

I've browsed around in the multimedia section. I can learn craft techniques or DIY by watching a video or form of written instructions. I like to read over instructions first, but it is nice to have a video option when you are not sure exactly what the written version means. But I do like having a print version always. That way I can just peruse at my leisure and not worry about loosing my place in a video. The written also lets you quickly scan to see if it is something worth doing.

What can I do next?

Recession Busters # 60: Food, Fun & Frugality

2009-05-27T14:47:00.005-05:00

Recession Busters # 60: Food, Fun & Frugality

I watched one of Clara’s videos and posted the video my blog below:

Clara's cooking reminds me of cooking in college. Some of this is still in use today, but I'm moving more towards rice instead of pasta.

I've known about Houston on the Cheap from one of the Houston Chronicle's blogs. I do look at it weekly and am frustrated when when there is a great deal, but it is on the other side of town. This is one example: $25 Massages This Summer at Lone Star College. I would take advantage of this deal, but not if I need to drive across town.

Here are some tips we have been using for some time regarding saving money during difficult economic times:

One thing we've done that is free is ride the Bolivar Ferry. We park in the parking lot and walk on. We don't walk off the Bolivar side, just ride the Ferry back & forth a few times while standing on the upper deck. You can watch the ships, enjoy the breeze, and maybe see a few dolphins.

Thrift Shops are a great resource, especially with growing kids. When the kids are at the point where that out grow clothes before wearing them out, Thrift Shops are the place to go. Where else can I get jeans for $3.00 most of the time? And the clothes that don't fit , but are still in good shape? Donate them for someone else to use. Most of the local shops support a charity, like Goodwill or ICM.

Another long standing tradition with us is Half Price Books. The local store knows us as regulars. We don't always buy something, but looking is part of the fun. And at a lesser cost than the regular bookstores. Of course, the Public Library is still the best place to get books and media. No cost and items are returned to the Library for less clutter at home.

Money & Finance #59: Credit, Money Management, and Saving

2009-04-29T19:30:00.004-05:00

Money & Finance #59: Credit, Money Management, and Saving

I read the article How Credit Scores Work then took the Credit Score Quiz. I had a perfect score on the quiz and did not learn about any new information regarding credit reports and/or scores. I have experience with this information thorough buying a house and cars, all of which are now payed for. I just need to work on some other debt now.

I have made a spending/budget plan. I find the process easy to plan out, but difficult to execute. My difficulty is getting other members of the family to either help plan or execute. I use direct deposit because it is easier to plan when to pay bills, especially when using online banking, as mentioned in the previous post.

What I found to most useful on the TCDRS site to help understand my retirement benefits is the fact that it is so detailed. On this site you can: check your balance, review pay out options, get forms or brochures, follow links to other sources. They allow you to log in to to your personal account. If you want to check your personal account, check you statement for your PIN or call customer service to have it mailed to you.

All this information allows you to better plan for your retirement. I still have about 9 years before I qualify under the "rule of 75", but I plan to work longer than that. If I am unable to work for some reason, they also give available disability information. It is better to know this information in advance and not be suprised when you need to actually use it.

Money & Finance #58: Banking, Budgeting, and Spending

2009-04-24T11:23:00.005-05:00

Money & Finance #58: Banking, Budgeting, and Spending

1)My bank does offer online banking and I do use it. It is nice to be able to pay bills online and track deposits & withdrawals. This especially convenient when family members don't remember to tell you about using their debit card. Since I mainly handle the bill paying, although I wouldn't mind someone else doing it, I still opt for paper bills & notices, in case I am unable to access the online banking or a family member needs to pay bills. Security seems to be OK. I use my home network, which is password protected itself, to access my banking. The bank also has security safeguards, so I know that I am at the real banking site. I selected a picture and named it myself as an extra ID feature. I do wish that since access is 24/7 that banking itself was also 7 days, but they don't send out bill payments on the weekends.

2) I've looked at the budgeting tools available. I really like Mint and could possibly see using it, but part of the problem is dealing with other members of the family. If it was just me, it would be much easier. I'm still trying to convince others that some of these tool could benefit them, and in turn, the rest of the family

3) I've read the article, Spend Less on Everything, on ways to cut back on spending. I already incorporate/implement several of these into my financial plan. I use a programmable thermostat, carry a refillable water bottle, wash in cold water as much as possible, and have been using CFLs for years. Being Green can save you money. I also comparison shop, both online and in person. I know where to get my regular "bulk" items and where to get my grocery deals. There are some other things I would like to do, but as I mentioned before, it requires the cooperation of other family members.

A Consumer's How To #44: How To & Make

2009-04-08T20:11:00.014-05:00

A Consumer's How To #44: How To & Make

Of the different types of How To sites listed in the blog post above, Instructables is my favorite. I like eHow, WikkiHow, and HowStuffWorks too. There really aren't any how-to that I don't like, because they each have their own appeal. One not listed that I really like is MAKE. It is one that truly encourages the use of your imagination.

I looked at the Instructables site and immediately saw a subject I wanted to learn about: a Paracord bracelet with a side release buckle. I've seen these for sale online and have wondered how they were made. One DIY site had issued a "challenge" a while back to see who would figure it out. If I can remember which one it was, I'll make sure they have this link.

The instructions for this "survival" bracelet are very easy. I was having Girl Scout camping flashbacks about knot making. I don't know if I will be making one anytime soon, but I have a source fro instructions now. Maybe if I happen across some paracord while thrift shopping or freecycling ..... Or I could see what I have on hand...... Maybe a trip to the hardware store.... Hmmmm.....

A Consumer's How To #43: Buying & Selling Online

2009-04-06T15:38:00.004-05:00

A Consumer's How To #43: Buying & Selling Online

Ebay I have used Ebay of several occassions. I use PayPal for payment. There was only one problem, which was quickly resolved. It helped that I documented all attempts of contact with the seller. Ebay is nice for used items, or new, that you can't find locally.

Half.com is good for textbooks. That is what I used it for.

Craigslist is great for local selling and shopping. There are no fees for using this site. I have both bought and sold items on Craigslist. I usually meet people away from the house, but have had people come to my house to buy/pick up and I have gone to others to do the same. Safety can be a factor, so use common sense.

Amazon is my friend. I will admit to Prime membership. I have bought both new and used. Customer service has been quick to help with any problems.

Etsy This is the first I have heard of this site. Not my cup of tea, but I will be telling a few friends.

I use PayPal for several things. Ebay, taxes - yes some can be paid via PayPal, and occasional shopping sites. I like PayPal because of its ease of use. PayPay already has my billing and shipping info and I don't need to type it in again and again. It is convenient for websites that I may want to use for shopping, but don't want to have to set up an account. I have not used it
for selling and accepting payments, but I can see the advantage of using it to do so.

Potluck #49: L'amore di lingue - Love of Languages

2009-03-30T17:40:00.004-05:00

Potluck #49: L'amore di lingue - Love of Languages

OK, I'll admit to taking 2 years of French in High School a couple of decades ago. I didn't take the 3rd year because I was more interested in the Calculus & Drafting courses I was taking. My brain just leans more in that direction.

LiveMocha has some neat tricks to make the language more relevant, more intune with your life. You don't have to use the social connection part, but having real people and not just a program help you is a big bonus. They are there to learn too and really want to help.

Mangolanguages - The flash cards & narrator are OK, but the interaction IS kind of slow. My brain might fall asleep if I didn't pay attention. It is not a bad program, just not for the way my brain is wired.

I've also played with Rosetta Stone, available here - World Languages , if you have an HPL card. Rosetta Stone is kind of like a cross between LiveMocha and Mangolanguages, without so many flash cards or the social interaction part.

Of these three here, I'd probably start back with Rosetta Stone and move on to LiveMocha. That is if I could wrap my brain around it again. I could use some Spanish for work and maybe some Japanese.

Maybe if I think of it in terms of a puzzle......

Pot Luck #57: TXT U L8R - Texting

2009-03-30T08:59:00.004-05:00

Pot Luck #57: TXT U L8R - Texting

I don't have a cell phone, so the only way I have sent any text message was via a web application to my DH's phone. I understand the principle behind it and have used DH's phone to access some web info, so I know how the keyboard function works. However, due to lack of any practice, I'm not sure I could send a message in an emergency. I might need to borrow DH's phone to practice my 'typing'.

I do understand some text lingo because I do use it in chat. I like Lingo 2 Word & can see where it could be really fun to use.

Texting and driving? I don't need to read the New York Times article. I already know that texting and driving is very, very, very scary. It is worse than talking on your phone & driving! I've alredy heard all the excuses on using a cell & driving and no, I don't think most people are talented enough to be doing both. I mean, I know some people, that if I HAD to ride with them, I wouldn't even talk to then while they were driving. I try very hard not to be in that situation.

It is scary seeing another driver texting while driving. Nothing could be that important.

If that is not bad enough, now Onstar wants you to twitter from the car ? OMG

Potluck #50: Global Nation

2009-03-24T23:02:00.003-05:00

Potluck #50: Global Nation

I decided to use Tripbase.com to plan a "dream" vacation. Lately, I've been having the urge to get closer to Nature than the cats, possums, raccons, crows, & hawks in my backyard.

I used the destination finder, deciding to fly with high emphasis on nature, a little on dining, and nothing else. Only one location on my list had high nature AND good dining.

Here is the overview: San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina for $2866 for 8 days

I looks like I'll have to get that passport. I'll be arriving to late for the Peguin Santuary tours, but there are several tours to local waterfalls, a glacier, and a volcano.

Volcano.........

On second thought, I think I 'll go to Yellowstone National Park for under $1300 for 8 days instead. I'm sure I could find good food and I'd probably get more exercise walking around.

Look at this list:

Lone Star Geyser
Mallard Lake
Firehole River
Midway Geyser Basin
Grand Prismatic Spring
Yellowstone Lake
Fairy Falls
Storm Point Trail
Heart Lake Loop
Seven-Mile Hole Trail
Trout Lake Trail
Purple Mountain Trail

I don't think I can do them all in one week, but this is half the price of Argentina, so maybe I'll stay twice as long.

Update: Yellowstone in the news - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29843691/

Potluck #56: To Tweet or Not To Tweet...Twitter

2009-03-23T12:28:00.005-05:00

Potluck #56: To Tweet or Not To Tweet...Twitter

I've browsed a couple of different Twitter profiles. I checked out Celebrity Tweet for a couple of names and decided it ws TMI. I don't feel like tweeting about anything either. I prefer to blog and read blogs.

I searched chocolate and NASA. Chocolate had a LOT of hits, many of which were totally uninteresting. NASA gave me the actual NASA twitter feed. It didn't have much that I wasn't already aware of. What I didn't know, I'm not sure I really needed to know.

I think the Twitter is more for people that have short attention spans or feel that they must tell others about EVERTHING. So, I won't be twittering myself, or subscribing to any Twitter feeds
Again I feel more comfortable about blogging. It gives you time to really thing about what you are writing.

Besides, you never know who is reading the tweets. You don't want to have this happen to you:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29796962/

Pot Luck #55: Getting the Most Out of Facebook

2009-03-19T14:18:00.003-05:00

Pot Luck #55: Getting the Most Out of Facebook

Since this exercise wants me to sign up for a Facebook account, I will NOT be doing it. Facebook has been in the negative news too often lately and I am not really interested in what it offers. I have had several invites to Facebook, but already have enough ways to stay in touch with friends.

Blogging Note:

2009-03-07T18:07:00.002-06:00

In case you were wondering, I have started adding a link to the iHCPL the Next Generation page that each blog exercise is about. Fell free to take look!

Potluck #51: Holidays and Cooking and Recipes - Oh My!

2009-03-07T16:46:00.005-06:00

Potluck #51: Holidays and Cooking and Recipes - Oh My!

Find a recipe using one of the websites listed or use your favorite recipe
Although my favorite site for food is Kraft Foods, I decided to use the Food Network website to look for a recipe. I found a Breakfast Cookie recipe that looked interesting:

Breakfast Cookies
2007 Ellie Krieger, All rights reserved
Show: Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger Episode: Family Way

Level: Easy Yield: 12 cookies, serving size 1 cookie
Times: Prep 20 min Cook 12 min Total:32 min

Ingredients
3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup (1 small jar) strained carrot baby food
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup bran cereal flakes
1/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup walnut pieces, lightly toasted in a dry skillet for 2 minutes, until fragrant and chopped

Directions
Place rack in center of oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Whisk together flours, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Combine butter, oil and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on high speed, scraping down sides if necessary, until sugars have dissolved and mixture is light in color, about 1 minute. Add egg, carrot puree and vanilla and beat an additional 30 seconds. Add flour mixture and beat an additional 30 seconds. Add oats, flakes, raisins and walnuts and mix over low speed just until incorporated. Dough will be slightly sticky and less cohesive than traditional cookie dough. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using between 3 to 4 tablespoons of batter, form a ball and place on cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining batter, leaving about 3 inches between cookies. Wet hands and use palm of hand to flatten cookies until about 1/4-inch thick. Bake for 12 minutes, until cookies are fragrant but still soft. Let cookies cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

Covert the recipe either up or down.

Converting the recipe x 4 using the Recipe Ingredient Conversion Calculator yields these results:
3 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup canola oil
1 cup dark brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 cup strained carrot baby food
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups bran ceral flakes
1 1/3 cups raisins
1 1/3 cups walnut pieces, lightly toasted in dry skillet & chopped

I like the site I used to convert the recipe. It doesn't just convert the numbers, but wil give you a whole "new" recipe ready to print. Very nice!

You should remember that converting a recipe up or down can change the way the recipe turns out. However, I think the recipe above will work just fine.

Books, Readers and Beyond: #54 Social Networking Though Books

2009-03-02T18:01:00.005-06:00

iHCPL the Next Generation #54

Exercise#1
I am currently a member of two book clubs, both meeting monthly. One is a staff book discussion group and the other is the local Science Fiction/Fantasy book club. They both have the same format: tell us what you've read this month. You get recommendations about books that you may or may not have read and get to put you own two cents in. I much prefer the in-person clubs because you have a set time & place & your full attention. Plus you can get together for other stuff too.

Exercise#2
I've already implemented a book club into my Library. My self & another staff member reached out to an existing book club, the Science Fiction/Fantasy book club, that had been booking our conference room. I attended a few meetings and proposed a partnership that has been beneficial to both sides. They got a regular meeting space and advertising & we got a core group that has grown since implementation.

Using Reading Group Guides, I searched for a book that the Science Fiction/Fantasy book club could discuss. I liked this site's ability to search by genre and specific genre, not just "fiction". I found Fahrenheit 541 by Ray Bradbury. However, having just one title could be boring.

Exercise#3
I search for Raise the Titanic on a couple of social networks:
LibraryThing shows an average rating of 3.69 out of 5 points.
Shelfari shows a nearly 4 out of 5 stars average.
Goodreads shows an average rating 3.78 out of 5.
I'm not suprised that the ratings were similar, it is a solid book. I like that these sites allow for searching without needing to be member.

Books, Readers and Beyond: #53 Finding Books Online

2009-02-23T12:59:00.012-06:00

iHCPL the Next Generation #53

Exercise #1 Find the three booksellers that are closest to my branch. Some may not consider these traditional booksellers, but they are the three closest & have web presences as shown.

Inside our Library:
Friends of Freeman Bookstore 16616 Diana Lane, Houston, Tx 77062 just inside of entrance
http://www.amazon.com/shops/freemanfriends and
http://shops.half.ebay.com/libvol

.89 miles away:
Bedrock City Comic Company (281) 557-2748 106 W Bay Area Blvd, Webster, TX http://www.bedrockcity.com/ Searchable.

1.16 miles away:
Half Price Books, Records & Magazines (281) 335-1283 961 Nasa Pky, Houston, TX http://www.halfpricebooks.com/ Give you locations & info, but directs to Amazon for books.

Exercise #2
I searched Amazon for Cussler's Raise the Titanic. It is available in paperback: new@ $9.99 or used@ $2 & up. Even with free shipping for new, I'd probably go for the used @ $5.98, shipping included. It is also available on audio cassette for $120. The Kindle edition is $7.99.

I used eBook Searchr to find other eBook versions. Wattpad has a version that can be read on a cell phone and there are some other free and commercial sites, but I'd have to check the legalities of each. Unfortunately, my local Library systen doesn't have it as an eBook or eAudio.

Exercise #3
I have downloaded and read entire eBooks using the Harris County Public Library's Digital Media Catalog. I do this when a hard copy is not available. It is easy to do. The instructions are available and clear. And eBooks are searchable.

But, I still prefer the feel of a print book. I can still read them without power using booklights or candles. AND They are much easier to read in bed.

Books, Readers and Beyond:#52 What to Read

2009-02-05T17:34:00.018-06:00

iHCPL the Next Generation #52

Exercise #1: I chose to find a read-a-like for Clive Cussler's Raise the Titanic! Searching Novelist Plus gives me a couple of options. I can find similar authors or similar books. In this case we are looking for similar books. Under the "Find Similar Books" option, I have the following subjects to select or deselect:
Titanic (Steamship)
Salvage
Pitt, Dirk
International intrigue
Suspense stories, American
Adventure stories, American
Sea stories, American

I remove Dirk Pitt from the mix, so I don't get just Dirk Pitt books. The result still gives me Cussler books, but others as well:
Raise the Titanic! Cussler, Clive
Night probe! Cussler, Clive
Bahamas blue Poyer, David
Blindfold game Stabenow, Dana
Dreamboat Gould, Judith
Tempest down Rovin, Jeff
Black storm Poyer, David
The threat: a novel Poyer, David
Pacific vortex! Cussler, Clive
Valhalla rising Cussler, Clive

I've been using Novelist, then Novelist Plus for quite a while and really like the search options it provides.

What should I read next? asks for title & author and returns a list:

Bear Island - Alistair MacLean
Golden Buddha - Clive Cussler, Craig Dirgo
Polar Shift - Clive Cussler, Paul Kemprecos
Treasure of Khan - Clive Cussler, Dirk Cussler
James Bond: Spy Who Loved Me - Ian Fleming, Jim Lawrence, Yaroslav Horak
Plan of Attack - Dale Brown
The Veteran - Frederick Forsyth
The Coming of the King - Nikolai Tolstoy Snuff Fiction - Robert Rankin
James Bond: Goldfinger - Ian Fleming, Henry Gammidge, John McLusky

I could not find the Cussler title on any of the The Fiction_L Booklists and did not like the set up on this site. It does not have a good search option.

Looking at the two sets of results that I do have show that there are similarities with additional Cussler books listed. However they do diverge a bit with the other books. I've always considered the Dirk Pitt books a cross between James Bond and Indiana Jones. I think the Novelist list is a little more accurate for me, but depending on taste, either of these lists will give you good ideas.

Exercise #2: Find two books suitable for a fourth grade girl interested in animals and another two books for her thirteen year old brother who is interested in ghost stories.

I'll be using Novelist Plus for both these searches.
For a fourth grade girl interested in animals, I chose the Recommended Reads for older kids. This has lists for both Animals (nonfiction) and Animal Stories (fiction). I chose Animals and found a list of books on Horses and found

Horse breeds of the world by Brent Kelley and

Horse & pony book: a practical guide to caring for a horse or pony by Carolyn Henderson.

For her her thirteen year old brother, I used the Curiosities list under Recommended Reads for Teens. The two title I chose are

Real ghosts, restless spirits, and haunted places by Brad Steiger and

Unexplained by Judy Allen.

Exercise #3: A customer tells you that he's read every book written by Dean Koontz and asks you to find an author who writes similar books.

Using Novelist Plus again, I was able to find author read-a-likes

Dan Simmons, Charles Grant, and Robert McCammon

Exercise#4: A customer has read Alanna: the First Adventure by Tamora Pierce. She would like to read the other books in the series in order.

Using KDL's Whats Next? database, I was able to quickly find the series containing the book.

Song of the Lioness quartet
Book 1 Alanna: The first adventure
Book 2 In the hand of the goddess
Book 3 The woman who rides like a man
Book 4 Lioness rampant

I would also recommend the site to the customer, in case she wants to find out about the other series in the same world. Novelist Plus could also have been used to do this.

2009, a New Year, blogging again

2009-02-05T17:27:00.004-06:00

Back again with more iHCPL nextgen stuff. I'll be able to finish up some stuff from last year and do new stuff from this year. The format has changed some with sorter time limits for the new stuff this year, but I have til November to finish the 08 stuff. See you soon!

iHCPL NextGen not completed - maybe next time

2008-10-29T13:58:00.002-05:00

I think it was the Summer Break that did it - too much time between the posts. I did the same thing with the TV strike - stopped watching the reruns & just didn't go back to what few shows I did watch before. I don't think I 'll finish any of the others before deadline. I hope some of the NextGen will be repeated next year for training credit again. I liked the way each module was a separate training credit instead of needing to finish the whole thing to get points. I have my training for the year, but I'll be back.

Games and Gaming #38: Console Gaming

2008-05-28T16:13:00.006-05:00

Talk about a blast from the past! I remember playing Pacman & others on those console tables at the pizza place after the game. The tables were great - you could still have your soda & pizza while playing the games. I played on the "nostalgic" game site with Pacman and Missile Command. Figuring out the command keys was easy, even without instructions. I prefer the console controls over the keyboard, but the timing in the game was the same I was used to playing. Since I was familiar with the timing and action of the game, I did OK. I guess that might give me an advantage over someone who has not played the classics.

For Gaming in the Library iHCPLnextgen presented Microsoft Xbox 360 , Sony Playstation 3 , and Nintendo Wii as 3 possibilities. These 3 are nice and currently HOT, but a lot could depend on your funding. Of these 3, I like the Wii because it encourages physical activity. However, cost and availablilty could make it hard to get.

I would like to propose another possible game system, the PS2. While the PS2 may not be as flashy as the PS3, it is still a very widely used system. It has been around long enough to have a good collection of games and a LOT of people are already familiar with it. It is still readily available, and if someone is upgrading to a newer system, available used at a discounted price.

I think that console gaming can be both fun and educational. Depending on the game, you can improve memory, observation skills, and even agility(dancing). And while you may get some who only come to the Library for the games, both console & PC based, they are at least exposed to what else the Library has to offer. You only need to get one or two connected to the books before some word of mouth gets others involved.

Games and Gaming #37: Get Your Game On @ The Library

2008-05-21T13:00:00.004-05:00

I have read all the recommended articles on gaming in the library. The one I am most familiar with is The Shifted Librarian because I subscribe to her RSS feeds. I agree with what she has to say. Gaming DOES promote Reading and Library Usage and I have seen it. I like it when the games, even Runescape, are providing educational opportunities. The players may not even realize that they are learning because it is fun.

Some of it is more obvious - the Carnegie Mellon library games, for example, at http://www.library.cmu.edu/Libraries/etc/index.html . I played these and found them easy, but you could say that I've had practice. I like that they teach basic library organization and research skills. I wouldn't mind seeing something like like on my Library's website.

Games serve two purposes - as a lure to get people into the Library and as a tool to teach them. Once in the Library, people notice what else is available. Playing the games, they learn new skills, including social skills, in order to better interact around them. I think that Games in the Library will evolve to both educate and entertain just as Libraries have evolved themselves. At one time the thought of computers or movies in the Library was unknown. Look at us now.

Games and Gaming #36: The Wide World of Online Role Playing Games

2008-05-21T12:19:00.004-05:00

I set up a Runescape account & spent more than 15 minutes going through the Runescape tutorial. I found it easy to learn how to get around. The instructions were pretty basic and they give you the option of repeating the instruction if you want. You get all the basic skills you need to start the game. The instructors gave advice about the skill they were teaching and about the game in general.

Once you are done with the tutorial, you are transported out to the world. The first city is a place where you can learn more basic skills. It is set up for new players to gain experience. I did not play any further, as I prefer to watch others or play in face to face role playing games. I am somewhat familiar with Runescape due to family playing it. They have since moved on to other online games.

The Character I created is a basic female human character. Since I did not plan on playing past the tutorial, I really did not put a lot of thought into the charatcter. Here is a screen shot of my character.

Games and Gaming #35: Games? In the Library?

2008-05-08T20:42:00.004-05:00

I have played and still play FreeRice and Houston Chronicle Sudoku . WordSplay might be fun, but I don't want to register for it. I've also played on some of the kid's sites suggested.

Keeping to the FreeRice and Sudoku - both have very easy instructions/rules. Both also offer hints. FreeRice will tell you the correct answer for a word you miss and bring it up again later to test your memory. The Sudoku allows you to either place notations or will give you hints if you want. Hints are good for beginners and the notations help you make your own notes to solve the puzzle.

These two games help develop vocabulary and memory (FreeRice) and logic (Sudoku). Sudoku builds logical thinking because you need to be able to look at the number sets in three different 'directions' in order to solve the puzzle. FreeRice starts easy, but builds up to more difficult words as you get more definitions correct. You might be surprised by the number of words you know.

Maps #34: Geocoding and Geocaching

2008-04-25T12:56:00.010-05:00

Geocoding- Exercise 1

The location I chose to find and list the GPS coordinates for is the Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library at 16616 Diana Lane, Houston, TX 77062. I found the coordinates using the recommended GPS Visualizer Quick Geocoder with Google as the primary source.
The coordinates returned are 29.559044, -95.120043.

When I map it, the coordinates shown are off by half a block. See the map:

View Larger Map

Using Yahoo as the primary source, I get a more accurate reading of 29.558611, -95.119551.

Use the coordinates above in Yahoo to take a look yourself.

Geocaching - Excercises 2&3

This is a geocache that I would be interested in finding. Ithink I knew the general location right off. This was the case with several of the local geocaches listed.
The the url of the geocache is: http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=ae0dbd31-6456-49d7-814d-f07e2db90e2e

The GPS Coordinates are N 29° 31.891 W 095° 07.794

My thoughts on geocaching: I think is something I would like to do for fun, but at this time do not own a GPS unit. I would not want to do it alone. I would rather have at least one partner long for both fun and safety's sake. After all, two pairs of eyes are better than one.

Maps #33: Relocating with Online Maps

2008-04-21T16:44:00.002-05:00

ACTIVITY 1:

I choose the Apartment part of this activity because I already know about the House part. I still occasionally check out my neighborhood to keep track of values.

I searched for apartments in the 77062 area, the same zip as the Library. I found that using the radius search gives me more seletion that just seaching with in a zip code area. But the zip area nicely limits the selection if you don't have a vehicle. Most of the apartments I found listed handicap accessiblity. It was only a search criteria for one search service, the others needed a little digging.

I found 3 possible properties that I would consider. They were all listed on 2 of the 3 search services. I like that floor plans and pictures are available for viewing before you contact the management about availability. One service even connects you to the properties website ro more details.

I found that the hybrid map view was the most useful to me, especially when additional seaching(banks,stores,libraries)were an option. The plain street map was too sterile and the satellite view without street names was too busy. The combination gave a more realistic view.

This leads to ACTIVITY 2:

I like both Apartments.com and Apartment Guide with a leaning towards Apartment Guide. Apartment Guide has bigger maps. The maps also give more detail and more search options on what is nearby. That gives you a better idea on what is in the neighborhood.

The public library was only .31 miles from the property I choose . There were 3 pharmacies within half a mile, one inside of a grocery just across an intersection. There is an elementary school only 3 blocks away and a couple of daycares even closer. An auto repair center is .21 miles away. Several restaurants are within .5 miles, both fast food and sit down. A Metro Park & Ride is within a mile, easy walking distance to catch a bus downtown.

I like Apartment Guide, but might also check the other search services to compare total info. Not that I'm moving anytime soon, I too attached to what I currently have.

Maps #32: Current Events

2008-04-12T10:53:00.008-05:00

ACTIVITY 1:

I looked through the list of "100 Things To Do With Google Maps" .

One hypothetical question that I could best answer through visualization is "What is my elevation above sea level?". Along the Texas gulf coast, this is a relevant question.

I used the Freeman Library again as a subject. I went to http://www.earthtools.org/ and found that if you were standing on the sidewalk in front of the library, you would be 10m above sea level. The latitude and longitude is 29.558°N 95.1196°W . Since the site also gives latitude and longitude, you know the height above sea level at that point. And since you can have a satellite view, you can make sure that the data is from the exact point you want. Pretty cool.

ACTIVITY 2:

Explore Global Incident Map , Terra Server, or National Atlas .

I looked at all three to see what they were about. Terra Server is pretty, but is a commercial enterprise. The Global Incident Map is flashy, but most of the "incidents" I looked at turned out to be nothing. Of course, I could have just looked at the wrong incidents.

National Atlas is intriguing and for the most part FREE. They provide printable PDF maps, but you can also order printed maps, if you want. I've been having fun with the Boundaries of the United States . I'll need to remember the Reference and Outline Maps of the United States the next time I get a reference question regarding U.S. maps. Yous can print either the entire U.S. or individual states. There are several printing options to choose from and you can always preview to make sure it is what you need. It was neat to see just the rivers & lakes of Texas without other map features.

Optional Bonus Activity: EarthNow Landsat Image Viewer

This is the coolest thing. The EarthNow Landsat Image Viewer lets you view footage from Landsat satellites, sometimes in REAL TIME. The site tells you what the day & time of the currently running pass. It also let's you know the time of the next live pass. Leave this running on your desktop & you are likely to return to someone staring at the satellite image passing by.

Maps #31: Have Map, Will Travel

2008-04-02T16:21:00.006-05:00

I had trouble viewing the Google "Create a Map" tutorial at work, but was able to do so at home. I figured out how to create a map before viewing the tutorial and had fun. I decided to make a make of the places to eat around the library titled "Dining near Freeman Library". I figure this is an easy way for visitors to look at the food options nearby when they go to the Library for programs or training. Just do a Google map search for Freeman Library dining. Here it is embedded below:

View Larger Map

I'm not sure why the plaza is labeled Dickenson Shopping Center. I'll have too investigate and notify Google.

I think this is a good way to direct people to your house, though town from the airport, or just get info about places for yourself. I also made a note about the James Coney Isand being closed when I did the seach for restaurants near Freeman. I like how people are allowed to make comments or corrections(pending verification)to keep the maps current. Think about it - you were in the mood for coneys & search Google only to find the closed note. No wasted trip.

I have found Google & Yahoo to be simillar in looks for maps, but I'm still looking at all the features. I tend to use Yahoo over Mapquest because it seems to be better with keping current.

Spring Cleaning #30: Take a Load Off Our Drives

2008-03-15T22:08:00.007-05:00

Keeping drives cleaned up and organized is a good thing. You always know where stuff is and that it is most current. I've started putting what I consider archive files on CD. The Archived files are ones that I don't need except as historical references. The files can be data from old programs as one example. You want to keep the numbers as reference, but it doesn't need to be on the shared drive. I think the oldest was more than 5 yrs old, but I did refer to it in 2008.

S: drive I've used this before when submitting files to be printed at Admin. I like that it is supposed to be self cleaning if you forget to delete your file when done.

P: drive This is nice because you can access it even while logged on to a branch or generic profile. You can have files that are shared for informational or cooperative reasons. e.g. The computer class schedule is in this folder but that flyer we are working on is in this one. Organization using folders is a great way to put like documents together - supplies, periodicals, second floor stuff. Folders help when you are searching for particular documents - it is in the 'Friends' folder in the subfolder 'price tags'- instead of searching through many documents. Be careful of duplication and do you really need a copy of that form when it is on Harriet?

I'm looking at what I've made to be sure it is current and and not extraneous. I might make suggestions to a coworker if some reorganization would help everyone see the folders/files more clearly.

Z: drive This is accessed only under my profile. I keep track of expense documents, time sheets and my training hours here. Timesheets are current and two past. Once I check the County records, I delete mine. Training is current & last years to be sure I don't repeat something. I think I keep this one pretty clean since it is just myself.

Spring Cleaning #29: Email

2008-03-11T22:02:00.003-05:00

Email Accounts: I currently have 4 personal accounts, but don't use them all.

I have one with my ISP, but don't use that except with the ISP because ISPs can change.

I have an account I actually pay to use. It started out free, but I stuck with it because Yahoo was still new at the time. I use it for personal business dealings.

I have a Yahoo account that I use mainly for personal correspondence. I started it as a "throw away" account in case I had spam problems, but I have been lucky/diligent.

I recently set up a Gmail account in order to IM with my child. I'm currently looking at the Google Calendar as a possible family scheduling tool. I'll need to compare it to the Yahoo calendar, but so far G has better features.

Work email: I have 14 folders that I sort things I want to keep and be able to access via webmail. Some stuff just gets read & deleted, others get replies or some other action. One example: supply requests for my dept. are emailed to me and moved to the "supplies needed" folder. As I read them, I add to the supply order. I keep the requests untill the order comes in then delete them.

I keep my email display at 17 items per page and try to keep no more than 2 pages for Inbox. I like pages I can glance at to find a message for quicker action. I try to review the folders, all of them, each week to keep up on work stuff and clean out anything I missed before. Sometimes it is longer, but that feeling of organized Webmail is nice. My address book is updated regularly, when staff changes. The webmail is good about telling you when a message did not go through.

I occasionally get an email that is more to the personal side. It gets forwarded to my personal account, then deleted from inbox and sent mail immediately. I'm trying to keep the personal side organized too, but Yahoo touts that "umlimited storage". I wonder how far people have gone....?

Spring Cleaning #28: Don’t Clutter Up Expensive Cyberspace

2008-03-11T21:36:00.002-05:00

Getting Things Done. I've actually read the book. I understand how things can be easier following the process: Collect, Process, Organize, Review and Do. I'm working on the first four, but sometimes it can be difficult due to number 5: Do. There are times it seem all I am is Doing and the the other 4 fall the wayside. You now the saying "a messy desk is the sign of a busy mind(person)"? Some times I feel that is the case, but I keep trying and even succeeding in getting it done and organized.

Mostly I try to prioritize what is needed most or soonest, then act on it. If an item is not an immediate concern, I make sure to still keep it available for review or action if time becomes available. In this job, I have learned to be flexible, because you never know when the next "crisis" may pop up. It may look like I carry the same pile of papers around, but what is in the pile always changes. (my do this next stuff)

I've looked at the Google Calendar and like the feature of multiple calendars and allowing others to modify only certain calendars but not others. It could be handy at home if I could get others to post their appointments also.

That's one "fun" thing about organizing - you are not alone at home or work and it helps if everyone tries to consistent in some manner.

Sound: #27: Creating Your Own Podcast

2008-03-11T21:27:00.003-05:00

This was not required, but I took up the challenge. I wonder how many others did the same. Gabcast makes it real easy. You don't need to have a recording device for he PC, just phone it in!

Take a listen to mine here

Gabcast! Sound: #27: Creating Your Own Podcast #1

Sound: #26: Making (or listening to) Music Together

2008-02-24T19:50:00.008-06:00

Sharing Musical Tastes

I'm not really interested in joining any music networking sites, so it is hard to really look at the sites to see what they offer. Part of it could be that music is not a BIG part of my life. My tastes are rather eclectic, also, so it could be hard to really nail my tastes down.

Project Playlist - social music experiment (from site)
This site lets you search for music without joining. It looks like you can create lists for various social sites too, probably with free membership.

Imeem
This not only has music, but video and photo, too. It gives you categories for the music and video right on the front page. It deems itself as a Community.

MOG - because the web mostly sucks (from the site)
This one does require a download if you want to use the Mogomatic to match you with others. This one does require a download if you want to use the Mogomatic to match you with others.

Phling! is a service that allows you to access audio from your PC on your mobile phone and share it with friends. I don't have a cell phone.

Qloud allows you to add a "my music" component to your existing social network account in Facebook or Friendster and I don't have accounts with these.

Creating Music Together

I tried the site JamStudio . It is fun, but a little limiting right now. I'm still trying it out. You can listen to what I've done by joining and opening the Public file and going to jl1.

I may try Splice or ccMixter next.

Sound #25: Am I a Music Pirate? It's Hard to Know...

2008-02-13T20:05:00.003-06:00

CD Burning:

I find that burning a CD is easy. It helps to have good software. I don't have an MP3 player of my own yet, so I borrow the branch player. Maybe one of these days. I still use CDs. I like to have portable storage without having to worry about a PC crash and losing any tunes.

Sharing Music

One on the advantages of having legal music CD is the ability to loan the CD to a friend to listen. You can't use it while they have it and vice versa. It takes the legal question out.

Musicians can benefit by sharing, but I think it should be limited. They sould be able to make the decision on how their work is used. After all, musicians need to eat too.

Radiohead took a big step in releasing their new album online before coming out with a hard copy. They still had good sales when the CD came out. It was their decision.

Creative Commons License is a nice step in the middle. It allows some uses of of works, but askes for credit/recognition.

Sound #24: The Sound of Music

2008-02-13T20:03:00.002-06:00

This blog will be about online music. Whether it be downloads (paid or free), podscasts or streaming radio, there is a lot of music out on the Web. Here are my thoughts on some of these:

Pay to Play sites:

Napster advertises "Unlimited Music On Demand". It has available software, which may or may not be required. You do need to have an active membership to play tracks downloaded from Napster. This keeps you reeled in to play the music. I guess if you don't mind that commitment...

iTunes is restricted to one computer,or one ipod, one library or computer. I think this format is too limiting. I'm not an Ipod person and this is one of the reasons. The other being no access to the battery(s).

Yahoo! Here again, you need to be subscribed to access played songs. Cost seems lower than Napster and no propietary software. You can use Media Player.

Rhapsody is like Napster with its own software, but nothing immediately about needing to stay current to play the music (Icould be wrong). Rhapsody also offers a limited free account that doesn't appear to be a limited time or trial offer. It also has an editors's choice rating from CNET.

Amazon sells MP3 files by song and album. Supposed to be compaticble with both iTunes andMedia Player. If you aren't interested in unlimited play or tunes and don't want to worry about maintaining a membership to play your downloads, this could be for you.

Free and Legal:

HCPL Digital Media is one source for free downloads. It does have a time limit for the "checkout". This is a good way to sample music to see what you like before buying it or to have a "library" available without useing a lot of your own storage.

Downloading:

Ease will depend on the site you use. I have found it to be easy myself. In some cases, it is simply click and drag to your PC, then click and drag to your MP3. A number of MP3s are treated as data devices by the PC, making it real simple.

Online Radio:

One of my favorite stations, KACC, has streaming radion online. They also offer occasional live band webcasts from the studio. Most cool. KUHF also offers online steaming. They both may be operated by colleges, but I get classical, news and rock covered. Take a look at your favorite station. It may be available online

iHCPL:the Next Generation

2008-02-05T15:24:00.000-06:00

Here we go again! Time to learn more new or not so new things. The link is http://www.ihcplnextgen.blogspot.com/ . Watch for my posts!

iHCPL Bling

2007-11-28T13:27:00.000-06:00

Here is the iHCPL bling that HCPL staff received for completing their tasks. The traing hours are nice too. This was a fun training project & I enjoy helping other understand it.

iHCPL #23 The end of one journey is the beginning of another

2007-11-19T10:27:00.000-06:00

This has been an interesting journey. As my title states - The end of one journey is the beginning of another. Everything we learn is just another step forward on the path of life and who knows where it might lead?

In these exercises, I found both familiar and new things. I'm helping others learn about their new discoveries.

I found that there were some activities I was familiar with, but not using because I wasn't sure I needed them. Because I was "forced" to use them as part of these exercises, I found them to be quite useful. Two items are LibraryElf and Bloglines RSS feeds. LibraryElf has been really nice for monitoring the 5 cards across 3 systems in the family. Bloglines is useful in keeping track of new developments on site I like to monitor, without the worry that I have missed something.

I have been recommending LibraryElf to customers who track multiple cards. I think it would be a good promotion for us, especially towards those customers with families and multiple cards

I think we can use online video tutorials for customers to better learn how-to instead of just having a hand out. Video could also help us show "How the LibraryWorks" so customers better understand what happens "behind the scenes".

We need to know what Library 2.0 & Web 2.0 are, but we also need to know how to use it to help our customers. It has been a great journey, but I want to bring along others too.

Where are you going and what are you doing NEXT?

I think Library 2.0, and Web 2.0 for that matter, is something that evolves to meet the needs of its users. One examaple is the iHCPL program for employees and the matching iHCPL2 program for patrons at HCPL. These tools help employees learn how to help the patrons and patrons learn how to help themselves. The programs are voluntary, but available to those who want to participate.

We learn how to help others and make available the tools so they can also help themselves.

iHCPL #22 Downloadable Media

2007-11-15T12:46:00.001-06:00

This is a "been there done that" moment. When the HCPL Overdrive system added videos to its repertoire, I had to try it out. I found the instructions to be clear, but my PC could have been faster. That is one thing that will limit downloading and viewing - PC speed. The other is available memory. This is true for any type of downloadable digital media. I don't remember the title I chose, just that it was short. I followed the directions, waited for the download, and viewed the video. I have downloaded music but haven't downloaded any books.

I checked out both Librivox and Wowio. Librivox uses volunter readers to record Public Domain books for free audio download. They also have podcasts. Wowio uses corporate sponsorships to make Adobe versions of their books available. They also ask to confirm your identity to be sure you are you.

Between HCPL's Overdrive, Librivox and Wowio, I see coverage of mainstream, the classics and independent publishers, most what someone is looking for could be found.

iHCPL #21 - Podcasting

2007-11-14T15:42:00.000-06:00

I've listened to online podcasts before when I could not get the live radio broadcast. It was easy to do a search on various subjects. I found & subcribed to one on Library 2.0. I also have a subscribtion to "Engines of Our Ingenuity", a podcast from KUHF. I can't listen to the live broadcast version, so I like getting the RSS podcast feeds to remind me to listen to the podcasts.

iHCPL #20 You Tube & Video Sharing

2007-11-12T11:29:00.000-06:00

I'm a long time viewer, but never posted user of YouTube.
I've received and sent video links, searched for links, and monitored certain posters.
It's to the point where I'm thinking of signing up for an account just to be able to subcribe and comment to certain posters.

One that you may have seen material from is mwesch. Mike Wesch is a professor teaching Digital Ethnography at Kansas State University. The videos posted by that class have always left me impressed and thinking. Their study and use of YouTube shows how YouTube (and its users) is changing the the way people view the world around them.

Here is an introduction to the YouTube Ethnography Project:

If you aren't able to view the embedded video, click here.

To get the full impact, search mwesch on YouTube for videos by the class and individual students.

I think the Library could use video to change the way people view the Library and how it works, but we would need to start from the customer point of view. Maybe they should see what really happens to that book they requested or returned. Hmmmm..."A day in the Life of a Book" ?

Parade of Pumpkins- Animoto Style

2007-11-08T08:47:00.001-06:00

This was Fun! You choose your photos & their music. They make the video

To see My Parade of Pumpkins video go to

http://animoto.com/play/78baeed06c155d4dd8689210a4f508dd

iHCPL Avatars

2007-11-02T14:47:00.000-05:00

I've downloaded my Avatar to the iHCPL Avatar file. Take a look at the Parade-of-Avatars and try to guess who I am!

iHCPL#19 Online Productivity Tools

2007-10-30T10:45:00.001-05:00

OK, here I am using Zoho Writer. I am finding that it is very easy to use. The options are similar to what I regularly use. But the REALLY nice part is that it saves your stuff online. No worries about having a portable storage device with you. It is kinda like the roaming profiles at work. You log onto your profile and your stuff is there. The templates are varied and well thought out. I can see myself using this. I'll be putting this on my blog, instead of publishing from with in the blog itself.

All right! I did it! Now I'm adding an additional note to say - Zoho Rocks!

iHCPL #18 Social Networking

2007-10-29T21:57:00.000-05:00

I've looked at Social Networking sites. If I were to join one, it might be Facebook or Yahoo!360 . I'm not interested in MySpace , it seems too hyped up. Facebook and Yahoo!360 make a better first impression on me. I'm not sure I want to wade too far into Social Networking at this time. I already belong to several Yahoo!Groups and like the contact I have in these groups. This contact is similar to some of the more specialized Social Networking sites like Dogster or Catster , but with my special interests all under the Yahoo! umbrella.

iHCPL #17 Technology

2007-10-24T08:14:00.000-05:00

From World Book Online :

technology «tehk NOL uh jee», noun, plural -gies.

1. the science of the mechanical and industrial arts; applied science: He studied electronics at a school of technology.
2. the body of tools, machines, materials, techniques, and processes used to produce goods and services and satisfy human needs: Science has contributed much to modern technology.
3. a particular application of technology; any method, process, or system using special tools and techniques
to achieve a goal: medical technology. To reach the…conditions required for a net release of fusion power it is necessary to first develop many new technologies (Scientific American) .
4.technical words, terms, or expressions as used in an art or science; technical terminology or nomenclature

My favorite part about Technology has always been the TOOLS.
If you have the right tools, or can use what you have creatively, you can do most anything. That is why my favorite RSS feeds are Gizmodo and Make Magazine . They are always coming up with new tools or how to use them.

Regarding posting comments to other blogs - been doing that. I think it is nice to get feedback, so I try to give it.

iHCPL # 16 So, what's in a wiki?

2007-10-22T08:59:00.000-05:00

Wikis are an interesting thing. You can open a wiki up to editing by anyone or limit it to just a few. A wiki evolves from what its users do. I looked at the iHCPL Wiki Sandbox. I added two items. One is my blog under favorite blogs and a website under favorite websites. I found it really easy to use.

I can see how it can be used to add and modify information for the "public", but it could also be easily abused if the wiki is not monitored or access restricted. That is one reason that I may use a Wikipedia entry as a starter point, but still find other sources to confirm any info.

Update: I have it set up to get emails once an hour if the Wiki is updated. It is fun seeing what others are adding.

iHCPL #15 Library 2.0 & Web 2.0

2007-10-19T09:07:00.000-05:00

About Library 2.0 - some people may think "we've been there, done that". That may be true, but

Where are you going and what are you doing NEXT?

I think Library 2.0, and Web 2.0 for that matter, is something that evolves to meet the needs of its users. One examaple is the iHCPL program for employees and the matching iHCPL2 program for patrons at HCPL. These tools help employees learn how to help the patrons and patrons learn how to help themselves. The programs are voluntary, but available to those who want to participate.

We learn how to help others and make available the tools so they can also help themselves.

iHCPL #14 Technorati tagging

2007-10-15T16:58:00.000-05:00

I've taken a look at Technorati and tried doing an advanced search by typing "Learning 2.0" as a keyword search in Blog posts, in tags and in the Blog Directory. The results ARE different. It also depends on whether you use the "exact phrase" option. I used the exact phrase option or quote marks for "Learning 2.0"as needed. I also tried it without and got 10X the hits since learning and 2.0 were used as separate keywords.

Searching by Blog posts using exact phrase option- There were 554 hits on blog posts.
Without the exact phrase option there were 6000+ hits. I'm sticking to "Learning 2.0" when I don't have an exact phrase option.

Searching tags gives me a variety of results because it searches for posts (127 hits), blogs (309 hits), videos (20 hits) and photos (20 x 20+ (400+) hits). Wow - a LOT of photos!

Searching the Blog Directory gave me 309 hits.

Searching results depend on how you phrase it. What you get might not be what you expect either - it depends on how someone else tagged it.

Popular blogs, searches and videos have some interesting results. I recommend checking this person's videos http://youtube.com/user/mwesch. They give you something to think about.

I'm not ready to get too involved with Technorati at this time. I may do so later.

iHCPL #13 Tagging and Del.icio.us

2007-10-10T19:45:00.000-05:00

Tags are one-word (usually) descriptors that you can assign to things like bookmarks, blogs, books, and other things. These are descriptors YOU assign because that is what it means to you. As you can see to the right, I have a list of tags for my blog.

I've used Del.icio.us for work. It is handy to be able to access the links from any PC. Since it is a shared list, I get not only items I may have added, but what others have added as well. This gives me extra resources that I may not have known. The user comments give new insight on the various sites that I may not have seen.

I can see where this could be a useful research tool. The tutorial video showed how this can be used as such. Finding a good link and looking at what others have could get you another good link or lead you in a new direction.

I'm not ready for a Del.icio.us account yet. I don't have enough sites I want to track. but I can see where it coul eventually be useful for me.

#10 part ll - Having more Fun with Image Generators

2007-10-08T11:18:00.000-05:00

Just because it is FUN! There are really so many fun things you can do. It's hard to choose just one. This one is from Sign Generator.

iHCPL #12 Library Elf

2007-10-06T11:01:00.001-05:00

I get Library Elf emails for 5 different library accounts. I have 3 different library cards (different libraries) myself and watch 2 other accounts for family. I admit that most of the holds on the family cards are mine anyway, but I do have their permission to use their accounts.

Library Elf gives you a summary of all your accounts together, instead of you needing to go to each library site to check the accounts. This is really nice when you are waiting for stuff to come in for a request. Settings can be customized to your preferences. (e.g. number of days before item is due to be notified) You still get notices from the Libraries themselves, but I like the summary from Library Elf.

You still need to remember your card when you go to the Library.

iHCPL #11 LibraryThing

2007-10-05T16:25:00.001-05:00

I have a Library Thing account and now that I remember the password, I can talk about it. As of this writing, I only have five items cataloged. I would have more, but I've been trying to weed my home collection to a more manageable size. Until that is done, there is no real time to use Library Thing . Because, once I start, I will be addicted. It is really easy to catalog your books. Your collection can be private or public. In a way, this site can be for social networking also. You can see who else has books you own and contact them to get recommendations.

You can see random books from my library at Library Thing on the right of my blog page.

iHCPL #10 Online Image Generators

2007-10-05T15:32:00.001-05:00

This is is the result of using Comicstripgenerator . It was fun! I found that txt2pic has a list of various types of image generators. Have fun yourself!

Update : I added another post on image generators just for fun! Look for the "Dummies" book.

iHCPL #9 Finding Feeds

2007-10-02T09:42:00.000-05:00

Finding feeds was fairly easy. It helped that sites I regularly visited decided to add RSS (or similar) to their sites. Bloglines instructions are clear and understandable. A few of my subscriptions are in the previous post. Take a look.

I looked at the tools listed by iHCPL.
Feedster has some preset "channels". This is nice when you just want to have a look a what is there without having to sort it out.
Topix has a feature to search news by city, state or zip and looks user driven.
Syndic8 seems more about statistics and syndication.
Technorati literally updates as you view it. It reminds me of those news tickers and the bottom of the screen on several cable news stations.

Since I've been using the Bloglines search tools, I haven't needed any others.

iHCPL #8 RSS & Newsreaders

2007-09-27T13:11:00.000-05:00

I have a Bloglines account and have found it to be Useful and Fun. I try to check it everyday when I check email. Some of the Feeds I subscribe to are The Shifted Librarian, Librarian Internet Index, and Will It Blend . That last one is for Fun. I don't have to wonder when the next episode is available, it appears on my Bloglines account. You do have to be careful, some feeds can have numerous posts and regular checking helps keep it from overwhelming you. Watching 10 feeds as requested by this exercise won't be too difficult for me. I just needed to add a couple.

I have found that a number of ISPs have this sort of option on their Homepages. Yahoo allows you to customize "My Yahoo" to include feeds to update news, weather, movie times and more directly on your Yahoo page.

Why keep searching for updates when they can come to you? If you want to subscribe to my Posts, scroll to the bottom of the page for that option. Or add my URL to your Bloglines account. It is http://www.hcpljl.blogspot.com/ .
I'll be watching several of yours to see what you have to say.

iHCPL #7 Online Photo Editing Tools

2007-09-26T14:58:00.000-05:00

I've worked with Picnik to modify my original posted picture. First I cropped the picture to eliminate extra black around the outside and center the image a bit. I then added color, a frame and text. Picnik is easy to use and gives you some nice options to interface with other sites. In this case I used the "add image" option from the blog to add the pics.

iHCPL #6 Flickr Mashups

2007-09-25T12:40:00.000-05:00

I've played with the various Mashups before. I like Flappr and Flickr Sudoku at this time, but that could change. The more I play with Flappr the more I like it.

iHCPL #5-b Flickr Blogging

2007-09-25T12:38:00.001-05:00

Sparkle Cone, originally uploaded by ireadalota.

This is my photo added as a blog instead of being part of the Blog display page. If you click on the photo name, it takes you to the Flickr page for the photo.

iHCPL #5-a Picture sharing in Flickr

2007-09-24T17:07:00.000-05:00

I've set a few pictures public and tagged them iHCPL, along with a few other choice tags. These show what happens when "Fireworks Go Bad". Flickr has been fun, but I'm not sure if I will pay for the Pro version to continue or lapse to the free version.

Added note:

I haven't been able to search by tag and get the pics, so here's a link to the set:

http://www.flickr.com/gp/9929431@N02/WSDM19

Pictures

2007-09-18T13:10:00.000-05:00

I added a picture last night, I hope you like it. I was rather pleased at how it turned out, since it was my first try at night photography with recently acquired digicam. With the digital camera, I take more pictures and have started using Flickr to store the photos. Flickr is nice to have as a back up to my HD and flash drives. I'm not to the point of sharing the pics online yet, but am working towards it. I want to organize and tag items before displaying them.

iHCPL #4 Online Safety and Sharing

2007-09-17T12:50:00.000-05:00

Oh yeah, this is the scary one and rightfully so. I think I've been pretty good on this subject myself, but I've seen things others have done and wonder "what were you thinking??!!!". The one video link from iHCPL and Think before you post was really good. More people really NEED to see it.

iHCPL #2 & #3 Learning Habits

2007-09-17T12:28:00.000-05:00

The blog is now registered with iHCPL for the training program.

I watched the Tutorial again to make note of the learning habits.
I noted the following :
Laugh
Give Yourself Credit
Motivate Yourself
Set a Goal
Think Positive
Organize

Laughter and Think Positive are two that are easy for me. If you can't laugh at yourself or find fun in your work, why do it? Laughter breeds Positive Thinking and vice versa - see previous sentence.

I'm not really interested in Credit. I know what I can do & what I've done, so I guess I give myself credit, but I'm not interested in "publishing it" unless it means more money (ha-ha-ha). But hey, I work for the County Government and don't expect to get rich from it. Those that do tend to get jail sentences.

The Motivate Yourself & Set a Goal are related. This can sometimes be tough when goals are changeable. It helps to set small step goals - like clean the dresser off, instead of cleaning the whole room. Working it in small steps eventually gets you to the goal. Taking that first step is easier when the drop off isn't so big. Accomplishing the smaller steps help you see progress and keep you motivated.

Organize- Anyone who has seen my house or desk will know this is the hardest for me. I usually know where the stuff is, but it would be difficult for others. I do keep working on organization. I just need to remember that "small step" will get me to my goal.

iHCPL #1 and me

2007-09-14T16:55:00.000-05:00

This is a blog started for the iHCPL program. I'm not sure I'll continue this after the end of the year, but may continue on a personal basis. I viewed the slide show and signed the contract. We are doing blogs next week and a few of us are starting early.