Brain0351

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

2010-04-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

This post deals with the trends that are happening around us that are replacing the way we did things in the not so distant past. I am asked to discuss the "developments listed" and which one will have the most influence. Seriously, who comes up with this list? I read the blog and I didn't really know if they were referring to blu-rays or downloading movies or something else entirely. (These posts have started to resemble homework assignments where the blogger has to answer all the questions in order to get full credit). Either way, if I am to answer this question, I will say that blu-ray technology will have the most influence.

Sure, they are a not as cheap as regular discs, but more and more people are starting to purchase high-definition televisions. Sooner or later they too will want to watch movies that use this technology to the fullest, and what better way than to watch a blu-ray movie (unless you download it from the cable companies in true HD). One technology that I have seen more and more as of lately is Gesture-Controlled technology. (This is the technology that Tom Cruise used in the movie Minority Report).

I like to know what new technology is out there, and when possible I upgrade. The latest thing was my HD television and blu-ray player. I also do a lot of presentations for church functions and other social events (somehow I have a life outside of video games and playing with my cat). Anyway, this is a small video of something that may prove to make presentations much more exciting.

The Future of Media #80: Movies

2010-02-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

1. Using Hulu, The Auteurs, and IMDB, I searched for a free full-length movie. All three websites offered different choices, and I have watched full-length episodes from them all at one point or another. (This was not my first introduction to the websites)

Even though I prefer to watch DVDs on my television, there are certain things that are more accessible through the internet. I choose my television set any day of the week, but every now and then I will sit in front of my computer and enjoy a movie.

2. I like to be informed on movies and I often find myself looking online for the latest news concerning an upcoming film of interest to me. Even though these websites are informative, they are very general. Because I am sort of a geek I tend to keep my eye on any movie that deals closely with superheroes or books that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading on my time off. One website that I recommend for anyone that shares the same interests is iwatchstuff.com

3. I am currently a customer of Blockbuster online. I get my movies delivered at home without having to face the dilemma of late fees. I pay a monthly charge of $15 and can have two movies out at any time, with no limit on the amount of movies I take out per month. I used to have Netflix and I enjoyed their service. Afterwards I stopped my membership, and it wasn't until recently that I started with Blockbuster. What really attracted me to it was that I used to receive emails giving me free rentals from their stores, as well as special in-store promotions. As attractive as Netflix is, the lack of a physical store became an issue when I wanted a particular movie right away. Of course another option would be the library's collection of movies, but the problem is that not all the patrons are responsible with the DVDs and there has been more than one occasion in which I have checked out a movie only to find out it was damaged beyond repair. And if the movie is brand new, the waiting list is a lot longer than the list of admissions at a private school. So, for the time being, I am willing to sacrifice less than $20 a month for movies that I want to watch at home.

Picture credit: http://wpcontent.answers.com/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a9/BlockbusterOnline-oldlogo.png/180px-BlockbusterOnline-oldlogo.png

The Future of Media #79: Television

2010-02-11T08:27:00.000-08:00

After visiting Hulu, tv.com, Joost, viewmy.tv, CastTV, and then looking for Smallville episodes, I got different results from all the sites.

Hulu offers very few episodes in their entirety, but the amount offered is not enough to really satisfy my curiosity if I wanted to watch a whole season. They offer a link that takes you to the CW website where more episodes are offered to watch. A small consolation to this search.

Next one on the list is tv.com. This one didn't even offer one single complete episode, just short clips from different episodes no longer than 3 minutes. This website does offer many other shows, none of them limited to small sample clips. But it does seem that shows from certain networks don't make the cut. Too bad.

Joost didn't even recognize the name of the show. There are a few animated series and a few nature videos, but I didn't really see much as far as tv shows. They don't seem to have as much content as the previous two websites do.

Viewmy.tv didn't offer me more than a link to the CW website. This website also didn't have anything to offer me as far as this particular show is concerned, but they at least offered me more than Joost did. This website centers their videos mostly on news from around the world, so is not something that will come in handy when looking for a particular tv sitcom.

The last website, CastTV did have a nice list of the episodes from the show, but you have to pay for them. The price for the shows is not bad, only about $2 per episode. The shows are either through Amazon.com or the iTunes store. There are very few episodes that are free, but it is not a common trend.

I have never watched a TV show on my cell phone. It just doesn't draw my attention. If I want to watch something from tv, I either log online using my computer or from my cable provider. The screen on a phone, regardless of how big the phone is, does not compare to watching it from a computer or from the television.

There are also a lot of streaming programs out there that may interest me, but I don't really have time to keep up with them. If I had more time, I might actually subscribe to a few of them that either dealt with video game reviews or other subjects that dealt with technology or with religion, but as for right now I am not subscribed to anything. I do have a youtube account and I have a few videos posted, but it is not done on a regular basis. Most of my videos either deal with events that have taken place with my church, or as part of wrestling skits from my high school days (I am not in the skits, but my brother-from-another-mother).

Searching #78: Video

2010-02-10T12:29:00.000-08:00

Using both Truveo and Blinkx I searched for a video concerning the video game "Alien vs. Predator" that is to be released on February 22, 2010.

At first, when using Truveo, I could not help but note the simplicity with which the website seems to resolve around. It may look simple, but this is what makes it seem more user friendly. As soon as I started typing on the search box, its autocomplete feature looked provided me with a choice of words or phrases that may be what I was originally looking for. The results I obtained were displayed as thumbnails, and on the left hand side of the results was a breakdown giving me the option to narrow my search to specific channels, tv shows, or categories. This search provided me with 5,195 results. Most of the results have to deal with the upcoming game, and one or two of the first videos had nothing to do with the desired search.

Upon using Blinkx, the first thing to notice is how crowded it looks when compared to Truveo. You are greeted by a wall with miniature videos under different categories such as: news, entertainment, business, sport, and more. The search box does not have the autocomplete feature, and once the results show up, they are also in the form of thumbnails. The main difference is that here the same phrase provided "about 62,000" videos. The website also starts to display a preview of each video without having to actually click on it. Below the preview box is an empty area where you can drag the clips you want to watch, making the desired videos appear as your own personal list.

Visiting HCPL’s YouTube channel and looking around, if I were to work in a branch I would make a youtube video talking about our different programs and also presenting th e staff to the general public. Let the audience know that we are accessible to them and also willing to work for the public. It creates good PR. (Is it just me or does this not seem similar to a previous post concerning youtube?)

Image credit: http://ezlink.net/video.html

Searching #77: Images

2010-02-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

Using AllFreeClipArt, it took me twelve clicks before I finally managed to find a Santa that didn't have a color that made him resemble a troll.

I read “10 Places to Find Free Images Online”. Out of the different websites, I want to talk a little bit about two that drew my interest. I want to avoid the most familiar one such as Flickr because it has already been dealt with on previous posts.

Freedigitalphotos.com: What drew me the most from this website is it's organization. Things are separated by categories and also by photographers. These images are not your typical snapshots taken through a hazy camera lens or of poor quality. All of the images I have sampled are well balanced, they make good use of lighting and space, and look very professional. The only drawback is that the quantity of images are not as vast as what you would find in another place. Because all the pictures are submitted by users, the website is limited to the photographers. You can register (optional) and gain a few extra benefits, but other than that, the website is a good place to get images that look better than what the average person takes.

SXC.hu: This is another website that also relies heavily on the photographers and their pictures. Images range from simple backgrounds to more complex pictures of people getting creative with photoshop. The only thing to really pay attention to is that the "author" of the pictures sets the terms of usage. Most of the pictures are free, but every now and then you will run into a picture that you want but can't access unless you sign up. As far as I have seen, to create an account does not cost anything, and the restrictions depend on the artist.

Harris County Public Library subscribes to a clip art program, called Schools.Clipart for library staff use when making posters, flyers, etc. Using this website I decided to search for a "dragon" and this is the picture I obtained.

Image credit: http://schools-demo.clipart.com/search/close-up?oid=3863580&q=dragon&s=1&a=a

Searching #76: Sound Effects

2010-01-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

Phoneme (from the Greek: φώνημα, phōnēma, “a sound uttered”)

Using FindSounds I was to search for three animals of my choosing and post their respective sounds onto the blog. The website does have just about anything you want it to have as far as sound is concerned. Because I am a guy and want to keep the theme of "manliness" in my blog, I chose three animals that only help to portray this image:

Lion, Dinosaur, and Eagle.

Lol.

Using the Simply the Best Sounds site, I also searched for three sounds to post. And following my self-inposed rules, I present you The Lord of the Rings, Full Metal Jacket, and Star Wars.

Searching #75: Google and Beyond

2010-01-15T08:25:00.001-08:00

This will be my first official post for the New Year.

Using Blindsearch, I typed three different queries based on the results voted on the column that best fit my needs. I was quite surprised to see that each time that I did a search and chose a columb of results that best suited my needs, each time it came out to represent the search engine Bing. What really amazes me is that before this exercise, I have started to use this website for just about all of my inquiries and find it an indispensable tool for quenching my thirst of random knowledge and school related help.

The search engine that is #1 on Hitwise as I type this blog is Google. Compared to its closest competitor, there was only a .36 difference. I use Bing for just about everything I do, and this one was usually #3 on several of the categories listed on the website. Overall, I am one of the millions of people that use one of the top three websites listed, which doesn't surprise me due to their popularity and also their functionality.

When I first made my switch to Bing, I saw a feature that was new and I found it to set it apart from the rest. It's the program called Bing Cashback. This feature not only allows you to buy stuff online, just like you normally would, but also provides the means for you to get some of your money back. I am constantly looking online for better deals on anything that draws my interest, and this is by far the best thing I can think of at the top of my head when thinking of Bing and its superiority (in my opinion) over the other search engines out there (and the fact that I am a Microsoft type of guy).

HCPL's Veterans (ADM)

2009-11-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is home of the brave" - Elmer Davis

This picture alone cannot describe the countless hours that each one of these individuals spent in training. This single piece cannot describe the long days and nigths they spent doing their job in foreign parts of the world, away from family and friends. Their faces do not show the struggles they each faced when their nation cried out, nor do they resent having answered that call. Each one of them has their own story to tell; from the first day of basic training to the time that they all left with honor to pursue other goals in life. Not one of them is better than the other for having served a different branch. Not one of them considers each other a hero for their service to their country. They graciously accept the warm smiles and firm handshakes from grateful citizens. They enthusiastically share their experiences and provide insight into the world of the military. But when they are alone after the parades in their honor have ended, the music has faded away, and people go back to their normal routines, it is then that they look around and see that their sacrifice was worth it.

And here at the ADM building we felt very special this one day. We felt appreciated for having done an honorable service to our country. It is small acts of kindness that go a long way, and even though Veteran's Day has now passed by, we will not forget the appreciation we felt.

To all the men and women in the service, wherever you are, we pray for your safe return home.

To all those that have served, we thank you for your dedication.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Crafts & Hobbies #65: Coin Collecting

2009-08-07T12:22:00.000-07:00

I spread out the coins in my pocket, and I had nothing but old coins. Unfortunately, none of these coins warrant any closer inspection.

Using Google Maps I searched local coin leaders, and I found a few places here in Houston. I have heard about stamp collecting, so I know that it is a serious hobby. As much as this is a challenging hobby, I would probably not pursue this. Even when I run across interesting looking coils, I don't really keep them around for long. I like how each coin has their unique story and looking for them also takes time and dedication. This is a rather expensive hobby, and if I were to take it seriously, I would only be able to invest in a few coins every now and then. Who knows, I may even try to retain any interesting coins.

Crafts & Hobbies #64: Zines

2009-07-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

If I had some available time, I think I might create my own zine. I would do a short little story, probably aim for something comical, and definitely not very long. I think I would focus a bit more on just every day events as seen through the eyes of a young adult. (Wonder where inspiration like that would come from).

I think that zines should be allowed inside the library. Of course I think that we should review them in order to prevent our libraries from carrying something that may be offensive to the public. And to even have some libraries create their own zines would be a good way to involve the public, encourage future writers, and also provide customers with new things to read from their local community.

Crafts & Hobbies #63: Digital Scrapbooking

2009-07-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

My Scrapblog
As much as I enjoyed making this little project, I rather do it out here in the physical world as opposed to the digital realm. The big benefit from this is that just about anything you can imagine is available online, therefore making the possibilities endless. But if you really want to have a physical copy, you can also order a print through their website.

Using Scrapblog you can really get creative, and it is not hard at all to convey your ideas. Overall, a pleasant experience, and definitely a clean one.

Crafts & Hobbies #62: Decoupage

2009-06-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

I have done a picture frame using decoupage. I was not even sure that such a thing had a name. On this picture frame, I decorated it with a lot of little objects that were there for adornment. I liked doing it, but the part that to me was time consuming was the looking of objects to add.

I am thinking of doing something like this again, as a gift only. I still have not decided on what I would use it on.

Crafts & Hobbies #61: Craftspiration!

2009-06-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

I checked out all of the craft sites listed in the iHCPL blog. Some of the websites really did have an abundant amount of ideas as well as categories. Others were more detailed in that they only limited to a specific craft.

Because I am sort of a geek and love messing with computers I figured I would try something new and also fun for a change. Using the website instructibles.com, I liked this particular project converting a laptop to a second monitor for your computer. Granted, this project is not something to be done unless you have an old laptop you don't want to use anymore, as well as some time and a small amount of confidence when dealing with electronics. Other than that, I will be doing this in the next few days. Once I get it done, I will create a blog entry concerning my difficulty with it. (I cannot wait).

I also browsed through other websites, and as helpful as a video is, I rather like to read about it. But then again, some things are easily understood through actions rather than words. But when it comes to some very technical projects, I like watching the video but also reading about it.

Now, the last part has nothing to do with the crafts but with the actual questions from the blog. I thought they were good and simple. Now, for maybe next time it would be nice to get extra credits if you posted in your blog about a craft and how you did it. Just a thought.

2009 Awards Ceremony

2009-05-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS TECHNICAL SERVICES:

DIRECTOR'S AWARD

During the 2009 Awards Ceremony for the HCPL staff, Technical Services was surprised to have found themselves the recipients of the much coveted Director's Award. Under the Technical Services there are three distinct departments: Acquisitions, Cataloging, and Processing. There are many things that can be said about each one of these, but out of loyalty to my department, as well as personal pride, it is my privilege to write a little bit about the Acquisitions Department.

Every year the teams that seem to get nominated are the ones that are well known throughout the branches because of their exposure to the public eye. But it is this light that usually blinds the eye to the unnoticed force working in the shadows ensuring that it all works perfectly. The Acquisitions department, one that only very few outside of the ADM building are aware of, is one of those teams that works hard and is often overlooked.

Leadership

In their own right, each member of the Acquisitions Department is a leader. Not only are they all responsible in their specific duties, but as a team they ensure that the needs of those around them are well met. Constantly improving their skills, they have devised a way to receive incoming shipments in a safe manner, and also ensure that they are handled in the most convenient way possible. They have been tasked with all of the incoming and outgoing shipments, and even though it was not asked of them, they devised a way to keep track of anything that makes it through their hands. They have come of age with the times and use computers to follow packages as well as having log books for library materials that make their way to other departments to ensure that all is accounted for. If the work inside the ADM building was not enough, when volunteer opportunities present themselves, the members of this department are usually amongst the first on the list. And if that wasn’t enough, even when they are just volunteering, they normally don’t just become part of the help, but take charge by foreseeing any future problems and taking charge of the situation in a professional manner.

Innovation

Because the Acquisitions Department does not deal with customers, it is often difficult to display a sense of creativity that will be appreciated by others, and yet this team has proven it on several times. There is no area of the ADM building that is as highly decorated and festive as the Acquisitions receiving center. One can pass through the area and feel challenged as they test their skill with the "word of the day" or a math problem that is sure to exercise the mind. The staff knows that being confined to this building with no interaction from the outside world can get repetitive, and so they try to break the monotony by decorating to a great extent and allowing other people to make suggestions and even share on the decorations. And if that wasn't enough, also provide entertainment for others by having the newspaper available to the people working here, as well as having little snacks to sweeten the day. It may not seem like much, but to the people working in that building its these little things that make a difference on a daily basis.

Customer Service

The staff may not have patrons to talk to, but they deal with the vendors responsible for all of the library materials. It is not an easy task to deal with the issues that arise to keep a library working smoothly, but the Acquisitions Staff is more than capable to tackle the challenge. It takes good communication skills, a great amount of respect and patience, and also understanding of the job to be able to solve any issues while keeping good relations with the representatives of the different companies they deal with. Their professionalism has been recognized by the representatives on many occasions, and the amount of positive relations allow for better service provided to the Harris County Public Library.

Job Performance

If there is one team whose work reverberates through all 26 libraries is that of the Acquisitions Department. They receive new library materials on a weekly basis, and as every branch is aware, the amount of new materials can be a bit overwhelming at times. Now imagine if you will, receiving material for all the branches in one location, ensuring that each item is in good condition, and that the right items get delivered to their proper destination. On top of that, receive shipments on a daily basis and constantly send new stuff over to the branches while also keeping up with replacements and attending to the needs of each branch. Once you understand the magnitude of that task, add on top of it any other shipment that makes its way in and out of this building, and you'll get a glimpse as to how big their job is, and how the lack of problems revolve around their stellar performance.

Teamwork

Even though each member of the team specializes in something different, they all work together to accomplish their goals. Whether it is to receive the massive amount of materials that get delivered, or when organizing a birthday party for a fellow coworker, they all contribute and ensure that mission accomplishment comes first. This department has been known to stop whatever they are doing and go to another's help when the workload is more than one person can bear, gladly extending their help, which is also not limited to just the people in their department. And it is not uncommon to even see their supervisor get his hands dirty and help when the department receives big shipments, proving that when it comes time to work, they all help out regardless of seniority or job title. And as stated earlier, even when they volunteer, they work as a team constantly helping each other and anyone else who may be fortunate enough to work along their side. And anyone working with them can testify that not only do they work like a well oiled machine, but also have fun while doing it. Around them, never a dull moment.

Recession Busters # 60: Food, Fun & Frugality

2009-05-13T13:38:00.001-07:00

After watching Clara’s videos, and how easy she made it look, I opted to also look online for something easy to make and that would be easy on the wallet. I like this recipe Lemon and Chicken Stir Fry, and like the video says, you can mix the ingredients or not use all of them. It is all up to you.

Other recession tips that I have heard or seen are: buying at secondhand stores, visiting garage sales, going to the stores when they have sales.

One thing that I have found myself doing now that I live on my own, is saving money for the important things in my life. No longer do I seem to spend money randomly, but now unless I really need it. I constantly ask myself if what I am getting is something that I need. Instead of rushing out to rent movies from Blockbuster, or buying them at the store, it is much better to just get them from the library. They are free!

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

2009-05-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

I took that Credit Score Quiz, and I scored an 80%. I didn't really learn anything new, but it did help to show me how much I do know concerning credit score.

I have made a budget plan, and I am usually pretty good at keeping up with all my expenses and know when and when not to use money. Before I used to spend like crazy, but as I matured, I started to hold back on the amount of money I spent and focused more on just using it when needed. It was difficult at first because the natural impulse is to spend it all at once, but as time went on, I found it easier to keep the money in my pocket for long periods of time.

What I found most useful on the TCDRS site was how easy the website was to understand. I did not realize that our account earns 7% interest regardless of the stock market.

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

2009-04-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

My bank does offer online banking, which is free. The service is great because even when I write a check I can view a copy of it and it shows me exactly what it is, and whether I wrote it or not. It keeps pretty good track of my activities, as well as separate all of my expenses under different categories so I can see where my money is going. When using online banking, I am constantly asked for my password, and if I remain online too long, it has the tendency of kicking me out and having me sign in again, as well as tell me when was the last time I logged on. The part I like the most about it is that I can also see my current balance by sending a text message to the bank, which in return can send me a text message with the balance and also the activity. No internet required.

The problem I encountered with some of the budgeting tools listed in the iHCPL blog is that some of them require you to register with them before you can even begin to use them. I don't want to join something until I see what its capabilities are. I looked at wesabe, buxfer, spendji, and scred. Out of these websites I preferred buxfer. It has a lot of options, easy to figure out, and I do like how they portray the information. And like I stated earlier, through my bank I am also able to see where all of my money is going, as well as pay my bills free of charge, which makes my life so much easier. So I don't think I will be using any of these tools in the future.

As far as some of the articles listed on how to cut back on your spending, I have been implementing some of these ideas for quite some time now. I do compare prices between stores, as well as save coupons for only the things I know I will buy and use. I don't really spend much time at home because of work and school, so my electricity bill is usually no more than $20. I also pay my bills on time, as well as minimize the amount of money I spend when I go out.

Pot Luck #57: TXT U L8R - Texting

2009-03-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

This module is about text messaging, something that I only started to do in 2007 and has become a normal part of my life. I went from 50 messages to 10,000 messages in one month!

On a slow month, I only go through 500 messages, and that is with me limiting the daily amount of texting that I am usually engaged.

During Hurricane Ike, I also was amongst the many that used text messages to find out the status of my friends and whether they were in need during such a difficult time. But in all of my time using text messages, I don't really rely on text lingo. In the beginning, I used to have to spell out every single word that I would text. But now, I have mastered the messaging ability to use the phone's T9 messaging ability. But even with that, I don't really abbreviate words or use the lingo associated with text messages other than for the phrase "lol".

I glanced over the website Lingo 2 Word and must say that I found it quite interesting.

"hu knw dat msgN wz so mch fun"

(Who knew that messaging was so much fun)

I also agree that texting while driving is quite dangerous. I hardly ever do it, and when I do, it is only a short message. But even when I am not driving and if I realize that one of the people I am texting is driving, I will stop only to continue after they make their way safely to their destination.

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

2009-03-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

I read a few of the Twitter profiles and from what I saw, this is not something that I would not use for personal use. Even though it allows for someone to constantly update their activities on a regular basis, I am usually moving from work to school, and from school back home. There is nothing in particular that I would tweet about.

I did a search on the words "comic book" and received realtime results for users who have posted anything recently concerning comic books.

Twitter is rather useful if I were following someone and they updated their profile on a regular basis concerning a project that interested me, then I would use Twitter. Other than that, I don't really have a need for Twitter.

Pot Luck #55: Getting the Most Out of Facebook

2009-03-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

My initial impressions about Facebook are similar of those of Myspace. Even though it is very easy to create an account, it is even easier to add applications. I did find two of my coworkers and even added them as friends.

I tried the Bumper Sticker application, and also LibraryThing.

Even though it is a social networking site, I hardly ever use it. Sites such as these have little appeal to me. The site is fun to manage, but it is also time consuming. With the more people that are your friends, the more attention the site requires. No, I do not think that I will be sticking with Facebook for much longer.

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

2009-02-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

Book clubs. They have been around as long as books themselves, but not many people are part or have ever joined a book club, and I am one of those. If I were to join a book club, I would do it online. Of course I would enjoy the company of others around me as we engage in a deep conversation concerning a character's motive and try to understand his behavior, but all of that often takes time. For me, I am constantly doing homework and when not at school, I spend a lot of time doing other things for my local church. So, it would be more convenient for me to join an online book club and be able to post my thoughts and comments at the time of my choosing, as well as do it from the comfort of my home.

I do have some ideas for implementation when it comes to book clubs. I like the idea of doing some research on the author and dominant theme throughout the book, as well as come up with good questions that encourage participation and discussion amongst the members. And because a good place to start is the library, it would be nice to have the meeting area decorated with fun facts about the book as well as pictures that help to explain the main theme. And in order to help publicize the book, announcements can be made throughout the whole library in order to also promote the literature.

Now, trying to get some light on online book clubs, I looked for a book by James Byron Huggins, and unfortunately no one had any posts about this book. It is not hard to see that not all of the books by every author are going to have a following or some clubs named after them, which means that when starting a book club you might want to start off with some author everyone is familiar with and move on from there.

Books, Readers and Beyond: #53 Finding Books Online

2009-02-13T08:20:00.001-08:00

Exercise One
The first exercise asks for three booksellers that are close to my facility, which in this case is the administration building.

1. Half Price Records & Magazines‎
2. Inner Harmony Books‎
3. Barnes & Noble Booksellers Vanderbilt Sq‎

Out of these three places, only Barnes & Nobles has a website. Because this is a store that belongs to a big name franchise, the website offers information about this particular location and their weekly events. It also shows a portrait of what the store looks like as well as the option to get directions to that location. It doesn't have much as far as glamor is concerned, but it is very functional.

Exercise Two
Using the website Barnes & Nobles I did a search for the book titled Leviathan by James Byron Huggins. The book is available starting at $5.83 (used). Using our famous Harris County Public Library website I searched for an electronic copy of this book, and unfortunately we don't have it. I then used the Houston Public Library system, and they also don't have a copy of this book online. I then a quick search for free downloadable books through google, and I came across audible.com, which also didn't have it.

Exercise Three
I have also downloaded eBooks before, and have tried reading them using my computer at home. It is not something that I favor as opposed to feeling the book in my hands and turning the pages manually. I then also downloaded an eBook on my phone and tried to read it that way, which also didn't appeal to me as much as having the book on hand. I do find it more convenient to carry electronic copies of books on my phone because that way not only do I not misplace the book (unless I lose the phone) but also it is carried with me everywhere I go and can be accessed at a moment's notice. The only problem I have with this method is that depending on battery life of your electronic device, reading a book may not be the best thing to do, specially if you are reading a long story that will take several hours to complete. Also, if it is a book downloaded from the library's website, you must be cautious about the expiration date or else you won't be able to read that book anymore. But on the plus side, you don't have to worry about late fees.

Books, Readers and Beyond: #52 What to Read

2009-02-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

I took a glance at all of the websites that assist in the never ending quest to finding the perfect book.

1. At first glance Novelist Plus seems easy enough. All that is required is just the name of the book, or of the author, and from there you can get results listing other books or authors similar to the mentioned book. For this experiment I typed James Byron Huggins, and the list of author-related books was very limited; only one book to be exact.

What Should I Read Next? -This one website was the one I found the most useful. The list of books mentioned is much greater. I once again typed James Byron Huggins and received a lot more results, nine more than using the previous website.

Fiction_L Booklists - Unlike the other webistes, this one did not seem as user friendly. This website offers lists of many genres and authors, but it takes a while to get a grasp of the whole process. But the lists are unique and provide a glimpse at possible new titles.

2. Using Novelist Plus, I found two books for a fourth grade girl interested in animals. The books are: "Animal Talk" by Etta Kaner (9781550749823) and "How Animals Saved The People" as retold by J.J. Reneaux (9780688162535). And while she likes animals, her thirteen year old brother likes ghost books. Using this information, I recommend: "Something upstairs: a tale of ghosts" by Avi (9780531057827) and "The graveyard book" by Neil Gaiman (9780060530921).

3. A customer walks in and says that he has read everything ever written by Dean Koontz, so using the website What Should I Read Next? I recommend F. Paul Wilson, Erica Spindler, and Phil Rickman. Using Novelist Plus I would recommend Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Ted Dekker.

4. A customer has read Alanna: the First Adventure by Tamora Pierce and she would like to read the other books in the series in order. Using Novelist Plus, the series is called Song of the Lioness, and the order is as follows: In the hand of the goddess, The woman who rides like a man, and Lioness rampant.

Overall, this exercise felt more like homework than anything else. My only problem with this exercise was constantly going back and forth looking for books that fit the pattern of other people rather than me. I don't deal with customers, so these types of scenarios don't really apply to me. But I will use the websites to look for books that might interest me based on my list of previously read material.

A New Year

2009-02-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

Where has time gone? I remember when I first found out about the blog, thinking that I didn't have time for it. But as more people in my department became involved, I decided to give it a try. Almost from the very beginning I was hooked.

And it didn't take long before I would finish all of my work and I found myself working non-stop on my blog, making new entries and adding new widgets to my page.

It is now a new year, new posts to write, and certainly a lot of new changes are bound to come. And now, let the posting of new excercises and activities begin.

Potluck #50: Global Nation

2008-11-20T05:59:00.000-08:00

I am going to Alaska!

Using IgoUgo.com, I was able to plan my trip and think of some of the things that I can expect to encounter.

Denali National Park

The first thing on the list of things to do is visit the Denali National Park. According to the National Park Service, http://www.nps.gov/, "Denali’s dynamic glaciated landscape supports a diversity of wildlife with grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep and moose. Summer slopes are graced with birds and wildflowers. Visitors enjoy sightseeing, backpacking, mountaineering, and research opportunities. Whether climbing or admiring, the crowning jewel of North America’s highest peak is the awe inspiring 20,320 foot Mount McKinley."

They even offer a dog-sled demonstration in the park. Of course, if I visit Alaska that is a must of things to do. I also can expect to find a large quantity of wildlife, especially bears. Also included in the area is the Cabin Night Dinner Theater at the Chalets in Aramark Parks and Resorts in Denali National Park.

Mendenhall Glacier and Whale-Watching Tour

The next stop will be the Mendenhall Glacier. According to the user reviews on IgoUgo.com the place is worth visiting. I am a bit of an outdoors person, and this place had a high rating for visitors. Of course I also have to do some whale watching. Why go to Alaska and not take part of something that very few people experience.

King Salmon Fishing Along the Kasilof River

Do I have to say much about it? Only that there are restrictions as to how big of a catch you can get, still, is not like you can catch a big salmon every day of the week. One of the stories even mentions getting lucky on day one and catching a 42 lb. salmon. That is enough fish for a week, if not more! So many things that can be done. So many recipes. So little time.

And any restaurant that is open or that looks interesting enough I will visit and eat something new. There is no way you can experience a new place and truly enjoy the culture until you try their cuisine.

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

2008-11-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

http://www.livemocha.com/, Mangolanguages.com, and Wikibooks.org are all websites that offer the opportunity to learn new languages. Out of the three, I liked Mangolanguages better than the other ones.

Before I even registered, I was given the option to try it first before making a commitment to it. Of course, the problem lies that after the free trial, you have to register. (It is free, so if you are serious about learning a new language this won't be an issue). But what really made a big appeal of this website as opposed to the rest was the simple design of the website and constant repition.

I tried livemocha, and it is similar to a social network only that here you make friends of people that will help you learn the language much faster.

And the problem with the wiki is that anyone can edit the content, so it is not always the most reliable source. Think of this website as an online textbook that teaches you another language.

I am interested in learning Japanese, so I will pay these websites enough visits to see whether they help me or not. I shall keep you all posted on my progress.

#47 Video Challenge: Post Your Video to YouTube

2008-11-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

This is the first time that I post a video online, let alone on YouTube. It's the same video which was found on Post#46, but with the knowledge that now it is available to the users of YouTube as well.

#46 Movie Maker Basics: You Oughta be in Pictures - or Making Them!

2008-11-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

The exercise asked for us to make a 30 second video from scratch, and then write about my experience.

Well, even though it was less than a minute in length, the video took a lot longer to make. What took the longest was the planning and deciding on what to make a video about. Once I had decided on what I wanted, it was just a matter of trial and error when looking for appropriate things to turn into a video.

Once all the parts were together, it took time to decide what would go on the movie, what music to use, and if there was going to be anything else done to enhance the show. I finished this "quick" little project, and hope to hear some feedback about it.

#45: Making a Video: An Overview

2008-10-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

The activities for this exercise asked for either a short video from animoto or to talk about the different video editing options offered.

I have already worked with animoto and have created a few videos. And I have also worked with Windows Movie Maker on several occasions. The program is easy to use, the controls are user friendly, and there are plenty of options available for anyone to make their video into an above average product. The possibilities are endless when you think of all the fun you can have with this software, ranging from cutting long videos, adding your own music, and etc. In a library setting it would be fun to have a video of what a shelver does, walking around shelving, and having them come back in a few minutes to an area previously visited by little kids. Make it a fast paced video, and when the person goes back for round two, add some scary music as well as direct them to act shocked beyond belief. (All of this in the spirit of Halloween).

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

2008-10-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

Taking a closer look at eHow, WikkiHow, HowStuffWorks, and Instructables.

From the different sites mentioned above, they all drew my attention, but they were not all the same. I really liked eHow and HowStuffWorks the most. eHow had a feel that is similar to a blog, and HowStuffWorks seemed loaded with a lot more options and videos than the other options. I am not saying that I didn't find them all helpful, but these two were the ones that in my opinion stand out the most.

Using the website eHow.com, I did a search on "how to build a computer", and was very pleased with the result. Not only did the website provide the necessary information that I wanted, but also presented it in a nice and easy way to understand and easy to follow. Definitely a good website to work with.

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

2008-09-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

I don't know what my online shoppin habits speak of me, but I have used all of the websites at one point or another, with the exception of Etsy. (Is the first time I hear of it).

In the beginning, there was eBay. I didn't know what it was about until I started purchasing a few little things here and there. (Mostly comic books). As time passed by, I realized that not only did I like being the winning bidder, but also became quickly irritated if I didn't get what I wanted. Is a nice site, user friendly, but there is no guarantee that you will win. (Unless you decide to buy it right away as opposed to bidding for it). But you can get stuff for a really good price, but my advice is to usually look for the items that end soon. That is the best time to buy.

Half.com is not very different than all the other websites out there designed for selling or buying. Just like amazon.com, you can do both and its free to set up an account with them. The best part is buying stuff from other people, and getting it for a much better price than you normally would. The only thing is that if you buy it from others, you run the risk of it not being as good as buying it new. That is why it is important to pay attention to the details.

Craigslist is a whole different thing. You can pick up the item, rather than have it delivered. And there is also a list for events and free stuff. Of course, the free stuff is for obvious reasons, but sometimes you might be able to get something nice for free. The fact that you can search for stuff in your area means that you can make the necessary arrangements and get it yourself and get more interaction with the seller.

Looking through Etsy, I must say that I was intrigued. Nothing better than knowing that not only did I buy something in the USA (and help the economy), but also getting something done with personal pride.

Wellness #42: Staying Well

2008-08-29T12:26:00.002-07:00

I first tried the symptom checker, and liked how it provided simple explanations to the symptoms as well as ways to treat the problem.

The next one, the pill checker, is a nice concept but because I don't take any pills, don't have a big need for it.

I also used the MedlinePlus for Laser Eye Surgery, and was surprised that in the Harris County along we have 80 different places to go to and get some type of service.

As part of the last exercise, I did a family medical history tree. This can be used for future references in addition to a geneology tree when discussing what are the risks that certain family members will face when starting families.

Wellness #41 - Going Green - Part 2

2008-08-29T12:26:00.001-07:00

One thing that I know I can do to live a greener lifestyle is to switch over to compact fluorescent lights.

Another thing that I can do, which would certainly take more time and commitment, is recycling my old cell phone, old computer parts, ink cartridges, and all of the other "obscure" materials laying around in my room.

Wellness #41: Going Green - Part 1

2008-08-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

The first energy calculator I used was from the National Wildlife Federation (http://www.nwf.org/energy/greencalculator.cfm). I was not very pleased with what I found out about myself and the impact I have on the environment.

The second energy calculator I used was from Yahoo! Green (http://green.yahoo.com/calculator). This one did make me feel a little better seeing how I used a little bit less energy than the average consumer.

For activity #2 I am to decide on a local farmer's market to visit in the near future. The one I chose was the one located at 3000 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77098-3102. I chosed this one because I normally go to school during the week, and I don't have time to go to the store until Saturdays. This one is open from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

Wellness #40: Fitness

2008-08-14T06:10:00.001-07:00

I did the questionnaire, checked my BMI, and I was not surprised by the results. (I had done them on a previous occasion). But this only helps me to push myself harder and to work out even more in order to be healthier.

I have started working out and becoming more conscious on the foods I eat. Before I could eat anything, but now I am careful and watching it all. I am not as young as I once used to be.

Wellness #39: Nutrition

2008-08-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

From Recipes.Sparkpeople.com I looked for a typical El Salvadorean dish called pupusas.

Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken breast
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 pound low fat mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2 small onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 medium green pepper, seeded and minced
1 small tomato, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 cups instant corn flour (masa harina)
6 cups water

NutritionData.com at first glance may seem like any other health conscious website, determined to show you the truth about the foods that you take, and even provide you with a healthy recipe. What sets this website apart is the little search option that allows you to not only look at a specific meal and determine its nutritional value, but it also includes fast food restaurants and their specific combo meals.

Games and Gaming #38: Console Gaming

2008-05-30T13:55:00.001-07:00

As a young kid, I used to play Pac Man. I could not get enough of it. I find it funny that even now I can play difficult games and pass them with no problem, but still can't manage to make it past the first five levels in Pac Man. What skills do I have from playing this over those who have not? I would say that beside the eye to hand coordination, I don't have much else. The games of the past were not as complicated as they are now, but the fun factor was still very high.

For the library, I would recommend the Nintendo Wii. I am not saying that because it is the most affordable system available, which is another good reason to get it, but also because this games requires the players to engage in physical activities. Once they are done playing and need to take a break, they can sit down and read a quick book or magazine while they wait for their turn. And is so easy to use that even people that do not play video games will be attracted to it.

After playing a sports games, it may even awaken the person's desire to read a little bit more about that game, or anything else that relates to gaming. And here people thought that a library only had books...

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

2008-05-30T13:42:00.001-07:00

I like the game "I'll get it". It was a lot harder than it looks, and that afternoon rush is what gets you. (I know it got me).

Reading the NY Times article on gaming found in the library, I see that we are not the only ones adapting to the new times. In the beginning I did not agree with the idea of hosting video game parties in a library, but now that I see that this is a method to not only bring more attention to the library but also keep the kids off the streets, I think is a good thing.

As a gamer, I do a lot of reading when I play my games, and you have to pay a lot of attention to everything that is happening around you as well as having good hand to eye coordination. It elevates your imagination and makes you dreams of new worlds and characters.

It won't be long before these gamers that come to the library decide to get so interested in video games that they pursue a career in them, and the library will be there to provide them with all of the information necessary to complete their goal.

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

2008-05-30T13:27:00.001-07:00

I spent a few minutes going through this online world, and I liked it. It reminded me of when I used to play "The Sims" on my computer.

The screenshot is of the character I created for Runsescape. Normally I don't play online games, but do like to spend my time on RPG's. (Especially the Final Fantasy series).

Getting through this virtual world and the tutorial is fairly simple, and the fact that you don't have to pay in order to participate in this world is an attractive offer.

Looks like I have something else to keep me occupied on the weekends that seem too hot to be outside.

Awards Ceremony

2008-05-19T07:37:00.001-07:00

On May 16th we had our awards ceremony for the Harris County Public Library. We dressed up and had fun.

Even though we did not win anything, this served as a motivator to not only try harder next year, but even try something new and take charge.

The picture depicts the Acquisitions department, listed from left to right: Me, Norma, Tiffney, and Ramon.

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

2008-05-06T13:54:00.001-07:00

I started out by playing using the website http://freerice.com/

I have used this website before, and so far I have only managed to make it to level 30. Anything past that has become quite difficult. I also play sudoku games, only that I don't do them online. I have a huge book of puzzles that my girlfriend bought for me and I do them when I have some time.

For all of these games I was already familiar with them, but even before I got started, they were quite simple to get into. I love freerice because it helps my vocabulary increase, and with sudoku it makes you think about numbers and their locations as well as planning a way to complete it

Maps #34: Geocoding and Geocaching

2008-04-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

For this exercise I chose to find the coordinates of the Galena Park Library. The coordinates are N29°44.60616, W095°14.19456. (Initially I was looking for the Wings 'N More located on I-10 and Uvalde, but the coordinates didn't match, so I went for option 2.)

The cache around my town that I would like to hunt for is listed below:
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=4d4addf8-e610-4c58-a21f-ab40d44a1bb8
N 29° 44.822 W 095° 13.594

I have never really gone on a treasure hunt, and after watching some videos concerning this, I can't help but feel curious about this. I would love to try it, but before I do that I would need to obtain a GPS and find a location to go hunting on. This is a great activity, specially in helping to get kids out of the house and do something other than just sitting around the house and watchign television.

Maps #33: Relocating with Online Maps

2008-04-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

Out of the three websites provided, I found apartsment.com to be the one that I liked the most. Not only did they provide with good information about all of the apartments available, but also showed important information such as price per month, photos of the area, a map of the location, all of the services listed, and places that were nearby.

The only thing with this website is that the option to look for apartments concerning their acceptance of pets is not listed. The only way to know if the location allows them is by actually reading the description, but other than that, nothing else.

I prefer the map view when looking at all of the locations.

For this training exercise I chose The Bristol located at 1221 Redford St.Houston, TX 77034 . The airport is nearby, and since I like to travel out of town a lot for pleasure, this is very convenient for me. The Almeda Mall is also around that area, as well as all of the wonderful restaurants located along I-45.

I recommend this website to others because it seems to provide with the most information for each location.

Maps #32: Current Events

2008-04-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to meet someone and could not think of a halfway point for the two of you?

Well, worry no more! Visit http://www.mezzoman.com/

Looking through some of the maps available, the Global Incident Map was the most intriguing to me. It was interesting to see in what part of the war we can see major terrorist events and any other major incident that affects that specific area. And it is also sad to note that even in our great country we see events that are happening that show us our goal for peace is still out of our reach.

http://globalincidentmap.com/home.php

Maps #31: Have Map, Will Travel

2008-04-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

View Larger Map

I had fun doing this assignment. I tried to keep it simple and not clutter the map with too many locations.

I listed only a few places that I visit often, and as my coworkers can tell you, I do go to school and visit the wing places quite often. And because I love to read, the library is one of my favorite places to visit.

In the future I think I might do a map pointing out all the places I have visited while I was with the Marines.

Until then...

Spring Cleaning #30: Take a Load Off Our Drives

2008-03-20T08:59:00.001-07:00

Hard drive details
Originally uploaded by shadphotos

I have enjoyed writing about these last few posts. Why? Because they are about things that I am already doing.

I don't save anything to the S: drive because I don't have something for the library to see or feel that I should share.

As for the other drives, I don't keep much on them aside from work. I like to keep my computer free from all the clutter and constantly delete things that I don't need.

At home I have all of my files, pictures, and music saved to an external hard drive, which keeps my desktop running smoothly.

Spring Cleaning #29: Email

2008-03-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

We usually take organizing our emails for granted, specially when it comes to things that we receive at work.

We may think that something is important, and decide to hold on to it for so long that all it does is just take up space on the computer.

I delete items that are over a week old, and anything that is important I print out and keep on record. I am constantly deleting things from my inbox, and the fact that when it comes to keeping things organized I am a fanatic.

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

2008-03-06T08:42:00.000-08:00

I read about GTD and I saw a thing or two that I liked.

I signed up for the website "remember the Milk" and it's great. I did a little test where it would send me a text message and it did, reminding me to go pick up food for my coworkers that are on a diet. lol

I don't carry a planner with me everywhere I go, but I carry my phone. I intend to use this site more often and be able to meet all the deadlines I have for school.

Sound: #27: Creating Your Own Podcast

2008-03-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have officially created a podcast. You know what, these things are a lot easier than I thought.

From the moment I started until I recorded the message, it took me less than six minutes! Below is my podcast that I created specifically for this exercise. (You need headphones on your computer in order to listen to it)

http://www.gabcast.com/index.php?a=episodes&query=&b=play&id=18067&cast=65435&castPage=&autoplay=true

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

2008-03-06T07:43:00.000-08:00

I signed up for Phling! and I must admit that this is a pretty cool service. I have a phone that I usually connect to the computer, so I am familiar with transferring information back and forth. But to actually use the website and being able to work from it is pretty neat.

I do a lot of videos for my church and often find the need to add a soundtrack, and even though I have not started using JamStudio, I plan on it. I was looking at the website and it has a lot of features that musicians would find real useful.

Sound: #25: Am I a music pirate? It's hard to know...

2008-03-06T06:46:00.001-08:00

Burning music onto a CD is easy and painless. It doesn't take much time to do it, and before long you don't even think about it when you're doing it.

Do I still use CD's? Only when I am in the car listening to music, but other than that at home I use my computer while I am online and doing homework.

I would have to say that musicians benefit more from the strict copyright protections online because this way they actually get compensated for the work they put in. If the songs were free for everyone and there was no restriction as to who can get to them, as a whole, musicians would not get any benefits out of it. I know, thinking that they could do without a few million dollars here and there doesn't bother us. But if you think that all of these musicians were to lose interest in making music because they didn't get paid for it, they might have to look for other means of earning an income. That means they would end up having regular jobs, and any future musician might never come to the spotlight and deprive the world of their songs.

Sound: #24: The sound of music!

2008-03-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

Ah, it feels good to be back!

It has been a while since I last posted something, so without further delay, let's begin.

I have been downloading music for years. I have used iTunes and paid for my songs. I have gotten them online for free. And I have even gone to different websites to access the various radio stations.

Overall I have to say, that you get what you pay for. Even though the free music is nice, the sites may not have as much music as the other ones. But when you think about it, you pay something and get a wider choice of songs.

Unless you are picky, and have a specific list of songs in mind, I suggest you pay for them. Usually you have better luck with a pay site than a free one.

But if the song is popular, you might find it for free.

Week 10: #23 Is this really the end? Or just the beginning...

2007-11-28T06:14:00.000-08:00

It has finally arrived, the last week in this journey through the interesting world of blogs. I have learned so much from these past exercises, that it is hard for me to go over everything I have learned, seen, and done.

I now constantly work on changing the backgrounds on myspace and my blog, I post more pictures online and share them with friends, listen to podcasts, keep up with all the RSS feeds that are out there, and much more.

Now that this is over, I plan on using the blog as my personal little tool to talk about anything that comes accross my mind and to post anything that might be of interest to anyone else.

To a bright new beginning...

Week 9: #22 Downloadable Media

2007-11-27T11:43:00.001-08:00

I am a traditional type of guy when it comes to reading. I prefer to read books rather than to stare at the computer monitor or any other type of screen. But as I kept looking at the Overdrive media console I saw how cool this was. I don't think I will be doing much reading, but I certainly plan on using it for their music.

I tried this at home, downloaded the software and it was all very simple. I only tried the music aspect, but I plan on trying the books next. Who knows, I might start reading ebooks and make it part of my daily schedule.

Week 9: #21 Podcasts, Smodcasts!

2007-11-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

It just dawned on me that this activity, along with several others from the past, reveals how big of a comic book geek I am. Hope my girlfriend is not reading this or else I will become a single man.

Even though in the beginning I didn't care about them, after doing some searching on my own I came across them initially through iTunes. They had a few comic book creators talking about some of the upcoming changes for their characters, and it helped to increase the hype on certain books or events. Now that I am doing this exercise, I am familiar with podcasts and even take time to hear them out to see if what are people saying. The only thing, of course, is that I only narrow it down to anything relating to comic books, which means that I am narrow minded in that area alone.

But once you get down to thinking about it, they are very useful. They can be used to help promote new ideas, specially if you don't like to read and don't want to go through long entries on a blog just to find out what they are saying.

Did I discover anything new? Not really. But was it fun to go back down memory lane and remember the first time I stumbled across these things and spent about an hour or so just listening to what people said.

Week 9: #20 Discover YouTube and other video sharing sites

2007-11-13T13:51:00.001-08:00

I am not new to youtube. And like anything that is easily available to the public, it has a lot of good videos and also those you wish people would not post. (think people talking for hours about how long and dull their day was)

I posted this video because of the raw talent and creativity that is out there and now thanks to the web, it can be accessed by anyone and enjoyed with the rest of the world. On a separate note, the creators were so successful that Marvel Comics interviewed them and the public has been asking for more stuff similar to this.

As for library usage, the sky is the limit. Think of any even that a library can hold and post on youtube, not only does it expand the library's image but it also gets people involved. Libraries could even have their own film contests and have the winner posted on the librarie's site through youtube. Like I said, the sky is the limit.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JbRh9MFW9FU&watch_response

Week 8: #19 Web-based Apps: They're not just for desktops

2007-10-31T12:28:00.001-07:00

071031
I had never heard of this software, but now this will be something that I will be playing with much more often. The toolbar is very user friendly, and if you are familiar with any word processing document, you will have no problem finding what you need.

And the fact that now I don't have to carry my flash drive around when all the information is saved online is a big plus. The only question is, how come I didn't find out about this program sooner?

Week 8: #18 Social Networking: Making friends in the comfort of your own home

2007-10-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

Social networking is something that I am very familiar with. When I was in the military I was encouraged by some of my friends to create a Myspace account. It has been at least two years since I created one, and it has served it's usefulness many times over.

I mostly use it to keep in contact with people that are either still in the service or who have moved on with their lives and lead hectic schedules. Through this website I have found out of weddings, funerals, child births, and even friends moving.

I also tried http://www.ning.com/ and I liked what I had seen as well; joining a specific community that appeals to your needs. I have heard of Facebook, but it didn't appeal to me as much. Another popular website is bebo.com, and it is similar to myspace.

Week 7: #17 Blog About Technology

2007-10-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

If you look at this video concerning a minority report interface, you would see where technology is going.

Imagine the possibilities of doing something like this; you could look at crime scenes from a whole new angle, allow for the viewing of data to be simplified, and even lead to new possibilities such as creating something on a 3-D scale, where it could be holograms projected on any surface rather than being limited to a computer screen.

Week 7: #16 So what's in a wiki?

2007-10-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Wikis are good ways of keeping up with the times, following the general statement expressed by people from all over the world. I enjoy looking through Wikipedia and it does provide a lot of information concerning any given topic, but I don't always take it to heart.

Just as I can edit the information, so can other people that don't necessarily share the same opinion as mine. As a research tool it is not recommended; but as a general outlook on any subject it is a good source.

What types of applications within libraries might work well with a wiki?

I was looking at BookLoversWiki, and they have a very good use for a wiki. They have created a wiki for book reviews, and it was actually an idea that our library system could start as well. I know that there are many books out there that I would love to read, but I don't know if I would like them. With a review and good valid points from the readers, I would be able to make a better choice.

Week 6: #15 On Library 2.0 & Web 2.0

2007-10-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

What does Library 2.0 mean to me?

At first just from reading the articles mentioned on the discovery exercise, I started to think outside the box.

Initially I thought that it was just keeping up with the times by using technology to our advantage. But it is more than that, it is also changing the way we think and making it fit into the way we work. We have gone to the times where you had to go to the library to look for a book and if not there ask a librarian to place a hold on your behalf. Now this can be done without ever setting foot outside the door. We don't limit ourselves to just one library either, we can network and get ILL's to get materials from across the country, further adding to the list of resources at our disposal. Our mindset has gone from "how can I help someone in my town get the desired material" to "how can I get this to someone across the country". Now that our way of thinking has changed, our manner of work changes as well. Ideas are taken into consideration in order to reach that need.

Library 2.0 is the usage of technology to further promote the sharing of ideas, the exchange of knowledge, and a virtual arena where minds come together to discuss or agree on any subject. This is what Library 2.0 is to me.

Week 6: #14 Getting not-so-technical with Technorati

2007-10-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

By doing an advanced search on Technorati and using different ways to look up the same word I obtained different results.

I also explored other people's blogs and I did find a few that were of interest to me.

Even though it does look easy, I don't think I will use it. In some ways it is like using bloglines, letting me search for other blogs and keep track of them.

Week 6: #13 Tagging makes the web 2.0 world go round

2007-10-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

I started out using Del.icio.us and at first didn't really see what the big deal was. But once I started using the other bookmarks that were left by previous users, I saw the possibilites.

As a trial run I started with the bookmark labeled training, that led to something else, and it just kept on going until I found a very interesting article on psychology.

Def.inite.ly something I will use later on.

Week 5: #12 The "Library" Elf will remind you!

2007-10-12T06:02:00.000-07:00

Setting up an account was rather easy.

For someone like me that usually borrows many things from the library and lose track of time, it is a convenient way of avoiding fines.

Oh Library Elf, where have you been all my life?

Week 5: #11 A Thing about Library Thing

2007-10-10T21:37:00.001-07:00

I was not sure at first what this was all about, but once you sign in and find a few books to add to your list, you realize it is quite user friendly.I have added a few of the books that I started reading in high school prior to joining the service, and as time goes on I will keep adding more and more.

Week 5: #10 Play around with Image Generators

2007-10-10T21:32:00.001-07:00

This is by far one of the easiest to do out of all of the other toys available. All you have to do is just add pictures that are currently in your Flickr account and choose how many you want. I liked working with this.

My creation
Originally uploaded by Brain0351

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php

Week 4: #9 Finding Feeds

2007-10-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

I have started to use newsreader a lot more now, and for me it is a lot easier to just go to the website I often visit and copy the link into my bloglines account. I have various websites that I often visit in hopes of new material, and now I can read them all without having to create several different screens.

I don't really use the bloglines search tool because I know what I want. In the future once I become much better at this I will investigate more into it.

Week 4: #8 Make life "really simple" with RSS and a newsreader

2007-10-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Using the RSS feed was a lot simpler than I thought. Creating a free bloglines account was also a no brainer, and now with this central command post for all of the subscriptions to go to, it makes life so much more easier.

Experiment

2007-09-28T11:56:00.001-07:00

Still finding new things to try out using Flickr

My creation
Originally uploaded by Brain0351

Week 3: #7 Photo Editing Tools

2007-09-26T13:20:00.001-07:00

Ned
Originally uploaded by Brain0351

Using Pixer, I was able to make Ned look much cooler. (Even though he doesn't need much help when he is the devil)

Week 3: #6 More Flickr Fun

2007-09-26T12:22:00.001-07:00

My creation
Originally uploaded by Brain0351

This is a magazine cover I did using one of the components in Flickr. It is freaking awesome.I was using one of the programs that allows you to take a picture and turn it into a magazine cover. It was a lot of fun to play with it. It's also very easy and it doesn't take too much time to figure out. The hardest part is just deciding what picture to use.

Week 3: #5 Discover Flickr

2007-09-25T10:06:00.001-07:00

Clone Wars Veteran
Originally uploaded by Brain0351

The force is strong with this one

Week 2: #4 Online Safety and Sharing

2007-09-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

How comfortable am I sharing online? I am very comfortable sharing, but to a certain extent. You won't see me writing every detail of my personal life for the whole world to see and then ask how everyone knows everything there is to know about me.

Sharing online is a big responsibility because you have to use common sense when managing how much information you want to give out to the public. The catch is that online we can say much more than we normally can say in the real world because in here we are nothing more than just another drop of water in the bucket. We all want to be heard, and we crave for that attention. Online you can get that attention, and it can be addictive.

Sharing is good, it helps us voice our opinions, as long as we don't get carried away and lose control.

Week 2: #3 Grab Yourself a Blog in 3 Steps

2007-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

According to this slide show, I would have to say that my greatest strenght is organizing myself. I have to have a plan for everything I do, regardless of how small it is.

My weakest learning habit is thinking positive. I often try so hard that I fail to think that I can do this, instead forcing it upon myself to excel without a positive state of mind.