Tickling the Keyboard

It's been a while since I've posted so thought I'd at least write a sentence or two. The class is finis but why not continue to blog?

My friend Jannie and I returned a couple of weeks ago from a fabulous trip to Colonial Williamsburg. We also visited the Jamestown Settlement, Mt. Vernon and Monticello. There is no way to describe the aura that settles upon you when you step into the houses of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Walking the rooms they walked, seeing a semblance of the views they saw -- awesome to say the least. At the same time you steep yourself in the history of these historical men's lives, you are also conflicted about the fact they were both slave owners. Washington freed his slaves upon his death, not so for Jefferson. Of course we all know about his relationship with Sally Hemmings. One fact I didn't know about Washington was that he really was a proponent of peace. The weather vane on top of his house has a dove with olive branch perched atop the directions. I want that weather vane! I did know that Washington abhorred torture and set the precedence for abolishing torture as a way to illustrate to the world how a truly free country conducts itself in terms of human rights. Sadly we are now on the reverse path.

More about the trip to come later!

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Yikers! I Forgot a Week

Here I am again. Just when I thought I'd actually finished on time and on budget!

I signed up for Jott! Hey, does anyone remember the fake M&M candies called Jots? Not as tasty as M&Ms but cheaper. Anyway, I talked to myself and said " hello world, peace-out." It was actually pretty cool. My voice sounded a little muffled but what a cool technology. Maybe I've found a way to remind myself about all I need to accomplish in a day at work. I can't seem to manage post-its and scrap notes very well and far be it for me to actually check my weekly planner. Oh, I did add something to the milk list long ago. I think it was about the god-awful snow. Usually I love snow but enough was enough already.

Did I make it Stef????!!!!!

Huhhuhuhuhuhuhuhuh

In case you didn't guess, that huhuh...is me panting in my haste to finish up before 4/7. I didn't know how to make a panting sound using letters so just go along with me, okay?

Am I curious? Are nosy and curious the same thing? Then yes! I was the kid who stealthily unwrapped all the xmas gifts to see what I was getting then carefully replaced the wrapping so the gig wasn't up. I remember when my parents wised up and hid the prezies in the car trunk. I managed to sneak the keys too. I used to read the end of books when only a few chapters in because I needed the answers and outcomes right away. Once I tried walking across a frozen pond because I wasn't convinced it was unsafe. Good thing the water only went up to my neck.

I love trying new things but often am too impatient to read the instructions. I dive right in though the results aren't always stellar. Projectplay elicited a sense of childhood excitement. I couldn't wait to try and explore everything thrown our way. Wow! It's overwhelming, exhilirating and terrific fun. Currently I'm moderating an online librarians eco-course through the U.W. and during the programming week, I'm asking the participants how they think using web 2.0 could further our mission as environmental activists. It's nice to know some of the vehicles and to actually know the term web 2.0.

Projectplay is one of the best learning experiences I've had in some time. Thanks for releasing my pent-up inner child and for connecting us to the "curiosity" video. And here all this time I thought my parents were right when, annoyed with my curiosity, they said one day I'd cut off my nose to spite my face. Nose and curiosity are still intact. I'm ready for my close-up, Pinocchio!

Mashups - Mmmmmm

Wouldn't Mashups be a super name for a babyfood company? Yum yum.

I wouldn't say I had the best experience on mapbuilder.net. My first foray produced only the corner of a map that didn't allow me to scroll to find CP. The second time produced no map at all. Our library name is in the location box, however, so some success was achieved. (I like logobama too!)

I'm rolling around the idea of somehow working up a mashup that combines environmental issues and libraries. Today my creative drive is taking a nap, so I'll give this more thought when motivation repays a visit.

Do You YouTube?

Okay, so I thought screencasts could produce the same results as YouTube. Guess I jumped ahead a bit in my excitement. So....the can-do DeMille moment would have to occur via this fab vehicle. I loved the Harper College Library bit and of course had to show my staff. If you want to see another fun bit on YouTube, not library related, watch this http://youtube.com/results?search_query=food+court+musical&search_type=. I think we could easily perform Dewey 021 the Musical.

My only criticism about YouTube is that it's like eating potato chips. You can't view just one. Usually I visit it for comic relief but did find it helpful when I was looking for an old environmental commercial from my childhood which I linked to an on-line environmental forum I'm moderating.

YouTube can help enlighten the world about librarians by dispelling the myth of the pursed lips, pince-nez and moth eaten cardigans and show that we truly do have quirky, off-beat senses of humor. (Of course this doesn't mean I'm ready to give my cardigan to Goodwill just yet!)

Libraries must continuously reinvent if we hope to stay current and in demand. YouTube provides infinite possibilities for exposure, enlightenment and hilarity.

I'm Ready for My Screencast, Mr. DeMille

I can't believe I've fallen behind by 3 weeks again. I would kindly like to request that life allow me to hop off the carousel for a few hours so I can blog and daydream.

Screencasts may just allow my inner director and actor to emerge. Yes, the sound is a bit warbly on the suggested sites I visited, but oh what potential! I could see this vehicle being used for reader's advisory. Picture it -- a Masterpiece Theatre set design, patron seated on a velvet Queen Anne's chair, (pipe optional) reading a few passages from a favorite book then providing a personal teaser about the book. How about getting kids involved, with permission of course, reading a few lines from H. Potter or Dr. Seuss. Could be fascinating and could draw a lot of people to our websites. Imagine how many classmates would log-in just to see a fellow classmate espousing the virtues of a Lemony Snicket book.

Mr. DeMille....I'm ready.:))