Thing 22

Completed the survey.

Thing 21

Site 1 I personally think the best site for looking up pretty much anything is of course, google.com. I had no idea what all it has to offer. It's very easy to navigate even for computer newbies.

Site 2 Would be diigo.com. This site is really great for people who use different computers but still want easy access to their favorite web sites. I just went back to look it over again and there are several new features being offered now. Like web highlighter for Ipad. It's nice to know that they are upgrading the site as different things become important to people.

Site 3 Of course you can't forget about music. For that I would recommend last.fm. There are so many different types of music offered, even from different eras. So I think it would be a great site for people of all ages.

Site 4 Pictures are very important to most people and being able to download, edit and send them to family and friends without having to pay for an expensive program is great. I know a lot of people use and love photobucket.com. I didn't take the time to explore all of it, but I think it's something that I'm going to try to do in the near future.

Site 5 For people who like to keep up to date on news, crafts, books, etc... Google reader is the site to try. I still try to remember to look at my page a couple of times a week. I haven't added anymore to it, but that's because I've been busy.

Site 6 I will recommend google docs to anyone who is working in a group. I think it's great that you can work on the same project without having to be at the same place. I wish this had been available when my kids were in school. It was hard to get a group of kids together outside of school hours to work on a project. And this way no one can lose it like you can a paper.

When it comes right down to it, I think showing people some of the things that google alone offers will give them pretty much everything they are looking for.

Thing 23: The End

Read some of my earlier posts. One was "Help, you'll be hearing a lot from me". Well, I did need direction on downloading a picture to a post. After that I was able to go solo. The slide show thing - I recall plowing my way through that one without help. Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks! Appreciated the opportunity to learn what's out there. In the end I was able to navigate my way through these sites. Personally, I will still google for info., maybe You Tube for fun, maybe a music site. Now I'm going to cancel accounts that I had to set up.

Thing 22: Survey

Took the survey.

Thing 21: Show what you know

My suggestions to a person interested in:
1) general information on a variety of topics- try google.com; no account needed.
2) daily updates from a variety of sources- set up an account with Google Reader and add feeds.i.e., links to the newspapers and sources you want. Each day news from all your sources will be at one site.
3) cataloging family photos and sharing those photos- set up an account with Photobucket.
4) cataloging books read - try Library Thing. In addition to the cataloging, a person may share with friends what he is reading and also network with those who have similar reading tastes.
5) videos- try You Tube. A variety of videos are available: old TV shows, scenes from classic movies, music performances, etc.
6) music - try Last.fm. Listen to your favorite music and artists for hours. Can create a playlist, network with other music lovers and can even upload photos.
7) career opportunities- try LinkedIn. Can post your qualifications and interests and wait for feedback. If not job hunting, can simply post ideas or ask for ideas from others in your line of work.
Each of these sites is easy to navigate.

Thing 20

Checked out the calendar, but not sure if I will use it because I keep my calendar and alarms on my Iphone.

I changed my IGoogle theme and now can feed a hamster, use google maps, and see my horoscope.

I will have to admit that it was very easy to make these changes. (Haven't done it before because it just didn't matter to me)

Thing 19

This was a little cumbersome to find anything useful. I checked out the Sesame Street site (I had tried this when my grandson was smaller and you had to join and pay a monthly fee so had never explored it). It is now free and might be something that my grandson would like. I will let him try it today after preschool.

Read Print might come in handy when I have forgotten to bring more library books home for my grandson. Also pretty cool that you can publish your own stories!

Thing 19 Blogging

Boy I got nothing out of this one! And I really tried! I watched 50 Best Web blog sites. 10 Worst blog sites, Groupon...
I just ended up falling asleep in the middle of it. There was nothing that I want to waste my time with.

2/24 Ok, I went back and looked at the 50 top web sites, I belong to Open table, George told me about it acouple of years ago. I use it once in awhile,they send me alerts when a new resturant opens or on holidays they let me know about specials. When you make reservation through Opentable you get points and eventually a free meal.

I also went back and signed up for a Hulu account so now I can watch Glee instead of waiting for one of my kids to let me watch theirs. I just thought that my computer couldn't play it. So we will see. That wasn't me watching Glee in the answer center. Really!

Thing 20

For the Communication Show & Share I chose Google Sketchup. That's where you are design a 3D model of anything. It sounds like it could be fun. We are in the process of redoing our backyard, this might help up to visualize it. On Search I looked at Product Search. I liked that because it searched only the product you are looking for. I wasn't paying attention when I made my IGoogle page and was logged in so it stayed. I'm not sure if I will use it or not. It is kind of nice having a page geared strictly towards your own likes.

Thing 19

To be honest, the only "best of" websites that I've looked at before were Genealogy Sites. But this was pretty cool. I checked out the education sites. The first one was Read Print. It's a free site that offers you the ability to read entire books where the copy write has ended and books from new aspiring authors. This includes Essays, fiction, non-fiction, plays, poetry and short stories. This could really come in handy for students working on reports. Or just the average person wanting to read something no longer in print. The second site that I looked at was CHEGG. It's where you can rent text books for a semester at a fraction of the cost. Where was that when my kids where in college. They advertise being a Green company. Renting books is better than chopping down trees to make more.

Thing 18

I really don't like the idea of children being able to be on a social networking site, but now a days it seems like it's the "norm". I think the sites with more visible parental controls are a good way to go. Unfortunately in this day and age there are still too many people out there that can get on this sites. For the real young kids I like Scuttle Pad since there's guided communication, but I'm not sure how long it would take before they got bored with that. The learning games on the sites sound like they would be a good learning tool. I'm still just not that into social networking sites.

Linkedin would probably be a good tool for certain careers. Getting to know others in your field and job searching. The idea that the site even gives you info. about the companies is good too.

Webjunction - it's good to have a site that offers a place to hear about and discuss different library ideas. I wasn't thrilled that you have to pay for the classes, but at least you can find some there.

Thing 19

I looked at websites under Shopping and Travel (natch) and noticed that many of the 2010 picks were about saving money...Like www.groupon.com, which offers one day discounts on certain goods and services. If enough people buy the coupons, they can get over half off the price.www.gilt.com offers discounts on high end merchandise, that even with the discount is too expensive for me. However I loved the site www.renttherunway.com, where you can rent designer outfits and accessories, at 90% off the retail price, for special occasions! I love this idea because I would spend the same amount anyway, but I don't have to worry about something sitting in my closet because I have no other occasion to wear it. They will send 2 sizes to make sure of the fit, along with a return envelop (no postage required). Too bad I have nothing coming up to test this on, maybe one of my daughters would like to try it for weddings they are going to this year...The 2004 sites I looked at like, www.freshdirect.com, home food delivery service in NYC seem to empathize quality no matter the price. So economy has made a difference, also many of the 2010 sites have mobile apps.

Thing 20: More fun with Google

The first tool I investigated was "Translate" which will translate a foreign document into English. Certainly useful for those who have that need. "Picnik" was just another photo editing site. The "Knol" site allows you to write an article and share your knowledge. There were a lot of different categories. I logged into the science site and found an article on prime numbers, how dogs smell and a "Photographers' Guide to the Geology of Northumberland".

Setting up the igoogle page was easy- polka dots for the theme; Knol, dictionary, song lyrics for the gadgets. I did not save it. I do google for maps, song lyrics, humorous stories or poems for a newsletter I put out. Don't need a custom igoogle page for that.

Practical applications for the public? Sure! Maps, dictionary and any information they want to search for.

Thing 19: Best of Web

Explored the 2004 best of web. On the Words without borders.com site I found an interesting article regarding the revolution in Egypt to depose Mubarak ( who has stepped down recently). This site posts articles of foreign authors that have been translated into English. You are given a non American viewpoint. That can be refreshing.

For fun I went to an SSA. gov site which gave the top 10 male and female names for babies in 2009. My favorite, Michael, is listed in the top ten. Emma and Emily appeared for the girls.


Sites range from serious to amusing so satisfies many tastes.

Thing 18

Even though my kids are grown up, I do have a niece who just turned 8. I am not sure if my sister is aware of the different social networks that she could belong to (with Mom's approval), but I will send her the information. Some of them had some good aspects and all seem to take the security issues very seriously, but there is only so much that can be done. I am sure these sites are not completely safe and that people with bad intent may be able to get in. However, no matter how much society is turning toward online social networks, children/adolescents/teens still need social (face to face) skills. I heard just this week about a study that looked at the declining social skills many children have and linked it to their poor academic performances.
LinkedIn has some good information about different companies and looks like a great source for looking for a new job and/or networking.
The staff training sessions at Webjunction  look much the same as what is offered through TBLC and the city training classes. However the Patron training materials might be something we could use/build on.
While reading information about eReaders I found a section on how some of these devices can be used by the visually impaired without extra cost, just "out of the box". I also read about an iPhone app called Digit-eyes, that uses the iPhone camera to read item labels (like in a grocery store) out loud to the user . I suppose they could also use it to scan the Large Print and Audio sections in the library.

Thing 18 Social Networking

I looked at the different sites for the children, they all claim to be safe, but there is always a way around it. One site you have a monthly fee. On an other they can trade their toys. I would be really mad if my children traded their toys. So to trade their toys they would have to meet? How is that safe? They need to go outside and play anyway, how else are they going to help nice men find their puppies.

I really like Webjunction this I would use! Notice all of the angry patron articles on it.
As far as LinkedIn I don't want to sign up for anything else, but it is pretty impressive. I'm going to recommend it to a friend.

Thing 17

I looked at Gather, under the Life & Style section and found a post about making a Happy List. I love lists and I think this is a good one to create. List people/things/experiences that make you happy and see how it will brighten your day. It was posted by someone enduring a horrible winter up north, but even here in the Sunshine State we have dreary days that can be lightened by this little exercise. I also looked at Ning, where you create your own social network, since there is a cost associated with this ($2.95 - $49.95 per month) I think it is best for businesses large and small. I also thought that the author pages would be a unique way for authors and fans to connect. That being said, I probably would not join any other social networking sites at this time. I barley have time to read and sometimes post to FB.

Thing 17 Social Networking

I have a Facebook account,but sometimes I feel I have to watch what I post on it. I don't feel safe,I never know who all will see what I post, meaning friends of friends.
I checked out the other sites Gather and Ning. I like to quilt so that was what I searched, I found at group that paints quilt blocks on their barns. Apparently you have to join this group and be approved of before you can paint the pattern on your barn. This is in North Carolina.
I'm a little hesitant to join groups, I'm afraid of being a silver alert on US19, and having Nancy Grace showing my picture and screaming at my relatives. What I'm trying to say is it's probably good for someone who has a hobby, but not for me I don't like to jump in on discussions.
I just gave 2.0 a third chance. I finally found something usefull. I wasn't all that impressed. I would never use it as a source for anything!

Thing 18

Looked at the kids social network sites and the only one that I might agree with was Togetherville since it was self contained with no outsiders allowed.

I don't think it is a good idea for children under 13 to be involved in online social networks. They need to learn how to communicate face to face in schools, playgrounds and other social gatherings. Kids need to be allowed to be kids as long as possible before being pushed into the "real world". There is no substitution for outside play and interactions with friends and families.

I didn't actually explore LinkedIn because it required a sign up and I am not interested in a professional website.

Webjunction had a wealth of info for both the staff and patrons. There were numerous downloadable docs to assist patrons with where to go for some of there interests. I downloaded a doc for social technology sites. Site was easy to use.

Thing 17

I checked out some of the food threads on Gather. I like the idea of it being a world wide resource for new and different recipes that I have never tried. (My husband might be in for a few surprises in the near future) I have even bookmarked it!

I had no desire to sign up for a free trial with Ning. Anything that is not always free is not for me.

The only social network that I currently use is Facebook. I find it so much easier to stay in contact with friends and family rather than using email which is so cumbersome with all of the junk that you have to clear out of your way.

While I can't see myself ever using Ning (since I am beyond the career stage of my life and no longer have the need to establish a professional network), it would be useful for someone who is actively in the job market and has no idea of what is available to them.

Thing 18: More on Social Networks

Explored the 5 safe kid sites. Togetherville seemed okay since parents set up whom their kids would interact with- friends or family members. There are no outside links. However, What's What let kids interact with people they didn't know, but it was limited to the kids' grade level or one above or below that grade level. An adult wishing to get in could submit a picture of a child which could pass for that grade level. Red flag there. Gianthello had no search for friends function to eliminate that problem. I'd rather kids use a computer for school work and use other free time involved in sports. I'm an idealist.
LinkedIn seems like a good idea for a job search so I probably would recommend this to a patron.
Web junction had a host of information for the library profession. The site was very easy to navigate. It offers classes/groups /discussions ranging from management to technology to library services. Largo Public Library could probably find some very useful ideas. I came across a course offered online through Illinois State Library on "Dealing With Angry Patrons".

Thing 17 Social Networking

Facebook is the only social network site that I belong to. And I really am only on that so that I can keep up with my kids. Living so far away for them, sometimes the only way I hear about what they are doing on a somewhat daily basis is through their Facebook. I really don't take time to explore these sites. When I'm at home I have other things I'd rather be doing. Although I can see where they might be good for people who want to find people with the same interests.

Thing 17: Social Networks

Explored Ning and Library 2.0 Group. These are beyond my interests. I've heard about twitter and was invited to join Linkedon by a friend. I guess I don't want my name out there for friends of friends. Social networking is fine for finding job opportunites, finding old friends or new partners. I have no need for this.

Thing 16

This I might actually use. And I know that my husband will. I did have some trouble with a couple of the sites when I went to play the music. But that was because of Baracuda security still causing problems. I signed up for last.fm. Mostly I listen to soft rock.

Thing 15 Podcasts

I have never looked at a Podcast before. I guess there are some good things about them. Like you can look at the New York Times, watch some of your tv shows (if they are on there). But for me personally, I don't have the patience to search for things. I checked out three of the sites. Podcast, Podcastalley, and Podbean. Of the three Podbean was the easiest for me. I know there are a lot of people out there that spend hours searching sites like this, so maybe making podcasts of some of the library programs or even "how tos" for library usage might be a way for us to get our info. out there.

Thing 16

I tried Grooveshark and it was ok. It didn't really save what I really wanted it to, but I could look up artist that I hadn't kept up with but still like.
I liked Pandora better because it came up with other artist that resamble the one that I really liked, and it also had the lyrics. I thought that was great Bill and I have been arguing for years about the lyrics to Santana's Evil Ways.
Here we go again I just joined something else that I will never use because I have to down load an apt so for me it's not user friendly. So once again my info is out there. I signed up for Maestro I wish there was away to undo it.