Okay, so I did another push to lighten my proverbial gypsy wagon. I did have a panic attack, but managed (with my wonderful husband's help) to push through it and redirect my emotions. That being said, here goes the next few items on my log:
January 7: Humboldt State Tupperware Container. This was the straw the broke the camels back this morning when I was working on cleaning out things. The lid is missing (I'm sure it's hiding around here somewhere) and has not been together with the bottom of the container for several years. There were some rusty screws in it that actually stained the container. I will not forget the awesome time that I had and all the great friends that I made while I was an exchange student to Humboldt State University. So, I let it go.
January 8: My first digital camera. My aunt gave me her old digital camera back when I only dreamed of being able to afford one. It was such a blessing to me and I loved taking pictures with it. However, that was at least 7 years ago. It was 5 mega pixels (pretty good at that time). We now own a brand new camera with a whole lot more mega pixels that takes amazing photos. I am donating my old camera as it still works. Hopefully someone will be able to enjoy it.
January 9: An old green backpack. The shoulder strap was half torn off, rendering it next to useless. I hate to put things in the landfill, but I can't keep a backpack that doesn't function as a backpack. Plus, I have several other backpacks that actually have usable straps. (And have cute hello kitty on them!)
January 10: My Computer Desk. I looked long and hard for that computer desk to replace the one I brought with me from MN. I wanted one with drawers and a compartment to hide the tower. I was so happy to find it. However, now that I do not have a functional desktop computer, I really don't need a desk. I never use my laptop on the desk, preferring to sit on the love seat and use my laptop on my lap! I have decided to give my beautiful desk to a good home and have posted it on my facebook. Hopefully someone will want it and enjoy using it as much as I did.
January 11: My Desk Chair. There is nothing wrong with this chair. When we found this chair at the store on the floor I was so excited - but we had to drive to a different location to find one that we could purchase. It is a very comfy chair and it was the replacement for the one that the kittens shredded. I enjoyed sitting in it and playing MMOs with my husband. However as I said above, I do not have a desktop computer. If I don't need a desk anymore, I don't need a desk chair. My friend Doug has said that he could use it for his Xbox chair. I'm happy that it will be used by a gamer!
More to come!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
January 1-6
So, I'm a little behind on my New Year's resolution. I'm going to try and catch up over the next couple days. I am going back in time and start with January 1 for my letting go of one thing per day in 2013.
January 1: Leopard Print Snuggie. This was given to me as a gift because I was always cold at work. While I really appreciated the thought and enjoyed using it, I haven't actually used it in over 2 years. As such, I am going to put it in the donate box.
January 2: Chicken print cheese plate and knife. Okay, so this was a little harder for me. I love chickens and this cheese plate/knife is really cute. This was given to me as a gift for the holidays a couple years ago and has never been out of the box. I hope it goes to a home of someone else who will appreciate it.
January 3: Box of random papers, etc. I am very sentimental. I want to keep every little note and card given to me. The reason this one is going on here is because I barely looked at the papers and put the majority of them into our recycling box. There were a couple things that I did keep, but at least 95% of that box is going to be recycled.
January 4: Masquerade style mask. This was a mask that I modified so that I could wear it to a masquerade ball for Midwinter 2002. Since then, it has not fared well through all the moves. The stick detached and the feathers are looking bad. I've been holding onto it thinking that I would fix the feathers and re-attach the stick. But after all these years, it's obvious to me that I will not be doing so. Plus, if I need a masquerade mask in the future, I can always buy a new one that doesn't look all bedraggled.
January 5: Box of VHS tapes. It has been 4 1/2 years since a VCR was connected to a TV in our house. These boxes have not even been opened since we moved into our house in September 2008. Really, why keep them? It's time for them to go.
January 6: VCR. This VCR used to be Rusty's. He had it in the dorm lounge in Pepperwood when it fell off of the shelf that it was balanced on and some interior part broke. He was going to toss it, and I asked if I could have it. I brought it back to ND/MN from CA and my uncle repaired it for me. It still works to this day, but it hasn't been hooked up to a TV in 4 1/2 years. Giving up my old VCR will not cause me to forget all the fun we had.
This is where I'm going to stop for tonight. Tomorrow I will work on letting go of more things and log them in here. We have a pick up scheduled with the Military Order of the Purple Heart for this Tuesday. I scheduled for a pick up of 4-10 boxes/bags. :)
January 1: Leopard Print Snuggie. This was given to me as a gift because I was always cold at work. While I really appreciated the thought and enjoyed using it, I haven't actually used it in over 2 years. As such, I am going to put it in the donate box.
January 2: Chicken print cheese plate and knife. Okay, so this was a little harder for me. I love chickens and this cheese plate/knife is really cute. This was given to me as a gift for the holidays a couple years ago and has never been out of the box. I hope it goes to a home of someone else who will appreciate it.
January 3: Box of random papers, etc. I am very sentimental. I want to keep every little note and card given to me. The reason this one is going on here is because I barely looked at the papers and put the majority of them into our recycling box. There were a couple things that I did keep, but at least 95% of that box is going to be recycled.
January 4: Masquerade style mask. This was a mask that I modified so that I could wear it to a masquerade ball for Midwinter 2002. Since then, it has not fared well through all the moves. The stick detached and the feathers are looking bad. I've been holding onto it thinking that I would fix the feathers and re-attach the stick. But after all these years, it's obvious to me that I will not be doing so. Plus, if I need a masquerade mask in the future, I can always buy a new one that doesn't look all bedraggled.
January 5: Box of VHS tapes. It has been 4 1/2 years since a VCR was connected to a TV in our house. These boxes have not even been opened since we moved into our house in September 2008. Really, why keep them? It's time for them to go.
January 6: VCR. This VCR used to be Rusty's. He had it in the dorm lounge in Pepperwood when it fell off of the shelf that it was balanced on and some interior part broke. He was going to toss it, and I asked if I could have it. I brought it back to ND/MN from CA and my uncle repaired it for me. It still works to this day, but it hasn't been hooked up to a TV in 4 1/2 years. Giving up my old VCR will not cause me to forget all the fun we had.
This is where I'm going to stop for tonight. Tomorrow I will work on letting go of more things and log them in here. We have a pick up scheduled with the Military Order of the Purple Heart for this Tuesday. I scheduled for a pick up of 4-10 boxes/bags. :)
Thursday, January 10, 2013
New Year's Resolution
“If one’s life is simple, contentment has to come. Simplicity is extremely important for happiness. Having few desires, feeling satisfied with what you have, is very vital: satisfaction with just enough food, clothing, and shelter to protect yourself from the elements.” - The Dalai Lama
I am a packrat... an accumulator... dare I say it.... a hoarder. I attach emotions to things which causes them to have an inflated value. For example, I have a pair of socks that I really loved to wear - so much so that they got holes in the heals and are no longer wearable. But can I throw them out? No. Why? Because they have a chicken print on them. They were purchased in a little shop in Bethany Beach, DE when we were on a summer vacation with the Holickys - and it was after that vacation that my husband proposed to me. Because of this, they hide in the bottom of my closet.
This is madness! If those chicken socks were thrown out, would I forget swimming in the ocean? Would my marriage end? Hell no! And so I'm going to try to take the advise of the Dalai Lama and simplify my life.
A friend of mine posted to her facebook page that she was going to wage a war against clutter as her New Year's resolution. This inspired me, so I thought I would try to do likewise. So, here is my pledge:
In the fight against my nature to live in clutter, I am going to try and part with (toss/donate/recycle) one item from our house every day. For every new item that I bring into the house, I will have to part with one item.
To make this more of an adventure, I'm going to blog about my experience. This blog is for me - I don't pretend that it will be of interest to anyone, nor do I expect to have "followers." It's going to be my way to hold myself accountable to my pledge. And at the end of the year, to have something tangible to look back on and see how far I've come.
Who knows - maybe I will get people following my blog. Maybe I can inspire others to take a similar journey with me. But what I do know is that my life will be happier.
I am a packrat... an accumulator... dare I say it.... a hoarder. I attach emotions to things which causes them to have an inflated value. For example, I have a pair of socks that I really loved to wear - so much so that they got holes in the heals and are no longer wearable. But can I throw them out? No. Why? Because they have a chicken print on them. They were purchased in a little shop in Bethany Beach, DE when we were on a summer vacation with the Holickys - and it was after that vacation that my husband proposed to me. Because of this, they hide in the bottom of my closet.
This is madness! If those chicken socks were thrown out, would I forget swimming in the ocean? Would my marriage end? Hell no! And so I'm going to try to take the advise of the Dalai Lama and simplify my life.
A friend of mine posted to her facebook page that she was going to wage a war against clutter as her New Year's resolution. This inspired me, so I thought I would try to do likewise. So, here is my pledge:
In the fight against my nature to live in clutter, I am going to try and part with (toss/donate/recycle) one item from our house every day. For every new item that I bring into the house, I will have to part with one item.
To make this more of an adventure, I'm going to blog about my experience. This blog is for me - I don't pretend that it will be of interest to anyone, nor do I expect to have "followers." It's going to be my way to hold myself accountable to my pledge. And at the end of the year, to have something tangible to look back on and see how far I've come.
Who knows - maybe I will get people following my blog. Maybe I can inspire others to take a similar journey with me. But what I do know is that my life will be happier.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Is it dusty here or what?
So, I've decided to dust off my old blog and start using it again. But this time, the subject will change. More details coming soon!
Monday, December 3, 2007
4 feet of mischief
New Photos have been uploaded. It's been a while since I actually transfered the photos from my camera to my flickr account. However, I think a certain Fairy Godmother will be unhappy with me if I don't upload them a little more often. As you can see, Ed has been getting bigger. Don't let his sweet and innocent looks fool you. I'm fully convinced that he's one of the kittens of the apocalypse.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Adoption Day
Today is adoption day for the little girls. I'm very happy that they are being adopted together and that they will have each other to play with and keep company for the rest of their lives. I'm also a little sad that I will no longer have them here. I'm taking a lot of pictures today of all of them, but especially of the girls. I know I will especially miss my little black fluffy purr motor.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
We're growing up!
I finally took the time to go through the camera and make sure all the photos were uploaded to the computer. Then I deleted the old ones off the camera so that I'll hopefully be more likely to keep up with my flickr additions. This is how the kittens were sitting this morning. I couldn't have asked them to pose better. From left to right: "Runt," "Ed" and "Makita." It's a good things Greg didn't want to sit in his chair this morning, as it was already occupied. Kittens go to the vet next Thursday. And as long as they pass with flying colors, then 2 of the three will be ready to go to new homes. I think "Ed's" going to be staying with us. I'll really miss the others when they go. They're all so loveable... even if sometimes they can be 'bad'.... Guess that just comes with being a kitten - the running around like crazies, getting into everything even when they aren't supposed to... yep... the toddler years. =)
Monday, October 8, 2007
New Pictures
I've been a bad kitten mommy and have not been keeping the new photos coming. So this morning, I've uploaded a few pictures that I've been taking over the last couple weeks. I'll try to be better... but it's so hard now to get the kittens to sit still long enough for a photo!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Week 9, Thing 23: Summarize your thoughts about this program and learn more about where to go from here
Back when I first was introduced to the idea of doing Maryland 23 Things, it was billed as only taking about 1/2 hour per week. WRONG! Maybe 1/2 hour per Thing would have been more accurate, but some things were hella hard about which to teach oneself, and even with that estimate it would not be completely accurate. But I was bound and determined to complete this program and unfortunately I think some of my collections suffered from my determination.
My favorite discoveries/exercises... I really like Flickr. As some of you may have noticed, I have kittens. And I think if I didn't have new pictures on my Flickr every week, I might get lynched. So this is something that I will continue to use. I'm not sure if I will continue with blogging, however. I used to have a LiveJournal account... and I have a MySpace account... but I am really bad at blogging on there. But maybe I'll turn this into a kitten tales blog and go from there. Who knows. While LibraryThing was a lot of fun, I don't really see me using it in the future. Same is true for Rollyo. I'm also really excited to explore Wikis more. It seems that the staff for BbN:DH would like to incorporate that into our webpage to keep those fluid things up to date. So, I'll probably continue to learn more about them.
Things to improve the program: I would definitely tell those interested in doing this program a more realistic time frame for how long it takes to do each exercise. I'm sure I could have flown through this in a month if I didn't actually care about understanding the exercises. Some people may have done just that. However, you only get out of this program what you are willing to put into it. And while it burns me to think that those who did the bare minimum on this project will be getting the same amount of CEUs and the same chances to win the drawing as I do, I just keep reminding myself that they cheated themselves out of an opportunity to really learn and more importantly, really understand about Web 2.0.
Another improvement: One was not instructed to create the blog until Thing 3, but one was supposed to blog about Things 1 and 2. This resulted in my having to redo things 1 and 2 because I couldn't remember enough about them (especially Thing 2) in order to blog about them after Thing 3.
Overall, I did enjoy this program. Yes, some of the 'features' of Web 2.0 are not for me. But if something like this was offered again, I would probably sign up to participate, barring it wouldn't put me over the edge with workload! =)
And finally: 23 Things down and I'M ALL DONE!!!
*does happy dance*
My favorite discoveries/exercises... I really like Flickr. As some of you may have noticed, I have kittens. And I think if I didn't have new pictures on my Flickr every week, I might get lynched. So this is something that I will continue to use. I'm not sure if I will continue with blogging, however. I used to have a LiveJournal account... and I have a MySpace account... but I am really bad at blogging on there. But maybe I'll turn this into a kitten tales blog and go from there. Who knows. While LibraryThing was a lot of fun, I don't really see me using it in the future. Same is true for Rollyo. I'm also really excited to explore Wikis more. It seems that the staff for BbN:DH would like to incorporate that into our webpage to keep those fluid things up to date. So, I'll probably continue to learn more about them.
Things to improve the program: I would definitely tell those interested in doing this program a more realistic time frame for how long it takes to do each exercise. I'm sure I could have flown through this in a month if I didn't actually care about understanding the exercises. Some people may have done just that. However, you only get out of this program what you are willing to put into it. And while it burns me to think that those who did the bare minimum on this project will be getting the same amount of CEUs and the same chances to win the drawing as I do, I just keep reminding myself that they cheated themselves out of an opportunity to really learn and more importantly, really understand about Web 2.0.
Another improvement: One was not instructed to create the blog until Thing 3, but one was supposed to blog about Things 1 and 2. This resulted in my having to redo things 1 and 2 because I couldn't remember enough about them (especially Thing 2) in order to blog about them after Thing 3.
Overall, I did enjoy this program. Yes, some of the 'features' of Web 2.0 are not for me. But if something like this was offered again, I would probably sign up to participate, barring it wouldn't put me over the edge with workload! =)
And finally: 23 Things down and I'M ALL DONE!!!
*does happy dance*
Friday, September 21, 2007
Week 9, Thing 22: Learn about Audiobooks
I am not certain that I have actually established an Overdrive account or not. I linked to it from BCPL's website and was only asked to enter my Library's name and my barcode number from my library card. I guess for those who don't have library access to Overdrive, they might have to create a stand-alone account. Perhaps I'm wrong with that and the account factor would come in once you get to the download stage. (I can't remember) I'm not able to test that, as we are not allowed to download anything from Overdrive onto library-owned computers. However, using this method I was still able to look around at what Overdrive has to offer.
And what does Overdrive have to offer me? Near as I can tell... absolutely nothing. I tried searching keywords of topics about which I am interested in reading. Most of the time I was unable to locate a single book. Other times, I was able to locate one or two selections, that were on the right topic but not titles that interested me. So to answer the question in the Discovery Exercise #2: "Did you locate a title that you might want to try out and download?" The answer: no.
When BCPL subscribed to Overdrive, we all took a look at it. One nice thing is that it offers classics. This is a handy alternative for when a student comes into the library to get a copy of (well, I was going to say Things Fall Apart by Achebe, but Overdrive doesn't have that title) Fahrenheit 451 by Bradbury and all of our copies are checked out... and of course they knew they needed to read it 2 months ago, but it's due tomorrow and now they are in a pinch... (you've heard the desperate story before... I know you have).
Personally, I do not want to read a book on a computer screen. Nor do I want to listen to a book from my computer. (I have an iPod... so using my MP3 player is out of the question) So, this format is not a big seller for me. And yes, I did try it. Downloading a book to a PDA and reading (at least part of it) was part of my LATI class. I didn't like that format. I guess I'm old fashioned when it comes to book reading. :)
So that brings me to the end... and 22 things down... 1 to go!
And what does Overdrive have to offer me? Near as I can tell... absolutely nothing. I tried searching keywords of topics about which I am interested in reading. Most of the time I was unable to locate a single book. Other times, I was able to locate one or two selections, that were on the right topic but not titles that interested me. So to answer the question in the Discovery Exercise #2: "Did you locate a title that you might want to try out and download?" The answer: no.
When BCPL subscribed to Overdrive, we all took a look at it. One nice thing is that it offers classics. This is a handy alternative for when a student comes into the library to get a copy of (well, I was going to say Things Fall Apart by Achebe, but Overdrive doesn't have that title) Fahrenheit 451 by Bradbury and all of our copies are checked out... and of course they knew they needed to read it 2 months ago, but it's due tomorrow and now they are in a pinch... (you've heard the desperate story before... I know you have).
Personally, I do not want to read a book on a computer screen. Nor do I want to listen to a book from my computer. (I have an iPod... so using my MP3 player is out of the question) So, this format is not a big seller for me. And yes, I did try it. Downloading a book to a PDA and reading (at least part of it) was part of my LATI class. I didn't like that format. I guess I'm old fashioned when it comes to book reading. :)
So that brings me to the end... and 22 things down... 1 to go!
New Photos!
The kittens have gotten bigger and are now starting to be much more active and have even tried out some kitten food with mixed results. Visit my flickr account to see all the new photos! And I'll try to be better about uploading photos in the future!
Week 9, Thing 21: Discover some useful tools for locating podcasts
I started looking at podcast.net and found a podcast that I wanted to try out. However, I kept getting a box that said "Click to run an ActiveX control on this page." Your only option was to click the box labeled "OK." But when you did that, nothing happened. I even tried Xing out of the little box with the same result. The podcast did not seem to function.
I then went to search on podcastalley.com, but in order to listen to the podcast, I was required to download a Podcast Aggregator. Since downloading things to our work computers is a big no-no, I scrapped that idea.
Frustrated, I tried a different angle. Some friends on mind host a podcast on talkshoe.com. I went there and did a little search and there it was... and when I clicked on 'play' it actually played. So, while talkshoe.com was not one of the sites recommended, it was the only one that I tried in which I had any success. I've added the link to their podcast to my bloglines account. (I still maintain the "Subscribe" button should actually allow you to subscribe directly and not just show you the html code and webaddress... but perhaps that's just my belief.)
My thoughts on Podcasting. Once again, it falls into the realms of blogging. It seems like everyone in the world feels that their opinions are so important that they have to share them with everyone else in the world. And now, it's not just in the written media... but now you can podcast you message. I can see some practical uses for this resource. One can use it for instructional purposes. But it seems more like "Listen to me, I'm so kuhl" is the current primary use of podcasting. Hopefully I'm wrong. =) Of course, everyone can choose to podcast their thoughts on the web... and I can choose to not listen. Gotta love the power of choice! =)
So, now that this thing is done, I can happily say that I have 21 down and only 2 more to go! YAY! I might make this deadline after all!
I then went to search on podcastalley.com, but in order to listen to the podcast, I was required to download a Podcast Aggregator. Since downloading things to our work computers is a big no-no, I scrapped that idea.
Frustrated, I tried a different angle. Some friends on mind host a podcast on talkshoe.com. I went there and did a little search and there it was... and when I clicked on 'play' it actually played. So, while talkshoe.com was not one of the sites recommended, it was the only one that I tried in which I had any success. I've added the link to their podcast to my bloglines account. (I still maintain the "Subscribe" button should actually allow you to subscribe directly and not just show you the html code and webaddress... but perhaps that's just my belief.)
My thoughts on Podcasting. Once again, it falls into the realms of blogging. It seems like everyone in the world feels that their opinions are so important that they have to share them with everyone else in the world. And now, it's not just in the written media... but now you can podcast you message. I can see some practical uses for this resource. One can use it for instructional purposes. But it seems more like "Listen to me, I'm so kuhl" is the current primary use of podcasting. Hopefully I'm wrong. =) Of course, everyone can choose to podcast their thoughts on the web... and I can choose to not listen. Gotta love the power of choice! =)
So, now that this thing is done, I can happily say that I have 21 down and only 2 more to go! YAY! I might make this deadline after all!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Week 9, Thing 20: Discover YouTube and a few sites that allow you to upload video
The above video was created by one of our customers here at Towson who wanted to share his positive experiences that both he and his daughter had while visiting our library. It's a cute little promo for the Towson library... and BCPL in general.
I'm not sure if there are any features that could be applied to our library's website... at least not at this moment. Streaming video is a bandwidth hog, and websites such as youtube and myspace have been blocked from BCPL computer due to the effects the bandwidth load had upon our ability to perform other work-related tasks. So, until that is resolved permanently, it would seem hypocritical to place streaming video promotions on our website. But perhaps in the future, I could see clips of LVN productions having a place on our website... to promote programs, services, etc to our customers.
The following video I decided to add because it fits with my reoccurring theme. It was difficult to find something, however, as there just wasn't very many results for OWbN. But for those who may have been wondering what it is that I do every other Saturday night, this will give you some idea.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Week 8, Thing 19: Discover any site from the Web 2.0 awards list
I decided that there hasn't been enough of habit #7 1/2 of those 7 1/2 habits of effective life long learning that we discovered back in week one. So, to make up for that, I chose to look at the site called arcaplay. This site reminded me of the yahoo games that I used to frequent when I needed to pass the time with a good game of mah jong solitaire. I played a couple of the penguin themed games and had a lot of fun. I've learned that the game "Ice Breakout" is basically penguin pong for people who are much more coordinated than I am. It looks like you can try the games for free, but perhaps you would need to register an account with them to play more than a round or two.
I had a lot of fun with this site. I was a bit disappointed that the game "Penguinoids" would not load properly. I was just imagining a penguin version of asteroids. Disappointedly, when searching for Chicken games, the results only included "Chicken" and "Zaphod and Aztec." The former is supposed to be frogger meets 'why did the chicken cross the road'. The latter seems to be an alien abduction game, according to the description. I might have to check these out later!
But, suffice it to say, I can happily report that I have completed Thing #19. This means 19 down and only 4 more to go!
I had a lot of fun with this site. I was a bit disappointed that the game "Penguinoids" would not load properly. I was just imagining a penguin version of asteroids. Disappointedly, when searching for Chicken games, the results only included "Chicken" and "Zaphod and Aztec." The former is supposed to be frogger meets 'why did the chicken cross the road'. The latter seems to be an alien abduction game, according to the description. I might have to check these out later!
But, suffice it to say, I can happily report that I have completed Thing #19. This means 19 down and only 4 more to go!
Week 8, Thing 18: Take a look at some online productivity tools
I checked out both the Zoho and Google Docs. This is amazing! Often we will have problems where someone created a file in a newer version and then sent it to someone who has an older version and then there are formatting problems, etc. Recently I created an Excel document to log information for the game I run. Unfortunately, one of the members on staff did not have excel on his computer and therefore is unable to utilize the information I prepared. Had I known these things existed, I might have created the file there and then it would be accessible to everyone. The only problem I could foresee is that often when I am working on things for game, I am using the game's antiquated laptop. This machine runs on an impressive P2 processor and could potentially go onto the Internet if I felt like having a dial up account. (Course, I think it would be silly to have a dial up account to connect the lap top when my phone lines run through my cable...)
In Zoho writer, it appears that you can do just about everything that a basic Microsoft Office suite would allow you to do. Of course, there are some disadvantages, such as not having access to a plethora of fonts or font sizes. Basically, if you want it for a simple text document, this would work just fine. But, if you want the ability to vastly manipulate the document, then you would need to use a Microsoft Office based program.
Google Docs does not appear to have as may different options for types of documents you can create, limiting you just to a document (ala Word) or a spreadsheet (ala Excel). It is also limiting with the fonts, sizes, etc. While you are limited to 2 different document styles in Google Docs, Zoho gives you a lot more choices and includes some templates for creating documents in specific styles.
I do think that these programs have their place, but I also would hate for this to be my only options. I've been spoiled with my ability to completely manipulate my documents and would feel trapped with the few choices given by both Zoho and Google Docs. While I do not think that this will cause the Microsoft Office suite to go the way of the dodo, a possible result my be that the cost of Microsoft Office may decrease as people are able to have these other options. (let's hope)
And while I'm happy with these online productivity tools, I'm also happy to say 18 down... 5 to go!
In Zoho writer, it appears that you can do just about everything that a basic Microsoft Office suite would allow you to do. Of course, there are some disadvantages, such as not having access to a plethora of fonts or font sizes. Basically, if you want it for a simple text document, this would work just fine. But, if you want the ability to vastly manipulate the document, then you would need to use a Microsoft Office based program.
Google Docs does not appear to have as may different options for types of documents you can create, limiting you just to a document (ala Word) or a spreadsheet (ala Excel). It is also limiting with the fonts, sizes, etc. While you are limited to 2 different document styles in Google Docs, Zoho gives you a lot more choices and includes some templates for creating documents in specific styles.
I do think that these programs have their place, but I also would hate for this to be my only options. I've been spoiled with my ability to completely manipulate my documents and would feel trapped with the few choices given by both Zoho and Google Docs. While I do not think that this will cause the Microsoft Office suite to go the way of the dodo, a possible result my be that the cost of Microsoft Office may decrease as people are able to have these other options. (let's hope)
And while I'm happy with these online productivity tools, I'm also happy to say 18 down... 5 to go!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Week 7, Thing 17 Add an entry into the Sandbox Wiki created with PB Wiki
Intuitive... not unless you know what you are doing. Initially, I was having a hard time adding my blog to the Favorite Blogs page. It says that "It's easy to do using the new point and click interface." I'm sitting there thinking "What am I supposed to point and click on?" After pointing and clicking on a lot of different options I remembered that this is a wiki and I probably need to think like a wiki user. So, after pointing and clicking on the edit page button, I figured it out! So, I've added my blog to the favorite blogs page and I even made Little Chicken's Recent Favorites... which is a list of my top 5 favorite things from the last month.
So, I think I can say for certain that I have 17 down and only 6 more to go!
So, I think I can say for certain that I have 17 down and only 6 more to go!
Week 7, Thing 16 Learn about wikis and discover some innovative ways that libraries are using them
I really enjoyed learning about wikis. I'm a little iffy about some of them. For example, while I enjoy looking at wikipedia, I know that just about anyone can edit the content and you could find false information on that site. Presumably there are people that monitor changes made to make certian that malicious attacks have not occured. Usually, I use wikipedia as a springboard for finding the information from a more authoratative source.
The book lovers wiki developed by the Princeton Public Library is really nifty. With the ease in which anyone can write a review, it encourages the staff as well as the customers to create entries that could potentially benifit other users. This would be something that our system could do. We often have book reviews in our monthly Branching Out publication. While these efforts are great for other staff members to read, why not allow the public to see reviews such as these as well? We could get more bang for our buck!
I am also thinking about proposing utalizing a wiki format for my game's website. Lately, our site had become woefully out of date because only one or two people have the authority to edit the content. If everyone who is a member of our chronicle had access to editing content, I'm sure that the page would practically maintain itself.
Libraries could definately use wikis for any information sharing thing that is very fluid. Currently, our CCD blog had loads of valuable information. Some of that infromation sharing might work better as a wiki (such as items offered to be floated to other libraries). That way, the flow of good ideas would not be blocked by the ability to access and share them.
The book lovers wiki developed by the Princeton Public Library is really nifty. With the ease in which anyone can write a review, it encourages the staff as well as the customers to create entries that could potentially benifit other users. This would be something that our system could do. We often have book reviews in our monthly Branching Out publication. While these efforts are great for other staff members to read, why not allow the public to see reviews such as these as well? We could get more bang for our buck!
I am also thinking about proposing utalizing a wiki format for my game's website. Lately, our site had become woefully out of date because only one or two people have the authority to edit the content. If everyone who is a member of our chronicle had access to editing content, I'm sure that the page would practically maintain itself.
Libraries could definately use wikis for any information sharing thing that is very fluid. Currently, our CCD blog had loads of valuable information. Some of that infromation sharing might work better as a wiki (such as items offered to be floated to other libraries). That way, the flow of good ideas would not be blocked by the ability to access and share them.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Week 6, Thing 15: Read a few perspectives on Web 2.0, Library 2.0 & the future of libraries
In reading some of the perspectives, I started to wonder... will Web 2.0 end up being like Beta Videos and Laserdiscs? With the increasing ease that anyone who can navigate the web can upload their opinions as if they are facts, it is going to take a far more Internet savvy person to know what is a reliable source for factual information.
Honestly, I don't feel that all these things are going to dramatically change libraries. I've had to instruct far too many of our customers on how to click a mouse to think that this will become that life altering. (I know I've had exposure to a computer since the early-mid 1980s, and I can't imaging I was any more 'privileged' than the average person, being a child of welfare.) We will still need to have our 'oldie but goodie' print sources. (Google is not the best source to find out who was the Emperor of Italy when Pope Innocent II was Pope... but there is a great book that will tell you quite easily! Thanks Cat Lady)
As always, with the good comes the bad. I've used an Internet community to locate some of my old friends of whom I've lost track over the years. Yay My Space! However, I've also been exposed to some really awful disgusting people on My Space who liked to wax poetic about their nether regions much to my disgust. (Yay discovering My Space filtering options!)
I do think that there are some benefits of web 2.0, but will it revolutionize the world... I doubt it. Course, I've been wrong before!
And then, there is another YAY! Cuz now I've done 15 things and only 8 more to go! And rumor has it that this was the worst week! So it should be smooth sailing from here!
Honestly, I don't feel that all these things are going to dramatically change libraries. I've had to instruct far too many of our customers on how to click a mouse to think that this will become that life altering. (I know I've had exposure to a computer since the early-mid 1980s, and I can't imaging I was any more 'privileged' than the average person, being a child of welfare.) We will still need to have our 'oldie but goodie' print sources. (Google is not the best source to find out who was the Emperor of Italy when Pope Innocent II was Pope... but there is a great book that will tell you quite easily! Thanks Cat Lady)
As always, with the good comes the bad. I've used an Internet community to locate some of my old friends of whom I've lost track over the years. Yay My Space! However, I've also been exposed to some really awful disgusting people on My Space who liked to wax poetic about their nether regions much to my disgust. (Yay discovering My Space filtering options!)
I do think that there are some benefits of web 2.0, but will it revolutionize the world... I doubt it. Course, I've been wrong before!
And then, there is another YAY! Cuz now I've done 15 things and only 8 more to go! And rumor has it that this was the worst week! So it should be smooth sailing from here!
Learning to play
After some threats by my co-workers, I got some new pictures on my flickr account. Here we have "Ed" tagging "Makita" while "Runt" is a cautious observer. Don't let this picture fool you... "Runt" is usually the instigator for all the play fights.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
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