Saturday, October 4, 2008

1979 Daytona 24 Hour


1979 Daytona 24 Hour
Originally uploaded by URY914
In tribute to the great Paul Newman, may he rest in peace, and may his family know what a true gentleman he always presented himself to the public.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Theatre in Sabratha


The Theatre in Sabratha
Originally uploaded by Samer!
As a child, I lived in North Africa, 1959-62, where my father was stationed at Wheelus AFB, Tripoli Libya. We used to take day trips to Sabratha. The drama dept staged 'Midsummer Night's Dream' on this stage. It was at night, under a stunning Libyan sky, I shall never forget that night. I would love to go back and visit this again.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

ending of the tasks

So, this will be my last task entry, and after the initial feeling of unhappiness at trying to learn new tricks, I think that I have gained much confidence in doing the tasks set, although I did have trouble with some, and some I didn't enjoy, but.....

As for my favorite discoveries, well, I learned that you can teach "an old dog new tricks" given enough encouragement, thanks Brina for all your loving kindnesses! I also found that it is enjoyable to be able to listen to music while I am working - love piano jazz...... :-) It has been fun meeting people on the net.

2.0 opened doors to new pathways, and I have been able to suggest websites to certain patrons that I think they will enjoy. Since library patrons basically want to read, I have suggested to many the www.goodreads.com site, and several have joined, and linked up to my site. It has been a good thing to offer to patrons just one more avenue to the book world. I think that we all become creatures of habit, and trying something new, although scary, makes one more receptive to the changing world. I found that having a new task to complete each week motivated me to work hard on the assignment, and to do the very best I was capable of, even if it meant that I needed help. It almost became a joke among my fellow staff mates, that "there she is again working on the 2.0" and "what are you going to do when it ends?"

What surprised me is that I am getting older, and somethings just didn't interest me, some things,like google mapping, plain scared me - I hated thinking that had I been a nude sunbather the day that the google satellite snapped the photo of my neighborhood, I could have been exposed to the whole world..... Big Brother does exist. And that I could post a site on something other than YouTube or Myspace, and meet people that had common interests, plus were closer in age to me, and felt the same way about these sites. I signed up on Eons, and have met several ladies, I stuck with ladies, that I have communicated with, and found interesting to the point that I want to continue communicating with.

As for what could be done differently if another program occurs, I think that it would be good to have more time alloted for each task - so many of the other blogs in the Sno-Isle list, indicated that time was a major factor in why tasks were not completed or not even started. Also, encouragement to offer a little bit more info so that those within the system would feel comfortable to, at least, let others know what branch they worked at, so that we could address them in a more friendly way. When I had time, I would surf through the various blogs, it was interesting to see the differences in the info offered - it should have been more enjoyable to everyone to be involved, maybe it should be voluntary unless there are staff who need to have these experiences in their technical positions.

Yes, I would enjoy being involved in another discovery program if offered.
Thanks for letting us have our say on this.
G'day mate

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Forest stream


Forest stream
Originally uploaded by northmanimages
Doesn't this just soothe your soul?

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

gaming and all that jazz

Boy, just when you think things are calming down, an assignment comes along that is TOO MUCH fun, and too additive! I had TOO much fun on the free marble game, and TOO much frustration on the Magic game. And then I tried the crazy pool game, that was ok, but I could never get past the 4th level - and usually ended up losing points.
My neck hurt by the time I completed the assignment the first time. These kids that spend hours doing this every day are definitly going to have physical problems.
Over and Out.

libya_tripoli_marcus


libya_tripoli_marcus
Originally uploaded by wirelessoxygen
In my colletion of things from my childhood, I have a black and white huge photo of this arch, it was taken by a German photographer/orchestra leader who worked at Wheelus Air Force Base. It is always interesting to see more recent photos of places I remember from my childhood.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Thursday, June 26, 2008

online applications and tools

Ok, so this is my gazillionth attempt at trying to post my online application experience, well, maybe I am exaggerating but this is NOT my first attempt... But I think it is going to be my very last attempt.

So, regarding the online applications and tools task...... I did the Google tour, and went through all the applications. This is very probably a handy tool for people who need to have others involved in their various layers of daily work, but it is not something that I believe will be useful to my daily chores at work.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Dave Brubeck Quartet - Take Five

Well, I figured out how to listen to piano jazz, and this is THE MAN to listen to while doing the Web 2.0 tasks.
The tasks going smoother with the ivories being tickled by Dave.
Gotta love that music

Thursday, June 12, 2008

March 28, 2007 Tornados


March 28, 2007 Tornados
Originally uploaded by maupin
So this morning on NPR, the was a piece on the price people were willing to pay to sit next to Jack Nicholson at the Lakers NBA final game in LA, $80,000 - come on folks, he puts his trousers on just like my husband, he is a very good actor, but $80,000 to sit next to?

Then on the national news the story on all networks was the tornado event in Iowa that ripped through a boy scout camp - with 4 fatalities - and how the scouts really live by their motto "Be prepared", they knew first aid, and were already hard at work taking care of each other when the first responders made it to the camp.

These two stories are so unrelated, and yet, it left me feeling a bit less kindly toward people who have to be able to say "I sat next to Jack Nicholson", and feeling sad for the families that lost sons at this camp, but proud that the MANY decent folk still outweigh the SHALLOW!

So, my thoughts are What is is that makes Americans let celebrities have such power, and Why are we so obsessed with what they do, when so many of them really don't have positive behavior or are even nice?

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

This is an incredible photo. Imagine having about 5 of these little guys hanging around the bird feeder sitting on the bar sipping their nectar - we have so much fun watching them in the early evening.
We have lots of native plants around to encourage natural feeding, but they really love the nectar I make. Their favorite plant is the "red hot poker". Only drawback to plants is that they are low enough to the ground, so it is easier for prowling cats to catch them.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

overdrive/downloadable material

Life in the library has taken on new meaning with downloadable material, not that it is something I will probably use - I LOVE holding a book in my hand, and when I am not reading, I don't want to listen to someone else read a book.

Nope, downloading books isn't my thing, however, I did the assignment, and decided to check out internet radio stations. I followed, with Stacey's assistance, the directions on installing the system, believe me, I don't know how I did it, but it was successful.

I found some really enjoyable jazz and classic station, have one in links.

I am sure that if pushed I could help someone install overdrive, but I wouldn't "bet the farm" on it.

search engines

Gads, sometimes I wonder what gremlin is sitting inside this terminal. I just finished writing my new post on search engines and poof away it went, and not into my blog!

So, in my task of working on search engines......
I use Google frequently, as I change the screensavers about every 2 weeks on all the staff terminals - so I enjoy using images from Google.

I worked with all the search engines that we had listed on this week's 2.0. As for the various engines, after Google, and Yahoo, I enjoyed Ask the best. UC Berkeley's comparison was interesting to view, and try the different steps. Rollyo, Mamma and Dogpile seemed a bit sophomoric to me, but won't dismiss them completely.

Probably is was on Ask, but I cannot remember, I searched for my friends' address in Hilo, Hawaii, and zoomed down from the overhead satellite to view their house.

Monday, June 9, 2008

podcast success maybe

Unfortunately, I was never able to listen to a library podcast, and not for the lack of trying. One only has so much time one can devote to these projects. So, I started surfing around, and finally decided to try to listen to music, particularly jazz programs from NPR. Success occurred on the first time, then when I tried to RSS a second and third it looked as if I was doomed to yet another failure, however, when I came in the next day and went into my RSS, well by jiggers, there they were.
So I ended up with three jazz podcasts - I am particularly happy as I was able to get Piano Jazz with Mary McPartland!

As for a tool for Sno-Isle, I could see that it might appeal to some patrons, but since so many people walk around with I-pods, maybe they wouldn't be interested in the service. However, if there were language classes offered they might be heavily used.

This was my first experience with podcasts. Last Saturday morning, as we were doing our pre-opening chores, I put on a podcast on Count Basie, so the staff was entertained (maybe, maybe not) for 50 minutes with music, interviews and facts about Count Basie. I didn't use headset, as I needed to be moving around the building.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Rain storm in Melbourne


Rain storm in Melbourne
Originally uploaded by neilcreek
So, there we were at Twin City Elementary school, talking about summer reading to 3rs graders, and the fire alarm went off. Well, it's always good to practice a fire drill, but when the field is muddy and the rain is coming down, being involved in a school fire drill is probably the last place you want to be. Maybe the rain wasn't coming down as hard as in this photo, but it was still rainy and windy.
A special ed student pulled the handle, but everyone still had to evacuate the building...........

Thursday, May 29, 2008

The Sabhrata Theater


The Sabhrata Theater
Originally uploaded by Jay Brezinsky
What a photo, what memories of when I lived in Tripoli.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

sign generator

After several attempts, and too much time trying to create and post a sign to my blog, I have decided to put this task aside for the time being.
My frustration level is growing, consequently causing mistakes and soon possible bad language

Alpaca


Alpaca
Originally uploaded by gapey
Isn't this just a face you could love?

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Lavender Field in Provence

Boy, this shot is spectacular, one can literally smell the lavender just by looking at this.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Friday, May 16, 2008

Bald Eagle Again


Bald Eagle Again
Originally uploaded by Phillip Chitwood
Is this a great photo or what?
Reminds of the walk I was taking down the beach on Camano one day, I had the strangest feeling that something was watching me very close by. I turned towards the water and at my eye level there was a bald eagle flying next to me. He/she was withing 6 feet of me, and then just flew on by.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Gas explosion Kilauea Volcano

This is just amazing, since we were there last August, and walked around this area. Spooky to think that Pele is now marching back up the Island. Wonder how the residents in Volcano village are feeling these days?

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

goodreads

Today is a really exciting day! I was in my email, and received an invitation to become "friends" with Michelle Richmond, author of Year of Fog. She read the review I had written about her book, and she thanked me for the good review of her book.
WOW! Of course, I accepted her invitation to become a friend!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Mike the Tiger


Mike the Tiger
Originally uploaded by parkerkrhoyt
This is a great photo, I found under Baton Rouge LA

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Auditorium entrance


Auditorium entrance
Originally uploaded by Jannie4711
I simply cannot believe this photo, this is the high school I graduated from in 1967 - the change is incredible - haven't been to Florida since we left in 1974! Don't miss the bugs.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Purple Flower Blanket


Purple Flower Blanket
Originally uploaded by Montana Becky
What a photo, what color, wish my flowers looked this good!

Hulu was my choice

So, in working on week 9's task, I tried a little of YouTube (not for me, thank you very much), briefly went into Fancast, and then tried Hulu. I signed up with Hulu after briefly watching an old Alfred Hitchcock Presents broadcast. I liked the fact that there were so many older tv shows to choose from.
Since I am a dinosaur, I don't have a video camera and wouldn't feel comfortable posting anything that personal on the Internet -sorry. It's one thing to share you views about books with like-minded cyber-space beings, but it just feels too much like "big brother" watching one's actions. I am sure that we are all watched anyway, I just don't like it. It just seems too much like voyeurism, I don't understand why so many people think that there are no consequences to what they post on the internet.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Spring~


Spring~
Originally uploaded by SparkyLeigh
This is just what I need for a wet spring day to brighten my blog

EONS social networking

April 24th, in addition to GoodReads social network, I have signed up with EONS, since I am over 50, and would rather meet people closer to my age, with possible like minded interests.
I guess that I am trying to keep up with our assignments, and getting overwhelmed with all the variables that are offered.
I did post a photo of Mt McKinley, as I have no current ones of me available, my mother always stated that I was born in the shadow of Mt McKinley, since I was one of the first babies born at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Libya Leptis Magna 039


Libya Leptis Magna 039
Originally uploaded by Elli Pirelli
Another great photo

Libya Leptis Magna 044


Libya Leptis Magna 044
Originally uploaded by Elli Pirelli
This is another one of those "walk down memory lanes" photo from my childhood in Tripoli.

GoodReads

On Tuesday, April 22nd, I spent an hour browsing through GoodReads, it was interesting to see some different reviews for the same book. I enjoyed finding "near" readers, several from Camano and Stanwood are patrons that I know well.
I posted some "favorite quotes", thought about starting a discussion on a book that I had reviewed, but I was running out of time, so I didn't. Maybe later today or on Saturday, I will try to start a discussion, to see how it works.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Today is April 21st. I chose GoodReads for this week's task. I submitted three reviews, on Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" triology. Some of these tasks seem to be getting easier, although, I did not post a photo, as I do not have any currently.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Beautiful Mount Baker


Beautiful Mount Baker
Originally uploaded by read4fun2
This is a great photo of the mountain that I love to watch from my dining room window. Love to watch "her" steam on clear, cold days.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Leptis Magna, Arch of Tiberius


Leptis Magna, Arch of Tiberius
Originally uploaded by h_savill
I was "zooming" around Flickr and found some more really interesting shots - this one brings back "tons" of memories since I walked down this avenue many times when I lived in Tripoli Libya.

Vesuvius and Pompeii


Vesuvius and Pompeii
Originally uploaded by Mor (bcnbits)
I did it again, I cannot believe how quickly I was able to do this.
This is so exciting, that I may not be able to stop adding photos to my blog......

Going to the Volcano


Going to the Volcano
Originally uploaded by catbutler
My friends live in Hilo, and were recently to the beach to watch the new sea entry area. Every day, my husband and I go to HVO's website to view the latest info on the current eruption. There is so much new and exciting everyday. We are definitly volcano people.
I think it started for me, as a child, when we were flying from North Africa to Europe and flew over Mt Vesuvivus - the pilot invited all the children on the plane to come to the cockpit and look down into the volcane - what an experience, I can still visualize the inside of the crater.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

week 5

preschool said...
So, today Jane, Stacey and I added each other's gmail addresses, and linked up to chat. We seemed to have been successful, as we practiced for about 20-25 minutes. We tried to include Rob, but for some reason, we had no success in adding him to the chat line. I was just "fiddling" around with the radio streaming process. I don't know if I will use Pandora or the Sno-Isle process, tried both. Pandora seemed to only want to play selections it chose, Sno-Isle's seemed much more "friendly" in letting me listen to selections I checked into.

week 5

preschool said...
So, today Jane, Stacey and I added each other's gmail addresses, and linked up to chat. We seemed to have been successful, as we practiced for about 20-25 minutes. We tried to include Rob, but for some reason, we had no success in adding him to the chat line. I was just "fiddling" around with the radio streaming process. I don't know if I will use Pandora or the Sno-Isle process, tried both. Pandora seemed to only want to play selections it chose, Sno-Isle's seemed much more "friendly" in letting me listen to selections I checked into.

week 4

March 29, 2008 4:00 PM
preschool said...
So, I have made contact with Stacey and Rob, and we all have put each name in our gmail accounts, so that we can try to IM when the three of us can schedule time together. Also, I have done the RSS event, and subscribed to several news accounts for instant updating. I checked my gmail this morning, and there were LOTS of thing in the RSS column today, so signing up was successful.

Friday, March 21, 2008

posting something different

Today is another day, I think that this time I will be able to successfully post something.
It is a bright sunny day, and my thoughts about blogging seem to be in tune with the sunshine. Blogging is not something that I felt I needed to do - I have so many other things to attend to - but I guess we all need to "step outside the box" once in awhile. Some days you can teach old dogs new tricks, maybe this is one of those days.