I have come to the conclusion that I have one undeniable talent. This talent is so awesome that I should take it on the road, show it off, and charge people oodles of money to view it. Or hear it, as it were.
The talent is this: I have the uncanny knack of making up words to songs. Combine that with my ability to sing (off-key!) and it is miraculous! Often, I don't even have to stop to think up words. They just flow out of my mouth and into the melody.
For example, today, I totally made up a song about this cut in the cuticle area of my finger to the tune of Josh Groban's "To Where You Are." This is just one of many examples, mind you.
A few weeks ago, I made up a song for Baby AC (from her point-of-view) to the tune of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues." It went a little something like this:
I hear that mama coming
She's coming down the road
She's coming to pick me up
And take me back home
There were several other verses at the time, but I can't remember them. This new talent further validates my need for some kind of portable audio recorder device. I'm always having great ideas (story ideas, work ideas) and I try to write them down in my notebook, but I forget about the ideas about two minutes later. I probably wouldn't listen to the recordings once I recorded them anyway.
If I could play some sort of instrument, I'd probably make an awesome advertisement-maker-upper. I could make up jingles like Uncle Jesse and Joey from Full House. And apparently, it's a very lucrative career -- Charlie from Two and a Half Men lives in a huge house and employs a maid!
Anyhow. This now concludes the obligatory yearly midnight ramble.
Wednesday, October 21
Sunday, October 4
23 Things: Thing 23
Hooray! I've conquered the 23 Things!
Looking back on my experience, I can't believe how many useful tools (like 30 Boxes and Research Project Calculator) are out there. I wish that I had known about some of these tools earlier. Maybe I'll incorporate those tools into my school schedule, in the hopes of keeping myself more organized.
I think that the 23 Things should be done by anyone who is in an information field. I feel like I have a better grasp on RSS feeds and anything Google has to offer. Now that I know how to use these tools/items/what-have-you firsthand, I'm in a better position to effectively aid patrons who are interested in these tools.
Looking back on my experience, I can't believe how many useful tools (like 30 Boxes and Research Project Calculator) are out there. I wish that I had known about some of these tools earlier. Maybe I'll incorporate those tools into my school schedule, in the hopes of keeping myself more organized.
I think that the 23 Things should be done by anyone who is in an information field. I feel like I have a better grasp on RSS feeds and anything Google has to offer. Now that I know how to use these tools/items/what-have-you firsthand, I'm in a better position to effectively aid patrons who are interested in these tools.
23 Things: Thing 22
I am making a resolution to update this blog more often, whether with school or work related items or a bunch of mixed-up jibber jabber. Several years ago, I posted at least one time a week, ranting or commenting about something that had happened to me that day or week. It is something that I'd like to get back into the habit of doing.
As this exercise has taught me, it doesn't take much time to utilize Web 2.0 tools or make a blog entry. While I may not keep up with all the latest innovations or even updates of the applications and things I've encountered during 23 Things, I do plan on using the online image generators for programs and creative flyers.
Also, I plan to keep on playing Puzzle Pirates when the mood strikes. Some of those games are really fun!
As this exercise has taught me, it doesn't take much time to utilize Web 2.0 tools or make a blog entry. While I may not keep up with all the latest innovations or even updates of the applications and things I've encountered during 23 Things, I do plan on using the online image generators for programs and creative flyers.
Also, I plan to keep on playing Puzzle Pirates when the mood strikes. Some of those games are really fun!
Saturday, October 3
23 Things: Thing 21
Did you know that there are other social networking sites? I've visited a few sites (like last.fm and Imeem), but didn't realize they were social networking sites until today. I am a member of Imeem, but I seriously just go there for the music. I've never interacted with anyone.
And yes, I realize I'm antisocial. Probably why no one wanted to talk to me on Puzzle Pirates when I attempted to start a conversation or two. ;)
Of the social networking sites I perused today, two seemed interesting: 43 Things and WebJunction. I tried to list 43 things that I wanted to do with my life, but I only came up with 12. I don't know if this is a reflection on my ambitions or a reflection on my sleepiness.
However, WebJunction looks most promising! The site offers online learning and discussion for library organizations throughout the world. I'd not heard of WebJunction before this exercise; however, after looking through the WebJunction site, I found out that my library does know about this service and that we utilize the Amigos Library Services quite often. In fact, I'm taking a webinar this Wednesday on going green.
And yes, I realize I'm antisocial. Probably why no one wanted to talk to me on Puzzle Pirates when I attempted to start a conversation or two. ;)
Of the social networking sites I perused today, two seemed interesting: 43 Things and WebJunction. I tried to list 43 things that I wanted to do with my life, but I only came up with 12. I don't know if this is a reflection on my ambitions or a reflection on my sleepiness.
However, WebJunction looks most promising! The site offers online learning and discussion for library organizations throughout the world. I'd not heard of WebJunction before this exercise; however, after looking through the WebJunction site, I found out that my library does know about this service and that we utilize the Amigos Library Services quite often. In fact, I'm taking a webinar this Wednesday on going green.
23 Things: Thing 20
Social networking sites are almost unavoidable at this point. I know that they can be avoided, but most individuals I know have a Facebook page or a Myspace page. Many have both. I have had both at one time or another, but I've only kept the Facebook page. I don't care for all the crazy backgrounds and music that can be included in Myspace pages. I realize that the customization is all about creatively expressing one's self. That's fine, but those backgrounds can make things hard to read.
I have seen several Myspace pages maintained by libraries. My library has recently joined Facebook and has created pages for the system and pages for each individual branch. The teens at my branch will soon have a page of their own when I (or they) decide on a name. I've asked for suggestions, but the kids aren't offering much. So, we'll see how that goes.
I've joined several Facebook groups and created one of my own. I think that Facebook's reputation as the fastest growing social network is valid. I mean, the history of Facebook speaks for itself. What started as a small social networking site among a limited number of colleges has expanded to include all individuals across all continents in less than 5 years (I think).
I have seen several Myspace pages maintained by libraries. My library has recently joined Facebook and has created pages for the system and pages for each individual branch. The teens at my branch will soon have a page of their own when I (or they) decide on a name. I've asked for suggestions, but the kids aren't offering much. So, we'll see how that goes.
I've joined several Facebook groups and created one of my own. I think that Facebook's reputation as the fastest growing social network is valid. I mean, the history of Facebook speaks for itself. What started as a small social networking site among a limited number of colleges has expanded to include all individuals across all continents in less than 5 years (I think).
23 Things: Thing 19
Back in the day (re: a few years ago), I used to listen to the GrammarGirl podcast regularly. That was my only foray into podcasts.
This Thing required me to seek out podcast and just try them out in general. The Thing also had a link to GCast, which used to be a free, easy way to create a podcast via phone. However, there is now a yearly subscription fee to create a podcast via phone.
I tried out several podcast directories. The easiest one to use (for me) was Podcast Alley. I used a very generic search term (books) and found 200 results. I listened to a few podcasts, but only one kept my attention: Books on the Nightstand. The two podcasters work in the publishing industry and have interesting discussions and reviews of books.
Although I found an interesting podcast, I don't think I'll listen to the podcast regularly. I don't enjoy disembodied voices talking to me. I like to have something to see as well as hear. I've never been a big audio book fan, either. When I was younger, the audio book would be accompanied by the book in print form. I ended up reading ahead of the narrator. And in the car, I rarely listen to the radio (except for 80's night!). It's all CDs of my own mixing all the time.
I also don't think I'll make a podcast of my own any time soon. I could use one to reach out to the teen group at my library, but many of them do not have home computers and use library computers, where listening to things like podcasts are forbidden.
Perhaps in the future, though.
This Thing required me to seek out podcast and just try them out in general. The Thing also had a link to GCast, which used to be a free, easy way to create a podcast via phone. However, there is now a yearly subscription fee to create a podcast via phone.
I tried out several podcast directories. The easiest one to use (for me) was Podcast Alley. I used a very generic search term (books) and found 200 results. I listened to a few podcasts, but only one kept my attention: Books on the Nightstand. The two podcasters work in the publishing industry and have interesting discussions and reviews of books.
Although I found an interesting podcast, I don't think I'll listen to the podcast regularly. I don't enjoy disembodied voices talking to me. I like to have something to see as well as hear. I've never been a big audio book fan, either. When I was younger, the audio book would be accompanied by the book in print form. I ended up reading ahead of the narrator. And in the car, I rarely listen to the radio (except for 80's night!). It's all CDs of my own mixing all the time.
I also don't think I'll make a podcast of my own any time soon. I could use one to reach out to the teen group at my library, but many of them do not have home computers and use library computers, where listening to things like podcasts are forbidden.
Perhaps in the future, though.
23 Things: Thing 18
Ah, YouTube. My dear little time-sucking friend.
I've (fortunately or unfortunately... not real sure) explored YouTube on many occasions, most usually when I'm bored. Right now, because I'm low on funds, time, and musicians who will come my way, I've taken to using the site to get quick live music fixes. I know, I know; it's not really live music if it has been recorded. But it's all I've got right now.
Today, I searched for videos including Nathan Angelo. He's been on rotation in my car the past few months (sharing time with Dave Barnes and Rob Blackledge). Gosh, darnit, I'd love to see him play live. So, I found a video of Nathan playing his song "Someday Soon" on August 6, 2009. The video is pretty dark, but you can see Nathan and his keyboard. Plus, the sound is great. Sometimes, the videos on YouTube have horrible sound.
It's really easy to use YouTube to find entertaining or other types of videos. I mostly use it for entertainment purposes. And the site can seriously suck time. Each video has links to similar videos and other videos by the poster. There's always some kind of video catching my eye and dragging me deeper and deeper into the recesses of YouTube.
Anyway, I now present Nathan Angelo:
I've (fortunately or unfortunately... not real sure) explored YouTube on many occasions, most usually when I'm bored. Right now, because I'm low on funds, time, and musicians who will come my way, I've taken to using the site to get quick live music fixes. I know, I know; it's not really live music if it has been recorded. But it's all I've got right now.
Today, I searched for videos including Nathan Angelo. He's been on rotation in my car the past few months (sharing time with Dave Barnes and Rob Blackledge). Gosh, darnit, I'd love to see him play live. So, I found a video of Nathan playing his song "Someday Soon" on August 6, 2009. The video is pretty dark, but you can see Nathan and his keyboard. Plus, the sound is great. Sometimes, the videos on YouTube have horrible sound.
It's really easy to use YouTube to find entertaining or other types of videos. I mostly use it for entertainment purposes. And the site can seriously suck time. Each video has links to similar videos and other videos by the poster. There's always some kind of video catching my eye and dragging me deeper and deeper into the recesses of YouTube.
Anyway, I now present Nathan Angelo:
23 Things: Thing 17
This thing discusses ELM productivity tools, which are resources provided by Electronic Libraries for Minnesota (ELM). Many libraries and states offer similar tools, including access to databases EBSCO and access to e-books and audio books such as NetLibrary.
I have personally used databases like EBSCO, ArticleFirst, and ProQuest since the 11th grade (8-9 years ago). Databases are tremendously helpful in locating peer-reviewed articles and resources for research papers and essays. While some items are not available in full text, there are a large number of items that are available in full text and can be printed. I don't have much experience with NetLibrary, but I do have an account and plan to utilize the tool more in the future.
I use databases regularly for graduate school coursework and for work (on occasion). I have also referred patrons to online databases when they are in need of resources for scholarly endeavors or are interested in a specific topic. Usually, I have to walk a patron through the process of access the database. After the initial introduction, patrons usually have no problem using databases to find relevant information.
I have personally used databases like EBSCO, ArticleFirst, and ProQuest since the 11th grade (8-9 years ago). Databases are tremendously helpful in locating peer-reviewed articles and resources for research papers and essays. While some items are not available in full text, there are a large number of items that are available in full text and can be printed. I don't have much experience with NetLibrary, but I do have an account and plan to utilize the tool more in the future.
I use databases regularly for graduate school coursework and for work (on occasion). I have also referred patrons to online databases when they are in need of resources for scholarly endeavors or are interested in a specific topic. Usually, I have to walk a patron through the process of access the database. After the initial introduction, patrons usually have no problem using databases to find relevant information.
23 Things: Thing 16
From the "Wow-didn't-even-know-things-like-this-exist" category, there are web applications that enable students to plan out research papers step by step: Research Project Calculator and the Assignment Calendar from the University of Minnesota libraries. The latter is geared towards undergraduate students and enables them to create a step by step map of when they should be doing what in their papers or assignments. Very useful if the student thrives on meeting small deadlines and is intent on doing his or her best. Unfortunately, many college students wait until the last minute before even thinking about the assignment.
The Research Project Calculator is for secondary students. The site contains resources for teachers to aid them in describing and educating students about the RPC. Additionally, there are resources to aid school library media specialists to do the same. The resources are offered in PDF and MS Word formats and cover everything a teacher or library media specialist would need to introduce RPC to students (graphic organizers, search techniques, writing transitions, etc).
While I currently work in a public library and plan to do so in the future, I probably won't get to use or educate students about the wonderfulness of the RPC. But, if the occasion arises, I can point area teachers in the direction of the RPC resource.
I wish there were things like the RPC when I was in high school. We did two research papers and both existed of lots of index cards and miscellaneous notes all over the place. Not very efficient.
The Research Project Calculator is for secondary students. The site contains resources for teachers to aid them in describing and educating students about the RPC. Additionally, there are resources to aid school library media specialists to do the same. The resources are offered in PDF and MS Word formats and cover everything a teacher or library media specialist would need to introduce RPC to students (graphic organizers, search techniques, writing transitions, etc).
While I currently work in a public library and plan to do so in the future, I probably won't get to use or educate students about the wonderfulness of the RPC. But, if the occasion arises, I can point area teachers in the direction of the RPC resource.
I wish there were things like the RPC when I was in high school. We did two research papers and both existed of lots of index cards and miscellaneous notes all over the place. Not very efficient.
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