Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Week 9 Thing 23 YEAH! I'M DONE!

YES! I was able to get all 23 Things completed all while going to school, working, and dealing with a renovation to the branch! Am I good or what?! :-)

Overall, several aspects of 23 Things were technology usages that I had heard of in the past. Some I already had experience with and others I did not, but overall it was a lot of fun and it opened my eyes to new things. I assumed that this was going to be a breeze, that I would know everything going in and would have no stress. Ok, scratch the "no stress" aspect. I did overthing De-li-ci-ous or whatever it is called, and the OverDrive.

I had a blast with RSS and Podcast and are currently working with those features at home. As a computer major in school, I am expected to keep up with the ever changing trends to technology and this was something that enabled me to do that. It was cool to work with other staff members who were a little more confused about certain things.

I will admit, the prizes helped in my decision to do the program, but knowing that I could possibly walk away with a little something extra (and get away from the monotonous every day work I am required to do) was a bonus. (Ok, I'm lying. I REALLY REALLY REALLY WANT THE WII!!!) But I really did have fun!

If BCPL were to offer another program like this, I would sign up to participate...even if prizes were not involved. Many people think that just because they are workng in the circulation department, they don't have to know other technologically based information. WRONG! Well, somewhat. I see it as no different then when I was using a lot of slang as a kid and my mother would give me a quizzical look because she had no idea what I was saying. The same goes for the library. You may NEVER do anything that we did on 23 Things again in life, but at least if you hear about it in conversation, you will know what the hell people are talking about.

Maryland 23 Things gives people who are and are not tech savvy a chance to explore new technological worlds. It is up to the individual to open their ears, eyes, and mind to something new. Granted, you may become frustrated, but think of all you will have to share in the end.

Week 9 Thing 22: The Depths of Overdrive

I will admit to trying to download Overdrive on my home computer and almost giving myself a migraine headache in the process. Let me say this, if you are smart, DO NOT OVER THINK THE SIMPLEST TASKS. It hurts, trust me. I was able to get through the entire process, minus the downloading on staff computers, in less than 25 minutes. I was simple and I can definitely see the bonus on checking out audiobooks and not having to worry about overdue fees. Wait...I'm staff, I wouldn't have overdue fees on audiobooks regardless. Whatever...it was cool. I found a few James Pattersons but, all of them were "checked out." Figures...you can't find Patterson anywhere you search for him...

Week 9 Thing 21: Podcasting

I see podcasting as an Internet Radio so to speak. I added http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/PopCandyPodCast to my rss feed because you know I have to keep up to date on all the celebrity news. I know there are also book reviews and all, but those tend not to be my cup of tea. I prefer to just go from friends about book reviews. Anyway, I don't see myself using much podcasting while I am at work, but I do think I will explore it more when I am at home. You never know what you may find on the Internet. :-)

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

YouTube Re-Discovery Week 9 Thing 20

Ok, so it wasn't really a "Re-Discovery". When I am out of school, I tend to visit the YouTube website at least once or twice a week. More often if I hear of something interesting I want to see over and over and over again. I love YouTube. I think it's funny and it is GREAT to find music videos that I have either missed on BET or MTV.

There are several individuals that come into the library that may do better with visual images, such as how to do repairs, arts and crafts, etc. YouTube has just about anything and everything you can find. And let us not forget those bathroom runs you must do in the middle of the game and then you miss the biggest play! If it is worthy, you can probably find it on YouTube instead of hearing your "buddies" tell you on what you missed out on.

And those who know me KNOW that I cannot get away without having my husband, Chris Brown in my blog SOMEWHERE! Ha Ha! Isn't he a cutie?!?






Monday, August 13, 2007

Yelp Me Helped Me! Week 8 Thing 19

This week, our challenge was to find a site that won a Web 2.0 award. I was thinking, "Oh Boy, what the heck can I possibly find?" Well, in less than 1 minute I came across a website that took home the first place honors called Yelp. (www.yelp.com) On this site you can navigate through many different cities across the US and find reviews on everything from real estate, to resturants, and shopping, to night life. Needless to say, being the luscious big girl that I am, I had to check out the resturants. Nice to see that some of my favorite locations such as the Red Brick Station, Five Guys, and Original Steakhouse and Sports Theater. All I can say is WOW!

I have learned a lot over several weeks on doing the 23 Things, but this has to be my favorite thus far. My boyfriend and I are always looking for new places to dine and I think that I have found a new love...well, Internet love. Matter of fact, I am on the phone with him now telling him to add this place to our favorites on our computer. Don't worry! Technically I am still working!!!

Is this the end of Microsoft Office as we know it?? Week 8 Thing 18

All I can say is WOW! Zoho looks almost identical to Microsoft Office. I cannot believe that there are applications like this on the Internet when people are paying $300 and $400 for Microsoft Office when they can do the same functions on the Internet for free. Well, as far as I can see, you are doing basically the same things that you do on Microsoft Word. I guess I am learning a few things here and there, huh? :)

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Week 7 Thing 17 No Fun in the Sandbox

After trying to figure out how to get INTO the Sandbox, I finally made it. Needless to say, I did not have fun. Not at all. I was able to crack a smile when I FINALLY got everything posted like I was supposed to. I created my account and continued with my Blog name as being DoubleDee's Mind. Did I mention all of this was a pain in the butt? Granted, I can see where it may be fun, but I did not see it. I guess I have too much school work stuff on my brain and not enough 23 Things. :(