Relationship networks. These are not your usual social networking sites, but self and peer counseling websites set up to help people work through personal relationship issues on their terms and time.
What interests me is how technology is being used to reach a new audience. Which human need is being served by the Internet. Well, if the Internet can help people find a date or a mate why can't it help work out those interpersonal problems that every relationship encounters before the relationship dissolves.
I see Web 2.0 applications moving from a tool used by a society for entertainment to a tool that helps a society fulfill the personal ideology of it's members. That is those ideas that reflect the social needs and aspirations of the individual. In this case it helps individuals work through relationship issues without the traditional counsel.
For those of us who do not feel comfortable "spilling our gut" in a face to face situation these websites may be a way of easing us into a problem solving mindset. Let's face it, people have to want to go into counseling. The desire to meet, talk and listen to an objective point of view is a step that many of us do not want to initiate.
The application of interactive software for social connection continues to provide the means for a society to become more self-sufficient, possible more egalitarian in nature allowing individuals to use their talents and knowledge for the good of their community, the human race.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
The original Web 2.0
The Meaning of Everything: The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester is a fine example of what Web 2.0 is all about, the creation of a community with a common interest or cause. What makes the story of the Oxford English Dictionary so fascinating is that it happened pre-computer and Internet.
The goal of the Philological Society, established in 1842, was to develop a dictionary of the English language in its "totality". Meaning as Winchester explains in his book, "Whatever this was, it had to be a book-an enormous book...that did its level best to include the totality of the language. And by that was meant the discovery and the inclusion of every single word, every sense, every meaning...such that anyone who wanted to look up the meaning of any word must be confident of finding it there, without a scintilla of doubt."
the question in all of our minds as it was in the minds of those present at the first announcement of this colossus task should be how will this be accomplished? Dean Trench's answer was "common action" where by "many besides its own members (Philological Society) would gladly divide with them the toil and honour of such an undertaking. An entire army would join hand in hand till it covered the breadth of the island...this drawing a sweep-net over the whole extent of English literature, is that which we would fain see..."
Think of the Philological Society as the central node with all those individuals around the world "connected" by the reading and sending via the postal service slips of paper containing data about data (words). When these bits of information arrived at the "Scriptorium" as this central node was to be known they were placed in one of 1,029 pigeon-holes built to hold all the meta data until it could be sorted and reviewed.
After 68 years, 3 weeks a total of twelve "tombstone-sized" volumes containing all the English words which were up to that point in time believed to make up the English language was made available to the public. WOW!!!!
It wasn't the first time that people had joined together to gather information just for the sheer enjoyment of adding to the great body of knowledge that is our human history. The Brothers Grimm had some time before the commencement of work on the OED developed a German dictionary with the help of 83 volunteers who read one or more authors combing for words to be included in the dictionary.
It would seem that we are hard wired for participation in Web 2.0 type activity. We can't help but put our own 2-cents into the mix. So, it shouldn't surprise anyone that Wiki sites and software applications like del.icio.us are popular. Creative common communities have been happening for centuries. To steal a phrase from one of my dear uncles, "It's in the blood..."
The goal of the Philological Society, established in 1842, was to develop a dictionary of the English language in its "totality". Meaning as Winchester explains in his book, "Whatever this was, it had to be a book-an enormous book...that did its level best to include the totality of the language. And by that was meant the discovery and the inclusion of every single word, every sense, every meaning...such that anyone who wanted to look up the meaning of any word must be confident of finding it there, without a scintilla of doubt."
the question in all of our minds as it was in the minds of those present at the first announcement of this colossus task should be how will this be accomplished? Dean Trench's answer was "common action" where by "many besides its own members (Philological Society) would gladly divide with them the toil and honour of such an undertaking. An entire army would join hand in hand till it covered the breadth of the island...this drawing a sweep-net over the whole extent of English literature, is that which we would fain see..."
Think of the Philological Society as the central node with all those individuals around the world "connected" by the reading and sending via the postal service slips of paper containing data about data (words). When these bits of information arrived at the "Scriptorium" as this central node was to be known they were placed in one of 1,029 pigeon-holes built to hold all the meta data until it could be sorted and reviewed.
After 68 years, 3 weeks a total of twelve "tombstone-sized" volumes containing all the English words which were up to that point in time believed to make up the English language was made available to the public. WOW!!!!
It wasn't the first time that people had joined together to gather information just for the sheer enjoyment of adding to the great body of knowledge that is our human history. The Brothers Grimm had some time before the commencement of work on the OED developed a German dictionary with the help of 83 volunteers who read one or more authors combing for words to be included in the dictionary.
It would seem that we are hard wired for participation in Web 2.0 type activity. We can't help but put our own 2-cents into the mix. So, it shouldn't surprise anyone that Wiki sites and software applications like del.icio.us are popular. Creative common communities have been happening for centuries. To steal a phrase from one of my dear uncles, "It's in the blood..."
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Moral Hazard Effect ?
I was reading an article from a back issue of www.sciencemag.org, The Economics of Information Security and was introduced to the phrase moral hazard effect in which an atmosphere conducive to crime is created because those involved believe that customer complaints would not be taken seriously and they became careless and sloppy at their jobs.
Besides the interesting phrase I was reminded once again that if there is any possibility that money can be made from a new and evolving commodity people will find a way, even if they have to steal from someone else to do it.
This all had to do with the many conundrums involved in Internet security and risk assessment.
The vulnerabilities of software has for a long time been a point of concern for corporations and institutions and since some in the software industry would rather "ship it Tuesday and get it right in the next version" businesses have popped up that specialize in certification services to vouch for the quality of software products or websites.
Unfortunately, there are statistics that show that malicious websites as well as malicious software vendors have obtained a "good certification" subsequently circumventing the system. Someone didn't get the point.
I love this one...
There is actually something called a vulnerability market in which investment firms openly buy vulnerabilities (information about specific software security) and provide this info to their customers and well as the software vendors affected by the bad news.
What a set up. Does this remind you of recent banking issues.
It must take a lot a money, brain power and time to think up these "business models". I would think it would be easier to just invest one's time and money in a legitimate endeavor.
I am sure you have heard that it takes more muscles (work) to frown that it does to smile....
and since I am all for conservation of energy in all forms this article has me smiling.
Besides the interesting phrase I was reminded once again that if there is any possibility that money can be made from a new and evolving commodity people will find a way, even if they have to steal from someone else to do it.
This all had to do with the many conundrums involved in Internet security and risk assessment.
The vulnerabilities of software has for a long time been a point of concern for corporations and institutions and since some in the software industry would rather "ship it Tuesday and get it right in the next version" businesses have popped up that specialize in certification services to vouch for the quality of software products or websites.
Unfortunately, there are statistics that show that malicious websites as well as malicious software vendors have obtained a "good certification" subsequently circumventing the system. Someone didn't get the point.
I love this one...
There is actually something called a vulnerability market in which investment firms openly buy vulnerabilities (information about specific software security) and provide this info to their customers and well as the software vendors affected by the bad news.
What a set up. Does this remind you of recent banking issues.
It must take a lot a money, brain power and time to think up these "business models". I would think it would be easier to just invest one's time and money in a legitimate endeavor.
I am sure you have heard that it takes more muscles (work) to frown that it does to smile....
and since I am all for conservation of energy in all forms this article has me smiling.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Lorcan Demsey's on Twitter Flow
Lorcan Demsey comments on how libraries plug into their users "twitter flow" by implementing a WorldCat search through twitter. It was an entry made on July 18, 2010.
The blog would be of interest to librarians as well as archivist.
The blog would be of interest to librarians as well as archivist.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Popular Technology and the Information Economy
Working more intimately with computer technology these past few months than at times I have wanted or enjoyed I wondered what it all might mean to the "average jane or joe" (whatever that might be). Yochai Benkler's The Wealth of Networks discussion about how the phenomenon of "social production' is reshaping markets also got me wondering exactly whose markets are being reshaped?
Only if you participate are you directly effected by the technological achievements and the "new" information economy. What if you are unable to participate either because you do not possess the knowledge, the talent, the time, the resources, the money does it profit you in any direct way?
What do you do if you find yourself at a disadvantage because of your geographical location or your gender or your religion or "state of mind". How does the new social production found on the Internet give you the promised equality and freedom to follow your bliss?
I think the "average jane and joe" have their plate full just trying to keep an income that they don't have the time to exercise their responsibilities as citizens of any global economy found on the Internet.
Personally, I am grudgingly enjoying learning html and css to put together a portfolio, however I also have an idea of what technology, computers, the Internet may mean to someone who looks on all these techno-miracles as just something else that points to their "differences". Sort of like the Neanderthal vs Homo sapien. Hummm? I guess I better figure this portfolio thing out....
Only if you participate are you directly effected by the technological achievements and the "new" information economy. What if you are unable to participate either because you do not possess the knowledge, the talent, the time, the resources, the money does it profit you in any direct way?
What do you do if you find yourself at a disadvantage because of your geographical location or your gender or your religion or "state of mind". How does the new social production found on the Internet give you the promised equality and freedom to follow your bliss?
I think the "average jane and joe" have their plate full just trying to keep an income that they don't have the time to exercise their responsibilities as citizens of any global economy found on the Internet.
Personally, I am grudgingly enjoying learning html and css to put together a portfolio, however I also have an idea of what technology, computers, the Internet may mean to someone who looks on all these techno-miracles as just something else that points to their "differences". Sort of like the Neanderthal vs Homo sapien. Hummm? I guess I better figure this portfolio thing out....
Friday, July 23, 2010
Publisher wars---ebooks the new frontier
It really is all about the money. Well, creativity in itself doesn't pay the bills or put food on the table. And so it goes...Amazon Snags Exclusive Deal for E-books
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Internet access in Public Libraries: Who needs it?
I had heard on an NPR radio broadcast a couple of months ago how much American relied on services from their local public libraries. With the economy in such an uncertain state and federal and state governments cutting funding to everything including public libraries I was interested in reading more about the situation. I found this article below
Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries.
The article is based on the first, large-scale study of who uses public computers and Internet access in public libraries, the ways library patrons use this free technology service, why they use it, and how it affects their lives. It was conducted by the University of Washington Information School and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries.
The article is based on the first, large-scale study of who uses public computers and Internet access in public libraries, the ways library patrons use this free technology service, why they use it, and how it affects their lives. It was conducted by the University of Washington Information School and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Friday, July 16, 2010
inline html formatting
CCS has got to be more elegant than inline formatting. Not that anything I have done to date with html is elegant, but what I had to do to change the left side margin was grueling. It could also be that I did it the hard way...
Even if the style sheet is embedded in the document and not a separate link it must be easier to control the look of the webpage than using inline formatting.
Even if the style sheet is embedded in the document and not a separate link it must be easier to control the look of the webpage than using inline formatting.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
html
The Dickens assignment has started out in the usual way for me. Technology is the most difficult hurdle. Kompozer is a breeze and actually fun to use. And I was able to download all the free software with ease (Kompozer, cyberduck and iterm). I had difficulty creating a html folder with the public folder on the mainframe. Cyberduck actually created the folder, but it wasn't showing up on the webpage.
I went in to the mainframe and used the programing info received during class and thought it should work. I still couldn't view the webpage and had to resort to making a call. I figured my lack of expertise with programming was probably the reason. Both I and the tech were on the mainframe together. The tech could not see my folders at his end, so he had me type in a command (I wish I had written it down, but was focused on what I was doing on the keyboard) which made everything visible. Nice.
I wish I actually understood what I had just done.
There are some mysteries that are better left mis-understood (sort of like the virgin birth...)
I went in to the mainframe and used the programing info received during class and thought it should work. I still couldn't view the webpage and had to resort to making a call. I figured my lack of expertise with programming was probably the reason. Both I and the tech were on the mainframe together. The tech could not see my folders at his end, so he had me type in a command (I wish I had written it down, but was focused on what I was doing on the keyboard) which made everything visible. Nice.
I wish I actually understood what I had just done.
There are some mysteries that are better left mis-understood (sort of like the virgin birth...)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Koha assignment
I have to say that I am still having a hard time remembering to post something on the blog site. I don't think I will ever be successful at it.
Well,
Of all the cataloging software that we have used the Koha was the most intuitive and easiest to use.
I did visit the Omeka site and looked at some of the websites published with Omeka and have to say that I enjoyed "roaming" through the pages of the example sites. I liked the various themes that are possible for the front end of the sites.
it appears that it makes very nice online exhibits for museums.
For my Anthropology senior thesis paper I researched how museums utilized all the raw conservation data they had accumulated over the decades and if they used the data on their respective websites to inform and educate the general public.
I visited some of the majors through out the world and found that many were doing an excellent job of enlightening the public to what art conservation and preservation was all about.
When I looked at the websites created using Omeka I was reminded of the sites I had visited for the paper and wonder what web publishing software they had used. That was the farthest thing from my mind when I was researching for the paper. When I get some time I intend to re-visit some of those site and scrutinize them from a different perspective.
Well,
Of all the cataloging software that we have used the Koha was the most intuitive and easiest to use.
I did visit the Omeka site and looked at some of the websites published with Omeka and have to say that I enjoyed "roaming" through the pages of the example sites. I liked the various themes that are possible for the front end of the sites.
it appears that it makes very nice online exhibits for museums.
For my Anthropology senior thesis paper I researched how museums utilized all the raw conservation data they had accumulated over the decades and if they used the data on their respective websites to inform and educate the general public.
I visited some of the majors through out the world and found that many were doing an excellent job of enlightening the public to what art conservation and preservation was all about.
When I looked at the websites created using Omeka I was reminded of the sites I had visited for the paper and wonder what web publishing software they had used. That was the farthest thing from my mind when I was researching for the paper. When I get some time I intend to re-visit some of those site and scrutinize them from a different perspective.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Trusted Computing
In my reading for an essay in LIS2000 I cam across a paper on trusted computing, "Trusted Computing: Promise and Risk", Electronic Frontier Foundation. I had never heard of it and was at first shocked on the first read.
"Trusted computing" enthusiasts believe that today's computer security issues can be solved through hardware changes in our personal computers.
To take advantage of the new hardware designs companies such as Microsoft are designing new OS software.
A consortium originally called the Trusted Computing Platform Alliance, now called the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) has been working on the new architecture which has four different "features"; Memory curtaining, Secure I/O, Sealed storage and Remote attestation.
Computing experts believe each of the features will be useful to computer security, although not foolproof. The idea is to contain and limit the damage that may result from a virus or other malicious activity.
To be used these hardware features need to be supported by software.
The computing community is skeptical and there are serious concerns especially in regards to the risks of possible anti-competitive and anti-consumer behavior.
These fears are directed particularly at the "Remote Attestation" feature which is capable of detecting "unauthorized" changes to software for example by a virus. Because the attestation is remote other computers that you and your computer interact with would be aware of the "break in" as well.
The article authors believe that the current approach to attestation is flawed because "it fails to distinguish between applications that protect computer owners against attack and applications that protect a computer against its owner". This reality can lead to the owner sometimes being treated as another attacker trying to alter the computer software.
If you are one who likes to modify the software on your PC this new hardware feature effectively eliminates your freedom to do so without risking the interoperability of your computer with others.
At this point in time software companies have no good way to detect what software you are using nor do they have any reliable way to compel you choose any specific software type. This status quo is a benefit to computer owners because it improves competition, allows for software choice and interoperablility. Basically, the computer owner is in control of his/her computer.
The Internet that is supposed to allow for a free and egalitarian use of a communication network may become another avenue for large corporations to control another aspect of life and make lots of money along the way.
I can guess where this "security" idea originated. Our government is afraid of cyber-wars and I understand their fears. And I am sure that there is a lot of research money being thrown at computing security issues. It would be wonderful if the hardware and needed software were successfully developed and implemented on government computers. Maybe they already are? But what will stop corporations from putting such security hardware on all the machines they produce?
What would be next? A web site such as your bank locking you out because you don't have the required "recognizable" browser?
Oh, Come on...like that would ever happen!
"Trusted computing" enthusiasts believe that today's computer security issues can be solved through hardware changes in our personal computers.
To take advantage of the new hardware designs companies such as Microsoft are designing new OS software.
A consortium originally called the Trusted Computing Platform Alliance, now called the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) has been working on the new architecture which has four different "features"; Memory curtaining, Secure I/O, Sealed storage and Remote attestation.
Computing experts believe each of the features will be useful to computer security, although not foolproof. The idea is to contain and limit the damage that may result from a virus or other malicious activity.
To be used these hardware features need to be supported by software.
The computing community is skeptical and there are serious concerns especially in regards to the risks of possible anti-competitive and anti-consumer behavior.
These fears are directed particularly at the "Remote Attestation" feature which is capable of detecting "unauthorized" changes to software for example by a virus. Because the attestation is remote other computers that you and your computer interact with would be aware of the "break in" as well.
The article authors believe that the current approach to attestation is flawed because "it fails to distinguish between applications that protect computer owners against attack and applications that protect a computer against its owner". This reality can lead to the owner sometimes being treated as another attacker trying to alter the computer software.
If you are one who likes to modify the software on your PC this new hardware feature effectively eliminates your freedom to do so without risking the interoperability of your computer with others.
At this point in time software companies have no good way to detect what software you are using nor do they have any reliable way to compel you choose any specific software type. This status quo is a benefit to computer owners because it improves competition, allows for software choice and interoperablility. Basically, the computer owner is in control of his/her computer.
The Internet that is supposed to allow for a free and egalitarian use of a communication network may become another avenue for large corporations to control another aspect of life and make lots of money along the way.
I can guess where this "security" idea originated. Our government is afraid of cyber-wars and I understand their fears. And I am sure that there is a lot of research money being thrown at computing security issues. It would be wonderful if the hardware and needed software were successfully developed and implemented on government computers. Maybe they already are? But what will stop corporations from putting such security hardware on all the machines they produce?
What would be next? A web site such as your bank locking you out because you don't have the required "recognizable" browser?
Oh, Come on...like that would ever happen!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Development of software for a children's online social space
The International Children's Digital Libraries project hosted at the Maryland University has developed a social software program aimed at creating an online children's social community. The front end of the site is a colorful and user friendly environment that allows the user to easily choose the language and type of desired book. The website directs the user to pick the age group appropriate books the user is interested in as well as what the user wants the book to do for them. Meaning do you want the book to make you happy or scared. It allows the user to choose what color or what size the book should be. The user interface is easy to navigate. The designers have done a great job of creating a social environment that is usable by the focus group which is of course children. It was a pleasure to search the catalog for books of all sorts. There are over 1,000 books listed in 158 different languages. The URL is www.icdlbooks.org
Friday, June 25, 2010
Drupal
The LIS 2600 lecture for this week discussed the content Management system, Drupal. It is a back-end system that be used to manage all sorts of internet activity such as blogs, discussion threads, Wikis, files sharing and RSS feeds. Since it is open source software there have been many modulars written to extend the capabilities of the Drupal core.
What I found most interesting was how a few organizations were using Drupal to wrap around library content using SOPACS. A social library environment is created for users who have an account on the library system. This allows the user to participate in library associated activities beyond the usual search of the catalog or the reservation of a book online.
Drupal gives the administrator the ability to create a site suited to the focus of his/her particular project.
What I found most interesting was how a few organizations were using Drupal to wrap around library content using SOPACS. A social library environment is created for users who have an account on the library system. This allows the user to participate in library associated activities beyond the usual search of the catalog or the reservation of a book online.
Drupal gives the administrator the ability to create a site suited to the focus of his/her particular project.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Social OPAC
When I began the library science studies at Pitt I had my own idea what librarianship was all about. I had created my own "library world" in which librarians were the rulers of the universe and I wanted to be one of them.
The more I learn about librarianship in the 21st Century I realize that my ideas must change. A good example is the use of social network software in conjunction with library cataloging and searching. I was not able to think about relinquishing bibliographic control to the masses.
I am now convinced that the "mash up" of library bibliographic info, social data and interactive conversation on "favorites" and the "best of" lists is one of the very important ways that libraries will move forward and become a player in the information game.
The audio from the Library 2.0 Gang on the idea of a social OPAC was impelling.
Weinberger's Miscellaneous makes more sense to me after reading/listening/learning about the products that organizations in Canada and US have developed and are continuing to tweak such as the Canadian, Bibliocommons and the US, SOPAC software for library Internet interface.
The advantages of how such software draws users into the library environment was obvious, but not so obvious is how the use of this type of software might change the internal workings of the library (or how the utilization of personnel might be changed).
I believe it is an exciting time to be a librarian. Exciting and Exacting.
The more I learn about librarianship in the 21st Century I realize that my ideas must change. A good example is the use of social network software in conjunction with library cataloging and searching. I was not able to think about relinquishing bibliographic control to the masses.
I am now convinced that the "mash up" of library bibliographic info, social data and interactive conversation on "favorites" and the "best of" lists is one of the very important ways that libraries will move forward and become a player in the information game.
The audio from the Library 2.0 Gang on the idea of a social OPAC was impelling.
Weinberger's Miscellaneous makes more sense to me after reading/listening/learning about the products that organizations in Canada and US have developed and are continuing to tweak such as the Canadian, Bibliocommons and the US, SOPAC software for library Internet interface.
The advantages of how such software draws users into the library environment was obvious, but not so obvious is how the use of this type of software might change the internal workings of the library (or how the utilization of personnel might be changed).
I believe it is an exciting time to be a librarian. Exciting and Exacting.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Omeka
The Omeka project was actually fun. It is wonderful that you can create a collection of information that is so explicit. I am sure that there is a set of rules to create meaningful metadata with which I am unfamiliar, but it was a great learning experience trying to imagine the best tag which would allow myself or someone else to find the information.
My entries haven't shown up on the collection list. I hope that is a technical glitch that will be fixed with out my having to go back and redo the work. There is enough of that already.
My entries haven't shown up on the collection list. I hope that is a technical glitch that will be fixed with out my having to go back and redo the work. There is enough of that already.
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Magically Shrinking Video
I figured out how to shrink my Zotero video down to size. By altering the embed code that shows the height and width of the video in four places (following the given example). I did this in the edit posts/edit html mode of the 6/1/2010 post.
Things don't look so good at the moment
Oh well, My attempt to embed my Zotero video was not exactly successful. I will get to that in a moment, but first I wanted to post another NPR spot that caught my ear this week.
It was about an article Nicholas Carr wrote for the Atlantic: Is Google Making Us Stupid. Carr believes that reading on the Internet is changing the way our brains assimilate information. He specifically used the reading of a book as an example.
Knowledge and wisdom Carr believes comes from "deep reading" and the Internet thrives on interruptions. He believes that we are losing our power to concentrate.
Who knows maybe one day when we enter the digital world via our home computers we will be faced with this... WARNING: Reading On the Internet is Bad for Your Intelligence
or
Dumb Down: Use the Internet!
http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=2&prgDate=6-2-2010
It was about an article Nicholas Carr wrote for the Atlantic: Is Google Making Us Stupid. Carr believes that reading on the Internet is changing the way our brains assimilate information. He specifically used the reading of a book as an example.
Knowledge and wisdom Carr believes comes from "deep reading" and the Internet thrives on interruptions. He believes that we are losing our power to concentrate.
Who knows maybe one day when we enter the digital world via our home computers we will be faced with this... WARNING: Reading On the Internet is Bad for Your Intelligence
or
Dumb Down: Use the Internet!
http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=2&prgDate=6-2-2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Attempt to embed Zotero video
This is my first attempt to embed my Zotero video into my blog. Oh dear!!!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Experiment with Screencast
Well here we go. The original Non-Techno Geek will attempt to link a video via screencast.
The video is something my very techy son made. He creates Machinima (sp?) videos to publish to YouTube. Most of his clips are much longer. This was a practice clip. It is only 12 secs. long.
For you Halo fans :-)
Screencast has a maximum space of about 100MB that you can use for free. Anything larger and you have to pay for the Pro.
So, let's see if I did this correctly
Remember...I did not do the video. I am only the wo(man) behind the curtain.
Ciao
http://www.screencast.com/users/Bumzzzerrr#
The video is something my very techy son made. He creates Machinima (sp?) videos to publish to YouTube. Most of his clips are much longer. This was a practice clip. It is only 12 secs. long.
For you Halo fans :-)
Screencast has a maximum space of about 100MB that you can use for free. Anything larger and you have to pay for the Pro.
So, let's see if I did this correctly
Remember...I did not do the video. I am only the wo(man) behind the curtain.
Ciao
http://www.screencast.com/users/Bumzzzerrr#
Mental Health Apps
On my way to work the other day I was listening (as usual) to NPR. There was a spot on the newest Applications for Smart Phones. My ears perked up. The apps they were talking about were developed for Psychology and Psychiatry. I really started to pay attention. Maybe there was something I could use to lower my current stress level while on the go.
One app that was explained was very simple. You opened the app and on the touch screen indicate how your feeling: good - not so good...stressed - really stressed...!!!
When you've related you state of mind the app will give you a suggestion on how to handle your mental situation. For example, if you tell it you are feeling extremely stressed it might respond with "Breathe dummy".
All kidding aside. The only reason I mention this is because they also interview someone from the University of Pittsburgh. Judy Callan, a researcher at Pitt is developing one of these apps. the app moves progressively along as the patient's mental health moves forward. I'll attach the link so you can listen to one of our own.
http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=3&prgDate=5-24-2010
One app that was explained was very simple. You opened the app and on the touch screen indicate how your feeling: good - not so good...stressed - really stressed...!!!
When you've related you state of mind the app will give you a suggestion on how to handle your mental situation. For example, if you tell it you are feeling extremely stressed it might respond with "Breathe dummy".
All kidding aside. The only reason I mention this is because they also interview someone from the University of Pittsburgh. Judy Callan, a researcher at Pitt is developing one of these apps. the app moves progressively along as the patient's mental health moves forward. I'll attach the link so you can listen to one of our own.
http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=3&prgDate=5-24-2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
What may become Nostalgia
Being immersed in technology and the internet for the last two weeks a particular segment of Weekend edition on NPR caught my attention and left me feeling a bit nostalgic for the "good ol' days" of music stores where one could "browse" the vinyl lining the shelves. I was always anxious to see what photo my favorite musical group had chosen of themselves to decorate the front of their albums.
MP3 technology, Ipods and online downloadable music will probably do away with the "walk-in" music store all together. We will have traded an activity that stimulated both the audio, the visual as well as the tactile experience for convenience. The connectivity will be changed and I'll be able to reminisce with my grandchildren about how we used to buy music in the "good ol' days".
I've tried to link the audio file to my blog so you can hear for yourself the story about the oldest record store that may die of natural causes:
http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=7
MP3 technology, Ipods and online downloadable music will probably do away with the "walk-in" music store all together. We will have traded an activity that stimulated both the audio, the visual as well as the tactile experience for convenience. The connectivity will be changed and I'll be able to reminisce with my grandchildren about how we used to buy music in the "good ol' days".
I've tried to link the audio file to my blog so you can hear for yourself the story about the oldest record store that may die of natural causes:
http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=7
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Chat room experience
I am enjoying the class work for both courses of the MLIS program, but the connections that have to be made with the university via blackboard and Pitt remote are frustrating. I could not join the chat last night. It gave me the message "Mac OS 8 & 9 are not supported" Well, that's fine because I run OS X so why am I having problems?
I like using Firefox as a browse but that is something new for me as well. I am used to safari. I am not a computer geek. It takes me a while to assimilate.
In the May 19th lecture there was discussion or reference to writing htlm code in the future. The last time I did any sort of programing was as an undergraduate at Shippensburg as a Chem major in the 80s ("how old is she?"). Fortran was a programming class that all majors had to take (Chem majors as a rule no longer take programing classes).
This was before PCs. You entered the program you had written from a terminal, hit the run button and it was fed into the mainframe.
I remember sitting at my terminal (terminals had numbers) along with at least 20 other students who either had entered their programs or were in the process of loading it and slowly but surely all activity would come to a stop and we would all sit and wait...
Finally, a tech would come out of the mainframe room into the terminal room and shout, "Who loaded their program on terminal number so and so? You've a loop. We have to shut down the mainframe. It will be an hour before we can run the other programs" Invariably it was my program with the infinite loop.
So...along with the technical difficulties that I am having with connecting to important software that I need for the courses I now have to face my worst nightmare...programming.
I am calm now, but this morning at 2:30AM I was not.
Oh did I mention that I get up for work at 5AM...
Yes, I am venting...why don't I feel any better...maybe chocolate?
I like using Firefox as a browse but that is something new for me as well. I am used to safari. I am not a computer geek. It takes me a while to assimilate.
In the May 19th lecture there was discussion or reference to writing htlm code in the future. The last time I did any sort of programing was as an undergraduate at Shippensburg as a Chem major in the 80s ("how old is she?"). Fortran was a programming class that all majors had to take (Chem majors as a rule no longer take programing classes).
This was before PCs. You entered the program you had written from a terminal, hit the run button and it was fed into the mainframe.
I remember sitting at my terminal (terminals had numbers) along with at least 20 other students who either had entered their programs or were in the process of loading it and slowly but surely all activity would come to a stop and we would all sit and wait...
Finally, a tech would come out of the mainframe room into the terminal room and shout, "Who loaded their program on terminal number so and so? You've a loop. We have to shut down the mainframe. It will be an hour before we can run the other programs" Invariably it was my program with the infinite loop.
So...along with the technical difficulties that I am having with connecting to important software that I need for the courses I now have to face my worst nightmare...programming.
I am calm now, but this morning at 2:30AM I was not.
Oh did I mention that I get up for work at 5AM...
Yes, I am venting...why don't I feel any better...maybe chocolate?
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Setting Up the Blog
After the first wave of nausea subsided I set off to create my first blog.
I have never thought of myself as the blogging type.
I think I understand the purpose of the exercise.
It is a way for like-minded individuals to share ideas and information.
I have viewed the class video and the powerpoint.
I have read the 3 chapters for the first week.
I'll comment on the video for this week and the OCLC report in a future post.
Forward Hoo!
I have never thought of myself as the blogging type.
I think I understand the purpose of the exercise.
It is a way for like-minded individuals to share ideas and information.
I have viewed the class video and the powerpoint.
I have read the 3 chapters for the first week.
I'll comment on the video for this week and the OCLC report in a future post.
Forward Hoo!
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