tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54620936737238535542024-03-12T18:50:45.783-07:00Betsy's Book Boatbetsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-33041408301066962872008-06-12T15:24:00.000-07:002008-06-12T15:30:32.362-07:00google-medlineplus challengeThe health topic I picked was longevity. When I googled it I got 25,300,000 hits, with the search taking 5 min. I came up with in the top hits: longevity, longevity/diet, a wikkopedia entry, and Northwestern Mutual insurance site (nmfn.com). Hits were dot.coms. No patient or self-help support groups. None of the top hits provided helpful information.<br />Medlineplus, on the other hand, provided useful information quickly. My question was probably a bit too broad for getting an overview, however, at least Medlineplus did provide that kind of information in the form of published articles. Thus, in future, I would start with Medlineplus!betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-25456709735238989962008-05-24T11:04:00.000-07:002008-05-24T11:30:49.789-07:00Dan Pink thoughtsI was asked to comment here on Dan Pink's book, "A Whole New Mind."<br /><br />If someone asked me for a synopsis of this book, I would tell them it is a fascinating, very readable nonfiction commentary about how the world, in the future, will be ruled by right-brained artsy, literary types. This book gave me a lot of food for thought, and after reading the required first three chapters, I was hooked, and had to finish it. I lent it to a friend, who I know will enjoy it. I think I will probably read it again. It is the kind of book that generates stimulating conversations. So the next time you are sitting around with nothing to talk about, just bring up some of the topics in this book, and you will have a great discussion.<br /><br />However, this is not to say that I agree with everything Pink says. He seems to put too much emphasis on the idea that Baby Boomers rule the world. It seems to me that much of boomers' shift in consciousness is just due to old age! (Hey, I am a boomer, so I can say this!)<br /><br />Pink's clever little soundbytes throughout remind me of an earlier book that supposedly was revolutionary: "The Medium is the Message." <br /><br />Also, doesn't Pink oversimplify things a bit by attributing Asia's success to cheaper labor? Why doesn't he take into account the value Asians put on education? It seems to me that success in education has taken them further than their willingness to work for less than Westerners. If American students performed as well or better than Asian students, couldn't they have outsmarted them with better ideas, and have foreseen this current outsourcing trend? American ingenuity just isn't what it used to be. <br /><br />Although the core of Pink's thesis is in the first three chapters, it was fascinating to read specifics about all the elements of his argument. I was skeptical of how, for instance, design could play a significant role till I was confronted with the photo of the Florida presidential election ballot, in all its confusing glory. And also, I got some great ideas on how to implement these elements, like design, story, etc. I plan to introduce some of these things to my staff--everything from trying out playing video games to having a laugh session. Should be fun, if nothing else!<br /><br />Anyway, I have to thank Honore for giving us this book, as I found it a creativity goldmine.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-56030094855783813712008-02-18T14:09:00.000-08:002008-02-18T14:29:08.160-08:00more new thingsNow I am enrolled in LATI and I wanted to jot down a few thoughts about it so far.<em> </em>I really found the VARK learning style questionnaire results helpful. I suppose it confirmed what I already know, but I did appreciate the learning strategies that accompany my style. It made me realize that even though my learning preference is very strong read/write, (the antithesis of computer learning!) I can still apply these strategies to the online learning experience.<br /><br />The Newsweek article on the Internet was fascinating although it is not current. It gave an excellent explanation of webby things as one of my chief complaints about computers is how inarticulate instructions are. These are not English majors writing these computer directives.<br /><br />I also enjoyed the overview of the Internet--Newsweek encapsuled some of the essence of its impact on society which I find fascinating. I think we are only beginning to comprehend the ramifications for everyone.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-32528655530054018292007-10-12T11:42:00.001-07:002007-10-12T11:42:47.356-07:00thing # 17I think now the sandbox thing is done, so I posting this as a double verification.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-54744963551773240002007-10-11T16:29:00.000-07:002007-10-11T16:30:58.415-07:00thing # 23This experience was valuable in that it forced me to confront some technology I have been avoiding. It's out there, it's here, and this has helped me overcome a lot of blocks I put up. I plan on reviewing a lot of the material later in depth. Thanks for this!betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-49635136274101486302007-10-11T16:26:00.001-07:002007-10-11T16:28:57.127-07:00thing # 22I looked at Project Gutenberg and I am amazed at how many people use downloadable books. In one sense, I decry their loss of the experience of holding a big, fat book full of promise and things to come, to paraphrase a well-known novel, "How Green Was My Valley." On the other hand, I see that need seems to surpass the esthetic, as so many of the authors tapped are classic authors, so obviously, students must be using this to get reading list books. The whole downloadable thing is still a bit of a mystery to me and I will explore this further, as many of our patrons ask about this.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-32168833630427824002007-10-11T16:20:00.000-07:002007-10-11T16:21:36.392-07:00thing # 21Podcasts seem pretty hit and miss. I did find this teen book review podcast that looks pretty helpful in a library setting and could serve as a model for teens.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-16469982133638091382007-10-11T16:07:00.000-07:002007-10-11T16:08:47.851-07:00thing #20You tube. I explored it. It is addictive. This would be great for library websites to use to get people to explore them more.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-49745669924963648712007-10-11T15:38:00.001-07:002007-10-11T15:44:04.907-07:00thing # 19Reading other people's travel blogs was a disappointment. I would much rather read a well-done travel book and get proper information. Still, some things might be worth exploring.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-2081442261857839322007-10-11T15:27:00.000-07:002007-10-11T15:29:59.666-07:00thing # 18I set up a googledoc account and finally figured it was down to me to put something in it. (oh, what a steep learning curve I am on!) So I wrote up a test doc on London pubs, and saved and closed it out. Not sure if I really want to give out this vital information as there is nothing nicer than a QUIET pub, and should the word get out about these gems, they will not be QUIET any more, although these pubs are really famous. Clue: Thames.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-61345666167400367562007-10-11T15:16:00.000-07:002007-10-11T15:17:42.137-07:00thing # 17Someone stole the sandbox page I need to add my blog to the favorites log page. I had Angela helping me and she says that link page is not there; perhaps someone inadvertently wiped it out.<br />So I did go to Sandbox, and I tried!betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-53797929078474044602007-10-11T14:28:00.000-07:002007-10-11T14:30:55.782-07:00thing # 16Wikis.<br />First of all, it should be "wikki's". The way it is spelled now technically would result in being pronounced why-kai.<br /><br />I am not a fan of wikis in that anyone can purport expertise on a subject....people tend to think if it is printed, it is true. However, I can see the benefit for library use by letting patrons add book reviews. This would be great!betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-87614371837121103802007-10-11T13:34:00.000-07:002007-10-11T13:38:28.917-07:00thing # 15These were very interesting articles on the libraries of the future. It really made me aware of the changes on our doorstep, particularly the idea that collections may not grow physically, but electronically. Information is available from so many sources easily tapped by the public. What is the trick is that somehow this vast array of information needs to be tamed for practical library use.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-85171183590698022052007-10-11T09:31:00.000-07:002007-10-11T10:02:08.068-07:00thing # 14Who has time for Technorati? Why would you want to spend time looking at pointless blogs? It would be like me calling random people in the phone book because their name sounds interesting. Blogging is a real phenomenon, but someone needs to look at the big picture and what impact blogs will eventually have on the world.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-73672284958390536562007-10-11T09:21:00.000-07:002007-10-11T09:23:27.278-07:00thing # 13This seems to be a method of organizing online "clippings". This would drive me crazy, spending so much time organizing information when it seems it would be easier to tap that info when I need it. However, it does have some interesting links and if you had the time, it could be fun to pursue further.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-28966012250962615242007-10-11T09:05:00.000-07:002007-10-11T09:06:46.709-07:00thing #12Rollyo seems like a convoluted way to find or organize the websites you like. However, it seems like more work than it's worth.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-81870034314327909722007-10-11T08:16:00.000-07:002007-10-11T08:17:39.527-07:00thing # 11The Library Thing is absolutely wonderful. A bibliophile's dream. Found all kinds of new stuff. Will definitely use this later.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-73088228254719327342007-10-10T15:09:00.000-07:002007-10-10T15:10:40.345-07:00thing #10 online image generatorI think this link is a generator. I sure had fun with this one. Vicarious travel, to say the least! Pubs of London, here I come!betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-47281069875485174802007-10-10T11:03:00.001-07:002007-10-10T11:03:56.720-07:00thing no. 9 merlin accounthere is my Merlin acct. infobetsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-26339707076828549812007-10-10T10:56:00.000-07:002007-10-10T11:00:19.832-07:00thing #9I set up a Merlin account and here it is. Now that I know what the feed icon looks like, I am noticing it all the time. It is a great filter!betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-53120699502011476872007-10-09T16:28:00.000-07:002007-10-09T16:31:11.405-07:00about bloglinesBloglines are interesting but a little complex. It is basically a good service.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-59699628426894031252007-10-09T16:20:00.001-07:002007-10-09T16:20:55.407-07:00Thing #8Now this RSS feeder thing is really practical. I can set up my own commercial-free web notebook.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-59668314584522076282007-10-09T14:43:00.000-07:002007-10-09T14:56:25.491-07:00thing number 7 looney lunar tidesWhy do we have to have tides?<br />Why are some tides longer and higher than others and why is this related to the phase of the moon?<br />I find this particularly challenging because it directly affects when I can get on my boat. If only the tide would stay up (high)...betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-17820367339992229982007-10-09T14:34:00.000-07:002007-10-09T14:38:29.134-07:00thing #6 Flicker Trading Card<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9dc75hIe2KXgVvj5JQDdgjV9C9Nd94ULikO4TKbY8uauRm8II6pxXAhyphenhyphen0tfDKg5_SsoQgCQgA35HgJrJ1uWokWTp2ffJd6-wJV1Ki_B08kzzZnoBprtadvlIo2mwFfGXM4G5eI6-_A/s1600-h/dickensbooks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119454104294424130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9dc75hIe2KXgVvj5JQDdgjV9C9Nd94ULikO4TKbY8uauRm8II6pxXAhyphenhyphen0tfDKg5_SsoQgCQgA35HgJrJ1uWokWTp2ffJd6-wJV1Ki_B08kzzZnoBprtadvlIo2mwFfGXM4G5eI6-_A/s320/dickensbooks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Thanks to Megan, I think I have completed thing no. 6! I have my very own Dickens trading card--wouldn't he have loved it!</div><br /><div></div>betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462093673723853554.post-44483428320487012702007-10-05T13:21:00.000-07:002007-10-05T13:39:10.148-07:00Thing #2Well, I did the second thing--I think! I read the 7 1/2 learning habits and can say that the most difficult habit for me on the list is the ability to view problems as challenges. But I am getting over this, as more and more I see that why kill yourself over worrying about things--this is just a chance to have a new adventure. ha! (like what the heck am I going to do with a 27 foot sailboat in the winter?)<br /><br /><br /><br />The easiest learning habit for me is probably creating my own learning toolbox, though this is kind of euphemistic language! I have no problem gathering books and materials needed to study. I am the ultimate packrat and that extends to STUFF.<br /><br /><br /><br />So there, I think by writing this I am completing thing no. 2, though my biggest gripe is that the directions for this are extremely muddled. Just venting haha.betsy'sbookboathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725262476460610453noreply@blogger.com0