Messages from a Marine Bio Student

Summary of TLC 2.0

2009-02-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

All in all this experience was useful and enlightening. I have found many new ways to use the internet, from using bloglines to keep track of blogs i like, to finding podcasts. I will definately be using some of these new tools in finishing my degree as well as in my daily life.

Facebook

2009-02-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

I have had a faceook account for years now, so this exercise was not applicable to me. I love facebook though because it helps me keep in touch with friends i went to middle school and high school with, as well as family and current friends.

Podcasts

2009-02-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

I used the podcast search directory podcastdirectory.com to find podcasts that interest me. They have a large site with many different methods of searching. I found one that interested me called dorktones.com, its a podcast from the netherlands of odd, rarely heard music from a wide variety of genres.

You Tube

2009-02-02T08:47:00.000-08:00

I love you tube, i listen to music on it everyday, and occasionally watch TV shows that i missed. It is easy to use, and there is always something new to watch. The link to the video i posted is my current favorite song. What's cooler than heavy metal chellos? NOTHING! Hahaha :)

Zoho writer

2008-10-31T12:33:00.000-07:00

I think this is one of the best web sites online for students, or anyone that uses multiple computers to write assignments. I think it will be very useful for me in the future, since I do my homework on a few different computers, depending on where I am. Its so easy to use, its just like using Word.

NSUlibs wiki

2008-10-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

I tried to add my blog to the nsulibs favorite blogs page, but I couldn't, everytime I tried to, it said "error on page." So I created this blog post to show that I tried, but for some reason could not complete the task.

Wikis

2008-10-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

Wiki's are an interesting new kind of resource that can definately be used easily by libraries, to improve accessability of information. They are king of an encyclopedia for various topics, and ideas. Libraries can use wiki's to have user guides for different types of databases and resources, subject guides, outreach ideas and information, programming ideas and information, etc.

Perspectives on Library 2.0

2008-10-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

The Library 2.0 movement is a new and exciting way of integrating Web 2.0 technology. Using web 2.0 technology, people can easily and quickly find a larger variety of information from a more diverse selection of resources. It also allows users to connect with other people to share information that is similar, or to find people that might be used in networking.

Technorati

2008-10-07T10:12:00.001-07:00

I liked this site because it was easier to use to find blogs, and blog posts than was the bloglines site. The top searches were pretty strange, most were pretty basic things like environment, men, google, but the ones that suprised me were the searches for people I've never heard of like "kerry howley". Atleast I think that is a person. Oh well. It was interesting to use, and I think I will be exploring it further in my free time.

Delicious

2008-10-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

After exploreing the Delicious site, I found it to be a great tool to use, especially if you use multiple computers. Its a great way to keep bookmarks organized and allows easy access to them from virtually anywhere. I will probably use this tool frequently in the future.

Rollyo

2008-09-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

I thought this was an interesting tool to use especially for students, and libraries. It makes a web search much easier when only the best sources are being searched. Here's a link to a sample search using my Rollyo Evolution vs. ID search. I also added the search box to my blog page.

Rollyo: http://rollyo.com/search.html?q=creation&sid=456620

Library Thing

2008-09-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

Library Thing is like Shelfari. But I like Shelfari better. Its just anothr way of keeping track of the books you own, have read, want to read, etc, but in shelfari, it is much better looking, and easier to tag a book based on the afore mentioned criteria. Here's the link to my Library Thing:
http://www.librarything.com/home/Sirenia

Ramen Noodles, A poor college student's best friend...

2008-09-03T15:14:00.001-07:00

This was the result of my playing around with image generators. My favorite (obviously) was the motivational poster generator. I got the idea from a bumpersticker I recieved on facebook, and I loved it because I practically live off Ramen, like many poor college students. Anyway, it was fun, and I might use this one again in the future...

Library blogs

2008-09-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

I found a few amusing blogs from other librarians, but my favorite is called "Love the Liberry." Its a collection of anecdotes and funny things that happen in a library. I created a folder in my bloglines account just for librarian blogs. They are interesting reads because it helps give some insight into the workings of libraries elswhere.

RSS feeds...searching for the best

2008-08-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

I found that the bloglines search tool isn't all that useful. I tried technorati as well and it was much the same. They just don't pull up what I'm looking for. I found that the easiest way for me to find blogs and newsfeeds that I might like to add to my bloglines account was to simply use trust ole' google, or just go to sites that I frequent and look for the RSS button. Some people might find bloglines' search tool useful, and good for them, atleast someone is using it to their advantage, but for me, I'll just stick to what I feel works best. On another note, I tried to go to feedster, but the site wouldn't load...don't know what was up with that...oh well. On to the next thing...

Bloglines

2008-08-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

This week's list of things was fun. I enjoyed being able to search for different blogs and newsfeeds that I find interesting. The majority of the blogs I added to my feeds on bloglines were science blogs, specifically concerning evolution and marine biology, since those two subjects I find most facinating. I am one of those people that are somewhat caught-up in the current controversy surrounding the debate between evolution proponents and those who advocate intelligent design or creation as an alternative. The bloglines site makes it easy for me to get current news and information about the subject, as well as providing recent marine biology news which relates to the degree I have almost completed. All-in-all, I think this site can be very useful to anyone, its just a matter of finding those sites which relate to their interests.

Camera with GPS

2008-08-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

I just read an article about a new Nikon camera that has a GPS built in. This allows the owner to upload their pictures and the exact locations where they were taken. I think this is a really neat way to share photos with friends and family, so they can see where you've traveled, and maybe even get inspired to go to take a trip to that place themselves! Here's a link to the article:http://www.popsci.com/gear-%2526-gadgets/article/2008-08/map-your-shots

Playing with Flickr...

2008-08-12T09:25:00.001-07:00

I really enjoyed playing areound with the Flickr apps. My favorite was the Trading Card maker. I didn't have any pictures of myself, so I made one for Lola, nothing special, it was just to see how it works.

Enjoy!

My little Lola...

2008-08-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

I've just uploaded three pictures of my sweet little Lola on Flickr. I rescued her from the humane society on Feb 29th of this year. After looking through all of the kennels, I came upon this little girl in the last row, and I instantly melted when I saw her in her sad puppy dog eyes. She was dressed in a long-sleeve sweater and it just made me laugh to see her trot up to the front of the kennel and beg for attention. When I finally got to have time with her one-on-one, her kisses and excitement was contagious and I knew she was the one for me. They said she is an Australian Kelpie mix, but I'm not sure I see it... she's basically a mutt, but they sya they are the best dogs, and I have to agree. She has been a joy to have and has been the best company a girl could hope for. Whenever I'm feeling down after a stressful day, all it takes is one kiss from her to bring a smile to my face.

The 7&1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learners

2008-04-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

I just watched a tutorial about the 7 & 1/2 habits of lifelong learners. It was interesting enough, and it started me thinking about my own learning habits. The habit that I found to be easiest, was # 6: Use technology to your advantage. I am of the generation that uses technology regularly, and have done so since I was a kid. My Generation was one of the first to be able to take advantage of the boom in technolgy within the past 10-15 years. I feel lucky that I didn't have to hand write book reports and papers throughout my education, and can instead tap out a couple pages in no time, without the smudges and scratching out from mistakes. The habit I find to be hardest to adopt, as I muddle through the last year to get my dgree, is # 7 & 1/2: PLAY! It is definately something that is easier said than done. Its hard because when I do have time to myself, there is always something looming on the horizon that is demanding my attention. There seems to be a never-ending stream of assignments, papers, and chapters to study, and when one thing is finished, there's always something else to think about next. I don't go out often because of this, and my "playing" consists of relaxing in bed with my animals, reading a book until I can't keep my eyes open. I do think it is important to take a break from these things sometimes, and just let go of resposibilities sometimes. so on that note, I will end this with a promise to try and paly more often.