Hello, 2.0!

Blogging from Word 2007

2009-10-26T14:11:00.001-07:00

How to blog from Word 2007

Office Button >>New Blog Post>>Add your credentials

CFO Holiday Meeting

2008-12-11T16:35:00.000-08:00

Great to see you Cathy! Missed you!

Ten Random Things about Me! (updated!)

2008-11-25T08:00:00.001-08:00

Here are ten or eleven random things about me...in no order of importance of course!

1. I have eaten durian and will eat it again but I do not like it!
2. I have met Jimmy Carter!
3. I have a purple heart license plate!
4. I have been to Hawaii 8-9 times!
5. I designed, installed and keep a backyard pond!
6. I have been in jail twice!
Detail: Yes this is true. My family snuck out of Laos via the Mekong to Thailand without the proper papers. When we got to the shores of Thailand we took refuge among the banana trees.
The Thai authorities found us hiding in the banana plantation and herded us to Jail! There were like 100 people in a 10X20 room. I remember the green moldy rice they served. That was the first time. After a month, my grandma's Thai sister bailed us out.
Later we were traveling again to Chaing Mai on a bus. Again we were stopped...and again no papers. We were taken away and guess where we ended up yep jail. We were there for only a few weeks. My dad came and rescued us. True story!
7. I have been shot at by M16..yes...so true!
8. I have been asked if I spoke English!
9. I have been asked if I am on crack...alot!
10.I met all the guys from Night Ranger at the Ohio State Fair!
11.I love working for CML!!!

TWITTER IS DOWN!!!!

2008-11-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

I seriously have Twitter Withdrawal symptoms...shaking hands, jittery, hungry...look!!!

Thing 23: Summary

2008-11-14T14:28:00.000-08:00

Thing 5: Flikr

2008-11-14T14:22:00.000-08:00

Flikr is very easy to use. Just have to remember it is connected to Yahoo not like Blogger which is Google. Once you get past that...it's downhill skiing from there on!

I've seen it transitioned and they are adding more cool stuff to it. Here's a snapshot of my Flickr page. The only drawback is storage size.

Thing 16: CML WIKI Sandbox

2008-11-14T14:20:00.001-08:00

I just sent in my request for access to the Wiki Sandbox...waiting for it!

Thing 18: Web 2.0

2008-11-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

Web 2.0 exploding....my mind is still reeling from all the cool and fun little gadgets and badges are offerred by virtually every website.
My favorites are as follow:

-Twitter
-Flicker
-Twitpic
-Blogger
Take a look at the rest of them on this poster...mind boggling!

Thing 22: MOLDI

2008-11-14T14:03:00.001-08:00

I was really excited about Moldi because of the videos. I thought it would be my free Netflix. I've downloaded and watched my classics from the site while helping customers with setup. The interface is easy to use...the Overdrive app is extremely clunky. I feel bad for some of the not too savy users who have problems. Tech support is non-existent. For the most part this is a great service...it's intantaneous...and FREE!

Thing 17: Google Docs

2008-11-14T13:57:00.000-08:00

I've used Google Docs for a long time....partly because I am too cheap to buy a Word Processing application. GoogleDocs is an excellent substitute for MSOffice once you get used to the limited functionality.

I love the calendar sharing feature and the shared read/write access. Our Tech Training team is investigating using this as our document repository.

Thing 19: CML Toolbox

2008-11-14T13:54:00.001-08:00

I got a chance to test the CML Toolbar when I worked in IT. I think the tools are a great way for customers to access the libary's content. I am glad we are getting into this space. I can't wait when one day peole rave about our widgets...like Shelfari! Get on it Sam!!!

Thing 21: Podcast

2008-11-14T13:50:00.001-08:00

What's a Podcast? A podcast is a series of audio or video digital-media files which is distributed over the Internet by syndicated download, through Web feeds, to portable media players and personal computers. Though the same content may also be made available by direct download or streaming, a podcast is distinguished from other digital-media formats by its ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded automatically when new content is added. -From Wikipedia.

I've used Yahoo Podcast search engines for awhile now. Here are some others:

Podscope
Podcast.net
Podcast directory
the podcast network
Yahoo! Podcasts
feedster.com

Thing 14: Library Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 Perspective

2008-11-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

Library 2.0, Web 2.0, Business 2.0, Learning 2.0 or anything 2.0 is all about the 'user experience'. Bringing high touch into libraries, talking to customers, listening to them, going where they are...Twitter, Myspace, Blogs etc.

I was very impressed about something I heard from a library futurist who said the "one day we will go back full circle and be a completely verbal society". Remember our ancestors used to pass down stories by word of mouth, then they would paint them on caves, write them down, audio record them, videotape them, digitize them...now it's going back full circle....but with more intelligience and flair.

Thing 13: Delicious

2008-11-14T13:33:00.001-08:00

What is Delicious. Well it's not a cookbook or even a type of apple...but it's great for bookmarking websites if you can remember you username and password. It's like the favorites in your browser but it is mobile. This is my tenth delicous account. For the life of me I can not seem to remember my previous username and password.

Thing 12: Twitter

2008-11-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

I really don't know what to say about Twitter other than it is very addicting! I think this is an outlet for us so called introverts to express ourselves. I love interacting with my library friends and people all across the nation.

Some people like myself do have a tendency to tweet in bursts....which is blasting like ten tweets in 5 seconds...but it's a lot of fun and we learn a lot too!

Thing 11: Library Things

2008-11-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

I used Shelfari for my list but LibraryThing has a nice clean interface. I like th ways the books are listed and it's really easy to sign up and join!

Thing 8: Library Blogs

2008-11-14T12:45:00.001-08:00

Here's a great list of library related blog from http://coollibrarian.com/blog/librarylinks.html
Geistweg
The MLxperience
Space Age Librarian
Librarian in Black
What I Learned Today
Gather No Dust
Blog on the Side
Children's Books Too Cool for School
The Vampire Librarian
Chronicles of The (almost) Bald Technology Trainer
@ the Library
Jag soker job
tales of a rampaging librarian
Becoming a Librarian
Libraryola
Capital City Desk
rambleonsylvie
Information Visualization
Senior Friendly Libraries
Building A Theological Library
The.Effing.Librarian
Heavy Metal Librarian
Tales from the Liberry
LibrarianInBlack
Cool Librarian
librarygrrrl.net
The Bunless Librarian
Cool Librarian Research
Information Wants to be Free
The Creative Librarian
Library Talk
Storytimeland
eSource
The Sheck Spot
The Book Guardian
Confessions of a Real Librarian
The Info Babe
ZA3075
To Bean or Not to Bean
The Goblin in the Library
Lexacat's Guide to the Doom
Life Better Lived
Chronicles of Bean
Bookpusher
dans la liasse
Library Conspiracies
The Big Read at Kansas City Public Library
InfoSciPhi

Thing 8: RSS

2008-11-14T12:31:00.000-08:00

RSS (Rich Site Summary) is a format for delivering regularly changing web content. Many news-related sites, weblogs and other online publishers syndicate their content as an RSS Feed to whoever wants it.

I use Yahoo and Google Reader instead of Bloglines. I am really not a big fan of RSS and readers as I don't have much time to go back and read things I've saved. Here's a sample from my GoogleReader.

Thing 7: Technology Post

2008-11-14T12:26:00.001-08:00

I've heard about Microsoft's secret project called Milan for some time. I just saw a very cool video about their delivery of Surface Computers at CES 2008.

It is mind blowing...a coffee table...infared camera...it is so cool!

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4217348.html

Wall in HR

2008-11-06T13:23:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the wall in HR. Parts of the drywall was moldy and had to be removed...at least that's my assessment. It's been this way for a few days now...I thought it was cool and had to take a picture of it.

Tazo Tea

2008-11-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks Jill for the tea. It is really helping my sore throat...now about the sore sinus....

My New Office!!!

2008-11-05T10:30:00.001-08:00

I have decided to move in to my new office. Unhooked and installed all the the equipment myself. I still have the "tech" touch. What can I say....
once IT, always IT!"

Chinese Broccoli with Beef!!

2008-10-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

At Happy Dragon...its not on the menu. You have to ask for it.

Supporting the Deadliest Catch Guys

2008-10-14T05:01:00.000-07:00

King crabs, Dungeness crabs, blue crabs!!!!

Andrew in Space

2008-09-09T08:47:00.001-07:00

Quick Photoshop....neat ha!

Week 2: Blogging

2008-09-09T04:47:00.000-07:00

Week 2: Blogging

Set up your own blog and add your first post.
Register your blog on CMLsi, and begin your Learn & Play journey.

This is a blog that discusses the basics of blogging Blogging Basics 101.
I wonder how many of us bloggers use Typepad.

Fresh Cucumbers

2008-09-02T18:09:00.001-07:00

012, originally uploaded by m_darst2005.

Picked from the garden today after my walk. I will marinate them in vinegar and sugar. Does anyone remember China Coast restaurant by Eastland Mall?

Pulled Pork Sandwich

2008-08-28T18:59:00.001-07:00

Picture 005, originally uploaded by m_darst2005.

Cathy's lunch!!!

Cheesecake Factory Lunch

2008-08-22T17:20:00.001-07:00

Picture 014, originally uploaded by m_darst2005.

This is so good.....that sauce in the middle is the bomb!

Here we are!

2008-08-15T07:08:00.001-07:00

010, originally uploaded by m_darst2005.

Thanks Ed for taking this picture!

Feeding the Fish...and one Frog

2008-08-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

As soon as I open the patio door they start to congregrate in this same spot. It's like the sound of the patio door opening is a call for food. See them having their breakfast of bread. This is the second day that the frog is here...he's still a little shy. I better stop recording and go in...so he cat eat.

23 Things: Week 1

2008-08-14T06:18:00.000-07:00

Week 1: Introduction–official start on August 12, 2008
Read this blog & find out about the program.
Discover a few pointers from lifelong learners and learn how to nurture your own learning process.

I must tell you I enjoyed Michael Stephen's presentation so much. His comment about removing barrier really hit home for me. I am one of those people in the "IT" department that "worry" about everything....like man...we can't put that program out yet...we didn't test the max/min, the special characters, the load, the what ifs, the spelling/grammar, the buttons, etc....in a way our too much "testing" and analysis were barriers too.

I am getting much better now (as you can probably tell that this blog post is littered with typos and grammatical errors!!! )..this whole iterative process of software development and magic of th web has helped ease my worries.

It's like what Michael said about "What if Flickr goes down"....it comes back up." The same is true for what if we forget to test that the 100th item checked out doesn't work right.....we fix it!

To say the least his talk was enlightening on many levels. Web 2.0 is changing the learning landscape. Learning is happening informally all the time, user-generated content are satisfying learner's needs. The ability to create widgets, blogs and network communities provide that attachment factor to learning. We care about things we create and want to see others contribute to our thoughts no matter how random.

Enough...more random thougts next week. If you care at all you might follow my tweets...to see what I'm eating....drinking....working on....etc....

Mini Read Poster

2008-08-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

Go make yourself one. http://www.ala.org/ala/productsandpublications/READ_Mini_Posters.cfm

Andrew's Spore Creation "Spot"

2008-08-08T19:28:00.001-07:00

Here's a video of "Spot" dancing! Vote on the best creation Andrew's "Spot" or my Mr. Froggy?

Peach Harvest

2008-08-06T10:13:00.001-07:00

HPIM1553, originally uploaded by m_darst2005.

These came off just three lower branches of the peach tree. Not too pretty but mighty tasty!!

DIY Web with Widgets,Badges, Gadgets

2008-08-06T04:58:00.000-07:00

So what are widgets, badges, and gadgets?
Simply these are little tools that allow us the playing and learning individuals to REMIX the web by copying and pasting small lines of code. Here's a very nice video widget from HULU. I have a Foodmojo set up but you can click settings and look at bunch of other cool videos...Youtube but better!!!! http://www.hulu.com/widgets. Go MAKE ONE!!!

Little Monkey Widget!

2008-08-04T20:41:00.001-07:00

This litte monkey reminds me of my niece Cary. Click on the monkey to see it move around. Click More...and give it a banana. Soooo cute! Wanna add your own pet?
Click on the link below and adopt your own virtual pet. Have fun!

adopt your own virtual pet!

Ever heard of Spore?

2008-08-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

This game from Electronic Arts has potential for learning. You can download a trial and create your creature by choosing all the body parts. You can make it growl, laugh, get angry and even dance. Watch my creation Mr. Froggy dance. It's so much fun!

The game comes out in September for the DS and PC/MAC. Check out more info on Spore here: http://www.spore.com/

Rubik's Cube Andrew

2008-08-02T21:23:00.001-07:00

Wanna Learn how to make this?

1. Got to dumpr.net - fun with your photos
2. Register
3. Pick an effect
4. Browse for your picture
5. Copy the code to blogspot
6. Type in your blogspot username/password
7. Voila!

Like this cool blogger template?

2008-07-30T18:39:00.001-07:00

You can have one too! Here's how:

1. Google "cool blogger template" or go here for this template: http://bloggertricks.com/2008/05/flora-scent-blogger-template-free.html
2. Find one that you like
3. Click Download
4. Click Save and Save to your desktop
5. When it's done, click Open
6. Extract the two files
7. Customize your blog, click Edit HTML
8. Browse for the XML file
9. Upload it
10. Save your new design

Comment me so I can see your cool design!!