Instructional Technology and Non Technology Stuff

Google Apps highlights – 4/29/2011

2011-04-29T22:36:00.000-05:00

Google Apps highlights – 4/29/2011: "This is part of a regular series of Google Apps updates that we post every couple of weeks. Look for the label “Google Apps highlights' and subscribe to the series. - Ed.

In the last couple of weeks, we’ve helped you personalize Gmail in new ways, made our applications speedier to use, brought text recognition and editing powers to Android phones, and given you a glimpse into the inner workings of a Google data center.

Customize Gmail with a favorite photo

For a long while, Gmail has had themes so your inbox can reflect a bit of your personality. Now, you can set Gmail’s background to a photo from your computer or Picasa Web Albums. So if Gmail’s standard theme choices don’t quite float your boat, now we’re sure you can create a theme you’ll love.

Faster multitasking in Gmail with the Background Send Lab

Features like nearly-instant search and integrated instant messaging help you save time in your inbox, but we’re always looking for new ways to speed up your experience in Gmail. On Monday we released a new feature in Labs called Background Send that can shave off a few seconds each time you hit “Send.” With this feature enabled, you can start working with other messages while your outgoing message is processed in the background without slowing you down. Give it a try from the Labs tab of Gmail Settings.

Streamlined file uploads in Google Docs

On Monday, we sped up the Google Docs experience with improvements to file uploads. Now you can upload a whole folder at once, and if you use Chrome, Safari or Firefox, you can even drag and drop files from your desktop into the documents list or specific collections. You'll also see an upload progress window right in the documents list.

New Google Docs app for Android

Thanks to a brand new Google Docs app for Android, it’s easier to browse, search, edit and share your documents right from your mobile phone. You can even create new documents by snapping a picture of text with your phone’s camera, and thanks to Google Docs’ optical character recognition (OCR) capabilities, words in the image are converted to text that you can continue editing from your phone or computer.

100 new fonts in Google Sites

With more design choices in Google Sites, you can create better looking sites that match the look and feel you want to achieve. This Wednesday, we added 100 new fonts to the text formatting options in Google Sites, so it’s easier to make more personalized pages for your organization, project, classroom or business.

Get a sneak peek into a Google data center

Businesses, schools and individuals considering Google Apps often want to learn more about the technology and procedures in our data centers designed to help keep your data safe, secure and available whenever you want it. Since we can’t invite everyone to tour one of our data centers, we thought we’d pull the curtain back with an in-depth video:

Who’s gone Google?

A hearty welcome goes out to over 50,000 businesses, schools and organizations that have switched to Google Apps in the last two weeks. Several have shared their stories on the Google Enterprise Blog, so you can learn about how Cinram has improved communication and collaboration across 20 manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, how Gibson Sotheby's International Realty is empowering hundreds of mobile workers like never before, and how the states of Rhode Island and Missouri are making Google Apps available to more than a million students and 100,000 staff members.

I hope these product updates and customer stories help you and your organization get even more from Google Apps. For more details and the latest news, check out the Google Apps Blog.

Posted by Jeremy Milo, Google Apps Marketing Manager

5 Myths About the 'Information Age' - The Chronicle Review - The Chronicle of Higher Education

2011-04-21T08:36:00.000-05:00

5 Myths About the 'Information Age' - The Chronicle Review - The Chronicle of Higher Education

Amazon to Introduce Library Lending for Kindle - Wired Campus - The Chronicle of Higher Education

2011-04-21T08:27:00.000-05:00

Amazon to Introduce Library Lending for Kindle - Wired Campus - The Chronicle of Higher Education

Western Governors University Approach to Online Learning

2011-01-05T20:14:00.000-06:00

Western Governors University Approach to Online Learning: "

by Kathy M. Kristof, Los Angeles Times

What makes WGU unique? Although the entire school is online, each student has a mentor who works essentially as a college counselor, helping manage the student’s course schedule and checking regularly on his or her progress. The course instructors hold webinars and online study sessions, and can be reached to help students having difficulty with their studies. The mentors and instructors mostly work from their homes, keeping in contact with students online and over the phone. WGU instructors don’t get tenure that guarantees them a job, nor are they encouraged to publish academic papers. Instructors are evaluated based on how well their students do in class and whether their students are satisfied and progressing well in their programs.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-perfin-20101226,0,1315053.column

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Program Seeks To Improve Online Learning Offerings

2010-12-26T00:19:00.000-06:00

Program Seeks To Improve Online Learning Offerings: "

A new program designed to help teachers improve online instruction is being tested at a state college system, contributing to the rapid growth of Web-based course offerings educators have witnessed in recent years. The program, Professional Online Educator, is undergoing a seven-week pilot phaze that began in October at the Louisiana Community & Technical College System (LCTCS), eSchool News reported. Owned by educational publishing and technology company Pearson Learning Solutions, it aims to help teachers improve online instruction by teaching them how to use social media and other tools to communicate effectively with students. The program is expected to be available to educators nationwide in January 2011.

http://www.citytowninfo.com/career-and-education-news/articles/program-seeks-to-improve-online-courses-10121002

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Snow day alternative: Online learning classes

2010-12-26T00:11:00.000-06:00

Snow day alternative: Online learning classes: "

By Cindy Kranz, Cincinnati Enquirer

School snow days may someday melt away as online learning catches on. But not before a number of hurdles have been cleared, including lack of home Internet access for many children. One Ohio district, with approval from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), has launched a one-year pilot program this year to see how it could provide online assignments to snowbound students as a way to satisfy the requirements of a school day. In Kentucky, the education department is planning its own pilot program, as early as next year, asking 15 to 20 school districts to participate. Those districts in eastern and central Kentucky typically miss up to three weeks of school a year due to inclement weather.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20101211/NEWS01/12120304/1196/NEWS/Ohio-Ky-study-snow-day-alternatives

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Teaching Computers To Be More Empathetic

2010-12-26T00:10:00.000-06:00

Teaching Computers To Be More Empathetic: "

by IRA FLATOW, National Public Radio

Now, I am sure that you have had one of these moments: You’re driving down the highway. Your GPS is telling you get off of the next exit. But you know that’s the wrong exit; the one you really want is right after that. But that little voice keeps insisting: Merge right 100 yards, turn right. And then comes the inevitable: recalibrating. Now, I don’t know about you, but it gets pretty aggravating to me, to the point where I’ve told my GPS to, let’s put it mildly, to shut up, or I have threatened to swap it out for a compass. Of course, it can’t understand your insults. But what if your GPS could sense when you were losing your patience and react, maybe try to sweet talk you a little bit, like, since it seems like you know the way, I’ll just sit back and let you drive. Gee, I’d like to hear that sometime. Wouldn’t that be something?

http://www.npr.org/2010/12/10/131967508/Teaching-Computers-To-Be-More-Empathetic

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"

This is a test

2010-10-19T23:29:00.001-05:00

This is just a test ....... Wow no posts since July. That is bad. BTW I went to climb the dome and the road was closed.

Clingmans Dome Re-Post

2010-07-07T10:50:00.005-05:00

This week as I have had one technical issue after another (who am I kidding it has been all semester) I find myself waiting for the next fire.

The waiting makes me think of my quiet spots around where I work. One spot has been closed due to flood damage and I am sure it is very low on the states things to fix. Another, has been developed and is not as quiet as it once was. Sure there are many more around me, but those were my favorite.

Then it got me thinking about a trip we made to Tennessee a couple of years ago. It was right up there with our trips to the Gulf. I have heard about discounts if you go to the Gulf, but I think seeing it first hand would just make me mad(er).

So as I sit here, watch for errors, and wait, it has me thinking ....

http://www.associatedcontent.com/image/491763/index.html?cat=16

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingmansdome.htm

This is where I found the info. I have not joined,so I do not know the author.

http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?t=131601

This is part of my non techie side. We walked up Clingmans Dome and I was thinking about it last week. I do not know if I could even do it this year. Either way this was good.

Clingmans Dome

Rising from the center of the earth where the rocks flow like rivers to the highest point in Tennessee Clingmans Dome towers over the earth. Silently and majestically the Top of World waits for the Mountain Climber to begin the strenuous journey to the summit, to enjoy the spectacular views it affords and to breathe the fresh mountain air.

As the would be Mountain Climber begins the assent the Dome's Creator joins in. Inch by inch step by step the Mountain Climber slowly makes his way up the side of the mountain. The path is not easy, it is steep, the air is thin, and the sun is hot. "You're not going to make it," his tired and aching body screams. Yet the ascent goes on. The Mountain Climber stops to rest and the view leaves him spellbound. "I must go on, the best is yet to come," he says to himself.

Inch by inch, step by step the journey continues. Soon the heat of the blazing sun and the thin air render the traveler weaker and weaker. "You've got a long way to go," someone says. "The going gets rougher and rougher," another says. Words of discouragement weight heavily and doubt begins to wear away the Mountain Climbers determination to go on. His pace slows down ever slower.

Suddenly in the thin mountain air the voice of the Dome's Creator whispers to the weary climber, "The summit is gained one step at a time, do not measure your progress by how far you must go, but by how far you have gone. When you become tired stop and rest so you can become strengthened by beauty of all that exists and become refreshed by the fresh mountain air. Do not give up I walk with you and await your arrival."

"Are you sure you want to continue," the climbers partner inquires oblivious to voice of Creator?
"I must go on," he says gasping for air, "The pain of quitting is worse than the pain of going on." And with words of encouragement from his partner the journey continues. Around one more corner and up one more incline the summit comes into view. The Mountain Climber stops, looks at his companion and smiles, "We've made it! Just look at the beautiful scenery! It was worth every step!"

But the journey is not over, there is the 45 foot tower. Minute's later standing atop the world the conqueror looks toward his companion on the ground below, "Thank you for the encouragement and journeying with me my love! Thank you for never leaving me alone!" Then addressing the Creator he silently prays, "Thank you for giving me the encouragement to succeed! Thank you for never leaving me alone!"

Today you will face Clingmans Dome. It will probably not be a mountain in Tennessee. But it will be a mountain on your path through life. It may be the failing health of a loved one or your own failing health. It may be a financial mountain. It may be a broken relationship or a shattered dream. Perhaps you will face an addiction of some form.

Whatever the type of mountain it may be it will tower over your life and will cast a long shadow. The ascent will not be easy but it will be one that must be made. There will be those who will discourage you. There will be times when you will seem alone. The steep climb and the hot sun will rob you of your strength. You will want to quit, but you can't because the beauty of life awaits you on the summit. Look around there those who walk with you, they comfort you, and they strengthen you. Look around and see the beauty that is hidden from the low lying areas of life. Listen the gentle whisper of the Creator as he beckons you ever upward to top where life will become so beautiful, so wonderful it will defy description.

Do not fear the climb, fear only not beginning. Never think you can not succeed for success is gained one step at a time, no matter how small the step may be.

Boil water signs

2010-06-15T13:28:00.004-05:00

I have a little disagreement with my local water department. I think we need signs and they don't. I have even offered to be the one to put out the signs. If you see a boil water sign and can safely get a picture, please send them to me.

Thanks!

30 years to learn

2010-05-31T08:15:00.000-05:00

On heels of failure, BP vows to start again -- soon - CNN.com

2010-05-31T08:09:00.000-05:00

On heels of failure, BP vows to start again -- soon - CNN.com

What next?

2010-05-20T11:07:00.007-05:00

Every week (sometimes day) I fight sending an email or tweet regarding the situation Illinois is in. I am only one person, so I just let it go. Sometimes I send or post something anyway. I wish I had a solution to offer, but I think we are in too deep at this point for a simple solution.

Below are the contents from two emails I received this week. It really only covers the situation that library systems are in, but it could be about any state agency.

If you would have told me three years ago that I would have to make some of the decisions that I have had to make in the past year, I think I would have passed. I did not have to agree to be a library system trustee for three years.

So looking at the emails below, I wonder what my last two meetings will bring.

***************************************************************************************

The Executive Director reported at the May 17 MLS Board meeting on the ILSDO meeting held at the Lincoln Trail Library System last Thursday, May 12. that the Il. State Library Director, attended the meeting to report on the status of state funding. Anne's message included:

# No financial relief is in sight. The state's 6-month reimbursement delays will grow longer and likely continue for the next three - four years.
# System board should approve a fully funded FY2011 budget at the May 2010 meeting and submit it to ISL as part of the area and percapita grant.
# Preserve the state's strong resource sharing tradition by continuing Delivery and the work of the LLSAP's.
# System consolidation has to happen. It would be best if system boards did this together, however, if consolidation does not occur ISL will proceed to reduce the number to one or two.
# Work toward a single statewide library services organization with a single Delivery services and a combined statewide LLSAP.

***************************************************************************************

For most of this year I have reported on the steadily growing crisis facing Illinois libraries and Illinois Library Systems. At first the problem was the 16.5% budget reduction at the start of this fiscal year, now the situation has deteriorated. Shawnee and the rest of the systems have not received the remaining funds due for FY 2010. So far we all have received only about 57% of our funds for this year. The remaining 43% may not come until sometime in the middle of FY 2011 (December or later). This creates extreme cash flow problems as operating reserves are being rapidly depleted. We have been told that delays in payment of any appropriations are expected to grow longer for the next 3 to 4 years. No financial relief is in sight. The General Assembly has yet to pass a budget for FY 2011.

The only solution at this point is to focus on maintaining delivery and the LLSAP (SILNET). The Shawnee is faced with extremely difficult decisions. All of the systems must focus on maintaining those services and consolidating and merging operations in the coming year. It is unlikely that any of the systems will provide continuing education or consulting services. It would be my hope that if enough systems can come together some basic level of consulting could be retained

By now I expect that many of you are beginning to hear the news concern actions taken by NSLS, ALS, LCLS and others to maintain delivery and the LLSAPs/automation systems. I believe the total number of positions lost so far are approximately 50. For additional information I have included links to those system web sites below.

http://www.lcls.org/

http://www.alliancelibrarysystem.com/

http://www.nsls.info/

http://news.palsnet.info/author/michael-piper/pals-board-agrees-next-steps

This is extremely sad news that is impacting Illinois residents who use libraries and the lives of those who have dedicated their careers to maintaining the services provided by the Illinois Library Systems.

10 Technology Ideas Your Library Can Implement Next Week - Ellyssa Kroski, American Libraries

2010-02-19T19:07:00.000-06:00

10 Technology Ideas Your Library Can Implement Next Week - Ellyssa Kroski, American Libraries: "New social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter enable librarians to converse, communicate, and collaborate with patrons as never before, because they are increasingly a part of people’s everyday lives. A brochure that describes your library with a few pictures is great, but a video tour that people can watch on your website or blog is immeasurably better. Enabling patrons to save their"

Google Voice, explained

2010-02-19T18:54:00.000-06:00

Google Voice, explained: "

(Cross-posted from the Google Voice Blog)

Google Voice is about giving you more control over your communications, through dozens of features — ranging from call screening to voicemail transcription to the ability to send and receive SMS by email.

While we've heard from users that they love our growing list of features, we're conscious of the fact that Google Voice can seem overwhelming to people trying it for the first time.

So we've created a short video that gives an overview of what Google Voice can do.

In addition, we've created a set of short videos that dive into more detail about ten features of Google Voice:

The videos show why you might want to use each feature and basic instructions for getting started. And each video focuses on just one topic so you can learn about the features that matter to you.

Finally, we just launched our own YouTube channel at youtube.com/googlevoice. You can view all of the videos mentioned above in a custom video gadget we built for this channel, which will help you keep track of which videos you've already watched.

We hope these videos help you get the most out of Google Voice.

Posted by Jason Toff, Associate Product Marketing Manager

Thank you!

2010-01-21T10:49:00.003-06:00

Yesterdays plea from the library systems had a great response. It is important to remember that every department in Illinois is this boat.

But thank you!! Below is the email this morning from the SLS library director.

Very good news this morning! So far the count is that over 18,000 emails have been sent statewide. Notice that a partial payment of some of the system funds that we should receive has been posted on the Comptroller’s web site with a date of 1/20/2010. While we have not received the funds yet this is very good news. Apparently some payments are also going to other agencies including schools and colleges/universities.

Special thanks to everyone who sent emails and spread the word to colleagues, family, friends, and library users. This approach definitely works and we are planning future efforts. The Save Illinois Libraries web site still has the email form on it and it may still be used. Additional emails will only help.

The Facebook site Restore Funding for Illinois Library Systems had just under 2,000 fans very early yesterday and it now has over 3,000. Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and the others are very effective.

Some of my new stuff .. Three new smart classrooms and a nursing simulation lab.

2010-01-14T08:13:00.003-06:00

2010-01-03T22:17:00.001-06:00

Silicon Valley: Top 10 of the 2000s — It's all too easy to view the first decade of the 21st Century as just an unmitigated series of disasters: September 11th, the Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina, and the meltdown of the global financial system, to name just a few.

"

From Google Reader and Techmeme.

2010-01-03T22:08:00.002-06:00

Top 10 objectively biggest tech stories of 2009 — Ignore all the other lists! As we did last year, Techmeme has distilled its very own Top 10 story list, utilizing headline ranking data archived throughout the year. While we employ a terrific team of news editors to guide our story selection …

"

From Google Reader and Techmeme

Insidious pedagogy: How course management systems affect teaching

2009-12-30T20:40:00.002-06:00

Insidious pedagogy: How course management systems affect teaching: "

Course management systems, like any other technology, have an inherent purpose implied in their design, and therefore a built–in pedagogy. Although these pedagogies are based on instructivist principles, today’s large CMSs have many features suitable for applying more constructivist pedagogies. Yet few faculty use these features, .......continued

Why Aren't GPS Navigation Systems More Reliable?

2009-12-30T18:42:00.001-06:00

Why Aren't GPS Navigation Systems More Reliable?: "Once again, a GPS device sends hapless travelers down the wrong path -- and ironically, GPS saves them in the end.

.........

Adobe to be Prime Target for Malware in 2010

2009-12-30T18:35:00.000-06:00

Adobe to be Prime Target for Malware in 2010: "McAfee released its '2010 Threat Predictions' report, which predicts that Adobe will surpass Microsoft as the target of choice for malware attacks in 2010.

......

2010: The Year of the Mac?

2009-12-30T18:29:00.002-06:00

2010: The Year of the Mac?: "Apple was a bright spot in 2009 in terms of PC sales, but the signals are mixed as to whether the Mac can grow beyond its niche

10 Ways to Ensure Distance Online Learning Success - Cindy Wolfe, eLearn Magazine

2009-12-29T23:01:00.001-06:00

10 Ways to Ensure Distance Online Learning Success - Cindy Wolfe, eLearn Magazine: "Distance learning students must take a far more active role in learning and accessing information than traditional students in face-to-face classrooms. Written messages or posts from the professor and classmates replace other means of direct communication, and course materials are posted online. Rather than simply sitting through a class and jotting notes, you must take the initiative to download and read lectures and course materials. As a distance learning student, you will find that being pro-active and engaged in your personal learning experience will pay off in good grades and depth of learning.

I like Seagate

2009-12-29T20:36:00.000-06:00

Ex-Employee Says Seagate Violated Law: "In a court filing, a former employee, Paul A. Galloway, said that Seagate had appropriated hard-drive technology from Convolve for its own products.

"

Non Techie Post

2009-12-29T20:15:00.003-06:00

I try to stay away from political posts, but promised several weeks ago that I would respond to a tweet.

The post I re-tweeted.
Breaking tweets: 1 in 6 Americans go hungry http://om.ly/cdoI

Several did not understand what I was referring to when I tweeted this.

This was the story that I was thinking of.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5495641
My point is that hunger has changed. If you listen to nothing else, listen to part 2.

I went on a low carbohydrate low junk diet (no sugar, no high fructose corn syrup) and my health improved. I lost weight and my cholesterol numbers went down.

The longer I went without these things the thought of them made me ill.

Someone also pointed me to this. I was not aware.
http://www.theskanner.com/article/view/id/10879

Now back to techie stuff …….

Hybrid Education 2.0

2009-12-28T12:36:00.000-06:00

Hybrid Education 2.0: "

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon have developed an online learning environment that could make lecture halls -- if not professors -- obsolete.

Twitter Turns a Profit (Really)

2009-12-22T19:23:00.001-06:00

Twitter Turns a Profit (Really): "Thanks to deals with search companies, the micro-blogging site is like to make something of a profit in 2009.

Remove Unwanted Text Shadows in IWork Programs

2009-12-22T19:23:00.000-06:00

Remove Unwanted Text Shadows in IWork Programs: "If you use the iWork applications, or other programs that use their own font styling features and the system-wide Fonts panel, here's a little potential 'gotcha'...

Library Jobs!

2009-12-16T13:17:00.001-06:00

This was sent to me today.

ALA is reporting that debate and a vote on an economic stimulus bell “Jobs for Main Street Act” will be taken up by the US House of Representatives. The ALA Washington Office has prepared a proposal to include jobs for librarians in this act. To learn more about this proposal click on the link in their message below. Calls to your US House Representative asking them to include librarians as in this ALA proposal in this Act are needed now. Emails to them would also be helpful and you can include the link to the ALA proposal.

For Immediate Release

December 16, 2009

ALA Washington Office prepares proposal to include libraries in jobs bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Library Association (ALA) Washington Office has prepared a proposal to include jobs for librarians in the “Jobs for Main Street Act,” which will be taken up on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today.

The bill, which bypassed the standard procedure of introduction and passage in committee, calls for immediate action by library supporters.

“This is a perfect example of how ALA’s grassroots can make a difference for library services. We are asking everyone to call their member of Congress first and then both of their senators,” Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the ALA Washington Office, said.

Background information on the ALA's proposal can viewed here.

Fake Microsoft Endorsement Fuels Scareware

2009-12-14T13:10:00.001-06:00

Fake Microsoft Endorsement Fuels Scareware: "A phony antivirus software package actually contains malware, in a new scam.

7 Mac and iPhone Software Apps for which I’m thankful

2009-11-26T22:30:00.000-06:00

7 Mac and iPhone Software Apps for which I’m thankful: "

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday today in the United States, Miguel Guhlin is encouraging others to share software applications for which they are thankful. Here are my picks, both for my Mac and iPhone.

..... Clink link above for entire story

McAfee warns about '12 Scams of Christmas' - Larry Magid, CNet news.cnet.com

2009-11-26T22:18:00.001-06:00

McAfee warns about '12 Scams of Christmas' - Larry Magid, CNet news.cnet.com: "Retailers aren't the only ones gearing up for the holiday season. Criminals are also out in force. To highlight the increased crime during the holidays, ............

Chrome OS Review

2009-11-24T09:32:00.000-06:00

Chrome OS:

Lots of reaction to Google’s Chrome OS (web operating system, in theory, a means to do away with Windows, Mac, Linux). Running Chrome OS at this stage is no easy task (see steps required here) –......

Click Link above to see article

Podcasting and Vodcasting in Academic Libraries and Media Center

2009-11-24T09:30:00.000-06:00

Have not reviewed it all, but it looks great,

Podcasting and Vodcasting in Academic Libraries and Media Center: "Slideshare presentation...

Following Google Wave Docs

2009-11-13T10:40:00.000-06:00

Following Google Wave Docs: "

“Too much noise” was one of the complaints held against Google Wave. Now Google is starting to introduce concepts of following and unfollowing Wave documents. Now, you need to click Follow to make a public wave remain in your inbox with its updates; previously, that was the default behavior. Muting on the other hand, which was available before, is now consequently renamed to unfollowing. You will still be auto-following Wave docs to which others have added you, though.

Click link for full article....

Twitter's Revamped Retweets: The Good, the Bad and the Missing

2009-11-11T14:07:00.001-06:00

Twitter's Revamped Retweets: The Good, the Bad and the Missing: "Twitter streamlines the retweet process; here's what you need to know about the new features.

New microsyntax for Twitter: three pointers and the slasher (Chris Messina/FactoryCity)

2009-11-11T00:04:00.000-06:00

New microsyntax for Twitter: three pointers and the slasher (Chris Messina/FactoryCity): "

Chris Messina / FactoryCity:

New microsyntax for Twitter: three pointers and the slasher — Image based on Kevin Van Aelst's original. — Since it's apparently all the rage to design your own features for Twitter now, I figured I'd build on my success with the hashtag and crank out a few more.

Apple releases Mac OS X 10.6.2 with guest account bug fix (AppleInsider)

2009-11-11T00:01:00.000-06:00

Apple releases Mac OS X 10.6.2 with guest account bug fix (AppleInsider): "

AppleInsider:

Apple releases Mac OS X 10.6.2 with guest account bug fix — Apple's second update for Snow Leopard, Mac OS X 10.6.2, was officially released Monday afternoon, fixing a number of issues including a guest account bug that could potentially delete a user's account data.

New Version of Google Search Is Launching Soon (Ben Parr/Mashable!)

2009-11-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

New Version of Google Search Is Launching Soon (Ben Parr/Mashable!): "

Ben Parr / Mashable!:

New Version of Google Search Is Launching Soon — Back in August, we were shocked to learn that Google was working on a new version of its search engine. The secret project, known officially as Google Caffeine, wouldn't change the face or design of the Google search engine …

Social Isolation and Technology – elearnspace

2009-11-07T13:02:00.000-06:00

Social Isolation and Technology – elearnspace

Google Apps highlights

2009-11-07T12:58:00.000-06:00

Google Apps highlights 11/6/2009: "This is part of a regular series of Google Apps updates that we post every couple of weeks. Look for the label 'Google Apps highlights' and subscribe to the series. - Ed.

Individuals, businesses and schools are switching to Google Apps to communicate more efficiently from anywhere, collaborate without the hassle of attachments, save money, and get continuous innovation. Because you use Google Apps in your browser, improvements like new features in Google forms show up automatically. Starting today, we'll post a recap every couple of weeks highlighting significant improvements we've made in Google Apps, and major milestones in this area, similar to our weekly series on Search. We hope this helps you experience what's new for yourself!

Continued .....

Google Friend Connect, now more personalized

2009-11-04T15:55:00.000-06:00

Google Friend Connect, now more personalized: "(Cross-posted with the Social Web Blog)

On the subway, I bump elbows with a guy for 20 city blocks without exchanging a single word. Forty-five minutes later, I find the same guy at the local guitar shop, and we start to talk — turns out he plays a Gibson Les Paul just like I do. We may have been strangers on the train, but in the guitar shop, we discover our shared passion for guitars.

Often, the web can feel like that subway. There are probably people commuting to the places you regularly visit, but you don’t know who those people are, and your paths may never cross. With Google Friend Connect, we've been helping millions of website owners make their sites more like that guitar shop — a social place where visitors can get to know each other — and less like the anonymous subway ride.
.......................

Next steps in cyber security awareness

2009-11-03T19:41:00.000-06:00

Next steps in cyber security awareness: "(Cross-posted from the Public Policy blog)

Last week I joined several industry experts to speak at a cyber security panel on Capitol Hill organized by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and sponsored by the Committee on Homeland Security. The conversation focused on things everyday Internet users can do to help protect their computers and stay safe online. Given that we just wrapped up our observation of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, I thought I'd share some of the key recommendations from the panel:

What are the most important things we all need to do to protect our computers and mobile devices?
You should have the same expectations when using the Internet as you would when exploring a city: you don't give your credit card to the person selling watches on the street just because you recognize the brand, you don't let your kids wander around by themselves and you don't give personal information unless you know who's getting it. If an offer is 'urgent' or seems too good to be true, take a step back and research the offer. Add a password to your mobile phone, and browse cautiously on open WiFi networks as you would when using a computer.

What are the most common misconceptions about cyber security?
Many dangerous websites are not designed to be dangerous. In fact, most of the sites that serve malware (malicious software) are innocent sites that have been compromised in one way or another. Your computer isn't necessarily safe just because you're avoiding sites that contain adult content or pirated software. Use reputable anti-virus and anti-spyware programs, and keep your computer operating system and applications updated with the latest software versions.

How do I know if my computer or network has been compromised?
First, disconnect it from the Internet. Take note of any slowness, and if you're not sure how to proceed, get someone with technical expertise to check your network logs for high traffic appearing during times when you're not using the computer. When in doubt, contact a computer support expert.

As President Obama recently stated, cyber security is a shared responsibility. At Google, we recognize how important awareness and education are because many online security threats can only be avoided if we work together.

We spent the month of October exploring cyber security and talking about how to use Google products in a more secure manner. If you haven't seen them already, take a look at the posts we've released over the last month:

Be sure to share the tips you find most helpful with others, and remember to stay safe online.

Posted by Eric Davis, Head of Anti-Malvertising

Cutting back on your long list of passwords

2009-11-03T19:38:00.000-06:00

Cutting back on your long list of passwords: "Does anyone actually like passwords? Most people can't stand them because they end up having to keep track of a long (and often memorized) list of usernames and passwords to sign into the websites they visit. Website owners hate them because it's hard to get people to create a new account on their website, and almost half of those account registrations are never completed. Thanks to the utilization of new technology, we're now seeing large-scale success in eliminating the need for passwords while increasing the successful registration rate at websites to over 90%. The most visible examples come from Plaxo, Facebook, Yahoo! and Google using a technique the industry calls hybrid onboarding. In the past, if you're a Gmail user who got an invitation to use Plaxo or Facebook, you were asked to perform the traditional process of creating a new account with yet another password, and then you might also have been asked to provide the password of your email account so Plaxo or Facebook could look up the list of your friends. With hybrid onboarding, if you click on such an invitation in your Gmail, you'll see a page like one of these:

Clicking the large button on the Plaxo page takes you to a page at Google like this:

If you give consent to share a few pieces of information, you are sent back to Plaxo with all key registration steps finished.

The registration process used to involve more than 10 steps, including requiring you to find one of those 'email validation' messages in your inbox. If you've followed the steps above, you can now sign into Plaxo more easily — by simply clicking a button.

While Plaxo showed the first successful results of this technique in early 2009, other companies like Facebook are starting to use the same model and to recognize its business value potential. At the same time, the hybrid onboarding model improves authentication security because websites like Plaxo that use this technique never see a password from you at all. Since you don't have to enter your password on additional sites, your password remains closer to you and is less likely to be misused. We'd like to applaud Plaxo and Facebook's work in designing the user experience needed for this technique as well as pushing us to create the optimizations needed to carry out their design. Today we're happy to announce that all of these login flow designs are now available to any website operator. All of these hybrid onboarding techniques are based on industry standards that both Google and Yahoo! support, and that other email providers are beginning to support as well. For more technical details, check out our Google Code Blog post.

Hybrid onboarding is also being used by Enterprise Software-as-a-Service vendors — such as ZoHo — that want to eliminate the need for employees at their customers' businesses to create another password. More details are available on our Enterprise Blog. In addition, after a thorough evaluation of the security and privacy of these technologies, the same techniques are being piloted by President Obama's open identity initiative to enable citizens to sign in more easily to government-operated websites.

There is still a long way to go before you'll be able to trim down your long list of website passwords, but this progress demonstrates the potential for even the largest websites to adopt to adopt the hybrid onboarding model. We hope many other websites will follow.

Posted by Eric Sachs, Product Manager, Google Security

Using online learning technology to teach technology - Betsy Friedrich, Omaha World-Herald

2009-11-03T08:59:00.000-06:00

Using online learning technology to teach technology - Betsy Friedrich, Omaha World-Herald: "Keeping one high school class on track can be hard enough, but try teaching many classes at once and things can get tricky. Corliss Dixon, Pleasanton High School's former business and computer teacher, came out of retirement this year to teach a technology class using the school's distance-learning room. Students from 14 schools around the state watch Dixon live on their computers while she teaches in front of a camera and monitor in Pleasanton.

T.L.C. to Help an Old Laptop Overcome Its Age - JOHN BIGGS, New York Times

2009-11-03T08:54:00.000-06:00

T.L.C. to Help an Old Laptop Overcome Its Age - JOHN BIGGS, New York Times: "When a desktop computer loses its horsepower or, worse, crashes entirely, it seems a shame to throw it away, and often unnecessary: even the most timid computer user can add a U.S.B. hard drive or connect a new monitor. But when a laptop dies, it seems like it’s the end of the line. However, new online stores and easy upgrades mean that wounded laptops can, like mine, be healed."

Warning: Social Networking Can Be Hazardous to Your Job Search

2009-11-01T05:33:00.000-06:00

Warning: Social Networking Can Be Hazardous to Your Job Search

100 Google Tricks That Will Save You Time in School | Online Colleges

2009-10-27T21:37:00.001-05:00

100 Google Tricks That Will Save You Time in School | Online Colleges

Posted using ShareThis

Official Gmail Blog: Gmail account security tips

2009-10-27T21:35:00.001-05:00

Official Gmail Blog: Gmail account security tips

Posted using ShareThis

iTunesU ... we are starting.

2009-10-26T11:31:00.000-05:00

Online Learning Update

Good advice about teaching online.

2009-10-26T11:25:00.000-05:00

eLearn: Best Practices - 10 Things I've Learned About Teaching Online

Beware of invitations to “connect” Twitter and Facebook accounts

2009-10-26T11:17:00.000-05:00

Beware of invitations to “connect” Twitter and Facebook accounts to other web services » Moving at the Speed of Creativity

I really want to start something like this.

2009-10-26T11:06:00.000-05:00

How I create and publish podcasts » Moving at the Speed of Creativity

Have an old laptop?

2009-10-22T08:26:00.000-05:00

Extending the Life of a Creaky Old Laptop - NYTimes.com

I will have to see this to believe it

2009-10-16T18:42:00.000-05:00

Performance showdown: Windows 7 vs. Snow Leopard | Windows 7 Insider - CNET Reviews

Sneaky Microsoft plug-in puts Firefox users at risk

2009-10-16T18:40:00.000-05:00

Sneaky Microsoft plug-in puts Firefox users at risk

My Area

2009-10-13T15:22:00.004-05:00

Gary Forby -Senator
David Phelps- Representative
John Bradley- Representative
Mike Bost- Representative

http://il.ala.capwiz.com/ala/il/directory/statedir.tt?state=IL&lvl=state

You can also find reps on http://tweetillinois.org/, but none of mine are signed up.

Save Illinois Libraries

2009-10-13T15:08:00.006-05:00

It is vital that staff at all of our libraries, board members, faculty,
friends of libraries, patrons, students, and anyone who values libraries to
go to the Campaign to Save Illinois Libraries http://www.saveillinoislibraries.com web site and send emails or letters now by following the link on that web site. CapWiz is very easy to use and will automatically send an email to your legislators or format a letter for you to print and send.

The statistics show that as of this morning the legislator that had received the most emails; Senator John O. Jones had received 17 emails and the legislator receiving the fewest was Rep. Bost who had received only one.If this campaign is to be effective each state senator and representative should receive at least 250 emails and letters urging them to take the pledge to support Illinois libraries. Some libraries have dedicated a computer set to the Save Illinois Libraries web site to make it more convenient for their patrons to contact their legislators. If you don’t want to use the sample letter/email, please feel to put the message in your own words.

Remember, per capita grant funding for school and public libraries are at stake as is funding for Shawnee and the other library systems. Further cuts would decimate system services. Feel free to use the Save Illinois Libraries logo from the Shawnee web site on your library's web page. Personal visits to the local offices of legislators are also very useful particularly if they involve board members. Every contact, email or letter counts. If you receive a reply from your legislators please let me know. As Secretary White said, remind them that if they do not support libraries you will remember that lack of support in the voting booth.

Clingmans Dome Re-Post

2009-10-11T13:58:00.011-05:00

http://www.associatedcontent.com/image/491763/index.html?cat=16

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingmansdome.htm

This is where I found the info. I have not joined,so I do not know the author.

http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?t=131601

This is part of my non techie side. Last year we walked up Clingmans Dome and I was thinking about it last week. I do not know if I could even do it this year. Either way this was good.

Clingmans Dome

Rising from the center of the earth where the rocks flow like rivers to the highest point in Tennessee Clingmans Dome towers over the earth. Silently and majestically the Top of World waits for the Mountain Climber to begin the strenuous journey to the summit, to enjoy the spectacular views it affords and to breathe the fresh mountain air.

As the would be Mountain Climber begins the assent the Dome's Creator joins in. Inch by inch step by step the Mountain Climber slowly makes his way up the side of the mountain. The path is not easy, it is steep, the air is thin, and the sun is hot. "You're not going to make it," his tired and aching body screams. Yet the ascent goes on. The Mountain Climber stops to rest and the view leaves him spellbound. "I must go on, the best is yet to come," he says to himself.

Inch by inch, step by step the journey continues. Soon the heat of the blazing sun and the thin air render the traveler weaker and weaker. "You've got a long way to go," someone says. "The going gets rougher and rougher," another says. Words of discouragement weight heavily and doubt begins to wear away the Mountain Climbers determination to go on. His pace slows down ever slower.

Suddenly in the thin mountain air the voice of the Dome's Creator whispers to the weary climber, "The summit is gained one step at a time, do not measure your progress by how far you must go, but by how far you have gone. When you become tired stop and rest so you can become strengthened by beauty of all that exists and become refreshed by the fresh mountain air. Do not give up I walk with you and await your arrival."

"Are you sure you want to continue," the climbers partner inquires oblivious to voice of Creator?
"I must go on," he says gasping for air, "The pain of quitting is worse than the pain of going on." And with words of encouragement from his partner the journey continues. Around one more corner and up one more incline the summit comes into view. The Mountain Climber stops, looks at his companion and smiles, "We've made it! Just look at the beautiful scenery! It was worth every step!"

But the journey is not over, there is the 45 foot tower. Minute's later standing atop the world the conqueror looks toward his companion on the ground below, "Thank you for the encouragement and journeying with me my love! Thank you for never leaving me alone!" Then addressing the Creator he silently prays, "Thank you for giving me the encouragement to succeed! Thank you for never leaving me alone!"

Today you will face Clingmans Dome. It will probably not be a mountain in Tennessee. But it will be a mountain on your path through life. It may be the failing health of a loved one or your own failing health. It may be a financial mountain. It may be a broken relationship or a shattered dream. Perhaps you will face an addiction of some form.

Whatever the type of mountain it may be it will tower over your life and will cast a long shadow. The ascent will not be easy but it will be one that must be made. There will be those who will discourage you. There will be times when you will seem alone. The steep climb and the hot sun will rob you of your strength. You will want to quit, but you can't because the beauty of life awaits you on the summit. Look around there those who walk with you, they comfort you, and they strengthen you. Look around and see the beauty that is hidden from the low lying areas of life. Listen the gentle whisper of the Creator as he beckons you ever upward to top where life will become so beautiful, so wonderful it will defy description.

Do not fear the climb, fear only not beginning. Never think you can not succeed for success is gained one step at a time, no matter how small the step may be.

American education and the computer

2009-10-10T14:25:00.000-05:00

FACTBOX-American education and the computer | Markets | Markets News | Reuters

When PDFs Won't Load in Safari

2009-10-10T14:22:00.000-05:00

Bugs & Fixes: When PDFs Won't Load in Safari - PC World

Why Did NASA Bomb the Moon?

2009-10-10T14:14:00.000-05:00

Why Did NASA Bomb the Moon? Top 10 Conspiracy Theories - PC World

Snow Leopard bug

2009-10-10T14:11:00.000-05:00

Snow Leopard bug threatens user data, reports claim | 9 to 5 Mac

Two things from the news that really bother me ...

2009-10-08T07:33:00.003-05:00

Someone was paid for this. 1- Unemployment = higher rates of depression.

2- In my state you can not buy a hunting license if you owe back child support.

"We wanted to take away something IMPORTANT to them, so they might be encouraged to pay"

I do not feel either of these need an explanation.

2009-10-04T15:00:00.000-05:00

PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives

2009-10-04T14:56:00.000-05:00

Twitter Confirms New Funding - Bits Blog - NYTimes.com

Blog, etc

2009-09-20T00:45:00.003-05:00

Okay so here is how I will do everything .....

My website (no longer posted here) is on hold .... like it has been for over a year.

I will share most links on Twitter, but if it is an article that I may want to go back to, I will link it here.

I will share my reader favorites in the bar to the left of my blog. Nothing fancy, but not as boring as when I just posted alerts.

2009-09-20T00:45:00.000-05:00

SciTechBlog - - CNN.com Blogs

Just saw the series on "Tech Torture"

2009-09-20T00:42:00.000-05:00

Pigeon races broadband and wins – SciTechBlog - CNN.com Blogs

I think a pigeon could beat my DSL.

Big Is The New Small - 10 Signs They Are Not A Good Leader

2009-09-20T00:37:00.000-05:00

Big Is The New Small - 10 Signs They Are Not A Good Leader

Leadership theme today.

The Top Ten Things Library Administrators Should Know About Technology | TechEssence.info

2009-09-20T00:36:00.000-05:00

The Top Ten Things Library Administrators Should Know About Technology | TechEssence.info

Rob Pegoraro - Help File: Dealing With 'Scareware' Alerts on the Web - washingtonpost.com

2009-09-19T11:52:00.000-05:00

Rob Pegoraro - Help File: Dealing With 'Scareware' Alerts on the Web - washingtonpost.com

If only everyone would read this article.

It's The Little Things That Make The Big Difference

2009-09-15T14:35:00.001-05:00

Received this in an email today.

Folks:

The posting below gives some excellent, often forgotten, advice on how the seemingly little things you do in your interactions with people can make a big difference down the road. This is particularly true in academia where the turn over in colleagues is very low. It is from Chapter 8, Paint the Target Around the Arrow, in the book What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20: A Crash Course on Making Your Place in the World by Tina Seelig, the Chong Moon Lee Executive Director, Stanford Technology Ventures Program. Copyright © 2009 Harper Collins Publishers, All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. 10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061735196/What_I_Wish_I_Knew_When_I_Was_20/index.aspx

Regards,

Rick

UP NEXT: Inclusive Teaching Strategies to Promote Non-Traditional Student Success
Tomorrow's Academic Careers

It's The Little Things That Make The Big Difference

Showing appreciation for the things others do for you has a profound effect on how you're perceived. Keep in mind that everything someone does for you has an opportunity cost. That means if someone takes time out of his or her day to attend to you, there's something they haven't done for themselves or for someone else. It's easy to fool yourself into thinking your request is small. But when someone is busy there are no small requests. They have to stop what they're doing, focus on your request, and take the time to respond. With that in mind, there is never a time when you shouldn't thank someone for doing something for you. In fact, assume a thank-you note is in order, and look at situations when you don't send one as the exception. Because so few people actually do this (unfortunately), you will certainly stand out from the crowd.

Some of the other little things that make a big difference in your life are simple, while others are more challenging. Some are intuitive and others surprising. Some are taught in schools but most are not. Over the years I've stumbled many times, sometimes irreversibly, by not understanding these "little things."

First and foremost, remember that there are only fifty people in the world. Of course, this isn't true literally. But it often feels that way because you're likely to bump into people you know, or people who know the people you know, all over the world. The person sitting next to you might become your boss, your employee, your customer, or your sister-in-law. Over the course of your life, the same people will quite likely play many different roles. I've had many occasions where individuals who were once my superiors later came to me for help, and I've found myself going to people who were once my subordinates for guidance. The roles we play continue to change in surprising ways over time, and you will be amazed by the people who keep showing up in your life.

Because we live in such a small world, it really is important not to burn bridges, no matter how tempted you might be. You aren't going to like everyone and everyone isn't going to like you, but there's no need to make enemies. For example, when you look for your next job, it's quite likely that the person interviewing you will know someone you know. In this way your reputation precedes you everywhere you go. This is beneficial
when you have a great reputation, but harmful when your reputation is damaged.

I've seen the following scenario play out innumerable times. Imagine you're interviewing for a job that has dozens of candidates. The interview goes well and you appear to be a great match for the position. During the meeting, the interviewer looks at your résumé and realizes that you used to work with an old friend of hers. After the interview, she makes a quick call to her friend to ask about you. A casual comment from her friend about your past performance can seal the deal or cut you off at the knees. In many cases you will believe the job was in the bag, right before you receive a rejection letter. You'll never know what hit you.

Essentially, your reputation is your most valuable asset-so guard it well. But don't be terribly demoralized if you make some mistakes along the way. With time it is possible to repair a stained reputation. Over the years I've come up with a metaphor that has helped me put this in perspective: every experience you have with someone else is like a drop of water falling into a pool. As your experiences with that person grow, the drops accumulate and the pool deepens. Positive interactions are clear drops of water and negative interactions are red drops of water. But they aren't equal. That is, a number of clear drops can dilute one red drop, and that number differs for different people. Those who are very forgiving only need a few positive experiences-clear drops-to dilute a bad experience, while those who are less forgiving need a lot more to wash away the red. Also, for most people the pool drains slowly. As a result, we tend to pay attention to the experiences that have hap!
pened most recently, as opposed to those that happened a long time ago. This metaphor implies that if you have a large reserve of positive experiences with someone, then one red drop is hardly noticed. It's like putting a drop of red ink into the ocean. But if you don't know a person well, one bad experience stains the pool bright red. You can wash away negative interactions by flooding the pool with positive interactions until the red drops fade, but the deeper the red, the more work you have to do to cleanse the pool. I've found that sometimes the pool color never clears; when that happens, it's time to stop interacting with that particular person.

This serves as a reminder of the importance of every experience we have with others, whether they are friends, family, co-workers, or service providers. In fact, some organizations actually capture information about how you treat them, and that influences how they treat you. For example, at some well- known business schools, every interaction a candidate has with the school or its personnel is noted. If a candidate is rude to the receptionist, this is recorded in his or her file and comes into play when admissions decisions are made. This also happens at companies such as JetBlue. According to Bob Sutton's The No Asshole Rule, if you're consistently rude to JetBlue's staff, you will get blacklisted and find it strangely impossible to get a seat on their planes.

Obviously, you can't make everyone happy all the time, and some of your actions are going to ruffle feathers. One way to figure out how to handle these situations is to imagine how you will describe what happened later, when the dust has cleared. I'm reminded of a case a few years ago when a student came to me for advice. He was leading the campus-wide business plan competition and one team didn't show up for the final round of judging. Like all the teams that reach that stage of the competition, the team had been working on the project for seven months and had managed to make it over a lot of hurdles to get to the finish line. The team hadn't received the message about the presentation time, in part because it was posted late and in part because they weren't paying attention. The student who came to ask my opinion was torn about what to do. He felt there were two clear choices: he could hold fast to the rules and disqualify the team, or he could be flexible and find another!
time for them to present their work. His gut reaction was to stick to the rules. Everyone else had managed to show up, and it was going to be a burden to reschedule. The only guidance I gave him was this: whatever he did, I hoped he would be pleased with his decision at a later date. I urged him to consider how he would describe this challenge if during a job interview he were asked how he handled an ambiguous situation. The delinquent team was subsequently allowed to present, and I realized afterward that thinking about how you want to tell the story in the future is a great way to assess your response to dilemmas in general. Craft the story now so you'll be proud to tell it later.

Official Google Blog: Google Chrome after a year: Sporting a new stable release

2009-09-15T12:47:00.001-05:00

Official Google Blog: Google Chrome after a year: Sporting a new stable release

Posted using ShareThis

Advertising - On the Web, Ads Can Be a Security Hole - NYTimes.com

2009-09-15T09:05:00.000-05:00

Advertising - On the Web, Ads Can Be a Security Hole - NYTimes.com

Long Island School & College News - Newsday Education Stories

2009-09-14T23:59:00.000-05:00

Long Island School & College News - Newsday Education Stories

Official Google Blog: Read news fast with Google Fast Flip

2009-09-14T23:39:00.000-05:00

Official Google Blog: Read news fast with Google Fast Flip

One more thing that I need to look at.

Students Get In Shape And Get Credit For Wii Class : NPR

2009-09-10T23:13:00.000-05:00

Interesting

Students Get In Shape And Get Credit For Wii Class : NPR

10 sites to help you navigate the new world of music - CNN.com

2009-09-10T22:59:00.000-05:00

Have not posted anything in some time ..... a blogger I am not.

10 sites to help you navigate the new world of music - CNN.com

Official Gmail Blog: Send mail from another address without "on behalf of"

2009-08-02T20:20:00.001-05:00

Official Gmail Blog: Send mail from another address without "on behalf of"

Posted using ShareThis

Texting-While-Driving Ban Faces Tough Fight - PC World

2009-08-01T21:22:00.000-05:00

Texting-While-Driving Ban Faces Tough Fight - PC World

Amazon Begins Accepting Pre-Orders for Mac OS X Snow Leopard - Mac Rumors

2009-08-01T21:19:00.000-05:00

Amazon Begins Accepting Pre-Orders for Mac OS X Snow Leopard - Mac Rumors

Security Fix - Microsoft's Emergency Patch Mess

2009-07-28T21:46:00.000-05:00

More Fixes

Security Fix - Microsoft's Emergency Patch Mess

LifeIO Home

2009-07-26T21:10:00.000-05:00

Everything in one place ....

LifeIO Home

Ten Mac Apps That Make Windows Users Drool | TechWatch | Fast Company

2009-07-26T21:05:00.000-05:00

Ten Mac Apps That Make Windows Users Drool | TechWatch | Fast Company

Mastering the MacBook’s Trackpad - Gadgetwise Blog - NYTimes.com

2009-07-24T16:58:00.000-05:00

So many thinks to learn.

Mastering the MacBook’s Trackpad - Gadgetwise Blog - NYTimes.com

Social network advice for IT managers

2009-07-23T22:07:00.002-05:00

http://tiny.cc/GN8S4

On the other side.

2009-07-23T21:56:00.001-05:00

http://tiny.cc/TC0FY

Laptop Prices Dip Under $300 in the US - PC World

2009-07-23T21:53:00.000-05:00

Might as well give them away

Laptop Prices Dip Under $300 in the US - PC World

100 Things Your Kids May Never Know About | GeekDad | Wired.com

2009-07-22T10:43:00.000-05:00

I have not done some of these .... and still do several.

100 Things Your Kids May Never Know About | GeekDad | Wired.com

CIT Blog » Blog Archive » 14 tweets that demonstrate the professional value of Twitter

2009-07-18T09:58:00.000-05:00

Good uses of Twitter from Duke

CIT Blog » Blog Archive » 14 tweets that demonstrate the professional value of Twitter

Illinois Issues blog: Budget deal reached but only builds a bridge

2009-07-18T08:36:00.000-05:00

I promise....last post or tweet about the budget .....maybe.

Illinois Issues blog: Budget deal reached but only builds a bridge

The 10 Most Dangerous Foods to Eat While Driving | Autopia | Wired.com

2009-07-18T08:35:00.000-05:00

I had to share this article.

The 10 Most Dangerous Foods to Eat While Driving | Autopia | Wired.com

Official Google Blog: Submit your ideas to change the face of broadband

2009-07-18T07:31:00.000-05:00

I really hope this helps.

Official Google Blog: Submit your ideas to change the face of broadband

Google Public Policy Blog: Google submits initial comments supporting a National Broadband Plan

2009-07-18T07:27:00.000-05:00

The Google plan.

Google Public Policy Blog: Google submits initial comments supporting a National Broadband Plan

ILA News

2009-07-17T18:48:00.001-05:00

Illinois State Budget, Part Two

The Illinois General Assembly finally adopted a fiscal 2010 state budget earlier this week, and ILA has been working to analyze the various budget bills to determine how the new budget will affect libraries. As mentioned in previous updates, July 13 ILA E-News and July 15 ILA E-News, this budget relies on lump sum appropriations (rather than specific line items) and affords the governor and the other constitutional officers tremendous discretion to spend and to cut budgets. We are working closely with the state library and will provide additional information as soon as it is available. However, at this time, it is too soon to know specifically what will be available for any individual library related program.

State Library to Receive $50 Million for Library Construction Projects

ILA has received numerous phone calls regarding the capital biils announced in the July 13 ILA E-News. Again, please click on the following link to determine if your library will receive funds from the state. The "All Projects pdf" at this link will provides the state agency granting the funds, the grantee, the grant's purpose, and the dollar amount. For additional information, please contact the appropriate state agency, in many cases, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

As you will note, page one, line one lists $50,000,000 to the Secretary of State for grants to public libraries for permanent improvements. As previously stated in the July 13 ILA E-News, "the Secretary's office will promulgate rules for how these funds will be disbursed and they are charged with compiling a report on library capital needs." Please be patient with the Illinois Secretary of State's office as they attempt to determine those rules and the timeline for the distribution of funds.

It is ILA's assumption that the Illinois Library Shovel-Ready Construction/Renovation Projects will be consulted in allocating these funds. As you might remember, on February 9, 2009, ILA released a list of Illinois library construction and renovation projects. The list was compiled by direct input of the Illinois library community. Thank you! We think it worked. The list was prepared in anticipation of possible federal economic stimulus funds or a state capital bill. The list provided the following projects briefly describe library construction/renovation needs across the state. More information was sent to the state library in March, for example, complete contact information, the project's readiness level, and more complete descriptions of the project.

In addition, ILA sent this information to our federal officials (Illinois Senators and Representatives in the U.S. Congress) and to state officials (Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, and
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director
Jack Lavin) for consideration. Since it was sent to these elected officials, you will noted that most of the libraries that received funds under Senate Bill 1221, Public Act 096-0039 (know as member initiatives) also appear on the ILA's Illinois Library Shovel-Ready Construction/Renovation Projects.

Again, ILA will continue to inform the Illinois library community of further developments and will offer further analysis as more information is know.

The News from Ohio Libraries

Doug Evans from the Ohio Library Council (OLC) sent ILA this report this morning. Here's what happened to library funding in Ohio. Today, the governor is expected to sign the 2010-2011 state budget that will lower the state's funding of public libraries from 2.22% to 1.97% of the state's gross general tax revenue. That cut, combined with the drop in funding due to the decline in the state's tax revenue during the first six months of the year, will result in a significant decrease in funding for the next couple of years. Here's our projections based upon the tax revenue estimates from the Office of Budget and Management (which have not been correct in each of three times that the figures have been revised already this year):

CY 2008: $450,578,990
CY 2009: $363,954,955 (-19.22%)
CY 2010: $327,655,279 (- 9.97%)

The funding decrease will be particularly devastating on the 70 percent of our 251 libraries that have no local support and rely solely on the state funding. We're projecting that some of our smaller, rural libraries may close or have to merge with other systems if they cannot generate local funding to supplement their state support.

If it's any consolation, the cut in funding approved by the legislature in the final budget bill is substantially less than the 30% cut proposed by the governor in June when the state faced a $3.2 billion shortfall in the new budget. The legislature's action is due in no small part to the overwhelming grassroots support that the libraries generated through patrons throughout the state. At one point, the volume of calls and e-mails to the governor's office and legislature actually temporarily crashed their phone and e-mail systems. (The governor is still very annoyed at us for creating such a stir but, what the heck, he's the one who suggested the cut in funding.)

Regardless, we're also seeing a decreasing percentage of a shrinking pie. The state seems focused on generating revenue via increased fees and other sources (i.e., video slot machines) that are not considered tax, so none of the new money comes to libraries.

The Ohio Library Council Board is reviewing the full impact that the cuts could have on libraries and the OLC -- since the majority of our revenue is comes from libraries' membership dues, which is a percentage of their state funding. The libraries are making huge cutbacks to their operations, including involvement in professional development. On the table today is the question as to whether we will even host our Convention and Expo this fall. Based upon data we've collected thus far, it will be a major loser whether we host it or not.

As with the libraries, we are in the midst of re-evaluating everything we do. Looks like fun times ahead.

Just so we can keep up.

2009-07-11T10:55:00.001-05:00

I swore I would never Twitter ..... now I do.

http://mashable.com/2008/11/15/twitterspeak/

Part of an Email Article

2009-07-11T10:36:00.001-05:00

I could not find a web link for this.

ARRA and Broadband in Illinois

In 1998, the Illinois Library Association was an early supporter of the Illinois Century Network (ICN) and worked for the passage of House Bill 2088, creating a robust broadband network for its schools, libraries, health care, government, and other public service organizations. The Illinois Century Network became a reality in June 1999 when Illinois Governor George H. Ryan signed House Bill 2088 (Public Act 91-0021) officially creating the network.

Today, broadband expansion is still at the forefront of the national and state agenda. President Barack Obama has acknowledged that broadband has the potential to revolutionize the world economy by providing new market opportunities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) sets aside more than $4.7B for the expansion of broadband networks. ICN has applied for stimulus dollars to migrate the backbone network to state owned fiber. The result will be a network capable of proving more than ten times the amount of the current bandwidth at the same or lower operating cost. Both Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin support broadband expansion and especially the Illinois Century Network.

ALA Washington Office continually emphasizes to think BIG regarding broadband initiatives. For example, the project should be bigger than the largest institution in your state -- Chicago Public Library or University of Illinois. The ICN plan is thinking big and ILA will continue to work support ICN by advocating for its operating and capital budgets. ILA believes its success in obtaining ARRA and state operating funds will have a significant positive beneficial for Illinois libraries.

The biggest problem again is the state's unknown 2010 fiscal year budget. Yesterday's newspapers reported that the governor vetoed another component of the state budget and told state lawmakers he expects deeper cuts, among them nearly 2,600 layoffs including more than 1,000 in the state prison system, though the initial 500 cuts wouldn't come until Sept. 30.

ILA will continue to monitor this confusing and depressing state budget debate, will inform the Illinois library community of significant developments, and will continue to advocate for library issues in these Springfield budget debates/discussions.

Time to Change

2009-07-11T10:33:00.002-05:00

This blog as it exists will not exist anymore. I do not have the time to keep it up and the way I am posting is looked down upon in the blogging world.

I will post items and stories I like once in a while.