Morning Dove

Food For The Birds

2009-03-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Even though the weather cannot decide whether it is Winter or Spring, the sound of birds singing is a sure sign of Spring. For those looking to attract the feathered messengers of Spring a few websites offer tips and tricks on what types of feeders and seed to use.

The Minnesota DNR offers information of the types of feeders and seed to use based on what season it is. They also give recommendations for deterring unwanted visitors. You can also order the information in book form.

Minnesota Birds has a variety of information related to attracting wildlife. You can learn about not just feeders and seed choices, but also about how the types of plants and landscaping that will attract certain birds. You can also email them your birding questions.

National Bird Feeding Society provides information on bird feeding around the country. They have information on nests, habitats, feeders, seed and more. A great site to check out for those looking to go beyond the basic feeder and sunflower seeds.

The Minnesota Ornithologist's Union is the place to head to identify the birds that flock to your new feeders. You can also report your sitings and see where other birds are often found.

Spring will arrive like it always does, but this year you can insure that it brings with it a chorus of well-fed birds.

Snow Forts

2009-03-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

With the recent falling of fresh snow and the likely hood of it happening again I thought I would share a few websites that offer tips on building snow forts. Snow people and igloos are not the only things one can construct, there are fortresses for snowball fights and other creations. Just use your imagination.

WikiHow has a step by step guide as well as tips, tools, and warnings for building your own fort.

The BBC has instructions for making a snow lantern, which is a pile of snowballs with a votive candle inside that then illuminates the snow. There is a picture on their site. If you scroll down there are tips on building snowmen and having snowball fights.

Enviro-Tech International takes an emergency situation approach to building a snow cave and the practical information one would need to keep in mind if building a snow cave for survival.

Calvin and Hobbes links to a gallery of their unique approach to the creation of snowmen.

Remember to stay safe, as for help and beware of melting and cave-ins when building. Winter does not stay forever, even if it may feel like it. So get outside and enjoy it while the snow's still shining.

The Raptor Center

2009-02-25T08:10:00.000-08:00

As Spring gets closer you start to see and hear more song birds returning. They perch on telephone wires and eat in our front yards. Raptors and other birds of prey are not as common, unless you happen to be visiting the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. Their facility at the college of veterinary medicine works not only at educating their students, but the public as well. On their website they state that, "the essence of our mission is to strengthen the bond between humans and birds, to improve the quality of life for both, and to contribute to the preservation of the natural world."

The Raptor Center is open from Tuesday-Friday and on weekends. Saturday and Sunday's they host the Raptors of Minnesota Program from 1-2pm, where you can meet several live raptors and also tour the facility. To register you can call 612-624-9753. Their website also has links to information about other educational programs, volunteering and donation, as well as links to more information about Raptors and birds in Minnesota and across the country.

So for those interested in learning more about the majestic birds in the sky, The Raptor Center is a great place to start.

Minnesota Wildlife Refuges

2009-02-24T07:04:00.000-08:00

With the sun beginning to shine and the snow slowly disappearing outdoor activities are looking more and more appealing. Minnesota's Wildlife Refuges offer a wide variety of activities for family and individual alike. There is something for everyone.

To find a refuge in your area you can visit the Federal Wildlife Refuge website or their map of Minnesota Refuges. Both will lead you to the home pages of the different refuges.

Each refuge's landscape is unique as well as the activities and events available at each. There are trails, interpretation stations, photography opportunities at each one. The types of wildlife you will see, the events that are hosted and whether you can hunt or fish there varies and you should consult their website and/or local visitor information.

While it still may feel like winter, there is no reason not to head outside on a clear day and watch and listen for the sites of other creatures trying to enjoy a sunny day.

Minnesota and History

2009-02-17T08:13:00.000-08:00

Part of learning to appreciate Minnesota comes from learning about its history. The best place to start for historical information is The Minnesota Historical Society's website. From there you can check out the calender of events, learn what exhibits are going on and see upcoming events.

Minnesota's historical museums and sites have a lot to offer for everyone. For those who like to conduct their own research, the Library is a great place to start. Every Saturday morning there is a free class conducted to show people how to use the library and its resources. Not only can one learn all about Minnesota's history, but also their own at the library. Family records can be accessed and the library conducts classes for those interested in genealogy. While the intro course to the library is free, the other courses offered are not.

Be sure to click on the link to places from the MHS website. It will take you to a listing of the 26 historic sites and museums, most of which are open seasonally. There is also a link to a listing of all registered historic sites in MN, some of which are open to the public and most are still privately owned. If you are more interested in the geography of the area there is a site for that too. With the history behind place names and a brief history of each county.

The Minnesota History Center has something for everyone as well. They make history come alive with their history players. Actors who portray a specific person in Minnesota history, from a school teacher to a newspaper editor and even a WWII pilot. You can call ahead to find out which one will be performing before you arrive. There are also plenty of exhibits about MN History, Art, and Culture going on at the history center as well. You can even take in a show at the Museum's Theater.

Admission fees to visit most of the exhibits ranges from $5-$10 dollars with special events sometimes costing more. Be sure to check out the earlier post about Libraries, there is a special event going on where you can "checkout" and admission ticket for free at some twin cities libraries. Another way to cut cost would be to get a membership to the MHS. A family membership is $75, members get in free to exhibits and it is a worthwhile purchase for a family of 4 or larger who wish to visit the museums and historic sites more than twice in one year. Students and seniors receive discounts at many locations also.

So don't let cabin fever set in, Spring is on its way and there are plenty of indoor and outdoor opportunities to explore with the Minnesota Historical Society!

So Much to Love About Libraries

2009-02-10T12:58:00.000-08:00

With more and more people using the virtual world to get their information it can be easy to forget about the resources available in the real world. These days libraries are just as crucial for information as ever before. The knowledge, entertainment, and resources they have to offer only continue to grow and change with the times. One of the best things that has not changed about libraries is their ability to offer their resources for free.

In the area of knowledge some classic aspects remain. Local libraries still schedule family story times and have reading programs for youth in the summer. Newspapers, magazines, and books can still be found. Since the way information is stored and communicated has changed, this is where libraries have learned to adapt. Many libraries now offer audio books that you can download onto your own computer and then load onto a compatible MP3 player. The book will only last as long as a regular checkout period and certain software or devices are required. It is best to check your local libraries website for instructions or to speak with a librarian. Requesting a hold on material, checking to see if a book is available, renewing materials and checking one's account can all be done online as well. In some cases you will need to set up your account with a librarian, but will then be able to access it at home.

For those looking more for recreation and less learning, the library is a great place to start. DVDs, CDs, audio books, magazines, can all be found at your local library. The variety available will vary depending on a library's size, but many offer recent movies and not all children's. Be sure to check the website or bulletin board at your local library for evening and weekend activities as well. Movie nights, book clubs, gardening, needlework and other activities meet and take place at the libraries. Be sure to check before hand if registration is required and what the recommended age group is if attending with children. For those who have a library card for a library that is a member of The Metropolitan Library Service Agency there is the chance to check out local museums, history and art centers for free. Presented by Macy's the Museum Adventure Pass allows library patrons to "check out" a free 2 or 4 person admission to participating locations. The passes can be checked out prior to being used, but be aware of the due date on the slip because they will expire after that date. Passes allotted to each library are limited and are only available for general admission. This program will continue until September 3, 2009.

With so many resources available at the library it can sometimes be overwhelming. Luckily the library is once again there to help. Many libraries offer workshops and classes on how to use the libraries resources and basic computer skills. The best place to start is at your local libraries website. Click through their FAQs, look at their events calendar, and check out their hours of operation. Because the best way to learn what a library has to offer is to visit it in person. This is one medium for information that still encourages face to face interaction. Remember librarians are there to help. When you go remember a few tips; use your "library voice", respect other patrons using the library and follow library policy. That way everyone can learn just how much there is to love about libraries.

Appreciating Local Artists

2009-02-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

As the winter months progress more and more people experience cabin fever. What better way to beat those blahs then to get out of the house and add a little color and excitement to the day. While Hollywood and Broadway are miles away from Minnesota, there are still plenty of talented local artists worth checking out. The following list of websites is a wealth of information for exhibits and performances occurring all over the state.

First up is The Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Their collection of art spans mediums, cultures, and time. They also offer classes for adults, youth, and families. One Sunday a month they have a free event for families and "the young at heart". The third Thursday of the month is tailored towards an adult crowd, taking place during the evening. The festivities include programs, music, drinks, and more. Admission to the museum is free everyday and there is even free parking located nearby. Some of the events and special exhibits do have a fee for nonmembers. There are even online resources for viewing artwork from home.From their homepage you can learn all about their calendar of events, fees, show times, exhibits and more.

At MNartists.org their goal is to improve the lives of Minnesota artists and provide access to and engagement with Minnesota's arts culture." The site offers resources for artists and the public alike. Artists have a community to turn to of their peers for help and the public has a way of learning more about the artists in their area. From the home page you can click on the link to their calendar. Once there you can see current and upcoming exhibits. It also breaks down the genres of art. You can search by the date, region, venue, category or discipline. Once one of those items are selected a short description is given for each item. Click on the headline and you will be able to read more info, see show times, price, location, contact information and links to the event that are available.

If you are searching for something closer to home and you don't live near the Twin Cities you may want to try the Minnesota State Arts Board. By clicking on "regional arts councils-regional map" you will be able to choose the website for the arts council in your area. Minnesota is divided into 11 regional arts councils. Each councils website is different, some list the resources for artists while other also include a calendar of events.

So no matter where you are and what discipline of art you prefer, chances are that the sites above will lead you to an event to help fight the winter blahs.

Letterboxing

2009-02-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

Letterboxing is a great activity to do solo, as a couple, or with the family. It is an activity that gets people outside and offers the excitement of an adventure. A letterbox is a waterproof box hidden somewhere (usually on public land) that contains a logbook and rubber stamp. Clues are given to aid in finding the box. These clues may be very straightforward or take some deciphering. Typically once a person has found a letterbox they will stamp their own log book with the stamp in the letterbox. To show that you found the letterbox you also stamp the logbook with your own stamp. The stamp in the letterbox and the personal one are traditionally supposed to be hand-made rather than bought. Often times erasers are used. Once a box is found remember to seal it carefully and re-hide it for someone else to discover.

Letterboxes are often hidden in scenic or remote areas of a park. Choose a sunny day to better enjoy the experience. Remember not to get too focused on the search, part of the fun of letterboxing is discovery the beauty of the area it was hidden in. Also be respectful of the area where searching. A letterbox should be easy to retrieve without damaging the plants or property nearby.

To search for a letterbox all one needs is a sense of adventure and the clues. Occasionally a compass, map or other tools are necessary. The clues will often specify if you need any special items. Not all letterboxes contain ink pads, or they may have become dry so it is usually a good idea to bring your own.

Letterboxing is a great activity for the whole family, just remember to monitor children when handling letterboxes to ensure that they are properly resealed when re-hiding. Since letterboxes are hidden outside be careful of poison ivy, oak, snakes, spiders and other outside irritants.

Letterboxing is seen by many to be an art and like art you can choose how involved you wish to be. Will you admire it and only find the boxes, dabble in it by making your own stamp, or become totally immersed and hide your own box and hunt for boxes nation wide. What ever the level of involvement that you choose there are a couple websites with loads of information and resources to help you out along the way.

Letterboxing in America has a list of clues by region, facts, getting started, links, and more.

Letterboxing.info gives the background info on where Letterboxing got its start, tools, links, making your own and more.

Shrink Wrap

2009-01-31T13:17:00.000-08:00

Why is it that the shrink wrap over food items is so difficult to remove, but the stuff around cleaners is not? To open medication all one usually needs to do is push down and turn. To get into a tub of ricotta cheese there is a thin layer of plastic. To remove that one must pain-stakingly peel back the non-existent edge. Why should eating food be so difficult, but any non-edible item be so readily available? Aah the baffling wonders of technology.

What is a jenta?

2009-01-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have looked at my URL and wondered what a jenta is (the j is pronounced like a y), it is the Norwegian word for girl. While the URL does not have to be catchy I wanted to make some attempt. When attempts at being clever fail, it helps to know words in other languages.

What is Lefse?

2009-01-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

Some of you may be asking what lefse is, well the simplest answer I can give is this, it is a potato tortilla. Mashed potatos with enough flour to make a dough, rolled, and then cooked on a gridle. They can be served warm or cold, plain or dressed up. Most people spread butter on them, put either brown sugar or cinnamon and sugar on it and then roll it up and enjoy.

Can I hug you?!?

2007-08-30T16:45:00.000-07:00

Can I hug you?
Would you mind,
if I looked for love in your arms?

Literacy and blogging

2007-04-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

This is the link To an article describing why it is that blogging can help promote literacy in the classroom.

Tah Dah!!!

2007-04-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

I now have a picture for each of the main pages. I have also added new pages, yet to be developed by the public. Unless I see a way to break it down so it is easier to encourage discussion and addition I am hoping someone other than myself will get to begin the new pages.

The End is Coming!

2007-04-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, so not the end of the world. The end to the project is however fast approaching. I am hoping to finish up the wiki so next week I can work on the assignment and my presentation. I still have a couple more pages to add graphics to. Today I added a horizontal navigation bar to the pages. (suggestion from Morgan). I am also going to develop the public pages a little more, giving people a little more direction with where I want the conversation to go, while still allowing freedom of respectful expression.

graphics

2007-04-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

So most of this week was spent trying to find a picture for each page. I have been waiting for the assignment which is so far a no show. Next week I will finish up with the pictures and the assignment. I have also added more public places and areas for classmates to meet/discuss stuff for class.

Woodchucks and Groundhogs

2007-04-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

So I posted a couple more articles on Helium. One of which is a joke about woodchucks and groundhogs. I hvae added more public pages to the wiki. I am also going to add some more library diversions. The peanuts have some library related strips and there is also an online library comic. I might also add more informational links.

Images

2007-04-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

I have started to add more images to liven up the wiki. I have already finished most of the informational part. For the remainder I am going to work on developing the community side of the wiki. Adding in pages that the public can edit and where ideas, information, and book recommendations can be made. I am also going to continue adding more images.

I was disapointed to learn that the wiki server I am using does not support anchors, especially after the hours spent searching and trying to make it work. oh well, shall just have to do without. I only needed it for one page, so I am just glad that it wasn't a crucial part of the wiki.

Anchors

2007-04-06T05:39:00.000-07:00

So I spent almost two hours looking for a way to create an anchor or section linking. I found some sites offering very brief and not very helpful instructions. I played around with it in the sandbox and couldn't get it to work. So I decided to post on the daybook asking for help, here's hoping someone out there knows what to do.

2/4 Done

2007-04-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

Since Monday's post I have done 2/4 things on the list. I have also been writing more on the 'Library Observations' page; which is a place for tips that might be helpful with no other place to go.

Moving Forward

2007-04-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

After reviewing the studio tours I have a few ideas on what to add.

Add space for students to share information
give brief descriptions of each category
create a search engine or index on the wiki
add more graphics etc. to break up the black/white

Looking Around

2007-03-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

I finished my first studio tour the other day. It was neat seeing what others in the class had been up to. I also already got some comments on my own wiki. The suggestion was for a more personal spin, so I am goona look at developing an informal page for help and information. Next week I plan to look over the rest of the evals and see what direction they take me.

Helium Rocks!

2007-03-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

So I posted my first article on Helium. I think this is gonna be a new way to procrastinate, while still feeling like I accomplished something. I haven't yet, but I am curious to see what if any articles have been written about blogs, wikis, or libraries.

Studio Tour, Midterm Eval, Editing, etc.

2007-03-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

This week I plan to proof-read and edit what I had added since the last time. I will also look at 3 other classmates projects. I am looking forward to getting feedback, because I am running out of ideas for things to add to my wiki. One review suggested adding a more personal spin, so I am gonna explore that idea a little more. I am also gonna see what some common problems/questions the other librarians run into.

Norwich University Wiki Analysis

2007-03-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

Norwich University (NU) has created a wiki that has created a hybrid version of my own wiki. MediaWiki powers this wiki. The NU wiki is part of the Library Staff page. The purpose of this wiki is to provide information, announcements, resources, etc. for the staff to better aid the public with reference services. "Most importantly, exploiting knowledge can be a major “advantage for libraries, which can translate into better service to users” (Jantz, 2001).” This wiki follows a similar format to my own. There is a main box of the comments and clicking on that link brings one to the answers relating to that topic. The Reference Resources section is a very thorough page, describing the capabilities of each of the different search engines.

Treating the wiki like a book, or help section similar to the one computers pop up in similar windows, creates a familiar format which is more inviting and easier for a wide audience to access. Often times if a system is new or complicated it will not reach someone as easily as one that is more ‘plain Jane’. I have opted for simplicity and mass use, rather than fancy and elite.

My own wiki, Northern Owl, has more step-by-step instructions than the NU wiki does. The format of both wikis is easy to follow. The categories start out wide and narrow a topic down, so one is not lost in the hub of information. "Due to its fluid and open structure, a wiki can quickly become disorganized. To address this potential problem, users of a new wiki usually develop or adopt norms and conventions for naming pages and adding content to help the wiki stay consistent (Fichter, 2005b)." (Kille)

Wikis offer a great way for libraries to create a free, readily accessible knowledge management system. The NU wiki is part of a larger whole and it does not appear to foster the same amount of student input as the other wiki I reviewed. NU still has more work and expansion to do; some of the pages created do not have any content yet.

While searching for wiki articles about libraries and wikis I found this very in-depth site, which quotes many other resources about this topic. One of the sections mentions why wikis or ‘Knowledge Management Tools’ are a good fit for reference librarians. The items on this list match almost exactly, what I had in mind when beginning my project.

(a) systematically collect and organize explicit and tacit knowledge,
(b) increase efficiency in locating answers to frequently answered questions,
(c) improve decisions regarding sources to consult,
(d) improve knowledge sharing,
(e) acquire more in-depth knowledge of the library and its resources,
(f) better understand the types of questions asked at the reference desk,
(g) improve collection development, and
(h) improve patron access to information (Gandhi, 2004).
Overall, successful knowledge management in library reference services can help “establish internal benchmarks, identify and record best practices, and create an environment of continuous learning” (Gandhi, 2004, p. 378).

I recommend anyone and everyone taking a look at this site. It has a wealth of knowledge on the academic purposes wikis can serve. The author, Angela Kille, also includes a list of references and links.

Librarian.net Analysis

2007-03-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

While my own project is a wiki, I thought it only fair to look at and review what is being done on blogs relating to libraries. Librarian.net is as she states, "putting the rarin' back in librarian since 1999". Jessamyn West, the creator of the blog, does not go over specific how-to instructions for using the library she works at. West instead has created a blog, which fits many of the criteria discussed in Sebastien Paquet's article "Personal knowledge publishing and its uses in research". In Paquet's discussion of the uses of weblogs he lists 5 main things; selection of material, personal knowledge management, conversation, social networking, and information routing.

West focuses her blog on libraries and information to help other librarians and patrons. Her interests lie in promoting libraries and the growing technologies becoming available for use in libraries. Her site is an accumulation of selected materials relating to the above-mentioned topics.

Not all of West’s shared information is from outside sources. One reason for her blog is because, “I’ve always had things I wanted to tell and show people online and the nascent blog became the way to do that.” West gives talks around the country and posts her power point presentations online. Her posts give information for others and herself. Paquet says, “A weblog that you edit also serves as a chronological record of your thoughts, references and other notes that could otherwise be lost or disorganized.” Interesting sites, information, or her own musings can all be found on West’s blog.

Blogs open the door for comments, emails, and contacts. “Weblogs have evolved to become a medium for public discussion, in the process making the two-way nature of the Web much more prominent” (Paquet). One of the posts titled “American Libraries: Mattering in the Blogosphere” (http://www.librarian.net/stax/1990) is West’s answers to survey questions about blogging. Included in the post are links to other librarians who answered the same survey. Various opinions are given on the same topic and while not directly speaking to one another, there is a conversation going on. This leads into Paquet’s next use of weblogs; Social networking.

The internet allows people from all over to be connected. Blogs and Myspace pages allow for easier discoveries of people with similar interests. West even added a Myspace page to her list of friends, which was set up for a library, not the librarians, but the library. Social networking is broken down into 2 areas. “First, hyperlinked conversations can be found everywhere and attest to the existence of a web of relationships. Second, blogrolling lists go further, essentially asserting that a particular weblogger has enough interest in another to regularly read what he or she has to say.” (Paquet) Librarians from around the world are able to offer advice, compare different catalogue systems, etc. The possibility for sharing personal/academic knowledge has been brought into a larger network than was ever possible before the internet.

Paquet also talks about Information routing. The idea that information will float around out in the World Wide Web until it comes back to you. One librarian site will quote another, which will eventually come back to the first site.

So while West's Librarian.net site is a great example of using a blog for publishing personal knowledge, it does not show how a blog could fit the format necessary for creating a manual on the web.

CSU wiki analysis

2007-03-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

Charles Sturt University (CSU) Library Wiki

This wiki is hosted on Wetpaint Wiki, which claims to be "Great for families, hobbies, causes, fan sites, and anything in between. Wetpaint combines the best elements of wikis, blogs, and social networks." At first glance, this seems to be a very accurate description of the CSU Wiki. There is a navigation box, much like a calendar box on a blog. There are also adds along the side bar, comments, and recent activities on this page. The 'Page Toolbox' lets you know exactly what can and cannot be done to the page, this would be helpful since the setting on wikis can vary from one page to the next.

The purpose of the wiki is stated right away:
Collaborative resource. The site has been seeded with the contents of our print FAQ's, and the library team would like students and other CSU staff to provide any additional content. Feel free to create your own pages on topics that would interest others. Have you found a great blog, know where to get free software to download podcasts or have some great shortcut you use in Word? Don't keep it to yourself...please share with the rest of us. The library wiki has the potential to become a valuable shared knowledge base.

This site is not only a place for the pooled knowledge of a select group, but also a meeting center for others. My own wiki currently only deals with the knowledge and information of one group, University Library Staff, but creating a space where people could add their own tips would be very valuable and in keeping with the collaborative wiki tradition.

This as Ullises Ali Mejias states is part of the beauty of a wiki. “A wiki is different that authors don’t have to be in the same physical space, don’t have to have a previous relationship with each other, and don’t need to plan their actions in any way.”

Libraries are sources of information and resources for people no matter what their major or interests. By creating an open space, where time and place is not a factor, people who would have never met in person can still share tips and tricks ranging from the broad to the very particular.

This meeting place does no good however, if people are unable to find each other. A page may be covered in text or have so many other side boxes, comments, etc. that picking out what is relevant from what isn’t can become too big a chore. “How you make sense of the blog has a lot to do with the visual arrangement of the text.” (Mejias)

While I applaud the idea of creating a meeting place for faculty, staff, and students to share resources and ask questions I am not sure that the visual form of the CSU Wiki allows for easy navigation. Most of the pages are covered in comments or advertisements. The categories listed on the navigation sidebar have little to do with research and using the library. One section on complaints about the libraries website is the closest this wiki comes to dealing with library related information. This site is otherwise a meeting grounds for students to send out random/interesting information for everyone else to view. I went to the library website and that seems to fit more with the purpose of my own wiki. In the ‘Ask Us’ section one can search for answers to previously asked questions, or send their own in to be answered.

For a side by side comparison of my wiki to another, this site is not the best choice. The CSU wiki does not create a step-by-step how to for using the library website, resources, or other common library questions like NorthernOwl. CSU wiki, has however given me a new direction to take NorthernOwl. I plan to continue with what I have already started, but I also plan to add a new section where students can go to post questions, create their own topic pages, and offer their own research/class related advice. This will help as Mejias says, “to de-prioritize the individual voice in favor of the collective voice”.

Reference:
"Social Literacies: Some observations about writing and wikis"
by Ullises Ali Mejias

It's coming along

2007-03-16T16:09:00.000-07:00

I have finished the editing, cleanup phase. These are the things I have left to do:

a couple more pages to create
a list of new things that need to be added to the old pages
edit new additions
read/comment/evaluate other wiki's and a blog
presentation

The process of editing and things to remember

2007-03-14T18:26:00.001-07:00

The editing process is not as painful as I thought it would be. I did have a broken link and some typos, which have now been fixed.
Note to Self:
When evaluating the other wikis look at the format and layout.
What works/what doesn't
Color choices, graphics, etc.

Clean up

2007-03-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

While I am taking a rest from adding anything new, I just can't stay away from working on my wiki. Over Spring Break I will be going over what I already have done and checking for typos, bad links, and other general mistakes.

Reminders

2007-03-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

More questions present themselves as time goes on. It can be a little tricky to do something and stop after each step to write it down. Over Spring Break I will be taking 'a rest' from my work as morgan says. The monday after break I will pick up where I left off, posting my analysis of the 3 other library wikis/blog. Below is a reminder of things to do in the near future.

On Monday review the first of the 3 different library projects posted earlier.
Have someone else read over step by step instructions to check for clarity.
Begin thinking of pictures of the library which would aid instructions.

Comments Please

2007-03-07T19:27:00.000-08:00

So this is my Wiki project please check it out. I am trying to create a how-to site for the A.C. Clark Library. Please leave any comments, suggestions, or questions under this heading so I know where they will all be located. Thank you for your help.

Weblogs and Wikis oh my!

2007-03-05T13:11:00.000-08:00

After searching through various Library Blogs and Wikis I have found 3 sites created with goals similar to the ones I have for my own wiki. In the next couple weeks I will be looking at them and deciding what works, what doesn't and the differences in using a blog versus a wiki. These are the following sites:
http://csulibrary.wetpaint.com/ (Wiki)
http://wiki.nulibrary.com/index.php?title=Public_Services_Wiki (Wiki)
http://www.librarian.net/stax/1986 (Blog)

First New Page!

2007-03-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

So the first new page was added last night, 'Course Reserve'. I also managed to find a nice owl pic to put on the homepage. I hope to eventually put up pictures, perhaps step by steps, of the library as well. This weekend I plan to find one site similar to mine, so I have it available to critique later next week.

Northern Owl

2007-02-28T18:57:00.000-08:00

The wiki is now up and running. Not much has been started, just some basic settings were changed around. This is the site address Northern Owl. Be sure to check the wiki frequently as it will be growing daily!

Northern Owl wiki

2007-02-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

The Northern Owl is going to be the name of the wiki I am starting for my class Project. I will be blogging here 3 times a week about the progress. I have not been given a wiki yet, that comes wednesday. The purpose of the wiki will be to provide information on how to use the University library. As I come across new information on other library wikis and websites I will post a link to that site here.

Winter,Spring then Winter again

2007-02-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

So my earlier post about spring time might have been a little premature. More snow has fallen today than any of the other winter days I think. I want to return to the spring time coming. No more snow, ice, sleet, slush, and the other dozen words to describe what falls from the sky. The only thing falling needs to be spring showers, so I can see some summer flowers.

Landmarks

2007-02-22T17:42:00.000-08:00

People become very confused when their landmarks are taken away. It doesn't even have to be something on the road, any familiar area in life is like a landmark. Faces change, towns are renovated, each adjustment takes time to adapt to. Even something as simple as the movement of a display item in a store can lead people to doubt their memories. "Was it here?, it was wasn't it?" "Maybe I am thinking of the other store." Once assured that their memory is correct and the change has taken place, there is small satisfation in being correct. Then the notion that everything is always changing settles in. Depending on what changed, this can be good or bad. Either way, change resonates, leaving behind a reminder that things are not always as certain as we remember.

Flowers

2007-02-21T18:54:00.000-08:00

Another great thing about spring time is flowers. Just like people can add life to a room, so can plants. A room always has a warmer and more inviting feel when there is the scent of flowers in the air and the soft welcoming colors. Even dried flowers when arranged nicely can offer a reminder of the nature outside of the four walls of a house.

Beginning to thaw

2007-02-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

Finally, it is beginning to warm up. The snow and ice is starting to melt in the parking lot, the air doesn't bite at me when I go outside. I feel it necessary to take some time today and mention the little things about winter moving into spring that I enjoy.

I like the sunshine, it just feels more spring-like, somehow warmer and more inviting.
The grass will get greener.
Birds return.
The air has a touch more warmth to it.
People are friendlier.
The daylight lasts longer
and so much more...

Literary Predicament

2007-02-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

Last night after reading Charles Dickens 'Great Expectations' I noticed a change in my speech. This isn't the first time this has happened either. When finding oneself in a situation where their ear is trained to understand the speech of another, they then begin to adopt said habits. Sometimes this will happen after watching a movie, but the occurance is rare. I find that books are more likely to be the instrument of my instruction in a new tongue than anything else. Perhaps this is an oddity reserved only for myself, but I have an inkling that given the opportunity I may perchance to run into another individual with such a predicament.

Diversions

2007-02-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

Once again here are some websites that might keep you amused for at least a few minutes.
www.gamesforthebrain.com
www.rinkworks.com/brainfood
www.braingle.com
These sites were originally printed in the Star Tribune Web Search Section.

Twilight Dreams

2007-02-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

The recent trend of weird dreams has got me thinking about how the mind creates dreams. I wish I knew more about it, especially the types of dreams which you know are dreams as you have them. The ones where everything looks and acts like it does when you are awake, but the colors are off. They are either brighter or darker, that twilight zone feeling begins to creep around the edges letting you know that you can end it whenever you choose to wake up. It would be neat to see how the different channels in the brain send around random information, some surface and some buried, that are able to come together and make sense in the dream (usually they are preposterous once I have woken up). Perhaps one day when I have time I might actually read up on the science of dreams, but for now I am content just to have them.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2007-02-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

After going through a box of kleenex or two this week, I wondered how many trees I killed. I kow there are cloth handkerchiefs, but those seem only approbriate for more delicate tasks. One would use them to tab away tears or get rid of the tickle under the nose. To use one while sick just seems, well, sick. The gross factor and the unhygenic factor both make it a poor alternative to the albeit wastefull throwaway. So until something better has been found, I am afraid that each cold and flu season I will be forced to use without reducing, reusing, or recycleing. I am sorry Nature.

Funny's or is it Funnies?

2007-02-13T19:54:00.000-08:00

While flipping to my favorite section of the paper, the comics (or funny's as I call them) I find myself wondering how many people out there read the entire paper. I don't think I have ever read the entire paper. Maybe I have read every headline and each article I was interested in, but never the entire paper and certainly not the entire Sunday paper. Just like some people only watch the television news for the weather, some read the paper for the funnies, whether or not they are contained in the comics section is another story.

Ode to a cold

2007-02-11T17:53:00.000-08:00

In my head everything is mute
my eyes are burning
I don't feel as astute
while the room is turning
chicken soup
lemon juice
I feel pooped
time to snooze.

Pleasantries

2007-02-10T17:58:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't enjoy compliments? They can turn an ordinary day into a great day, especially when they come in unexpected places. At work I was simply doing my job and someone thanked me for my help with such sincerity and enthusiasm that the rest of the day flew by thanks to the euphoria it enduced. So I would like to say thank you to anyone and everyone who makes someone's day a little more pleasant. This Hallmark moment was brought to you by random acts of cheesy kindness.

Kayak

2007-02-09T05:24:00.000-08:00

The Third blog I have chosen to blog on is titled:
Kayak Paddle Tales . This site appears to be by definition and self description, a blog. The entries are short and are more of a recollection of the creator (Peggy's) day. She does not go into detail about her whole day however. This blog is meant to chronicle her kayaking excursions. The genre of this blog would definitely be a journal hobby. It does not collect facts and news about kayaking, but instead gives daily recounts of her day ( Yang 118). This is not the only hobby she had started a blog for. Listed in her profile page are two other blogs. A lot of the pictures taken while kayaking or hiking are kept on her other blog Photo Bucket's homepage.

On the kayak site she makes a note of previous turtle pictures, but does not link to them, any reader who has not seen what she is talking about may feel left out or curious enough to search through the rest of the site. When she does not know the name of an animal in one of the pictures she asks the audience to correct her, so the picture can be labeled.

Each entry describes what was seen that day on the water, the conditions of the weather, animals to be seen in the area, and other details of her outing. I almost feel like I am talking to a local guide about the best place to kayak in the area and in a way I am. I wonder how effective it would be to use a blog search in order to learn insider tips on a place before visiting it, since not everyone is going to write about local places of interest and if they do they may not share the same interests that I do. What type of a Weblog, filter, or aggregator would make it possible to search for such information? Perhaps you know?

Back to the blog at hand, after searching through who left comments on the blog, they all shared similar interests with the creator of 'Kayak Paddle Tales'. These interests were one or more of the following, kayaking, camping, and photography. People remarked that they enjoyed the site, or photography. Someone even commented that they would check out a spot mentioned the next time they were in that area kayaking.

The comments were opened in a smaller separate window. I liked that this feature allowed me to still see the article I was reading and when I was done I could just 'x' out, instead of hitting the back button.

Besides the above 2 blogs she also keeps a camping tent tales blog, but that does not appear to have been updated since Nov of 2006 This site, like the kayak one gives information and pictures relating to camping trips taken. Visitors to each of her sites are also directed towards the creators web page if they wish to contact her.

The World Wide Grab Bag is a web page, or more like a filter. "I think of the old-style site organized squarely around the link" (Blood 7). This filter does not have one specific topic for its links though. The links are broken down into categories and like the title suggests, there is a while grab bag variety to choose from.

Kayak Paddle Tales has been around for a year and a half. Part of what Blood says helps to make blogging more enjoyable and a long lasting activity is ' if it is an extension of one of your existing activities' (Blood 36). Peggy has taken her three hobbies; kayaking, photography, and camping and uses blogging as a way to connect with others who share similar interests. I suspect the camping blog died out because there were no more camping tales to tell. The kayak and photo blogs will more than likely continue as long as the author of the blog has enough time for not only her hobbies, but also for blogging and sharing them with the rest of us.

Librarian

2007-02-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

When initially beginning to peruse the blog I had earmarked for my second commentary, I came across a much more interesting choice. Amongst The Rambling Librarian's information on his 'about' page were links to other blogs and websites which he was the creator or member of. One of which is the one I will be discussing now. It is called The Memory Tree.

This site functions both as a collaborative weblog and also as a community weblog. There are two main people who are working collaboratively on a story. However, they are placing the process of their story writing online for several reasons , one of which is "To allow others to comment, as a way to refine the stories should they choose to help." The other reasons for posting online is to be able to work together on a children's story, while also archiving the process as they go. When changes are made, such as deletions, the viewer can see what was crossed out, because there is a line through the sentence. The old material was not deleted without evidence of what used to be. The genre of this blog appears to be of a personal nature. They are using this blog as a creative outlet, rather than soliciting for a publisher which might have made it a journalistic or professional blog.

The site takes note of the number of visitors. This means that they are aware that others will view their story. Who this audience is they don't specify more than 'whoever cares to read this story'. By allowing comments from others though, the authors have not only acknowledged the help an audience member(s) may provide, but are seeking it out.

The memebers of this collaborative weblog posted a notice stating that "All content in this blog, including comments from readers, remains the Intellectual Property of the blog owners," on their page. I found this an interesting decision, it is one of the things Blood comments on as being unnecessary and done more for giving the owner a feeling of legitimacy in what they are doing. She also says it doesn't hurt. Better safe than sorry I guess. The Memory tree does have pictures and drawings for the story they are creating, which blood comments 'may be stolen' (Blood 46).

Blood talks about the need to distinguish in a collaborative blog whether the property of an entry is for who posted it, or to the weblog itself. The Memory Tree has done this. As stated above, Any and all content is property of the weblogs owners and not the individual who posted them.

When reading through the comments, I noticed that outside of one anonymous quote which says "I think its good" the rest of the comments appear to just be notes that the authors write for each other. There was a mention of starting a 'bud' and working on other story ideas together in the same way.

The last posts to this site were in July of 2006. The story does not appear to be complete, which leads me to conlcude that they must have run out of time or desire to continue. But the beauty of the blog is that the work they have done so far is sitting and waiting to be resumed. No need to worry about lost papers or faded ink. Only one of the two members has a blog other than the memory tree. (The Rambling librarian last updated his own site on the 8th of February.)

It is interesting for me to take note and pick apart how people use the blog in new ways. The Memory Tree use it as not only a place to store and play around with new ideas, but as a way to gain feedback from a wider range of people. This blog has lead me to wonder whether or not the author of a book one day may not be a person's name, but the name of a collaborative weblog. I look forward to watching this new form of media expand and grow.

Henrik Ibsen

2007-02-07T20:12:00.000-08:00

I began my search for a blog to analyze by typing in random topics of interest in the google blog search. The first topic I typed was 'Henrik Ibsen'. After reading through the general descriptions and clicking on a few sites I settled on “Terri’s West End Blog”. The article which contained Henrik Ibsen is here.

Terri Knudsen is a journalist and long time theatre critic. This blog focuses on the performances that take place at West End Theatre in London. There are her own reviews of plays, a section called '5 questions with...', and 'Word on the Street'. Word on the street contains video footage from You Tube of interviews of the audience after they left the performance and what they thought of it. Knudsen comments that "This blog - soon to be moved to its own domain under the name Centrestage Media - will from now on, where possible, get the audience’s point of view after a show.’" The above qoute illustrates Jonathan Yang’s comment about blogs from the pros “Blogs are being used by major media outlets as a supplement to their more traditional output, giving reporters room to expand on a topic in a more casual tone” (Yang 136).

Knudsen is allowing actual audience members to speak about a performance, rather than writing just her own opinion or passing on links to other critics. Knudsen mentions that the blog is ideal for doing this because, "The good thing here is, because this is not traditional media looking to shift copies and front pages, there’s no need to look for a sensational angle. Which means we can actually focus on the art."

The format of the blog is very open and orderly. The top begins with a list of ‘New this week plays’ below which are the ‘Last Chance’ ones. By clicking on these one is taken to the ticket master for each play. Below the links are the recent reviews. On the right hand column are recent posts, recent comments, archives (what did I miss?), and links. In the actual reviews Knudsen does not link to other sites, this prevents the reader from jumping around and allows them to finish the article.

If after reading they wish for more info there are ‘Tag’ words at the bottom. Clicking on these takes the reader to previous posts by Knudsen and other bloggers of WordPress. The comments to an article are also listed below it, without having them compacted.
Most of the articles have an accompanying photo, there are a couple videos, and other than the tag links, the only other links are 2 on the right hand column sending the reader to one site about a theater in West End London (Old Vic) and another writer whose focus is not only on stage, but also movies and music.

This site appears to be a notebook, it contains "longer pieces of focused content. Personal entries are sometimes in the form of a story"(Blood 6). The site calls itself a blog, but the entries are often long and focused solely on the topic of stage productions. Personal opinion is often used, which is more characteristic of a blog than a notebook. As for the genre, I would have to say it is a Journalistic notebook "giving reporters room to expand on a topic in a more casual tone" (Yang 136).

Knudsen’s background is as a reporter and each entry is formatted in small-medium paragraphs like a newspaper article would be. The audience of this site would be mostly composed of theater enthusiasts, or fans of this authors work. This blog is not written solely for the author and she is aware of that. The reviews and interviews are not done for only the author’s benefit, but to share new information with others. There is even a notice that she will do freelance work and if an actor wishes their play to be mentioned that she will be happy to oblige.

Talking to oneself in public

2007-02-05T08:21:00.000-08:00

I have noticed the frequency to which people have seemingly personal conversations in public. These are taking place more and more without seeing the other person face to face. Cell phones abound everywhere. The thing that still catches me off guard are the handsfree sets, so you can't tell if the person is rambling to themselves, you, or just whoever will listen. Now I understand people have had private conversations in public for hundreds of years. But there are some difficulties in keeping the nature of information private which cell phones have introduced. For instance reception, if the person can't hear you, then one begins to shout without realizing that they are not the only one in the room. Mouthing the words just doesn't work over the phone either. Same goes for head nods and diverting one's eyes towards the foolish stranger. It is a lot harder to talk about someone without them knowing, when you are within earshot if one is on the phone. Perhaps code, or lingo will evolve to fill the private gossip gap, but for now people with cell phones need to be on their guard.

That's different

2007-02-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

So it is really cold outside and I am not all too surprised, but it is definetly an oddity to see. There is ice/frost on the bottom 3 feet of the doors to the library. This might not seem strange except for the fact that it is on the inside part of the door. I really hope that groundhog didn't see his shadow.

Time Flies, so why can't I?

2007-02-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

My sense of time has been a little wacky lately. Normally I have a hard time living in the present. Either I am anxious about something happening in the future, or reliving past events. However, lately I have been able to live more in the moment. This seems to have the odd effect of making ardous tasks seeming fly by and more enjoyable ones last longer. I must admit that this was at first an unsettling experience. Yet the more I reflect on it, the more I like this new relationship with time. I only hope it does not have unforseen complications. While thinking on what could be the cause of this new experience I have come up with a couple theories. One is that I am simply growing up and this is one of the things that changes as we move more into the realms of the adult world. My other theory is that time is a vain mistress, knowing that she is in complete control and wants to be admired for such power. When things are unpleasent one tends to pay more attention to the passing of time. Time wants to prolong the acknowledgement of it's existence as long as possible. While when time is ignored, it becomes angry and even jealous, thus speeding up the passing of the moment until it is admired again. These theories are simply that, theories, and I do not claim any hard facts or evidence other than my own experiences and musings.

Example/Assignment

2007-02-02T18:37:00.000-08:00

So here is an example of a cyber squatter, who has actually decided to do something with his space. The name was what caught me. I don't think too many people name there kids Gawain (if that is his real name). I was a little put off when I read he maintained a blog to save space, but scrolling down I noticed pictures and other random postings. So maybe there is hope out there for the cyber squatters. I was using the 'next blog' button to skim through site until I found one which caught my eye. This is not an easy thing to do, considering that after I hit the button for the third time I get an advertisement. Usually it was something about laughs and jokes or cialis. The most frustrating point is that I can't ever find the next blog button on these sites. Now I understand they are a necessary evil so that blogger can offer free blogs, but that doesn't mean I have to get trapped on the website. You get more flies with honey, not vinegar. So if a company thinks that by trapping me on their website that I will buy there product, they are sorely mistaken. Playing tricks doesn't get anyone anywhere for long. I wish more honesty could exist in the world, just maybe not the brutal kind.

Cyber Squatters

2007-02-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

So I was flipping through the Star Tribune today and I learned something pertaining to blogs. There are people out there who start a blog or a website with a common word in the title; they then site (squat) on that site until someone else comes along who wanted to use that URL. The squatter then offers to sell the URL for a rediculous amount of money. Maybe some of you have heard of this already and I know I have accidently come across them by typing in the wrong URL for a similar site.

I found myself turned off by the exploitation powers some people try to use. Ideally the Internet is a free medium to share one's views, information, and all sort of other things. Taking a domain name and not doing anything with it, seems to me like taking the title for a book without ever writing it. I know everyone has their own idea for how to make a buck, even cyber squatters I suppose.

Bloody Review

2007-01-31T08:01:00.000-08:00

I think the first chapter should really have been an introduction. It gives history and significance of blogs, but as far as necessary handbook information I am not sure it fits as the first chapter. Just like we read chapter 3 first in class, that should really be the first one. The title for number 2 could bet better titled "benefits of blogs".

Okay, not that I am done giving an editorial review, I will move on to an actual reader review.

Chapter 1 was an interesting history lesson and one can tell that Blood is proud of her blogging community. Just like the news can give things an angle, so too can bloggers for their own purposes. I do agree that one can find many, many, angles of the same stories. It kind of reminds me of the game telephone, the more people who hear the story and pass it on, the more changes seem to get made to it.

Chapter 2 made some good points about connecting people, which most people would agree the internet has been a pivotal component. It is nice to have a reason to get me to write every day, because the more one writes the easier it becomes. Although I am not sure blogging creates critical thinkers, that seems like a stretch. If someone is a critical thinker, then the blog will allow for an outlet. Just like if someone is very shallow and looking for a spotlight, the world of the blog also allows for this. I am not saying that people can't change, but I would not give sole credit to the blog. In Bloods defence however, she does talk about bloggers who actually think about their links and information when posting.

Chapter 3 I liked because of how simple it explained things. I have never blogged before and she made it sound really simple. It also pointed out some intersting facts, such as the copyright, which I had wondered about. So far this book delivers as it says "practical advice on creating and maintaining your blog".

Wacky icecream flavors

2007-01-30T18:23:00.000-08:00

By clicking here you will be taken to a site which lists the different types of Japanese icecream flavors. I found this site thanks to this great coloumn in the Star Tribune called 'websearch'. You can check the paper out for free at the library, or since you are already on the internet just go over to www.startribune.com/websearch.

Some of the flavors don't sound that bad, I would try cherry blossom icecream. I do not think that I would try the whale or shark fin icecream, nor would I want to try oyster or any type of seafood flavored icecream. The website also gives a list of recipes for things with gross titles, but regular ingredients and also gross titles with gross ingredients.

New title

2007-01-29T08:39:00.000-08:00

I am still not sure what I want this blog to be about, or whether or not it will last once the class is over. I kinda like this new title, so we shall see how long it sticks. All I know so far, is that this page and its themes will keep changing as I learn more about blogging.

More info + a Link!

2007-01-29T08:17:00.001-08:00

For anyone wanting to learn some new recipes, you can visit the site below. You don't have to be a member to look at the recipes. Once at the home page, just got to the tab 'Norwegian culture' and click on the recipe box.

http://www.sofn.com/home/index.jsp

Please excuse my goofy title

2007-01-27T17:14:00.000-08:00

While lefse is delicious and if I wanted to go on I could, but I am not going to. This is not to say I may not return to it or other ways to eat a potato. This post is only to inform the reader early on that I will not be held creatively captive by my title; if something else random and equally amusing comes along (which is neither lefse or potato related) I retain equal rights to discuss that topic as well.