Technology?

Once again, I have to be honest. I hate mission statements. Why? Because most of the time, they are long, boring, and meaningless. Now, I have to give our mission statement credit - it is easy to read and (mostly) understandable. My problem is with all the added definitions.

So how do I see OCLS helping the community? Well, we have computer classes where patrons and staff can learn about the newest technology available (LIVE). We are innovative in bringing new technology - such as Overdrive and ebooks - into the system and making them accesible to the community. Some of them are just for fun (PLAY). We offer online resources that can help people learn (LEARN) about many different topics, including how to set-up and operate your own small business (WORK).

Questions?

Ok, I'll be honest and say I didn't bother to sign up for the websites this week. Why? Because I don't trust the random masses. If I have a question, I prefer to seek out someone who has actual knowledge about what I'm asking. After reviewing the questions asked online, I don't think most of them are actually asking for real information anyways. Most are opinionated or ask "which do you like best"? So there is no right answer. Of course, there's no wrong answer either. Maybe I just prefer to debate people in real life. It's a lot more fun to me than debating a machine.

On another note, I did try to Google myself. There is an author with the same name as me. Adding my middle initial didn't work to throw it off. Guess I'm just a wallflower. Yeah! :)

Wellness and Technology

Since I'm married to a man who might as well be a dietician, I don't really think I'll be using too many of these high-tech gadgets to exercise. I do, for example, read a book while riding a stationary bike or plug in my iPod while taking a walk. Ok, so the iPod is high-tech, but the book really isn't. I also work out on a treadmill with a TV in front of me. Basically, I do just about anything to distract myself from the fact that I am working out.

I like the idea of using the Wii for exercise. However, most of the articles we read pointed out that it's not a good substitute for real outdoor movement, just better for you than other video games. Personally, I'd rather spend the half hour getting a good sweaty workout so that I can veg in front of my PS2 and not feel bad about it. :-)

Who knew?

Never thought I'd update this again after I finished Learn 2.0. But, look, here I am updating. Um... introduce myself, huh?

Hi! My name is Heather. I'm married to a Chris. We have a cat named Penny Lane. Yes, we do like the Beatles - why do you ask...? Aside from that, I probably have a lot in common with the other posters for Learn 2.1. Namely, I work at OCLS and I like to read. :)

The Pod People

Yes, I admit, I am one of them. A Pod person - iPod to be exact. I love my iPod. It's shiny and red and lets me carry my favorite music all around with me. It's great.

Audio books are pretty cool. I like to listen to them while I exercise. Well, actually, I just go to a branch and get a Playaway, because it's less for me to keep track of, but it's the same idea. Just pop in some headphones and enjoy the voice of someone you don't know while you get in some daily exercise. You get healthy, plus you're entertained - Bonus!

What I plan to do with my mp3 player... Hmm... I'm truly addicted to my iPod and will fight people over the whole Mac vs. PC thing. All I'll say is my Mac doesn't crash. So, I'm thinking it will make a great birthday or Xmas gift.

It's Alive!

I really like the liveplasma site, being visual myself. I also found a lot of bands that made me think, "Hey, I've heard of them, but never listened to them. Maybe I should since they are linked to (insert band I like here)." I did not like the other map one because it kept wiggling! Down with the wiggles! (No offense meant to those who like the kids show, just in my reading materials.)

I played around with widgets a bit, but didn't do too much with them. I mean, fun to look at, but I'm not big on keeping up with the latest. My news is digested in small, sarcastic comments made by the Orlando Weekly. Ok, also on my yahoo site by headlines... But those aren't as funny.

As for the whole, do I agree with Metallica or Napster - um... I still haven't made up my mind. In college, Napster was great! But, at UCF, they put restrictions on it because it was eating up too much bandwidth. I only used it to check out artists I wasn't that familiar with anyways, before I bought the album. Now, I just buy used albums online, so if I don't like it I'm only out about $3 at most.

Week Eight-ish

Well, as it turns out, I do not own a digital camera. So, I will have to mooch off of the other people in my department to put up any pictures. I guess on this point I am a traditionalist, as I really like the look and feel and 'grit' of FILM. :) For further arguments about why film is better than digital, just google it, you'll find both sides.

I kind of like the prototype thing. It's fun to play with, but I don't think I'd ever really use it. I mean, I already have a My Yahoo email site, which is basically the same idea, but with more useful information. I did like the puppy though. I'd prefer a kitty, but I couldn't find that option.