Jamison's Blog

Snooty the manatee says...

2010-11-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

Florida Monsoon = Flooded Yard = Happy Lab Puppy!!

2010-09-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Darwin Stayin' Cool

2010-07-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

On the leather couch in the A/C and outside in the "pool"!!

Darwin makes a splash!!

2010-07-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

It's the Darwin Show!!

2010-06-16T17:28:00.001-07:00

Long overdue pics from May & June, starring Sir Darwin Goldman!! Enjoy. :)

View Photo Slideshow

Make a Free Flash Slideshow

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Seize BP National Day of Action

2010-05-12T10:44:00.001-07:00

April Darwin Pictures

2010-05-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

Attack of the killer Darwin!

Stop reading mommy and pay attention to me!!

Darwin doing what he does best - chewing!

Thanks for the mugs Poppi & Gigi! Look at the difference!

This is a 2.5 month difference! He's over 33 lbs now!!

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Darwin, a few weeks ago...

2010-04-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Darwin Smiles!

Darwin in Action!

Darwin Discovers Water

2010-03-29T17:41:00.000-07:00

Yes! He IS a water dog!! :)

Today Darwin discovered water thanks to our canal flooding a bit in the storm. He loved every minute of it.

Lap dog

2010-03-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

He's still tiny puppy size in his mind...his favorite spot to sit and chew on a toy. Darwin's up to 18 pounds now!!!

Fruits & Flowers are in Order - 4th Anniversary

2010-03-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that 4 years ago we were married on the beach in St. Thomas. I am so lucky to be married to my best friend and soul mate.

Happy 4th Anniversary Ryan!

4th Wedding Anniversary
Traditional Gifts: Fruit or Flowers
Modern Gifts: Appliances

Hmm, appliances?! Darwin - chew up the dryer so I can get a new one that steams clothes! :)

2010 Heart Walk

2010-03-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

Darwin's New Tricks - Sit & Lay Down!

2010-03-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

Yes, Sir Darwin IS the smartest dog ever. :) Check it out!

Mommy & Daddy are so proud.

Swing 2.0

2010-03-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately our backyard swing, a favorite of our FL visitors, finally died during my sister's visit in January. During the DE Goldman's visit, Ryan's Dad helped Ryan rebuild the frame. It was long overdue. The wood was splintering and the hardware was rusted through. Doesn't help that the previous owners (ah, the horror stories I could tell...) left a piece of a broken off drill bit in one of the two main support hardware holes which rusted everything until the swing finally fell off the frame (Sorry Lisa!).

Here are some before and after pictures of the process. All FL visitors welcome to try out our new & improved Swing 2.0! :)

Ryan & Jaime Tested & Approved!

Introducing Sir Darwin Goldman!!

2010-02-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

My Valentine's Day gift from Ryan - a black lab puppy! He's 7 weeks old and from our humane society rescue. He's learning fast and has already bonded with us.

Introducing Darwin Goldman! Or, as we affectionately call him, Sir Darwin Piddlepants. :)

Sister - Sister

2010-02-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

My Sister Lisa and her boyfriend Chris decided to celebrate her momentous 30th Birthday with us down here in South Florida. We had a great time. We took them to some local spots, drove down through the Keys for a day, took them out to the Everglades for an airboat ride, and just chilled at home. Here are some great pictures of our time together.

Happy 30th Birthday Lis!

Bad Blogger...Mea culpa

2010-01-25T16:34:00.000-08:00

Okay, so with school and helping to care for my Dad, I have been negligent in my blogging this year. I promise more posts and pictures soon!!

Sky Rockets in Flight

2009-03-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

The Space Shuttle Discovery heads to International Space Station from Cape Canaveral tonight, and we could see it all the way down here in South Florida!!

2 Night Short Bahamas Cruise

2009-01-26T16:05:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, Ryan and I exchanged nearly identical gifts for Christmas. I gave him a 2 night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas, and he gave me a 4 night cruise on the same ship in March!

Here are the pics from our January 22nd two night short Bahamas cruise to Coco Cay.

Yup- that's the helicopter Ryan is usually in for manatee surveys! We was waving hi to his co-workers.

Christmas 08

2009-01-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

What is wrong with this world??

2008-12-26T09:22:00.000-08:00

This woman belongs to my Sorority chapter from South Carolina and is currently in the hospital following a surprising attack by her husband.

http://www.erinprince.com

One of our alum was kind enough to start a website in her name and set it up to accept donations to help her family with travel and medical expenses for Erin. On this page you can also find more information about Erin and the story. I know it is the holidays, but if you can, please donate to help Erin and her family get throught this very tragic situation.

More information:

Erin Prince-Gould is known by her friends and family as a bright and cheerful person. Fun to be around and easy to talk to, Erin can lighten a mood with her witty sense of humor. In 2005, she became President of Sigma Sigma Sigma, of Coastal Carolina University, a role in which she shined as a mentor and leader. No one has a spirit quite like Erin's - it's a blend of joy, kindness, quiet confidence, dependability, and a yoda-like intelligence.

On December 20th, 2008 Erin Prince-Gould was sleeping in her home in Jacksonville, NC. The events that took place in those early hours of the morning, are still difficult to grasp. Jon Gould, Erin's husband, struck her in the head with a hammer multiple times, before staging a break-in for the police. Erin was airlifted in critical condition to New Hanover Regional Medical Center where she still continues to fight for her life and the life of her unborn child.. She is currently in critical but stable condition but has not been responsive. The full story can be viewed by clicking on one of the links below.

Click here or here.

You can help by giving a Donation to the Prince family. A fund has been established to assist the medical bills, travel expenses, and future financial hardships the family has this holiday season and beyond. All donations will be given directly to the Prince Family.

Erin's family currently resides in Whitehouse, OH and are continuing to stay by her side in New Hanover, NC.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

To all of our friends and family...

Tracking Santa

Happy Holidays!!

2008-12-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

For those of you who didn't know what a quirky sense of humor Ryan and I have, I give you Dominick the Donkey, a Christmas staple for us. Enjoy! :)

Visit from the PA Goldmans

2008-12-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful visit from the PA Goldmans from December 5th - 13th! The time went fast, but we really enjoyed our time together with Eric, Julie, Jack, and Sydney.

Family Christmas Picture

Parent Boot Camp

Which way to the beach?

Uncle Ryan!

I think this is fish #5 for Jack!

Aunt Jaime!

Chillin' in the Adirondack Chairs

Brotherly bonding

More fun in the backyard- coconuts!

Jack's first trumpet lesson on Ryan's old trumpet

Sydney the beach baby

Jack outfished us all!

Fun at our local playground

Looks like a good place to color to me! What is it about big windows, sunshine, and a good view that attracts kids?

Jack the Pirate!

Sydney loved being outside. "My duck!!"

The girls- J&J

The boys night fishing- yup, another one of Jack's keepers.

Just another day at the office...

2008-12-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

Ryan was out on the water yesterday looking for an injured manatee and her calf. For the story, click here.

Here is a video of the port where I did my thesis research and where Ryan was looking for the manatees yesterday.

Up, up and away...

2008-11-30T10:33:00.000-08:00

Ryan went up in his first helicopter aerial survey on Friday for his new job. Here are some great pictures of his flight! :) Looks like he will be going up every week during manatee season (Nov-Mar).

Here's a good perspective of the size of the helicopter

Ryan's view, skid and all

Some great views of the Ft. Lauderdale Area

Buildings may be closer than they appear...

Manatees!!

Hillsboro Lighthouse

Artificial Reef project

Happy Thanksgiving!!! :)

2008-11-26T09:18:00.000-08:00

As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly...

Enjoy! :)

WKRP in Cincinnati: Thanksgiving Turkey Bomb! @ Yahoo! Video

Happy Thanksgiving!!

A THANKSGIVING POEM FOR YOU

'Twas the night of Thanksgiving, But I just couldn't sleep
I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.

The leftovers beckoned - The dark meat and white
But I fought the temptation With all of my might.

Tossing and turning With anticipation
The thought of a snack Became infatuation.

So, I raced to the kitchen, Flung open the door
And gazed at the fridge, Full of goodies galore.

I gobbled up turkey And buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots, Beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swelling So plump and so round,
'Til all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling, Floating into the sky
With a mouthful of pudding And a handful of pie.

But, I managed to yell As I soared past the trees....
Happy eating to all - Pass the cranberries, please.

May your stuffing be tasty, May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes 'n gravy Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious May your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner Stay off of your thighs.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL.

R & J in Florida

2008-11-19T07:19:00.001-08:00

Since we have been scolded for not enough pictures of us on here, we put together some pictures of us doing fun Florida things during our down time...enjoy!

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-30T10:50:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin Faces

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: pumpkin faces)

Amazing Picture

2008-10-07T20:26:00.001-07:00

My Dad took this amazing picture this week that I really enjoyed- I hope you do too!

I survived Faculty Reception 2008!

2008-10-03T12:33:00.001-07:00

Well, I survived the annual Faculty Reception. This will be the third one I have put together. Here are a few pictures I have from the event. More to come...I am waiting to receive the shot of me with the University President!

View of the gallery:

Caterer having fun with the Salvador Dali theme:

Melting oranges...like the melting time/clocks painting...

Some of the private collection on display:

I am exhausted today and am finishing the final clean up and breakdown, but it was a successful event and fun had by all! Well, except maybe me... :)

One perk- the beautiful flowers Ryan sent me at work to get me through this week!

Not the best pic, taken with my cell phone at work. Notice the cart with lines of brochures rolled up in 1 GB Memory Bands...the gifts for the faculty! My office is going to take as long to recover as I am.

Why I respect the awesome power of nature- Hurricane IKE- the storm that almost was in Florida

2008-09-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

Hurricane IKE Slideshow

Higher resolution slide show:

Hurricane Ike photos

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: hurricane ike)

We were in the dead center of the "cone of error" or "cone of uncertainty" for almost 1 week and then we were spared when Hurricane Ike skirted around the bottom of Florida and headed to Texas. (See the graphic to the right above or click here to watch loop of how IKE's cone of error changed over time).

I can't believe this could have happened here...and I thought our Hurricane Wilma in 2005 was bad...

Youtube movie version:

Trust me when I say that Ryan and I have a healthy respect for the awesome power of nature...

The current bane of my existence…

2008-09-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Little did you know that “party planner extraordinaire” is in my curriculum vitae!

The annual Faculty Reception- an event I have to plan as part of my job description...an all consuming entity until it is over.

The irony here is that Salvador Dali is Ryan’s all time favorite artist and there will be never before seen, private collection works at this event. Hey, my job does have its perks sometimes! :-)

I think his work here is very apropos for my current frame of mind...

Salvador Dalí. (Spanish, 1904-1989). The Persistence of Memory. 1931. Oil on canvas, 9 1/2 x 13" (24.1 x 33 cm). © 2007 Salvador Dalí, Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Oldie but a goodie

2008-09-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

This is an old slideshow I had made of Ryan and I- enjoy!

Water vs. Coke

2008-09-05T06:54:00.000-07:00

As Ryan and I are avid Diet Coke drinkers, I found this disturbing. I think I'll stick to water today! :)

Water or Coke?
(Author Unknown)

Is your habit leading you to the health you desire?

FACTS ABOUT WATER

1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.

2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.

3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.

4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.

5. Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzz short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

(For a listing of the sources of the information about water, see Truth or Fiction)

FACTS ABOUT COKE:

1. In many states (in the USA) the highway patrol carries two gallons of coke in the truck to remove blood from the highway after a car accident. (Unproven, however, it is reasonable to assume that it's true since phosphoric acid can dissolve rust and grease and was used by the steel industry to clean products.)

2. You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coke and it will be gone in two days. (Unproven, but fun to consider.)

3. To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let the "real thing" sit for one hour, then flush clean. (Source: www.howtocleananything.com, the popular household hint guru Mary Ellen says some coke in the toilet for an hour can do the trick.)

4. The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous China. (Source: Columnist Heloise)

5. To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola. (Source: According to Joey Greene's www.wackyuses.com)

6. To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion. (This is true of a lot of carbonated beverages.)

7. To loosen a rusted bolt: Applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes. (Source: www.howtocleananything.com, the popular household hint guru Mary Ellen)

8. To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before the ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.

9. To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains. (Source: www.howtocleananything.com, the popular household hint guru Mary Ellen)

10. Coke will also clean road haze from your windshield. (Unproven, however, it is reasonable to assume that it's true since phosphoric acid can dissolve rust and grease and was used by the steel industry to clean products.)

11. The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. Its pH is 2.8. It will dissolve a nail in about 4 days (Unproven). Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis (Source: UC Davis Health System).

12. To carry Coca-Cola syrup (the concentrate) the commercial truck must use the Hazardous material place cards reserved for Highly corrosive materials. (Source: Truth or Fiction web site - "My husband and I drive the big rigs and often carried Pepsi products...and it is true of all soda in the concentrated form...YES we did have to put the hazardous placards up for the load. Also the driver has to have passed the hazardous material test and have that on his CDL's (Commercial Driver's License)"

13. The distributors of Coke have been using it to clean the engines of their trucks for about 20 years! (Unproven, but according to the Science is Fun site sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Chemistry Professor, Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, the steel industry has used phosphoric acid to clean and rust-proof products.)

Now the question is, would you like a coke or a glass of water?

Off-roading down memory lane...

2008-09-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

I know I'm supposed to post new information and updates, but I came across this picture last night and it brought back good memories...

This is when I first moved to Florida and met Ryan (I still have the NY plates on my Jeep). We were on our way to meet some of his friends, when we passed this amazing muddy, mucky soon to be construction site and couldn't resist some off-roading fun! He was impressed and scared by my skills...err, maybe not skills, but gusto and daring? Lol...anyway, we had a great time- almost flipped twice, and Ryan had to give me a little push at the end, as you can see by the mud on his feet!

Little did you know I was an adventurous off-roading Jeep girl! :)

Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-Long Blog

2008-08-31T07:05:00.000-07:00

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog is a 43-minute musical film produced exclusively for Internet distribution. It tells the story of Dr. Horrible, the aspiring supervillain alter ego of Billy; Captain Hammer, his nemesis; and Penny, their mutual love interest. The movie was written by writer/director Joss Whedon, his brothers Zack Whedon (a television writer) and Jed Whedon (a composer), and Jed's fiancée, actress Maurissa Tancharoen. The writing team penned the musical during the WGA writers' strike. The idea was to create something small and inexpensive, yet professionally done, in a way that would circumvent the issues that were being protested during the strike.

ENJOY!!! :)

FL Hurricane Season: Storms to the Left...Storms to the Right...here's a glimpse of what's to come...

2008-08-28T08:21:00.001-07:00

The NHC had this lovely picture up today...nice. 5 areas of concern at once! It's going to be one of those hurricane seasons, isn't it?

Post theme song...

It hasn't been like this since 2005- the year of Katrina and Wilma. Fun!

Updates on the 2008 hurricane season here.

Countdown Clock by Zoodu.com

Bathroom remodel, take 1

2008-08-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

The nightmarish remodel that we started in November 2007...seriously...hopefully completed this month!!!! We'll update this with final pictures once everything is fixed/finished.

2nd Anniversary Cruise Slide Show

2008-06-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

2008-06-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

Smilebox

Our first real christmas tree

2007-12-19T18:10:00.000-08:00

Our first real tree! It just barely fit...

Heart Walk

2007-11-28T12:42:00.000-08:00

Join me in my efforts to support American Heart Association - Broward, FL!

This year I am once again helping the American Heart Association fight the nation's leading causes of death by participating in the 2008 Heart Walk on NSU's main campus. Step out against heart disease and stroke by supporting my efforts. Please make a donation so I can reach my walker dollar goal. Even the smallest donation makes a difference! Thank you for your support! (If you wish to donate less than $25, please feel free to contact me personally.)

You can visit my Library Heart Walk donation page here.

Thank you! :)

Second Life

2007-11-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Second Life!

My avatar needs some work- if only I could find some good curly hair! :)

Week 9, Exercise 23: Is this really the end? Or just the beginning …

2007-11-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

Well, I can't believe the end is here!

Some of my favorite discoveries on this journey had to be how to use RSS feeds, Library Thing, and finally creating my own blog! :)

I really enjoyed discovering Library Thing and can't wait to "catalog" all of my personal books. Who knows, maybe there is a librarian in me after all! Stay tuned...

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to participate in this learning challenge. I love to learn have often been deemed the perpetual student. I feel that I have increased my understanding of today's "hot" technology tools and can integrate them into both my personal and professional life.

I don't think I expected to learn and understand so many new things!

I would definitely choose to participate if another discovery program like this in the future was offered, and hope that I can always come back to this one for reference and refreshers!

A special thanks to Carrie Gits for bringing this all to fruition! :)

Week 9, Exercise 21: Podcasts, Smodcasts!

2007-11-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Okay. I checked out each of the 3 podcast directories mentioned in this week's exercise, Podcast.net, Podcastalley.com, and Yahoo Podcasts.

I did not like the format of the Yahoo Podcasts list once you did a search.

I really liked Podcast.net's format and found a few great Harry Potter podcasts as well as a great one on the Florida Keys!

I didn't like Podcastalley.com much, as far as format, but it did seem to come up with a few more results than podcast.net.

My bloglines account just keeps growing!

Week 9, Exercise 20: You too can YouTube

2007-11-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

Dominick the Donkey-

Don't ask me how, but Ryan and I came across this song a few Christmases ago and it cracks us up until this day! I found it on YouTube as a video...even funnier!

In the spirit of the holiday season, I give you Dominick the Donkey, the Italian Christmas Donkey video and lyrics (song by Lou Monte):

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Santa's got a little friend,
His name is Dominick.
The cutest little donkey,
You never see him kick.
When Santa visits his paisons,
With Dominick he'll be.
Because the reindeer cannot,
Climb the hills of Italy.

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Jingle bells around his feet,
And presents on the sled.
Hey! Look at the mayor's derby,
On top of Dominick's head.
A pair of shoes for Louie,
And a dress for Josephine.
The labels on the inside says,
They're made in Brooklyn.

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Children sing, and clap their hands,
And Dominick starts to dance.
They talk Italian to him,
And he even understands.

Cumpare sing,
Cumpare su,
And dance 'sta tarantel.
When jusamagora comes to town,
And brings du ciuccianello.

Hey! Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
It's Dominick the donkey.
Chingedy ching,
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
The Italian Christmas donkey.
(la la la-la la-la la la la la)
(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Hey! Dominick! Buon Natale!
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
(hee-haw, hee-haw)
(hee-haw, hee-haw)

Week 9, Exercise 22: Facebook

2007-11-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

I'm on facebook!

If you would like to add me as a friend, I am under my nsu email address.

Jamison's Facebook accout

Week 8, Exercise 18: Web-based Applications

2007-11-05T13:05:00.001-08:00

Week 8, Exercise 18: Web-based Applications

I love the idea of web-based applications! This seems like a great tool especially for those of us that find the MS Office suites a bit prohibitive in price. Also, for someone like me who does environmental research in the field, this type of technology is innovative in that we can not always travel with our laptops and the computers we do have access too are VERY old and basic, but usually always have internet access, but not many other programs. Now we could write up research, enter data, and even create presentations available anywhere we have internet access!

I am currently authoring this post on Zoho, so hopefully I post it successfully!

I also liked the idea of the Google Calendar mentioned in the pod-cast for this exercise. I'm going to check it out and compare it to the Zoho planner and see which I like best! I love the idea of a personal online calendar accessable anywhere, not just from your computer!

Week 8, Exercise 19: Discovering Web 2.0 tools

2007-10-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, I went to the Web 2.0 awards site and looked around and ended up picking a game! Talk about PLAY!

I picked the Guess-the-Google one under the games category because the name caught my eye. Try it out- it is fun and addicting!

Week 7, Exercise 17: Playing around with PBWiki

2007-10-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

I added my blog to the TLC 2.0 Wiki under Favorite Blogs.

I also added a favorite restaraunt and favorite animal! I can't wait to see what everyone else adds.

It took a bit of reading directions, but with the guidance provided by this weeks exercise page, using a Wiki wasn't so hard!

Week 7, Exercise 16: So what’s a Wiki?

2007-10-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

I really loved this concise explanation of a Wiki on Wiki, wiki, wiki - from PLCMC’s own Core Compentency blog:

"A Wiki is a quick-to-build, easy-to-edit website on which all information can be edited, changed, or rewritten by the users or members of the site. It is an incredibly useful tool for collaborative writing, pooling knowledge or exchanging ideas, especially on a subject that changes or needs updating frequently."

I can see a multitude of uses for this type of technology.

This would be a great way to work on updating the Libraries Strategic Plan each year, with everyone being able to contribute their ideas and discussion to any of the goals, instead of the core group that meets to work on them.

Also, this would be great for library reading programs, such as the PLS Summer reading program, where they have participants write book reviews- this way, everyone else can see them and benefit!

I also this this would help end long email strings between multiple recipients since that have one place to go to edit and discuss different matters.

Week 6, Exercise 15: Thinking About 2.0

2007-10-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

I read the following perspective on Libraries 2.0:

Away from the “icebergs”
Rick Anderson
Director of Resource Acquisition,
University of Nevada, Reno Libraries
http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/002/2.htm

I really enjoyed and agreed with the following 2 quotes:

"There was a time, not very long ago, when libraries exercised something close to monopoly power in the information marketplace."

~So true! How quickly we forget this...

and

"No profession can survive if it throws its core principles and values overboard in response to every shift in the zeitgeist. However, it can be equally disastrous when a profession fails to acknowledge and adapt to radical, fundamental change in the marketplace it serves."

~I agree...you have to find a balance between total change and no change at all.

Surprisingly, I also enjoyed some of Wikipedia's thoughts, which I don't always agree with:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_2.0
"Library 2.0 is a loosely defined model for a modernized form of library service that reflects a transition within the library world in the way that services are delivered to users."

This is more of my understanding of Libraries 2.0. Modernizing the way we reach and interact with our users/patrons. It's all about the services we provide and the information exchange- it's not just about the reference desk and card catalog any more! ;)

Week 6, Exercise 14: Technorati

2007-10-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

So, I just claimed my blog on Technorati!

http://www.technorati.com/blogs/jamisonsblog-jamison.blogspot.com

I really like the advance search. You can even search by just tags then it gives you the options to view: Quick View, Posts, Blogs, Videos, and Photos! It really gives you different information, especially if you do a keyword search for in Blog posts, in tags and in the Blog Directory.

Let's see if I can successfully add a tag to this blog post...

Week 6, Exercise 13: Tagging, folksomonies & social bookmarking in Del.icio.us

2007-10-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

This is a new technology that I can not wait to use at home to add my favorite websites that I have bookmarked on my computer. They are, just as the tutorial said, unorganized and overwhelming. I think this is a great tool!

I love the idea that you can use the social networking aspect of this to find new websites you did not know of and add them to your del.icio.us tags- what a great ideal and handy tool!

I also really like that I can access my bookmarks from anywhere, not just my home computer. That is a very helpful feature so that I don't have to remember or search for my favorite sites when I am working on other computers.

I can definitely see this has great potential as a wonderful tool for research assistance. You can create a whole list of tags and share with others that may be researching the same topic- then you would both mutually find even more resources!

http://del.icio.us/

Turtle Rescue 2.0

2007-10-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

On the way to lunch today with Dina, Rebekah, Nina, and Ayesha, we spotted a turtle in the middle of the road on SW 30th Street. Dina hopped out to move it over to the side so that it would not be hit when she noticed that it had a hook in it's mouth! We decided the turtle's plight was more important than a nice lunch out and took the turtle, who we named Claire, to the Wildlife Care Center in Fort Lauderdale. She is now in the good hands of the vet there and if she fully recovers, they will put her back in the area she was found. If she needs extra care, then they will find a good home for her.

Save the turtle, save the world!!!!!!!

If you ever come across and injured animal, please take it to the Wildlife Care Center:

http://www.wildlifecarecenter.org

Rollyo

2007-10-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed figuring out Rollyo- I had never heard of it or used it before.

I think this would be great for the library to create either subject specific searches (i.e. business or science) or age specific searches (i.e. teens).

I added my rollyo to my blog, but it is here as well. I tried a travel search.

Library Thing

2007-10-01T11:00:00.001-07:00

I LOVE Library Thing! I can't wait to go home and add all my books on my multiple book cases! This is one of my favorite things I have discovered so far in the TLC 2.0!

Great Image Generator for Halloween

2007-10-01T10:34:00.001-07:00

In the spirit of October and Halloween...

Pumpkin Carving Generator! Enjoy!

http://www.cubpack81.com/images/carve_pumpkin.swf

Image Generators

2007-10-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

Consipiracy Theory Generator:

What They Don't Want You to Know

In order to understand Technology you need to realize that everything is controlled by a Library made up of intellects with help from Librarians.
The conspiracy first started during launch of the TLC 2.0 program in South Florida. They have been responsible for many events throughout history, including the Moon landing.

Today, members of the conspiracy are everywhere. They can be identified by talking in soft voices.

They want to confuse TLC 2.0 participants and imprison resisters in Alligator Alley using sail boats.

In order to prepare for this, we all must learn and participate. Since the media is controlled by news stations we should get our information from blogs.

Image Generators

2007-09-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

I loved Lori's M&M so much, that I had to go and create my own! :)

It's the official, International Talk Like a Pirate Day!!!!

2007-09-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

Aye, tis' talk like a pirate day, argh!

Check out this really fun pirate speak translator!!

http://www.talklikeapirateday.com/translate/

Enjoy!

Here's one for you: "Arrr, hi, my name be Jaime. Aye, me parrot concurs."

Feedster

2007-09-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

For the Week 4, Exercise 9: Finding Feeds Discovery Excercise, I decided to explore one of the search tools to find feeds. I settled on Feedster, and what a find! None of my favorite Harry Potter sites seem to have RSS feeds, so I searched through Feedster and found a new HP site- a blog with all the same updates! I'm so excited to have a new resource for Harry Potter news.

Feedster is very user friendly and a great tool.

http://www.feedster.com/

RSS Feeds!

2007-09-17T09:16:00.001-07:00

Really, REALLY BIG RSS feed button
Originally uploaded by photopia / HiMY SYeD

It really is "Really Simple"!!!

I have been wanting to do this for ages- set up my RSS feeds and just didn't know how. Now, thanks to the TLC 2.0 program, I am finally set up with bloglines!

http://www.bloglines.com/public/jamison03

I am feeling super smart and proud today!

Week 3 Technology Thoughts

2007-09-13T06:55:00.001-07:00

I decided to look at two of the suggested points for comment:

-Do you know or use other photo sharing sites? How do they compare with Flickr?

I have viewed other pics and used other photo sharing sites, and I have to say, after this week that I prefer flikr. It seems to have far more options, rather than just uploading and sharing photos, and I like that it can become a social networking site for some- I thought that was really interesting.

-After browsing others’ photos in Flickr, did privacy issues cross your mind?

I do see some issues regarding privacy on flickr. Some of the photos I can across in the random selection tool were very inappropriate and others I can't imagine wanting to be made public. I think it is important to remember when you are uploading photos to think long and hard about their content and to be sure to select public or private before posting.

TTFN

Spell with flickr

2007-09-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

I had some fun playing with the Spell with flickr tool- let me tell you- the time can fly by while you click on each individual letter to see which one you like best!

More flickr fun...

2007-09-11T18:48:00.001-07:00

Oh, the huge manatee!
Originally uploaded by ulrichp

I found this great picture while exploring flickr as part of the week 3 exercises. For those who know me, you'll know why this cracked me up! :)

Flickr fun and park pet update

2007-09-11T18:24:00.001-07:00

Goodbye park pet 2
Originally uploaded by jamison03

Well, for the amount of digital photos I have on my computer, I can't believe I have never created a Flickr account! It's great and I can't wait to explore the site more and upload even more photos.

This photo is one of the first I uploaded when exploring Flickr. This is a picture of Ryan taking our park pet to the Wildlife Care Center in Fort Lauderdale. After a LOT of research, we concluded that we could not provide a good enough habitat for the "little" guy (who ended up weighing 72 lbs!). He needs lots of room and we would have had to invest hundreds of dollars into our yard to make it African Spurred tortoise friendly. They are diggers and have to be completely fenced in and you have to dig a barrier down into the ground and put up a barrier along the bottom of the fence so they can not see into the next yard. Plus, we would have to create a water feature for him. Feeding him wasn't too bad- he eats mainly hay and very little water. But, since we live on a canal, we could not leave him outside unattended as he would bee-line straight for the shore and Ryan had to grab him before he fell in! We decided that he needed a more suitable home, so once he broke through our porch door, we decided it was time to say goodbye. It was hard, he really was like a puppy dog, but we know we are doing the right thing and giving him a good home. Goodbye buddy!

1st Park Pet

2007-09-04T07:07:00.000-07:00

Well, it has finally happened. My husband Ryan, who works at a Broward County Park, has finally brought home our first "park pet"- a 40 pound African Spurred Tortoise!

Here are some interesting facts:

The Sulcata is the third largest species of tortoise in the world, and is the largest of the mainland tortoises. Adults are usually 18 inches in shell length, and weigh 70 to 100 pounds. Specimens with 24 to 30 inch long shells weighing 150 pounds are not unknown. They grow from hatchling size (2-3 inches) very quickly, reaching 6-10 inches within the first few years of their lives. An adult sulcata will need a great deal of space. Several web sites list the record size between 230 lb and 240 lb.

Sounds a bit too big for our back porch and yard to me!

FYI- A "park pet" is defined by any exotic species that is dropped off at a park by a pet owner who feels they can no longer care for the crazy animal that they bought in the first place, so they decide to set them "free" in the "wild". Problem is that these animals are usually exotic and will out compete the native species. So, as a naturalist, Ryan has to remove them from the habitat and find a suitable home for them. As you can tell, since the tortoise (who we are affectionately calling Godzilla) is at our house, Ryan is having a hard time finding a new home for him.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Spurred_Tortoise).

Blog Day 2007

2007-08-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Blog Day!

http://www.blogday.org/

Week 1, Exercise 2: 7 & 1/2 Habits online tutorial

2007-08-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

I guess the easiest habit for me is Habit 1: Begin with the end in mind. I love to plan everything out and make lists and goals so that I know where I am going. This helps when I am juggling so many things at once.

I think the hardest habit for me is Habit 3: View problems as challenges. Usually when problems arise, I view them as another stumbling block, not as a chance to learn. It is only later that I realize that I may have learned something out of the situation. If I could think about that at the time a problem arises, perhaps it will help me!

A good quote to start things off...

2007-08-28T08:09:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite quotes, and very appropriate! :)

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

--Mark Twain

Guestbook- Please feel free to leave us a message!

1999-09-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

Until I can find a suitable widget, we will use this as a generic guestbook for general comments. Thanks! :)