South Wheal Frances

South Wheal Frances
Originally uploaded by opobs

My great-grandfather was the manager and a shareholder of this mine in the 1800's.

Got to the winning post!

Feel elated. So much to learn but thanks to YPRL I'm off on the right foot. Great opportunity and can recommend it if and then and when it comes round again. Thanks to all concerned.

Skype

Skype has to be one of my most important to do things to date! In spite of entreaties from cousins overseas I've neglected to set up an account with Skype. My Canadian cousins have long since learnt the value of this free-as-air service. Would that it were available in those far off days when my family of origin was 13000 miles away and phone-calls cost a bomb!


From the information at http://www.skype.com/ it sounds to be user friendly, certainly cost effective in the extreme and made for this generation of backpackers, grey nomads, migrating professionals and travellers in all directions. All one's ?? are answered, such as security of calls and calling people not on Skype.

Second Life

Introducing Misschief Swashbuckler, my atavar's or representative's name in a Second Life of my own creation! Second Life is a virtual reality world, currently occupied by individuals, businesses and universities alike.



The video from the London Oncology Clinic shows their use of it in conducting a virtual tour of the clinic to prospective patients. Murdoch University Library has embraced Second Life and its video explains the need to familiarise students with the latest information technology strategy. Much of the information on http://wwww.secondlife/ website has stalled around 2007, so I'm unsure how much use is currently being made of it. Seems like a lot of fun for the casual user, although I haven't downloaded the software. I enjoyed the one page satire of Second Life at http://www.getafirstlife.com/, or Under 18? get a Teen First Life.

Facebook

I've just registered with Facebook and got cold feet when looking for a friend! I prefer not to put other people's mail addresses on websites without their knowledge or permission. Haven't had a chance to tee it up with anybody. I would need a lot of spare time to use this website effectively, but can understand that it fills a gap in people's lives and maybe connects with long-lost friends. It's a young people's thing and I'd hate to deny them the pleasure of each other's company. Can feel Grumpy Old Woman taking over!

Module 6: Getting Social

My Space! Certainly not my space. Interesting exercise and kind of like playing with fire. I'm pleased that libraries are using My Space to reach their teenage patrons. I 've been asked to confirm my account but have no further use for it. Neither shall I reply to Tom who has sent me an email! My experience with http://www.drupal.org/ was more positive.

Play with Google Maps

Oh yes! I do like Google Maps. Having friends and relatives in all parts of the world I've used this facility to 'look in on them' when physically unable to do so. I 'm aware some may regard satellite photography as intrusive. However, it can be great fun and is not exactly CCTV! My niece in the UK said I may be surprised to find that she 'lives in the middle of a field' which was where Google flagged her. It's not always precise. However, when she gave me her exact location, I was able to see her newly-installed greenhouse and the level crossing that gives her horse the heebie-jeebies! I've located a street in the bustling city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, where a nephew lived for a time.


A recent addition to'map', 'satellite', with/without street names, and 'terrain' is 'street view'. This is only available in Australia and allows one to meander down any street. Faces are blurred and the view does not include 'entering the premises.' It would be handy for looking at prospective real estate property, especially at long distance. And looking back at places loved and lost! I would recommend everybody visit http://www.googlemaps.au/ if only to see what others may see when they look up your street address. In addition, directions to a destination from a starting point can be useful if a driver does not have a GPS.