Hyde Park Corner

South Wheal Frances

2008-12-01T02:04:00.001-08:00

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!

2008-09-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-02T00:14:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-01T22:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-01T02:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Module 5: Google World

2008-08-31T23:42:00.000-07:00

Now I'm on familiar territory, almost familial! I've been 'googling' since first touching a computer in a library. Information through the Google search engine is limitless. I haven't made Google my home page, as I remain loyal to http://www.ninemsn.com/, but I do have an iGoogle account, through which I established this blog. I've just added an artistic 'theme' as background; one created by Rolf Harris, who in turn has an interesting website at http://www.rolfharris.com/. Also, I'm offered a 'gadget' in the form of a spider, which appears from nowhere and wanders over the screen in response to the mouse. Quite realistic! Kids' stuff really, but I enjoy it! I've also taken the opportunity to add a 'news alert' to my account to keep me informed on a certain news issue, via email.

E-Books and Overdrive

2008-08-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

The most exciting section of Web2.0 to date. I wonder how Yarra Plenty Regional Library became involved with Brisbane City Council Library Services in a Download Collection of books. The idea of Overdrive Downloadable Media is new to me and I can't get involved with it soon enough. My experience of audio books is limited to overnight recordings on ABC local radio. The prospect of downloading books, music and videos is fantastic and the Digital Media Guided Tour provides help for the 'newest user'.

Reading aloud to my child was one of my favourite pastimes and relinquished with regret when he learned to read. The discovery at http://www.librivox.org/ promises to be an eventful one. LibriVox was established in 2005 and the website is up-to-date! It provides free audiobooks from the public domain and offers an opportunity to volunteer to record chapters of books in the public domain. Would I like to? What a silly question. I think I'm in overdrive. Another possibility for indulgence comes at http://www.bookmooch.com/ which offers the opportunity to exchange books over the internet.

StumbleUpon Podcasts!

2008-08-31T03:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.stumbleupon.com/ webcast site seems to most aptly describe my web experience to date! It proves to be a comprehensive site occupied by some 5,864,250 Stumblers with seemingly unlimited access to any subject. Also of interest to this expat. is http://www.news.bbc.uk/ which offers a 1 min. news summary. http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/ has a page on What are podcasts? and 'delivers new files to one's computer, usually at no cost.'

YouTube

2008-08-31T01:30:00.000-07:00

Reminds me of now obsolete slide-shows of holidays. Fancy sharing them with the whole world! Searching my old home town, came across a protest about high-rise development in the area. Comments tend to be puerile. Don't have to read 'em! Can appreciate why librarians like 'Conan'.

Module 4: Podcasts, Video & Downloadable Audio

2008-08-31T00:06:00.000-07:00

I've had this video on my desktop for ages. It is a rare insight into the bonds that can be established between humans and other animals! Brightens my day when I'm feeling blue. Hope it lifts you up a little also.

Module 3: LibraryThing

2008-08-27T03:24:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing is definitely not to be compared to sliced bread. It is sheer heaven! As an avid reader since childhood, and not having access to all my books, titles and authors of some of which elude me, I am re-united with best loved books and can see them arranged on my bookshelf. At http://www.librarything.com/ it is so easy to join and then the world of books is your oyster. Since there are only 10 days left to complete the Web2 programme I''ll have to return to this website ASAP.

Image URL copied courtesy of Friendster profile editor

2008-08-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

Sunset over Glenelg, South Australia

2008-08-22T21:28:00.001-07:00

P1010097
Originally uploaded by Hedda Gabler

My first attempt at Flickr. Has taken me hours to blog my photo entry! I couldn't believe it when I was invited to Blog this photo. Eureka! I get immense satisfaction when something works out for me and urge any intrepid library members like myself to 'give a Taste of Web 2.0 a bash. It's worth it. Don't be afraid to enter the World of the Internet. The sky will definitely not fall in!