Which is the better news source?

The comic strip "Betty" is tackling the subject of information this week. Betty has challenged her teenaged son to a comparison of the Internet vs. the local newspaper. Of course her son has different priorities. If you have trouble reading the comic, just click on it for a larger view.

Week 9: #20 Discover YouTube and other video sharing sites

I think most people who have email have had some experience with You Tube. You can't open your email without at least one post from a friend that has a You Tube video attached. Some are fun. Some are silly. Some are "why-oh-why-did-you-send-me-this-stupid-thing?!"

But You Tube is here to stay and, as is mentioned in the lesson, is making an impact. Not just by filling up our mail. One of the Democratic presidential debates featured questions posted by You Tube users. A Republican debate along similar lines is scheduled. Candidates are reminded by their handlers to be aware that it's a 24-hour video world and cell phones are everywhere and can capture an embarrassing moment at any time.

I chose the video in the following post because it's from a favorite TV series -- Corner Gas -- and because it's about blogs, and because it captures the personalities of the three characters featured. I tried to embed the video but was not successful, so I linked to You Tube instead.

As far as libraries use of You Tube, I think it's a great way to publicize events. Probably storytime clips get the most use, but adult programming would also benefit. Book clubs. Authors' visits. Or even videos just for other libraries, showing a new program or feature that has been successful in a library. An excellent way of communicating with other librarians.

How Blogs Are Born

Did I mention that Corner Gas is my favorite comedy on TV?

Yes, I know I have. And for folks who haven't seen any of it, I'm posting a link to a clip posted on You Tube. The characters featured are Brent, who owns the gas station, and his friends Hank, whom Brent has known since they were 6, and Wanda, who went to high school with them and now works for Brent.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV2Hs2rgto8

Week 8: #19 Web-based Apps: They're not just for desktops

While I can see the benefit of online applications, I found Zoho a bit confusing. I used the recipe template, but I needed help finding out to post it on my blog. (Thanks, Assistant Cataloger I!) Sometimes I'm just confused by all the bells and whistles on a program. The various features are good to have, but once again, I'm an analog girl trying to figure out a digital world.

Zoho Recipe Writer

Comfort Food: Meatloaf

Name of the Dish : Old fashioned meatloaf

Type : Comfort food

Serves : 4

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1 cup oatmeal or bread crumbs 1 egg, slightly beaten 1/4 to 1/3 cup barbecue sauce 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 small can tomato sauce

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Gently mix together first 8 ingredients and 1/2 of the can of tomato sauce. Form into a loaf and place in loaf pan or baking dish. Top with other half of tomato sauce. Bake for about 1 hour. After baking, let the meatloaf sit 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Week 8: #18 Social Networking: Making friends in the comfort of your own home

I believe that My Space and Facebook and similar websites can be very useful tools. I know that my niece has a My Space page and has found past classmates and teachers through the site. And I think that the "six degrees of separation" aspect is intriguing. It might be especially helpful if one is planning a career change or a move to another location.

While I was on Ning, I came across some groups that were interesting. I may have to go back to those...