Genealogy #70: Genealogy 2.0

Genealogy #70: Genealogy 2.0

I created a free account with MyHeritage. I made a Celebrity Collage and used the widget to add the results to this blog. See below. I may change it out later when I get a better pic. I think that a different picture may give different results. I do like the family tree set up, but am wondering about the limitations before it is no longer free.

I went to Footnote and browsed the Member Discoveries. I think what people are doing on Footnote is pretty neat. It is a combination geneology/history & social networking site. It has free registration too, unless you want to view some of he documents. A lot of it can be viewed free, though. I may decide to use this as a way to connect with some folks that I may, or not, be related to. My maiden name is not common.



http://www.myheritage.com/collage
MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity

Genealogy #69: Database Researching

Genealogy #69: Database Researching

I conducted a search in Ancestry.com for historical records concerning my paternal grandmother. I was able to easily bring up her record on the SS death index. I also looked at Immigration Records. I found a record that matches all I know about her except the birthdate listed. If the immigration record had the age in years instead of months, it would be right on, including names of other family members. I'll have to confirm with some other family members.

It helps to know as much as you can beore starting. In my case, knowing the incoming immigration port made it easy.

Genealogy # 68: Detective Work

Genealogy # 68: Detective Work

I've looked at some of the examples provided of oral history projects and listen to some of the stories. I especially liked the JSC Oral History Project, since I am interested in Space.
However, my favorite oral history project is Storycorps from NPR. I hear it on the local station KUHF , 88.7FM.

I've never pursued an oral history project, except once as a high school project, many years ago. I would have liked doing one to record some family history, but the subject I was interested in passed away. My paternal grandmother immigrated here from Hungary and I would have like to hear more of her story. I think my father would be a good subject, too, but we live states apart. Maybe I can recruit one of my brothers.

I went to the Find-a-Grave site and search for the Oakwood Cemetery in Warren, Ohio. It lists 1057 interments. I have always been curious about that cemetery, but found that there really is no easy way to sort for the oldest grave. I searched for another cemetery in Trumbull County and found the Lover's Lane Memorial Cemetery, also known as the Leavittsburg Cemetery. This one only has 13 graves.

The oldest know grave at the Lover's Lane Memorial Cemetery is Fox from 1853. There is a headstone picture with just the surname and date. The top of the stone is missing. There are also a couple of listings without dates due to the condition of the markers. It looks like someone wanted to preserve what was still there before the condition got worse. This is an interesting site, but still has it's limitations.

Genealogy #67: Genealogy Genesis

Genealogy #67: Genealogy Genesis

I have studied my geneology, but have been lucky enough to have some family members who have kept track of the records. I may eventually get into it more myself, but do appreciate what others have done.

For beginning researchers, I advise talking to family members to see what may have already been done. One side of my family updates records at the yearly family reunion. On the other side, I have an uncle who has kept track of his sibs & their kids, plus a generation or two in the past.

My future goal is to find out if those folks in Michigan with my maiden name are related or not. I have my theories, but need to finish the proof.

Crafts & Hobbies #66: Knitting and Crocheting

Crafts & Hobbies #66: Knitting and Crocheting

I have crocheted in the past and even tried using thread instead of yarn to get a form of lace. I could never get the hang of knitting, too many parts. I don't really crochet here on the Gulf Coast, due to the heat. I was more inspired when I lived near the snowbelt. Plus I had a Grandmother who could crochet an entire afghan in just a day or two. (she was fast!)

If I had to choose making between a prayer shawl, chemo hat, or lap blanket, I would make a lap blanket. A group I was with in the North made lap blankets for the local nursing homes. It was fun to make them as a group and most of our group was male. I could also do the chemo hats, since I did hats before. However, I would need to practice a bit to get my skills up to par.

Does our branch have a knitting group? Our Children's Dept has had a knitting program this Summer. After the July program finishes, they will have another in August. These are both weekly beginner programs, but intermediate programs are possible in the Fall. The Young Adult Dept has had at least one knitting/crocheting progam in the past.

The Adult Dept doesn't have a "sponsored"program, but Bay Area Knitting & Crochet try to meet in our Conference room twice monthly. If we wanted to have a branch program, we would probably approach the Bay Area Knitting & Crochet group for assitance. They might be willing to host a program for us.

Crafts & Hobbies #65: Coin Collecting

Crafts & Hobbies #65: Coin Collecting

Wow. My piggy bank is special, because that is where I keep my interesting stuff. I have a box for the overflow. I consider myself a casual collector. I think it started when Grandpa would give us kids Kennedy half-dollars and Eisenhower dollars. I don't know if any of the other grand kids kept theirs, but I kept mine. Some of the Kennedy's are silver!

Just looking in the box, I see the Kennedy half-dollars and Eisenhower dollars. It is nice to hear the silver ones clink.
There is a Buffalo nickle with Indian profile on front. No date found - it is quite worn.
An Indian head penny, that unfortunately has some corrosion obscuring the date there also.
A Lincoln wheat back penny has the date 1917, but I think I have one or two older in the bank - 190- somethings. A steel penny too.
Roosevelt dimes - 1963 & silver and an oddly colored 1966.

I also have some foreign coins. I really like the Canadian coins I have. Three of them feature King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II as a young woman, and Queen Elizabeth II as an older woman. It shows the changing of the crown and how long Elizabeth II has been Queen.

I also have most , if not all of the state quarters. I just need to find where I put my folder for them. One member of the household does have their folder filled.

Like I said before, I'm a casual collector. I keep stuff in a box & piggy bank. I occasionally check websites for values, but most of what I have is just because it is interesting. There are some dealers in my area and I have window shopped before, but my stuff is just "found". I don't see myself buying coins as an investment. I check my change on a regular basis because you never know what you might find. I'm watchng for those nickles & what ever else cathces my eye.

Crafts & Hobbies #64: Zines

Crafts & Hobbies #64: Zines

I think I might make my own Zine, but it might just be a one-shot & not for distribution. Subject-wise, boy that's a tough one. This could be either instructional or self expression (or both). I can see turning some of the procedures I've written for work turned into a Zine. Maybe staff would remember some of the instructions if they have a more creative format.

I can see how the old pulp magazines could have started this way and some are still in publication today. I think that Libraries with zines are just providing another form of content to their customers. You need to start somewhere and, from what I saw, some of these zines have a big following. If the customers are reading it, why not have it in the Library?

Crafts & Hobbies #63: Digital Scrapbooking

Crafts & Hobbies #63: Digital Scrapbooking

I went to Scrapblog.com and took the 5 minute video tutorial, then created a layout using their free online program. No registration is required to create, but if you want to save, publish, or share, registration is necessary. I didn't try Crop Mom or Scrapbook Flair, but may take a look in the future.

My thoughts on digital scrapbooking: It is fun and I could learn to really like it. I like the idea of keeping stuff stored online, if available, because it doesn't take up memory on your PC.

I did you encounter a problem in trying to make a layout. I found I could not share what I made unless I registered with the website. Permission settings make a difference in how a layout may be viewed if you embed a link in your blog. If the permission is not set to public, others may not be able to see the layout. I only have one page for this "scrapblog", but it could be more.

Here is my layout.

Crafts & Hobbies #62: Decoupage

Crafts & Hobbies #62: Decoupage

I remember doing decoupage in scouts. There were several projects. One was a cigar box. We decorated it inside and out with decopage. If you didn't know it was a cigar box to begin with, you would have never suspected it when we were finished. We also did bottles. You could get a neat stained glass effect using colored tissue paper on a clear bottle or jar.

I really haven't done much decoupage since then, but liked some of the projects I saw on Flickr.
The decoupage chair by moxie may have taken time, but it looks worth it. Daxiang stef's switchplate gives me some ideas on how just a little thing can make a big difference. A switchplate is something I might try to begin decoupage again.

Crafts & Hobbies #61: Craftspiration!

Crafts & Hobbies #61: Craftspiration!

I took a look at Repurposeful, Instructables, and Craftzine. On Instructables, I found the Duct Tape Tear-Away Scratch Pad. This is a really neat and practical craft. You use scrap paper and duct tape to make a tear-away scratch pad. A very Green idea in reusing the paper. The comments on the post are very positive. I'll be using some of the desktop calendar pages that I use as scrap paper. They are aready cut to size. Now where is that duct tape?

Here is my Duct tape Tear-Away Pad:

Front & Back pics

This was EASY. I skipped the glue stick & it still works fine.

Next time, I'll have a front cover too. I used an empty tissue box for the cardboard.

I've browsed around in the multimedia section. I can learn craft techniques or DIY by watching a video or form of written instructions. I like to read over instructions first, but it is nice to have a video option when you are not sure exactly what the written version means. But I do like having a print version always. That way I can just peruse at my leisure and not worry about loosing my place in a video. The written also lets you quickly scan to see if it is something worth doing.

What can I do next?

Recession Busters # 60: Food, Fun & Frugality

Recession Busters # 60: Food, Fun & Frugality


I watched one of Clara’s videos and posted the video my blog below:





Clara's cooking reminds me of cooking in college. Some of this is still in use today, but I'm moving more towards rice instead of pasta.


I've known about Houston on the Cheap from one of the Houston Chronicle's blogs. I do look at it weekly and am frustrated when when there is a great deal, but it is on the other side of town. This is one example: $25 Massages This Summer at Lone Star College. I would take advantage of this deal, but not if I need to drive across town.


Here are some tips we have been using for some time regarding saving money during difficult economic times:

One thing we've done that is free is ride the Bolivar Ferry. We park in the parking lot and walk on. We don't walk off the Bolivar side, just ride the Ferry back & forth a few times while standing on the upper deck. You can watch the ships, enjoy the breeze, and maybe see a few dolphins.

Thrift Shops are a great resource, especially with growing kids. When the kids are at the point where that out grow clothes before wearing them out, Thrift Shops are the place to go. Where else can I get jeans for $3.00 most of the time? And the clothes that don't fit , but are still in good shape? Donate them for someone else to use. Most of the local shops support a charity, like Goodwill or ICM.

Another long standing tradition with us is Half Price Books. The local store knows us as regulars. We don't always buy something, but looking is part of the fun. And at a lesser cost than the regular bookstores. Of course, the Public Library is still the best place to get books and media. No cost and items are returned to the Library for less clutter at home.

Money & Finance #59: Credit, Money Management, and Saving

Money & Finance #59: Credit, Money Management, and Saving

I read the article How Credit Scores Work then took the Credit Score Quiz. I had a perfect score on the quiz and did not learn about any new information regarding credit reports and/or scores. I have experience with this information thorough buying a house and cars, all of which are now payed for. I just need to work on some other debt now.

I have made a spending/budget plan. I find the process easy to plan out, but difficult to execute. My difficulty is getting other members of the family to either help plan or execute. I use direct deposit because it is easier to plan when to pay bills, especially when using online banking, as mentioned in the previous post.

What I found to most useful on the TCDRS site to help understand my retirement benefits is the fact that it is so detailed. On this site you can: check your balance, review pay out options, get forms or brochures, follow links to other sources. They allow you to log in to to your personal account. If you want to check your personal account, check you statement for your PIN or call customer service to have it mailed to you.

All this information allows you to better plan for your retirement. I still have about 9 years before I qualify under the "rule of 75", but I plan to work longer than that. If I am unable to work for some reason, they also give available disability information. It is better to know this information in advance and not be suprised when you need to actually use it.

Money & Finance #58: Banking, Budgeting, and Spending

Money & Finance #58: Banking, Budgeting, and Spending

1)My bank does offer online banking and I do use it. It is nice to be able to pay bills online and track deposits & withdrawals. This especially convenient when family members don't remember to tell you about using their debit card. Since I mainly handle the bill paying, although I wouldn't mind someone else doing it, I still opt for paper bills & notices, in case I am unable to access the online banking or a family member needs to pay bills. Security seems to be OK. I use my home network, which is password protected itself, to access my banking. The bank also has security safeguards, so I know that I am at the real banking site. I selected a picture and named it myself as an extra ID feature. I do wish that since access is 24/7 that banking itself was also 7 days, but they don't send out bill payments on the weekends.

2) I've looked at the budgeting tools available. I really like Mint and could possibly see using it, but part of the problem is dealing with other members of the family. If it was just me, it would be much easier. I'm still trying to convince others that some of these tool could benefit them, and in turn, the rest of the family

3) I've read the article, Spend Less on Everything, on ways to cut back on spending. I already incorporate/implement several of these into my financial plan. I use a programmable thermostat, carry a refillable water bottle, wash in cold water as much as possible, and have been using CFLs for years. Being Green can save you money. I also comparison shop, both online and in person. I know where to get my regular "bulk" items and where to get my grocery deals. There are some other things I would like to do, but as I mentioned before, it requires the cooperation of other family members.

A Consumer's How To #44: How To & Make

A Consumer's How To #44: How To & Make

Of the different types of How To sites listed in the blog post above, Instructables is my favorite. I like eHow, WikkiHow, and HowStuffWorks too. There really aren't any how-to that I don't like, because they each have their own appeal. One not listed that I really like is MAKE. It is one that truly encourages the use of your imagination.

I looked at the Instructables site and immediately saw a subject I wanted to learn about: a Paracord bracelet with a side release buckle. I've seen these for sale online and have wondered how they were made. One DIY site had issued a "challenge" a while back to see who would figure it out. If I can remember which one it was, I'll make sure they have this link.

The instructions for this "survival" bracelet are very easy. I was having Girl Scout camping flashbacks about knot making. I don't know if I will be making one anytime soon, but I have a source fro instructions now. Maybe if I happen across some paracord while thrift shopping or freecycling ..... Or I could see what I have on hand...... Maybe a trip to the hardware store.... Hmmmm.....

A Consumer's How To #43: Buying & Selling Online

A Consumer's How To #43: Buying & Selling Online

Ebay I have used Ebay of several occassions. I use PayPal for payment. There was only one problem, which was quickly resolved. It helped that I documented all attempts of contact with the seller. Ebay is nice for used items, or new, that you can't find locally.

Half.com is good for textbooks. That is what I used it for.

Craigslist is great for local selling and shopping. There are no fees for using this site. I have both bought and sold items on Craigslist. I usually meet people away from the house, but have had people come to my house to buy/pick up and I have gone to others to do the same. Safety can be a factor, so use common sense.

Amazon is my friend. I will admit to Prime membership. I have bought both new and used. Customer service has been quick to help with any problems.

Etsy This is the first I have heard of this site. Not my cup of tea, but I will be telling a few friends.


I use PayPal for several things. Ebay, taxes - yes some can be paid via PayPal, and occasional shopping sites. I like PayPal because of its ease of use. PayPay already has my billing and shipping info and I don't need to type it in again and again. It is convenient for websites that I may want to use for shopping, but don't want to have to set up an account. I have not used it
for selling and accepting payments, but I can see the advantage of using it to do so.

Potluck #49: L'amore di lingue - Love of Languages

Potluck #49: L'amore di lingue - Love of Languages

OK, I'll admit to taking 2 years of French in High School a couple of decades ago. I didn't take the 3rd year because I was more interested in the Calculus & Drafting courses I was taking. My brain just leans more in that direction.

LiveMocha has some neat tricks to make the language more relevant, more intune with your life. You don't have to use the social connection part, but having real people and not just a program help you is a big bonus. They are there to learn too and really want to help.

Mangolanguages - The flash cards & narrator are OK, but the interaction IS kind of slow. My brain might fall asleep if I didn't pay attention. It is not a bad program, just not for the way my brain is wired.

I've also played with Rosetta Stone, available here - World Languages , if you have an HPL card. Rosetta Stone is kind of like a cross between LiveMocha and Mangolanguages, without so many flash cards or the social interaction part.

Of these three here, I'd probably start back with Rosetta Stone and move on to LiveMocha. That is if I could wrap my brain around it again. I could use some Spanish for work and maybe some Japanese.

Maybe if I think of it in terms of a puzzle......

Pot Luck #57: TXT U L8R - Texting

Pot Luck #57: TXT U L8R - Texting

I don't have a cell phone, so the only way I have sent any text message was via a web application to my DH's phone. I understand the principle behind it and have used DH's phone to access some web info, so I know how the keyboard function works. However, due to lack of any practice, I'm not sure I could send a message in an emergency. I might need to borrow DH's phone to practice my 'typing'.

I do understand some text lingo because I do use it in chat. I like Lingo 2 Word & can see where it could be really fun to use.

Texting and driving? I don't need to read the New York Times article. I already know that texting and driving is very, very, very scary. It is worse than talking on your phone & driving! I've alredy heard all the excuses on using a cell & driving and no, I don't think most people are talented enough to be doing both. I mean, I know some people, that if I HAD to ride with them, I wouldn't even talk to then while they were driving. I try very hard not to be in that situation.

It is scary seeing another driver texting while driving. Nothing could be that important.

If that is not bad enough, now Onstar wants you to twitter from the car ? OMG

Potluck #50: Global Nation

Potluck #50: Global Nation

I decided to use Tripbase.com to plan a "dream" vacation. Lately, I've been having the urge to get closer to Nature than the cats, possums, raccons, crows, & hawks in my backyard.

I used the destination finder, deciding to fly with high emphasis on nature, a little on dining, and nothing else. Only one location on my list had high nature AND good dining.

Here is the overview: San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina for $2866 for 8 days

I looks like I'll have to get that passport. I'll be arriving to late for the Peguin Santuary tours, but there are several tours to local waterfalls, a glacier, and a volcano.

Volcano.........

On second thought, I think I 'll go to Yellowstone National Park for under $1300 for 8 days instead. I'm sure I could find good food and I'd probably get more exercise walking around.

Look at this list:

Lone Star Geyser
Mallard Lake
Firehole River
Midway Geyser Basin
Grand Prismatic Spring
Yellowstone Lake
Fairy Falls
Storm Point Trail
Heart Lake Loop
Seven-Mile Hole Trail
Trout Lake Trail
Purple Mountain Trail

I don't think I can do them all in one week, but this is half the price of Argentina, so maybe I'll stay twice as long.

Update: Yellowstone in the news - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29843691/

Potluck #56: To Tweet or Not To Tweet...Twitter

Potluck #56: To Tweet or Not To Tweet...Twitter

I've browsed a couple of different Twitter profiles. I checked out Celebrity Tweet for a couple of names and decided it ws TMI. I don't feel like tweeting about anything either. I prefer to blog and read blogs.


I searched chocolate and NASA. Chocolate had a LOT of hits, many of which were totally uninteresting. NASA gave me the actual NASA twitter feed. It didn't have much that I wasn't already aware of. What I didn't know, I'm not sure I really needed to know.

I think the Twitter is more for people that have short attention spans or feel that they must tell others about EVERTHING. So, I won't be twittering myself, or subscribing to any Twitter feeds
Again I feel more comfortable about blogging. It gives you time to really thing about what you are writing.

Besides, you never know who is reading the tweets. You don't want to have this happen to you:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29796962/

Pot Luck #55: Getting the Most Out of Facebook

Pot Luck #55: Getting the Most Out of Facebook

Since this exercise wants me to sign up for a Facebook account, I will NOT be doing it. Facebook has been in the negative news too often lately and I am not really interested in what it offers. I have had several invites to Facebook, but already have enough ways to stay in touch with friends.

Blogging Note:

In case you were wondering, I have started adding a link to the iHCPL the Next Generation page that each blog exercise is about. Fell free to take look!

Potluck #51: Holidays and Cooking and Recipes - Oh My!

Potluck #51: Holidays and Cooking and Recipes - Oh My!

Find a recipe using one of the websites listed or use your favorite recipe
Although my favorite site for food is Kraft Foods, I decided to use the Food Network website to look for a recipe. I found a Breakfast Cookie recipe that looked interesting:

Breakfast Cookies
2007 Ellie Krieger, All rights reserved
Show: Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger Episode: Family Way

Level: Easy Yield: 12 cookies, serving size 1 cookie
Times: Prep 20 min Cook 12 min Total:32 min

Ingredients
3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup (1 small jar) strained carrot baby food
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup bran cereal flakes
1/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup walnut pieces, lightly toasted in a dry skillet for 2 minutes, until fragrant and chopped

Directions
Place rack in center of oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Whisk together flours, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Combine butter, oil and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on high speed, scraping down sides if necessary, until sugars have dissolved and mixture is light in color, about 1 minute. Add egg, carrot puree and vanilla and beat an additional 30 seconds. Add flour mixture and beat an additional 30 seconds. Add oats, flakes, raisins and walnuts and mix over low speed just until incorporated. Dough will be slightly sticky and less cohesive than traditional cookie dough. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using between 3 to 4 tablespoons of batter, form a ball and place on cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining batter, leaving about 3 inches between cookies. Wet hands and use palm of hand to flatten cookies until about 1/4-inch thick. Bake for 12 minutes, until cookies are fragrant but still soft. Let cookies cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely


Covert the recipe either up or down.

Converting the recipe x 4 using the Recipe Ingredient Conversion Calculator yields these results:
3 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup canola oil
1 cup dark brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 cup strained carrot baby food
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups bran ceral flakes
1 1/3 cups raisins
1 1/3 cups walnut pieces, lightly toasted in dry skillet & chopped

I like the site I used to convert the recipe. It doesn't just convert the numbers, but wil give you a whole "new" recipe ready to print. Very nice!

You should remember that converting a recipe up or down can change the way the recipe turns out. However, I think the recipe above will work just fine.

Books, Readers and Beyond: #54 Social Networking Though Books

iHCPL the Next Generation #54

Exercise#1
I am currently a member of two book clubs, both meeting monthly. One is a staff book discussion group and the other is the local Science Fiction/Fantasy book club. They both have the same format: tell us what you've read this month. You get recommendations about books that you may or may not have read and get to put you own two cents in. I much prefer the in-person clubs because you have a set time & place & your full attention. Plus you can get together for other stuff too.


Exercise#2
I've already implemented a book club into my Library. My self & another staff member reached out to an existing book club, the Science Fiction/Fantasy book club, that had been booking our conference room. I attended a few meetings and proposed a partnership that has been beneficial to both sides. They got a regular meeting space and advertising & we got a core group that has grown since implementation.

Using Reading Group Guides, I searched for a book that the Science Fiction/Fantasy book club could discuss. I liked this site's ability to search by genre and specific genre, not just "fiction". I found Fahrenheit 541 by Ray Bradbury. However, having just one title could be boring.


Exercise#3
I search for Raise the Titanic on a couple of social networks:
LibraryThing shows an average rating of 3.69 out of 5 points.
Shelfari shows a nearly 4 out of 5 stars average.
Goodreads shows an average rating 3.78 out of 5.
I'm not suprised that the ratings were similar, it is a solid book. I like that these sites allow for searching without needing to be member.

Books, Readers and Beyond: #53 Finding Books Online

iHCPL the Next Generation #53

Exercise #1 Find the three booksellers that are closest to my branch. Some may not consider these traditional booksellers, but they are the three closest & have web presences as shown.

Inside our Library:
Friends of Freeman Bookstore 16616 Diana Lane, Houston, Tx 77062 just inside of entrance
http://www.amazon.com/shops/freemanfriends and
http://shops.half.ebay.com/libvol

.89 miles away:
Bedrock City Comic Company (281) 557-2748 106 W Bay Area Blvd, Webster, TX http://www.bedrockcity.com/ Searchable.

1.16 miles away:
Half Price Books, Records & Magazines (281) 335-1283 961 Nasa Pky, Houston, TX http://www.halfpricebooks.com/ Give you locations & info, but directs to Amazon for books.


Exercise #2
I searched Amazon for Cussler's Raise the Titanic. It is available in paperback: new@ $9.99 or used@ $2 & up. Even with free shipping for new, I'd probably go for the used @ $5.98, shipping included. It is also available on audio cassette for $120. The Kindle edition is $7.99.

I used eBook Searchr to find other eBook versions. Wattpad has a version that can be read on a cell phone and there are some other free and commercial sites, but I'd have to check the legalities of each. Unfortunately, my local Library systen doesn't have it as an eBook or eAudio.


Exercise #3
I have downloaded and read entire eBooks using the Harris County Public Library's Digital Media Catalog. I do this when a hard copy is not available. It is easy to do. The instructions are available and clear. And eBooks are searchable.

But, I still prefer the feel of a print book. I can still read them without power using booklights or candles. AND They are much easier to read in bed.

Books, Readers and Beyond:#52 What to Read

iHCPL the Next Generation #52

Exercise #1: I chose to find a read-a-like for Clive Cussler's Raise the Titanic! Searching Novelist Plus gives me a couple of options. I can find similar authors or similar books. In this case we are looking for similar books. Under the "Find Similar Books" option, I have the following subjects to select or deselect:
Titanic (Steamship)
Salvage
Pitt, Dirk
International intrigue
Suspense stories, American
Adventure stories, American
Sea stories, American

I remove Dirk Pitt from the mix, so I don't get just Dirk Pitt books. The result still gives me Cussler books, but others as well:
Raise the Titanic! Cussler, Clive
Night probe! Cussler, Clive
Bahamas blue Poyer, David
Blindfold game Stabenow, Dana
Dreamboat Gould, Judith
Tempest down Rovin, Jeff
Black storm Poyer, David
The threat: a novel Poyer, David
Pacific vortex! Cussler, Clive
Valhalla rising Cussler, Clive

I've been using Novelist, then Novelist Plus for quite a while and really like the search options it provides.


What should I read next? asks for title & author and returns a list:

Bear Island - Alistair MacLean
Golden Buddha - Clive Cussler, Craig Dirgo
Polar Shift - Clive Cussler, Paul Kemprecos
Treasure of Khan - Clive Cussler, Dirk Cussler
James Bond: Spy Who Loved Me - Ian Fleming, Jim Lawrence, Yaroslav Horak
Plan of Attack - Dale Brown
The Veteran - Frederick Forsyth
The Coming of the King - Nikolai Tolstoy Snuff Fiction - Robert Rankin
James Bond: Goldfinger - Ian Fleming, Henry Gammidge, John McLusky

I could not find the Cussler title on any of the The Fiction_L Booklists and did not like the set up on this site. It does not have a good search option.

Looking at the two sets of results that I do have show that there are similarities with additional Cussler books listed. However they do diverge a bit with the other books. I've always considered the Dirk Pitt books a cross between James Bond and Indiana Jones. I think the Novelist list is a little more accurate for me, but depending on taste, either of these lists will give you good ideas.


Exercise #2: Find two books suitable for a fourth grade girl interested in animals and another two books for her thirteen year old brother who is interested in ghost stories.

I'll be using Novelist Plus for both these searches.
For a fourth grade girl interested in animals, I chose the Recommended Reads for older kids. This has lists for both Animals (nonfiction) and Animal Stories (fiction). I chose Animals and found a list of books on Horses and found

Horse breeds of the world by Brent Kelley and

Horse & pony book: a practical guide to caring for a horse or pony by Carolyn Henderson.

For her her thirteen year old brother, I used the Curiosities list under Recommended Reads for Teens. The two title I chose are

Real ghosts, restless spirits, and haunted places by Brad Steiger and

Unexplained by Judy Allen.


Exercise #3: A customer tells you that he's read every book written by Dean Koontz and asks you to find an author who writes similar books.

Using Novelist Plus again, I was able to find author read-a-likes

Dan Simmons, Charles Grant, and Robert McCammon


Exercise#4: A customer has read Alanna: the First Adventure by Tamora Pierce. She would like to read the other books in the series in order.

Using KDL's Whats Next? database, I was able to quickly find the series containing the book.

Song of the Lioness quartet
Book 1 Alanna: The first adventure
Book 2 In the hand of the goddess
Book 3 The woman who rides like a man
Book 4 Lioness rampant

I would also recommend the site to the customer, in case she wants to find out about the other series in the same world. Novelist Plus could also have been used to do this.

2009, a New Year, blogging again

Back again with more iHCPL nextgen stuff. I'll be able to finish up some stuff from last year and do new stuff from this year. The format has changed some with sorter time limits for the new stuff this year, but I have til November to finish the 08 stuff. See you soon!