You Oughta Be in Pictures #91: Fun with Photos

You Oughta Be in Pictures #91: Fun with Photos

I chose a photo to edit in FotoFlexer  and BeFunky.  I looked at BigHugeLabs, but it seemed more complicated to start. I used the cartoon function each site has to edit my picture.

The results are similar but not exactly the same.  They could be closer in resemblance, but BeFunky had more "built in" cartoon options.  I choose option 3, because I liked the way it looked.  There were also a couple of Premium options, but I wasn't interested in registering or pursuing it further at this time.  
Take a look.  Which of these two edits do you prefer?  Be sure to scroll down for my image generator pic.

 This is the FotoFlexer edit.

This is the BeFunky edit.

I used the image generator funny pho.to to generate this:

I liked this better than using my face.  It seems a little more magical.  Trying to fit my face in some of the images I did like was just not working out.

I don't think I'll use the funny.pho.to site again.  Like some of the others, there were too many ads all over the place.

Here is the profile pic I use on Amazon, but Cartoonized on BeFunky.

You Oughta Be in Pictures #90: Sharing Photos

You Oughta Be in Pictures #90: Sharing Photos

 I watched the suggested video for an overview of photosharing.  It was a very basic overview.

I am familiar with the sites listed: Flikr,  Photobucket, Picasa , and Facebook. 
I have a Flikr account and have played with Photobucket and Picasa.  I may get more involved with Picasa via Google, but only time will tell.  I'm not interested in Facebook.

Features that are important to me when sharing my photos?  Both privacy and copyright/creative commons options are important to me.  More the privacy at this point, so I can control who sees my photos.  The creative commons option is nice too, for those items that I don't really consider private and am willing to "set free".  Flikr lets me do both.

My main concern is taking the time to really organize what I do have.  I do take pictures and share with family, but I'm not as into it as I could be.  At this point I just like to have my pics backed up so I don't lose them.

Memorial Day

Please take a moment to Remember. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z8hh7WGLNw

You Oughta Be In Pictures #89: Basic Photo Editing

You Oughta Be In Pictures #89: Basic Photo Editing

From the choices available,  Picnik,  Photoshop, and Fotoflexer, I used a sample photo from Fotoflexer to edit. I first flipped the water lily, then used the flipped image with the original to create a two picture collage.  I then used the collage to make a poster.   Here it is:

The photo editing features important for my use are basic - cropping, red-eye fix, and resizing, although I do like some of the fun effects  I've used both  Picnik and Fotoflexer because they were easy and I did not need to register for them, but at this time I prefer Fotoflexer.  It was easier to play with the photos and had a few fun features the other did not.  Mostly, it will depend on your own needs and prefernces which you will choose.

iGoogle

"Resistance is Futile!"  So True...

I admit that I have become more involved with Google.  What started as a way to chat with my child has now evolved into an iGoogle account.  This is similar to My Yahoo!, but fancier.  I have my Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Reader, and a few other things in one spot.  I'm still testing out some Apps.

Now I just need to convert, um convince, the rest of the family.

The Web According to Google #88: Wave, Buzz, and Mobile

The Web According to Google #88: Wave, Buzz, and Mobile

Wow, talk about being connected. Google Wave and Google Buzz are more developments to connect to others. Yahoo! has something for you to get updates from those in your contacts & Buzz may be something similar (and beyond).  Wave, I'm not sure I'm quite ready for it yet-I've just been introduced to sharing Google Docs. I think I'll wait to see how it develops before going any deeper into that pool.

Some of the Google Mobile  apps are interesting, but I don't have a mobile phone. I could borrow my DH's, but it has a small not very clear screen (not 3G). If I did have a more web capable phone, I would choose Maps and Search. Those are apps I use regularly on my PC.  When I do get a cell phone, eventually sometime, I don't think I'll have access to these anyway.

The Web According to Google #87: Google Reader

The Web According to Google #87: Google Reader

I took the tour to try the service out. I may still sign up later.  At this time I mainly use Bloglines for my feeds.  I also watch a few feeds on  My Yahoo! also.  I can see where using Google Reader in iGoogle and adding feeds could be more convenient. I usually check email on a daily basis and I like the few I watch on My Yahoo! being just a click away. I’m just debating how involve I want to be with iGoogle at this time.

Subcribe to a favorite site with feeds?  I’m already subscribed to my favorite sites via Bloglines and did not want to duplicate. I found that there are some preselected bundles you can try out. I selected the Staff Picks list. It still duplicates a few sites, but it looks like a fun way to experiment. I can always delete the ones I don’t like. Now I have 14 (minus the few dups) new feeds to read.

The Web According to Google #86: Calendar and Documents

The Web According to Google #86: Calendar and Documents

Creating a calendar in Google Calendar and adding some events and tasks to it was easy.  I think I would use Google Calendar more at home than in the workplace.  Not a lot of my work is something I can do from home.  I can see how sharing a calendar with family could be very good if all cooperated.  I still have trouble getting some to write it on the home wall calendar.  There could be other uses for those sharing a common calendar, whether it be a coach posting times for practice or to combine multiple work and play schedules for a family.

I created a file Google Docs and shared it with a few people, including myself at a non-Gmail address.  I can see this as a way to collaborate on a group document.  You do need to create a Google account in order to participate in a shared Doc.  I also uploaded one from my computer. This is a good way to keep and access documents online instead on carrying them on a flash drive.  I can see myself using Google Docs in addition to a desktop office application.  It is a way to easily access and share documents, but I don't want to be limited if I cannot connect to the net.

The Web According to Google #85: Resistance is Futile

The Web According to Google #85: Resistance is Futile

For those in the know: Resistance is futile

I use several Google products on a regular basis.  Among them are Websearch, Gmail, Maps, Earth, and a
few others.  Most of these are search functions of one sort or another and I like the way they work.  The mail I use due to my DDs preference and allows me to keep in touch during the day.  They are not the only products I use for the various search and mail funtions, but they are a very nice and convenient set to access.

I check out Google Labs on a regular basis.  You never know what may be there.  Of the current list,  City Tours and People Hopper look interesting.  I'm more likely to use the City Tours than People Hopper, but I think the People Hopper concept would appeall to a number of people.

I browsed around Google Books.  I admit it had been a little while since I did this last.  Wow.  It just keeps on growing.  I like that they have LIFE magazine available for viewing.  The My Library feature is a convenient way to keep track of the items you like.  I can see this becoming an extra resource for Libraries seeking reviews, previews, or actual books and magazines in their entirety.

Publishing Evolution #84: Writer Communities & Author Websites

Publishing Evolution #84: Writer Communities & Author Websites

I have gone to favorite author websites to find out the latest on upcomomg publications.  They are usually the best source for that information and often have excerpts to whet your appetite.  Most of the time, I just read the website info and like reading about the authors.  Once in a while I will contact an author with a question.


The idea of a book being published based on popular vote gives some concern.  I understand publishers wanting to publish popular, thus  moneymaking, titles.  However, I think that such voting should be taken with a grain of salt.  Having a lot of people vote for something doesn't always mean it is good.  It may be a good way to "test the waters", but how do you know whether the author just has a very large family to skew the vote?

Publishing Evolution #83: Paper to Pixels (or e-ink)

Publishing Evolution #83: Paper to Pixels (or e-ink)

I prefer paper over pixels.  It is much easier to read a paper book in bed than a PC,  laptop, or E-reader.  With a book it is easier to hide the light I use after dh goes to bed.  There are also times that I will take a paperback (or 2 or 3) with me while traveling and leave them behind when finished for someone else to discover. (a note in the book lets them know it is not lost, but abandoned)  Another reason is access.  I share 2 computers betweem 3 people at home.  One is an avid gamer who hovers when not on the net.  The other is a student & video maker.  I really don't have time to read online.

I have learned patience in getting my reading material. I have found that books tend to be less expensive if bought used.  less money per book = more books  Beside, I just like the feel of a book.

I'm not sure how I feel yet about the cost of a digital book versus a paper copy.  Again, I tend to get used books most of the time.  The few time I did get digital copies was when I use the Library's download service.  It was free and there wwas no risk of an overdue fee.

I visited iFiction to look at what it offers.  I like the idea of preview and then pay.  It give me the chance to see if I like the story and wrting style.  The price is right, too.  I have seen it range from $0.49 to $4.00 to read the "rest of the story".  The preview percentage also differs.  I think it is at the authors discretion.  The links to the author Bios are nice too.  It looks like a good way for authors to get exposure.

Publishing Evolution #82: Print on Demand

Publishing Evolution #82: Print on Demand     

Writer Beware has an excellent piece on print on demand (POD).  I recommend  it to any wanting to know about POD.

I visited each of the websites listed,  Lulu, Xlibris, Author House,  iUniverse , and  Createspace  (Amazon.com) to see what they offer. Using these services to print a book  can vary in cost, but only regarding the extent of services wanted.  The sites themselves are similar with the varying levels of service and cost to have your book printed.  What site you would use depends on your tastes. 

As for the published books, I saw that there was often 3 possible formats - hardback, paperback, and ebook.  Sometimes the cost of a printed book is higher than traditionally published books, probably depending on demand or what the author thinks they can get for it.  To my pleasant suprise, however, I found that the ebook format costs less than "traditional" ebooks.  This can be a good way to get exposure as an author.

I experienced a form of self publishing in college.  Some professors had written their lecture notes and other information they thought relevant to the class that was not included in the textbook.  This addition "book" was available at the local copy center for a fee and was printed while you waited.  I thought it was a good way to get the information out without needing to have printed copies in stock.  The wait wasn't long for printing/copying and the material was always useful. (The professor did write it for the class.)

I might consider buying a self published book, if I found one that was of interest.  Cost could be a factor, but if I was interested enough....   I do like to look at books before I buy.  Getting reviews can also help.  That is one reason I work in a Library and buy used books.

The Future of Media #81: Get Out Your Crystal Ball

The Future of Media #81: Get Out Your Crystal Ball

You can't look at a crystal ball without thinking of the past.  I remember the 8-track vs audiocassette debate and Betamax vs VHS.  I remember when the laserdisc first appeared (Think DVD, but LP sized).  I still have LPs, 45s and a record player to play them on.   I am an early adopter in some regards.  You may have read in an earlier post that I have owned a widescreen HDTV CRT for about 8 years.

Technology moves on.  I remember when the internet was just starting.  Now you can have streaming video on your PC, Laptop, or hand-held device. Despite all this, I think we will always want a format you can hold in your hand AND the convenience of computer access. 

But not everyone has internet access. And in homes that do, there may be only one computer.  Just because you hear about all the tech, dosn't mean it is in wide use.  I watched the HD DVD vs Blu-ray race and still get regular DVDs.  I don't see my DVD player dying anytime soon.  Same with my VCR, tho if I want to record with it I would need a converter box (maybe.  I need to look at the back of the electronics again. Good thing the system is on wheels.)

The new 3D movies are fun, but I don't see myself adopting that tech at home yet, unless it just means a pair of 3D glasses.  Maybe the new 3D developments will help advance virtual reality technology.  Holo-deck anyone?  I think that is the influence for the future.

But I will still go to the movies.  Besides, the last movie I attended included 3 adults and 6 teens and I don't think they all would have fit in my living room even if it was clean.

The Future of Media #80: Movies

The Future of Media #80: Movies

I have used Hulu to watch a free full-length film on my laptop, but I prefer the larger screen of my TV.  That is why we have DVDs and cables for connecting the laptop to the larger TV 'monitor'.


I looked for a trailer for the upcoming movie "The Last Airbender".  Hulu did not have it in their trailer list, but gave me a search option to find it on other sites.   IMDB, or Internet Movie Database, is usually my default site for finding info on movies.  They had the trailers with a quick search.  I like the additional info IMDB provides.  This movie is based on an anime titled "Avatar, the Last Airbender".   I guess they changed the movie title after that other Avatar movie came out.

I  don't think I would use any of the fee-based services to get the movies I want at home.  Between the public Library, Hulu, and other free sites, I can usually find what I want.

The Future of Media #79: Television

The Future of Media #79: Television

Television.  First of all, let me state a couple of things.  I have owned a widescreen HD CRT TV for over 8 years and get my programming over the air.  I was ahead of the curve with HD programming and had no problems with the changeover.  I used to watch a few programs on a regular basis.  After the TV writer's strike, I became disaffected by TV.  I now rarely watch TV, except for the occasional DVD or something like the Olympics.

I visit Hulu occasionally, just to see if there are any new programs I might be interested in viewing.  The site does provide decent coverage.  Some shows may be a short series and in that case may have a limited time for viewing.  Viewers should be aware of such limitations so they are not caught in the middle of a series when it is rotated out.   I actually found one program I liked enough to buy the DVDs.

Have I ever watched a TV show on my cell phone? Well, no, because I don't have a cell phone.  Even if I did,  I don't think I would want to do so.  There really isn't anything out there that I am interested in watching on so small of a screen.
I do check on one YouTube  user "channel" regularly, because the poster is a relative.  I do not  post videos to a site on a regular basis.

Searching #78: Video

Searching #78: Video

I've looked around  HCPL’s YouTube channel.  How could our own branch video add to the mix of searchable video content on the Internet?  I think that would depend on how the video is titled, described, and tagged.  Most of the search result seem to depend on these three things.  I like how the book reviews include the book title and the event videos are location and event specific.


I searched for a particular video using both Truveo and Blinkx.  I decided to look for the "Printing at Freeman" set from the above channel to see what would happen. 

Truveo listed 3 of the 4 "Printing at Freeman" videos and one other video titled "TMI - The Episcopal School of Texas Print Shop Ribbon Cutting" under the all of their tabs.

Blinkx had a 2 page list, but none of the "Printing at Freeman" videos were in the list.  I guess that it due to the search method they use.  I don't like the auto preview they start up.  I would rather choose what to view on my own.

I also search for "Amish Paradise" on both sites.  Truveo had 1828 hits and Blinkx had 1430.  Again Blinkx had the annoying preview that automatically played.  Both had a preview of the hits- pictures with Truveo and either pics or repeating clips at Blinkx. 

Truveo lists the channels, or sources, of its hits.  The site also has Top Ranked, Most Recent, Most, Popular, and Highest Rated categories. You can also choose to list the hits three across with the title and source or a listing that includes channels, descriptions, tags, and age of post.

Blinkx has a list with title, description, source, and date.  They also have a video wall feature.  It creates a 5x5 video wall of the pics & clips found.  If you mouse over the wall, each 'tile' will expand a bit with info.  They give you instructions on how to add the wall to your site or blog, but I think I will pass.

Of these two, I find Truveo to be less annoying.

Searching #77: Images

Searching #77: Images

Exercise 1 asks "Using All Free Clip Art , how many clicks did it take to get to a color Santa that doesn’t look like a troll?"  My answer: 2

I used the search function by typing "santa" in the box and clicked on search. (click 1)  I looked at the search results and decided to stick with All Free Clip Art.  I selected the 5th link in the list:  http://www.allfree-clipart.com/clipart/Holidays/Christmas/christmas-clipart13.html (click 2)  Voila, three color Santas!  One may look like a bit like a troll and another was kind of skinny, but I have at least one that meets specs.

I read  “10 Places to Find Free Images Online” .   I did not try the site that a commenter warned about on the exercise blog.  I did try several others.  A couple had bad links.   Here are 2 I like:

FreePhotosBank does have advertising for other sites around the free photos, but if you pay attention, you can search and get free photos.  I like the details given about each photo and the options for jpeg or zip downloads.  Their Terms of Use are very clear that only the photos listing "freephotobank" as photographer are free to use so long as the site is credited.  Other photographers should be contacted for permission to use their photos.  The photo above is from FreePhotosBank.

I have used Flickr before.  I really like their use of the Creative Commons licensing.  Like the site above, the terms are very clear on what is needed for each level of licensing.  Again, free use of photos, just properly accredit if needed.

I have logged into the clip art program HCPL uses before.  Here is an illustration that could be used for a program at my branch.         Image copyright Jupiterimages

Searching #76: Sound Effects

Searching #76: Sound Effects

I the first Exercise, I used FindSounds to search for and post links to at least three animal sound effects in my blog. Here they are:
Rattler          Toad            Moo

lettersnstuff is the site I eventually found via FindSounds.  The site states that it provides free content.  You can take a look to judge yourself.  I did see several sites that did give me contact info if I wished to use recordings ( Here is an example), but many more with nothing at all on copyright.  If it wasn't obvious, I wasn't going to dig too far.

The second exercise recommends using the Simply the Best Sounds website.  I like this one better because it states right off the difference between public use and not. 
The following sounds were clearly marked Public Domain:     Boing2       Typing     Cow

I highly recommend the Simply the Best Sounds website. I will remember it for future use.

Skipped Posts

You may have noticed some missing posts. Those are all pet based. Unless you count the plant at home and the rock at work, I don't have pets. I should have submitted the rock for the Parade of Pets.

Searching #75: Google and Beyond

Searching #75: Google and Beyond

I typed in four queries in Blindsearch to see how I rated the search engines Google, Yahoo!, and Bing. Out of the 4 searches, Google was my choice for 3 searches, with Yahoo picking up the fourth. I did think if funny that, in one search, both Google and Yahoo had Yahoo Shopping as the first result.

The week that I searched, Google was #1 on Hitwise. Its closest competitor was Yahoo. Google had just over 71% of the share and Yahoo just under 15% based on volume.

I do usually use Google, but have used Yahoo, too. I think these results reinforce my current choices.

I have explored the features Google and always find new things. One thing did I discovered that I might find useful, if I had a cell, is Google SMS. Pretty neat. I don't know if I'll tell my DH about this one though. He is too Google dependent as is. I will keep the number handy.