iHCPL NextGen not completed - maybe next time

I think it was the Summer Break that did it - too much time between the posts. I did the same thing with the TV strike - stopped watching the reruns & just didn't go back to what few shows I did watch before. I don't think I 'll finish any of the others before deadline. I hope some of the NextGen will be repeated next year for training credit again. I liked the way each module was a separate training credit instead of needing to finish the whole thing to get points. I have my training for the year, but I'll be back.

Games and Gaming #38: Console Gaming

Talk about a blast from the past! I remember playing Pacman & others on those console tables at the pizza place after the game. The tables were great - you could still have your soda & pizza while playing the games. I played on the "nostalgic" game site with Pacman and Missile Command. Figuring out the command keys was easy, even without instructions. I prefer the console controls over the keyboard, but the timing in the game was the same I was used to playing. Since I was familiar with the timing and action of the game, I did OK. I guess that might give me an advantage over someone who has not played the classics.


For Gaming in the Library iHCPLnextgen presented Microsoft Xbox 360 , Sony Playstation 3 , and Nintendo Wii as 3 possibilities. These 3 are nice and currently HOT, but a lot could depend on your funding. Of these 3, I like the Wii because it encourages physical activity. However, cost and availablilty could make it hard to get.

I would like to propose another possible game system, the PS2. While the PS2 may not be as flashy as the PS3, it is still a very widely used system. It has been around long enough to have a good collection of games and a LOT of people are already familiar with it. It is still readily available, and if someone is upgrading to a newer system, available used at a discounted price.

I think that console gaming can be both fun and educational. Depending on the game, you can improve memory, observation skills, and even agility(dancing). And while you may get some who only come to the Library for the games, both console & PC based, they are at least exposed to what else the Library has to offer. You only need to get one or two connected to the books before some word of mouth gets others involved.

Games and Gaming #37: Get Your Game On @ The Library

I have read all the recommended articles on gaming in the library. The one I am most familiar with is The Shifted Librarian because I subscribe to her RSS feeds. I agree with what she has to say. Gaming DOES promote Reading and Library Usage and I have seen it. I like it when the games, even Runescape, are providing educational opportunities. The players may not even realize that they are learning because it is fun.

Some of it is more obvious - the Carnegie Mellon library games, for example, at http://www.library.cmu.edu/Libraries/etc/index.html . I played these and found them easy, but you could say that I've had practice. I like that they teach basic library organization and research skills. I wouldn't mind seeing something like like on my Library's website.

Games serve two purposes - as a lure to get people into the Library and as a tool to teach them. Once in the Library, people notice what else is available. Playing the games, they learn new skills, including social skills, in order to better interact around them. I think that Games in the Library will evolve to both educate and entertain just as Libraries have evolved themselves. At one time the thought of computers or movies in the Library was unknown. Look at us now.

Games and Gaming #36: The Wide World of Online Role Playing Games

I set up a Runescape account & spent more than 15 minutes going through the Runescape tutorial. I found it easy to learn how to get around. The instructions were pretty basic and they give you the option of repeating the instruction if you want. You get all the basic skills you need to start the game. The instructors gave advice about the skill they were teaching and about the game in general.

Once you are done with the tutorial, you are transported out to the world. The first city is a place where you can learn more basic skills. It is set up for new players to gain experience. I did not play any further, as I prefer to watch others or play in face to face role playing games. I am somewhat familiar with Runescape due to family playing it. They have since moved on to other online games.


The Character I created is a basic female human character. Since I did not plan on playing past the tutorial, I really did not put a lot of thought into the charatcter. Here is a screen shot of my character.

Games and Gaming #35: Games? In the Library?

I have played and still play FreeRice and Houston Chronicle Sudoku . WordSplay might be fun, but I don't want to register for it. I've also played on some of the kid's sites suggested.

Keeping to the FreeRice and Sudoku - both have very easy instructions/rules. Both also offer hints. FreeRice will tell you the correct answer for a word you miss and bring it up again later to test your memory. The Sudoku allows you to either place notations or will give you hints if you want. Hints are good for beginners and the notations help you make your own notes to solve the puzzle.

These two games help develop vocabulary and memory (FreeRice) and logic (Sudoku). Sudoku builds logical thinking because you need to be able to look at the number sets in three different 'directions' in order to solve the puzzle. FreeRice starts easy, but builds up to more difficult words as you get more definitions correct. You might be surprised by the number of words you know.

Maps #34: Geocoding and Geocaching

Geocoding- Exercise 1

The location I chose to find and list the GPS coordinates for is the Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library at 16616 Diana Lane, Houston, TX 77062. I found the coordinates using the recommended GPS Visualizer Quick Geocoder with Google as the primary source.
The coordinates returned are 29.559044, -95.120043.

When I map it, the coordinates shown are off by half a block. See the map:

View Larger Map

Using Yahoo as the primary source, I get a more accurate reading of 29.558611, -95.119551.

Use the coordinates above in Yahoo to take a look yourself.


Geocaching - Excercises 2&3

This is a geocache that I would be interested in finding. Ithink I knew the general location right off. This was the case with several of the local geocaches listed.
The the url of the geocache is: http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=ae0dbd31-6456-49d7-814d-f07e2db90e2e

The GPS Coordinates are N 29° 31.891 W 095° 07.794

My thoughts on geocaching: I think is something I would like to do for fun, but at this time do not own a GPS unit. I would not want to do it alone. I would rather have at least one partner long for both fun and safety's sake. After all, two pairs of eyes are better than one.

Maps #33: Relocating with Online Maps

ACTIVITY 1:

I choose the Apartment part of this activity because I already know about the House part. I still occasionally check out my neighborhood to keep track of values.

I searched for apartments in the 77062 area, the same zip as the Library. I found that using the radius search gives me more seletion that just seaching with in a zip code area. But the zip area nicely limits the selection if you don't have a vehicle. Most of the apartments I found listed handicap accessiblity. It was only a search criteria for one search service, the others needed a little digging.

I found 3 possible properties that I would consider. They were all listed on 2 of the 3 search services. I like that floor plans and pictures are available for viewing before you contact the management about availability. One service even connects you to the properties website ro more details.

I found that the hybrid map view was the most useful to me, especially when additional seaching(banks,stores,libraries)were an option. The plain street map was too sterile and the satellite view without street names was too busy. The combination gave a more realistic view.

This leads to ACTIVITY 2:

I like both Apartments.com and Apartment Guide with a leaning towards Apartment Guide. Apartment Guide has bigger maps. The maps also give more detail and more search options on what is nearby. That gives you a better idea on what is in the neighborhood.

The public library was only .31 miles from the property I choose . There were 3 pharmacies within half a mile, one inside of a grocery just across an intersection. There is an elementary school only 3 blocks away and a couple of daycares even closer. An auto repair center is .21 miles away. Several restaurants are within .5 miles, both fast food and sit down. A Metro Park & Ride is within a mile, easy walking distance to catch a bus downtown.

I like Apartment Guide, but might also check the other search services to compare total info. Not that I'm moving anytime soon, I too attached to what I currently have.