CPL 2.0 April 27 re: RSS feeds

I was successful in setting up an account in Bloglines, and in adding feeds to my account in a couple of different ways (both by clicking on the "add" tab on the left side of the page, and by doing a search for feeds over on the right side, locating a web-site and subscribing to the feeds I wanted e.g. the Globe and Mail movie feeds.
What I found difficult at first was that it didn't seem clear to me from the instructions that you must ALWAYS first log in to your Bloglines account in order to add feeds. In other words, you cannot first go to a web site (like CBC or Globe and Mail), click to add feeds, and then expect to be linked to Bloglines. So it was a bit frustrating to try that. But, thanks to Janna! - I finally figured it out.
Forgot to mention that Bloglines is an effective way to have all your favorite links listed in one place, and that it's easy to keep updated this way.

CPL 2.0 April 21 Google stuff

I just found a great Google product which might be helpful for library staff. If you go to Google and click on More, then on the link "Translate", you get something like Alta Vista Babel Fish, that is, a translation program. I tried it out with English to Spanish and was pleased with the results. Even if the customer doesn't speak English, you can type in a question such as "Would you like to get a library card today?" and you can see the Spanish translation pop up on the screen. It would be possible, in a pinch, to communicate with a non-English speaking customer just by showing them the screen. Google's translate feature lists over 40 languages. I like this product so far and would recommend it to staff and friends as a useful communication tool.
Another Google product that's easy to access and to use is Gmail. I timed myself and had a new Gmail account set up in under 5 minutes. It's quicker and less cumbersome than Yahoo email, in my opinon.

CPL 2.0 April 12 re Facebook

Signing up as a fan of CPL on Facebook was easy and fun since I already have a Facebook account (and posted a note on the CPL wall just now).
I would say Facebook is both useful AND a time-waster, like a phone only better. What's great about Facebook is that not only can I "live" chat with friends who are online when I am, but I can send out a message or photo album to friends all over the world - much easier and quicker, even, than writing an e-mail and cc-ing it. Plus, the privacy settings make it fairly easy to decide which of your Facebook friends can read your messages at any given time.
I don't wish to collect a zillion Facebook friends, but am pleased to be able to keep in touch with the ones I have, especially since many of them would never phone or e-mail otherwise. And even when I don't have a lot to say, I can lurk on Facebook and see what the kids are up to and look at the baby photos etc.
Bead project: Switchback bracelet
I found this design in the book "Zulu Inspired Beadwork", page 81 (call number 745.58209684 FIT), available at Calgary Public Library. This is a great way to use up mixed beads of various sizes.

CPL 2.0 April 5 re Wikipedia

I was easily able to access Wikipedia and to edit an article on the Sunshine Coast of B.C., which is where I am from. (There was an omission to the inclusion of Powell River as part of the Sunshine Coast so I added in the information).
However, the ease with which one can change an article in this way makes me a bit uneasy about using Wikipedia as a definitive source for information. I tend to agree with other bloggers that it can be a good starting point for research, but not much more than that.

Bead Project 2: Spring Flowers

Though I've broken it down visually into nine parts, making bead flowers is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. To get started you will need some seed beads, and I recommend a fairly large size to start with. Also, some .5 mm stretchy twine if you are making a bracelet, or fine fishing line or thread for a necklace. If you decide to use thread, a beading needle is also needed.
First, thread 8 beads onto your line. Make a loop by threading back through the first two beads (fig.2) Add a contrasting bead for the centre of your flower (fig.3), then thread through bead number 5 as illustrated, so both ends of your thread are now facing the same direction (fig.4) Gently pull the thread tight and you have your first flower (fig.5).
To add another flower, string 8 more beads and make a loop (fig.6) Before adding your centre bead, thread through beads 5 and 6 on the first flower (fig.7), then up through bead 1 in the second flower, adding a contrast bead (fig.8). Thread through bead 5 and gently pull it tight. Keep going until your bracelet or necklace is the length you want, then weave the ends together and tie off.

CPL 2.0 March 29 assignment

One advantage to using Delicious would be that it is easily accessible from the CPL homepage (helpful to point out to customers); and another, that the content can be updated quickly.
On the other hand, it appears to be more a method of showing what sites are popular, rather than pointing one directly to a web page for information in a hurry. I'm not yet convinced that there is any good reason to "join" Delicious in favor of using search engines to find information on the Web.

Back to beading:
Here is an easy bracelet you can make that doesn't cost an arm and a leg but looks good on your arm (if not your leg). All you need are safety pins - I used about 75 one-inch pins - and plenty of seed beads that are just large enough to slide onto the pins. You can either slide the beads on in a specific pattern or use random splashes of color as I did. So, slide beads on all the pins and close them. Then thread the pins top and bottom with any kind of elastic cord. I use a brand called Stretch Magic in either the .5 mm or 1 mm size. Once you have enough beaded pins to make a bracelet, tie each piece of the cord securely and dot with glue to prevent it from unravelling. Voila! You have a beautiful bracelet. You want it to fit snugly around your wrist but not too tight, so experiment until you have a comfortable fit. And remember that beading shouldn't cost a lot. You can find safety pins at any dollar store and beads at several different shops in Calgary. Many of the bead stores sell their leftover mixed beads for about a dollar per vial, which is an excellent way to start collecting beads for your projects. Happy beading!