Public Speaking - Online?

I logged into my Public Speaking class for the first time today.  It's a completely online class and everyone has been asking me "How does speech work as an online class?"

OK Everyone, here's your answer:

I get to record each of my speeches with a web cam, thankfully my phone has this feature. Then I upload each recorded speech to YouTube for the instructor and my classmates to view.  I have to admit, I am not excited about this.  I've considered recording myself before, possibly adding a video element to this blog, but I've never gone through with it because I'm not fond of the way I look and sound in recordings.

You can't see my face in this video, but you can hear my voice.  Apparently when I'm trying to soothe small animals, I turn into a mom from Minnesota (Don't cha' know).

Aside from looking/sounding ridiculous on camera, I think the class shouldn't be too difficult.  I've uploaded videos to YouTube before, though they are usually short clips of my kitties, like the one above, and I suppose if I am recording myself, I get unlimited tries at each speech, which is nice.

Along with my Public Speaking class, I am taking my next Library class, Algebra, and Introduction to Psychology.  Here's to a productive Summer.

FARK.com; Where do you get your News?

Continuing in my continuing education, here is another post about the self discovery program.

This assignment involved scoping out a social media news site, selected from a list provided, joining said social media site, participating in the social part of the media, and then of course writing about it in my blog.

I choose FARK.com for no other reason than I thought the name of the site was fun.

The idea behind the site is that users submit news stories and the moderators of the site pick the humorous and weird notable stories of the day.  On FARK's main page they divide the stories into categories; sports, business, geek (my favorite), entertainment, politics, and video segments.

The compiled lists of news stories come from all over the internet. At the time I checked out the Geek category the top two stories were both about Star Trek, thanks to the new movie, and one was from Slate.com, the other from InfoWorld.com.  Both were fun reads, and had plenty of energetic comments from fans on FARK.com.

How would this site be useful for a library?

The first thing that comes to mind is simple when a patron comes in and asks "Do you know anything about ______" (fill in the blank with current event or pop-culture reference of choice).  Directing them to a site like FARK.com gives them the opportunity to search for and scan multiple news stories, from multiple points of view on anything that interest them.

Of course you can also just use it for your personal enjoyment.  I had fun scrolling through the various categories, picking out interesting news stories to read, I also enjoyed reading the comments from other users and seeing the various reactions and opinions.

Short on Money; Long on Time

There is a certain satisfaction in doing things by hand.  Making bread, knitting a scarf, dipping candles, stretching taffy, oh and cutting down trees.  

Yes, I cut down this poor old dead tree with naught but a hand saw.  Would using a chainsaw have been easier and faster? Of course!  But would I be as pleased with myself...maybe.  However I don't own a chainsaw so by hand it is.

In our world of modern conveniences it's easy to think that we just Have to have that nifty gadget that makes the job quick and easy, that we can't possibly achieve satisfying results without it.  I think that a lot of people forget that our ancestors did just fine for many generations with nothing but hand tools and a good work ethic.

I enjoy doing things by hand.  Or more specifically I like knowing that I can do something by hand.  I wouldn't want to do this sort of thing for a living without the use of power tools, but the more things I can do for myself, without needing an expert or expensive special equipment...well it makes me feel good.

5 Unique Uses for Shot Glasses

Use your shot glass to hold rings or other jewelry while you are baking.  They are there in the kitchen, nice and handy, and you don't have to worry about your ring falling off the counter onto the floor, or worse, into the sink drain.

A shot glass makes a nice vase for really small flowers.

Before you go to bed, put all your vitamins and supplements in a shot glass, then leave it where you will see it in the morning so you don't forget to take them.

Use it to dole out small amounts of bubble solution.  If you're giving this to small children (as opposed to adults) you might want to use plastic shot glasses.

If you are ever fostering baby animals, a shot glass filled with formula, and then placed in a larger glass of hot water, it is a great way to warm the formula.

Some Thoughts on Prolific Writers

Lately I've been thinking a lot about Prolific Writers.  I help quite a bit with shelving at the library and you can't help but notice when one author has a entire shelf or two (or three) of books.  One of my favorite authors, Piers Anthony could perhaps be considered prolific at over 140 works published.  Mr. Anthony has stated more than once in his prologues that he "has never suffered from the dreaded malady known as writer's block".

Many prolific writers of fiction tend to follow a of formula for their stories.  Using Mr. Anthony again, I can tell you the basic story line for each of his Xanth novels is as follows:

The hero(es) who have a dilemma go to the good magician to seek a solution.  After facing and triumphantly defeating the three challenges to gain entry to the good magicians castle, they are told rather abruptly that they must complete a quest.  In the process of completing the quest they solve their own problem and everyone lives happily ever after.  Oh, and don't forget the puns. Lots and lots of puns.

The details change from story to story, and they are light, fun, and engaging reads, but rarely is there a groundbreaking change in the format.

Now I haven't read any of the books from some of the prolific authors that I've been shelving but I suspect that they write in similar manners, following a formula that suits the genre they are writing for; mystery, romance, science-fiction, horror, or fantasy.  I greatly admire these prolific writers, and I am always amazed by how large of a fan base they have, even in this small public library.

Someday I would like to publish a book.  One book would be sufficient I think, though I am not sure what I would write about.  I don't feel like I would be adequate at creating an elaborate realm of fantasy like many of my favorite authors, nor has any wonderful or catastrophic event happened to me personally that would make for a compelling read.

One of my goals with this blog is to improve my writing skills.  I've heard more than once and from more than one source that one of the best methods of improving is to write every day.  It's listed here in 7 Habits of Highly Prolific Writers.  A nice thought but I tend to struggle with item number 5, I'm not sure if anyone wants to read what I'm writing.