My own search engine -- #12

I can see, theoretically at least, the possible uses for this technology. Instead of searching each site individually you create a customized search that looks at specific websites for types of searches you conduct regularly. *However*, it's only useful for searches you repeat often. (Or at least many searches on the same topic.) Most of my searches are unique, and I'm rarely aware of more than a handful of sites that I'll trust for each topic. I sincerely doubt I'll ever use Rollyo again.

Anyway, to prove I did in fact look at the sucker here's my San Antonio news search.

Select...San Antonio NewsSearch The Web

Online Image Generators -- #10

Oh! The Places I've Been!

Make yours @ BigHugeLabs.com

*looks up* As you can probably see I've met with some limited success when it comes to manipulating images online. I guess I can see the attraction, but I'm not finding the results worth the effort. Maybe it's just because I'm not very funny. The map's from fd's Flickr Toys. I couldn't figure out LetterJames at all.

My street sign's from Street Sign Generator. So, I didn't find an image generator that I liked. But, I did find at least one text generator I liked. And the R2D2 Translator was kinda fun. Just make sure you have your speakers on. http://www.r2d2translator.com/

According to the Elvish Name Generator my true name is Idril Anwamanë. *bounces excitedly* Cool! I shall no longer answer to my human name. If you would like to learn your Elvish name the generator can be found at, http://www.chriswetherell.com/elf/ (You can also learn your hobbit name, but since I'm not a hobbit, I didn't bother. *grin*)

Goodreads - #11

I've been using Goodreads for a while. A friend named Jessica was after me for months to try it, and once another friend started singing its praises I gave in and gave it a shot. I love it, and now I feel kinda stupid for dragging my feet about it. *sheepish grin*

Goodreads allows me to follow what my friends are reading and to show off what I'm reading. I really like the ability to tag titles by placing them on as many bookshelves as I want. This organizational structure allows me to look back at my reading when I'm trying to remember a title or when I want to recommend a certain type of book to someone else. Goodreads also allows me to track books that I *want* to read. *sigh* And considering how quickly I seem to accumulate new and interesting titles I need the help!

RSS Feeds -- #9

I'm more likely to use RSS feeds for work-related stuff than personal because I'm much more interested in pinpoint information in my professional world than during my personal time. When I'm at home I don't mind cruising multiple websites searching for something new. Plus, I've got a lot more sites I'm attempting to keep up with for work than at home. (Oh my! There's a lot of sites and sources I should be keeping up with professionally speaking. If I actually did keep up with all of them though, I wouldn't have time to actually do my job! *grin*)

Since I'm using Google Reader (as opposed to the newest IE or something) the easiest way to add feeds is by searching through Google Reader's 'add a feed' option or copying the feed address from the website I want to add.

RSS Feeds

I like the concept of RSS Feeds. (When I'm building web pages for work I *really* like them so I can include updated information. For example, a web page about gardening in south Texas with water saving plants can include the daily reading of the well for the Edwards Aquifer, reminding people of how close water restrictions are.) But my main email account doesn't work with RSS feeds. :-( That complicates things.

I created a Gmail account, and a Gmail reader, but now I have another place I have to remember to check. I've had my main email account for years, so everyone knows that account and I don't really want to switch. *snicker* Listen to me whine about what amounts to an embarrassment of riches. I guess I just need to get into the habit of checking. I do wish Google would let me delete the individual entries to the feed. I understand they believe their search makes it easy to find specific posts, but I find it cluttered.

I like Seattle Public Library's Shelf Talk. It's usually interesting, fairly short and they try to make it light. I *love* Unshelved -- the daily cartoon about working in a library. It's funny and for anyone who's ever worked in public service.

Electoral College

I hate the Electoral College. Once again the vote of a *huge* number of American citizens were disregarded because they live in an area where more of their neighbors voted for the other guy. (And yes, I realize that essentially that's what is supposed to happen on a national level, but I don't like it functioning on a state level. Because that usually leads to most people in most states being ignored while attention is focused on the so-called "swing states". This year's campaign was a little different because the primary races ran so long.)

Election Day