Learning about new websites.

Today,we were introduced to several new websites where we could catalog (or list) all the books we've read. We also learned about bogus websites that 'look' real, and how to evaluate a website. There are also online sites where you can share a 'wall' or images and documents with others, such as http://www.wallwisher.com/ where you can post 'sticky notes' comments on your wall. I set up a practice wall there. There are many sites to play with.

Animoto Video Attempt

I finally registered at the Animoto website so that I could try making a free 30 sec video with photos or videos. Instead of giving my name, I gave my first initials. Since I had one photo and a short video taken at the Terry Fator Show in Las Vegas, in Feb 2011, I decided to see how it would come together. The video clip that I uploaded was only about 18 secs, but in the 'finished' production, only a fraction of the original video was included.

Make your own photo slideshow at Animoto.

dVolver Video

Example of dVolver where short video is created. I deleted the embed codes because the video would turn on as soon as I checked my blogs. The music was annoying and I couldn't figure out how to stop it so I deleted the whole video.

Chinese New Year - Bellagio, Las Vegas

Photos from Bellagio in Las Vegas. This short video is created in TripWow.

Chinese New Year - Las Vegas Slideshow: Miyeko’s trip from San Mateo, California, United States to Las Vegas, Nevada was created by TripAdvisor. See another Las Vegas slideshow. Create your own stunning free slideshow from your travel photos.

Using Wordle

This image was created in wordle.net.  To create this, I entered my blog URL, click Submit.  The random mix of words shows up.  Fonts and colors can be selected or randomized.  I copied the HTLM codes and then inserted in this post as HTML.  The original size of image was very small, but when I clicked on the image in this blog post, I could select a larger size.  The image, however, is very fuzzy (out of focus).  I don't know how to correct that.

 

Big Huge Labs

This Warhol popart was created at bighughlabs.com.  I selected  Pop Art Poster and then a photo (yellow tulips) from the class files in the computer by browsing.  I selected the four pic grouping and clicked Create.  The yellow tulips became different shades of color.  Above the popart, click "Image to Shuffle" to change to different color schemes.  I copied the image to a thumbdrive, and then inserted the picture of the popart into this blog.

ImageChef

This was created in ImageChef.com as a Word Mosaic in the shape of a four-leaf clover.  The HTML embed code was copied and pasted into a New Post on this blog.
I also used this image as an added gadget in the layout of my blog where under HTLM, I pasted the embed codes.   My original image was too large as a gadget on the side panel of the layout so I had to go back to ImageChef and select a "medium" size, then I copied the new HTLM codes to paste in as a gadget on my blog layout.

Avatars

Today, I learned to make my own avatar and I also made a talking "greeter" (Charlie).  Hopefully, I'll remember how to do this.  My first avatar (headshot) was made in http://avatars.yahoo.com/.  The talking cat was designed in http://www.voki.com/.  I copied my avatars and embedded them as gadgets in my blogs.
1/22/12: To expand on what I did at Voki.com:  1) select create:  pick a character, select a background for your character, then give your character a voice.  At each step click Done.  To add a voice, select the 2nd icon so that you can type what you want your character to say.  Select the language and person you wish to do the speaking.  When all is done, click Publish.  2) On the right side of your completed character, copy the embed code.
Back on your blog design (after sign in), select Layout and on right side, select "Add a Gadget".  Select HTML/Javacript to add your Voki character.  Give a title and paste the embed code from Voki.  Save arrangement.  Now you have a talking greeter for your blog.

Alaska Trip-Aug, 2010

We went on an Alaska CruiseTour.  Half our trip was on land, starting in Fairbanks where the temperature in August was 91 degrees Farenheit.  We saw Denali National Park and we were lucky to see Mt McKinley and some wildlife.  We also visited a dog-sledding camp and were allowed to handle a husky puppies to "socialize" them.  We boarded the cruise ship in Whitier and saw the glaciers, whales, and other wildlife.

New Beginnings

How exciting it is to learn to blog.  No telling what new lessons I will learn or what doors it will open.  I will probably blab nonsense for awhile.
I'm learning to use Cool Tools from the web.