I've been looking around and I've found some links: websites, blogs, other stuff that you might be interested in. Some of you may already know about these. Here's the list below, the link, and a brief description of what's inside. I have to admit, even for someone as old as me, there's pretty good stuff in here.
A Little Bit on the Awesome Side:
http://albotas.com/
Brown Kidd is the king of all things rad. His blog highlights the best in otaku culture, video games, street art, toys, gadgets and TV + Film.
That Girl's Site:
http://www.thatgirlssite.com/
A blog dedicated to random cool thinks like "video games, movies, comics, manga, toys, zombies, and other geeky stuff."
Unruly Media's Top 100 Viral Videos (I just posted about this link)
http://viralvideochat.unrulymedia.com/?items=100
Find out what all the cool kids are talking about via Unruly Media's Top 100 Viral Videos list.
Hype Machine:
http://hypem.com/popular
Hype Machine scans all the music blogs to find out whose a buzz in the music blogosphere.
Kotaku:
http://www.kotaku.com/
The freshest gaming news around and constantly updated. Filled with videos, interviews and hilarious commentary.
Polyvore:
http://polyvore.com/
All the hottest fashion trends and styles. Inspired by fashionistas compile their favorite pieces into style sheets for the whole world to gleam over.
VEVO:
http://vevo.com/
VEVO is all about music videos. You'll find all the hyped music videos on here, plus all your faves from the past.
(Honestly, I still like youtube better for this. I didn't find a lot of music videos that I wanted to see. It's limited.)
IHEARTCOOLSTUFF:
http://iheartcoolstuff.com/
This whimsical blog is dedicated to the cute and awesome things found in the world of art, video games, vinyl toys, and comics.
4-Color Rebellion:
http://www.4colorrebellion.com/
Dedicated to the pop culture side of video games.
The Girl Gamer:
http://4thegirlgamers.blogspot.com
Video game news, viral videos and best in geek chic.
I will most likely link these website to the blog so that they are always around.
Until another day, "a highly wired lady"
A Highly Wired Lady
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Viral Videos
A viral video. I'm sure that you all know what a viral video is. Recently, I've been finding more and more and more of them. This happens especially when I'm searching through youtube videos for a music artist's song I want to see. And then, I find a video that I think is the real music video and it's this crazy parody of the song. It's hilarious in a lot of ways. Some are better than others. I know you know what I'm saying.
I think making these videos is a really good way to just laugh but to also know your editing skills when making videos. You learn basic stuff about the various editing softwares out there. Most computers have them already built in. Some are easier to use than others. I hate to say it but I'm partial to Mac, just because I used to be a journalist and I work with a lot of photos and art and a Mac is made for that type of work.
Considering the actual taping and making... what you use is up to you. Think of quality when viewing. I have to say... I hate pictures that are like a 3 megapixel photo. And yeah, I know your phones have those cameras on them. And, I know that some of them do the recording as well. If you are going to put the work into it, really make it so someone can see it.
A'ight.
Maybe you already know about this site but I found it recently:
Unruly Media's Top 100 Viral Videos
http://viralvideochart.unrulymedia.com/?items=100
Here's a viral video from a very, very old Beastie Boys song that I found. It's on the Paul's Boutique album and it's called the "Sound of Science"
They were pretty creative with this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCc33KtP0ng
Have fun.
Soon, I will be telling you about other things do audio/visual; always good though.
-a highly wired lady.
I think making these videos is a really good way to just laugh but to also know your editing skills when making videos. You learn basic stuff about the various editing softwares out there. Most computers have them already built in. Some are easier to use than others. I hate to say it but I'm partial to Mac, just because I used to be a journalist and I work with a lot of photos and art and a Mac is made for that type of work.
Considering the actual taping and making... what you use is up to you. Think of quality when viewing. I have to say... I hate pictures that are like a 3 megapixel photo. And yeah, I know your phones have those cameras on them. And, I know that some of them do the recording as well. If you are going to put the work into it, really make it so someone can see it.
A'ight.
Maybe you already know about this site but I found it recently:
Unruly Media's Top 100 Viral Videos
http://viralvideochart.unrulymedia.com/?items=100
Here's a viral video from a very, very old Beastie Boys song that I found. It's on the Paul's Boutique album and it's called the "Sound of Science"
They were pretty creative with this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCc33KtP0ng
Have fun.
Soon, I will be telling you about other things do audio/visual; always good though.
-a highly wired lady.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
one-of-a-kind summer opportunity
Here's the deal...
Some of you may have jobs this summer, but some of you may not.
I, as sole professional woman attached to no one but myself, would like to offer you an opportunity that you may be interested in.
There is a "Summer Camp" at the Challenger Learning Center/New Mexico (located at 1776 Montano NW Albuquerque, NM 87107) that offers special "camps" throughout the summer for various age groups that are interested in Space, Science, Engineering, Rockets, NASA (you know the government agency.) Honestly, these camps are not just for the space or science minded, they are for anyone that is interested in building, playing, and creating simulations.
Take a look at the website http://www.challengernm.org/
I would like to sponsor one young adult/teen to attend a camp called "NASA's Tiger Team."
Learn more about this specific camp http://www.challengernm.org/summer-camp-programs.php Click on Tiger Team. Here's the basic explanation and the dates and times.
TIGER TEAM
July 12 – 16
12:30pm – 3:30pm
Gr. 6 – 12*
$125
Step up to the plate as a member of the Tiger Team to solve unexpected problems that arise during a space mission based on real NASA situations. Campers will devise solutions, test, modify, and retest their solutions to save the astronauts! Many fun problem solving activities and games abound!
If you are interested in doing this, you need to send me a one paragraph note telling me why you want to attend. Why? Because I am sponsoring you, meaning you would not pay the tuition. I can only sponsor one person so that's why I ask you to write something up for me.
If you are chosen, we will get you registered and voila.
Remember, you will need a ride to get there if you are chosen.
One more thing you may want to know about the Challenger Learning Center.
The Challenger was a space shuttle. It is known for it's explosion after lift-off on January 28, 1986. Since the entire nation watched the explosion and the loss of the crew inside it was a pretty dramatic and sad event. I still remember when it happened. The family members of the crew who were lost decided to ban together and create a foundation of learning centers around the country (there are few) to do things like this for young people.
If you want to try to do this... email me lesquerra@hotmail.com a paragraph stating why you would like to do this. Make sure you provide me with your full name and contact information. In the emails subject line, put "Challenger Learning Center Space Camp"
The camp begins on July 12th so I'm setting a deadline for you to get this information to me by Wednesday, July 7th.
Give it a try, you never know where it may lead.
-A highly wired lady.
Some of you may have jobs this summer, but some of you may not.
I, as sole professional woman attached to no one but myself, would like to offer you an opportunity that you may be interested in.
There is a "Summer Camp" at the Challenger Learning Center/New Mexico (located at 1776 Montano NW Albuquerque, NM 87107) that offers special "camps" throughout the summer for various age groups that are interested in Space, Science, Engineering, Rockets, NASA (you know the government agency.) Honestly, these camps are not just for the space or science minded, they are for anyone that is interested in building, playing, and creating simulations.
Take a look at the website http://www.challengernm.org/
I would like to sponsor one young adult/teen to attend a camp called "NASA's Tiger Team."
Learn more about this specific camp http://www.challengernm.org/summer-camp-programs.php Click on Tiger Team. Here's the basic explanation and the dates and times.
TIGER TEAM
July 12 – 16
12:30pm – 3:30pm
Gr. 6 – 12*
$125
Step up to the plate as a member of the Tiger Team to solve unexpected problems that arise during a space mission based on real NASA situations. Campers will devise solutions, test, modify, and retest their solutions to save the astronauts! Many fun problem solving activities and games abound!
If you are interested in doing this, you need to send me a one paragraph note telling me why you want to attend. Why? Because I am sponsoring you, meaning you would not pay the tuition. I can only sponsor one person so that's why I ask you to write something up for me.
If you are chosen, we will get you registered and voila.
Remember, you will need a ride to get there if you are chosen.
One more thing you may want to know about the Challenger Learning Center.
The Challenger was a space shuttle. It is known for it's explosion after lift-off on January 28, 1986. Since the entire nation watched the explosion and the loss of the crew inside it was a pretty dramatic and sad event. I still remember when it happened. The family members of the crew who were lost decided to ban together and create a foundation of learning centers around the country (there are few) to do things like this for young people.
If you want to try to do this... email me lesquerra@hotmail.com a paragraph stating why you would like to do this. Make sure you provide me with your full name and contact information. In the emails subject line, put "Challenger Learning Center Space Camp"
The camp begins on July 12th so I'm setting a deadline for you to get this information to me by Wednesday, July 7th.
Give it a try, you never know where it may lead.
-A highly wired lady.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Dude Perfect and Basketball
Seriously, we cant't be too serious all the time. I tend to get in that habbit. I know that I'm a Librarian and I'm all about serious information but this is definitley some good information (if you haven't seen it already.)
These "Dude Perfect" guys are crazy amazing with their basket ball shots. If you haven't seen them, take a look. I know you watch Youtube because I see you do it all the time. Youtube is a very good source of information.
Take a look for yourself:
http://www.dudeperfect.com/
And click on the videos.
This is my favorite shot. The airplane shot... it doesn't get better than this.
http://www.dudeperfect.com/?page_id=82
Now that is some good information. And we'll get serious later.
-a highly wired lady
These "Dude Perfect" guys are crazy amazing with their basket ball shots. If you haven't seen them, take a look. I know you watch Youtube because I see you do it all the time. Youtube is a very good source of information.
Take a look for yourself:
http://www.dudeperfect.com/
And click on the videos.
This is my favorite shot. The airplane shot... it doesn't get better than this.
http://www.dudeperfect.com/?page_id=82
Now that is some good information. And we'll get serious later.
-a highly wired lady
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Volunteering
It's been awhile since I've written,
I need to tell you something about volunteering for the libraries this summer when school is out.
Most of us, for some reason, including I, will be a volunteer in the future or have been one in the past. Every summer our libraries provide you with the opportunity to volunteer. Basically, you volunteer for the library's summer reading program. Each of our libraries has one.
What do you do? It depends on the library branch you volunteer for. But the general idea is to have you help out the librarians and library staff with the summer reading program. This means, giving out prizes, signing people up for the program, assisting with the summer reading events and activities that each branch plans, keeping records (easy.) Sometimes, you may help us out with other work we do. Nothing tough. A volunteer usually has a schedule for the summer reading program; sort of like a job. You would be here at this day and at this time every week. Usually you cannot work more than two hours a day. And, if you are between the ages of 12-15, you are allowed to work no more than 8 hours a week. Like I said before, each branch handles their volunteer hours and schedules a little differently but we all abide by the same rules.
If you are interested in volunteering, visit one of the libraries and fill out an application. You can also download the application from our website http://www.cabq.gov/library
Make sure your parent signs it and you provide a valid ID (this can be a school ID.) The deadline for applying is June 4th. I know, that doesn't give you much time.
If you don't feel like volunteering, that's okay. But one thing that you may want to do that is super easy is to sign-up for the summer reading program. You sign-up as a teen.
You are given a card when you sign-up. You put your name on it and contact info. Keep the card with you. Every hour you read, you make a mark on the card. After ten hours of reading, you drop your card off at the library, get a new card, and we enter you in a drawing to win some nice prizes. There are weekly drawings and the grand prize drawings (the grand prize drawings happen at the end of summer reading.)
Prizes for weekly drawings include: Movie Passes, Dion's Gift Certificates, Hinkle's Passes, Hasting's Gift Certificates, and Books.
Grand Prize drawings include:$100 gift card to shope at the mall, $100 gift card to shop at Target, $50 gift card to Active Imagination, Digital Camera. REMEMBER, THE DRAWING FOR THE GRAND PRIZES ARE AT THE END OF SUMMER READING. The more you read, the better chance you have to win one of these prizes.
Even if you can't or don't feel like volunteering I understand, but you should sign-up for the summer reading program. It's easy. You can read anything, someone can read to you, or you can listen to an audiobook if you like those the best.
Many of our libraries are also having special teen activities and events planned. If you look on our website http://www.cabq.gov/library you will find a pig splashing into a pool (yes, I know.)
Click on find out more and you will find the different activities and events going on at each of the libraries around town.
I'll be in touch soon.
-A highly wired lady.
I need to tell you something about volunteering for the libraries this summer when school is out.
Most of us, for some reason, including I, will be a volunteer in the future or have been one in the past. Every summer our libraries provide you with the opportunity to volunteer. Basically, you volunteer for the library's summer reading program. Each of our libraries has one.
What do you do? It depends on the library branch you volunteer for. But the general idea is to have you help out the librarians and library staff with the summer reading program. This means, giving out prizes, signing people up for the program, assisting with the summer reading events and activities that each branch plans, keeping records (easy.) Sometimes, you may help us out with other work we do. Nothing tough. A volunteer usually has a schedule for the summer reading program; sort of like a job. You would be here at this day and at this time every week. Usually you cannot work more than two hours a day. And, if you are between the ages of 12-15, you are allowed to work no more than 8 hours a week. Like I said before, each branch handles their volunteer hours and schedules a little differently but we all abide by the same rules.
If you are interested in volunteering, visit one of the libraries and fill out an application. You can also download the application from our website http://www.cabq.gov/library
Make sure your parent signs it and you provide a valid ID (this can be a school ID.) The deadline for applying is June 4th. I know, that doesn't give you much time.
If you don't feel like volunteering, that's okay. But one thing that you may want to do that is super easy is to sign-up for the summer reading program. You sign-up as a teen.
You are given a card when you sign-up. You put your name on it and contact info. Keep the card with you. Every hour you read, you make a mark on the card. After ten hours of reading, you drop your card off at the library, get a new card, and we enter you in a drawing to win some nice prizes. There are weekly drawings and the grand prize drawings (the grand prize drawings happen at the end of summer reading.)
Prizes for weekly drawings include: Movie Passes, Dion's Gift Certificates, Hinkle's Passes, Hasting's Gift Certificates, and Books.
Grand Prize drawings include:$100 gift card to shope at the mall, $100 gift card to shop at Target, $50 gift card to Active Imagination, Digital Camera. REMEMBER, THE DRAWING FOR THE GRAND PRIZES ARE AT THE END OF SUMMER READING. The more you read, the better chance you have to win one of these prizes.
Even if you can't or don't feel like volunteering I understand, but you should sign-up for the summer reading program. It's easy. You can read anything, someone can read to you, or you can listen to an audiobook if you like those the best.
Many of our libraries are also having special teen activities and events planned. If you look on our website http://www.cabq.gov/library you will find a pig splashing into a pool (yes, I know.)
Click on find out more and you will find the different activities and events going on at each of the libraries around town.
I'll be in touch soon.
-A highly wired lady.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
trailers and books
We all have a favorite book that we stumble on from time to time. For some reason, you really like this or that book.
It's like... you can really feel the character(s) and you almost mentally leave your present space and fold into the pages of the book. I can think of a few books that I've read in which I wanted to play the character. For whatever reason, you can just relate and that's what make's it one of your favorite books.
That's exactly what some teenagers are doing in Tucson, AZ with the help of the Pima County Public Libraries. The project is called That's My Take. Teenagers learn from professional filmmakers how to make short films. Fifty-three teens at five branch libraries and two partner locations worked with youth mentors to produce eleven trailers that dramatize their favorite books, including The Lightning Thief, Maximum Ride, Night, and World War Z.
View trailers http://www.library.pima.gov/teenzone/trailers/2009.php
Pretty awesome project I would say.
What would you do if you had the chance to do this?
Well, let's say you're not really digging the filmmaking thing. It is most definitely a lot of work if you don't have the help and support. However... what about making a trailer for you favorite book? A trailer, you know, not like the ones you camp in but the ones that are made to promote movies. A book trailer is the same thing; instead of promoting a movie you are promoting a book.
This is how it's done.
1) Think of a book you want to promote.
2) Write out a storyboard; what is going to happen in each clip. words, sounds, pictures...
3) Don't steal from the net
4) Look for images and sounds that you want to use. If you want to be really creative, take the pictures yourselves and upload them to your computer. Or download certain music from your personal collection into the computer. (I guess if they are personal they probably are already on your computer.)
If you want to get images from the Internet, you need to get creative due to copyright issues.
Yeah, unfortunately, you may not want to copy and paste that image if you are going to make a book trailer out of it and post the trailer to youtube or a social networking site. (I think we have all done the copy and paste but for this try not to.)
There are a number of sites where you can get pictures and sounds from and it's legal. They are:
shuttershock http://www.shutterstock.com/
neosounds http://www.neosounds.com/
fotolia http://us.fotolia.com/
dreamstime http://www.dreamstime.com/
5) Put it all together with a filmmaking software program that is usually already on the computer you are working on. If you have a Mac use iMovie and if you have a PC use Movie Maker.
I used windows movie maker before and it's pretty easy to use. The only advice I have to give is to be patient because a good product takes some time, you'll see.
If you are using a Mac and therefore, iMovie, make sure your Mac is working on Snow Leopard (a specific upgrade to the operating system.)
6) Take a look at what others have done.
Here are some websites that have book trailers on them
Digital Book Talk (This one is okay but you may find other sites better.)
http://digitalbooktalk.com/
WatchTheBook
(If you use this one, scroll down, look to the right of the page. Select a genre.)
http://www.watchthebook.com/
Youtube (I would use this one. In the search box, type in "YA book trailer" or "book trailer.")
http://www.youtube.com/
It's all just some thoughts to throw out. You know you want to try it out or just see for yourself.
And maybe, you'll hook a librarian into helping you.
-a highly wired lady
It's like... you can really feel the character(s) and you almost mentally leave your present space and fold into the pages of the book. I can think of a few books that I've read in which I wanted to play the character. For whatever reason, you can just relate and that's what make's it one of your favorite books.
That's exactly what some teenagers are doing in Tucson, AZ with the help of the Pima County Public Libraries. The project is called That's My Take. Teenagers learn from professional filmmakers how to make short films. Fifty-three teens at five branch libraries and two partner locations worked with youth mentors to produce eleven trailers that dramatize their favorite books, including The Lightning Thief, Maximum Ride, Night, and World War Z.
View trailers http://www.library.pima.gov/teenzone/trailers/2009.php
Pretty awesome project I would say.
What would you do if you had the chance to do this?
Well, let's say you're not really digging the filmmaking thing. It is most definitely a lot of work if you don't have the help and support. However... what about making a trailer for you favorite book? A trailer, you know, not like the ones you camp in but the ones that are made to promote movies. A book trailer is the same thing; instead of promoting a movie you are promoting a book.
This is how it's done.
1) Think of a book you want to promote.
2) Write out a storyboard; what is going to happen in each clip. words, sounds, pictures...
3) Don't steal from the net
4) Look for images and sounds that you want to use. If you want to be really creative, take the pictures yourselves and upload them to your computer. Or download certain music from your personal collection into the computer. (I guess if they are personal they probably are already on your computer.)
If you want to get images from the Internet, you need to get creative due to copyright issues.
Yeah, unfortunately, you may not want to copy and paste that image if you are going to make a book trailer out of it and post the trailer to youtube or a social networking site. (I think we have all done the copy and paste but for this try not to.)
There are a number of sites where you can get pictures and sounds from and it's legal. They are:
shuttershock http://www.shutterstock.com/
neosounds http://www.neosounds.com/
fotolia http://us.fotolia.com/
dreamstime http://www.dreamstime.com/
5) Put it all together with a filmmaking software program that is usually already on the computer you are working on. If you have a Mac use iMovie and if you have a PC use Movie Maker.
I used windows movie maker before and it's pretty easy to use. The only advice I have to give is to be patient because a good product takes some time, you'll see.
If you are using a Mac and therefore, iMovie, make sure your Mac is working on Snow Leopard (a specific upgrade to the operating system.)
6) Take a look at what others have done.
Here are some websites that have book trailers on them
Digital Book Talk (This one is okay but you may find other sites better.)
http://digitalbooktalk.com/
WatchTheBook
(If you use this one, scroll down, look to the right of the page. Select a genre.)
http://www.watchthebook.com/
Youtube (I would use this one. In the search box, type in "YA book trailer" or "book trailer.")
http://www.youtube.com/
It's all just some thoughts to throw out. You know you want to try it out or just see for yourself.
And maybe, you'll hook a librarian into helping you.
-a highly wired lady
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Battle
For the past two years our libraries have been trying to get you instrumentally gifted people into the library to show your skills. Seriously.
This year, there is going to be a "Battle of the Bands" contest @ Taylor Ranch Library which is on the Westside of town. It will be sponsored by Grandma's Music and Sounds here in 'burque.
If you are solo musician, belong to a band, dj, or a singer(s), I encourage you to bring it. Show your skillz... don't be shy. After all... we are just a bunch of librarians; that's nothing to be afraid of. Maybe you can show us something new.
There is a rule: you have to be between the ages of 12 and 18 to compete.
Of course, there are going to be some pretty good prizes awards.
If you want to know more, call a good friend of mine at the Taylor Ranch Library:
Jason @ 897-8816
-a highly wired lady
This year, there is going to be a "Battle of the Bands" contest @ Taylor Ranch Library which is on the Westside of town. It will be sponsored by Grandma's Music and Sounds here in 'burque.
If you are solo musician, belong to a band, dj, or a singer(s), I encourage you to bring it. Show your skillz... don't be shy. After all... we are just a bunch of librarians; that's nothing to be afraid of. Maybe you can show us something new.
There is a rule: you have to be between the ages of 12 and 18 to compete.
Of course, there are going to be some pretty good prizes awards.
If you want to know more, call a good friend of mine at the Taylor Ranch Library:
Jason @ 897-8816
-a highly wired lady
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