It is hard to believe that today is the first day of Fall. Looking outside reminds me of the first day of Summer, actually. No sense staying indoors. Who knows how long this unseasonable weather will last.
Seasons in Washington:
Spring: Check
Summer: Check
Fall: Just beginning
Winter: Soon enough
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
O.J. 13 Years Later....
This morning, upon switching on my computer, I headed over to the celebrity gossip website TMZ.com (okay, okay, forgive me, it's Monday morning, all right).
Lo and behold, who do I see: O.J. Simpson's latest mugshot, this one taken after his arrest in Las Vegas, Nevada over his alleged attempted robbery at gunpoint, no less, of his own sports memorabilia from a private sports collector.
The story is more clearly elucidated on TMZ.com. But, for me, the important part was two-fold:
1. It's like deja vu
2. It was 13 years ago when O.J. made his first sensational running-from-the-law media splash
13 years ago. Back then, I was just about to start university, just about to start my B.A. in History major, just about to embark on a new journey. My God. Time flies. What have I accomplished? What have I done with my time? Earlier this month, on September 11, the U.S. marked the sixth anniversary of 9/11. 6 years already.
Do these types of anniversaries and events put your life into perspective?
Lo and behold, who do I see: O.J. Simpson's latest mugshot, this one taken after his arrest in Las Vegas, Nevada over his alleged attempted robbery at gunpoint, no less, of his own sports memorabilia from a private sports collector.
The story is more clearly elucidated on TMZ.com. But, for me, the important part was two-fold:
1. It's like deja vu
2. It was 13 years ago when O.J. made his first sensational running-from-the-law media splash
13 years ago. Back then, I was just about to start university, just about to start my B.A. in History major, just about to embark on a new journey. My God. Time flies. What have I accomplished? What have I done with my time? Earlier this month, on September 11, the U.S. marked the sixth anniversary of 9/11. 6 years already.
Do these types of anniversaries and events put your life into perspective?
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Web Design Book Reviews
Although I have not been actively involved with web design since November 2006, I am nonetheless determined to stay current on the evolution of web design.
Digital Web Magazine (a true favorite of mine) provides visitors with a list of book reviews on the latest and best web design books published. Bookmark this page.
Digital Web Magazine (a true favorite of mine) provides visitors with a list of book reviews on the latest and best web design books published. Bookmark this page.
Saturday in the Park
Weekend Update
It's Saturday, a much cooler and much more Fall-like day than any other day this past week. Much of the humidity that had heated the city is gone, perhaps vacationing some place much more south than here, like the Caribbean.
This past week at work was very busy and I anticipate an even busier one next week. It seems like I am juggling more and more work as the weeks--and as the projects--move forward. On the one hand, I am pleased that the projects are indeed moving forward; but, on the other hand, I am certainly not welcoming the increased work piling up on my desk or the levels of stress.
As usual, I would love to share with my readers more details. But of course that is not possible due to the sensitive nature of the work. Nevertheless, I really miss sharing this kind of information, for it makes blogging--and connecting with other bloggers--all the more interesting. Being an international civil servant may not be my cup of tea.
Blog Notes
One of the reasons I like reading blogs is because every so often a blogger or two out there writes something that really resonates with me...and in a odd way comforts me when the going gets tough over here in hectic Washington, DC.
There's the blogger who, like myself, misses the academic environment; there's the blogger who, like myself, reflects upon his life and career and realizes that to live authentically is to live without fear of taking risks; and there's the blogger who, like myself, is excited about the web and emerging web technologies and their impact on information services and communication and connecting people, that he writes about these things on an almost daily basis, evangelizing people of the power of the Web.
This is me - I work on the Web
I came across this meme (or web movement) on Michael Stephen's Tame the Web blog and, following a link within said blog post, discovered another blogger espousing the same affirmation: "This is me - I work on the Web."
According to Kathryn Greenhill, the meme started on Flickr and has spawned a Flickr Group called iworkontheweb. Cool.
Although both Michael and Kathryn are librarians, the web affirmation transcends the library and information field (and archives field, of course).
I like this affirmation because it reflects the changing nature and perception of the Web. The Web is no longer on the periphery, on the fringes of regular work and social activity. It is an extension, a natural integral component of work and life now. I am part of it--you are part of it as well--even though I currently find myself in a work environment that is less Web-centric that I had hoped.
To Do Lists
The to-do list is not very long today, but still it sits in front of me, grinning. Okay, it's time to get things done.
It's Saturday, a much cooler and much more Fall-like day than any other day this past week. Much of the humidity that had heated the city is gone, perhaps vacationing some place much more south than here, like the Caribbean.
This past week at work was very busy and I anticipate an even busier one next week. It seems like I am juggling more and more work as the weeks--and as the projects--move forward. On the one hand, I am pleased that the projects are indeed moving forward; but, on the other hand, I am certainly not welcoming the increased work piling up on my desk or the levels of stress.
As usual, I would love to share with my readers more details. But of course that is not possible due to the sensitive nature of the work. Nevertheless, I really miss sharing this kind of information, for it makes blogging--and connecting with other bloggers--all the more interesting. Being an international civil servant may not be my cup of tea.
Blog Notes
One of the reasons I like reading blogs is because every so often a blogger or two out there writes something that really resonates with me...and in a odd way comforts me when the going gets tough over here in hectic Washington, DC.
There's the blogger who, like myself, misses the academic environment; there's the blogger who, like myself, reflects upon his life and career and realizes that to live authentically is to live without fear of taking risks; and there's the blogger who, like myself, is excited about the web and emerging web technologies and their impact on information services and communication and connecting people, that he writes about these things on an almost daily basis, evangelizing people of the power of the Web.
This is me - I work on the Web
I came across this meme (or web movement) on Michael Stephen's Tame the Web blog and, following a link within said blog post, discovered another blogger espousing the same affirmation: "This is me - I work on the Web."
According to Kathryn Greenhill, the meme started on Flickr and has spawned a Flickr Group called iworkontheweb. Cool.
Although both Michael and Kathryn are librarians, the web affirmation transcends the library and information field (and archives field, of course).
I like this affirmation because it reflects the changing nature and perception of the Web. The Web is no longer on the periphery, on the fringes of regular work and social activity. It is an extension, a natural integral component of work and life now. I am part of it--you are part of it as well--even though I currently find myself in a work environment that is less Web-centric that I had hoped.
To Do Lists
The to-do list is not very long today, but still it sits in front of me, grinning. Okay, it's time to get things done.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
My Brush with the Washington Famous
I was taking a leisurely stroll past the George Washington University last week, walking by the the main student gathering area and classrooms, when walking toward me was the former Director of Central Intelligence and head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) R. James Woolsey.
I recognized the former top spy and it would seem as though he knew that I recognized him, for he seemed to pause as he saw me looking at him. Well, there was no discrete exchange of information or clandestine activity. Mr. Woolsey had probably given a lecture at the university and thought I was a student.
One of the perks of living and working in Washington, DC.
I recognized the former top spy and it would seem as though he knew that I recognized him, for he seemed to pause as he saw me looking at him. Well, there was no discrete exchange of information or clandestine activity. Mr. Woolsey had probably given a lecture at the university and thought I was a student.
One of the perks of living and working in Washington, DC.
Friday, August 31, 2007
My My My, Look How Time Flies
When was it? A few months ago, a few years ago that I talked about the 'newest' Foo Fighters single "Best of You"?
Lo and behold, Dave Grohl and his gang have released a new hard-hitting single called "The Pretender."
The video is on YouTube, of course.
Lo and behold, Dave Grohl and his gang have released a new hard-hitting single called "The Pretender."
The video is on YouTube, of course.
Things Change: Inside and Outside
I went on holidays on the week of August 13. I spent a week in Montreal, where I met with family and friends. I had a good time and soaked in a much-needed quiet break from the noisy hustle of Washington, DC. I also visited friends in Ottawa. It was during my trip to Ottawa that the seed for this blog post took root. On the Greyhound bus from Montreal to Ottawa, I could not help but notice the numerous construction projects taking place around me. Quebec is well-known for its endless road work; but this, what I witnessed from the window of the speeding bus, was somehow different, more energetic. Not only were provincial work crews busy digging, drilling, hammering, and paving road ways, there were large housing and commercial developments taking place along Highway 40, a part of the TransCanada Highway.
For those familiar with the highway and surrounding neighborhoods, this part of the Montreal Island is known as the West Island. Neighborhoods such as Kirkland, Beaconsfield, St-Lazare, Hudson, Dorion-Rigaud all seem to be undergoing prolific transformations.
Large construction machines move across the flattened land, puffing clouds of dust from their heavily burdened tires and treads. The land, bulldozed flat, sprout the wood and steel frames of future homes and commercial centers. Local traffic flood streets. This scene was repeated over and over, town after town. Even in 'quiet' Ottawa, where I ventured west of the downtown core to the suburbs of Canada's capital, there were housing and commercial developments unseen before in my travels.
I began thinking, pulling concepts and images together attempting to reason why there was so much activity. This time around, however, I could not come up with any kind of philosophical reason or statistical set of numbers explaining why this was happening. All I could think of was: "Things are changing."
My time away from Montreal allowed me to see things in a different light, I suppose. "Things are changing. New construction almost everywhere. People moving about." It also got me thinking that when things begin to change there is often opportunity not far behind.
And lately, whenever I think about opportunity, I often think about job opportunities. It is no secret that the Montreal Library and Information Studies (LIS) market is rather weak, with few openings in an already small marketplace. I know several McGill Graduate School and Library and Information Studies' classmates and alumni (including me) who have reluctantly moved elsewhere to find work. Some, however, those fortunate few, remain but feel limited in their current job. While others have taken a more radical approach and have parted ways with their traditional librarian/archivist training and have pursued other fields, such as IT/Systems and Support, Music, Translation, etc while still bringing to the table some themes and skills learned in library school.
I really like the last group--those who have reinvented themselves after library school--because they are thinking outside the box. Like the new construction, they are building something new on uncharted land, land mostly unexplored by past library school graduates, changing direction, accepting risks, and inviting opportunity.
In the past six months, basically since I relocated to Washington, DC to work on a 12-month contract here, there has been changes in my thinking and perception. Nothing deep enough to write about here, at least not yet. But something subtle. I would like say that I am settling in and feeling right at home here. But as Ed aptly put it in a blog post, on most days, following a day's work, I break even. A tie game. Not sure of the next day's game plan. If there are more developments in this area, I'll keep my legion of readers posted.
Just remember one thing: "Things are changing."
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
Firefox 2.0.0.6
Wonderful.
Firefox updated from 2.0.0.5 to 2.0.0.6 the other day, and now as I started it up all my settings and add-ons and themes have vanished!
Wonderful.
Update 08/12/2007: Okay, I had to completely uninstall Firefox, that is, remove all Mozilla Firefox files from my computer. I re-installed Firefox 2.0.0.6 and all works well again. It's just too bad I lost all my favorite add-ons. Slowly building back my collection and adding a few news ones.
Firefox updated from 2.0.0.5 to 2.0.0.6 the other day, and now as I started it up all my settings and add-ons and themes have vanished!
Wonderful.
Update 08/12/2007: Okay, I had to completely uninstall Firefox, that is, remove all Mozilla Firefox files from my computer. I re-installed Firefox 2.0.0.6 and all works well again. It's just too bad I lost all my favorite add-ons. Slowly building back my collection and adding a few news ones.
Honor, Dedication and Sacrifice
Last weekend I visited Arlington National Cemetery and witnessed the awesome and inspiring Tomb of the Unknowns and the Changing of the Guard.
Crossing the open green fields dotted with white tombstones of the fallen, seemingly perfectly aligned from every vantage point, I came to the area where the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Sentinel protecting the site is located.
The Sentinel, part of the specially-trained and extremely disciplined members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (Old Guard), stand with rifle in hand by the Tomb of the Unknowns 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, rain or shine, summer or winter (unless the weather is very hostile at which point they can take shelter -but that's unlikely).
The Sentinel stands guard in full honor uniform, pacing 21 steps in front of the large sarcophagus and three grave sites containing the remains of unidentified U.S. military personnel from previous wars. Pause for 21 seconds, then turn and pace 21 steps again, continuing the precise movements until relieved - that is, the Changing of the Guard.
The relief commander or assistant relief commander initiates the changing of the guard according to Army regulations. As the ceremony begins, there is a tangible feeling of honor and dedication emanating from the guards. The stillness in the air, the solemnity of the ceremony steeped in symbolism, the precision and beauty of the maneuvers, and the dedication to the unknown soldiers are inspiring.
As we sleep and dream the night away, there is a Sentinal at Arlington National Cemetery manning his post by the Tomb of the Unknowns, fulfilling his honorable duty for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, nameless.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
uStream.tv and the Rise of the New "ME"dia
Yesterday afternoon, during a break and momentary lull at work, I received a Twitter tweet or twit (or announcement, for those Twitter uninitiated among us) from Greg Willits, one half of the husband and wife team behind the podcast Rosary Army and videocast That Catholic Show.
Greg informed his subscribers (or followers in Twitter parlance) that he and his wife, Jennifer, were about to record an episode of their podcast live on ustream.tv, a new live video streaming website where anyone with a webcam and microphone can broadcast a show over the Web.
Clicking on the ustream.tv link provided, I soon saw Greg and Jennifer broadcasting live from their home studio, a renovated walk-in closet affectionately known as the Cloffice. Sure enough, they were recording an upcoming episode of their Rosary Army podcast.
I had to tune out several times to respond to work-related questions, so I could not listen and watch the entire recording. By the time I returned to the video, Greg and Jennifer had finished recording their show but remained on screen to chat with viewers, dishing out the latest news and updates on their upcoming projects. According to the ustream.tv screen, there were 34 people watching and a few chatting. A small interested community were glued to their ustream.tv screen watching two Web 2.0 broadcasters doing a fairly good job at broadcasting.
Just then, I had a "a-ha" moment. I have been fascinated with content creation and delivery mechanisms since 2003 when I saw how the entertainment world was divided into content creators (actors, directors, musicians, artists) and content deliverers (production studios, film distributors, music companies, cable companies).
Fast-forward to 2007 with the rise of YouTube and ustream.tv and other user-generated content websites and you see how the entertainment model is spreading across the social spectrum. No longer are content creators and content creation confined to some studio lot in Hollywood or record company in LA or New York. No longer is the usual content deliverers the only route. Content creators now have the Web to distribute their content.
Granted, the advent of blogging and the mainstreaming of the blogosphere have shown us the influence of the new content creators and the power of the Web to distribute content.
But now something new is emerging, I believe: It is the emergence of communities surrounding these blogs, podcasts, videocasts, etc. And by communities I do not necessarily mean fan groups or user groups. I mean--thanks in part to RSS, the iPod and other mp3 devices--there is intimacy between the content creator and the consumer and levels of participation and creativity unseen before between content creator and content consumer.
The user-generated content world is still in its infancy, still focused on the juvenile "Me" of new media (like Time Magazine's 2006 Person of the Year) and still bedeviled by content plagerism and outright content theft, and grilled by the quesiton, Who exactly is earning money off my content?
But look beyond these details for a moment and one will see taking root inside the new "me"dia a florishing community of "us"ers.
Greg informed his subscribers (or followers in Twitter parlance) that he and his wife, Jennifer, were about to record an episode of their podcast live on ustream.tv, a new live video streaming website where anyone with a webcam and microphone can broadcast a show over the Web.
Clicking on the ustream.tv link provided, I soon saw Greg and Jennifer broadcasting live from their home studio, a renovated walk-in closet affectionately known as the Cloffice. Sure enough, they were recording an upcoming episode of their Rosary Army podcast.
I had to tune out several times to respond to work-related questions, so I could not listen and watch the entire recording. By the time I returned to the video, Greg and Jennifer had finished recording their show but remained on screen to chat with viewers, dishing out the latest news and updates on their upcoming projects. According to the ustream.tv screen, there were 34 people watching and a few chatting. A small interested community were glued to their ustream.tv screen watching two Web 2.0 broadcasters doing a fairly good job at broadcasting.
Just then, I had a "a-ha" moment. I have been fascinated with content creation and delivery mechanisms since 2003 when I saw how the entertainment world was divided into content creators (actors, directors, musicians, artists) and content deliverers (production studios, film distributors, music companies, cable companies).
Fast-forward to 2007 with the rise of YouTube and ustream.tv and other user-generated content websites and you see how the entertainment model is spreading across the social spectrum. No longer are content creators and content creation confined to some studio lot in Hollywood or record company in LA or New York. No longer is the usual content deliverers the only route. Content creators now have the Web to distribute their content.
Granted, the advent of blogging and the mainstreaming of the blogosphere have shown us the influence of the new content creators and the power of the Web to distribute content.
But now something new is emerging, I believe: It is the emergence of communities surrounding these blogs, podcasts, videocasts, etc. And by communities I do not necessarily mean fan groups or user groups. I mean--thanks in part to RSS, the iPod and other mp3 devices--there is intimacy between the content creator and the consumer and levels of participation and creativity unseen before between content creator and content consumer.
The user-generated content world is still in its infancy, still focused on the juvenile "Me" of new media (like Time Magazine's 2006 Person of the Year) and still bedeviled by content plagerism and outright content theft, and grilled by the quesiton, Who exactly is earning money off my content?
But look beyond these details for a moment and one will see taking root inside the new "me"dia a florishing community of "us"ers.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
X-Ray Your Web Pages
The writers and web designers over at Digital Web Magazine have discovered a cool little web design tool that plugs in to FireFox and Safari web browsers: XRay.
It is a floating inspector that reveals markup, CSS, dimensions to whatever web page element you point and click your mouse on.
It is a floating inspector that reveals markup, CSS, dimensions to whatever web page element you point and click your mouse on.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Taking Risks: Steps to Growth
Once again, Steve, over at Family Man Librarian, posts another good one, this time on the topic of taking risks, both professionally and personally. What can I say? I agree. The only problem I have is that it's sometimes so hard to do, that's all.
You know, whenever I give a presentation on electronic records management or digital preservation (which are very rare nowadays), I always encourage the audience to take risks, to take a chance. To do something towards digital preservation. To accession a CD-ROM or DVD. To capture a website. To accession an old email account. I often make my pleas with a kind Anthony Robbins intensity (okay, not so intense, but you get the picture). And I think the reason why I am so passionate about taking risks when speaking is because I am really trying to break through my own shell of stubornness and refusal to listen to my own advice and convince myslef of the growth that comes in the wake of taking a risk.
Yes, I want to take more risks. Not just risks in relocating to another city or another country. But also taking a risk to pursue another path, another direction, envisioning a new goal.
Anyway, go read Steve's post.
You know, whenever I give a presentation on electronic records management or digital preservation (which are very rare nowadays), I always encourage the audience to take risks, to take a chance. To do something towards digital preservation. To accession a CD-ROM or DVD. To capture a website. To accession an old email account. I often make my pleas with a kind Anthony Robbins intensity (okay, not so intense, but you get the picture). And I think the reason why I am so passionate about taking risks when speaking is because I am really trying to break through my own shell of stubornness and refusal to listen to my own advice and convince myslef of the growth that comes in the wake of taking a risk.
Yes, I want to take more risks. Not just risks in relocating to another city or another country. But also taking a risk to pursue another path, another direction, envisioning a new goal.
Anyway, go read Steve's post.
Reflections Through an Open Letter to Self
Steve, blogging over at Family Man Librarian, has posted an open letter to himself. What a neat idea and what a great way to re-focus your priorities and adjust your attitude. I applaud his courage and creativity.
Monday, July 23, 2007
New X-Files Movie?
According to this report by the BBC, David Duchovny, who played the role of Special Agent Fox Mulder on FOX's hugely successful sci-fi/paranormal television series between 1993 and 2002, is expecting to receive the script for another X-Files movie sometime this week.
Great news! Chris Carter, the show's creator, and Frank Spotnitz, the head writer, have been busy!
I am one of those people who believes that nothing on television is worth watching ever since the X-Files went off the air. And to some extent, based on my viewing habits, I think this still holds true. But, anyway, that's another topic for another day.
Great news! Chris Carter, the show's creator, and Frank Spotnitz, the head writer, have been busy!
I am one of those people who believes that nothing on television is worth watching ever since the X-Files went off the air. And to some extent, based on my viewing habits, I think this still holds true. But, anyway, that's another topic for another day.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Harry Potter Pandemonium
With most folks reading the latest (and last) Harry Potter novel this weekend, the news website DCist is reporting that the Washington DC area is the biggest Potter fan base in all of America, at least according to Amazon.com order statistics.
Your intrepid blogger, journalist, and Washington insider will investigate further.
Stay tuned.
Your intrepid blogger, journalist, and Washington insider will investigate further.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Future of Archivists
There is a DegreeTutor.com link making its rounds around the librarian-blogosphere that features interviews with prominent librarians such as Michael Stephens, David Lee King, and Meredith Farkas, among others. They discuss the future of librarians, with many referencing advances in communication and collaboration technologies as catalysts for radical change.
I wonder if the author of this piece would consider talking to archivists and ask them what does the future hold for archivists and archives?
What would we say if such an interview were held?
Librarians seem to basking in a lot of online sunlight lately. With The New York Times piece on librarians being hip (okay, I thought the article was a crock, honestly, something to do with clothing style, rather than professionals being hip, I dunno, I was confused) and now this discussion on the future of librarians, they are enjoying some good exposure.
I think it is time we archivists--whatever stripe you are, hipster, expert, casual, lone wolf--start being heard as well.
I wonder if the author of this piece would consider talking to archivists and ask them what does the future hold for archivists and archives?
What would we say if such an interview were held?
Librarians seem to basking in a lot of online sunlight lately. With The New York Times piece on librarians being hip (okay, I thought the article was a crock, honestly, something to do with clothing style, rather than professionals being hip, I dunno, I was confused) and now this discussion on the future of librarians, they are enjoying some good exposure.
I think it is time we archivists--whatever stripe you are, hipster, expert, casual, lone wolf--start being heard as well.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Blogging Directions
I apologize to my readers for not posting anything new in the past few weeks, weeks that have been filled with several project deadlines.
The good news is that many of the documents and reports I helped prepare and write were accepted by senior management. Judging by the positive, almost gleeful reaction of supervisors and colleagues to this news, I believe I achieved a milestone.
I honestly wish I could blog more about the work I am undertaking at the moment, but so much of the work is confidential in nature. I also wish I could blog more about research on digital preservation and recent findings I am discovering, but that particular research project has been put on hold, so there is very little to say other than the consultants we had in mind were all very competent.
As I have discussed in previous posts, where I debated and discussed the role this blog would perform in chronicling my work, I am still wondering how best to utilize this blog without jeopardizing the sensitive nature of the work I am doing. I do not see myself resolving this matter any time soon.
Part of being a researcher in any field, be it archives, libraries or history, is to share findings and therefore build upon existing knowledge in the field. And in an “Archives 2.0” age—forgive me if you are sick of two-point-oh wordisms—that sharing also means connecting and collaborating with other like-minded professionals through blogs, for example. But unfortunately for now at least I cannot discuss much.
So, to summarize:
In terms of posts related to work, there will not be many, if any at all.
In terms of posts related to the evolving role of archives and archivists in this Web / Digital Age, there will be more posts of that nature. In terms of posts related to my own personal journey and transition to other areas of information management, there will be just about the same amount.
The good news is that many of the documents and reports I helped prepare and write were accepted by senior management. Judging by the positive, almost gleeful reaction of supervisors and colleagues to this news, I believe I achieved a milestone.
I honestly wish I could blog more about the work I am undertaking at the moment, but so much of the work is confidential in nature. I also wish I could blog more about research on digital preservation and recent findings I am discovering, but that particular research project has been put on hold, so there is very little to say other than the consultants we had in mind were all very competent.
As I have discussed in previous posts, where I debated and discussed the role this blog would perform in chronicling my work, I am still wondering how best to utilize this blog without jeopardizing the sensitive nature of the work I am doing. I do not see myself resolving this matter any time soon.
Part of being a researcher in any field, be it archives, libraries or history, is to share findings and therefore build upon existing knowledge in the field. And in an “Archives 2.0” age—forgive me if you are sick of two-point-oh wordisms—that sharing also means connecting and collaborating with other like-minded professionals through blogs, for example. But unfortunately for now at least I cannot discuss much.
So, to summarize:
In terms of posts related to work, there will not be many, if any at all.
In terms of posts related to the evolving role of archives and archivists in this Web / Digital Age, there will be more posts of that nature. In terms of posts related to my own personal journey and transition to other areas of information management, there will be just about the same amount.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Fourth of July, My Work, My Webcam, NDIIPP Report
Fourth of July
The institution where I work let us out of the office early today because of the Fourth of July holiday tomorrow. But before I left, I managed to submit a few work-related documents and an important memo that will set in motion one big project. A good way to start a holiday, I say. Something accomplished. I feel good about that.
My Work
Interestingly, I find myself, once again, not really doing the "archives-thing," if you know what I mean. Rather than processing or reference work, I am putting my research and writing skills to more use, this time around focusing on project planning and strategies and business documents. For long-time readers of The DIGITAL Archive, this is not so much of a surprise, because my work in the Archives has really been of the non-traditional kind. Web, software, hardware, research, writing.
It's experiences like this that lead me to believe that, while I can appreciate libraries and archives, I really do not know if I should call myself a red-blooded archivist. To be honest--and to paraphrase historian and digital preservation pioneer Dr. David Kirsch--I am neither a librarian or archivist, but someone who cares about these cultural centers and will use his skills (web, writing) to make others aware and care for these places.
My Webcam
Over the weekend, I bought a Creative Live! Cam Notebook Pro webcam. The webcam is fine, not outstanding, but offers sufficient clarity to broadcast live video. It cost me $19.99 ($20.99 with tax, unbelievable). Worth it.
I opened a ustream.tv account to test the broadcast quality of the video stream. Actually, as I write this post, I am broadcasting live on ustream.tv! Okay, let's see, number of viewers. Zero. Oh. I see. Well, Internet stardom is not at hand, I guess.
NDIIPP Report
I apologize for not writing a report on last week's NDIIPP event on digital preservation. I will get to it. Soon.
The institution where I work let us out of the office early today because of the Fourth of July holiday tomorrow. But before I left, I managed to submit a few work-related documents and an important memo that will set in motion one big project. A good way to start a holiday, I say. Something accomplished. I feel good about that.
My Work
Interestingly, I find myself, once again, not really doing the "archives-thing," if you know what I mean. Rather than processing or reference work, I am putting my research and writing skills to more use, this time around focusing on project planning and strategies and business documents. For long-time readers of The DIGITAL Archive, this is not so much of a surprise, because my work in the Archives has really been of the non-traditional kind. Web, software, hardware, research, writing.
It's experiences like this that lead me to believe that, while I can appreciate libraries and archives, I really do not know if I should call myself a red-blooded archivist. To be honest--and to paraphrase historian and digital preservation pioneer Dr. David Kirsch--I am neither a librarian or archivist, but someone who cares about these cultural centers and will use his skills (web, writing) to make others aware and care for these places.
My Webcam
Over the weekend, I bought a Creative Live! Cam Notebook Pro webcam. The webcam is fine, not outstanding, but offers sufficient clarity to broadcast live video. It cost me $19.99 ($20.99 with tax, unbelievable). Worth it.
I opened a ustream.tv account to test the broadcast quality of the video stream. Actually, as I write this post, I am broadcasting live on ustream.tv! Okay, let's see, number of viewers. Zero. Oh. I see. Well, Internet stardom is not at hand, I guess.
NDIIPP Report
I apologize for not writing a report on last week's NDIIPP event on digital preservation. I will get to it. Soon.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Tighter Security
In the aftermath of the failed terrorist attacks in London and Glasgow, the United States Department of Homeland Security is increasing its security presence around airports and vital government/public buildings.
Haven't seen anything different out there. Still, the summer is starting off on a troublesome note.
Haven't seen anything different out there. Still, the summer is starting off on a troublesome note.
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