Favorite blogs

Well I perused a few and I really like Carolyn's because she added a real artistic twist to her blog. She talks about her own artistic interests and it really reflects in the design of her blog. I also enjoyed looking at Christina's blog because of the interesting colors and set up. She is quite honest in her reflections on the class. She is honest in reflecting her true feelings, her frustrations, her interests, her successes. Lastly I most enjoy Lyndsey's blog because of the originality of the title: A Georgia Peach in the Big Apple. It's very clever and the ideas she shares are genuine and clear.

Blackboard Site Critique

Now, this is an assignment that I have some interest in. I realize that putting together a website as complicated and with as many links as the NYU Home website has to be a daunting task. In the beginning I found that it was not so easily navigated, some things were very hard to find. For example, the Albert registration was kind of hidden to me. It's such an important system to be able to access and the link is just not so clear. Once you know where to look you are fine, but until then, you are kind of feeling around in the dark. The other problem I have with it is that I get so many system error messages. Sometimes, I am trying to get work done for this very class and am unable to do so because the system gives only error messages. It can become very frustrating.

I do very much like the way that the blackboard system is set up. It is very organized and it is a great way to stay connected with all of the information necessary in each class. That said, the problem again arises when you start receiving so many error messages. I often have a very hard time getting documents that have been posted for class readings to open up. I don't know if that is a problem with my computer or not but it can be very difficult.

Here is a post specifically for the Technology in the Arts course. Kind of off the mark of my intended interest for starting a blog but we do what we have to do sometimes, eh? So. . . . a comparison of web browsers. Doesn't really inspire me but dancing as water-skeeters skimming the surface of a pond in a gloriously sunny dance space did this morning! Well, to be honest I really like to keep things simple. I don't like a lot of "stuff" taking up space in my house, I don't like a lot of clutter swimming around in my bag, and I don't like a lot of icons that go unused on my desktop. So, I have to admit that I was reticent to add more browsers to my computer because Internet Explorer has worked just fine for me for many years so why add more programs, browsers, etc. that I will probably not use? But, being the good little student that I am I added Firefox to my computer at the request of the teacher.

So I have given it a chance, used it as a browser for a while and I see some value in having another browser for options. Some of the functions are a bit more easily managed in Firefox as compared to Internet Explorer and I like that. It may just be in my head but Firefox does seem to run faster on my computer and have less problems. So, I guess it is good to check out other browsers to discover if you like some more than others. I like the design of the icon with the swirly fox tail better than the boring internet explorer one. I'm using it right now and I think that it is easier to go back and forth between pages on the internet.

My neices and nephews.

There was a ticker-tape parade today in Central Park given by the trees. Or, so it seemed. I had to dance.

Making Peace With Technology

So, I guess I have long been something of a naturalist. I grew up with the mountains, the desert. I have something of an obsession with leaves, especially in the fall. They inspire me, billowing giants of gold shimmying every which way. Some are stars, red stars, or dinosaur feet, brilliant flames, or leathery skin. I love them all. I love the ones that curl like smoke.

So, when computers started to creep more and more into our daily lives and make themselves very important, as a teenager there was something in me that inherently loathed the sense of dependence on a machine. I resisted. But it seems that resistance is futile. I have long since made peace with technology, I recognize the amazing good that it can be used for. In fact, I love it. I especially love the opportunities for creativity and also easier communication with family and loved ones. However realistic the "virtual experience" may be there is no substitute for live and in person. And can you honestly tell me this computer has a soul like the trees? Not a chance.

Winged Victory of Samothrace

Winged Victory of Samothrace

One of my longtime favorites.