Andrew Darcy
News Report #5
March 19, 2009
“Another Start-Up Tries to Sell Wine Online”
By: Claire Cain Miller
New York Times
Published: October 7, 2008
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/07/another-start-up-tries-to-sell-wine-online/?scp=2&sq=wine&st=Search
Selling wine online has traditionally been one of a lack of success. Consumers have not taken liking to this trend of buying online either because it is difficult to ship wines between state lines or because of their biases to going to their local vineyards/community stores to select their own bottles. Despite the fact that most online wine sellers have bellied up, AmericanWinery.com is going to try yet again to get their product out. This site feels that they have hit the market in at the right time to gain public support and are going to allow wine aficionados to critique right along side the end consumer. They are getting most of their wine from local wineries that comprise of 75% of the total 424 different selections of wineries that they offer on AmericanWinery.com. The wineries set their own prices for the wine that is sold through their website and they claim that this public perception of purchasing wine via internet is increasing in the United States. This site serves as the middle man basically between your local vineyard who displays their goods on AmericanWinery.com, where the consumer purchases the product and then the vineyards distribute their goods to the end user.
This idea would not even have been a possibility thirty years ago. Information has enabled them to try this business venture and I feel they may have a market niche, even though I would never buy a bottle of wine from the internet. Despite the fact that people may purchase bottles of wine from AmericanWinery.com, I feel most people are like myself and enjoy either purchasing it at your local grocery store or going down to your local vineyard to get the true ambiance of the wine. Good idea, but probably will not be around that long and will succumb to the fate of the many other internet wine providers that have came before them.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
News Report #4
Andrew Darcy
News Report #4
March 19, 2009
“Sony Reaches Deal to Share in Google’s E-Book Library”
New York Times
Published: March 18, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/technology/19sony.html?_r=1&ref=technology
Sony is trying to take down Amazon when it comes to e-books. In doing so, they joined the likes of Google to make a half million books to put on their Sony Reader to try to rival the Amazon Kindle. With Google’s help they may be taking the crown as the leader in E-books because Google currently has over seven million academic books and research library collections already scanned and ready to be loaded onto the Reader once their copyright expires. They can not upload current books because of copyright laws, but have put many older books whose copyrights have been expired. Sony joined forces with Google to try to get information to their readers at that fastest rate possible, while still expanding their already vast e-book library. Not only are they increasing their book count, they are jointly trying to get copyrighted books available on their Reader. This is currently difficult to do, but for the ones that they are unable to obtain, they are putting short little synopsis and excerpts from the books that are currently under copyright laws.
Sony is doing the right thing by teaming with Google. It seems to me and most others that teaming up with this internet search engine will only bring about good news because of how popular it is with the public. As one man said, “e-books are going to be the future of books”, and Sony is hopping on that train in a serious way. It is neat to think about how one book can become all books, but I feel this is a risky investment for any company to take on. I know I will always be a fan of picking up a book and flipping through the pages, but who knows maybe this will be the next big wave and Sony can be out ahead of the competition by getting involved in the early stages.
News Report #4
March 19, 2009
“Sony Reaches Deal to Share in Google’s E-Book Library”
New York Times
Published: March 18, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/technology/19sony.html?_r=1&ref=technology
Sony is trying to take down Amazon when it comes to e-books. In doing so, they joined the likes of Google to make a half million books to put on their Sony Reader to try to rival the Amazon Kindle. With Google’s help they may be taking the crown as the leader in E-books because Google currently has over seven million academic books and research library collections already scanned and ready to be loaded onto the Reader once their copyright expires. They can not upload current books because of copyright laws, but have put many older books whose copyrights have been expired. Sony joined forces with Google to try to get information to their readers at that fastest rate possible, while still expanding their already vast e-book library. Not only are they increasing their book count, they are jointly trying to get copyrighted books available on their Reader. This is currently difficult to do, but for the ones that they are unable to obtain, they are putting short little synopsis and excerpts from the books that are currently under copyright laws.
Sony is doing the right thing by teaming with Google. It seems to me and most others that teaming up with this internet search engine will only bring about good news because of how popular it is with the public. As one man said, “e-books are going to be the future of books”, and Sony is hopping on that train in a serious way. It is neat to think about how one book can become all books, but I feel this is a risky investment for any company to take on. I know I will always be a fan of picking up a book and flipping through the pages, but who knows maybe this will be the next big wave and Sony can be out ahead of the competition by getting involved in the early stages.
Reading #5
Andrew Darcy
Library Reading #5
March 19, 2009
Information Navigation 101
By: Andrea Foster
Issue Date: 03/09/07
College students these days are quick at adapting to frivolous items such as a new feature on MySpace or Facebook, but when it comes to doing academic research they tend to struggle. As students attempt to perform academic research, they are unable and unwilling to sift through the tricky databases. Students rather take the short way out as they become frustrated with databases and tend to then limit their search to just the likes of Google. This has not happened historically because older generations did not have the capability to explore vast amounts of information at the click of a mouse. However, not all information on the web is correct and libraries are looking at ways to get students to use their methods of finding information. Universities throughout the country are trying to rectify this current situation that students are facing through various acts, but none as important as a proposed idea of making students take a class in hopes of them becoming information literate. Throughout college academia, the universities are maybe going to make it a requirement for students to take an information technology class, that shows students how to use a database and which information is actually a viable source for academic papers. Some schools have even gone to the extreme of making students take an information literate exam that must be passed before they are permitted to graduate.
This article demonstrates the problem that students, like myself, are facing when confronted at looking at complicated databases. I tend to take the easy way out, such as Google, because of the relative ease of maneuvering through the search engine. The idea of making a required course about obtaining good data from sources and how to work your way around a database is a good idea. Universities should definitely think about implementing this into their course requirements and this will permit students to write more informed papers, with better information.
Library Reading #5
March 19, 2009
Information Navigation 101
By: Andrea Foster
Issue Date: 03/09/07
College students these days are quick at adapting to frivolous items such as a new feature on MySpace or Facebook, but when it comes to doing academic research they tend to struggle. As students attempt to perform academic research, they are unable and unwilling to sift through the tricky databases. Students rather take the short way out as they become frustrated with databases and tend to then limit their search to just the likes of Google. This has not happened historically because older generations did not have the capability to explore vast amounts of information at the click of a mouse. However, not all information on the web is correct and libraries are looking at ways to get students to use their methods of finding information. Universities throughout the country are trying to rectify this current situation that students are facing through various acts, but none as important as a proposed idea of making students take a class in hopes of them becoming information literate. Throughout college academia, the universities are maybe going to make it a requirement for students to take an information technology class, that shows students how to use a database and which information is actually a viable source for academic papers. Some schools have even gone to the extreme of making students take an information literate exam that must be passed before they are permitted to graduate.
This article demonstrates the problem that students, like myself, are facing when confronted at looking at complicated databases. I tend to take the easy way out, such as Google, because of the relative ease of maneuvering through the search engine. The idea of making a required course about obtaining good data from sources and how to work your way around a database is a good idea. Universities should definitely think about implementing this into their course requirements and this will permit students to write more informed papers, with better information.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Reading #4
Andrew Darcy
Lib103 Reading #4
“The Infodiet: How Libraries Can Offer an Appetizing Alternative to Google”
Author: Steven J. Bell
February 28, 2009
Despite the rise of the world’s most popular search engine, Google, libraries are finding it more difficult to find their niche in the research world. This is especially evident in the academic world, where students are using the easier to use Google as opposed to the libraries advanced research and database systems. Students are wanting their information fast and at the click of a mouse. Even though they are getting a lot of information from online, people are becoming “infobesity” with material that is of low quality and that is ultimately junk. To rectify this problem of poor material, they may need to be online databases like the programs that are used by libraries. Libraries cipher through nutritious amounts of information which for the most part are desirable for students to use for research paper. However, for students to use these types of programs, libraries are going to have to look more like Google and present their data in an easier way. Their needs groups of professors, individuals, and universities explaining the importance of getting to the good information like what we can receive from library databases. While these search engines keep on progressing, students are going to have to get through all of the junk that they are providing and must make sure that they are getting information from viable sources.
Libraries have a tough goal in regaining their spot for research. In the future they are going to have to make their databases more user friendly and educate students on the type of information that they are receiving from online search engines such as Google. Even though I am victim to using the easy to use search engines, this article reminded me yet again that not all of the information that I am receiving is pertinent to what I am searching for and that I need to have a critical eye when evaluating web sites.
Lib103 Reading #4
“The Infodiet: How Libraries Can Offer an Appetizing Alternative to Google”
Author: Steven J. Bell
February 28, 2009
Despite the rise of the world’s most popular search engine, Google, libraries are finding it more difficult to find their niche in the research world. This is especially evident in the academic world, where students are using the easier to use Google as opposed to the libraries advanced research and database systems. Students are wanting their information fast and at the click of a mouse. Even though they are getting a lot of information from online, people are becoming “infobesity” with material that is of low quality and that is ultimately junk. To rectify this problem of poor material, they may need to be online databases like the programs that are used by libraries. Libraries cipher through nutritious amounts of information which for the most part are desirable for students to use for research paper. However, for students to use these types of programs, libraries are going to have to look more like Google and present their data in an easier way. Their needs groups of professors, individuals, and universities explaining the importance of getting to the good information like what we can receive from library databases. While these search engines keep on progressing, students are going to have to get through all of the junk that they are providing and must make sure that they are getting information from viable sources.
Libraries have a tough goal in regaining their spot for research. In the future they are going to have to make their databases more user friendly and educate students on the type of information that they are receiving from online search engines such as Google. Even though I am victim to using the easy to use search engines, this article reminded me yet again that not all of the information that I am receiving is pertinent to what I am searching for and that I need to have a critical eye when evaluating web sites.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
News
Andrew Darcy
Library 103
News Article
2/15/09
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/technology/personaltech/12renew.html
By: Azadeh Ensha
February 11, 2009
“A Cellphone That Is Made With the Environment in Mind”
Cellphones, which are used by just about every American, typically contain many toxic chemicals and are discarded at our local landfills. Motorola has found a way to keep the environment in mind through their new W233 Renew. This cellphone is made from recycled water bottles and is being titled a “carbon-neutral cellphone.” Though the manufacturing process, delivery, and operation of the phone consists of using Carbon Monoxide, Motorola is taking certain steps to offset this sort of pollution. They are going to do so by making investments in renewable energy sources and various reforestation projects going on around the globe. Not only are they completely negating the effects on Carbon Monoxide emissions from the phone, they are also using one hundred percent recycled paper for the Renew’s packaging. Additionally, they also provide prepaid shipping for the end users to recycle their old phones and the phone itself is also free of harmful toxins such as asbestos.
The W233 Renew is a great way for Motorola to catch on to the “Green” movement that is currently going on in the United States. This current movement is going to increase the marketability of the name Motorola/W233 Renew, create a buzz with a majority of the population, and could also create a new trend that cellphones will hopefully follow. Technology has made this an option for Motorola because through the information highway they will be able to sell the idea/phone to millions of customers. Not only will they be able to reach their target market more efficiently, information has enabled them to catch on to this current movement in the United States. I personally think this is a great idea due to the fact that current phones are not eco-friendly and this is a better alternative that keeps the environment in mind.
Library 103
News Article
2/15/09
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/technology/personaltech/12renew.html
By: Azadeh Ensha
February 11, 2009
“A Cellphone That Is Made With the Environment in Mind”
Cellphones, which are used by just about every American, typically contain many toxic chemicals and are discarded at our local landfills. Motorola has found a way to keep the environment in mind through their new W233 Renew. This cellphone is made from recycled water bottles and is being titled a “carbon-neutral cellphone.” Though the manufacturing process, delivery, and operation of the phone consists of using Carbon Monoxide, Motorola is taking certain steps to offset this sort of pollution. They are going to do so by making investments in renewable energy sources and various reforestation projects going on around the globe. Not only are they completely negating the effects on Carbon Monoxide emissions from the phone, they are also using one hundred percent recycled paper for the Renew’s packaging. Additionally, they also provide prepaid shipping for the end users to recycle their old phones and the phone itself is also free of harmful toxins such as asbestos.
The W233 Renew is a great way for Motorola to catch on to the “Green” movement that is currently going on in the United States. This current movement is going to increase the marketability of the name Motorola/W233 Renew, create a buzz with a majority of the population, and could also create a new trend that cellphones will hopefully follow. Technology has made this an option for Motorola because through the information highway they will be able to sell the idea/phone to millions of customers. Not only will they be able to reach their target market more efficiently, information has enabled them to catch on to this current movement in the United States. I personally think this is a great idea due to the fact that current phones are not eco-friendly and this is a better alternative that keeps the environment in mind.
Reading #3
Andrew Darcy
Library 103
Reading #3
“The Future of Libraries Beginning the Great Transformation”
By: Thomas Frey
http://www.davinciinstitute.com/page.php?ID=120
Libraries have played a significant role in history and through preservation of important documents/items. This is evident through their role in keeping the da Vinci collection in tact along with many other iconic figures in the past. Ever since Libraries were first used in practice, it was to serve as a storehouse for important artifices, documents and other types of manuscripts. Not only did they keep collections and other important documents in one place, they were the “foundational building blocks of information for all humanity.” Prior to Johann Gutenberg, books were far too expensive for the common man to enjoy, but ever since the wide scale use of his printing press libraries have been for mostly collections of books for most people to enjoy. However, this is currently changing and adapting to the times of the computer age/technology driven era. Libraries are going to need to take some drastic measures in the future to try to develop and maintain a relationship to the younger generation that could use the internet, instead of the library. There goals in reinventing themselves should be through evaluating the library experience of their customers, embracing new information technologies, preserve memories of their communities, experiment with creative spaces so the future of the library can define itself in the future. Modern libraries are currently a work in progress and their future is uncertain and almost exciting as to how they will be able to change with the new society.
Great article for libraries to think strategically about because of how they are going to need to adapt to the external environment where information is readily available. Libraries have been around for thousands of years and are going to be around forever in my opinion. Due to the fact of how it’s a conducive and safe environment for the younger generation to learn, it plays a part in many of our upbringings, and creates ways for the disadvantaged, economically or physically, to find a place that will keep them up on the changing world. In my opinion, libraries in the future are going to be more technology driven through information technologies because of how apt the younger generation is in getting information from the internet, as opposed to the libraries. Most users of the library in the future are going use it for access to information technologies and less of what has historically been the use of libraries, books.
Library 103
Reading #3
“The Future of Libraries Beginning the Great Transformation”
By: Thomas Frey
http://www.davinciinstitute.com/page.php?ID=120
Libraries have played a significant role in history and through preservation of important documents/items. This is evident through their role in keeping the da Vinci collection in tact along with many other iconic figures in the past. Ever since Libraries were first used in practice, it was to serve as a storehouse for important artifices, documents and other types of manuscripts. Not only did they keep collections and other important documents in one place, they were the “foundational building blocks of information for all humanity.” Prior to Johann Gutenberg, books were far too expensive for the common man to enjoy, but ever since the wide scale use of his printing press libraries have been for mostly collections of books for most people to enjoy. However, this is currently changing and adapting to the times of the computer age/technology driven era. Libraries are going to need to take some drastic measures in the future to try to develop and maintain a relationship to the younger generation that could use the internet, instead of the library. There goals in reinventing themselves should be through evaluating the library experience of their customers, embracing new information technologies, preserve memories of their communities, experiment with creative spaces so the future of the library can define itself in the future. Modern libraries are currently a work in progress and their future is uncertain and almost exciting as to how they will be able to change with the new society.
Great article for libraries to think strategically about because of how they are going to need to adapt to the external environment where information is readily available. Libraries have been around for thousands of years and are going to be around forever in my opinion. Due to the fact of how it’s a conducive and safe environment for the younger generation to learn, it plays a part in many of our upbringings, and creates ways for the disadvantaged, economically or physically, to find a place that will keep them up on the changing world. In my opinion, libraries in the future are going to be more technology driven through information technologies because of how apt the younger generation is in getting information from the internet, as opposed to the libraries. Most users of the library in the future are going use it for access to information technologies and less of what has historically been the use of libraries, books.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Andrew J. Darcy
News Article #2
“Google Earth’s latest realm is under the sea”
San Francisco Chronicle
By: Verne Kopytoff
February 3, 2009
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/03/MNCV15LO88.DTL
Google has yet again improved their already vast interactive Google Earth feature. On Monday (February 2nd) they introduced their mapping services for under water exploration. While underwater you get to sore past certain items such as sunken volcanoes, endless caves and travel around as if you where even a dolphin. Not only do you get to swim around anywhere you please, they also have pictures and videos of sea life and other aquatic sites such as shipwrecks. To get their imagery they teamed up with National Geographic Society, along with others, in the goal of educating people by expanding their minds of what is beneath the sea and also how we should take careful steps to preserve the ocean. There are many options to choose from when looking at the undersea world of Google and these choices range from the terrain you wish to view, all the way to selecting what layer of the ocean you wish to see. Google is choosing to take on these neat, inexpensive endeavors, while cutting other projects that are not generating income because of the poor state of the economy and this is an effective way to attract even more visitors to Google.
Great article since we were talking about the many features of Google in class this week. Technology is a crazy thing and it is amazing how Google is bringing the world to a click of a mouse and is allowing people to see things they ordinarily would not see. If anything it is a great learning tool for people to be aware of what is going on around the world and to give people more appreciation of what the seas have to offer. This technology is going to be used, or so they say, as a teaching tool and I think that is a very good way of doing so. Technology is allowing them to make an exciting site that is not only educational, but also a pleasurable way to spend an afternoon searching the world with Google Earth!
News Article #2
“Google Earth’s latest realm is under the sea”
San Francisco Chronicle
By: Verne Kopytoff
February 3, 2009
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/03/MNCV15LO88.DTL
Google has yet again improved their already vast interactive Google Earth feature. On Monday (February 2nd) they introduced their mapping services for under water exploration. While underwater you get to sore past certain items such as sunken volcanoes, endless caves and travel around as if you where even a dolphin. Not only do you get to swim around anywhere you please, they also have pictures and videos of sea life and other aquatic sites such as shipwrecks. To get their imagery they teamed up with National Geographic Society, along with others, in the goal of educating people by expanding their minds of what is beneath the sea and also how we should take careful steps to preserve the ocean. There are many options to choose from when looking at the undersea world of Google and these choices range from the terrain you wish to view, all the way to selecting what layer of the ocean you wish to see. Google is choosing to take on these neat, inexpensive endeavors, while cutting other projects that are not generating income because of the poor state of the economy and this is an effective way to attract even more visitors to Google.
Great article since we were talking about the many features of Google in class this week. Technology is a crazy thing and it is amazing how Google is bringing the world to a click of a mouse and is allowing people to see things they ordinarily would not see. If anything it is a great learning tool for people to be aware of what is going on around the world and to give people more appreciation of what the seas have to offer. This technology is going to be used, or so they say, as a teaching tool and I think that is a very good way of doing so. Technology is allowing them to make an exciting site that is not only educational, but also a pleasurable way to spend an afternoon searching the world with Google Earth!
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