Drives

Added file to S drive; deleted same. I have added nothing to the P drive, so there was nothing to delete. I have a few pictures in my picture folder on the Z drive, but left those in case I need to re-upload them. I'm pretty doggoned organized :o}.

Email

I use gmail--it's designed for efficiency and I don't have to change my e-dress when my service provider changes. I have about 30 folders (as opposed to four at my hcpl.net e-dress) and keep my inbox filled with messages that require my action in some way. Others I delete or store in a folder, just as I do with my hcpl.net messages. I don't use the contact list at hcpl.net--the software is not very convenient (or perhaps I'm spoiled by gmail's versatility and robustness :o}) and I don't need to communicate with others in the system via email very much.

And I was very pleased to see that you linked to snopes.com--they are, without a doubt, one of the greatest public service sites on the Internet. I use it religiously and refer others to it, as well.

Getting Things Done

Hmmm. I'm not at all sure about this method's value. When I first looked at the wiki article, I chuckled. It reminded me of a web site I discovered years ago when searching for a solution to my then-husband's clutter problems. The web site was packed from margin to margin with text, text and more text--providing a reflection of what clutter looks like within a human mind.

Those who need help with organization and time management will, I contend, find this far too complex to be of any help whatsoever. Moving tasks out of the mind is exactly opposite of what I would recommend. The collection step would be completely daunting to most cluttered minds--collection/accumulation is no problem to them, but distinguishing what is important to the completion of a task and what is not is beyond their abilities. The single part of the method that might be helpful is the actual 'process' for making decisions/taking action--a 'just do it' concept. What is missing is instruction in what current behaviors are impeding their progress and how to create new neural connections to change.

That said, I use Google calendar regularly to send reminder emails to myself. My Gmail inbox is my todo list. If I can keep the list (which contains tabled, pending, AND immediate action items) under 10, I consider myself well in control of my responsibilities/commitments.

Wrapping Up

I am always glad to find new links to technological innovations. My experience with iHCPL offered several--some I'll continue to use and some not. The program was a great idea to lead reluctant ones into the fold. I'm very glad to have been a part of it.

Overdrive

This is one of my favorite aspects of HCPL! I have Overdrive downloaded on all my computers at home and keep three or four books checked out so I can listen to whatever suits my fancy. I listen while I'm taking care of chores and tasks that don't require my full attention. I hold a part-time position at Murder By The Book bookstore and was waaaaay behind on my mystery reading, so I've used Overdrive to help me catch up. My only wish is for a more flexible method of check-out--renewal and early return, specifically. All in all, though, I LOVE OVERDRIVE!

I also checked out LibriVox and Wired for Books and am already familiar with NetLibrary (their eAudio is an HPL service). NetLibrary does not require download of software because the audio books can be downloaded and played on Windows Media Player, making it more accessible to the public. In addition, checkout is for three weeks, rather than two. You may also renew the title. NetLibrary, as with Overdrive, has no capacity for early return.

Podcasts

I can't listen to podcasts at work, but I've downloaded them to my Itunes at home in the past. The iTunes store has a HUGE listing of podcasts, almost all of them free to download I found some interesting ones on psychology, data mining, brain science and humor. This time, using Podcast.net, I found the Library Channel from Arizona, but didn't find any podcasts that piqued my interest. I don't subscribe to any anymore, because I have the same philosophy for those that I have for e-list and blog subscriptions--if they consume more time than I can give them in a single day, I don't continue the subscription. (I have sustained membership in five e-lists for more than one year, but haven't kept any blog or podcast feeds for more than a couple of weeks). I do, however, use podcasts, and occasionally blogs, as a source of information on a specific topic.

Hilarious YouTube Video

Over the past few years, I've had more links to YouTube videos sent to me than I like to acknowledge. This one from about two years ago made me laugh out loud--not easy to accomplish. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA1NoOOoaNw