A blog to highlight what's new, what's cool, and what's forthcoming at the Mukwonago Community Library, in southern Waukesha County, Wisconsin.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Technology Tip #21: Call Santa or Have a Fun Holiday Voicemail Message
Ho-ho-hold the phone: Santa’s on the line
Posted by Trevor Claiborne, Product Marketing Manager
Last year, Santa got his very own Google Voice number, and people around the U.S. received a special personalized holiday phone call from Santa Claus.
This year, Santa wants you to reach out to him (after all, reindeer are only so-so conversationalists). If you or your family members have a special request for Santa, you can call him right from Gmail* and leave him a message at his Google Voice number: 855-34-SANTA. Santa won't be able to return messages himself—it’s a busy time of year for him—but he's promised to keep us up to date on happenings in the North Pole day by day.
You also can create and send a unique, customized phone call from Santa to anyone you know, from your nieces and nephews to old college friends, over the phone (to U.S. numbers only). Listen to a sample phone call, and send a message of your own from SendaCallFromSanta.com.
Of course, Santa is never one to fall behind the technological times (word on the street is that Rudolph’s nose was recently upgraded to an energy-efficient LED). So while the red suit may never go out of style, this year Santa has come up with an extra special way to spread the holiday cheer. But you’ll have to wait until it’s closer to Christmas to find out what it is. So no peeking—but keep checking the site!
Happy Holidays from your friends at Gmail.
*Calls from Gmail are free for U.S. and Canadian users, but will cost people outside those areas $.01/minute (plus any applicable VATs).
Cross-posted on the Official Google Blog
Monday, December 19, 2011
Uncommone Genre 2: Historical Cookbooks
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Technology Tip #20:YouTube Holiday Hellos!
Ah, the infamous Holiday Newsletter. Depending on the author it can be a instrument of entertainment or terror. You can still send traditional ink, but engage your family with a Holiday Video and post it on YouTube.
Monday, December 5, 2011
UnCommon Genre Week 1: Historical Military Westerns
Western sub-genres generally include the following categories which reflect the interests of western. One such sub genre is Historical Military Westerns. In this genre you read to Western novel fictions that have accurate details of the historical events. This helps you as a reader be entertained with a quick pace adventure and learn something with the detailed description of the action and events.
Try Reading:
Terry C. Johnston, The Plainsmen series
Will Henry
Cynthia Haseloff, The Kiowa Verdict: A Western Story
Don Coldsmith, The Trail of the Spanish Bit
Ashes of Heaven. Terry C. Johnston. A Plainsmen Novel, Book XIII.1998. 432p.
The Plainsmen series chronicles the final battles of the war against the indigenous peoples, as seen through the eyes of Seamus Donegan, a likeable and experienced soldier and scout out of Fort Laramie, Dakota Territory. Sent “to finish a long and bloody war”, the quick-paced, action-packed novel tells the story of the vain efforts of some to negotiate a humane end to the conflicts, which instead led to the Lame Deer Fight of 1877 and brought the once-mighty Sioux to their knees.
I, Tom Horn. Will Henry. 1975. 339p.
“Just him and the wind and the wolf, lone three. Out there! Out there!”
The recreated autobiography of Tom Horn, who left home at 14 after enduring his father’s last beating, to begin a life of adventure in the West. Recounted as his sat awaiting his hanging after having been sentenced by a jury that included men he had once arrested for cattle rustling, Tom tells the story of the unfortunate series of events that led up to his execution.
Riders of the Purple Sage. Zane Grey. 1912. 335p.
A young Morman woman, heir to her father’s extensive ranch, dares to defy the Mormon church elders and befriends a young man who is a Gentile, and is threatened and bullied by them. Out of the dust, just in time to save the day, rides the mysterious stranger who wil teach the brutal religious extremists a lesson they won't forget.
Western sub-genres generally include the following categories which reflect the interests of western reader’s advisory at my library:
Historical/ Military Westerns: Read to gain an accurate understanding of the real events and people that shaped the West, preferably related in a well-written adventurous tale that moves along at a fairly quick pace, with lots of detailed action.
Terry C. Johnston, The Plainsmen series
Will Henry
Cynthia Haseloff, The Kiowa Verdict: A Western Story
Don Coldsmith, The Trail of the Spanish Bit
Ashes of Heaven. Terry C. Johnston. A Plainsmen Novel, Book XIII.1998. 432p.
The Plainsmen series chronicles the final battles of the war against the indigenous peoples, as seen through the eyes of Seamus Donegan, a likeable and experienced soldier and scout out of Fort Laramie, Dakota Territory. Sent “to finish a long and bloody war”, the quick-paced, action-packed novel tells the story of the vain efforts of some to negotiate a humane end to the conflicts, which instead led to the Lame Deer Fight of 1877 and brought the once-mighty Sioux to their knees.
I, Tom Horn. Will Henry. 1975. 339p.
“Just him and the wind and the wolf, lone three. Out there! Out there!”
The recreated autobiography of Tom Horn, who left home at 14 after enduring his father’s last beating, to begin a life of adventure in the West. Recounted as his sat awaiting his hanging after having been sentenced by a jury that included men he had once arrested for cattle rustling, Tom tells the story of the unfortunate series of events that led up to his execution.
Riders of the Purple Sage. Zane Grey. 1912. 335p.
A young Morman woman, heir to her father’s extensive ranch, dares to defy the Mormon church elders and befriends a young man who is a Gentile, and is threatened and bullied by them. Out of the dust, just in time to save the day, rides the mysterious stranger who wil teach the brutal religious extremists a lesson they won't forget.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Reader Advisory - Thoughts on Reading
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Technology Tip 19: Getter Better Gifts
If you are thinking about a particular item, anything from an e-book reader, digital camera, snow tires, or washing machine, Consumer Reports has probably reviewed it and can make some suggestions.
Call us at 262-363-6411, e-mail us at mukref@gmail.com, or stop in and we can help you find these rating.
Expansion Photos Nineteen
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Expansion Photos Eighteen
Here is a similiar view, but a little brighter. If you see the shelving unit near the back you get a sample of what some of the furniture will look like.
Expansion Photos Seventeen
Monday, November 21, 2011
Technology Tip 18: Manage Your Facebook
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Technology Tip 17: Gmail Shortcut Keys
Keyboard shortcuts (from Google Help Page)
To turn these case-sensitive shortcuts on or off, click the gear icon at the top of any Gmail page and then Mail settings. Choose the option next to "Keyboard shortcuts" to turn them on. You can also enable shortcuts automatically by going to http://mail.google.com/mail/?kbd=1
Shortcut Key | Definition | Action |
---|---|---|
c | Compose | Allows you to compose a new message. |
/ | Search | Puts your cursor in the search box. |
k | Move to newer conversation | Opens or moves your cursor to a more recent conversation. You can hit |
j | Move to older conversation | Opens or moves your cursor to the next oldest conversation. You can hit |
n | Next message | Moves your cursor to the next message. You can hit |
p | Previous message | Moves your cursor to the previous message. You can hit |
o or | Open | Opens your conversation. Also expands or collapses a message if you are in 'Conversation View.' |
u | Return to conversation list | Refreshes your page and returns you to the inbox, or list of conversations. |
e | Archive | Archive your conversation from any view. |
m | Mute | Archives the conversation, and all future messages skip the Inbox unless sent or cc'd directly to you. Learn more. |
x | Select conversation | Automatically checks and selects a conversation so that you can archive, apply a label, or choose an action from the drop-down menu to apply to that conversation. |
s | Star a message or conversation | Adds or removes a star to a message or conversation. Stars allow you to give a message or conversation a special status. |
+ | Mark as important | Helps Gmail learn what's important to you by marking misclassified messages. (Specific to Priority Inbox) |
- | Mark as unimportant | Helps Gmail learn what's not important to you by marking misclassified messages. (Specific to Priority Inbox) |
! | Report spam | Marks a message as spam and removes it from your conversation list. |
r | Reply | Replies to the message sender. |
a | Reply all | Replies to all message recipients. |
f | Forward | Forwards a message. |
Escape from input field | Removes the cursor from your current input field. | |
Save draft | Saves the current text as a draft when composing a message. Hold the | |
# | Delete | Moves the conversation to Trash. |
l | Label | Opens the Labels menu to label a conversation. |
v | Move to | Moves the conversation from the inbox to a different label, Spam or Trash. |
Mark as read | Marks your message as 'read' and skip to the next message. | |
Mark as unread | Marks your message as 'unread' so you can go back to it later. | |
[ | Archive and previous | Removes the current view's label from your conversation and moves to the previous one. |
] | Archive and next | Removes the current view's label from your conversation and moves to the next one. |
z | Undo | Undoes your previous action, if possible (works for actions with an 'undo' link). |
Update current conversation | Updates your current conversation when there are new messages. | |
q | Move cursor to chat search | Moves your cursor directly to the chat search box. |
y | Remove from Current View* | Automatically removes the message or conversation from your current view.
|
. | Show more actions | Displays the 'More Actions' drop-down menu. |
Opens options in Chat |
| |
? | Show keyboard shortcuts help | Displays the keyboard shortcuts help menu within any page you're on. (Note: Typing ? will display the help menu even if you don't have keyboard shortcuts enabled) |
k | Move up a contact | Moves your cursor up in your contact list |
j | Move down a contact | Moves your cursor down in your contact list |
o or | Open | Opens the contact with the cursor next to it. |
u | Return to contact list view | Refreshes your page and returns you to the contact list. |
e | Remove from Current Group | Removes selected contacts from the group currently being displayed. |
x | Select contact | Checks and selects a contact so that you can change group membership or choose an action from the drop-down menu to apply to the contact. |
Escape from input field | Removes the cursor from the current input | |
# | Delete | Deletes a contact permanently |
l | Group membership | Opens the groups button to group contacts |
z | Undo | Reverses your previous action, if possible (works for actions with an 'undo' link) |
. | Show more actions | Opens the "More actions" drop-down menu. |
Combo-keys - Use the following combinations of keys to navigate through Gmail.
Shortcut Key | Definition | Action |
---|---|---|
Send message | After composing your message, use this combination to send it automatically. (Supported in Internet Explorer and Firefox, on Windows.) | |
y then o | Archive and next | Archives your conversation and moves to the next one. |
g then a | Go to 'All Mail' | Takes you to 'All Mail,' the storage site for all mail you've ever sent or received (and have not deleted). |
g then s | Go to 'Starred' | Takes you to all conversations you have starred. |
g then c | Go to 'Contacts' | Takes you to your Contacts list. |
g then d | Go to 'Drafts' | Takes you to all drafts you have saved. |
g then l | Go to 'Label' | Takes you to the search box with the "label:" operator filled in for you. |
g then i | Go to 'Inbox' | Returns you to the inbox. |
g then t | Go to 'Sent Mail' | Takes you to all mail you've sent. |
* then a | Select all | Selects all mail. |
* then n | Select none | Deselects all mail. |
* then r | Select read | Selects all mail you've read. |
* then u | Select unread | Selects all unread mail. |
* then s | Select starred | Selects all starred mail. |
* then t | Select unstarred | Selects all unstarred mail. |
updated 09/21/2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
National Native American Heritage Month, 2011
From the Aleutian Islands to the Florida Everglades, American Indians and Alaska Natives have contributed immensely to our country's heritage. During National Native American Heritage Month, we commemorate their enduring achievements and reaffirm the vital role American Indians and Alaska Natives play in enriching the character of our Nation.
Native Americans stand among America's most distinguished authors, artists, scientists, and political leaders, and in their accomplishments, they have profoundly strengthened the legacy we will leave our children. So, too, have American Indians and Alaska Natives bravely fought to protect this legacy as members of our Armed Forces. As service members, they have shown exceptional valor and heroism on battlefields from the American Revolution to Iraq and Afghanistan. Native Americans have demonstrated time and again their commitment to advancing our common goals, and we honor their resolve in the face of years of marginalization and broken promises. My Administration recognizes the painful chapters in our shared history, and we are fully committed to moving forward with American Indians and Alaska Natives to build a better future together.
To strengthen our economy and win the future for our children, my Administration is addressing problems that have burdened Native American communities for too long. We are working to bolster economic development, expand access to affordable health care, broaden post-secondary educational opportunities, and ensure public safety and tribal justice. In June, I signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Rural Council, to strengthen Federal engagement with tribal governments and promote economic prosperity in Indian Country and across rural America. This comes in conjunction with several settlements that will put more land into the hands of tribes and deliver long-awaited trust reform to Indian Country.
To bring jobs and sustainable growth to tribal nations, my Administration is connecting tribal economies to the broader economy through transportation infrastructure and high-speed Internet, as well as by focusing on clean energy development on tribal lands. First Lady Michelle Obama's recently launched Let's Move! in Indian Country initiative will also redouble efforts to encourage healthy living for American Indians and Alaska Natives. These actions reflect my Administration's ongoing commitment to progress for Native Americans, which was reaffirmed last year when we announced our support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Through a comprehensive strategy where the Federal Government and tribal nations move forward as equal partners, we can bring real and lasting change to Indian Country.
This month, we celebrate the rich heritage and myriad contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting tribal sovereignty, tribal self-determination, and prosperity for all Native Americans. We will seek to strengthen our nation-to-nation relationship by ensuring tribal nations have a voice in shaping national policies impacting tribal communities. We will continue this dialogue at the White House Tribal Nations Conference held in Washington, D.C. next month. As we confront the challenges currently facing our tribal communities and work to ensure American Indians and Alaska Natives have meaningful opportunities to pursue their dreams, we are forging a brighter future for the First Americans and all Americans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2011 as National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate November 25, 2011, as Native American Heritage Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Technology Post 16: Poll Your Friends and Coworkers!
Technology can allow you to connect with people in new ways. Polling may be an unexplored avenue you should consider using. All you do is ask a question and wait for people to respond through a web browser, cell phone, or other devices. It is quick, fun, and different.
My favorite tool for this is a website called Poll Everywhere. I like it because you can create a poll within 30 seconds and people can respond on the web, by texting, or through Twitter. Hear are some ways to use it:
-Texting everyone in your circle to see where they would like to eat for dinner. This way everybody gets a vote, and you don't get to hear the complainers.
- When you need an anonymous vote to make a workplace decision.
-Trying to stimulate your friends to get them politically intereseted.
The results get displayed in real time as people respond and can be seen on your web browser, cell phone, or utilized in a PowerPoint display. This is a really basic example:
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Mmmmmmm....Food
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Expansion Photos Sixteen
This is the new building profile that will be greeting you when you drive in. With the larger parking lot it should be easier to find a convenient spot place.
The landscaping around the building is underway. Here is one of the paths along the library. Look at how large and deep those paving stones are!
The inside of the library is starting to look a lot more like home. We have ceiling tiles installed, painted walls, trim, doors, and more galore!
The installation of carpet warms up the entire building. Soon this carpet will be getting tested by patrons (and the winter snow).
Technology Tip #16: Type Faster!
Increase your productivity at work and stop using your pointer finger to peck at your keyboard. Invest 15 minutes a day for practicing typing and increase your speed and accuracy. Many standard office and administrative jobs have a mandatory typing speed between 30 to 50 WPM. What is yours?
I used to teach typing courses for Department of Workforce Development clients. My favorite tool to use outside of the classroom was to suggest the website TypingWeb. It is a great website because you create your own account and it will track your progress. It will also help you catch where you make mistakes. If you make it to a certain level or finish a program it will also make printable certificates. The best part? It is free.
So at least check it out, and see how fast you can type!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
New Library Open House During Midnight Magic!
We will begin the move back to the new building on Friday, December 9th and if all goes according to plan reopening our doors on Wednesday, December 14th.
We are excited to be moving back home! Last time we had a smooth move with most of that thanks going to our volunteers. If you are available to volunteer for help during our open house or to help us move please contact Laura at 262-363-6411. Thank you again for all of your support and continued enthusiasm during our expansion process!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Calling All Writers!
Do you think you can write a novel in one month? Are you interested in just trying it out. Join us in the international celebration of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).
This is simply about inspiring literary abandon. We will be having a get together here at the library on Sunday, November 19th from 10 am to 1 pm. So starting writing tomorrow, collect what you have on the 19th and come visit with like minded writers. Get opinions, guidance, and just have fun!
I (Tristan) will be participating with writing a novel this month. I have never written an entire novel. I can promise you one thing and one thing only...it will not be very polished...or very good. But I am going to try! So try with me!
Check out this website for more details, local groups, and more information.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Technology Tip 15: How to Make An ePUB Book
Now I must admit you may wonder....why would I ever need to make an e-book? Here are a few ideas I came up with.
-You have always wanted to write a book and disregarded the idea because self publishing can be expensive. Creating a e-book can be free to create and disperse.
-Preserving family recipes and making a easy to e-mail e-book!
-You may be a student and get tired of lugging all of your books around. Transport your notes to a e-book and then you can just e-mail your information.
If you are interested check out the University of Washington's website for their step by step instructions on how to make a e-book. If you have any questions or troubles come see us at the Reference Desk!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Recently Added Video Games
Library Halloween Happenings and Local Trick or Treat Times
Mukwonago (town): 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Mukwonago (village): 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30
------
Milwaukee County
Bayside: 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 30
Brown Deer: 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30
Cudahy: 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30
Franklin: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Glendale: 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30
Greendale: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Greenfield: 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30
Hales Corners: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Milwaukee: 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30
Oak Creek: 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30
River Hills: 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30
Shorewood: 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30
South Milwaukee: 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30
St. Francis: 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30
Wauwatosa: 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30
West Allis: 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 30
West Milwaukee: 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 30
Whitefish Bay: 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30
Ozaukee County
Belgium (village): 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Cedarburg (city and town): 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29
Grafton (village and town): 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Mequon: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Port Washington (city): 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 29
Saukville (village): 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Thiensville: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Washington County
Addison: 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30
Barton: 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30
Erin: 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30
Farmington: 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30
Germantown (village and town): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Hartford (city and town): 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30
Jackson (village and town): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30
Kewaskum (town and village): 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 29
Newburg: 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 29
Richfield (village): 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 29
Slinger (Village): 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 29
Trenton (town): 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30
West Bend (city and town): 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30
Waukesha County
Big Bend: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Brookfield (city): 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Brookfield (town): 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Delafield (city): 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30
Delafield (town): 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Dousman: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Eagle (town and village): 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 29
Elm Grove: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29
Genesee: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Hartland: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Lannon: 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 30
Lisbon: 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29
Menomonee Falls: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Merton (village and town): 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Mukwonago (town): 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Mukwonago (village): 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30
Muskego: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Nashotah: 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30
New Berlin: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
North Prairie: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Oconomowoc (city): 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29
Ottawa: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Pewaukee (city and village): 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Summit: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Sussex: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29
Vernon: 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 30
Wales: 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30
Waukesha (city): 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Waukesha (town): 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Technology Tip #14: Teaching Resource
This is a tip taken from Tammy Worcester's website.
Teaching Channel
To use it:
1.Go to: http://www.blogger.com/www.teachingchannel.com
2.Use the options on the left side of the page to view videos by subject, grade, or topic.
3.Click at the top to view the most watched videos
4.Go here http://www.teachingchannel.org/newsletters to see past newsletters and/or sign up to receive a weekly newsletter with updates on new videos, inspiring lesson ideas and Tch news!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Expansion Photos Fifteen
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Winnie the Pooh's 90th Birthday Party
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
One Thousand Signatures on the New Library Foundation
Thank you to everyone that came to show support for the new library building during our Foundation Signing Event last weekend. We estimate about a thousand people came out and added their signature to the floor.