WORMFEST 2014 + A TO Z + AN AWARD
It's Wormhole Week, and Stephen Tremp, Alex J Cavanaugh, and L. Diane Wolfe are hosting this amazing blogfest:
Name one thing where science advances mankind, and one where technology with unforeseen consequences will go too far and set mankind back. (And they can be the same thing.) Example: De-Extinction, or bringing back extinction species through back breeding, genetic engineering, and cloning. With all the breakthrough discoveries mankind is on the cusp of, are we playing God?
I'm late to this party, simply because I wasn't sure what to post about. I have no fancy and elaborate in depth scientific knowledge. Then I realised that the answer to this is simple… it's not rocket science. It stares me in the face every day.
MY i-PAD – Which I still don't make enough use of… which is a good/bad thing? The more I get to know about the i-pad, the more time I'll probably spend glued to this amazing contraption (which I was reluctant to engage with at first… but all that has since changed…)
I want to share my thoughts with regards to a few desk top applications.
The desktop calendar means that the paper calendar which we get from the petrol station attendant and local grocery store owner (for many, many, many years…) is not as significant as it used to be…
The photo album means the demise of the sticky photo albums that pile up on a shelf in the corner of the living room…
The clock… makes me think of the big kitchen wall clock… you know the one with the second hand that ticks loudly (my mother still has one)… I don't even wear a wrist watch any more… *sighs*
… there's also the aesthetic component to consider… remember those days when a knock at the door on your birthday, would reveal a fresh bouquet of flowers from the delivery guy… now it's quick and easy to send a virtual bunch of roses via Facebook…
… and the notebook app means less of those quaint notepads that I love to buy from the stationer…
So that's my two cents bit… the price we have to pay for progress…
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And of course the actual A to Z Challenge starts 01 April!
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| SIGN UP HERE |
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The charming C.Lee Mackenzie who blogs at Write Game presented me with this charming award a few weeks ago!
Thank you C.Lee
The Award!
- Display the Award on your Blog.
- Announce your win with a post and thank the Blogger who awarded you.
- Present 15 deserving Bloggers with the Award
- Link your awardees in the post and let them know of their being awarded.
5. Write seven interesting things about you.
Well I'm not too sure how interesting the following will be, but here goes:
~ I'm not really a TV/movie fan… there's one local soapie I watch, throw in the odd reality programme (Idols and Come Dine With Me) and the odd movie… and that's about it!
~ There was a time when I was crazy about dolphins and had a collection of paraphernalia… a dolphin comforter, dolphin wind chimes, dolphin coasters, dolphin charm bracelet, dolphin display figurines, dolphin-printed tray cloth, dolphin door stopper, mugs etc. (you get the idea…?)
~ I truly believe that INPUT = OUTPUT and this applies to anything that you do in life!
~ At the end of my second year of teaching, I did a 3 week Kontiki Tour and travelled to 7 countries in Europe (involved lots of serious saving + many wonderful peanut butter/coffee meals… which is still my 'go to snack' when I want to nibble on something…)
~ Eight years ago, I resigned from full-time teaching, then I took up a part time post teaching music appreciation at a primary school. Just last month I moved to a new part time position at a new school, where I teach grade 8 English (18 learners) & grade 9 English (14 learners)
~ I love different types of costume jewellery – beads, bangles, rings, earrings…
~ I'm terrified of cockroaches (especially the flying ones)…
At this point I'm going to bend the rule a teensy-weensy bit… please bear with me… (hope it's okay with you C.Lee…) Since many, many bloggers have already been recipients of various awards (and I've lost track…), I am not going to pass it along just yet… maybe at a later date (for example, the new bloggers I meet during the A to Z Challenge)
I'm off to check out some Wormfest participants!!
I don't like flying cockroaches either. In South Carolina, they call them Palmetto Bugs, but they're just giant, flying cockroaches.
Once you get an iPad, you're hooked for life!
Thanks for participating in the blogfest. Knew you'd think of something.
I'm trying NOT to get too hooked on it! Not sure if I'm winning the battle… 🙂
Ooops, completely forgot about the Wormhole Blogfest. I'll be posting about it tomorrow.
Happy posting! I haven't been around to all the participants… just not enough time…
The danger lies in all the free apps that can fill your tablet and phone!
Well, I'm staying away from the App store… up until now, I've been fairly successful in that regard…
The iPad is calling you….I love my mine, I use it everyday. It has not however, unfortunately, replaced my love of notepads, which still clutter my desk. I do have a daily schedule and task list that I make up on my iPad, but I also have a weekly today list that I handwrite everyweek, and dozens of notepads and sticky notes for notes to myself, temporary story notes, general notetaking….iPad can't do everything…yet. ^_^
Also, why are so many different kinds of cockroaches?
I still spend time in the stationery store, browsing the beautiful notebooks… and I still buy them… they fill a certain spot that the Notes App will NEVER fill!
Good question about the roaches… lots of hybrids… maybe they plan to take over the world… *aaargh* *shudder*
Flying cockroaches are just wrong. Ewww! There is certainly a trade off with technology of all kinds. Even the car, which is old news, has made obesity rampant.
Technological advancement is like a damned-if-you-do and also damned-if-you-don't situation… a real dilemma!
Congrats on your new teaching gig! I agree about those cockroaches. Eeewww. And yuk! Now I need to wash my hands 🙂
I'm sure that you don't find any under that tiki hut? 🙂
It was lovely reading about you. I learnt much about you. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for popping in Nas!
I'm still a holdout for photo albums, daily planner books, and shame on anyone who treats a virtual flower arrangement like it's the real thing!!! But I do have to say that I've stopped wearing a wristwatch. I check the time on my cell phone (antiquated thing, but still). But you are right, so many little things we used to take for granted are now obsolete.
I still love my notebooks and long-hand writing… some things cannot be replaced that easily…
You've had so many aesome experiences! I don't have an iPad yet … one of these days though!
Didn't know cockroaches could fly and I'm a little creeped out right now! *shudder*
I've been blessed! And don't worry… one day you will own an i-Pad.
And believe me… you don't want to see a cockroach fly…!
I feel as if I should be joining Twitter, but do I have time?
The gadgets are great, but I like real notebooks and I can't stop myself from using scraps of paper I can slip into my jeans' pockets. I don't think technology can link my brain with my jeans quite the same! I'm pleased you got round to the Wormfest.
I've still got quite a bit of work to do for my A-Z. I didn't realize how much time this would take when I signed up, but I'm looking forward to it.
There are TOO MANY social media platorms and TOO LITTLE time to engage effectively on each one… *sigh* But you get those writers who navigate multiple platforms. I think time management becomes crucial…
The A to Z is time consuming BUT very rewarding!
Although I depend on wall clocks, I usually look at my phone or computer. I haven't worn a watch in years.
I buy a ton of notebooks because I'm addicted to stationery, but they're piling up unused.
I've given away most of my calculators to math teachers because I have my phone and tablet. I must admit it is quite handy to have devices that do so much.
I think most people use their phones… and you can still make use of those notebooks… just dust them off (or send them my way 🙂 )
All these scientific types have invaded the blogosphere. I've been getting quite an education!
Hope you are enjoying teaching, Michelle. I posted about To Kill a Mockingbird last post.
Denise
I'm thoroughly enjoying it Denise! I'm off to check out your post———
LOVE my iPad, too. Truly my one 'must have' gadget–maybe even over my smartphone.
It's really handy… isn't it? And I must confess that it's fast becoming my "must have" gadget!
You're really amazing! And you've sold me on iPad. I have wanted one for so long, but I couldn't justify it. Well, I can't really now either, but I must have one!
Joylene, once you get an i-Pad, you'll never look back. It's really handy! Yes, you must have one. LOL I didn't have to worry about justifying it… I had no choice because my son "forced" me to get one, and he set up the gadget for me…LOL
Hi Michelle .. I have one and must get used to using it … I need a new iphone first though – as the one I have can't take the apps and programmes such as Evernote I'd really like to get used to .. looks like after the A-Z now.
No, I haven't started writing yet … and it's not going to be as easy as last year's were .. oh well here's to being creative perhaps … cheers and thanks for your ipad uses .. I like the photos my calendars give me … cheers Hilary
Well, I still struggle with lots of things on the i-Pad… it's a daily trial and error process… and you'll get there, a step at a time…
Good luck with the writing Hilary!
Greetings human, Michelle,
Ah yes and yay to the Wormhole! 🙂 I'm still using an iPAW. All this technology confused my doggy brain.
Now then, I completely ignore that ridiculous alphabet challenge. Thank you very much.
Congrats on the award from the adorable celebrity that is C.Lee McKenzie. My human is her starstruckest fan! 🙂 I promise to not let this comment dragon in regards to your award.
Have a lovely weekend, my human friend.
Pawsitive wishes,
Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!
Oh Penny, I'm pawsitive that your i-Paw is 100 times cuter than the i-Pad… 🙂
Flying cockroaches are pretty frightening! It is very convenient to use an iPad. We have a bean bag attachment that slightly raises it making it more comfortable to use. Though I still like to have an old fashioned large calendar on hand. Congrats on your award, Michelle!
I'm terrified of the flying roaches (they're probably equally terrified of me…) They have an uncanny way of flying directly at you——–
iPads seem pretty nice, but I still like to use little notebooks, especially when out and about. Like sketchbooks, there is something unique to setting things down in one of these compared to their digital counterparts. It also helps to get my thoughts in order when I go over the notes and enter them into the computer later…
I so agree. Nothing beats paper/pen activities when it comes to brainstorming ideas—–
Nice to meet you Garrison.
I haven't worn a watch for years, but this actually predates my mobile – I used to just ask random strangers if I needed to know it. I love Come Dine With Me 🙂
Me too. Haven't worn a watch in ages…
I love the "voice over guy" on Come Dine With Me—- he's so funny with his sarcastic commentary. He actually makes the programme! 🙂
I just wrote a grant and three shiny new iPads showed up in my classroom. LOVE THEM. They are like my iPhone on steroids. I envy you switching from full time teaching to a focus. I would love to do that. Alas, no opportunities on the horizon.
You are soooo lucky! Good for you with your three shiny new i-Pads!
I am loving the focus that accompanies this new part-time position. I have so many great ideas that I'm now able to put into action!
flying cockroaches…shudder.
Yep, took me some time to get used to a tablet, but now I love it.
I know the feeling… as time passes, I'm getting more and more use out of my i-Pad… it's really growing on me… 🙂
Hahaha… I am laughing that Penny is using the iPaw… lol…
Fabulous. All of this. And A-Z… dies… I don't think I'll ever be brave enough! 🙂
C'mon Morgan, I'm sure you'll manage the challenge… give it a bash one of these years…
I loved my digital calendar until my computer ate it for dinner. I had to go to my husband's old wall calendar with the puppies (adorable really) to reconstruct my next few months! I hear what you're saying about the attraction and the loss of our iPad, iPhone, iCalendar world. Change!
Glad you enjoyed the Award, and I think you're wise to hold on to it for the next new blogger on the block.
Awwwww, who can resist those adorable puppies on the wall calendars? I remember them so well!
Change… yes. I'm trying to embrace the positive aspects of change… empower myself… there are many people of my generation who may never get the opportunity to use an i-Pad… 🙂
Yeah, I would totally pin you as a dophin girl. =)
You know, I didn't mind the ipad and similar devices until darn windows starting altering desktop functionality to look like touch screen functionality. People, I can handle many strange and different things, BUT DON'T MESS WITH MY DESKTOP. *ahem*
Really? What makes you pin me as a dolphin girl? I'm curious…
I don't own an i anything yet, but I do have a PC and a netbook. I like paper notebooks and still use them to keep my series stuff in one place. I don't think I could give those up. Congrats on your award, Michelle! You deserve it. 🙂
Mary, you are so progressive, I just assumed you'd have an i-Pad… which is wrong of me anyway… to assume things, I mean… 🙂
Your mention of not needing photo album anymore struck a cord with me. I keep all our photos on my computer now and I get to see a few whenever my screen saver kicks in. But unlike an album that might be dragged out and shared from time to time, no one sees the ones on the computer but me. Sad.
Sad. But real. That "turning the page" experience is priceless! My old albums (with their grainy photos) are stuck somewhere at the back of the spare wardrobe…
Technology is great in some ways, but it makes me sad to see traditional things fade away because of it.
I'm not a fan of flying rocahes, but I'm more afraid of spiders. *shudders*
I know what you mean Melissa. It's almost like a catch-22 situation… you can't stop technological advancement but there IS a price to pay…. 🙂 The question is: what price?
Hi Michelle – thanks so much for helping with A to Z. I appreciate all the work you and Alex's team are doing. I share your "I'm not a techie, but look how my life is changing through technology" feelings, and even urgency to write about them. But…how to begin. Every day I read about some new thing already on its way to obsolence. You came up with good examples of every day changes. After A to Z, I'm going to give this some more thought and hopefully be able to blog about it. Technology is fascinating even if it's completely beyond my comprehension!
Hi Sammy! Nice to meet you.
Technology is fascinating even if it's beyond my comprehension! I echo your sentiment! 🙂 At least I'm not the only one.