Went diving this past weekend, went on four (4) dives to test out my gear. Haven't used it for about 5 or 6 years, so I had my regulator serviced and battery replaced on my dive computer. The morning dive was to Biles Bay and Nathan's Dent. The first dive to Biles Bay was not so good - visibility was not so great and the site was full of silt. The other dive, Nathan's Dent was great - shallow dive with lots of fish and coral; one of the divers found a fire clam hidden on the reef. It was not too fiery but something not seen every day. Since I had breakfast about 1 hour before the dive, and my dive buddy and I ended up way off away from the boat, we had a long swim back on swells....I got a little seasick so I fed the fishes carrots and celery after coming back on board....have to remember to get Damamine for the Yap dives. Diesel fumes and a rocking boat can me make seasick. So, with about 2 hours before the afternoon dive, I had lunch --- fish and rice ( I substituted rice for the chips), and a cup of coffee. The afternoon dives were great --- the boat was not too crowded, about 14 people instead of 26 on the morning dive. We went to Barricuda Reef and Haps' Reef. Great dives - lots to see, nope, did not see a shark or Barricuda but I thought I say a sea turtle lying on the seafloor, but when I got closer, it was just coral formation. On the way to the second dive location, we spotted a pod of dolphins. The crew of the dive boat played with the dolphins, and three of the dolphins were swimming at the front of the boat...I took some videos, it was wondeful. The second dive was nice. Haps reef is a great dive - easy and lots of fish and reef to look at.Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Diving on Guam
Went diving this past weekend, went on four (4) dives to test out my gear. Haven't used it for about 5 or 6 years, so I had my regulator serviced and battery replaced on my dive computer. The morning dive was to Biles Bay and Nathan's Dent. The first dive to Biles Bay was not so good - visibility was not so great and the site was full of silt. The other dive, Nathan's Dent was great - shallow dive with lots of fish and coral; one of the divers found a fire clam hidden on the reef. It was not too fiery but something not seen every day. Since I had breakfast about 1 hour before the dive, and my dive buddy and I ended up way off away from the boat, we had a long swim back on swells....I got a little seasick so I fed the fishes carrots and celery after coming back on board....have to remember to get Damamine for the Yap dives. Diesel fumes and a rocking boat can me make seasick. So, with about 2 hours before the afternoon dive, I had lunch --- fish and rice ( I substituted rice for the chips), and a cup of coffee. The afternoon dives were great --- the boat was not too crowded, about 14 people instead of 26 on the morning dive. We went to Barricuda Reef and Haps' Reef. Great dives - lots to see, nope, did not see a shark or Barricuda but I thought I say a sea turtle lying on the seafloor, but when I got closer, it was just coral formation. On the way to the second dive location, we spotted a pod of dolphins. The crew of the dive boat played with the dolphins, and three of the dolphins were swimming at the front of the boat...I took some videos, it was wondeful. The second dive was nice. Haps reef is a great dive - easy and lots of fish and reef to look at.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Of Mime and Men
Of Mime and Men
October has come and gone and lots of news. First off, did you dress up for Halloween? Not many people did at work -- just two of us. I came as a mime in the fashion of Marcel Marceau.
I thought of going as a Goth, but I didn't want to scare anybody, and I didn't have the correct accessories, so I had an inspiration - go as a mime - same ensemble and same make-up equipment just different presentation. It was a good thing I didn't have a shift at the Reference Desk. It would be difficult to answer questions through mime!
That night, went to the Hilton Hotel where the Tree Bar Lounge had a Halloween event. They were having a contest giving away cash prizes for the best, scariest, and funniest. The winners were - a Greek Bust on a pedestal, a machete-wielding, head-carrying crazy man, and Super Sperm!
November 2nd, is All Souls' Day, and Guam celebrates by holding Mass and Services in the Cemeteries, and having picnics or family gatherings. My mother and I went to my father's grave, and it's was the first time on the island for All Souls. It is a different scene from the States. Lots of tents go up, and coolers, and foods, and families spending time together with their departed loved ones. On Guam, it’s a local government holiday, so lots of people have the day off to they can celebrate the holy day. 
October has come and gone and lots of news. First off, did you dress up for Halloween? Not many people did at work -- just two of us. I came as a mime in the fashion of Marcel Marceau.
I thought of going as a Goth, but I didn't want to scare anybody, and I didn't have the correct accessories, so I had an inspiration - go as a mime - same ensemble and same make-up equipment just different presentation. It was a good thing I didn't have a shift at the Reference Desk. It would be difficult to answer questions through mime!
That night, went to the Hilton Hotel where the Tree Bar Lounge had a Halloween event. They were having a contest giving away cash prizes for the best, scariest, and funniest. The winners were - a Greek Bust on a pedestal, a machete-wielding, head-carrying crazy man, and Super Sperm!
November 2nd, is All Souls' Day, and Guam celebrates by holding Mass and Services in the Cemeteries, and having picnics or family gatherings. My mother and I went to my father's grave, and it's was the first time on the island for All Souls. It is a different scene from the States. Lots of tents go up, and coolers, and foods, and families spending time together with their departed loved ones. On Guam, it’s a local government holiday, so lots of people have the day off to they can celebrate the holy day. 
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
My first 100 days
Hello, everybody
Just an update since my big career move back to Guam and to a new job at the University of Guam. I am approaching my 100 days as a Systems Librarian, and I am enjoying the job. I am glad I took the chance and moved out here. I feel I am making a difference, and I enjoy the work. They had no real systems person for about 4 years, so there's a lot to do.
And it has an international flavor. I am working with SirsiDynix folks based in Australia and New Zealand for Dynix tech support and migration discussions, I work with folks from EBSCO based in Seattle, and I am interacting with tech support on the East Coast, and in Malaysia and the Philippines.
We have intrigue. The Pres. of the Univ just announce he is retiring in Jan 2008, one of the Ref Lib. is also leaving in December at the end Fall Semester, and we almost did not get paid since GovGuam failed to release our allotment of $$. The Univ had to freeze spending to make payroll. I dove last Saturday after helping out during the International Coastal Clean day, I watch movies at least once a week - Thrifty Tuesdays, and I get excited when gas prices goes from 3.49/gal to 3.39/gal -- the prices hold for a whole month.
I will be teaching my first BI session - Bibliographic Instruction next Thursday. Teaching 10 students how to use our electronic resources. Both undergrad and graduate students, its a hands on training session so it'll be fun. Hope 
all is well with you.
all is well with you.Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Hafa Adai! Greetings from Guam. I am roaming outside of the 
continental U.S, into the middle of the Pacific. I am the new Systems and Network Services Librarian for the University of Guam’s Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Library.
continental U.S, into the middle of the Pacific. I am the new Systems and Network Services Librarian for the University of Guam’s Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Library.I have been on the island for about a month now, and working for the University for about three weeks. It is a bit strange working full-time, five days a week, 8 to 5 or so, since I have been working part-time for the last six years, working only three days a week. It took a while to get use to the daily work schedule, but I am now OK at waking up at 5:30 in the morning :)
I had to take time off to get car insurance and run other errands, so I more planning when I need to handle personal business during the day. I am so glad I took care of all my medical stuff before getting here. Part of the job requirement was to have a physical exam and a TB screen test within 60 days of hire, and I took care of that before leaving Seattle.
My commute is about 7.5 miles long, or 20 minutes. In rush hour, its about 30 minutes. The speed limit is 35 mph but on long stretches on straight pavement, hardly anybody goes the speed limit...they all go about 50! So - its strange driving on the left side of the lane, and getting passed by on the right. The roads are not great - lots of potholes and un-even pavement, so I have to drive carefully.
The weather is *hot* and my temperature gauge says 86 degrees when its about 7 in the morning. The first few days were hard; I had to hide out at the shopping mall a few blocks from the house so I could get cool, and I was taking at least three showers a day, and sometimes I took a fourth one before going to bed. My mom does not have any air conditioning, and so I have a small fan going on all night to help keep me comfortable. Power is expensive on the island;my mom has decided 
to not get air-conditioning. Besides, being in an airconditioned room or house for a long time makes my nose stuffy.
to not get air-conditioning. Besides, being in an airconditioned room or house for a long time makes my nose stuffy.I had couple of shocks while I was here. I found out that an off-island check takes *16* business days to clear...so for about a month, I was living off my credit cards. I get paid for the first time this Friday...yeah! I missed the first pay period, so this paycheck is a big one!
I got a used car from my friend's brother. He was selling his 2003 Nissan Xterra, v6 engine, and an SUV. It is a gas-guzzler and with gas prices at about $3.50 per gallon, the car is my guilty pleasure. I feel more comfortable driving it than a sedan, since I am high up, and its feels secure. I have seen a few cars run a red light here, so its a safety issue. Besides, I did not like the newer Rav 4's or the CR-V's.
I joined a fitness gym attached to the Hilton Hotel because they have beachfront, and its nice to lounge on the beach after a week of work, and have a nice pool to swim in when it gets dark. I try to go to the gym at least three times a week.
One of the first things I did when I got back on the island was visit my dad's grave. The last time I visited was in 1998, so it has been a while. I also enjoyed some pickled green mangoes that came from my mom's tree.
It is taking a while to adjusted to the slower pace here on Guam, but its fun being with my friends, getting challenged at work, and getting back to island life with my mom.
I finally got news that my household goods from Seattle is on its way here. I have to pay about $15oo for shipping and insurance since I went over my relocation allowance...I guess I packed too many books!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Happy Trails to You, Until We Meet Again
Hello, just wanted a quick note to say -- working at KCLS has been fun, and this Learning 2.0 - 27 Things has been wonderful. Now, can I get my MP3 player sent to me? I am looking forward to it.
I am off to a new adventure outside of KCLS...but I will keep you wonderful people in my heart and my mind.
New topics for KCLS Learning U - begin to use the new technology promote KCLS services, improve collaboration and communication, increase the technical knowledge and currency of staff - incoming and long-term.
Thank you for all the fish, David and Laurel.
I am off to a new adventure outside of KCLS...but I will keep you wonderful people in my heart and my mind.
New topics for KCLS Learning U - begin to use the new technology promote KCLS services, improve collaboration and communication, increase the technical knowledge and currency of staff - incoming and long-term.
Thank you for all the fish, David and Laurel.
Reflections on the KCLS Learning 2.0 - 27 Things
First of all, THANK YOU to David Wasserman and Laurel Steiner, for making this happen. This training program was an incredible experience. It provided a safe, informed, and planned way to learn about the new tools, websites, services, and up-coming trends in computers, social networking, library services, and the Internet, in a way that does not overwhelm the learner.
I think the sheer volume of services, new companies, new tools, and just plain old information out on the Web is daunting and confusing without a Pathfinder helping show you the way. David Wasserman made an excellent Pathfinder.
This training program allowed staff at KCLS to navigate the bewildering world of Web 2.0, and provided lessons to learn about the new services and tools out there. We got to find out what the hoopla is about for blogging, sharing photos and video, and what the attraction might be to such sites as Flickr, MySpace, YouTube and other cool sites, and what libraries are doing to keep relevant fast-changing landscape of the Web. We were introduced to new words and new ideas like wikis, RSS, Feeds, mashups, and others.
My favorite lessons would those that explained the use of Del.icio.us, Wikis, and RSS feeds, and introduced Google Documents. I think this is a very handy since the service allows access to applications online without installing software.
The incentive of the MP3 player is a big draw for me to participate, but I think the program itself is a very good learning and staff development program. It makes staff more knowledgeable and informed about the tools and sites that the patrons are using, and makes them able to help patrons when they ask for help, and keeps staff current.
I would make a slight change to the program, maybe increase the days between lessons that are involved. I had problems with the Google Labs and the WebWare – too much to look at, and keep track – too many choices. It can be overwhelming.
I think the sheer volume of services, new companies, new tools, and just plain old information out on the Web is daunting and confusing without a Pathfinder helping show you the way. David Wasserman made an excellent Pathfinder.
This training program allowed staff at KCLS to navigate the bewildering world of Web 2.0, and provided lessons to learn about the new services and tools out there. We got to find out what the hoopla is about for blogging, sharing photos and video, and what the attraction might be to such sites as Flickr, MySpace, YouTube and other cool sites, and what libraries are doing to keep relevant fast-changing landscape of the Web. We were introduced to new words and new ideas like wikis, RSS, Feeds, mashups, and others.
My favorite lessons would those that explained the use of Del.icio.us, Wikis, and RSS feeds, and introduced Google Documents. I think this is a very handy since the service allows access to applications online without installing software.
The incentive of the MP3 player is a big draw for me to participate, but I think the program itself is a very good learning and staff development program. It makes staff more knowledgeable and informed about the tools and sites that the patrons are using, and makes them able to help patrons when they ask for help, and keeps staff current.
I would make a slight change to the program, maybe increase the days between lessons that are involved. I had problems with the Google Labs and the WebWare – too much to look at, and keep track – too many choices. It can be overwhelming.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Video, YouTube, television, DIY movies and video clips
Video, YouTube, television, DIY movies and video clips
YouTube created a new social network. Now anybody can be a director of their own movie, post a news-breaking clip, and alert the millions of viewer on funny, disturbing, educational, international, and un-usually. YouTube has made it a lot easier to share videos with lots and lots of people. I used it to look up videos of Zidane during the World Cup, and it was very nice to see videos US viewer normally do not have access to. In terms of politics and global issues and concerns, YouTube has widen the reach of many isolated groups, individuals, and broaden the horizons of the human race -- at least those that have access to the Web.
Podcasts and E-books
I have used or experienced podcasts before - I first thought you had to have an iPod, but I guess the widely popularity of the iPod has made the turn 'podcast' a generic term. One of my favorite shows - Project Runaway on BravoTV had podcasts by Tim Gunn. So - that is when I learned about podcasts. It's another extension of media and the Web.
For my Library-related podcast and RSS feed. I selected OpenStacks.
And for my E-book or audio book - I already used it to download a few books when it first came out. Since I had an old computer, it took a long, long time to download the chapters to my computer, and to transfer them to my MP3 player. It's a wonderful format since it is a lot easier to handle than CDs and tapes....you just need to have time to download to your computer. OR if you don't have one, there is the format already installed on an MP3 player provided by the library!
YouTube created a new social network. Now anybody can be a director of their own movie, post a news-breaking clip, and alert the millions of viewer on funny, disturbing, educational, international, and un-usually. YouTube has made it a lot easier to share videos with lots and lots of people. I used it to look up videos of Zidane during the World Cup, and it was very nice to see videos US viewer normally do not have access to. In terms of politics and global issues and concerns, YouTube has widen the reach of many isolated groups, individuals, and broaden the horizons of the human race -- at least those that have access to the Web.
Podcasts and E-books
I have used or experienced podcasts before - I first thought you had to have an iPod, but I guess the widely popularity of the iPod has made the turn 'podcast' a generic term. One of my favorite shows - Project Runaway on BravoTV had podcasts by Tim Gunn. So - that is when I learned about podcasts. It's another extension of media and the Web.
For my Library-related podcast and RSS feed. I selected OpenStacks.
And for my E-book or audio book - I already used it to download a few books when it first came out. Since I had an old computer, it took a long, long time to download the chapters to my computer, and to transfer them to my MP3 player. It's a wonderful format since it is a lot easier to handle than CDs and tapes....you just need to have time to download to your computer. OR if you don't have one, there is the format already installed on an MP3 player provided by the library!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)