All a-twitter

There are some new things happening that I want to tell you about. I have been venturing out into unknown waters on the Internet.

First, on a whim I became a member of Twitter. it seems silly even to admit it. But it is the new "in" thing. I am following some of my favorite bloggers, as well as some celebrities and journalists. For example, Senator Claire McCaskill, NBC's David Gregory, Ana Marie Cox, etc. George Stephanopoulus' tweet from an hour ago said, "About to appear on Bill Maher. Fun I hope." You can also follow NPR and the NYT. It is fun and a personal literary challenge for me to keep each entry to 140 characters only. I remain fascinated by the whole idea and form of the thing.

My brand new blog is called "Behind the Links." It a post containing a related set of links sent to me by my regular contributors, "betmo" and Jon. The links are related to the themes of the days of the week. Mondays - Republicans and scandal, Tuesdays - Congress, Wednesdays - activism, Thursdays - Wars and the Middle East, Fridays - The Obama administration, Saturdays - around the world, and Sundays - the Constitution, rule of law and national security. Links include the source and date of the news items, along with any contrbutor comments about the news.

Carol Gee - Online Universe is my all-in-one home page for my websites. Netvibes hosts the site that features updated feeds from multiple sites all on a single tabbed page. I have several tabs including all the places where I post "My Websites," my favorite "Reading Materials," utility widgets on a "Task Page," and useful "Blog Resources." I invite you to visit regularly and/or make your own home page on Netvibes, it is fun and easy. In addition you can do the same kinds of collections, but for a private page than cannot be read by others.

Technorati tags: internet blogging communication twitter netvibes

The First Photograph

The First Photograph

"View From the Window At Le Gras," is the first ever true photograph made by exposing a chemical coated pewter plate in France in 1826. The first photo was taken by:

Joseph Nicéphore Niépce,

who was born in 1765 and died in 1833 at the age of 68, without being credited for being the world's first successful photographer. Though he formed a partnership with Daguerre, the invention of the daguerreotype, eclipsed what Niepce had called his heliograph.

It is on display in the permanent collection at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas.

I have had the privilege of seeing this priceless treasure, myself, some years ago in Austin. It took my breath away because I am an amateur photographer myself, and understand the significance of such a rarity.

We almost did not get to see this gem because it was actually lost during the period of 1898 to 1952. After a long search, it was found and authenticated by Helmut Gernsheim, who eventually donated it in 1963, along with his entire collection, to the University in Austin.

Visit the website linked above. It has a wealth of fascinating information about Niepce, pictures of he and Gernsheim, the original photograph in its original gold frame, and the original provenience that goes with it. Entire pages tell about the hunt for the lost work, and about the amazing generosity that enabled UT to own the treasure. The last heir who owned the work donated it to Gernsheim, who in turn donated it to the Austin-based University's vast photography collection.


My topical post today at South by Southwest and The Reaction is about politics.

My new blog is called "Behind the Links."

Technorati tags: photography antiques

Useful or Helpful

"World Clock*"

"Table of Condiments that Periodically Go Bad*"

"Daily Celebrations:" by date. Ideas to motivate educate and inspire.


UTILITIES --
New York Times Link Generator - make your NYT links permanent. Tiny URL - make long links usable. Form tool to strip HTML tags. Simple form to enter a URL in any document. License your work at Creative Commons. Consolidates several standard search tools with Dogpile Web Search.

All in one Netvibes location for my websites Carol Gee - Online Universe.

• Sign-up to make your own Netvibes personalized website.

*Hat Tip to "betmo" for the two top links.

My topical posts today at South by Southwest, Behind the Links, and The Reaction are all about politics.

Technorati tags: ideas internet tools

Cruisin'

In these perilous economic times, not as many people can just pick up and go on a cruise. So how about going on a fantasy cruise, a pretend trip, an imaginary sail?

Let's go together. I'll show you the way. I'll be your guide. It will be fun, I guarantee you. And it will be free for the taking.

Taking a cruise takes a little work beforehand. You have to decide what to wear, which means you have to study the cruise line documents for suggested dress, and for the cruise's itinerary. Packing carefully is a good way to get off on the right foot for fun. You have to arrange for someone to water your plants and for the care of your dog, and for a ride to the airport.

It usually takes a plane ride to take a cruise, unless you live near a port. Then it takes a bus or cab ride to the dock where the ship is preparing for its next trip. Those who do not arrive on time miss the boat. . . and all the fun.

Everyone boards the ship after almost all the supplies have been loaded. The cruise ship sails. You follow the signs to your cabin, only to hear that you will have to participate in the lifeboat drill the very first thing. Taking your own life vest from the cabin, you make your way to an assigned station and learn how to save your own life in case of bad, bad, trouble. But take heart. And take note. You only have to do it once during the whole trip.

Now everyone is anxious to get unpacked and to find their way around the ship. Often, by the time you are through with life boat drills, your bags have arrived at your cabin. Your cabin has a closet and plenty of drawers and space for all your things. That is the beauty of cruising -- no packing and unpacking as you travel from place to place. You will be hungry and wondering what's for supper by now, and whether to change for dinner in the dining room. Or you might decide to eat at one of the more casual places that abound on board.

If you eat in the dining room, traditionally, you will probably be seated at the same table with the same people throughout the cruise, except at lunch, which is normally open seating. And you will get to know each other fairly well, often exchanging Christmas cards with them for a year or two. You will order from a menu and it will be some of the finest food ever, for "free."

Meals are included in the price of the cruise. You will need to take money for liquor, tips, on shore excursions, gambling and whatever you purchase from the ship's shops or on shore. Tips are given to the room steward, the bartender, your waiter, the wine steward, and the Maitre'd. All the live entertainment is free, as are the midnight buffets. So cruises offer almost the very best value for your travel dollar.

Entertainment on board varies widely. The lounges sometimes have a small group of musicians. There will always be some kind of stage shows or productions, two a night. Daytime entertainment might include a tour of the ship's bridge, the kitchen, a chef's demo, silly games and dance contests, bridge, a casino and special excursions at almost all ports of call. Solitary activities include a jogging track, swimming pool, a spa, a library, computers, or just sitting on a deck chair watching the waves and the sea birds. Or sleeping, or eating, or eating, or eating. Save your biggest clothes for the end of the trip, as you will gain weight. You cannot help it unless you are anorexic.

And before you know it your three or seven or 14 days are up and you arrive, safe, sound and relaxed at home port. You have tipped generously for absolutely wonderful service. You have your purchases from exotic places, along with instructions on how to pay the duties, if needed. And, hopefully, you have something to wear home, as your packed bags have been picked up the night before.

You will come home with a bit of a suntan, a few extra pounds, lovely memories, new friends, treasures from other countries, and a bit of laundry to do. And your will be thinking of where you want to go on your next cruise. . . very soon. I can almost guarantee it. In fact, now I am in the mood for a trip, myself.


My topical post today at South by Southwest and The Reaction is about politics.

Technorati tags: cruise travel travel cruise lines travelogue