rech readsrech readshttp://rechlife.com/rechreads/2013-01-28T22:18:34ZSquarespacea Favorite Website: Lifehackerhttp://rechlife.com/rechreads/2013/1/28/a-favorite-website-lifehacker.htmlBecky2013-01-28T22:03:01Z2013-01-28T22:03:01ZOne of my favorite blogs or news feeds to follow is Lifehacker.  They seem to have tips on everything and anything.  Just this morning they posted on "Why You Should Never Skip Flossing".  Lifehacker describes themselves as the place to go to get "Tips, tricks, and downloads for getting things done."  This weekend staying true to form Lifehacker provided us with the "Top 10 Good Tech Habits Everyone Should Have."  For those of you reading this from my 203 class, just beginning  your online academic career, I suggest you take a look at the list.  From passwords to backups, the habits discussed will only make your life easier in the long run.

]]>Online Timehttp://rechlife.com/rechreads/2013/1/1/online-time.htmlBecky2013-01-01T22:47:51Z2013-01-01T22:47:51ZSJSU Libr 203 students you can reach me on Bb IM.  The times I have blocked off are times I am available to answer questions and assist you.  I may be online and available at other times, as well, but these are the times that I am guarenteed to be available to you.  If you would like to set-up an appointment feel free to drop me an email or a calendar request.

]]>Passwords, Passwords and More Passwordshttp://rechlife.com/rechreads/2013/1/1/passwords-passwords-and-more-passwords.htmlBecky2013-01-01T21:08:25Z2013-01-01T21:08:25Z"ENTER YOUR PASSWORD" photo by marc falardeau | Creative Commons LicenseIt seems every website, app or online tool requires you to login in and remember yet another username and password.  The following links include tips, tricks and tools for making your accounts as secure as possible.

Articles

Tools (a starter list)

  • Lastpass.com - A free online tool that helps users generate and remember passwords.  For a small monthly fee, $1, users can use the mobile apps available on a variety of platforms. 
  • KeePass - A free, open source software solution for Macs and PCs.  It also has unofficial options for mobile devices.
  • 1Password - A paid software solution for Macs, iOS devices, PCs, and Android devices.

On a personal note:  I am a Lastpass.com user.  I love the convienence of having the passwords with me at all times and the price can't be beat.  For passwords I have to enter often, I use some of the tips mentioned in the articles above.  The tip I have found the most useful is having a baseword/phrase that is easy to remember and then adding numbers or characters to it to make it unique and more secure for each website.

What tricks do you use to remember your passwords and keep your accounts safe?

]]>an Introduction to Mehttp://rechlife.com/rechreads/2012/12/17/an-introduction-to-me.htmlBecky2012-12-18T04:18:34Z2012-12-18T04:18:34Z

This is my first time using Prezi.  I would love to know what you think of my creation.  Also, if you have experience using Prezi and would like to share some tips and tricks, please share them in the comments.

]]>eBooks and Librarieshttp://rechlife.com/rechreads/2012/12/17/ebooks-and-libraries.htmlBecky2012-12-17T22:27:07Z2012-12-17T22:27:07Z"(35/365) Reading" photo by michitux | Creative Commons LicenseI love eBooks!  If I could read all books on my iPad or Kindle I would.  I love being able to carry a "library" in my purse--you never know when you might have time to read. Mostly I purchase eBooks from Amazon.com, which allows me a variety of reading options on my Kindle or Kindle apps on a variety of devices.  I also have purchased eBooks using Google Books.  There are some disadvantages to this eBook habit I've had for the last two years.  Because I am buying more eBooks then print books I am unable to pass them on to friends or resell them, in the case of textbooks.  Prior to my eBook addiction I would purchase books and after reading them I would give them away to libraries or friends.  Now I'm finding myself buying more books and I'm sharing less of them.  While eBooks are cheaper for me personally then buying a hardcover book, I find that I am buying more books because eBooks are more challenging to borrow from the library or friends.  As a patron, I was tickled when Overdrive announced it would have Kindle books available for libraries.  I've found myself buying less eBooks, but waiting a lot longer for an eBook than a print book of the same title.  Even with the long waits I appreciate that eBooks are available through the library and I read them whenever I can.

As a MLIS (Master's in Library and Information Science) student, I understand that libraries' ability to lend eBooks is complicated, confusing and imperfect.  I've read multiple blog posts and journal articles trying to explain it.  The article I read most recently, "The Wrong War Over eBooks: Publishers vs. Libraries" from Forbes has helped me understand that challenges eBooks present to publishers and libraries.  The author presents an interesting solution along with the advantages and disadvantages to each party.  The author believes that both publishers and libraries would benefit from a cost per circ model.  Meaning each time a book is checked out the library pays an agreed upon fee.  It is an interesting premise, but if it is mutually beneficial why hasn't it been explored or tried.  I look forward to reading the second article in this two part series.  I encourage you to take a look at the Forbes article and draw your own conclusions.

]]>The Lucky Onehttp://rechlife.com/rechreads/2012/5/19/the-lucky-one.htmlBecky2012-05-20T04:45:18Z2012-05-20T04:45:18Zfrom NoveList PlusSparks, N. (2008). The lucky one. New York: Grand Central Pub.

ISBN: 9780446579933

Rating: 3Q4P

Readers' Annotation: Logan believes a photograph saved his life.

Summary:  After returning home to the United States, Logan goes on a quest to find the woman he believes saved his life.  While serving his country in Iraq, Logan found a photograph of Elizabeth.  A friend and fellow soldier convinces him the photograph is his good luck charm and the reason he survived his tours.  He walks from Colorado to North Carolina where he finally finds her.  When he meets Elizabeth he knows he should tell her the story of the photograph, but he has no idea where to begin.  Logan fits himself into her and her family's life, but will he be allowed to stay when she finds out the truth.

Evaluation:  Nicholas Sparks does what he does best--makes readers believe that true love is possible against all odds.  Sparks crafts an emotional story of love and loss.  Fans of his novels will gobble this one up.  The movie may inspire new readers as well.

Genre:

  • Chick Lit
  • Romance

If you liked The Lucky One try...

  • Other books by Nicholas Sparks
  • Scrooge Wore Spurs by Janet Dailey
  • Sunday's At Tiffany's by James Patterson

 

]]>Bossypantshttp://rechlife.com/rechreads/2012/5/19/bossypants.htmlBecky2012-05-20T03:50:28Z2012-05-20T03:50:28Zfrom NoveList PlusFey, T. (2011). Bossypants. New York: Little Brown & Co.

ISBN: 9780316056861

Rating: 3Q4P

Readers' Annotation: Tina Fey shares her life as only she knows how; making us laugh.

Summary:  Tina Fey, an actor and writer, best known for her role on 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live shares the lessons she learned all the while making sure she isn't taken too seriously.

Evaluation:  Even readers who are not Tina Fey fans will find themselves laughing out loud while reading her autobiography.  Fey doesn't get hung up on the details of her life, but she hits the high points that can humorously teach all of us a lesson.  She is a master at making fun of herself while making us think.

Genre:

  • Popular Non-Fiction
  • Autobiography

If you liked Bossypants  try...

Books

  • Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy
  • Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fischer

Movies/Television

  • 30 Rock (Television)
  • Baby Mama (Movie)
]]>The Inner Circlehttp://rechlife.com/rechreads/2012/5/19/the-inner-circle.htmlBecky2012-05-20T03:23:17Z2012-05-20T03:23:17Zfrom NoveList PlusMeltzer, B. (2011). The inner circle. New York: Grand Central Pub.

ISBN: 9780446577892

Rating: 4Q3P

Readers' Annotation: Beecher is thrust into the middle of a secret society with roots from the time of the first U.S. President.

Summary: Beecher, a young archivist, at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. helps his childhood crush find information about her father.  When Beecher shows her into a room where the current President of the United States views items from the archives, they discover a secret book stashed under the chair where the President usually sits.  This small discovery sets in motion events out of Beecher's control.  He doesn't know who to trust and his life depends on trusting the right people.

Evaluation: Readers of Dan Brown and John Grisham will appreciate Brad Meltzer's intricately plotted stories.  Meltzer is a master at keeping you guessing who the real villian is.  The Inner Circle is plot driven with a few key characters and a few supporting ones.  Meltzer makes it easy for readers to keep the characters strait.  He is able to keep the story moving with out getting too bogged down in the details behind the secret societies.

Genre:

  • Suspense - Political Thriller
  • Mystery

Other Books by Brad Meltzer

  • The Tenth Justice
  • Dead Even
  • The First Counsel
  • The Millionares
  • The Zero Game
  • Identity Crisis
  • The Book of Fate
  • The Book of Lies
]]>The Covenanthttp://rechlife.com/rechreads/2012/5/19/the-covenant.htmlBecky2012-05-20T02:47:41Z2012-05-20T02:47:41Zfrom NoveList PlusLewis, B. (2002). The covenant. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers.

ISBN: 9780764227172

Rating: 3Q3P

Readers' Annotation: Leah must keep her sister's secret, but at what cost.

Summary:  Fifteen-year-old Leah, is the second daughter of Abram Ebersol.  She shares her room and bed with her older sister, Sadie, who has been spending late nights out with a fancy boy.    The Ebersols are Amish and Sadie should be settling down and accepting the courting of a nice Amish boy.  Instead,  her boyfriend is English and trouble.  Sadie is torn between telling her parents of Sadie's late night escapes and keeping confidence wither sister.  Leah soon starts going to Sunday Singings and being courted by her second cousin, Jonas.  Since they were little, Leah and Jonas have known that they were meant for each other.  Now, they just have to convince Abram and get through a year of courting then they can marry, that is if everything goes as planned.

Evaluation:  There was nothing spectacular about The Covenant, but I was compelled to read on and see how Sadie and Leah's life turned out.  I think I would have appreciated more distinction between narrators.  Lewis seemed to jump between narrators, and I would find myself having to reread to figure out whose thoughts I was currently reading.  I liked having the alternating perspectives of the characters especially Ida and Abram's thoughts on their daughters.

Genre:

  • Christian Fiction

Series: Abram's Daughters

  1. The Covenant (2002)
  2. The Betrayal (2003)
  3. The Sacrafice (2004)
  4. The Prodigal (2004)
  5. The Revelation (2005)

Other Series by Beverly Lewis

  • Home to Hickory Hollow - start with The Fiddler
  • Rose Trilogy - start with The Thorn
  • Seasons of Grace - start with The Secret
  • Courtship of Nellie Fisher - start with The Parting
]]>Storm Fronthttp://rechlife.com/rechreads/2012/5/19/storm-front.htmlBecky2012-05-19T23:44:11Z2012-05-19T23:44:11Zfrom NoveList PlusButcher, J. (2000). Storm front. New York: Roc.

ISBN: 9780451457813

Rating: 3Q3P

Readers' Annotation: Harry Dresden, a wizard, consults with the police on a gruesome, double murder.

Summary:  Harry Dresden is a wizard for hire.  There are some things he won't do and others he can't.  Harry is strapped for cash and takes on Monica's request to find her husband with some hesitation because her husband had been experimenting as a wizard.  The same day the Chicago P.D. has requested his assistance on a gruesome double murder that could only have been done with magic.  When it rains it pours, now Harry must balance the separate cases and expectations.

Evaluation:  A unique private detective, Harry Dresden, will surprise readers with his dark sense of humor.  Fans of straight up mysteries will enjoy Storm Front even with the fantastical lean.  Butcher has created a strong and likable character in Harry Dresden.

Genre:

  • Fantasy - Supernatural
  • Fantasy - Urban
  • Mystery

Series: Dresden Files

  1. Storm Front (2000)
  2. Full Moon (2001)
  3. Grave Peril (2001)
  4. Summer Knight (2002)
  5. Death Masks (2003)
  6. Blood Rites (2004)
  7. Dead Beat (2005)
  8. Proven Guilty (2006)
  9. White Night (2007)
  10. Small Favor (2008)
  11. Turn Coat (2009)
  12. Changes (2010)
  13. Ghost Story (2011)

Related:   Backup (2008); Side Jobs (2010)

 

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