Chris Nolan

On Thursday, Chris Nolan came and gave us a talk about useful search techniques in order to find high-quality information. I learned a lot about Google that I was not aware of. For example, I learned how to use Google's advanced search and that was definitely a huge help for my future searches because now I know how to refine my searches by country, language and domain name. Another aspect of Google that I learned more about is Google scholar that allows you to search for better quality resources that can be used in your research. A particularly interesting point was that Google is connected to our library server so that whenever we use Google scholar we can view the full article if our online library sources carries it. I also learned that Google continuously updates their search engine techniques in order to give the users a better search experience. They base the refinement of their search engine on how many links a certain website has within other sites, but they have developed their counting system in such a way that it will not be tricked by sites created to give boosts to certain websites. I learned a lot of little search tips such as adding a plus or minus sign to search for certain words or not to include certain words. When searching for better quality information it is a good idea to look at the domain name. In the search bar adding the phrase 'site:(domain)' will allow you to directly refine your search as opposed to going to the advanced search section. Now I have a bunch of great tips for finding better research material!

PowerPoints

If you want to have a horrible powerpoint, you need to do these five things. First, it needs to be completely bland, don't have a theme; make it look as ugly and boring as possible. Second, don't use pictures or any animation at all, it would cause the audience to actually pay attention. Third, put everything you are going to say exactly the way you are going to say it on the slides, that way the audience doesn't even have to listen to you. Fourth, read everything of you slides in the most monotone voice you can muster, I'm sure the audience needs a nap. Lastly, to complete this horrible PowerPoint, you must not interact with the audience or care that they have a question.


PowerPoints are a great tool that anyone can use in order to inform groups about anything. It depends on how the presenter works with their PowerPoint. With a PowerPoint you can show a group information, ideas, plans, and examples in a way that it is easy for them to understand and see. A lot of people learn and understand things visually so a PowerPoint is a great way to communicate with them. PowerPoints are great but without the presenter and the skill in which the presenter utilizes their PowerPoint, a PowerPoint would not be as effective in communicating information.

CLT (Center of Learning and Technology)

On Thursday we went to visit the AT&T Center of Learning and Technology or CLT on the first floor of the library. I didn't even know such an amazing place existed. Robert Chapman introduced us to CLT and told us about the helpful and patient staff. CLT has software and equipment to create professional videos or photography for any project. The Center contains 14 Macs and 12 PCs, amongst these computers there is software for audio, picture, and video editing. The Center also contains other equipment such as scanners and has video cameras for rent. There are are special sections for web and graphic design and podcasting. One of the most interesting things about the Center is that in their Video Broadcasting Center  they have video conferencing facilities that can support up to, I believe, 100 video calls in HD. Also in the Video Broadcasting Center are rooms in which students can record themselves playing instruments or whatever they need to record. This tour was a very informative one that showed me the amazing resources that are available to students. If I ever need to make a video for  any classes or edit any media I will definitely come to the CLT. With the help of the staff I can edit and create professional looking videos, recordings, and pictures to impress my teachers or friends.

Photos that lie

 Martha looks pretty fantastic after jail doesn't she? Too bad that's not her actual body. In fact, her body belongs to a model. I chose this picture because this is something that happens a lot in this industry and it creates self-image problems with women everywhere. Not surprisingly, other magazines besides Newsweek (featured) such as Texas Monthly have also used photographs that feature different heads and different bodies. An example of this is their use of a model's body and previous governor Ann Richards. There must be various reasons as to why magazines choose to do this, but for the Newsweek cover it may be to create a cover they think will capture a readers attention and reflect their story. I think that this is a mockery of women and their bodies. They are no longer respected and no longer own their body in the eyes of the editors. 

Check out this video from YouTube.



I chose this video because after watching it it struck me as incredibly true. Our image of beautiful women has become so distorted and men's expectations has become distorted too. This can cause women and girls to yearn to be as beautiful as the photoshopped photos and create problems with their self esteem. This can be dangerous and harmful to women because they may try to undergo dangerous procedures in order to achieve this beauty.