Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Wiki Wiki Wiki

I didn't even bother looking at the Twilight Wiki, but did waste a bit of time wandering around in the Wookiepedia - what a great name.

Antioch University's Staff Training and Support Wiki is very good I thought. The Front Desk Training and Policy Pages are full of detailed, useful information, everything from working the telephone system to watering the potplants. It seemed that information was easy to find, something that is not always true of the policies and procedures at my workplace. Of course the ease of use depends on someone having ultimate control of the wiki to ensure the information is correct and up to date.

The Montana History Wiki had alot of links to information held elsewhere. It seemed to help people locate and access information rather than actually holding the information on the wiki site. No point in re-inventing the wheel.

I could imagine that we could use wikis here at the library to allow access to policies and procedures, also to discuss upcoming events such as the Seniors Trip without a million phone calls/emails between the staff  involved. However any Wiki would need to be well controlled to prevent it degenerating into a confusing maze of pages, threads etc with no order to them. I have just added some comments to the WA Public Libraries Web 2.0 Basics Home wiki, and I must say it seems to be a fairly random assortment of comments and pages. It is just a training page to show the basics of how to edit a wiki, but it already shows how disorganised a wiki could become without adequate supervision.

 

Monday, November 22, 2010

Back to Kanyana!

I got home on Sunday and found a baby bird fluttering around the paving outside my house. Luckily for the bird I spotted it BEFORE I let the dogs out, otherwise I'm pretty sure it would have made a tiny, crunchy mouthful for killer dog Rolli. So I carefully catch and hold the baby bird, find a shoe box and pop it in, then get organised for another trip to Kanyana.

The carer at Kanyana thought it was a baby brown honeyeater, and definately too small to be out on it's own. While I was there I asked about the bobtail I had taken in the Sunday before (I hadn't rung up because I expected bad news). I was pleasantly surprised to hear that X-rays had revealed one broken rib, no skull fractures, he has put on some weight and his prognosis is good. So Yay for the bobtail!

Bobtail is the common name for Tiliqua rugosa, also know as the shingleback. For information and photographs click here.

Kanyana is a wonderful facility, and I'm hoping to not have to go there for quite a while.

Friday, November 19, 2010

More of the same.

So, my house is sold, just have to wait (and hope) for settlement to go through without a hitch. that's due to happen in February while I'm on holidays, which will make it interesting in terms of moving. My next task is to find a new house which a) I can afford, and b) I want to live in! Luckily I have a little time up my sleeve.

Rolli dog has had an interesting couple of weeks. we had the French Bulldog Awareness Group Picnic in the Park recently. Rolli & Kasha are pretty much the elder statesmen in the group, but they don't really look or act it! it was nice to see all the dogs & humans enjoying the outing. Rolli has also had a one inch long grass seed removed from his ear. He got the good drugs for that one, so it all went well and he is fine now. I can't say the same for the latest bobtail victim, which was amazingly still alive when I managed to get Rolli to drop it. I delivered it to Kanyana Wildlife hospital with crossed fingers and a donation. They do great things there, and the new facility is wonderful.

Check out their website if you're interested.  http://www.kanyanawildlife.org.au/

Monday, November 1, 2010

Update!

Well it's been a busy ten days or so! My work has been painted, we've moved loads of shelves & books around & it's looking really good now. We just need the carpets replaced to finish off the new look. Hopefully we will now settle back to normal, and get some more of this Web 2.0 course done!

My house is sold - 3 private inspections & 1 home open. I'm amazed it went so fast, and so is the real estate agent I think. I'm glad, I was getting bored of the whole thing already, tidying up, removing the dogs etc etc. Kasha of course will miss the visits by the real estate agent, who joined her fan club very quickly, as most people do. All she has to do is roll over in front of someone, and they become putty in her paws!

The dogs had a visit this evening from their Uncle Phil, otherwise known as the local mobile vet. He has known them both all their lives, and they are always pleased to see him. A needle in the scruff of the neck is easily offset by the petting & treats! I'm glad to report that they are both in good health, and doing very well.