Internet for Fact Checking

I liked Snopes for debunking scams and myths, but I don't usually receive chain emails like those, so personally, I wouldn't need the site very often. Still, I thought their site was clear and easy to follow.

I wasn't too crazy about St. Pete's flip-o-meter. Granted, no one wants wishy-washy candidates, but I would hope that we would give candidates the right to change their opinions and stances as new information comes to light. I'm not sure that the flip-o-meter takes into account the development of ideas over time-- it just makes me feel that all the candidates are liars and untrustworthy which doesn't motivate me to vote.

I liked Google's In Quotes best. Maybe it's because I don't have cable, but that way I can "hear" the candidates words and decide for myself what I think about their views. Having the source article available is important so that their words aren't twisted out of context.

All things considered, it's great that all of these sites are available, but ultimately, it still takes considerable time to sift through all the chatter and decide. Plus, it gets old real fast when all the candidates and commentators talk but say so little worth hearing.

Can you tell I'm apolitical?

The Second Challenge Begins

I am excited about learning new tech stuff AND about earning a digital camera. I currently use disposable cameras and mooch digital photos from my family. It'd be nice to get up to date in this area.

I do still use some of the things we learned in the first tech challenge: Google Docs for some work-related documents that I want to be able to use at any computer I'm at, and Novelist for instance.

Mostly I find that I'd rather spend my free time OFFline though. There are just too many things I like to DO and though there is support for these activities online (recipes, patterns, instructional videos, other people to chat with), the activities themselves can only be done when I get away from the computer.

I do love trying new things though, and now that I've FINALLY graduated, work is one of my main sources of new knowledge and skills. These tech challenges are great.