Google's Wonder wheel

Have you used the Wonder Wheel feature on Google yet? If not, you might want to look at the visual searching tool. If you choose the "Show options" button, you'll see "Wonder wheel". Click and you'll see your search represented in a visual array. From here you can click each link to define your search. I think you'll like narrowing your results in this way as you can see in the example below. Have fun with "Wonder wheel"! (the Google link works)

Convert your files with Zamzar

Have you ever had the need to convert a file to another format? It can be a frustrating and confusing process. I just discovered a new free online site that looks great and should help you do your converting much easier (although I must confess I haven't converted anything with it yet). Zamzar converts all types of files including document , image, music, video, compressed formats and CAD formats. Next time you realize something doesn't work and you need your file converted, give Zamzar a try. Hopefully it will make it quick and easy.

http://www.zamzar.com/

Snowflake Workshop fun!

Try this fun site out when you REALLY get bored this vacation - it's kind of addicting :-)

http://www.snowflakeworkshop.com/

Elf Yourself at JibJab

If you need something fun to do during our break, why not try to "Elf Yourself"? Tim Wagner recently did this and sent me a link to his fun little video. Be creative and send one to your grandparents or a favorite aunt or uncle. Drag out those old family photos and put your pets, siblings, or parents in the faces. Think of it as a kind of therapy or relaxation session. Get rested up and we'll see you in the new year.

Merry Christmas! Mrs. H.

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/6Ef2r1vod6qXHhUz

shmoop!

Have you checked out shmoop yet? Take a look at http://www.shmoop.com/ and I think you'll find you can use this site today for many of your classes. There are study guides for bestsellers and literature, poetry, US History, Civics, Biographies and Music. If you need a timeline for the making of the U.S. Constitution, the theme to Eclipse or the lyrics to Purple Haze, shmoop will help you. I showed it to Mr. Morrison yesterday and he used it for one of his classes that same day. Wow - it doesn't get better than that.

Grooveshark Online radio

I have used online radio websites, but I just found a new one I really like, Grooveshark. You can pick songs and make your own playlists from their vast library. Check it out, I think you'll like it. http://listen.grooveshark.com/

Death in the library

After the Veteran's Day assembly on Tuesday, Nov. 10th, I was in the hall watching students return to class. I saw a flash and thought someone had a laser pointer. "It's a bird!" someone cried out. The bird flashed through the door. Wow, was it fast. I didn't see it fly into the library, but many did. Immediately I thought, how are we going to get it out? Several teachers and students searched for the bird. Finally Mr. Groce found it dead, lying on a chair in the back. A quick death in the library, so sad - a first for me and I hope the last.