Stephen's Blog

New iPhone Pricing

2011-10-04T17:00:00.000-05:00

Here is the skinny on the new iPhone pricing:

* The new iPhone 4S will be $199 with a 2 year contract (Choice of AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint--Available for pre-order October 7, Delivered: Oct. 14)

* The old iPhone 4 is now $99 with a 2 year contract (Choice of AT&T or Verizon--Sprint coming soon)

* The old iPhone 3GS is now FREE with a 2 year contract (AT&T Only)

Many were expecting Apple to launch the iPhone 5 on October 4, all due to wild speculation from bloggers, journalists, and amateur journalists (not any official announcements from Apple). However, the 4S fits in with Apple's previous iPhone upgrades. There was an iPhone 3G, then a iPhone 3GS (with additional features/better performance), then an iPhone 4, and now and iPhone 4S. Mild wild speculation is that the iPhone 5 will come out sometime next year--probably June.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/

Why Disneyland in California is worth a visit!

2011-08-23T15:27:00.000-05:00

Walt Disney World in Florida is such an immense array of attractions and shows, why go anywhere else? There are several reasons to make the trek over to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure (DCA) in California. Here are my favorites.

World of Color at DCA is the most gorgeous nighttime spectacular I have witnessed. The color of the fountains is so intense, they look like paint shooting out of the ground.

Fantasmic at Disneyland is so phenomenal, it has ruined Walt Disney World's Fantasmic for me. The pirate ship, enhanced dragon, and the close-up feel of the show beat Florida's version hands-down.

Pirates of the Caribbean. You may THINK you have ridden Pirates of the Caribbean. However, until you ride Disneyland's version, you haven't. The drops and order of the story are far superior.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. It's still in California (thank goodness) and it's twice the size of the version we had in Florida. What a wonderful blast from the past!

Matterhorn. The world's first steel tube roller coaster is still at the top of my list.

Space Mountain. The soundtrack, speakers built into the vehicles, and enhanced light show make this a better version than the one we enjoy in Florida.

Walkability. It's quite amazing to book a $50 hotel room that's a 15 minute walk from both parks. Once inside the parks, you can hop from one land to another without all the walking we suffer through in Florida. The lovely California climate adds to the walkability factor.

History. This is where Walt walked the park and still has an apartment above the fire station with the light left on for him. See It's a Small World, Mr. Lincoln, Pirates, and all of the other attractions that Walt had a hand in. You can even see the bench where Walt first came up with the idea for Disneyland.

Cars Land (coming to DCA in 2012). A mini theme park in its own right, Cars Land will be a huge draw. Three years of construction are going into making this a landmark attraction. Pixar's John Lasseter is personally supervising this area and rides and the concept drawings/models show it! The main attraction will be Radiator Springs Racers, a Test Track style ride that is 6 acres. This will be the largest Disney attraction ever made!

There are several more reasons to visit Disneyland, but these are my top favorites. Do not miss out on the West Coast Magic! (Oh, did I mention that Dumbo flies during the fireworks???) :)

Molly Shannon: Actress, Author

2011-06-29T10:40:00.001-05:00

When I learned that Molly Shannon was to be the closing speaker of the 2011 American Library Association Conference, I was excited and puzzled. Excited because I am a big fan of her comedy stylings (especially Miss Sally O'Malley). Puzzled because I didn't get the connection between Ms. Shannon and libraries. Little did I know, Ms. Shannon authored her first children's book, Tilly the Trickster.

Ms. Shannon wrote the book with her own children in mind and the kind of stories they enjoy hearing. The book's main character, Tilly, reflects Molly's playful personality. It will no doubt have children giggling and scheming to put one over on their friends and family. (Advice to parents: coach your children in how to prank without harm)! I was a prankster growing up and so I connected with this book. Being a shy kid, practical jokes were my way of getting attention. Listening to Ms. Shannon's personal story, I learned this is something we have in common. (Note: The book will be released in September 2011. I was lucky to purchase an advance copy at the conference that I asked Molly to sign for my niece and nephews). Find out more about the book here.

Molly was raised by her father from the age of 4, and he was a fun-loving, jovial sprite who encouraged her to take risks. He was an over-the-top playful dad that lovingly pushed Molly into performing at a young age. She described her climb to fame and gave some great insight into working on Saturday Night Live which she described as a "comedy boot camp." Amazingly, performers do not find out until 11 pm which skits are in or out and in what order they will be performed during the 11:30 pm show!

Ms. Shannon closed her speech with a touching tribute to her mother, Peg Shannon (pictured in the white sweater). When Molly was four years old, she was in a car accident that killed her mother, younger sister, and cousin. Her mother was a school librarian. After her mother's death, Molly received letters from the children at that school saying how wonderful, helpful, and special Peg Shannon had been to them. Today, librarians hold a special place in Molly's heart.

The American Library Association could not have chosen a better closing speaker for their conference.

My Top 11 Favorite Things for 2010

2010-12-20T20:52:00.014-05:00

Obviously I am no Oprah. Heck, I'm not even close to being a Phil Donahue (look that one up younger ones). However, I still DO have favorite things! I have compiled a list of my 11 favorite things I discovered this year that I cannot do without. Hopefully you will find something on the list that you would enjoy as well!

Did I miss anything? Do you agree or disagree with anything on the list? Let me know in the comment section!

Note: I do not profit from any of these recommendations. I DO own some Apple stock, but I doubt this article is enough to cause any MORE of a bump in the stock price. :)

11. DuckDuckGo Search Engine: This is the best search engine out there right now. There are no ads and they do include a bunch of junk in your list of returned pages. If DuckDuckGo does not come up with any good finds, they will then refer you to Google. Definitely start with DuckDuckGo when you search! http://duckduckgo.com/

10. Yurbuds Ear Buds: If you use those annoying little white ear buds that Apple ships with every iPhone and iPod and have ever tried to exercise with them, you need Yurbuds. Before I found this product, I was so frustrated trying to run with my tunes! my ear buds would continually fall out or I would get tangled in the cord and accidentally yank them out. At the gym, I had the same problem. Yurbuds actually grip to your ears and absolutely will NOT fall out and CANNOT be yanked out! These magical ear buds only come out when you want them to. http://www.yurbuds.com/

9. Google Chrome Web Browser: Firefox and Safari use to be lightning fast, but they have both let me down recently. Also, the numbers mandatory updates on Firefox are a pain. Google Chrome is lightning fast. Oh, and if you're still using Internet Explorer, this one is a no brainer. http://www.google.com/chrome

8. Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover: I know these have been around for a bit, but a co-worker recently shared one with me after an unfortunate coffee incident. They are magical because they don't just TREAT stains, they ELIMINATE stains! Buy the 3 pack and keep 1 at work, 1 at home, and 1 in your suitcase. http://www.tide.com/en-US/product/tide-to-go.jspx

7. iPhone 4: I had an older iPhone and was already in love with it. This version really ups the ante though. The screen resolution is amazing and the 2 cameras (front facing and back facing) take very nice photos. The built-in HD video camera also means I don't always have to carry around a separate video camera. If you have been waiting around on the iPhone, wait no longer. http://www.apple.com/iphone/

6. Dominion Card Game: This is a card game with a unique game mechanic I find incredibly compelling. I had heard about this game for a while, but was scared of because it sounded too much like collectible card games such as Magic. Thankfully, it is not a collectible card game at all. There are 500 cards in the set and players all have the opportunity to purchase (with play money) cards to add to their play deck. As the game goes on, each player's deck builds in size and takes on various strengths and weaknesses depending on the cards the chose. Also, you only use a small portion of the 500 cards in a game, so each game will be QUITE different depending on the cards used. http://www.riograndegames.com/games.html?id=278

5. Avatar 3D in IMAX: If you saw this film in a regular movie theatre, you truly missed out on a new experience in film. The combination of the 3D, 5-story high IMAX screen, and gorgeous graphics made this a new genre type of entertainment for me. This was beyond film--it was a true immersive experience. I have seen other 3D IMAX movies before, but none came close to the magic of this experience. If it comes back to an IMAX near you, please go. Even if you have seen the movie before, go. http://www.avatarmovie.com/ http://www.imax.com/

4. Scottevest Tropical Jacket/Vest: This is a traveling geek's dream come true! There are 18 pockets in the jacket and 1 of those pockets is large enough to hold an iPad. Each of the other pockets is tagged with a small photo to remind you what goes in it: camera, phone, airline ticket, iPod, glasses, etc. There are built in holders for your earphone wires that keep your earbuds conveniently held near your ears. Bonus: The sleeves zip off to make a vest. Double Bonus: The entire jacket folds up into itself and zips up into a convenient travel pouch. When you travel on a plan, all your essentials can be placed in the jacket, eliminating the need for a backpack. When going through security, just take off your jacket and put it through the scanner. http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/lightweight-wind-jacket.shtml

3. Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Universal Studios Orlando has firmly slammed down the theme park gauntlet of all time with this amazing new addition to Islands of Adventure. Sure, the new area is small and really only has 1 new ride, but OH what a ride! Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey is THE best ride in the world right now. This leap in ride technology is unparalleled. Hopefully, Disney Imagineers are busy working in their laboratories for an attraction to match this one. Beyond the ride, the level of detail in the Hogsmeade area will thrill any Harry Potter fan. Oh, and the butter beer is delicious! If you want my complete review, visit here: http://stephenkg.blogspot.com/2010/08/wizarding-world-of-harry-potter.html

2. 2011 Ford Fiesta: As my MINI Cooper aged and needed to be replaced, I was afraid that I would never find a car I loved as much. The new Ford Fiesta easily beats the MINI as my favorite car of all time. The gas mileage at 40 mpg on the highway (using standard gas, yeah) was what first attracted me. The styling is fun and eye-catching too. However, the best part of the car is inside the cockpit (and it does really look like a cockpit). I can control the radio, make a phone call, or play a specific song from my Ipod all with my voice. I can even ask for the current weather, stocks, news, traffic, and directions with my voice. Bonus: The interior lights can be changed to different colors with the touch of a button: red, purple, blue, green, yellow, white, and pink! Double Bonus: Push button start and keyless door entry are great when I am carrying an armload of groceries! http://www.ford.com/cars/fiesta/

1. iPad: Well, this wasn't much of a surprise, now was it? I carry this device around practically everywhere. I love reading the news and magazines on it. (I cancelled most of my print magazines). The games are a blast, photo editing is a breeze, creating posters is a joy, and watching videos is a dream. What I do most is surf the Internet and the iPad is now my favorite surfboard. It is so relaxing to curl up with the iPad and read or play. The 10 hour battery life is revolutionary as well. The only downside is that the iPad cannot read Flash pages. This is usually not a problem, but occasionally I will run across an obnoxious web page that can only be viewed in Flash. Rumor has it that the next iPad (due out in April?) will have a camera and a higher resolution display. So, if you haven't purchased one yet, wait a few months. http://www.apple.com/ipad/

That's my list. Thanks for taking the time to read my favorite things for 2010. What are your favorites???

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

2010-08-22T17:38:00.016-05:00

I could no longer resist the urge to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for myself. I can happily report I was not disappointed with Universal Island's of Adventure's latest addition. The level of detail is amazing. The first amazing site you see as you enter the area is the Hogwarts Express plowing through the wall into Hogsmeade.

The first stop for me was a photo with the Conductor to document the occasion. He asked about my plans while visiting Hogsmeade and I told him I needed a Slytherin shirt. He looked at me with a concerned look and said, "I would not have guessed you as a Slytherin."

The merchandise is plentiful in Hogsmeade. What items will you NOT find? Anything with a corporate logo. Even in the restaurants, you will not find a Coca-cola or Pepsi product. The bottled water is sold in clear blue labels with no logo to break the spell of immersion. In the restaurant, I wonder if you ever hear, "No Pepsi, Pumpkin Juice!" In addition to Pumpkin Juice, the Three Broomsticks restaurant and the giant barrel in the middle of the street feature Butter Beer. Oh my goodness it is delicious!

They offer a frozen and unfrozen version. Both are non-alcoholic. I definitely recommend trying them both. The unfrozen version tastes like the creamiest cream soda you have ever tasted with a butter finish. The frozen Butter Beer has more of an ice cream feel. Either one will send you reeling into a sugar buzz. The Butter Beer barrel in the street always had a long line, so I recommend heading into the Three Broomsticks where the lines are much shorter.

Speaking of lines... avoid this area before noon. There is an hour or so queue just to get into Hogsmeade in the morning. After lunchtime, you can just walk right in. This goes against the traditional theme park strategy of hitting the newest attraction first. Trust me--use the morning to visit the other thrill rides in Islands of Adventure. While everyone is waiting to get into Hogsmeade, you will have a shorter wait on the other rides in the park.

Back to Harry Potter... there is only 1 new ride here: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The other 2 attractions, Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff, are existing rides in the Lost Continent area that were re-themed. Even though there is only 1 new ride, I enjoyed just walking around the area and taking in all the details. Some of the students also perform regularly in the area, and this is a great touch. I hope they keep all this effort up once the popularity of this area has worn off a bit.

So the new ride, Forbidden Journey, is incredible. Universal has truly raised the bar on theme park attractions here. This is a dark ride where your individual chair is suspended on a moving arm that takes you through Hogwarts castle and more. The amazing effects are a combination of real sets, animatronics, and movies woven together. Be aware many of these effects are rather "in your face" and, well... SCARY. Also, I experienced severe motion sickness on the ride, but that may just be me. I took a half a Dramamine before my second ride and enjoyed the experience much more.

If you skip the ride, DO NOT SKIP THE QUEUE. This is definitely a queue worth walking through and savoring. The moving portraits throughout the castle are astounding. Also, Dumbledore's office is a fantastic accomplishment alone. The queue is definitely an attraction all it's own, so don't let the average 1-hour wait time stop you from experiencing this attraction.

Speaking of wait times, I skipped Olivander's wand shop because I had read the cute but incredibly brief wand selection show was not worth the 1-hour or more wait. I look forward to going back to see it when the lines have died down.

In addition to visiting this area in the afternoon, try to see it in the evening as well. The village is beautifully lit and Hogwarts castle is beautiful at night.

This themed area did cast a spell on me as it compelled me to go back and read the rest of the Harry Potter series. I am now on book 3, and now have a better appreciation for many of the details at the park. If you can, at least read or reread the first and second book before visiting. I really do think it will increase your enjoyment. If you can't bring yourself to read the books, at least watch one or two of the films before visiting. (I prefer the books as they have a humorous narrative style the movies cannot duplicate).

The new Wizarding World of Harry Potter will insure that generations of muggles will read J.K. Rowlings books and watch the movies. Universal has done well by Ms. Rowling and I am sure she is proud of this magical place.

Just please...when you visit...observe the spell limits!

Anyone want some YUCHOS?????

2010-08-02T22:26:00.003-05:00

I took this photo of a poster at Pollo Tropical in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Products like this really make me wonder what marketers are thinking. What people in their right mind would call a product by this name??? Yucho indeed!

The BEST Free iPad Apps

2010-07-10T11:55:00.012-05:00

I just can’t get enough of iPad apps! There are currently over 200,000 iPad apps, but I just can't seem to get enough. Each one is like a little gadget that either makes my life easier or just makes me smile… or both. I’ve combed the app store looking for the best free iPad apps. I hope you find this list useful.

Do you have favorites I have missed? Please be sure to list them in the comments and I will gladly take them for a test drive.

(In no particular order)

USA Today: A virtual newspaper in the palm of your hand with no hidden costs or subscription fees. The implementation is simple and elegant. It’s a joy to use.

Betty Crocker Cookbook: The photos and search functions are great, but the “cook mode” makes this a real winner. There are even built-in timer functions imbedded in the recipes.

Epicurious: Beautifully rendered tab-style cookbook. Includes user reviews and ratings. Will automatically write a shopping list for the recipes you select.

Web MD: A hypochondriac’s dream (or nightmare) come true! The symptom checker let’s you point at the part of your body that’s hurting and choose from a drop-down list of possible problems. The First Aid topics could come in hand some day. Learn about drug interactions and side effects quickly.

Pandora: The magic of FREE music customized to your tastes. Choose an artist, song, or genre and Pandora will begin streaming music just for you. It’s easy to skip songs you don’t like. Once the iPad gets the new update and allows multitasking, this will be an even better app.

1000 Experiences: I’ve always enjoyed traveling and playing with decks of cards. This app from Lonely Planet gives you both! Absolutely gorgeous travel photos are arranged in a deck that is so much fun to touch and manipulate. The deck is broken down into several different experiences. This would come in handy when you are trying to decide on your vacation destination or if you just need a mental break from the everyday grind.

Kindle: I still use and love my Amazon Kindle. I prefer to use it because the screen is not backlit and is kinder to the eyes. However, there is much to be said for the Kindle app. First of all, it syncs to my Kindle device, so I never lose my place in a book. Also, swiping pages feels so natural and rewarding. When traveling on short trips, I can easily leave my Kindle device at home and just use this app for reading.

Free Books: This app gives you over 23,000 free classics in the palm of your hand. The search interface allows you to find titles and download them quickly. The librarians at Alexandria would be SO jealous.

Kayak Flights: Search several travel sites at once using this quick and easy tool. Kayak allows you to exclude certain carriers if you wish. The app remembers your last search, so you don’t have to enter the same information each time. Kayak even maintains a search history, which is handy if you want to check fairs on a regular basis. I hope they add a hotel search to Kayak soon!

Toy Story: If you have children, you may not want to show them this app. You may never get your iPad back. This interactive storybook actually reads to you and even allows you to color the pages. Story time will never be the same.

Netflix: This app is only useful for Netflix subscribers. For others, move along. Nothing to see here. View “watch instantly” movies right from this app. Also, check on or add to your queue.

ABC Player: Watch an impressive library of television shows from the ABC arsenal. The only catch… commercials. One step forward, two steps back.

Brain POP: Careful, you might learn something watching these short, entertaining cartoons. Take the quizzes to test your knowledge. Well done edutainment.

Please tell me any I have missed in the comments!

Blue Heaven in Key West Florida: A Video Tribute

2010-04-20T07:52:00.008-05:00

If you have ever eaten at the unique place, then you already get it. Blue Heaven has the best food in the strangest setting I have ever encountered. There's a reason why the wait for a table at breakfast is usually an hour during peak season. As you wait, there is plenty to keep you entertained from local musicians to roaming chickens and even a ping-pong table. Here is my video tribute to this legendary restaurant.

Tiger Woods Ad in Atlanta Airport "Thinker. Doer"

2009-12-23T17:13:00.002-05:00

When I landed in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 23, I was surprised and amazed to see this advertisement in the airport using Tiger Woods. There is a bit of irony in the saying "Thinker, Doer." Makes me wonder what he's thinking about doing. I thought all of these ads would be taken down by Accenture way before now.

Space Shuttle Launch: Discovery

2009-09-03T19:42:00.001-05:00

Watched the shuttle launch last weekend and shot this brief video. What a spectacular thing to witness! We can truly do amazing things.

Presentation: Social Media Literacy

2009-07-29T14:40:00.002-05:00

I am pleased to be a part of SEFLIN's New Technologies Conference on July 30. For those who cannot attend or for those who wish to review, here is my presentation. I have posted the links from the presentation and more I will not have time to include in my Delicious Links. The links are tagged accordingly. All of the links have the word "social" and "media" in them. You can also follow the conference on Twitter.

The Importance of Library Materials for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth

2009-07-16T18:10:00.006-05:00

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals share a common history of social and legal oppression due to their sexuality (Greenblatt, 2003). Over the past 50 years, there has been a dramatic change in the United States in attitudes toward homosexuality. The LGBTQ community has become more visible and vocal since the 1969 Stonewall Riots and an evolving political movement for equal rights (Gough & Greenblatt, 1990). Until 1974, homosexuality was still considered a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association. Homosexuality was also illegal in many states less than 10 years ago. The 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas found anti-sodomy laws to be unconstitutional (Alexander & Miselis, 2007). Progress has been made and it is certainly easier to come out as an LGBTQ person in today’s society than it was 50 years ago. However, identifying as LGBTQ can still quite challenging—especially for teens.

Coming out as an LGBTQ teen in the United States can be a frightening and even life-threatening experience. After taking a thorough look at the literature about library services to this population, Alexander & Miselis (2007) found, “Almost every article examined in the course of this literature review pointed out that coming out is an extremely risky and often dangerous process, especially for young adults” (p. 44). A report by Kosciw, Diaz, & Greytak (2008) for the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) revealed alarming statistics. Over 6,000 LGBTQ middle and high school students were surveyed and 86% reported incidents of verbal harassment due to their sexuality. The survey also showed 44% of the students were physically assaulted at school during the past year due to their sexual orientation. Not surprisingly, 61% of the LGBTQ students reported feeling unsafe at school. Unfortunately, the problems do not end at school. LGBTQ youth are often rejected by their family members and even ejected from their homes. Greenblatt (2003) stated, “Feelings of isolation and shame, as well as daily doses of verbal harassment and physical violence, lead a disproportionate number of LGBTQ youth to commit suicide” (p. 22).

The teenage years are a period of self-exploration. Many teens turn to books hoping to identify with the characters. Others seek resources to help them understand their changing feelings and bodies. This can be particularly important for LGBTQ youth. Access to library materials dealing with gay and lesbian issues can be affirming as well as life saving. Linville (2004) conducted an online survey of self-identified LGBTQ teens and found over half the participants had visited a library to learn more about homosexuality. The surveys revealed teens often perceived gay and lesbian selections as hidden in the library, missing from the shelves (even though the catalog says they are checked in), and a lack of displays for LGBTQ books. Many of the teens expressed fear and reluctance to ask for assistance in the library. Unfortunately, some libraries exclude or hide materials regarding LGBTQ subjects (Levithan, 2004). A recent survey of eighty-eight libraries found that 9% carried no gay and lesbian materials (Alexander & Miselis, 2007).

During the 1980s and 1990s, publishers began producing more gay and lesbian themed materials. However, many library collections did not keep up with the times. A 1999 study by Loverich and Degnan supported the hypothesis that it is neither the size nor the budget of the library that determines the number of gay and lesbian themed books in a library’s collection. A 1995 study by Sweetland and Christensen suggests librarians regularly passed over gay and lesbian themed books, regardless of positive reviews. Downey (2005) summarized the findings of these studies and stated, “Considering the many risks GLIBT adolescents face, the importance of providing adequate GLBT-related YA resources cannot be overestimated. It is no exaggeration to say that the right resources could save a life” (p. 86).

Many librarians assume they have no LGBTQ patrons in their community and do not offer materials or programs for this group (Downey, 2005). The exact number of LGBTQ people in a community is difficult to gauge, as many individuals remain guarded about their sexuality due to fear of persecution. Surveys have ranged from one to nine percent with the famous Kinsey Report claiming ten percent. Most surveys are in the six to nine percent range, but may not include bisexuals and transgender individuals. Therefore, ten percent is most often used as the estimate (Greenblatt, 2003). Linville (2004) concluded, “We know statistically that queer youth must be there, but we might not know how best to serve them” (p. 183).

Some librarians avoid including LGBTQ materials in the collection because they are uncomfortable with the subject. Other librarians are concerned that carrying such items could lead to complaints from the community. Downey (2005) stated, “It is important to remember that librarians have a professional obligation to avoid exclusion and censorship of materials, regardless of their personal feelings” (p. 88). Perhaps the most common myth among librarians is that providing gay and lesbian materials is promoting a “lifestyle” and signals approval. However, there is a difference between promoting an agenda and simply providing information. Promoting an inclusive library environment does not mean endorsing any particular topic. Access to library materials dealing with gay and lesbian issues can be affirming as well as life saving (Greenblatt, 2003). Furthermore, the American Library Association’s professional standards mandate that LGBTQ patrons have their information needs met (Alexander & Miselis, 2007).

An important first step in the development of an LGBTQ collection is establishing a clear collection development policy. Furthermore, staff must be properly trained in how to handle a challenge of materials exchange with a patron (Alexander & Miselis, 2007). Some libraries state in their collection development plan that they do not select or deselect materials based on race, age, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation (Martin Jr. & Murdock, 2007). In addition to clear policies, training should also be conducted for staff to address prejudice and to educate the staff on the diverse needs of the community (Alexander & Miselis).

Librarians can make use of the Lambda Book Report and the American Library Association’s Gay and Lesbian Round Table Awards to enhance the library’s collection (Downey, 2005). Martin Jr. & Murdock (2007) recommend looking for titles in YALSA/ALA lists, book reviews in magazines such as The Advocate and Out, and the ALA Stonewall Book Awards list. Libraries should offer a variety of materials to serve the LGBTQ youth including non-fiction gay teens, historical gay figures, and sexuality information. Tracking the circulation of LGBTQ materials is important. These statistics can be used to justify the current collection and purchasing additional titles. If LGBTQ materials are not circulating, this can be a signal the library needs to take a more proactive approach in marketing this part of the collection.

Simply adding LGBTQ materials to the collection is often not enough. Since this population is often hesitant to ask for assistance, it is important that these materials are easy to locate. Having a sticker or stamp on the book that says, “gay” or marked with a rainbow sticker can make the materials easier to find in the collection. Unfortunately, these markings may be a deterrent for a youth to look at or check out materials. A good compromise is to have multiple copies of a book with some specifically labeled and others not (Linville, 2004). Leviathan (2004) suggests not putting magnetic strips in LGBT books so they can be taken without checking them out. He also advocates prominently displaying these books in the library. Even if youth do not have the courage to look at them and check them out, at least they know the materials exist and are seen as worthy of display. Downey (2005) recommends bookmarks or handouts highlighting the gay and lesbian collection as examples of proactive approaches librarians can take to make the collection more accessible. “In a spirit of partnership and proactive thinking, librarians can help ensure that the “invisible minority” receives the attention and information it deserves” (p. 94).

As a gay male struggling with the coming out process in the late 70’s, I can personally attest to the power materials have on LGBTQ youth. The first book I encountered about homosexuality was in my Mom and Dad’s bedroom drawer. Unfortunately, the book was Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask written by Dr. David Reuben in 1969. The book describes homosexuality as an illness needing treatment. Gay sexual encounters are described as dangerous and anonymous. This book made me terribly afraid and depressed about my sexual identity. Luckily, I happened to find The Teenage Body Book by Charles Wibbelsman and Kathy McCoy at a bookstore when I was 16. The book contained positive and affirming messages about gays and lesbians. This book was my salvation.

I shudder to think what might have happened if I had not accidentally found that book. This reinforces the importance of having LGBTQ materials with positive messages easily accessible in the library. Something as simple as a table filled with LGBTQ materials or a bookmark listing LGBTQ titles could save a life. Just one book can make a difference in the life of an LGBTQ teen. Coming out can be a daunting and dangerous challenge and these youths often look to books and libraries for help in coping with and understanding their sexuality. While these patrons may be shy about asking for LGBTQ materials, statistically we know these teens are out there. Libraries and librarians can serve the community by adding LGBTQ materials to the collection and promoting this collection. “It’s not just literature at stake; it’s lives” (Levithan, 2004, p. 45).

Works Cited

Alexander, L. B., & Miselis, S. D. (2007). Barriers to GLBTQ collection development and strategies for overcoming them. Young Adult Library Services, 5(3), spring, 43-49. Retrieved May 19, 2009, from Library literature & information science full text database.

Downey, J. (2005). Public library collection development issues regarding the information needs of GLBT patrons. Progressive Librarian, 25, summer, 86-95. Retrieved May 20, 2009, from Library literature & information science full text database.

Gough, C., & Greenblatt, E. (1990). Gay and lesbian library service. Jefferson, N.C: McFarland.

Greenblatt, E. (2003). Lesbian gay bisexual transgender library users: Overcoming the myths. Colorado Libraries, 29(4), winter, 21-25. Retrieved May 19, 2009, from Library literature & information science full text database.

Kosciw, J. G., Diaz, E. M., & Greytak, E. A. (2008). 2007 national school climate survey: Experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in our nation's schools. Retrieved May 20, 2009, from http://www.glsen.org

Levithan, D. (2004). Supporting gay teen literature: An advocate speaks out for representation on library shelves. School Library Journal, 50(10), 44-45. Retrieved May 19, 2009, from Library literature & information science full text database.

Linville, D. (2004). Beyond picket fences: What gay/queer/LGBTQ teens want from the library. Voice Youth Advocates, 27(3), 183-186. Retrieved May 19, 2009, from Library literature & information science full text database.

Martin Jr., H. J., & Murdock, J. R. (2007). Serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning Teens: A how-to-do-it manual for librarians. New York: Neal-Schuman.

Jedi Light Training Academy at Disney Hollywood Studios (in HD)

2009-07-14T06:56:00.001-05:00

I recorded a video of the Jedi Training Academy back in April 2009. Now (finally) I had the time to edit and upload it. Enjoy!

Splash Mountain Full Through at Walt Disney World in HD

2009-05-07T06:54:00.001-05:00

I hope you enjoy my latest video. This is the COMPLETE ride for all you Splash Mountain fans out there. My oh my what a wonderful day!

Video: 26th Annual Bed Race in Key West

2009-04-27T18:13:00.002-05:00

What in the world is Twitter and why in the world would I want to do that???

2009-04-23T08:09:00.002-05:00

I find it interesting that just in the past couple of weeks, I have had several friends ask me about Twitter. Here are the most common questions I get:

What is Twitter?
How is it different from Facebook?
Why in the world would I want to do that?
Why would I care what someone is having for lunch?
Isn't that dangerous tell tell everyone where you are?
What if someone starts stalking you?
Why would total strangers want to follow my life?

Because of the media buzz, there is a normal fear and distrust of this service. Twitter is at once very simple to use, but complicated to describe. Twitter is best understood by trying it. You can try Twitter and post nothing about yourself initially. Try following a few people to get the feel of it before you dive in and share anything about yourself. Describing Twitter is like trying to tell someone what chocolate tastes like. It's easier to just eat a chunk of chocolate. If you don't like it, then it's easy to avoid.

Here are a few recommendations:

Twitter will automatically (if you let it) try to find your friends who are already Twittering via your email contacts. Do this, trust it.

Search for some subjects and/or famous people that interest you here: http://www.search.twitter.com and follow people talking about those subjects or those famous people.

Let anyone follow you. Don't limit your folllowers.

Don't post anything you wouldn't want a total stranger to know such as: phone numbers, email address, credit card number, your vacation dates and how long you will be away from home, etc.

Shameless plug.... follow me at http:/www.twitter.com/stephenkg I tweet (and retweet) a lot about these kinds of topics and more.

Happy Tweeting!

Stimulus Whopper Value Meal! Now with more bailout!

2009-03-30T23:47:00.002-05:00

I have had it with advertisers using these economic buzzwords as a marketing tool. I realize these are tough times for businesses, and they need to drum up business. It is a mistake, however, to think "stimulus" and "bailout" are cute funny terms that can be applied to any product just to make us think it's a good deal. In a way, it's an insult to so many people going through economic challenges while companies are getting "stimulated." Here is an interesting article about the new stimulus buzzwords in advertising. The article predicts the trend won't last, and I hope they are right.

Reliable Sources for Fitness Information

2009-02-26T19:46:00.003-05:00

Looking for information on fitness? The following are my top recommendations for finding information on diet and exercise.

Medline Plus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/exerciseandphysicalfitness.html

Audience: Teens and Adults
The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health maintain this subject directory full of credible articles on a variety of health topics. The site also contains a helpful dictionary, the latest health news, and an exhaustive directory of health organization web sites arranged alphabetically.

Presidents Council on Fitness
http://www.fitness.gov/

Audience: Teens and Adults
This subject directory from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has several downloadable publications available on a variety of fitness topics. Helpful links to federal and state health organizations are also included. The Popular Topics section is a good way to find to learn about current fitness topics.

Medicine Net
http://www.medicinenet.com/health_and_living/focus.htm

Audience: Teens and Adults
Medicine Net is owned and operated by Web MD, a for profit company. The subject directory is produced by a network of over 70 certified physicians. Please be advised you will see advertisements along the top, right, left, and bottom borders of the web page. The articles, however, are produced by experts in their fields.

Web MD
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/

Audience: Teens and Adults
Web MD is a for profit company. The content on the subject directory is reviewed by an Independent Medical Review Board. Articles are written by experts and reviewed (or written by) medical doctors. Many of the articles are explanations of the latest research studies in the health field. The Healthy Living section contains a page devoted to Men’s Health and another devoted to Women’s Health. Be advised you will see advertisements along the top, right, left, and bottom borders of the web page.

Fitness Jumpsite
http://primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/

Audience: All Ages
This subject directory is maintained by a software company called Primus Partners. The site focuses on nutrition and exercise. Jump Site’s sparse layout makes it easy and pleasant to navigate. Article sources in the Fitness Library range from personal trainers and doctors to non-profit health agencies. There are no advertisements on the web site.

Teens Health
http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/

Audience: Teens (Note: there are also separate sections for parents and children)
The Nemours Foundation produces this subject directory. This organization is “one of the largest nonprofit organizations devoted to children’s health.” While the “kids health” name in the URL may be a turn off to some teens, the Teens Health section has a thorough and easy to navigate section. There are several articles on food and fitness--all written by medical professionals. The site also has resources available in Spanish.

Farewell Adventurers Club

2008-09-21T09:40:00.005-05:00

This week marks the final days of the Adventurers Club (and the rest of Pleasure Island) at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. This bawdy interactive bar featured talented improvisational actors and a wonderful collection of nicknacks from around the world. You never knew when the mask on the wall beside you might begin to tell racy jokes or the French maid (with a southern accent) would invite you into the library for a special show. While I realize this club was not for everyone, it was a one-of-a-kind experience for many of us that stood up to repeat visit.

Recently I visited the club with a few friends to say goodbye before they shuttered the doors to make room for yet more restaurants and shops at Downtown Disn

ey. The experience was bittersweet, as the club was packed with adventurers like myself who wanted to get one last visit in. During the entire evening, there was actually a sizable crowd in the main salon. If you were not stationed right next to the library doors when they opened, you could not get into a show. It was a nice to see the club drawing these crowds even if it was clearly too late to save the place. Here is hoping Walt Disney World will expand its Boardwalk nightclubs and find a nice new home for the Adventurers Club some day soon. Until then... Kungaloosh! (Apologies for the poor quality of the photos. The iPhone is a great phone, but a lousy camera).

Cowboy Up!

2008-09-01T10:37:00.002-05:00

I learned a new, useful, and fun phrase today while watching WGNO, the ABC News affiliate for New Orleans. The newscaster was talking about the evacuation for Hurricane Gustav and advised anyone who had not already left the city should be prepared to "cowboy up." I was familiar with the phrase "man up" which has become quite popular lately. However, "cowboy up" was a new one for me. I did a quick search on Urban Dictionary and learned that I was behind the times. The listing is dated 2003. The oldest definition for the phrase states, "it means when things are getting tough you have to get back up, dust yourself off and keep trying." I like that! Now I just have to use the phrase 3 times to make it mine. Cowboy up, y'all!

Multitasking Doesn't Work

2008-08-30T16:21:00.004-05:00

I have always said I may be able to do one thing well if I give it my full attention, or more things poorly if I try to do them simultaneously. Finally, this New York Times article backs me up on this. Our brains are just not built for doing more than one thing at a time, so quality suffers. The article recommends checking email only once an hour. I will find that advice extremely hard to follow. My iPhone vibrates every time I get an email and it is extremely difficult to resist the urge to check it. Maybe I should give it a try though. Constantly checking emails can be distracting and derail my train of thought. I suppose I should.... sorry....my iPhone just vibrated. Gotta go!

ChaCha Rules!

2008-08-30T13:32:00.004-05:00

Also in the "cool things my friend Gary told me about" department, we have ChaCha! This is just an amazing FREE service that you must try now. Yes, now! All you do is text ANY question to 242242 (that spells out ChaCha). Within a minute or 2, you will receive an answer. Need to settle a bet, know a sports score, find the closest gas station or hear a Chuck Norris joke? ChaCha can do it all. The secret behind this service is real human beings known as ChaCha guides that doing the searching for you and reply with an answer as well as the link to their source. I love the service so much, I applied to become a ChaCha guide. I have passed the first series of tests and hopefully will past the final test making me a ChaCha guide! We shall see.

So, for now, give ChaCha a try. Warning: this is addictive.

Random trivia: "cha" means "search" in Chinese.

Lost Parks: Boardwalk and Baseball; Circus World

2008-08-30T12:50:00.006-05:00

Recently, my good friend Gary told me about a defunct amusement park near Orlando called Boardwalk and Baseball. I had never heard of the place, so I was interested to learn more about it. Old amusement parks that are no more have always held a fascination for me. Through the sites Gary supplied, I was able to learn Boardwalk and Baseball was a reincarnation of the old Circus World amusement park. I remember seeing brochures and billboards for Circus World when I was a kid, but never got the opportunity to go there. Since I lived in Indiana at the time, most of my Florida visits back then were either to Walt Disney World or a beach.

From the materials I read on Circus World, it appears I did not miss much. The effort was apparently a half-hearted attempt by Feld Entertainment and later Mattel never approaching its potential as a full fledged theme park venue. The Boardwalk and Baseball park looks like a wonderful little park. The park was so wonderful, apparently, that it was snapped up by Busch Gardens and quickly shuttered. When I say quickly, I mean there were actually customers in the park when they made the announcement the park was going out of business. You would think Busch could have at least waited until the end of the work day to close the park. Imagine hearing over the P.A., "Due to poor profitability, this park is now closed. Forever. Please gather up all your personal belongings and leave the premises. NOW. We know you have many recreational options in the Florida area, and we thank you for choosing Boardwalk and Baseball! Please visit Busch Gardens just a quick hour road trip away."

R.I.P. Boardwalk and Baseball and Circus World

Wii Fit Rant: Why would I want to weigh a book with my Wii Fit?

2008-08-24T15:16:00.004-05:00

Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love many things about the Wii Fit. It is a great product, but it clearly has much room for improvement. The good things... the balance board is amazingly senstive and can actually teach you new exercise, track your progress, and encourage you to exercise. What's more, it can encourage healthy competition between members of a household to increase activity and fitness levels. Honestly, I do most of my workout at the gym and use the Wii Fit to track my progress. It does a great job of keeping me on track.

There is one thing about the Wii Fit, however, that absolutely drives me crazy. The Wii Fit just LOVES to give out useless fitness tips. Many of these are repeated ad nauseam. Additionally, it gives out bizarre tips. Yesterday it told me how important eye contact is when training a dog. Okey dokey!

The most infuriating Wii Fit "tip" has to do with using the balance board to weigh things such as books. About every other day, the Wii Fit software tells me I can weigh myself, then weigh myself with a book and subtract the difference to get the weight of a book. Now, why would I want to use the Wii Fit to weigh a book in my house? And even if I DID, do I really need this tip EVERY OTHER DAY????

Hopefully the next generation of Wii Fit software will come with a wider variety of tips and allow the user to turn certain types of tips on and off. I would turn exercise and health tips "ON", but dog training and weighing inanimate object tips would be turned "OFF." Until then, I will keep Wii-ing in on a regular basis and trying to get my Wii Fit age down below 30 while tolerating the almost daily urging to weigh books with my exercise tool. Wii on!

These things are DIRT MAGNETS!

2008-07-05T23:30:00.003-05:00

I absolutely hate cleaning. Anything that makes my cleaning easier, I am for it. These cloths are like dirt magnets. They are absolutely amazing at dusting furniture, cleaning television or computer screens, wiping surfaces, and cleaning windows. Use them instead of paper towels to give the planet a break. You can use them with or without cleaning products or water! When you're done, just throw them in the washing machine. Caution: do not use fabric softener as that somehow makes the cloth lose its magnetic power. Take a look at them here.

How does your sun block rate?

2008-07-05T12:01:00.003-05:00

Check this database to see how your sun block rates in UVA and UVB protection. Important note: The lower the score, the better. (Zero is the best). You can search for your brand's scores or see which brands are recommended.

Sun exposure is deadly and damaging to your skin. Please take care of it!

Quick, easy, and simple picnic foods

2008-07-04T10:47:00.001-05:00

Some of these sound good for impromptu potluck picnics!

read more | digg story

How fat is your state?

2008-07-04T10:39:00.001-05:00

Mmmmm... a deep-fried Twinkie sounds delicious about now. Check out the map to see how your state ranks.

read more | digg story

Pranks: Just Say 'Yes' To Telemarketers

2008-07-04T10:36:00.001-05:00

Thankfully, most telemarketing calls are a thing of the past thanks to the national "Do not call" list. However, this might be fun to try for those exceptions.

read more | digg story

The rise in obesity in the U.S. shown an animated map

2008-07-04T10:23:00.002-05:00

How fat is YOUR state? Would you like fries with that? Would you like a shoulder strap for you 96 ounce Coke? Please drive through.

read more | digg story

Sounds like this guy is extremely AVAILABLE, ladies!!

2008-07-04T10:05:00.001-05:00

Be sure to listen to all of it. If someone tells you they are "normal' this many times, it's time to run away. Imagine what the calls would be like AFTER a few dates.

read more | digg story

My Boardgame Collection

2007-12-29T17:45:00.000-05:00

The Boardgame Geek website is a thorough listing of almost every game imaginable--complete with user reviews, rules, and other helpful things. You can also maintain a list of the games you own or would like to own.

Click here to see a list of the games I own with photos.

Click here to see the same list of my games in a grid format. (Note that in the grid format you can sort alphabetically, by my rating, or by all Boardgame Geek users combined ratings).

Grad School

2007-05-12T10:57:00.000-05:00

I finally took the plunge last fall and I am now officially a grad student at the University of South Florida. I am going for a Master degree in the School of Library Science. So, that's going to be my excuse for not posting in a year. I have taken 3 classes so far and taking 1 class this semester. It's been so long since I've been in school that research methods have changed a lot--and for the better. It's such a luxury to be able to pull journal articles from the comfort of my own home rather than having to go to the library and hassle with the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature--Yuck!

So, in a couple of years, I will be a real librarian! Shhhhhhh!!!!!! Quiet!!!!!

Expedition Everest Passholder Sneak Preview

2006-01-30T19:58:00.000-05:00

Barry, Bob, and I attended the sneak preview of Expedition Everest at Walt Disney Worldd's Animal Kingdom this weekend and it was fantastic! The ride is awesome, and the cue is amazing. The level of detail makes even a long wait enjoyable. It really felt like we were wandering through a museum, not just waiting for a roller coaster ride.

Funagain Games

2006-01-06T06:53:00.000-05:00

My favorite source for purchasing games on the internet has always been Funagain Games. They have a wonderful selection and great prices, but they also have great reviews and lists of the most popular games. I have been telling friends about this company for a long time. I finally decided to become an Associate of the company. This means that if you visit Fun Again via the links I place on my page, I get a small cut. This will definitely not make me rich. However, it will help to support my game habit. So, be an enabler and take a look at their selection: Funagain Games

Hurricane Wilma Photo

2005-10-27T17:19:00.000-05:00

We are doing fine. I found this flag in a puddle near our home after the storm.

My Game Collection

2005-05-15T18:44:00.000-05:00

The first step is admitting you have a problem, right? I absolutely love buying, learning how to play, and playing a variety of games. I guess the photo says it all.

Espionage Soiree: A Press Only Event at Disney Studios

2005-05-05T21:13:00.000-05:00

I had a blast at the press only event for the grand opening of Lights, Motors, Action! Click here to see my full photo report for this incredible event.

Happiest Passholder on Earth!

2005-04-05T15:13:00.000-05:00

(or at least in the top 50)

Last month, I entered a Walt Disney World essay contest on why I think I'm the "Happiest Passholder on Earth." The prize was attendance at a "Press Only" event celebrating Disneyland's 50th birthday. I received a Federal Express package yesterday from Walt Disney World. In it was a letter stating that I was one of the 50 Happiest Passholders on Earth! Also in the package was the most incredible invitation I have ever received. It was a a tri fold package with a hologram of the castle on the front. Inside was a book where every page was a different hologram (one for Soarin, one for the new stunt show, etc.) On the other side of the package was a lucite award a little larger than a CD case(and twice as thick) with a hologram of the castle. This is my GOLDEN TICKET!!!

Here's a description of the contest:
Are you one of the happiest Passholders on earth? Let us know and you might
find yourself alongside members of television, radio and print media from
around the world at an actual Happiest Celebration On Earth Press Event! As
we mentioned in the February Mickey Monitor, for the first time, 50
Passholders (and one Guest each) have the chance to participate in lavish,
exciting festivities at Disney-MGM Studios during the Grand Opening of
Lights, Motors, Action!T Extreme Stunt Show scheduled for the evening of May
4, 2005!

So, if you've ever wondered just how much of a Disney geek I truly am, NOW you know! :)

Happiest Passholder on Earth Invitation

2005-04-05T15:04:00.000-05:00

I won the Disney essay contest! I'm officially one of the 50 Happiest Passholders on Earth!

South Florida Snow

2005-01-29T10:18:00.000-05:00

Talking Ronald Reagan Doll!

2005-01-21T08:06:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but I've always felt something was missing in my life. Don't get me wrong--I'm an incredibly happy guy. It's just that I always felt I was missing out on something that would bring me to full self-actualization. Well, the wait is over! Get your talking President Reagan dolls while they last! He says phrases such as "Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" What's more...it's on sale! Wow! JCPenney : toys : unique toys

Dolphin in Estero Bay

2005-01-19T20:53:00.000-05:00

Dolphin in Estero bay
Originally uploaded by stephenkg.

It was certainly a cold day in Estero Bay! We were boating in the cold (65 is cold when you're boating). Luckily, this dolphin made it all worth while.

Bird on Estero Island

2005-01-17T14:19:00.000-05:00

Half marathon

2005-01-09T17:48:00.000-05:00

Barry finished the Disney half marathon today!

Castle

2005-01-08T19:50:00.000-05:00

Im at my favorite place.

Happy New Year!

2004-12-31T23:50:00.000-05:00

Queen Spice Wishes you a Happy New Year

Favorite Games

2004-12-31T09:12:00.000-05:00

Barry and I like to start out the New Year with a marathon game playing day. We're having folks over this weekend to play a variety of games. This year, I compiled a list of some of the favorite games from my collection. I only included games that are fairly quick to learn. These games are rated highly by me, my friends and many on-line reviews as well. The games are in order by the number of players that work best for each.

Shipwrecked
3-4 players
Bidding game. Like Survivor, but funnier

Settlers of Cataan
4 players
Trade resources with others to build your community

Monopoly
4 players
Like Bill Gates, but with real estate

Manhattan
4 players
Build the tallest and most buildings. (A very male game)

Acquire
4 players
Build and merge corporations and buy stock to become the wealthiest person so others will like you.

Break the Safe
4 players
Four players work as a team to break the safe in 30 minutes or less.

Modern Art
4-5 players
Bid for and buy ugly art in the hopes that it appreciates in value.

Bohnanza
4-6 players
Plant and trade beans in this farming card game.

Elixir
4-6 players
You are an evil fairie who can cast spells on the other evil fairies to make them do silly things.

Clue Master Detective
4-6 players
Like Clue, but with more possibile outcomes.

Liar's Dice
4-6 players
Lie like the lying liar you are!

Bandu
4-6 players
Bid to take or not take building blocks in your scuplture. Last one standing wins.

Hearththrob
4-6 players
Before playing, consume sufficient cocktails to make you giggle like a school girl.

Apples to Apples
6-8 players
Make clever comparisons. Not very competitive--more of an exhibition.

Citidels
6-8 players
Build your power base using thievery, force, and war.

Wise and Otherwise
6 players
Make up clever fake quotes to fool others.

I'm the Boss
6 players
All about making wild deals that can turn on a dime.

Spy Alley
6 players
Uncover the secret identity of others without revealing yours. (Similar to dating)

Hilarium
6 players
Imagine 6 people performing charades simultaenously. It's Hilarium!

Great Dalmuti
6-8 players
Your success in each hand of this card game will determine your social ranking amongst the players.

Pit
6-8 players
A fast and frenzied card trading game with a bell that goes "ding"

Democrazy
6-8 players
You vote on the rules that change with each turn. Amusing, but not as funny as real politics.

Are You a Werewolf?
8+ players
The mob tries to determine which players are werewolves before everyone is killed.

Facts in Five
Teams
Quick! Think of a spice that begins with the letter "N".

Outburst (PC Version)
Teams
Quick! Name all the birds you can in 60 seconds.

Cranium
Teams
Combines charades, trivia, and word games for a delightful melange.

Catch Phrase
Teams
Like Password, but frantic.

Taboo
Teams
Get your team to say the words "Elton John" without saying "gay," "British," or "Queen."

Clay to Win
Teams
Win, Lose or Draw with clay. No really--it's fun!

In Pursuit
Teams (4-8 people total)
A team version of Trivial Pursuit with interesting twists like teams that change during play.

Deserted Sebastian Beach

2004-12-29T16:28:00.000-05:00

Deserted Sebastian Beach
Originally uploaded by stephenkg.

Barry and I had lunch today at Max's Beach Place near Sebastian Beach. They have fantastic lunch specials for $3.99! The food was good and the view was fantastic. Due to the high surf and winds, the beach was all but deserted.

Our new toy

2004-12-29T10:17:00.000-05:00

The Wonkatania! Barry and I cycled for 4 hours on this today! We cycled completely around Wilton Manors. Earlier this week, we saw 3 manatees while cycling.

Rapid Recyclers needs your help

2004-10-02T08:26:00.000-05:00

For the past several months, I have been training and fundraising with a team called Rapid Recyclers. We are biking from Miami to Key West (165 miles) in 2 days to raise money for Florida AIDS organizations. Each of us has pledged to raise $1200 and 100% of the money will go to local AIDS charitities. (All of the operating costs for the ride are covered by sponsors and riders!) There are over 200 riders signed up to complete the ride on Nov 5 and 6.

I need your help to complete my fundraising commitment. Please visit our website and consider making a donation to a great cause. Thanks!

High water caused by storm surge

2004-09-26T08:36:00.000-05:00

The water is usually about a foot below the dock at high tide. About an hour ago, the lower part of the dock was underwater.

We received the "All Clear" from Hurricane Jeanne

2004-09-26T08:19:00.000-05:00

A few minutes ago, we received the all clear signal. Amazingly, we never lost power. There appears to be no significant damage in our area. The poor people in Ft Pierce got pounded with the brunt of the storm. This is the second direct hit for them this month.

As for us, it's time to take the panels down and get back to normal as quickly as possible. I'm assuming we'll all be back to work tomorrow, if there is power. It's interesting that all the hurricanes have hit during weekends. This has to start affecting the morale of working folks who are losing their weekends and evenings to hurricane prep and recovery. Even if you don't receive any damage, this hurricane business wears on your nerves.

It's the price of living in paradise.

More audio from Hurricane Jeanne

2004-09-25T22:02:00.000-05:00

A blog entry with a photo of us audio blogging a blog entry during Hurricane Jeanne

2004-09-25T21:41:00.000-05:00

.

Through the magic of technology, here is a photo of Barry and I audio blogging during Hurricane Jeanne. Put a news camera in our face and we'd look just like a local news personality blowing in the breeze.

Audio of Hurricane Jeanne

2004-09-25T21:27:00.000-05:00

The Virtual Window Project

2004-09-19T09:09:00.000-05:00

Tired of looking at your neighbors RV outside your dining room window? Got a lot of time and money on your hands? Then try this. Many folks down here in Florida complain that they "miss the change of seasons." No problem! Just put up a photo of a snowstorm, get out some hot chocolate, and enjoy!

Ivan is going away

2004-09-12T17:58:00.000-05:00

According to the National Hurricane Center / Tropical Prediction Center, South Florida appears to be off the hook. Ivan is causing terribble destruction down in the Caribbean and is headed for Cuba next. Looks like he decided to skip a visit to Fort Lauderdale. North Florida may not be so lucky.

Rapid Recyclers

2004-09-11T07:31:00.000-05:00

I'm part of a team that's training for the SMART ridee. Its a 165 mile bike ride from Miami to Key West to raise money for local AIDS organizations. Please check out our team blog.

Rapid Recyclers

Audio Updates for Ivan

2004-09-11T07:25:00.000-05:00

In the rather likely event that we lose power during Hurricane Ivan, I will be audio blogging via cel phone. (That is, as long as we have cel phone service). Check back here for Ivan Audio Updates!

Why we lost power

2004-09-11T07:20:00.000-05:00

Frances the Mule knocked out our power rather quickly last Saturday. I would estimate that the wind was only 30-40 miles per hour at that point. There was no thunder or lightning. An inside source tells us that we lost power because a tree brushed against a power line 3 times in a short period of time. The FPL breakers are designed to shut off any time this happens.

Well, that would be great if FPL were more vigilent about trimming back trees around power lines. Unfortunately, they appear to be slacking in our area. So, because a tree brushed against a power line, we were without power for more than 48 hours. It seems like FPL could improve service to the customers and reduce headaches for FPL by getting their butts out their and doing some tree trimming.

Awwwwwww....AC

2004-09-06T21:55:00.000-05:00

We were lying in bed tonight in the sweltering heat and in the dark. I was thinking that I would get to start my day tomorrow by boiling water on the gas grill for a hot shave. All of a sudden, the lights came on! We could here neighbors rejoicing up and down the street. We can now really start getting our lives back to normal, or some assemblance of it. We can finally begin to put Frances the Mule behind us. Buh bye Frances!

Still no power

2004-09-06T15:37:00.000-05:00

We've gone more than 48 hours now without power. Luckily, Hurricane Frances passed us by and we just got some strong winds and rain. Frances the Mule, at it is now known, was definitely slow and stubborn. We had some good friends staying with us and that helped us feel safe.

Now, Barry and I are at Java Boys in Wilton Manors because they have air conditioning, power, and free wireless internet. Yahoo! So, we're finally able to catch up on emails and such. We had a small battery powered television that helped us stay abreast of the storm news. However, we couldn't get any other news. The news stations featured hour after hour of palm trees blowing in the wind. It's good to feel connected to the world again.

We are blessed with wonderful neighbors. People are helping one another and looking out for one another.

We are hoping that Ivan is not headed our way.

2004-09-06T12:07:00.000-05:00

Your mind plays tricks on you--Circus McGurkus

2004-08-26T18:54:00.000-05:00

If you've ever wonderered if your brain is playing tricks on you...try this bizarre experiment. First, watch this video. Then, listen to the video with your head turned away from the screen. Note the difference in what you hear. If you look at the screen again, what you hear will change back.

Visit the site below for a long-winded explanation of this phenomenon called "The McGurk Effect."
Freethought Forum - powered by vBulletin - Articles

2004-06-09T16:42:00.000-05:00

Use Photobucket to host your images for free

2004-05-12T09:26:00.000-05:00

It's getting more and more difficult to find free ways of posting photos and then linking to them from other web sites. For example, let's say you want to include a photo on your Ebay listing of the item you are selling. You need to provide a link to a photo already on the web and you can't upload a photo. Photobucket is the solution. This also works great for things like the Blogger profile photo. Blogger doesn't allow you to upload photos; you must hot link to a photo already on the net. If you try to hot link to a photo you have on geocities or similiar free web hosting services, it won't work and your photo won't appear. Try Photobucket for now. Hopefully, it will stay free for a while. Photobucket Image Hosting and Free Online Photo Albums

Have you been There?

2004-05-11T18:15:00.000-05:00

Feel like taking a quick vacation from reality? Give There a try. I've been visiting this "alternate reality" since September 2003 and I truly enjoy it. You can visit with people all around the world, play cards, ride buggies, fly through the air, or even rent and decorate your own home. I enjoy designing clothing and selling it on the There auctions. Whatever your passion, chances are you will find something you enjoy There. Give it a try for 2 weeks free... Welcome to There!!

Peeps, Smoking & Alcohol

2004-04-13T17:54:00.000-05:00

It's time for a good laugh, don't you think? Easter has just passed and you may have some of those sugary (only sugar has more sugar) marshmallow Peeps left over. This carefully detailed scientific study examines the possible dangers that smoking and alcohol have on Peeps.

Peeps, Smoking & Alcohol

Look at Brini Go!

2004-04-07T20:25:00.000-05:00

If you haven't checked out the Brini (rhymes with "teeny") Maxwell Show on the Style Network, do yourself a favor and catch it right away. Brini is Martha Stewart on steroids stuck in the 60's and she is hilarious! She got her start on a cable access channel in New York where she presented helpful household tips for 5 years. Apparently she has quite a following in New York.

Luckily for all of us, the Brini Maxwell show can now be seen by all on the Style Network. Brini--she's a girl with something extra (and then some).

Now why didn't YOU think of that? :)

Brini Maxwell

Latter Days: A great movie on so many levels!

2004-03-06T09:48:00.000-05:00

Latter Days is one of those rare movies that succeeds on so many levels: comedy, romance, drama, message, and wonderful bodies to look at! This movie, about a Mormon boy whose life collides with a gay party boy is delight from beginning to end. The movie is currently in limited release, so check out the web site and find it when it's coming to your area. Not only will you enjoy the movie, but it will give you lots to discuss afterwards!

Latter Days

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day.....an interesting theological take on gay marriage

2004-03-03T20:35:00.000-05:00

Has gay marriage been around since Jesus' lifetime? This article shares evidence that show's the Christian churche's attitudes about homosexuality have changed greatly over the years. Interesting reading!

Opinion / The Irish Times on the Web / ireland.com

Time to get political

2004-02-16T10:52:00.000-05:00

I thought conservative republicans were for "small government." Would a small government have a constitution that says who you can marry?

Politicians are now attempting to amend our constitution to do just that. Don't let them--get political.

DontAmend.com - Don't Desecrate the Constitution With Anti-gay Bigotry

A matter of equality

2004-02-11T20:53:00.000-05:00

My partner and I have been together for 18 years. We are not allowed to marry. Because of this, I could legally be denied access to his hospital room if he should ever become sick. When one of us dies, we will not be eligible for spouse social security benefits. In addition, we will be taxed on any property inherited, including the home that we jointly own. Each year, we must file our taxes separately, so only one of us can claim a tax credit for interest paid on our mortgage. We are citizens of the United States who pay taxes, and yet we are treated as second class citizens. This is not a moral issue. It's definitely not about whether you think homosexuality is "bad" or "good." It's simply a matter of equality.

Our President is urging the Congress and Senate to amend the constitution of our United States to prevent a man from marrying a man and a woman from marrying a woman. Am I the only one that is frightened by this? Think about this....our President wants to pass an amendment to the Constitution to TAKE AWAY rights. The line of thinking here is that only marriage between a man and woman should be recognized. So, Britney Spears can marry a friend on a whim: Britney's Marriage License
and have it anulled hours later: Britney's Anullment
Yet, I have been with my partner for 18 years and we are not allowed to marry because we are both men.

Folks, this is not a gay or lesbian issue. It is a human one. I ask you to please look at this situation as objectively as possible and consider speaking out against the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Take Action: Speak out against the Federal Marriage Amendment

My own Varsity Versatile and Fort La Dee Dah Merchandise is now available!

2004-02-05T18:24:00.000-05:00

I have designed some T-shirts and other fun stuff with a "Varsity Versatile" logo on it as well as a whole line of "Fort La Dee Dah" merchandise. If you don't understand "Varsity Versatile", well...it's for guys that are sometimes a "pitcher" and sometimes a "catcher." If you don't understand that reference...um...ask a gay friend to spell it out for you.

"Fort La Dee Dah" is a fairly common nickname for Fort Lauderdale. I happen to think it's kind of fun and I hope the nickname spreads. Check out my stuff and see what you think.

Fort La Dee Dah for Fort Lauderdale Style! | CafePress

Photos All Over the World

2004-01-31T11:23:00.000-05:00

This fascinating site allows you to view photos from all over the world submitted by every day people like you and me. Just click on the map or even do a zip code search and the photos taken nearest that area will be displayed. Vote for you favorite photos or upload your own. All you need is a digital camera and a GPS so that you can indicate exactly where your photo was taken.

Fascinating browsing. See if you can find my photos! :)

GeoSnapper - GPS Photography

New friends from Oz on the Big Queen!

2004-01-29T10:45:00.000-05:00

We were fortunate to make 2 new friends this week, Richard and Lawrence from Australia. They are on a 6 week vacation and were on the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary 2 that came into Fort Lauderdale this week. We will certainly miss these guys when they head back to the land of Oz. We hope to see them again one day soon. Check out some fantastic pictures of the world's largest ship on the Cunard web site:

Cunard: The Most Famous Ocean Liners In The World

Bizarre Clock

2003-10-24T22:37:00.000-05:00

Why do I find this clock so hypnotizing? Must stop watching....must stop watching....must stop watching....
INDUSTORIOUS CLOCK ||| MONO*CRAFTS

Want me to Blog you?

2003-10-21T08:52:00.000-05:00

If you would like to receive each of my Blog posts by e-mail, subscribe by sending a blank email to:
stephensblog-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Real or Fake?

2003-10-20T08:03:00.000-05:00

This is an hilarious, sometimes bizarre (and challenging) test where fake photos are paired with real ones. Can you tell the difference?
Hoax Photo Test: Level One

A New You!

2003-10-17T13:33:00.000-05:00

Ever feel like you want a totally new you? Don't bother exercising! Just get your brain transplanted into a younger body. Unfortunately, there is a wait list and the price is kind of high. :)
Brain Transplantation - Be Young Again! Change Your Body - Keep Your Soul!

Upcoming Events

2003-09-30T10:53:00.000-05:00

There is a fascinating new website called Upcoming that you should check out. It allows you to post and search events that other users are going to in your area. As this site grows, it could prove to be quite useful.

Upcoming.org: Home

Perspective

2003-08-21T13:31:00.000-05:00

Want a new perspective on life? It only takes a couple of minutes, and is well worth the efffort. Molecular Expressions: Science, Optics and You - Powers Of 10: Interactive Java Tutorial