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June 29, 2007
Introducing the iPhone
Rivaling Paris Hilton for media attention these days is Apple's first smartphone, the iPhone, which debuts June 29th at 6 p.m., following months of hype. Described by The Wall Street Journal as "a beautiful and breakthrough handheld computer," the iPhone is really three devices in one: a cell phone; a widescreen, high-resolution iPod; and an internet communications device. Stylish and undeniably cool, the iPhone comes with a hefty pricetag: The 4GB model will cost $499 with a two-year contract, and the 8GB version will cost $599. Other considerations include the lack of a standard keyboard (in favor of an onscreen touchpad) and the fact that AT&T (formerly Cingular Wireless) is the one and only carrier for the iPhone.
If you're contemplating buying an iPhone, take a few minutes to see what some of the experts have to say:
Posted by JudyS at 09:30 AM | Comments (0)
June 26, 2007
Reserve Your Seats at OpenTable.com
Taking a day trip into New York City and in need of a restaurant reservation? Try OpenTable.com, an online restaurant reservation service recently highlighted in The New York Times. OpenTable.com currently provides access to about 7000 restaurants nationwide. Begin by selecting a state (North Dakota, South Dakota, and West Virginia are not yet included.) or one of over 20 major U.S. cities. Within a specific geographic area, you can then narrow your search by city/town, cuisine, and price range. You can also specify a date, time, and the number in your party. Extra features include links to award-winning restaurants, special events (like New York Restaurant Week), and restaurant reviews. Registration is free, and registered users can save a list of favorite restaurants and win rewards/points when reservations have been honored. Bon Appetit!
Posted by JudyS at 04:49 PM | Comments (1)
June 19, 2007
Sunscreen Database Just in Time for Summer
It's estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. Summer begins officially on Thursday with the arrival of the summer solstice. To better protect yourself and your family from the harsh summer sun, check out Skin Deep, a searchable cosmetic safety database produced by the Environmental Working Group. The database represents the results of EWG's 18-month investigation of over 700 sunscreens. You can search by SPF level and brand name, and you can limit your search according to the following criteria:
- Water-resistant/sweatproof
- Marketed for children/babies
- Good UVA protection
- No nano-particles
The EWG site lists both the 5 best and the 5 worst sunscreen products on the market and includes links for where to purchase the product of your choice.
Posted by JudyS at 10:52 AM | Comments (2)
June 15, 2007
Laminate Your Documents @ the Library
A desktop laminator is the latest addition to the equipment available to the public in the Darien Technology Foundation Center at the Darien Library. The unit can handle items as small as a Social Security Card, or as large as a legal-sized document (8.5 x 14 inches), and the laminating pouches are available in two thicknesses: 3-mil ($1/page) and 5-mil ($2/page). Also available is a cardboard-backed pouch with a fold-out hinge ($4/page), which turns your document into a free-standing sign (just like those school pictures in the 8 x 10 cardboard frames). Since the machine can get very hot during the lamination process, our tech staff will be responsible for its operation. Stop by the Tech Center next time you visit and check out this cool new addition!
Posted by JudyS at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)
June 12, 2007
Apple Launches Safari for Windows
Check out today's New York Times article announcing Apple's plan to release a Windows-based version of its Safari web browser.
Posted by JudyS at 11:21 AM | Comments (0)
June 10, 2007
Meet John B.
The new face heading up the library's technology staff belongs to John Blyberg, our new Head of Technology and Digital Initiatives. Despite his relatively young age, John is a legend in the library community and for good reason. He has been at the forefront of the Library 2.0 movement--an effort to make libraries the center of the social networking phenomenon. John and his family relocated to Connecticut from Ann Arbor, Michigan. We are thrilled to have John on board as we prepare for the New Darien Library. You can learn more about John, a self-described "library geek," by taking a peek at the bio on his website. Please join us in welcoming John to the Darien Library!
Posted by JudyS at 07:23 PM | Comments (0)
June 08, 2007
Good-Bye and Good Luck, Jose!
On Thursday, May 31, we bid adieu to Jose Otero, our in-house tech support from Creative Networking Concepts. Although hidden from public view on most days, Jose worked hard to keep things running smoothly during his year and a half with us. His warm nature and eagerness to help both library patrons and staff will be missed. Jose leaves the library to assume a new position with his company. We wish you well, Jose, and hope to see you soon.
Posted by JudyS at 03:03 PM | Comments (0)