the screaming pages

This page layout is based off of the Ruthsarian Skidoo Layout. All compliments should be routed to the skidoo-master.

You'll note the colours didn't change from the template to the end result..I blame it all on the template using colours I love!

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Canada License.

places to go, people to see

We all have them: sites we spend way too much time visiting on the net when we should be doing other things, like housework..

So where have I been spending my precious time?

Blogs

I've discovered that I'm a news/politics junkie. It's not like this is a startling revelation that will surprise anyone who knows me. I'm sure lots of you are well used to my mindless ramblings about ethics, the need to balance social responsibility with personal responsibility, and the many hours I've spent debating dropping my hat into municipal or provincial sphere. On my worst days, I even fantasize about federal politics..

While the politics bug bit me a long time ago, the most recent surge of interest is entirely the fault of the recently deposed Liberals declaring an election while I was in Manila. I spent most of my waking hours (when not at work or roaming the city looking for pearls and excitement) reading online newspapers, political party websites, and blogs. Oh my, did I read blogs. In order to get a decent idea of what was going on and who planned to do what with my beloved country, I read NDP blogs, Tory blogs, Green blogs and Red blogs. At one point I had over 300 links to different people blogging about political parties, candidates, platforms and promises. I'm happy to say that since the election is over, I've been able to pare down the list of political blogs I'm reading regularly now..but (a ha! you knew there would be a but in there somewhere), the blogs had blog rolls..and links.. and I clicked on them.. and now I'm regularly reading other blogs.. It's a vicious cycle!

So, without further ado, the blogs I'm reading on a regular basis include:

• Drew and I don't have any kids, so childcare isn't really an issue for us. On the other hand, I'm none to pleased with the numbers of ex-MP's and others who think that parents aren't fit to raise their own kids. At minimum, we should be looking at a childcare program that offers support for those who don't work 9-5 (shift workers, firefighters, cops, nurses, single parents, etc.) or don't live in a metropolitan area. I'd like to see a blended approach that helps those who need it. At Choice for Childcare Sue advocates allowing parents to choose the best option for themselves (Sue is a stay-at-home mom) and their children.


• Joanne's Journey bounces around from municipal, provincial and federal politics and features a detailed account of her attempt to validate information in a national TV newscast. It's quite an eye-opening series of entries.


• Freakonomics. The book is fascinating. Get thee to thine library and check it out. Once complete, take a trip to the blog.


• The Progress for New Brunswick Project. Once a maritimer, always a maritimer...

Misc

• Morale by Mail. DND's "Write to the Troops" service allows you to leave short messages for Cdn Forces members serving at home and abroad.


• Perceval Press. Yep, you read it correctly. That Viggo Mortensen is part owner of this small private printing company. Perceval has released some amazing work from many non-mainstream poets and artists over the years. If you want to know what to buy me for my birthday or Christmas, just ask. There's a few books out that I haven't managed to scoop up yet.


• User Friendly. Dust Puppy.. Evil Genius in Training.. 'Nuff said


• Fark. I can't explain it. It just is.


• Snopes. Before you hit forward on the warning email you received, check out Snopes. This comprehensive list of scams, spam and urban legends might save you from being placed on someones kill, junk or spam lists.


• slashdot. If you have to ask, it's probably not for you.


• the register.

Instructional Design, eLearning, Distance Education resources

• Stephen's Web. I spend way too much time at this site. Stephen's arguments are often well thought out and persuasive and I always come away from my visits with new ideas to chew on (and occassionally spit out). If you're interested in eLearning, communal knowledge, sharing and it's state in both Canada and the rest of the world, you need to visit this site! Update Apparently, Stephen was a teaching assistant in one (or was it many) of my super amazing boss' classes when she was attending U of A many years ago.. Update II I was really disappointed to read that Stephen is taking a (much needed) hiatus from writing and updating his site. However, since it'll take me years to read, digest and debate a lot of the content that's currently still available to view, I'm comforted by the knowledge that we'll likely hear from him again long before I've finished poring over his work. Update III Crack open the champaign, Stephen is updating his blog again.


• KnowProSE


• elearningpost


• Big Dog's ISD Page. Donald Clark is one of the biggest dogs in the ISD pound! Ok, that was really cheezey, but Don Clark is highly respected in the field and his papers often pop up in ISD and Adult Ed courses.


• IEEE ID Reference guide.


• Kerlins.net Dr. Kerlin's site is a good starting off point where you're looking for training and instructional design resources.


• Principles of Online Design. I'm hearing a lot of good things lately about the Florida Gulf Coast ID programs. When my master's beckons, I'll need to seriously consider looking at the progams offered.


• ID Models. There is no one true way..


• Theory Into Practice.


• IDDE Tool. Instructional Design in Distance Education