Making a Custom Search Engine

As part of the investigation of the many tools offered by Google, today I worked on learning to create a custom search engine.

Inspired by my friend Lucy Gray of Chicago, I decided that this would be a useful tool for teachers to use as you can identify specific links that a student must use instead of searching which is a must for managing time in the classroom or lab. This is the example CSE that Lucy Gray created as an example.

I created a Google CSE about Wilson Bentley who was called "Snowflake Bentley". This is a blended literature and science unit that fits nicely with my Snow Thematic Web page that many teachers find useful.

Happy Halloween 2007

Happy Halloween
Originally uploaded by midgefrazel

I am delighted to say that one of my favorite Web 2.0 apps has recognized my lifelong obsession with all things Halloween.

For all of you who know me personally, you know that I spend a lot of time with my dead ancestors on top of loving the one day of the year where you get to be anything you want to be. So, here I am courtesy of the great people at Picnik...the haunted graduate.

It's not easy bein' green!

Google's Page Creator

For the past few days, I have been multi-tasking in an unusual way. I have been contracted to write a book about Google and as I explore some of the "tools" that Google offers for free, I am combining the experience of learning about them, working with them and writing about them with my prep for sessions I offer at Tappedin.org

http://midgef.googlepages.com/home

I have used many Web page authoring applications over the years. I created my first Web page with Claris Home Page when I was a full-time Macintosh user. Soon after that I met Kathy Schrock and learned to write HTML code in her grad class. {This was fall, 1996!]

I have used FrontPage Express, Netscape's Composer, WebBlender and CoffeeCup's HTML editor. Currently I use DreamWeaver. The course I took for my Master's at Lesley University brought me back to writing code and although that is fun, it is very time consuming and not for everyone!

I recommend that readers sign up for a Google Account and try out Google Page Creator. It's not out of the Google Labs as yet but I had no trouble using it for this task. Keep it simple and easy...

Gotta Love it!

I ordered my Christmas Cards from Snapfish and they arrived today via UPS.

Only a geek would think this is great.

Now I can check my address labels, write my Christmas note and have them ready to mail.

I often send my card directly after Thanksgiving as I have a December birthday and like to have all my shopping and decorating done early.

It does annoy some people, I know, but it really makes December a better month all around.