A Wrinkle in Tech

Dreaming of dishwashers

I’ve known that Flickr existed for a few years now, but I always thought it was just like Photobucket or one of those Kodak sites that were really just a virtual dumping ground to show-off photos to the world. I wasn’t aware of the “groups” feature, or how well they are run and organized. I had heard about the AWESOME things public libraries have done with Flickr, as well. It’s very impressive to see libraries embracing this technology.

The above photo pick was inspired by my real-life journey in Apartment Therapy (if you have an apartment or small house, I highly recommend this book!). I have been window-shopping (or rather website-shopping) for a small compact dishwasher for a week or so. My apartment kitchen is dreadfully small, and there’s not even room for a countertop, portable, OR slim-size dishwasher, so I’m on the hunt for an in-the-sink dishwasher. It’s just that at the end of the day, I really, REALLY relate to the Scottish man who posted and titled this photo. And my kitchen sink often looks like that.

Cat wash

As I was searching for dishwasher ideas, I found an inordinate number of pets inside dishwashers. Now, if this were a safe, humane way to give my cat a bath, I’d be all for it, but I don’t think Laney would be so fond of it. She puts up quite a fuss when it’s bath time.

Curriculum connections: Sadly, my district blocks ALL image servers such as Flickr, and despite teacher requests, they don’t show any signs of loosening up. Of course I can understand the safety and legal issues of a school library-run Flickr site, but still… My best idea is to collaborate with my public librarian (whose library is conveniently across the street from my school) and cook up some ideas to promote school and public library programs and events.

Overall, I think Flickr is a useful tool for social networking, but it’s applications to school library is limited by the amount of inappropriate content available.