Ditch Productivity For A Day: 12 Great Sites To Kill Time & Have Fun

Dumb Little Man has some very interesting blogs. I saw this awhile back and decided to save it for another day when I was exhausted and needed mine less entertainment. Some of the site are really funny. ENJOY!!

Sometime back, Leo Babauta from Zen Habits talked about how doing less and being less productive could benefit your work and life. He talks about spending less time doing quality work and have more time for fun.Taking inspiration from Leo, I thought it'd be nice to take a break from productivity here at DLM and focus on some ways to kill time and have fun. That means another list of cool sites, but this time, it's not a list of productivity tools. Instead, it's a list of some great sites that will help you unwind and have fun.The list includes some prominent social networks, video and humor sites, games and some unusual sites you might not have heard of. Check them out.

Yearbook Yourself I don't think there's anyone who wouldn't love this site. Yearbook Yourself lets you upload your photos and give it the old retro look from 1950s and 60s. It has different looks for different decades. It's fun to see yourself in a black and white picture with some weird wig on your head. You can also edit the pictures and download them to your computer.

Veryfunnyads Veryfunnyads, as the name suggests, is a site which brings you some of the funniest video adverts of different products. There are different categories you can choose from, like animals, cars, gadgets, kids and more. You could also pick specific brands or watch ads by countries in which they appeared.

Google Image Labeler Google Image Labeler is a cool tool. In fact, it's a game within Google's Image Search that helps you suggest better labels for web images. It's very simple but can get addictive once you start playing it.You are randomly paired with an online partner and both of you label the image you see in the time allotted to you. When both of you type the same label it's a match and you proceed to the next image. A fun way to pass time.
AudienceSoundsAnother really interesting way to kill time.

AudienceSounds is a repository of sounds. Be it clapping, laughing, giggling, snoring or cute baby sounds, they've got all covered. There are different categories too, like crowd sounds, people sounds, sounds by gender and baby sounds.Listen to them online or download them to your computer/mobile phone to use them as your ringtone.

College Humor College Humor is a well known comedy site that has humor videos submitted by users along with pictures, articles and much more. Some of the videos are really innovative like this prank played on a guy in a basketball court. It's awesome.Along this same line is a site named Funny of Die. It was created by Will Ferrell and is pretty funny.

The Onion The Onion is another very well known source of laughter and entertainment on the web. It is a satirical news site and is also circulated in print in the U.S. It contains current event and news parodies, some of which are simply hilarious.

YouTube When there are million of videos watched everyday on a site, it just can't be ignored in this list. YouTube is probably the first site we visit when we think of taking a break from work. With videos from all over the world and on almost every topic you can imagine, this site never disappoints.

Twitter Want to kill time and not think about Twitter? Many would consider it a sin. Twitter, which continues to grow by leaps and bounds every month, is the simplest way to communicate with people around the world. While it has many advantages, it is without a doubt a great site to pass time.

Miniclip Miniclip is a popular site which hosts games of all kinds. From flash games to nifty puzzle games, car racing games to big multi-player games, there are a number of options for games addicts.

Unnecessary Knowledge Unnecessary Knowledge presents you facts which are weird, hilarious and could well be untrue. But that doesn't matter. The site is entertaining and the facts, true or not, give you the opportunity to have a good laugh. Just rate the facts and flip through them to keep enjoying.

Scribbls Scribbls lets you draw whatever you want to draw. You could also take random drawings from other users and apply your creativity to them. Also rate and comment on other pictures.

Facebook And lastly, we have our social network of choice - Facebook. Going by the news I browse through everyday, Facebook could well become the only meaningful social network ten years from now. Its growth is just insane. Obviously, people love spending time on it. I am guessing most of you love doing it too.

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/11/ditch-productivity-for-day-12-great.html

The Reader's Hug

The Reader’s Hug. Barbara Joosse’s take on reading aloud to children:

Like adults, many children cocoon themselves from a world that's busy, confusing and sometimes scary. Even the conversation of a well-meaning adult is often received as so much blah blah blah. How, then, can we touch a child?

By its very nature, a picture book offers refreshing possibilities. Because it's often read many times, a picture book can be absorbed slowly, at a child's own pace. When it's read just before bed, at the delicious interval between sleep and awake, a child's book-companion can accompany her into her private dream world. Finally, when a picture book is read out loud, the reader and listener are often wrapped in a hug, the child's ear just at your heart, with the book you share the seal of the hug.

The world portrayed in a picture book can be gentle or harsh, familiar or new, internal or external, but it must, I believe, always be hopeful. If the universal adult emotion is longing, the universal child emotion is belonging. A picture book should portray a world in which a child-in fact, this particular listener child-belongs.

Pirate Storytime Week of 1/12

Pirate's "AARGH" is this week's storytime theme. The children throughly enjoyed the three unique books that talked about pirate and pirate lives. The especially like the scratch and feel book. Additional pictures made be found on http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary/

Head Start Thursday, January 14th

Just Like Home Daycare Thursday, January 14th

Wednesday January 13th

Children's Librarian Ingvild reads to the children.






Children color their pirate sheets.


Chidlren leaving with their treats.

Tuesday, January 12th

Library Director Bonnie reads to the children and watches them and their mothers color a sheet about pirates.






Some are finished others finishing up.

Protect Your Privacy on Facebook and Twitter.

Here's how to safeguard your identity and your personal data in the age of the social Web.

Web surfing is no longer a solo affair. Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks have quickly become an integral part of the online culture, and with them comes a whole new array of potential security threats. In this article, I'll identify some of the key dangers of social networking and offer a few easy steps that you can take to stay safe online.
Social networking is built on the idea of sharing information openly and fostering a sense of community. Unfortunately, an online network of individuals actively sharing their experiences and seeking connections with other like-minded people can be easy prey for hackers bent on social-engineering and phishing attacks. It's important to be aware of the threats, and to maintain a healthy skepticism in your online interactions.... Read more: http://www.pcworld.com/printable/article/id,172604/printable.html

12 Surprising Uses for Vicks VapoRub

While searching for ideas for the blog I ran across this in dumb little man website http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/11/twelve-surprising-uses-for-vicks.html .

My whole family swears by Vicks. It was like walking down memory lane, I can even smell the Vicks when you mention the name. Enjoy the article!

Vicks is an age-old mentholated topical cream intended to relieve head, throat, and chest stuffiness. It uses menthol to elicit a response from receptors in the nose and chest and can work wonders on children with colds or chronic bronchitis. Vicks has been around for over one hundred years and is one of the most widely used over-the-counter decongestants. Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz about unique and unconventional ways to use this odoriferous ointment. You’ll be surprised to learn that Vicks VapoRub is a supposed treatment for so much more than just a congested chest.


Decongest Your Chest-The most common use of Vicks is to decongest your chest and throat area. When applied to the upper chest, it provides excellent relief of cough and congestion symptoms.

On Your Tootsies-Applying Vicks to your feet provides nighttime cough relief. Generously rub VapoRub all over your feet and cover them with socks. Within moments your cough will subside—in the morning you’ll wake up a new, hacking free woman.

Achy Breaky Muscles- Vicks relieves sore, overworked muscles. It increases circulation and provides almost instant aid. Use a generous portion and apply it all over the aching area. (Be sure to warn your bed-mate.)

Get Rid of Nasty Nail- Fungus- Rub VapoRub on your toenails if you suspect you have a fungus. Within days, the nail will turn dark—this means the Vicks is killing the fungus. As your toenail grows out, the dark part will grow off and you will have fungus-free feet. Keep applying the ointment over a period of two weeks to fully cleanse nail beds of any remaining bacteria.

Stop Your Cat from Scratching- Cats are notorious for scratching every hard surface they get their claws on. To prevent Miss Kitty from ruining your doors, walls, and windows, apply a small amount of VapoRub to these areas. Cats detest the smell and will steer clear. Vicks can also be applied to your arms and legs if your kitty is prone to scratching you.

Pet Pee-Pee Deterrent- If your dog or cat is not yet potty trained, put an open bottle of Vicks on the area he or she likes to mark as their territory. The smell will discourage them from lifting their legs and wetting your rug.

Headaches Be Gone- Rub a small amount of Vicks VapoRub on your temples and forehead to help relieve headaches. The mentholated scent will release pressure in your head and instantly relieve pain.

Humidify Your Sleep- Vicks VapoRub can be used in special types of humidifiers and vaporizers. Ensure your humidifier has an aromatherapy compartment before using. The humidifier will circulate Vicks throughout the air and keep you breathing easy all night long.

Paper Cuts and Splinters- To prevent infection and speed up healing time, dab a small amount of Vicks on any small cut or splinter.

Ticks and Bugs- If you get bitten by a tick, apply Vicks immediately. The strong odor might help get the critter to release itself and stop bugging you.

Reek-free Racehorses-Professional racers smother VapoRub under the nostrils of racehorses on race day. The strong stench deters the stallions from the alluring odor of the female pony and keeps them focused on the race.

Go Away Mosquitoes-Vicks wards off mosquitoes. Apply small dabs of Vicks VapoRub to your skin and clothes and mosquitoes will steer clear. If you do get bitten, apply Vicks to the area and cover it with a Band-Aid to relieve itching.

According to WebMD, there have been a few complications in children when Vicks is used inappropriately. A few children reacted negatively and ended up hospitalized when Vicks was applied directly under the nose. Though this is extremely rare and only happens to those who are sensitive to Vicks, consumers should use caution when applying it to the face or on young children.


Even though its strong stench may cost me a few friendships, I am definitely heading to the nearest drugstore to stock up on this little blue smelly bottle. After all, I never know the next time I’ll have a headache, or am heading to the racetrack.

Party Storytime Week of 1/5

This week storytime theme is Parties. Children's Librarian Ingvild talks withthe children about different types of parties. The children made a crown for their own special party. Additional pictures made be found on http://www.flickr.com/photos/kassonlibrary/

Wednesday, January 6th

Tuesday, January 5th

New Books For January, 2010

Death of a Valentine by M.C. Beaton 1/12
Amazing news has spread across the Scottish countryside. The most famous of highland bachelors, police sergeant Hamish Macbeth, may actually marry at last. The entire village of Lochdubh adores Macbeth's bride-to-be. Josie McSween is Hamish's new constable, and she is a pretty little thing, with glossy brown hair and big brown eyes. The local folk think that Josie is quite a catch, but Hamish couldn't be more miserable.


The wedding wouldn't be happening if it weren't for the murder of a beautiful woman in a nearby village. After the gorgeous woman receives a deadly Valentine's Day gift, Hamish and Josie take on the case. However, they soon discover that the list of the victim's admirers is endless. The case confirms Hamish's belief that love is extremely dangerous, but he still can't avoid the events that lead up to his celebrated engagement.



Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky 1/5
When Susan Tate's seventeen-year-old daughter, Lily, announces she is pregnant, Susan is stunned. A single mother, she has struggled to do everything right. She sees the pregnancy as an unimaginable tragedy for both Lily and herself.

Then comes word of two more pregnancies among high school juniors who happen to be Lily's best friends-and the town turns to talk of a pact. As fingers start pointing, the most ardent criticism is directed at Susan. As principal of the high school, she has always been held up as a role model of hard work and core values. Now her detractors accuse her of being a lax mother, perhaps not worthy of the job of shepherding impressionable students. As Susan struggles with the implications of her daughter's pregnancy, her job, financial independence, and long-fought-for dreams are all at risk.



Merry Wives of Maggody by Joan Hess 1/19
Maggody, Arkansas (pop. 755) is perceived of as a two-bit hick town, filled with one-bit hicks. But Mrs. Jim Bob Buchanan seeks to change that perception with her latest scheme—a charity golf tournament. This presents a bit of a challenge, since no one in Maggody plays golf and there is no course. But when the prize for the first hole-in-one is announced—a top of the line bass boat—nearly everyone in town develops a new-found interest in the sport. The town goes golf crazy, trying to learn the sport in time to win the bass boat, with limited success and maximum domestic disorder. Sheriff Arly Hanks, who has better things to worry about, just wishes it would all go away.


When a small-town golf instructor wins the bass boat on the first day of the tournament, it looks like all the excitement is over. But the next morning, when he’s found dead, sitting in the parking lot in the front seat of the bass boat, the prize is once again up for grabs and nearly everyone in town is a murder suspect.




The Wolf at the Door by Jack Higgins 1/19
On Long Island, a trusted operative for the president nudges his boat up to a pier, when a man materializes out of the rain and shoots him. In London, General Charles Ferguson, adviser to the prime minister, approaches his car on a side street, when there is a flash and the car explodes. In New York, a former British soldier, who is also a bit more than that, takes a short walk in Central Park to stretch his legs, when a man comes up fast behind him, a pistol in his hand.

And that is only the beginning. Someone is targeting the members of the elite intelligence unit known as "the Prime Minister's private army" and all those who work with them, and whoever is doing it has a lot of resources at his command. Sean Dillon has an idea of who it may be, an old nemesis who has clearly gotten tired of their interference in his schemes. But proving it is going to be a difficult task. And surviving it the hardest task of all. . .



Blood Ties by Kay Hooper 1/26
The elite Special Crimes Unit, the FBI’s most controversial and effective team, is a group of mavericks and misfits trained to use their unique psychic abilities to hunt the worst monsters imaginable—human ones. Led by the enigmatic Noah Bishop, the SCU has earned a reputation for pitting their skills and cunning against killers that other cops fear. But this time Bishop and his agents face an enemy who has them in his sights, a trained sniper with a deadly plan—and more than one ace up his sleeve.

It starts with an unspeakable series of grisly murders across three states, a trail of blood leading, finally, to the small Tennessee town of Serenade. There, two more brutal killings lure the SCU into what may be the ultimate trap.





The Five Greatest Warriors by Matthew O'Reilly 1/5
When we last left Jack West Jr., he was plummeting into a fathomless abyss and his quest to save the world from impending Armageddon appeared doomed.

But all hope is not lost. After an astonishing escape, Jack regroups with his trusty team. Racing to rebuild the final pieces of the fabled "Machine," they discover an ancient inscription containing a rhyme about five mysterious unnamed warriors -- great historical figures whose knowledge will be vital to unlocking the secrets of the Machine and its long-lost "pillars." But the ancients have hidden their secrets well, and with each pillar bestowing an incredible power upon its holder, their pursuit has attracted the attention of other forces from around the world -- some who want to rule it and others who want to see it destroyed.

Kisser by Stuart Woods 1/19
Stone Barrington is back in New York, and after a rather harrowing sojourn in Key West, he's looking to stay closer to home and work on some simple divorce and custody cases for Woodman & Weld. But when he crosses paths with a fetching Broadway actress-and sometime lip model- Stone gets a little more deeply involved with business than he'd expected. When his new lady love turns out to be a lady with a shady past, Stone and downtown cop Dino Bacchetti realize that her beauty may have an unusually high price. . . .