Make your own Videos: ANIMOTO

Animoto is a web application that automatically generates professionally produced videos using patent-pending technology and high-end motion design. Each video is a fully customized orchestration of user-selected images and music. Produced on a widescreen format, Animoto videos have the visual energy of a music video and the emotional impact of a movie trailer.

Based in New York City with an office in San Francisco, the founders of Animoto are veterans of the entertainment industry and have produced shows for MTV, Comedy Central, & ABC, studied music in London, and played in indie rock bands in Seattle. They continue to innovate in the field of creative artificial intelligence. They plan to acquire Google next year

A Critical Shortage of Nurses

The U.S. is facing a severe nursing shortage. Already, an estimated 8.5% of the nursing positions in the U.S. are unfilled—and some expect that number to triple by 2020 as 80 million baby boomers retire and expand the ranks of those needing care. Hospital administrators and nurses' advocates have declared a staffing crisis as the nursing shortage hits its 10th year, the longest stretch in 50 years.

For More Information: A Critical Shortage of Nurses

Google CFO George Reyes To Resign

Google Finance Chief to Resign from the Wall Street Journal reports that Google CFO George Reyes has announced he is resigning from Google. A press release is also now up.
Reyes, who joined Google in 2002 and before its IPO, is only the second major Google executive to leave Google. Cindy McCaffrey, the former VP of corporate communications, left back at the end of 2004.

Music Monday: MotionBeatz

MotionBeatz is a social musical portal that lets you perform in front of global audience and build your own fan base. If you are an artist, you can upload your music audio and/or video. You can create your profile and publish your concert details. You can find other artists and collaborate with them

Video Games Entertain and Educate

An industry veteran discusses the "positive benefit" model for game design, an approach welcomed by consumers, who (consciously or not) learn as they play.

For more information: Video Games Entertain and Educate

Video Game Champions

Recognize these champions? Jason Rivera and Michael Ashoomover were our two winners Tuesday night when the Al Harris Library inaugurated it's first Video Game Tournament. Our two winners received SWOSU T-shirts and all participating players were duly fed pizza, cold-cuts and beverages before, during and after the tournament. Two platforms, two tournaments and all the food you could eat. Welcome back to the Library!

Worried About Lead in Your Child's Toys?

Several toys made in China have recently been recalled because of dangerous levels of lead which can be a health hazard to children. Click on the title above to see how lead can effect children. An additional site about lead in toys may be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/faq/jewelry.htm

Additionally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has a homepage which lists the recall of specific toys (such as Barbie and Batman). Click on the following to see the recall list: http://www.cpsc.gov/ Children are more at risk for health problems from lead than adults.

Ask a Librarian: Limited service until Wed., 8/22

The Ask a Librarian reference service will only be available by phone (580-774-7082) and in person during the August interim. Ask a Librarian via Instant Messenger will be closed until Wednesday, August 22, 2007. We'll respond to questions received through the Ask a Librarian web form during the interim on August 3. Thank you, and have a great break!

Getting What (You Think) You're Worth: Wed's Work Tip

FORBES.COM

What a relief! The grueling task of finding a job is over. You received an offer, and the company presented you with your starting salary and benefits package.
But wait. Before you hastily agree to the terms and sign on the dotted line, do some homework to find out if you're being offered a competitive salary. If not--or even if you need a few thousand dollars more to cover the rent--negotiate. It's something recent grads are reluctant to do since they're often grateful just to be hired. After all, it's not as if they have a wealth of on the job experience. It's great to be appreciative and enthusiastic, but don't forget: not only can you negotiate the salary, you should.