71 Monell Avenue
Islip, NY 11751

T: 631-581-5933

F: 631.277.8429

71 Monell Avenue
Islip, NY 11751
T: 631-581-5933
F: 631-581-8429

71 Monell Avenue
Islip, NY 11751

T: 631-581-5933 

F: 631-581-8429

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Archive Monthly Archives: October 2016

Internet of Things

By definition, the Internet of Things (IoT) is a proposed development of the Internet in which everyday objects have network connectivity, allowing them to send and receive data.

We are in the beginning stage of a new technological revolution that will change the way we conduct our day-to-day activities, heat our homes, communicate with each other, go to the doctor, drive to work, go on vacation, etc… Everything is going to change - even how we use the public library.

I did some research, and came up with some interesting tidbits on how the Internet and smartphones are going to be an even bigger part of our lives in the coming decade.

It is Going to Keep Happening Fast!

  • In 1990, there were over 300,000 desktop computers connected to the Internet.
  • In 2000, there were over 300 million desktops connected to the Internet.
  • In 2016, there are now over 2 billion mobile phones connected to the Internet

In 2025:

  • There will be 13 billion kettles, fridges, TVs, thermostats, security cameras, lights, smoke detectors and other things in your home connected to the Internet.
  • There will be 3.5 billion navigation systems, in-car entertainment systems, and other devices in vehicles connected to the Internet.
  • There will be 411 million wrist bands, shoes, glasses, watches, sports socks, clothing, and other wearable items connected to the Internet.
  • There will be 646 million heart rate monitors, body implants, pill bottles, blood pressure monitors, skin patches, and other devices in the hospital connected to the Internet.
  • There will be 9.7 buildings, street lights, traffic lights, water pipes, parking meters, pollution monitors, and more in the city connected to the internet

Here Are Some Positive ( IoT) Outlooks:

  • A wearable monitor could check on a baby and send notifications to the parents.
  • Reminders to take medicine could be transmitted from a pill bottle.
  • Activities could be tracked, senior or infirm family members could be monitored.
  • Smart thermostats will allow us to heat our homes more efficiently.
  • Smart outlets could let us check whether an appliance is on or off.
  • Lost items (keys!) could be tracked.
  • Homes could be monitored remotely and checked for broken pipes, intruders, etc.
  • Gardens could be watered.
  • Information sharing over the Internet will be effortlessly interwoven into daily life.
  • Artificial intelligence, augmented reality, wearable devices, and big data will make people more aware of their world and their own behavior, and will especially aid in health care.
  • The spread of the Internet will enhance global connectivity that fosters more planetary relationships and less ignorance.
  • An Internet-enabled revolution in education will spread more opportunities, with less money spent on resources.

Here Are Some Negative Outlooks:

  • The realities of this data-drenched world raise substantial concerns about privacy and the ability of people to control their own lives. The level of profiling and targeting will grow and amplify social, economic, and political struggles.
  • Dangerous divides between haves and have-nots may expand, resulting in resentment and possible violence.
  • Abuses and abusers will ‘evolve and scale.’ Human nature isn’t changing; there’s laziness, bullying, stalking, stupidity, dirty tricks, crime, and those who practice them will have a new capacity to make life miserable for others.
  • Pressured by these changes, governments and corporations will try to assert power as they invoke security and cultural norms.
  • Humans and their organizations may not respond quickly enough to challenges presented by complex networks.
  • There will be complicated, unintended consequences: We will live in a world where many things won’t work and nobody will know how to fix them.

Sources:

The Podcast Explosion

The Podcast Explosion

As a librarian I often ask people what they are reading and what they are listening to. Lately, more and more people have been telling me about their favorite podcasts. Podcasts have exploded in the past few years, with good reason, they offer an amazing amount of entertainment, education, and enjoyment. Podcasts are a great supplement to your favorite books and movies. They offer something for everyone. Here are some fantastic podcasts that you might be interested in.

For the horror fan try Lore:

Aaron Mahnke, describes chilling historical tales that will leave you terrified. Mahnke is absolutely captivating, bringing the stories to life with amazing detail and a life-like description. In addition to the gruesome stories, the podcast is filled with hair-raising background music that adds an extra layer of fright to each story. The podcast currently has over 40 episodes and is produced bi-weekly, a great podcast to subscribe to if you love horror tales.

If you're a history buff check out Revisionist History:

Malcolm Gladwell, author of The Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers, has created a podcast that revisits past events with a unique and fresh outlook. Gladwell has an amazing talent for making history exciting. The ten-episode podcast is filled with interviews, fascinating audio clips, and engaging storytelling. Ken Burns wrote, it was the “best podcast I’ve ever heard.”

For the do-it-yourself stock investor, Motley Fool Money is worth a listen:

The podcast is a weekly recap of the stock market and the economy. The show, produced every Friday, has an abundance of information and insight as well as a group of entertaining hosts. There is always an interview with an author or industry expert that provides valuable knowledge. It is a great source for those who want to know more about the stock market.

Want to write like a pro? Check out Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing:

In short, ten to fifteen minute episodes, grammar girl quickly clears up common grammar misconceptions. It is a great way to vastly improve your writing abilities while only dedicating fifteen minutes per week.

Wonder why? Explore the 'riddles of everyday life' with Freakonomics Radio:

Stephen Dubner, co-author of the best-selling Freakonomics books, delves into interesting topics with an extremely unique spin. Topics range widely but the podcast is always entertaining and forces you to think differently. If you love the Freakonomics books then you will love this podcast.

There are so many more great podcasts to discover! There is a podcast for everything, from your favorite sports team to your favorite hobby. You can download and subscribe to your favorite podcasts via your smartphone, iPod, tablet, or computer. If you want a more specific podcast recommendation come into the Islip Public Library and ask for me, Matt Wuthenow. If you've already discovered a great podcast, add a comment below and tell us about it!

Finding the Right Job

Are you employed but still looking? Are you underemployed or unemployed?

Be sure to stop by the Islip Public Library on Friday, October 21 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm for our 9th Annual Job Fair presented by the Suffolk County One Stop Employment Center.

Did you know about some of the job related websites listed below? These websites are great if you are looking for a job, and for writing or revising your resume and cover letter.

The Islip Library also has an online database called “Career Cruising” plus books, ebooks, and audiobooks on jobs and careers.

Career Info. Websites

Resume/Cover Letter Websites

Library Services

Try the Career Cruising database for exploring careers. Career Cruising is an interactive career guidance and pathways planning tool designed for people of all ages. The tool can help students to explore different career options, manage course selections online--and plan various pathways to meet the requirements for their desired career path.

Download eBooks and eAudio on career and job information

Check out our job and career books!

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