Revamp: Barcamp

I attended the second Barcamp Charleston yesterday. Had a full day, consuming about a week's worth of fully caffeinated coffee and 7 diverse, educational, entertaining, and inspirational workshop/sessions. Session #6, A Button By Any Other Name: Symbolic Imagery in Interface Design inspired me to redo my blog; new template, change of layout, clutter reduction, etc. The presenter, Giovanni DiFeterici, a web designer and artist, gave a wonderful talk about use of symbols and art, layout arrangement, and other graphic elements of web design. My blog is not as stripped as some of the ones he used as examples, but I am satisfied that it feels a bit fresher.

Session #5, the Google Q and A session also gave me some ideas about my blog. Bottom line: post more frequently. Mostly the Google session was about what goes on at Google's Berkeley County data center. Apparently knowledge of Linux and data management are key skills for potential employees. Not in my skill set so I don't see a job at Google in my future.

Session #3, was an introduction to a great tool for learning foreign languages or vocabulary; MemorizEasy, that lets you make reference cards for your vocabulary words. These cards are structured to help you easily learn new words while retaining knowledge of previously learned words, especially synonyms. MemorizEasy also has features to help you test your knowledge to help prepare you for quizzes. Plan to try it with Spanish.

I also learned about geocaching, the basics of coding, the history of hacking, and zombies. Apparently I need a zombie plan. Good to know since there is a lot of interest in zombies in my house. I can't wait to go back to Barcamp next year!