There has been a lot of buzz among those who use the Internet for research about a new search portal debuting this week.
Wolfram Alpha is not a search engine, as it does not look up answers to questions from a database or try to match key words to words used on web pages.
Instead it mathematically computes answers and creates relevant visualizations on the fly from a knowledge base of structured data. The farther you get from hard sciences, the less Wolfram Alpha will be able to help. But for those looking for the length of an American football field, fast measurement conversions, the weather history of Chicago, stock comparisons, the chemistry of gold, the mathematical properties of pi, or even the velocity of an unladen swallow (for fans of Monty Python), this can be a very helpful place to stop.
To get some ideas of just what this engine can do for you, check out this screencast video made by creator Stephen Wolfram. It might give you some time and work saving ideas.
Some fun queries: meaning of life ; 7PM CST ; hello ; football field divided by tyrannosaurus rex length
Try it out!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Spring has finally Sprung at JCPL
If you were able to get out this weekend, you might have noticed the season actually changing before your eyes! On Saturday, the leaves on the trees were kind of timid and hesitant, but by Sunday they had opened up and let down their shade with all the glory they know how to do.
It is also spring at JCPL, and we are celebrating with programs such as Garden Recycling, May 7 at the DeMotte Library and Herb Gardening, May 18 at the Rensselaer Library.
Another sign that Spring is finally upon us can be found at JCPL this month with the beginning preparations for Summer Reading. Check at your local library for sign up and program information. The theme this year for adults and children is Be Creative and teens can Express Yourself @ Your Library.
In May we will also be celebrating Children's Book Week with a week-long series of programs and events at all three libraries.
Here's hoping you a wonderful month!
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