Importing HTML into Google Docs Spreadsheets

It seems that there are functions in Google Spreadsheets that let you scrape data tables and lists.

This should be very handy for aggregating data about things for a region, such as weather, population, relief efforts, etc.

Realtime Google Earth

There are several things that are needed to use Google Earth as a base for a moving map display. While all the pieces are not all in place, it is quickly coming together.

Consider:

• Google Earth as the base map and underlying system.
• GooPs (free) as the GPS interface (to a bluetooth GPS receiver).
• Option GT Max data card (~$300 - unlocked European version) with a data-only T-Mobile connection ($50/month).

An alternative is to try the tracking feature in Google Earth Pro ($20/year).

It looks like an advantage of the GooPs approach is the possibility of storing current locations on a remote server so that other people can see where you are. This might be a critical feature if a field researcher needs the support of a base-station team.

Earth, air, fire and water!

The Big Island is on hurricane watch. They also had a 5.2 earthquake last night. And on Oahu, there is an uncontained brushfire. Rock and roll time in the 50th State.

Blogging for Graduate Students?

As the Grad Program chair, I wonder if it is a good idea to encourage graduate students to start a blog. This may function to keep the graduate committees abreast of the work being done by each student -- particularly when a student is doing field research.

It is likely that several things will need to be done if this is to be successful:

• Have some examples that new students can see. These will serve as models.
• List typical things that should be added to the blog.
• Look at the blogs often and give feedback. (This can be helped if there are links to the blogs from the "people" page on the Botany website.
  

Wiki comparisons

With all the wiki software floating around in cyberspace, it is nice to find a web site that lets you compare all the packages.

Check out wikimatrix and get informed!

Wiki -- have we gone the wrong way?

It has been a while since a wiki was the center of attention. Perhaps it was the installation process that made it too complicated. Or maybe it was the lack of security.

I just ran across dokuwiki, an implementation of a wiki that uses text files rather than a database. Installation is very easy, as is shown in the 2 minute video found here.

I also saw a very good departmental website that is based on a wiki. That got me thinking.

What if we had much of the Botany Department web site built using a wiki? Would it solve any problems? Would the look and feel work?

RSS and Google Docs

RSS, if I get the general concept right, works best when you have a bunch of discrete objects posted on a web page. Periodically, you add an item to the set. The RSS feed (which is linked in the code on the page) provides a channel to the RSS readers or aggregators. It is on these RSS readers that you are alerted to the change.

The most productive areas that seem to be RSS content providers are Blogs and News sites.

What about Google Docs? Can they be a source of information?

Searching on "Google Docs RSS" does give a hint that it can be done. But so far, no luck.

I do not know if it is me or them....

Nokia's little web machine

I got the Nokia N800 just before my last trip (HI-CA-FL-HI). I anticipated that I would be able to purchase a bluetooth keyboard at Fry's Electronics enroute. They didn't have what I thought I needed, so I made do with the on-screen keyboard.

Connectivity was provided in the Jacksonville, FL hotel via a NetGear personal wireless hub. Connected easily and worked just fine.

A Stowaway keyboard is on order. That should make this machine more productive.