search engine and information literacy

How Web search engines work

A search engine operates, in the following order

Web crawling
Indexing
Searching
Web search engines work by storing information about many web pages, which they retrieve from the WWW itself. These pages are retrieved by a Web crawler (sometimes also known as a spider) — an automated Web browser which follows every link it sees. Exclusions can be made by the use of robots.txt. The contents of each page are then analyzed to determine how it should be indexed (for example, words are extracted from the titles, headings, or special fields called meta tags). Data about web pages are stored in an index database for use in later queries. Some search engines, such as Google, store all or part of the source page (referred to as a cache) as well as information about the web pages, whereas others, such as AltaVista, store every word of every page they find. This cached page always holds the actual search text since it is the one that was actually indexed, so it can be very useful when the content of the current page has been updated and the search terms are no longer in it. This problem might be considered to be a mild form of linkrot, and Google's handling of it increases usability by satisfying user expectations that the search terms will be on the returned webpage. This satisfies the principle of least astonishment since the user normally expects the search terms to be on the returned pages. Increased search relevance makes these cached pages very useful, even beyond the fact that they may contain data that may no longer be available elsewhere.

When a user enters a query into a search engine (typically by using key words), the engine examines its index and provides a listing of best-matching web pages according to its criteria, usually with a short summary containing the document's title and sometimes parts of the text. Most search engines support the use of the boolean operators AND, OR and NOT to further specify the search query. Some search engines provide an advanced feature called proximity search which allows users to define the distance between keywords.

The usefulness of a search engine depends on the relevance of the result set it gives back. While there may be millions of webpages that include a particular word or phrase, some pages may be more relevant, popular, or authoritative than others. Most search engines employ methods to rank the results to provide the "best" results first. How a search engine decides which pages are the best matches, and what order the results should be shown in, varies widely from one engine to another. The methods also change over time as Internet usage changes and new techniques evolve.

Most Web search engines are commercial ventures supported by advertising revenue and, as a result, some employ the practice of allowing advertisers to pay money to have their listings ranked higher in search results. Those search engines which do not accept money for their search engine results make money by running search related ads alongside the regular search engine results. The search engines make money every time someone clicks on one of these ads.

Revenue in the web search portals industry is projected to grow in 2008 by 13.4 percent, with broadband connections expected to rise by 15.1 percent. Between 2008 and 2012, industry revenue is projected to rise by 56 percent as Internet penetration still has some way to go to reach full saturation in American households. Furthermore, broadband services are projected to account for an ever increasing share of domestic Internet users, rising to 118.7 million by 2012, with an increasing share accounted for by fiber-optic and high speed cable lines.[8]





Information literacy

Several conceptions and definitions of information literacy have become prevalent. For example, one conception defines information literacy in terms of a set of competencies that an informed citizen of an information society ought to possess to participate intelligently and actively in that society (from [1]).

The American Library Association's (ALA) Presidential Committee on Information Literacy, Final Report states that, "To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information" (1989).

Jeremy Shapiro & Shelley Hughes (1996) define information literacy as "A new liberal art that extends from knowing how to use computers and access information to critical reflection on the nature of information itself its technical infrastructure and its social, cultural, and philosophical context and impact." (from [2])

Information literacy is becoming a more important part of K-12 education. It is also a vital part of university-level education (Association of College Research Libraries, 2007). In our information-centric world, students must develop skills early on so they are prepared for post-secondary opportunities whether that be the workplace or in pursuit of education.

History of the concept
A seminal event in the development of the concept of information literacy was the establishment of the American Library Association's Presidential Committee on Information Literacy whose final report outlined the importance of the concept. The concept of information literacy built upon and expanded the decades-long efforts of librarians to help their users learn about and how to utilize research tools (e.g., periodical indexes) and materials in their own libraries. Librarians wanted users to be able to transfer and apply this knowledge to new environments and to research tools that were new to them. Information literacy expands this effort beyond libraries and librarians, and focuses on the learner, rather than the teacher (Grassian, 2004; Grassian and Kaplowitz, 2001, pp.14-20).

Other important events include:

1974: The related term ‘Information Skills’ was first introduced in 1974 by Zurkowski to refer to people who are able to solve their information problems by using relevant information sources and applying relevant technology (Zurkowski, 1974).
1983: A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Education Reform
shows that we are "raising a new generation of Americans that is scientifically and technologically illiterate."
1986: Educating Students to Think: The Role of the School Library Media Program
outlines the roles of the library and the information resources in K-12 education
1987: Information Skills for an Information Society: A Review of Research
includes library skills and computer skills in the definition of information literacy
1988: Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs
1989: National Forum on Information Literacy (NFIL), a coalition of more than 90 national and international organizations, has its first meeting
1998: Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning

history of internet

Prior to the widespread internetworking that led to the Internet, most communication networks were limited by their nature to only allow communications between the stations on the network, and the prevalent computer networking method was based on the central mainframe method. In the 1960s, computer researchers, Levi C. Finch and Robert W. Taylor pioneered calls for a joined-up global network to address interoperability problems. Concurrently, several research programs began to research principles of networking between separate physical networks, and this led to the development of Packet switching. These included Donald Davies (NPL), Paul Baran (RAND Corporation), and Leonard Kleinrock's MIT and UCLA research programs.

This led to the development of several packet switched networking solutions in the late 1960s and 1970s, including ARPANET and X.25. Additionally, public access and hobbyist networking systems grew in popularity, including UUCP and FidoNet. They were however still disjointed separate networks, served only by limited gateways between networks. This led to the application of packet switching to develop a protocol for inter-networking, where multiple different networks could be joined together into a super-framework of networks. By defining a simple common network system, the Internet protocol suite, the concept of the network could be separated from its physical implementation. This spread of inter-network began to form into the idea of a global inter-network that would be called 'The Internet', and this began to quickly spread as existing networks were converted to become compatible with this. This spread quickly across the advanced telecommunication networks of the western world, and then began to penetrate into the rest of the world as it became the de-facto international standard and global network. However, the disparity of growth led to a digital divide that is still a concern today.

Following commercialisation and introduction of privately run Internet Service Providers in the 1980s, and its expansion into popular use in the 1990s, the Internet has had a drastic impact on culture and commerce. This includes the rise of near instant communication by e-mail, text based discussion forums, the World Wide Web. Investor speculation in new markets provided by these innovations would also lead to the inflation and collapse of the Dot-com bubble, a major market collapse. But despite this, Internet continues to grow.


Before the Internet
In the 1950s and early 1960s, prior to the widespread inter-networking that led to the Internet, most communication networks were limited by their nature to only allow communications between the stations on the network. Some networks had gateways or bridges between them, but these bridges were often limited or built specifically for a single use. One prevalent computer networking method was based on the central mainframe method, simply allowing its terminals to be connected via long leased lines. This method was used in the 1950s by Project RAND to support researchers such as Herbert Simon, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when collaborating across the continent with researchers in Sullivan, Illinois, on automated theorem proving and artificial intelligence.

Hamster

What is the hamster like?
H amsters are nocturnal rodents, A hamster in captivity is still distinguished by its greater inclination towards activity by night rather than by day. Hence is the hamster handled somewhat reluctantly during the day, as its biological clock recommends sleep at that time of the day, which may lead to a certain grumpyness and a bite or two in case of incautious managing of the animal. Hamsters are indeed antisocial animals and they must be kept singly in order to avoid fights with deadly or injurious outcome. The only occasion at which hamsters may be brought together is in connection to mating, in which overview and readiness to intervention is still required. The rule is then to put the female in the territory of the male hamster. Hamsters are prone to escape and they are very elusive as runaways. Complications such as these are most likely to happen by night. Before the day the hamster then lies down to sleep at some sheltered nook. An important matter as to the hamsters facilities to escape its captivity is its rodent nature. All plastic cages must be kept devoid of weak spots.



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Food
T he basic fodder should be lean seeds (not oats), rich in carbonhydrates, with the addition of fresh plant stuff such as vegetables or fruit. Avoid sour fruits and lettuce. Neutral additions of powdered vitamins and minerals may be strewn over the food in recommended amounts. Make sure that the fodder is adapted to the hamster in a sense of size, even though the hamster is a rodent. Concerning the teeth of the hamster single measures should be taken, so that the animal gets a supply of chewy pieces, either usual, unprepared wood, or chewing biscuits or stones specially made and sold in stores for that purpose. The hamster must have a supply of fresh water. Choose a water bottle designed for hamsters. Make sure that the animal learns to drink from the bottle, in case this doesnดt happen by its own initiative you must help it by carefully feeding it with the lip, so that it learns the connection. Without the supply of fresh water the hamster may suffer from constipation. Be consistent in the diet and avoid fast changes. The hamster is not to be fed with sweets, especially not chocolate. Calcium shortage may be prevented by making sure that the animal has access to a mineral stone.



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Diseases of the hamster
T he hamster may be stricken by colds, also by such kinds that otherwise hits humans. For that reason you should be careful about your own hygiene if you in case of cold should have to manage the hamster. If the hamster sneezes and its nose or eyes runs, the cage should be cleaned immediately. Polish the cage extra carefully (not cotton) and place it where it is varm and free from draught. In case the hamster doesnดt recover after a few days, a veterinarian should be contacted. A typical hamster disease is what in English is called “wet tail” with diarrhoea and apathy. This disease may, if nothing is done, lead to the death. The preparation “dry tail”, which is intended to repeal this condition, is sold in hamster shops. The hamster must receive additional liquid to compensate for the loss of liquid caused by the diarrhoea, as well. “Wet tail” could very likely break out because of sudden changes in environment and handling. Young hamsters should not be subject to an excess of sudden managing. Hamsters are sensitive to falling and may never be dropped by an upright standing person.

nothing hill

Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) is the world’s most famous movie star. Her picture has been plastered on the cover of every magazine, and every time she makes a move, the entire world knows about it.
William Thacker (Hugh Grant) owns a travel bookstore. His business is stagnant, he has the roommate from hell, and since his divorce, his love life is completely non-existent.

For both, something or someone seems to be missing. And when Anna and William’s paths unexpectedly cross in the eclectic neighborhood of Notting Hill, romance is the last thing on their minds. The Couple comes to face the ultimate question: can two people fall in love with the whole world watching?

PolyGram Films and Working Title Films present Notting Hill, the charming romantic comedy which proves that love can spring from even the most unlikely of circumstances.

Notting Hill reunites the talents of screenwriter Richard Curtis and producer Duncan Kenworthy, who previously collaborated on Four Weddings and a Funeral. Directed by Roger Michell (Persuasion), Notting Hill is executive produced by Tim Bevan, Richard Curtis and Eric Fellner, with Michael Coulter, B.S.C. (Sense And Sensibility) serving as director of photography, Stuart Craig (The English Patient) as production designer, original music by Trevor Jones (In The Name Of The Father), costumes designed by Shuna Harwood (The Land Girls) and editing by Nick Moore (The Full Monty).

hotel and spa

A History Of Bugs Bunny

Bugs Bunny's origin was as a goofy antagonist for Porky Pig in the Warner Bros. cartoon Porky's Hare Hunt (1938), directed by Cal Dalton and Ben "Bugs" Hardaway, for whom the hare is named. Plotwise, it was virtually a repeat of the previous year's Daffy Duck intro, Porky's Duck Hunt, Back then, (our) Bugs was much smaller and more rabbit-like, and completely white but in wit, resourcefulness, and the sheer relish with which he demolished his antagonist, he very much resembled his later self. Bugs evolved in a generally Bugs-like direction for a couple of years, emerging fully-developed in the Oscar-nominated A Wild Hare (1940), directed by Tex Avery. It was there that he first munched a carrot, first uttered his trademark line, "Eh, what's up, Doc?", and first kissed Elmer Fudd. The only thing missing was his name. He'd been referred to as "Bugs's Bunny" from the beginning, but it was only in Elmer's Pet Rabbit (1941), directed by Chuck Jones, that he was first called "Bugs Bunny" on-screen. Bugs also received an Oscar nomination for Hiawatha's Rabbit Hunt (1942), and won the award for Knighty-Knight Bugs (1958). Both were directed by Friz Freleng. Other well-remembered Bugs cartoons include Tortoise Beats Hare (1941), by Avery, which re-enacts the old story; The Old Grey Hare (1944), directed by Robert Clampett, in which Bugs, known for sometimes-spectacular death scenes, tops himself by digging his own grave; Hillbilly Hare (1950), directed by Robert McKimson, which contains the tour-de-force "square dance scene", one of the greatest sustained gags in animation history; and What's Opera, Doc? (1957), by Jones, which crams Wagner's entire Ring Cycle into a seven minute cartoon. The last theatrically-released Bugs Bunny cartoon was False Hare (1964), by McKimson. But The Bunny never faded away. He continued to appear on television, not just in packages of cartoons sold to local TV stations and on his network Saturday morning show, but also in commercials advertising a variety of products. During the 1970s and '80s, he appeared in a long succession of prime-time TV specials and even feature films, produced by his old directors, and consisting mainly of clips from the old cartoons. In 1996, he and his Looney Tunes cohorts were catapulted back into the limelight when they co-starred with Michael Jordan in the feature film Space Jam. Two years later, he appeared on a U.S. postage stamp. In comics, Bugs did not fare so well. He appeared in both newspaper strips and comic books between the 1940s and the '70s, but none of them truly captured his character; nor were any notable writers or artists associated with him. In recent years, he has been revived as a comic book character, appearing regularly in the monthly Looney Tunes Comics, an occasional oneshot or mini-series of his own, and even as a co-star with Superman. Today, the original Bugs Bunny cartoons can still be seen regularly on television, alongside telephone commercials spun off from Space Jam. The Bunny shows no sign of ever giving up his stardom.

http://www.geocities.com/tazluvruk3/bugsfacts.html

Mickey Mouse History And A Little About Minnie Mouse

MICKEY MOUSE HISTORY AND A LITTLE ABOUT MINNIE MOUSE HISTORYThe world renowned Walt Disney is the creator of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, as well as the founder of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Mickey Mouse receives credit for launching Walt Disney’s career in 1928 and is the official greeter of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. As Walt Disney once said, “ I hope that we never lose site of one thing: that it was all started by a Mouse.”Walt Elias Disney was born in Chicago, IL in 1901. Disney’s early years were spent on a farm in Missouri. He began drawing at an early age and sold his first sketches to neighbors at the age of seven. In high school, his drawing and photography skills were used for the school paper. At night he attended the Chicago Institute of Art.Disney began his career as an advertising cartoonist in Kansas City in 1920. Back then, cartoon making was in its infancy and films were jerky, and in black and white. Disney wanted to improve upon the methods, so he read books to learn how leading New York animators worked. Shortly afterwards, he quit his job, formed a company called Laugh-O-gram and started making his own animated cartoons. When Disney’s main client declared bankruptcy, Disney was unable to pay his employees or the rent. In fact, he barely had enough money to feed himself and was forced to also declare bankruptcy.In 1923, Walt Disney arrived in Hollywood with $40 in his pocket and a sketchbook. Walt Disney convinced his brother, Roy Disney, to join him as a partner in his new business. Roy’s job was to manage the financial side of the business and Walt’s job was to provide the creative talent. The Disney Brothers Studio was launched with $200 Roy had saved, $500 borrowed from an uncle, and $2,500 contributed by their parents. Their parents even had to mortgage their house to come up with the funds!A New York film distributor by the name of M.J. Winkler, bought Disney’s early cartoons, which were the original versions of “Alice in Wonderland”. When the demand waned for the Alice series, Walt created a new character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. As Oswald’s popularity grew, Walt decided to negotiate a higher price for the contract. Unbeknownst to Walt, Charlie Mintz (M.J. Winkler’s husband) had recruited most of Walt’s staff by offering them more money and creative freedom. Walt also did not know that Charlie Mintz and Universal Pictures owned the legal rights to Oswald. Mintz demanded that Walt Disney give up his business and go to work for him, but Walt refused.It was on this train ride back to Los Angeles from New York City that Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse. He knew he had to come up with a new character and created a mouse. (It is interesting to note that this mouse looked quite similar to Oswald the Rabbit. The main differences being Mickey Mouse had short round ears instead of long bunny ears, a longer nose, a long skinny mouse tail instead of a bunny tail, and skinnier legs and arms. The face, eyes, mouth and hairline were very similar.) Walt wanted to name the mouse character “Mortimer”, but his wife, Lilly, didn’t like that name and suggested “Mickey Mouse”.Mickey Mouse made his debut to the general public in a film named “Steamboat Willie” on November 19, 1928, at the Colony Theatre in New York. This film also featured the first appearance of Minnie Mouse, as well as the world’s first use of fully synchronized sound in cartoons. Mickey and Minnie were instant hits. In fact, Mickey Mouse was so popular that over a million children joined the original Mickey Mouse Club between 1929 and 1932. The “Mickey Mouse Club” later became a popular children’s television series that aired on ABC from 1955 to 1959. The show featured talented kids called Mouseketeers who sang, danced, performed skits, and introduced special guests and Disney cartoons.Other interesting Mickey Mouse historical tidbits:
The original voice of Mickey Mouse was Walt Disney.
The first Mickey Mouse comic strips were drawn by Ub Iweks and published in 1930.
A special Academy Award was given to Walt Disney for the creation of Mickey Mouse in 1932.
The first Mickey Mouse cartoon in color was “The Band Concert” in 1935.
The League of Nations awarded Walt Disney a medal for the creation of Mickey Mouse in 1935.
The League of Nations presented Walt Disney with a special medal in 1935, in recognition of the fact that Mickey Mouse was “a symbol of universal goodwill.”
Mickey Mouse’s favorite sayings were “Oh boy!”, “That sure is swell!”, “Gosh!”, “Aw, gee”, and “See ya soon!”.
Some famous quotes of Walt Disney on Mickey Mouse:
“Mickey Mouse, to me, is a symbol of independence. He was the means to an end. He popped out of my mind onto a drawing pad 20 years ago on a train ride from Manhattan to Hollywood at a time when business fortunes of my brother Roy and myself were at a lowest ebb, and disaster seemed right around the corner. Born of necessity, the little fellow literally freed us of immediate worry. He provided the means for expanding our organization to its present dimensions and for extending the medium of cartoon animation toward new entertainment levels. He spelled production liberation for us.”
“All we ever intended for him, or expected of him, was that he should continue to make people everywhere chuckle with him and at him. We didn’t burden him with any social symbolism, we made him no mouth piece for frustrations or harsh satire. Mickey was simply a little personality assigned to the purposes of laughter.”
Mickey Mouse is now a symbol of laughter and joy throughout the world. He is also one of the most well known, well loved characters of all times. We are all thankful to Walt Disney, America’s folk hero of the 20th century, for Mickey Mouse and all that Mickey represents.

http://www.characterproducts.com/info/character_histories/mickey_minnie_doorway.htm