Thing 11

 Using Google Blogs was the easiest method for me to use. I already use Google for everything and I am familiar with it. When using Google Blog I felt like more blogs were available. However, on topix.net I did find an extremely cute page about a family and their yorkies. http://yorkies.com/. I also like Technorati, it breaks down its homepage into categories...news, entertainment, sports, technology, business,etc. This would make it easier to narrow down your search. Also, they have bleacher reports! Syndic8 was my least favorite. I felt like I did not get a wide variety of things to choose from when searching for certain topics.

Thing #12 :)

   I explored Google Alerts.I am excited about Google Alerts.  I just registered to get UT Vols football updates sent to my email daily. http://www.google.com/alerts. You can also get developing news stories updated to your email.
   I also explored Google Calendar. My brother has been telling me for years to get on Google Calendar and set up my entire schedule... due dates, class schedules, doctor's appointments, events, anything.
I understand why now. You can create your own calendar, color code it, and form it however you like. You even get a text message sent directly to your phone as a reminder for upcoming events! It helps keep even the busiest person on track.  https://www.google.com/calendar/render?pli=1
    Google Calendar will be VERY helpful in my future as an educator/parent. It will help me stay organized for future events as well as be able to look back and see what we did last Tuesday.