EasyBib's EasyLife: Student Life Made Smarter.

Why Take Virtual Notes? 5 Reasons

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:42:00 -0400

We’re all familiar with the tried and true method of jotting down notes with good old pen and paper. But we live in the 21st century now and there are a myriad of great tech tools that can help you be more organized and efficient. Reasons like:

5. Easily keep track of the sources you’re using. Taking notes with pen and paper? Ugh. Good luck formatting your citations too. Using online tools, however, you can effortlessly keep track of bibliographic data and links. You will know where your data comes from, and will avoid plagiarism. And if you use EasyBib, it will automatically format your citations and associate them with your notes ;-)

4. Easily transfer information from notes, to outline, to paper. If you’re taking hand-written notes you have a lot of copying to do. From the outline to the paper, you often re-write much of the information from your notes. With virtual note-taking you type from the get-go, ensuring that you can copy and paste your ideas at every step - meaning you’ll save time and be better able to coherently keep track of ideas. Moreover, with EasyBib, you can associate notes with your outline, and link your notes and outline to a paper in Google docs.

3. Easy editing, formatting, and linking. With hand-written notes you’re always making a mess on your page: scratching things out, squeezing words to fit the margins, and forgetting to make lists or indent. With virtual note-taking there’s no need to sweat that, especially if you’re a perfectionist. You can always go back and easily delete or add things, insert formatting, and even stylize your text. Let’s see your ballpoint do that.

2. Traditional note taking requires paper. By taking notes online, you not only save costs on paper and pens, but by lowering the demand for such resources, you help improve our environment. Taking virtual notes means being green!

1. Access your notes from anywhere. With most online note-taking services all of your data is stored in the so-called “cloud.” This means that you can start taking your notes at home on your PC, then transition to school (or anywhere else) and pick right where you left off on a different computer. Moreover, it’s safe, you can’t lose them, and they can’t be destroyed.

Luckily for you, your pals over at EasyBib have their very own Notebook tool. Check it out, because it can do some pretty cool stuff. Associate your notes with sources you cited, quote, paraphrase, tag, group, color code, create outlines… Woah. That’s some powerful stuff.

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Join EasyBib for the #EdReach Chat this Sunday

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:15:56 -0400

We love talking with educators on Twitter and participating in hashtag chats. There’s so much great info out there and so many things to be learned by engaging with some of the most forward-thinking and tech savy teachers.

That’s why we’re so honored that this Sunday, August, 28, at 7pm CST/8pm EST EasyBib will be co-hosting the #EdReach hashtag chat with the great people from edreach.us. So feel free to join our conversation by adding #EdReach to your tweets. We’ll be answering questions about our service and showing you new and exciting ways that EasyBib is helping students research smarter. We hope to see you there!

EasyBib Deploys New Paper Link Feature

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:57:00 -0400

We’ve been back in the labs, working to develop some great new stuff for you to aid in the research process. Keep a close eye and you’ll start seeing some big new changes soon.

For now, take a look at a cool little trick we just implemented. You can now associate your projects with a paper you’ve already saved in Google Docs. Simply log in and go to “Projects”. Find the one you want and click the “Paper” link.

You can then create a new Google Doc to associate your bibliography to, or you can link it to an existing one.

From there, once you’ve chosen to use an existing doc, just select its title from the list and hit “Next”.

Now, anytime you log back in to your projects and select the “Paper” link, you’ll automatically be taken to that paper in Google Docs. Pretty cool, huh?

Cute Puppy Gets Quite Excited for Dinner

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:21:00 -0400

Ugh… It’s Monday again Bibs. Back to the old grind. But that’s just how it goes. I had a pretty good weekend anyway. What’d I do you ask? Oh, not to much. Just vegged out a lot. Watched some cartoons. Went hang gliding over an active volcano. Y’know, just one of those boring but relaxing weekends we all need every now and again.

So maybe I wasn’t all that exciting, but you know what is? PUPPIES! But what’s more, or rather, what’s even better than puppies are puppies that are excited. You see we’ve now entered into a paradoxical realm where your excitement is derived from their excitement and then….

Oh, never mind. Just hit the jump to see the cutest vid of a hungry/excited pup you’ll see all day

I think you’ll agree that that was just great. Gotta get JC to teach Ginger that trick.

Blogtips@imagineeasy.com

7 Natural Wonders of the World

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:47:00 -0400

Well Bibs it’s been quite a pretty week. From expansive and barren salt flats in Bolivia, to beautifully terraced rice fields in Asia, and not to mention the gorgeously colored tulip farms in Holland, we’ve had a lot of good stuff to gawk at.

So I thought I’d finish out the week with a fun video for you that compiles 7 of the most spectacular wonders of the natural modern world.

Hit the jump to check it out.

So. Much. Beauty.

Thanks for the tip JC

Blogtips@imagineeasy.com

11 Gorgeous Pictures of Tulip Fields

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:47:00 -0400

Bibs it’s just turning into a super beautiful week over here at HQ. Your dearly devoted StudyBreak writer (me) is slaving away to share the love and bring you some of the prettiest darn scenes from the world that you ever did… well, see.

For today’s viewing pleasure/eye candy might I direct you to the vast expanses of tulip fields. Now I’m sure you’re all familiar with the Netherlands and their infamous cultivation of tulips, but did you know that they’re also grown in the U.S. states of Oregon and Alaska, as well as Iran and China, and many other places?

Well of course you did, you’re all so clever aren’t you? Hit the jump to see more of these gorgeous and vibrantly colored tulip fields. What? No, no dog post today. Maybe next week if you behave.

Via

That’s an awful lot of pretty flowers. Hope they don’t cause any mania ;)

Thanks to JC for the tip

Cover image Via

Blogtips@imagineeasy.com

Terraced Rice Fields

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:55:00 -0400

Bibs, those pictures yesterday got me so inspired that I figured I’d follow them up with some more magnificent photos of our beautiful world. Today then, why not take a look at some very inventive ways that people around the world use the land they have for agriculture.

From Wikipedia:

“Terraces are used in farming to cultivate sloped land. Graduated terrace steps are commonly used to farm on hilly or mountainous terrain. Terraced fields decrease erosion and surface runoff, and are effective for growing crops requiring much water, such as rice.”

After the jump you’ll find some of the most awesome pictures of rice terraces from places like China, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Via

Pretty spectacular, no?

Cover image via National Geographic

Blogtips@imagineeasy.com

Salar de Uyuni

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:16:00 -0400

Fresh from the long weekend and I’m ready to get back to the grind. How about you Bibs? And nothing quite tops off a great weekend like some pictures of beautiful nature. Such as the Salar de Uyuni salt flat in Bolivia.

From Wikipedia:

“Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat at 10,582 square kilometers (4,086 sq mi). It is located in the Potosí and Oruro departments in southwest Bolivia, near the crest of the Andes, and is elevated 3,656 meters (11,995 ft) above the mean sea level. The Salar was formed as a result of transformations between several prehistoric lakes. It is covered by a few meters of salt crust, which has an extraordinary flatness with the average altitude variations within one meter over the entire area of the Salar.”

Not to mention that, when covered with water, the Salar becomes one of the biggest mirrors on Earth. Don’t believe it? Hit the jump to see the amazing pictures.

Via

Pretty amazing, huh?

blogtips@imagineeasy.com

Happy (Almost) 4th of July

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:38:00 -0400

Howdy Bibs! Your dearly beloved StudyBreak writer has been graciously allowed out of his ~~cage~~ cubicle at BibHQ for the long weekend. That means I won’t be seeing you on the real Fourth as I’ll be celebrating in style (tying sparklers into my American flag bandana and lighting them while singing “God Bless America”. I might also eat 12 hotdogs and a pack of hamburgers. No biggie.)

Anywho, I didn’t want to leave you hanging and thinking I forgot about the holiday. So, submitted for your approval please find after the jump a great video of hand drawn mathematical representations of the 4th of July. What? No, it’s not as boring as it sounds. Trust me, there’s pie and explosions.

Ain’t it the truth. Special math s/o to JC

blogtips@imagineeasy.com

Dear Photograph

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:27:00 -0400

Hello Bibs. How are you this fine and sunny Thursday? Me, I’m just chillin’ out, relaxin’. “Coolin’” if you will. Don’t worry if you have no idea what I’m talking about, at least one person got it.

But what I’ve really been up to is feeling a bit nostalgic. You know what I mean? Just pining away for the days of old. Times when life was simpler, when I could ride my bike all day long and eat freeze pops in a Goofy t-shirt without eliciting strange glares (I’m looking at you guy who glared at me on my balcony!)

Well the folks over at Dear Photograph understand this type of nostalgia quite well. They ask users to, “take a picture of a picture from the past in the present.” Sounds confusing, but trust me and hit the jump to see some really great stuff.

Kinda brings a tear to your eye, doesn’t it?

blogtips@imagineeasy.com

Book Autopsies by Brian Dettmer

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:52:00 -0400

Happy Friday Bibs! Any fun plans for the weekend? Gonna go to the mall and maybe pick up the new album by that Justine Biebler I hear all you kids are so crazy about these days? Me, I’m just gonna curl up and catalog my stamp collection. Probably make a nice dinner with Lima beans. What? I’m getting old you know.

But you know, young or old I think that everyone can appreciate a good book. Especially when said book has been sliced and diced to reveal its innards in a creative, artistic and visually appealing way. That’s where Brian Dettmer comes in.

This guy does some pretty cool things with books (besides reading them, because who does that anymore - am I right?) Anyway, hit the jump for his best works.

Via

Thanks to tipster and sometimes book-alterer JC

blogtips@imagineeasy.com

The Best Talking Dog You Ever Did See

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:31:00 -0400

Talking cats, you liked those right? What, you don’t like cats - more of a dog person? Fine, I respect your decisions. In the interest of fairness I will accommodate you and your dog preference when it comes to talking animal videos.

In keeping with that I’ve scoured the interwebs for you and found the most beautiful talking dog in all the land. Yes, she’s a Husky. Yes, she has bright blue eyes. Yes, her name is Mishka. And yes, she talks like a champ. If you need anymore reason to hit the jump and watch the video I just don’t know what to do for you.

Bibs, I’m in love. Someone steal me this doggie. I’m looking at you JC.

blogtips@imagineeasy.com

Talking Cats

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:21:00 -0400

You know Bibs, sometimes I find myself thinking, “there’s something missing. What could I possibly need in my life right now? It’s gotta be…” And then I remember: cats. The answer is usually cats. Mind you though, not just any old cat will do. No, on those days that are truly gloomy you really need a special feline to cheer you up.

That’s where the talking cats come in. They’ve got it all: cute, cuddly, fluffy (SO FLUFFY), and they’ve just got a way with words. What do you suppose those critters talk about? Probably astrophysics. Or mice. Hit the jump to decide for yourself.

Or maybe they’re just discussing the weather.

blogtips@imagineeasy.com

Best Dog Breed Mixes

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:32:00 -0400

Back by popular demand (read: I wanted to) it’s pictures of cute and awesome dogs! What I’ve whipped up for you on this fine Monday are what I consider to be the best looking dog breed mixes I ever did see.

“But wait,” you might say, “dogs are already super fluffy and amazing as they are. Why mix them?” Well you, sir or madam, are just really missing out.

Don’t believe me? Why don’t you just hit the jump and find out for yourself. And a special thanks to our Bib dog breed mix expert in residence - JC.

1. Alusky (Siberian Husky/Alaskan Malamute)

Via

2. Golden Irish (Irish Setter/Golden Retriever)

Via

3. Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/Bichon Frise)

Shout out to Ginger!

4. Chiweenie (Chihuahua/Dachshund)

Via

5. Huskita (Siberian Husky/Akita)

Via

6. Shichon (Shih Tzu/Bichon Frise)

Via

7. Huggi (Corgi/Siberian Husky)

Via

Oh boy oh boy oh boy. Which is your favorite?

blogtips@imagineeasy.com

Happy Father's Day

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:43:00 -0400

Bibs you know what this Sunday is, right? What? No! It’s not National Ice Cream Day. What are you even talking about? That’s not until July 17th. Gosh

I’m talking about Father’s Day here you bunch of sillies. You know, that guy that tucked you in at night, taught you how to ride a bike, and didn’t even get that mad when you forgot to take your puppy out? (Sparky was just leaving him a present!)

Let’s be honest, dear old dad probably sacrificed a lot of his dignity and coolness in order to cart you around in the minivan while you were wearing your tutu. But it’s all cool now, because the pops in this video are putting the “hood” back in fatherhood. Hit the jump to check their swag.

Yeah, my dad isn’t this cool either.

blogtips@imagineeasy.com

Boston Bruins Win the Stanley Cup!

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:29:00 -0400

And the sports news just keeps on coming Bibs! First the Mavs take the NBA Championship on Sunday and last night the Boston Bruins defeated the Vancouver Canucks to win the Stanley Cup.

I’ll admit, I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for Boston sports and this news makes me giddy. Not to mention it’s their first cup since 1972! Plus, most of the Bruins’ players have great names. Try to not smile while saying Lucic or Chara. You can’t!

So after the jump, find a video of the Bruins players celebrating like the champs they are in the locker room. Look at how happy Chara is! He’s like a giant teddy bear.

Sorry Vancouver, but losing is no excuse for riots.

blogtips@imagineeasy.com

Total Lunar Eclipse

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:46:00 -0400

Bibs, did you know that there’s a total lunar eclipse going on right now? That’s why Google’s logo is different, duh. Unfortunately, it’s not visible at all in North America - AKA where BibHQ is located. Sad Christmas.

On the upside, our good buddy Google has us covered with a live streaming video of the eclipse. Is there anything those amazing people can’t do?

Hit the jump for the live video and be prepared to get happy/enjoy the fun commentary. Special thanks to our eclipse tipster/embed master ;)

Bibs, when you were little did you think the moon followed you around?

blogtips@imagineeasy.com

Amazing Art by SupaKitch & Koralie

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:58:00 -0400

Oh hey Bibs, do you like art? How about really cool, really big, Japanese-inspired art? Of course you do. I find it kind of difficult trying to describe just how awesome this video is.

To learn a bit about the artists here’s a snippet from Format Magazine:

“SupaKitch and Koralie are two street artists from France who have joined together as a power duo in their craft. Both heavily influenced by Japanese art, their work showcases images of geishas, dragons and other elements of the culture. While much of their art is seen in a busy urban landscape, they’ve also brought their creations to the quiet walls of galleries.”

Just hit the jump to see the best video you’ll see all day, trust me ;)

What do you say? Blown away right?

blogtips@imagineeasy.com

EasyBib's EasyLife: Student Life Made Smarter.

Why Take Virtual Notes? 5 Reasons

Join EasyBib for the #EdReach Chat this Sunday

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Cute Puppy Gets Quite Excited for Dinner

7 Natural Wonders of the World

11 Gorgeous Pictures of Tulip Fields

Terraced Rice Fields

Salar de Uyuni

Happy (Almost) 4th of July

Dear Photograph

Book Autopsies by Brian Dettmer

The Best Talking Dog You Ever Did See

Talking Cats

Best Dog Breed Mixes

Happy Father's Day

Boston Bruins Win the Stanley Cup!

Total Lunar Eclipse

Amazing Art by SupaKitch & Koralie