You are invited to attend these January online programs. Enjoy a variety of programs from osteoporosis to how to write your memoirs to an exploration on the Presidential inaugurations! To attend programs, go to the online auditorium at 
http://www.tcconference.com/lib/?auditorium&nopass_field=1 
Enter your name and click enter. For more information, please contact Tom Peters, OPAL Coordinator at [log in to unmask]



Tuesday, January 18, 2005 beginning at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 1:00 Central, noon Mountain, and 11:00 q.m. Pacific:
OPAL Orientation for Participants: If you have never attended an OPAL program and need a basic introduction on how the software works, this session is for you! We will cover step-by-step how to communicate using text chat and/or Voice-over-IP, how to customize your OPAL experience to best meet your needs, and how to access the OPAL archives. 


Tuesday, January 18, 2005 beginning at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 7:00 Central, 6:00 Mountain, and 5:00 Pacific:
The Meting of the Minds Online Book Discussion Group will be discussing the classic novel, Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton. A tale of retribution about a discouraged New England farmer and his hypochondriac wife. Their empty lives are suddenly changed when her cousin, a young girl who still finds joy in life, comes to live with them. 
RC 17455, 1 cassette, read by John MacDonald. 


Wednesday, January 19, 2005 beginning at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 1:00 Central, noon Mountain, and 11:00 a.m. Pacific:
Inaugurations: "I Do Solemnly Swear"
On Jan. 20, the United States inaugurates its 44th President on the steps of the Capitol. Has it always been there? Who wrote the Presidential oath of office? Who administers it? Join us for an exploration of a ceremony that embodies a cornerstone of our democracy. Presented by the Library of Congress. 


Monday, January 24, 2005 beginning at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 1:00 Central, noon Mountain, and 11:00 a.m. Pacific:
Introduction to Searching for (and Finding) Information on the Internet
This session will provide an introduction to and overview of the tools and techniques you can use to efficiently and effectively search for information on the Internet. Searching for both general topics and specific facts will be covered. Facilitated by Tom Peters. 


Tuesday, January 25, 2005 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, 10:00 Central, 9:00 Mountain, and 8:00 Pacific:
Introduction to Searching for (and Finding) Information on the Internet
This session will provide an introduction to and overview of the tools and techniques you can use to efficiently and effectively search for information on the Internet. Searching for both general topics and specific facts will be covered. Facilitated by Tom Peters. 


Tuesday, January 25, 2005 beginning at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 3:00 Central, 2:00 Mountain, and 1:00 Pacific:
OPAL Program Development Meeting: Representatives from OPAL Member Libraries and other interested individuals will meet for an hour to work on fleshing out the new program ideas we generated as a group late in 2004. 


Wednesday, January 26, 2005 beginning at noon Eastern Standard Time, 11:00 a.m. Central, 10:00 a.m. Mountain, 9:00 a.m. Pacific:: 
MEMOIR WRITING WORKSHIP, Session One: You have a unique life story. Why not preserve and share it in a memoir? You don't have to set out to write a book. Even just a few pages about your school days, your first job, or a memorable holiday gathering can be a treasured gift to your family and a fulfilling exercise for yourself. This is the first of two online workshops to help get you started. Open to people of all ages. No creative writing experience required! 


Wednesday, January 26, 2005 beginning at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 3:00 Central, 2:00 Mountain, and 1:00 Pacific:
Introduction to Searching for (and Finding) Information on the Internet
This session will provide an introduction to and overview of the tools and techniques you can use to efficiently and effectively search for information on the Internet. Searching for both general topics and specific facts will be covered. Facilitated by Tom Peters. 


Thursday, January 27, 2005 beginning at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 1:00 Central, noon Mountain, and 11:00 a.m. Pacific:
Accessible Portable Playback Devices
There are hundreds of brands and models of portable playback devices on the market for listening to digital audio books, music, and other types of content. Which ones score hight in terms of their accessibility to individuals who happen to be blind, visually impaired, or physically challenged? This session will help you make a more informed purchase decision. Facilitated by Tom Peters. 

Friday, January 28, 2005 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, 10:30 Central, 9:30 Mountain, and 8:30 Pacific.
TOPIC: Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease manifested by low bone density resulting in increased risk for fractures to the vertebrae, wrist and hip. About 40% of Caucasian women will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. Men over 50 are also at increased risk for fracture. Dr. Ali will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in the elderly.
EXPERT GUEST: Dr. Ishani Ali, Director of the Geriatric Assessment Center, Peoria, Illinois.


Monday, January 31, 2005 beginning at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 1:00 Central, noon Mountain, and 11:00 a.m. Pacific:
Accessible Portable Playback Devices
There are hundreds of brands and models of portable playback devices on the market for listening to digital audio books, music, and other types of content. Which ones score hight in terms of their accessibility to individuals who happen to be blind, visually impaired, or physically challenged? This session will help you make a more informed purchase decision. Facilitated by Tom Peters. 



Lori Bell
Director 
Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center
600 High Point Lane
East Peoria, IL 61611
Phone: (309)694-9200 ext. 2128
Fax:  (309)694-9230
Email: [log in to unmask]
Website: http://www.mitbc.org