Archive for » October, 2008 «
Halloween has become overcommercialized
Thing #7: Searching for RSS
I can’t remember the last time I actually searched for an RSS feed. Granted, I’m not the typical participant in this project but I look at it as a "you’ll be out here some day too" scenario. Once you’re hooked on RSS, you’ll notice it virtually everywhere. It’s hiding in search engines like Google News and PubMed. It’s attached to practically every blog and online newspaper in existence these days. And, if there isn’t a feed for the site you want to follow, you can use a service like Page2RSS to make a feed for you. Just keep your eyes open and the RSS will start to fall into your lap.
Image via OpenSource Vector Art
Thing #6: RSS
My thoughts on RSS. Well, I have written a book teaching others how do use it so I guess you could say I’m a fan. Seriously though, I’d say RSS has completely changed the way I receive information. Every time I get handed some monthly newsletter, wether print or electronic, I’ve pretty much already heard about everything the newsletter has printed. (Ok, not the ultra specific stuff but if it talks about larger issues or new tech, chances are I’ve already read about it.) Those that say there’s not enough time to read all that they could subscribe to, I have the following suggestion: For every few RSS feeds you subscribe to, drop something that isn’t RSS. Or, if you can, find the RSS version of something you read in print or via a specific Web site. (Your newspaper for example.) Quickly you’ll see that you’re spending the same amount of time yet receiving more information in that same amount of time.
Kinetic Brew
Last week I blogged about a sign I saw on O Street for a new coffee shop named Kinetic Brew. Seems that on Friday’s they’re doing a "name your own price" sale. After Fluxus left some comments encouraging me to stop by (especially today) I gathered up my coffee cohorts and headed down the street.
We chatted withe Jeremy the owner a little bit and he said that this was just the third week he’d tried it and so far it had been going quite well. Most people, he said, were confused by the concept and insisted on paying the list price for their drinks. I’ll admit that the three of us all paid below list price but as a result he’s definitely earned three new customers.
Since today is also Halloween, he was in costume. And what a costume it was! This thing was totally tricked out with both lights and sound. I think next time I’ll bring more cash and pay double for my drink just because of the costume.
Thanks Jeremy! We’ll be back.
An interesting commute
Wouldn’t have posted this except for the scene in the library.
Robots Attack!
Barney Fife & the Constitution
How many of you start singing the Schoolhouse Rock version after about 30 seconds?
Watch music videos again
Instead of showing music videos on MTV (there’s an idea), you can now watch the complete MTV archive of videos online. And yes, you can embed them too.
