August 2009
31 posts
T.G.I.Thursday →
Good Magazine checks in on the State of Utah’s experiment with a four-day work week.
It seems that working 10 hours per day, Monday through Thursday actually saves money, reduces pollution, increases productivity, and improves job satisfaction.
You think this’ll catch on?
Do You Have These Core Human Skills? →
Josh Kaufman writes for The Personal MBA™ about twelve core human skills that are worth developing.
This is an excellent list, and I see room for personal improvement on several. I’ve got to get cracking…
[via Kottke]
6 Things You Need to Know About Mac OS X Snow... →
Wired’s Gadget Lab lets us in on what you get when you upgrade to Snow Leopard, which comes out today.
If you’re considering it or are on the fence, check this article out to see if it’s worth your while.
I’m definitely getting it at some point, but I’m waiting at least until the first patch comes out. Let the early adopters be the quality control team!
Nero's Free Version for Windows →
One of the biggest names in DVD/CD burning software has released a basic version of their package for free. Nice!
For more features, but without the brand recognition, check out my favorite free choice, ImgBurn.
[via Lifehacker]
Why AT&T Killed Google Voice →
Andy Kessler hits the nail on the head in the Wall Street Journal, not only about the Google Voice app debacle, but also about the entire protectionist racket telecom companies use to maintain profits at the expense of service.
[via /.]
Amusing Ourselves to Death →
I loved this cartoon about the fears of Aldous Huxley vs. the fears of George Orwell as described by Neil Postman and drawn by Stuart McMillen. It certainly got me thinking.
While it may seem that we’ve veered in one direction rather sharply, aspects of each dystopia aren’t mutually exclusive.
[via Kottke]
Congratulations Americans, We Pay The Most For... →
Another in a long line of technology services where the United States lags behind the rest of the world, as summarized by The Consumerist.
Let lobbyists convince Congress to restrict competition and get rich with sweetheart deals, and the US consumer suffers. We’re in a wireless/broadband backwater, and getting farther and farther behind.
Code Rush →
This fascinating film documents the history of Netscape starting at the point where they made the fateful decision to go open source.
It’s a great look back at what would become the browser I’m using to write this, Firefox. Thanks to some extremely talented and dedicated programmers, we now have an amazing piece of free software that just keeps getting better.
Oh, and the...
Windows 7 Shapes Up as Microsoft’s Best OS Yet →
I’m often thought of as a Mac guy. It’s true that my primary systems both at home and at work are Apples, and I love them dearly.
The reality, however, is that I’m a nonpartisan geek. I’m fiercely critical of Microsoft when they deserve it, which is often, but I also like to give them credit when it’s due.
Wired’s Gadget Lab gives us an excellent first look...
“I’m sorry it took this long to return your call and say yes ...”
– Another Hall-of-Fame Google Voice transcription from a call by Mary.
The AP’s New Online Strategy →
The Nieman Journalism Lab analyzes a leaked internal Associated Press document that details changes in the way their news is going to be distributed online.
It’s extremely interesting to see what they’re trying to do, and how they’re going about it.
This is the best in-depth examination of the topic that I’ve found thus far, and it includes reactions from the AP’s...
“For the love of all that’s worth loving, though, if you’re lonely, you have to...”
– Seltzerlizard, a perpetual must-follow* blogger (and friend) with the best damn quote I’ve seen in a long time. Absolutely, 100% true — it took me way too many years to figure this out.
* Parents, however, should be aware that his blog sometimes contains strong language and...
theRADIO.com →
If you’re looking for something different to listen to, check out this dead-simple online radio player.
Pick a genre, artist, or channel and you’ll be listening in seconds — with no accounts or logins to deal with.
Preliminary noodling was promising, so it’s definitely being added to the tomgrom arsenal.
[via Lifehacker]
Just You →
Take a moment and read this poem.
It’s brilliant, and it’s just for you.
Rocky Mountain National Park →
Hiking is one of my favorite activities, and now I have a new favorite place to do it: Rocky Mountain National Park.
The park offers its visitors excellent trail information, transportation to and from trailheads, helpful rangers, and some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable.
It costs just $10 per person or $20 per car for an entire week, which is a real bargain for access to 359 miles of...
Google SketchUp →
Today I had the extreme privilege of going through the Google Teacher Academy at Google’s beautiful Boulder, Colorado office. Yes, I am now extremely proud to include myself among the incredible community of Google Certified Teachers!
I’d totally short-circuit if I tried to get all of the amazing things I learned during the Academy out in one post, so for now I’ll focus on this...
Want cell service abroad? Try a cheap local phone →
The Associated Press describes an excellent technique to keep in touch with folks back home while travelling abroad — simply buy a cheap unlocked cell phone at your destination and buy an inexpensive SIM card loaded with minutes for it.
For an even better way, bring along a netbook or Wifi-enabled smartphone with Skype.
I’ve been on the road for the last several weeks, and have used...
1,000 Free Song Downloads →
Reverb Nation and Microsoft are offering 1,000 free music downloads that are actually available as DRM-free MP3’s.
No, nothing mainstream here, but as far as I’m concerned, that’s good.
[via the Cheapskate]
Ian Shapira -- How Gawker Ripped Off My Newspaper... →
This Washington Post article gives us an excellent perspective on the difference between journalism and (some) blogs.
For my own part, although I do blog about good stuff I find online, I don’t excerpt it heavily or get any advertising revenue…
But what about my infrequenly-updated Reading Room, which is a reformatted Google Reader Shared Items page that does contain full content...
Wikipedia as a Font for Facts, but a Desert for... →
The New York Times talks about why the photos in Wikipedia are often of such poor quality: copyright restrictions.
Right now anything we see in Wikipedia is open for all to use, and I’d like to keep it that way.
[via /.]
