RSS for Dummies

Not long ago I had to explain to someone (who I thought should have known better) what an RSS feed was and how it's so much easier to follow all of the websites and blogs you like with an RSS reader.

I've been using an RSS reader, mostly Google Reader, for years. Almost as long as I've had this blog and certainly longer since I've been on Facebook and Twitter. So I guess I take for granted that everyone knows what it's all about.

I posted this "RSS in Plain English" video almost three years ago. For those who still don't get it, here's a refresher.

As if anyone really cares

I must admit, this update from The Onion Radio News makes all of us at "Off the Top of My Head" headquarters feel a little silly.

Randomness

I never really got into doing memes, but I’ve been tagged twice with this one, by Sweetpea and Wendalicious. So I feel obligated share some random, obscure facts about me that I’m sure you could care less about.

When I first got tagged with this, I had no idea what random items to list. But then once I got started I came up with a whole bunch and had a hard time deciding which ones to edit out…

The rules:
* link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
* share 5 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
* tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
* let them know they are TAGGED by leaving a comment on their blog.

The five bits of random-and/or-weirdness:

1. My career ambition in the 3rd grade was to be a stand-up comic.
   
2. I go through cycles where I really enjoy beer and will often drink one at night after work. But then I’ll go through long spells where I can’t be bothered to touch the stuff. Currently I still have 3 bottles left from the Saranac 12 Beers of Winter 12-pack that I got before Christmas. I plan to drink one during the Super Bowl.
   
3. I made my TV acting debut during my senior year in high school in a 30-minute special on teen drinking and drug abuse produced by WRGB. During a re-enactment of a teenage keg party in the woods (which was actually taped in WRGB's parking lot) I got to play the part of "guy-making-out-with-girlfriend-on-hood-of-car."
   
4. I have all 6 episodes of the classic TV series “Police Squad!” on VHS somewhere in my attic.
   
5. I’ve been to four big league ballparks: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, U.S. Cellular Field (back when it was New Comiskey Park) and Olympic Stadium. I stood outside of Wrigley Field, but the Cubs weren't in town at the time. I regret that I probably won’t make to Shea Stadium, just to say I’ve been there.

Tagged:
PLANET3RRY, Aaron Hull, Joe Video, Mike Sussman, Lycidas512

NOTE: I've only tagged people with their own blog. If you don't have a blog or you would just like to get in on the fun, feel free to leave your own random items in comments.

RSS in Plain English

According to The Common Craft Show, there are two types of Internet users: those that use RSS and those that don't.

I've mentioned before that I'm border-line adicted to Google Reader.

If you're not using an RSS reader to read the web, why not? There's a reason why RSS stands for "really simple syndication" The Common Craft Show put together this little video that explains the whole concept...

Beware the barbarians

I enjoy reading Dan Weaver's Upstream blog.

Recently Dan took some time off to contemplate whether or not he wanted to continue the blog. I'm pleased to report he's decided to stick with it.

He announced his decision in an excellent post today that discusses the current state of homeland security. Whether you consider yourself left, right or center you should read it.

In the middle of things with Ed

Sorry I’m a little delayed on this one. If you’re hip to the local blog scene, then this is already old news.

Former NewsChannel 13 anchor Ed Dague finally started blogging a few weeks ago (what took him so logn?). It’s been all the buzz several corners as people came down from the holidays and discovered it this week.

His blog lacks the humor of the late Albany Eye, but it is still worth the read.

Finally Ed has a presence on the Internets besides that creepy floating head.