RSS - Presented in Plain English

I have really been talking up the use of RSS (Really Simple Syndication) as a way to "Step Into the Information Flow" on the Internet. As many already know, my definitions, examples, and illustrations get deeper and deeper, longer and longer, the more excited I get about a technology. Here, however, is a low-fi introduction to RSS.

The article appeared on a mobile and web computing site, Blue Flavor, linked from the CommonCraft website. Both sites are recent additions to my newsfeeds. This short video is a simple and funny first introduction to RSS. Even moms and dads will get this one... I think...

Link - Video embedded in post

Distributed HD, Digital Content

A recent article from the CTO of Netstreams.

Digital, High Definition content is growing all around us. The same capabilities that we have grow accustomed to in our offices and homes are expected with these new digital sources. However, the traditional means for distributing audio and video in particular have a number of shortcomings. This article highlights the challenges and proposes IP solutions from NetStreams of course.

Great background for even home use...

Printable Article
http://www.audiodesignline.com/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=PPA0XCXTRM3QAQSNDLOSKH0CJUNN2JVN?printableArticle=true&articleId=199200419

Page by Page Article
http://www.audiodesignline.com/199200419?cid=RSSfeed_audiodesignline_adlRSS

Original Article from Video/Imaging Designline
http://www.videsignline.com/;jsessionid=PPA0XCXTRM3QAQSNDLOSKH0CJUNN2JVN

Turning off the TV

In the last week or so, Lifehacker picked up on a blog entry over at The Simple Dollar discussing completely disconnecting TV (or at least significantly reducing TV viewing). Several suggestions, very good suggestions, are presented for filling the time we gain back.

Ten Financial Reasons To Turn Off Your Television - And Ten Things To Replace It With [The Simple Dollar]

I know for myself, having recently upgraded my two-channel audio system, I have really tried to emphasize music. I find that I am trying to listen and encourage more listening to all types of music in the house. Even trying to turn the music on first thing in the morning on the weekends to avoid falling into the Saturday morning cartoon routine.

We still watch good deal of movies, particularly on Friday and Saturday night. The other week nights have started filing up with swimming lessons and sports practice. Soon we will be out on the patio cooking and playing, if this crazy weather ever settles down.

I've got a few projects planned including a garage sale (which implies cleaning and organizing first), some acoustic treatments for the family room, repairing an old wooden bench, and landscaping.

Praising Perseverance, not just Intelligence

I have recently been reading a blog I stumbled on a few weeks ago called "Laid Off Dad". The blog is managed and thoughtfully populated by a gentleman who for a long period of time was without full time employment. During that period he spent a great deal of time as what most would say is a stay-at-home-dad. The blog name remains today even though he is "between layoffs".

Anyway, back to the reason for my post. After reading his post titled "Dummypants" and following the link to another article in New York Magazine that he references in his own post, I started thinking about how and what I praise when it comes to my own children. A little more attention and focus on praising the effort has certainly resulted in a practice that lasts a little longer, or a few additional colored pictures, and even a few more sentences in a book report or short story.

Sure, I think my kids are intelligent, or "smart", but they are not done yet. There is plenty more to learn, see, and do. And that goes for Mom and Dad, too!