6 minutes in the dark
For those who weren't able to make it to Asia Wednesday, the solar eclipse from Haining City, China. (source: Eugene Hoshiko/AP)
This class brought to you by...
From Conceptual Physics to the Psychology of Self-Esteem, a vast list of fall classes at City College of San Francisco have been cancelled due to the dismal state of California's economy. But for only $6K you can save a class and grab the naming rights. Seeing as I've failed this one 5 times, I like the irony of MCNugget's Beginning Swimming http://www.ccsf.edu/Schedule/cgi-bin/crn-instruc.pl?Semester=7&Instru1=Cancelled
How to not alienate bloggers
- Set goals. Don't jump into their world without knowing what you want to get out of the effort.
- Don't make somebody who's already 100% billable your social presence. You need somebody with the time to truly engage.
- Bloggers aren't journalists. They only cover what interests them. Get to know the individuals and establish relationships. Follow their blogs. Badly targeted, bulk email pitches just piss them off.
- Don't ask bloggers to spam for you. If they're interested in what you're pitching, they will share it.
- Don't ask bloggers to be anything less than transparent.
- Bloggers thrive on seeking and sharing opinions. Customize your ads on their blogs to fit.
(source: BlogHer)
Scott, caption?
The Wienermobile crashed into a home in Wisconsin. Seems the Wienerette driving thought she was in reverse, but not, while attempting to turn around in the driveway. No mustard was shed.
Not so ugly after all
Expedia surveyed 4,500 hotels worldwide to find out which country produces the worst tourist. Good news, it ain't us. Vive la France. (source: eyefortravel.com, 7/13/09)
Rah no
According to the Harris Poll: "Ads that emphasize value propositions or 'luxuries for less' appeal to consumers more so than empathy and cheerleading." (source: Harris Poll Weekly, 7/21/09)
Chances that a Twitter user accesses the service only while at work: 2 in 3
(source: Harper's, August 2009)
Financial superhero
In a battle of classic TV pitchmen, who would win, Bill Shatner or Adam West? Lending Tree's betting on Batman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlGIVt8BqUo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTt6Fqrj-8A&feature=related
Trash to treasures
At St. Augustine's School all we needed to create fridge-worthy masterpieces was pasta, spray paint, and glue. The same principal of combining kids' boundless imagination with budget-friendly supplies is the motivator behind Trash for Teaching. Instead of orecchiette, it's pen caps, fabric swatches, or whatever clean, safe industry cast-offs the group can get, packed in 10lb boxes, and delivered for $20 to schools. This is a horse, in case you're wondering. Not sure why he's wearing a tie. http://trashforteaching.org./
All blogged up and nothing to say
An estimated 94% of all blogs have not been updated in four months. (source: Harper's, August 2009)
Hulu here we come
63% of American homes now have broadband. Adoption at all age and income levels leapt over the past year. Only 7% have cut back on or cancelled their internet service. While 22% have cut or cancelled cable and 19% cut or cancelled their cell phone. (source: Pew Internet & American Life Project)
Dark or light roast?
Don't ask me how (my Chinese is a tad rusty), but S Cafe has figured out how to make fitness clothing from used coffee grounds. Currently marketed under the brand Eider Action Wear, the company says their product beats Gore-Tex fabrics for UV protection, drying time, odor control, and price point. Plus, it meets Swiss bluesign standards for environmentally friendly textiles. Smooth. (source: Iconoculture)
No OOP
Smart idea for stretching a micro-budget. (source: Springwise, 7/22/09)
Time to think
The owner of a Boston typewriter shop says that most of those purchasing his vintage machines are teens, newly minted college graduates, and writers. (source: Christian Science Monitor, 7/22/09)
Solar in a snap
Want solar panels, but can't find a good local vendor? Sungevity of CA will use existing satellite images to measure your roof, check its tilt for energy potential, review any obstacles to power or installation, prep several design options and quotes, get permits, and prefab your panels without making a house call until installation day. http://www.sungevity.com/ (source: Springwise, 7/15/09)
Get out and play
Nintendo DS Treasure World stars Starsweep, a space traveler, and his ship, Haley, which has broken down and needs more stardust to get going again. Wishfinder, a robot, helps players find stardust and other treasure by tapping WiFi hotspots. More than 2,500 in-game treasures such as trees, flowers, candy, and clothes can be unlocked as players access the more than 200 million hotspots worldwide that are registered within the game. That's right, ya gotta get off the couch and take a walk to play. (source: Springwise, 7/22/09)
Kiwi hop
A 7.8 earthquake this week twisted New Zealand's South Island out of shape, moving its southern tip 12 inches closer to Australia. (source: AP, 7/23/09)
Slammin' for women's health
Saturday, August 8, our Roc City roller derby wonderwomen, Katie Woodson and Tanya Harding, will do battle against the two biggest ladykillers, heart disease and breast cancer. Come on down to The Dome for the 7:00 match. Buy a ticket, cheer them on, do some good.
Tickets available at Parkleigh or at www.rocderby.com . Proceeds benefit the Bre
ast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and the American Heart Association. And if you've got any unopened sample-size toiletries cluttering your closet, bring them along. Samplesoap.org will distribute them to needy Rochesterians.
What have the ladies in fishnet got to show for their bruises so far? After only 3 bouts, Roc City has raised nearly $4,000, logged 75+ hours of volunteer time, donated a ton of fan-generated goods, including 84lbs of toiletries and 746 diapers, to charities in our community. Why yes, they do ROC!
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