[O Velho News] On Squeet, RSS and Cool Stuff

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To: "O Velho" <ovelho@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: 16 Mar 2006 04:39:29 -0700

http://squeetblog.blogspot.com...squeet-button-add-on-tool.html	Date: 3/16/2006 6:21 AM
	Author: 330angelo

The previous article pointing Squeet users to the new Squeet Button (an add-on tool for easily subscribing to RSS/Atom feeds) led to a flood of download activity. This article addresses two popular themes raised in the subsequent queue of support emails regarding the add-on.

Why can't I do anything with the Squeet Button after it's installed as a Firefox extension?
In Firefox, the Squeet Button is gray (and inactive) when it can't find any RSS feeds on the current web page / tab. When the current page does contain a link to an RSS feed, or it is an RSS feed, the Squeet Button activates and turns green. Click it, and select the feed you are interested in previewing and/or subscribing to.

Firefox Squeet Button: Inactive (gray) / Active (green)

IE Note: In the Internet Explorer environment, the Squeet Button is always green. When it is clicked, you will see either a dropdown list of available feeds or a notification stating that there are no available feeds.

Why isn't the Squeet Button locating the RSS feed on such-and-such page? I know it's there!
Squeet Add-on: Context Sensitive Right-Click The Squeet Button will only recognize RSS feeds that are properly coded into a page's HTML, identifying them by standard convention. There are some work arounds if/when you encounter a site with a non-recognizable RSS feed.

1) (Preferred) If there is a link to the RSS feed you're interested in, place your mouse over the links. Right-click. Select "Add Feed to Squeet."

2) Go to the actual RSS link and use your Squeet Button to "Subscribe to 'Current Feed.'"

3) Do it the old fashioned way, and subscribe via logging into your Squeet account.

Technorati Tags: Squeet | RSS Tools | RSS

Must-have Squeet Add-on Tool

http://squeetblog.blogspot.com...t-have-squeet-add-on-tool.html	Date: 3/14/2006 9:59 PM
	Author: 330angelo

We've all been there: surfing the web, randomly or otherwise, only to stumble upon an RSS-enabled site that looks like it's worth subscribing to. Okay, when that happens the next time...you should really be prepared with Squeet's new subscription add-on tool. It's available for Firefox, Internet Explorer and even the Google Toolbar.

After you grab the right tool for you and install it, here's how the rest of the above scenario plays out:

Squeet Button in Action Without even clicking over to the actual RSS feed, click on your browser's Squeet button. A dropdown list will appear with all of the available feeds...just select the one you're most interested in. Now, your browser heads over to Squeet and displays a preview page for the feed you selected. You'll see:

Subscribe To: "YOUR FEED'S NAME"
Delivery options
Login fields (if you're not already logged into Squeet)
A preview of the current feed
The option to subscribe to the feed

Have a look at the preview, so you can make a more informed decision about subscribing. If you decide to subscribe, set your delivery preferences and click the "Subscribe" button (when you're not already logged in, you have to enter your login information and click the "Log In" button instead).

If the preview doesn't entice you to subscribe, just hit your browser's Back button...

This also works on actual RSS feed pages. In this case, the Squeet Button gives you the option to "Subscribe to 'Current Feed.'"

Nice. Very nice. Highly recommended. Here's the link to the download page again: http://www.squeet.com/Tools.aspx

Technorati Tags: Squeet | RSS Tools | RSS

Time Keeps on Ticking...Into the Future

http://squeetblog.blogspot.com...eps-on-tickinginto-future.html	Date: 3/14/2006 3:29 AM
	Author: 330angelo

When I first logged on to the Internet back in the early 90's, getting information from major corporations was one of the features worth talking about. It was possible for the first time to gain instant access to product catalogs and news releases directly from the source.

Somewhere along the road, though, big became less...small companies and alternative sources for news became more interesting. After all, why continue to use the Internet as an extension, when it was possible to start using it as an addition? I have become increasingly interested in absorbing more perspectives and broadening the scope of my sources versus reinforcing a narrow view. This applies especially to the news. After all, I could get enough mainstream news without looking for it -- that's what makes it mainstream.

But, I have an exception. The only big media RSS feed I have deemed worthy of my subscription and eyeballs is Time Magazine's Top Stories feed (Squeet It!). Instead of reproducing or rehashing the latest AP or Reuters releases, their journalists provide original coverage of newsworthy topics. Also, Time's journalists are expert communicators of the written medium, and their writing is noticeably superior to online news sites that specialize in video or multimedia news (e.g. CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, etc.).

In addition to the Top Stories feed above, Time Magazine offers sixteen others ranging from "Most Emailed" to "Time Photo Essays." You can find them here.

If you're interested in finding alternative news sources, you might want to check out Wisdom of the Crowds.

Technorati Tags: Time Magazine | Squeet | RSS | News

RSSing John C. Dvorak

http://squeetblog.blogspot.com...6/03/rssing-john-c-dvorak.html	Date: 3/12/2006 9:50 PM
	Author: 330angelo

If you know who John C. Dvorak is, just reading or hearing his name probably initiates some neuro-physiological response. The man has become a cornerstone of computer journalism, not only because of his talent as a writer or his ability to finger topics that incite riotous responses from polarized pundits, but also because he has the uncanny ability to inject his own feisty, yet likable, personality into his work.

Dvorak is widely known for penning editorials and predictions that relate to Apple, and perhaps no other topic generates more fist-waving...or magazine sales...or page hits...or blog fodder. He has been notably wrong (predicting there would never be an iPod Video), and surprisingly correct (predicting that Apple would switch to Intel). Most recently, he has predicted that Macs will start running Windows, abandoning (or at least, backing away from) their own Operating System, in favor of selling their hardware to a PC population that commands 95% of the market place. You can imagine how the Mac OS loyalists reacted to that one. Honestly, though, as a PC user, I would love to own Apple hardware, considering the absolutely unexplainable lack of innovation in PC design. An iMac or iBook that runs Windows? Sign me up.

Make no mistake about it, though, Dvorak's writing is in no way limited to Apple. His vast portfolio spans the entire technological spectrum, while his personal blog, Dvorak Uncensored, trots through any territory, technology-related or not, that is even remotely amusing. His repertoire also includes a regular spot on the prolific This Week in Tech (TWiT) podcast, a weekly round table discussion that provides an excellent forum for Dvorak's curmudgeonly morsels.

RSS provides an excellent opportunity for keeping up with John C. Dvorak:

Dvorak Uncensored | (Squeet It!)
PC Magazine | (Squeet It!)
TWiT | (Squeet It!)
Marketwatch | (Squeet It!)

Technorati Tags: John C. Dvorak | Dvorak | PC Magazine | TWiT | Marketwatch | Journalism | Apple | Squeet

KBAlertz donating XBOX 360's to charity

http://squeetblog.blogspot.com...ting-xbox-360s-to-charity.html	Date: 3/10/2006 5:21 PM
	Author: Dan Suceava

Here's a worthy cause:

KBAlertz, which is a free service that monitors the Microsoft Knowledge Base database and sends out email updates to subscribers, is giving away XBOX 360's to charity. Check it out here and help them out.

Origami: Competing with High Expectations

http://squeetblog.blogspot.com...igami-competing-with-high.html	Date: 3/9/2006 4:39 PM
	Author: 330angelo

As many of you know, Microsoft has been running an intriguing campaign for its Origami Project; you may have even found out about it from this very blog. Well, their Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) has finally been unveiled (officially, anyway) on Microsoft's site.

Surprisingly, there has been a lot of disappointment expressed in the blogosphere. In part, many are saying, because it was overly hyped and the product ended up competing with high expectations; a tough adversary not easily overcome.

The Origami Team has been publishing a blog (Squeet It!) since yesterday, the 8th of March. And, the latest article was written by Dustin Hubbard, the person responsible for the publicity campaign -- and all the ensuing hubbub. He attempts to disspell a couple of myths and provides an interesting timeline, taking the reader through a series of events that have lead to over 2 million hits as of today.

Another great source of information is Robert Scoble's Channel 9 interview with Otto Berkes, Microsoft's UMPC general manager and former "architect." Scoble does a great job trying to get a good scoop, but Otto doesn't budge much.

Technorati Tags : Origami | Microsoft | UMPC | Dustin Hubbard | Channel 9 | Robert Scoble | Otto Berkes

The Anti-Rebate Factor

http://squeetblog.blogspot.com...006/02/anti-rebate-factor.html	Date: 2/28/2006 9:07 PM
	Author: 330angelo

One of the RSS feeds that I subscribe to is Anti-Rebate (Squeet It!). It's a site that publishes great deals...but they're not into rebates. If you're like me, most of the rebates you're entitled to only get to the "best of intentions" stage. So, this site and RSS feed present me with deals that I'm much more likely to benefit from.

One of today's offers is a free USB flash drive from Microsoft. The only catch is that you have to take a quick 4-question quiz about MS licensing -- no sweat. I just did it and it took a few minutes tops.

Microsoft's Origami Project

http://squeetblog.blogspot.com...icrosofts-origami-project.html	Date: 2/26/2006 9:20 PM
	Author: Squeeter

What is the Origami Project? Noone seems to know or at least noone is telling. Speculation is all over the place, but it's very likely that it's a new hardware device from Microsoft. Something along the lines of a PDA. Who knows.

But don't miss the news, the Origami Project web site has an RSS feed (Squeet It!) to keep you informed.

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Billionaire Maverick Blogger: Mark Cuban

http://squeetblog.blogspot.com...ire-maverick-blogger-mark.html	Date: 2/24/2006 10:02 AM
	Author: 330angelo

Mark Cuban may be the blogosphereâs only billionaire blogger; if not, heâs its most prolific. Cubanâs blog, BlogMaverick (Squeet It!), is a gem, because of its raw honesty and average joe conversational style that is rarely offered by other public figures and businessmen. The Dallas Maverickâs owner writes about a variety of topics that include business, sports, investing, cinema, television, technology, his ideas, life in general, and his contentious relationships with some famous people (NBA coach Phil Jackson, Overstock.comâs Patrck Byrne, and fellow billionaire Donald Trump, to name a few).

It follows that a guy who can rack up over $1 Million in courtside fines over the course of a single season (mostly for comments to referees) is probably someone who is willing to speak his mind; Cuban does not disappoint. Several articles have stirred up controversy, because Cuban simply does not shy away from voicing his opinionsâhereâs a recent sampling:

But, in addition to his willingness to be controversial, whether intentional or not, when the pendulum swings to the other side of his blog, you will also find inspiration.

Cuban started his first business at the age of 12, successfully selling trash bags door-to-door. Later, he put himself through business school, getting into some trouble along the way. While still in his 20âs, he started a technology business that eventually brought in $30 million a year in sales and was sold to Compuserve. Born from a desire to listen to Hoosier games while in his 30's, Cuban started what was later to become Broadcast.com. Yahoo! bought it for billions. Now in his 40's, he owns the Mavs and participates in various media and technology investments. And, he likes to talk to about all of it.

Cubanâs Maverick Blog will probably surprise you at least a little, whatever your expectations might be, if any, of a billionaireâs blog.

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A Gadget Blog Review

http://squeetblog.blogspot.com...006/02/gadget-blog-review.html	Date: 2/22/2006 11:08 AM
	Author: 330angelo

In today's blogosphere, one can find a healthy mix of gadget blogs that range from those in serious pursuit of gadgetryâs bleeding edge, those that specialize in niches, and those that are run by people trying to get a hold of some free gear from OEMs.

Iâve compiled a short list of gadget blogs that I believe are worthy contenders for browsing, a bookmark, or even an RSS subscriptions. This is but a tiny sampling of available gadget blogs. If you are interested in finding one that covers a particular niche, you're probably just a Google search away.

Remember, these sites can be great sources of news and information, but they are not necessarily objective or always accurate. Take the information for what it's worth, and enjoy the blogs -- they do a lot of data gathering and put it all in a nice convenient place for you. Before making a gadget purchase, you may want to consult Consumer's Report. They buy all of the products they test, do not accept advertising, and publish details about their testing methodologies.

Engadget (Squeet It!)
Currently, Engadget is the most popular gadget blog. This can likely be attributed to constant updates, great gadget finds, good organization, how-to articles, lively writing, and even an accompanying podcast. It also doesn't hurt that it's aimed right at the mainstream, covering items that can be pigeonholed into popular categories like: cell phones, digital cameras, handhelds, home entertainment, PCs, and wireless technology.

Engadgetâs cast of contributors do a good job of keeping their articles relevant and fresh. You may have heard of The Engadget Awards, which garnered relatively wide coverage for the 2005 list. The overall winner was Microsoftâs Xbox 360 (and the iPod won the Peopleâs Choice). You can find the rest here, including crowd pleasers like Worst Gadget and Disappointment of the Year.

Taking into account the sheer volume of articles, you may wish to consider opting for a daily version (digest) of the main feed, subscribing only to the category(ies) that matches your interests, and/or utilizing email filters to help you sort through the incoming articles.

Gizmodo (Squeet It!)
In essence, much of what has been said about Engadget could also be said about Gizmodo, but there is definitely a different personality that comes across in the writing and reviewing. Gizmodo is the second most heavily trafficked gadget blog and has fewer contributors, but they do a first rate job.

Instead of categories, Gizmodo uses tags to categorize, help with searches, and refine RSS subscriptions. Expect 30+ short articles per day here, too, so be sure to customize your subscription to suit your delivery preferences.

The Gadgeteer (Squeet It!)
âGadgeteeringâ equals gadget reviews from Julie and Judie, two self proclaimed gadgeteers. While this site is also a mainstream gadget blog, its archive of hands on reviews with real-world testing and comparisons sets it apart. You wonât find industry rumors, announcements, corporate talk, or politics cluttering up gadget talk â just down to earth gadget reviews.

Techie Divaâs Guide to Gadgets (Squeet It!)
A search on Engadget doesnât turn up one single result for âbra.â Ah, but give it a try on Techie Divaâs Guide to Gadgets, though, and be amazed. Vibrating bras, iPod bras, heart monitoring bras with built in LEDs, possum-fur nipple warmers (I'm not making this up).

Whereas The Gadgeteer is written by women, Techie Divaâs Guide to Gadgets is written for women. With copy like âWhat happens to all your vacation photos after you load them to your computer,â itâs fairly obvious this blog isnât exactly geared toward geeks. And, the reviews of purse lights and bikini trimmers arenât exactly geared toward guys. Apparently, not everyone who likes gadgets is a guy and/or geek.

All you guys who think a site like this ought to be avoided like Windows ME, here's an excuse to check it out: gift ideas for her.

MedGadget (Squeet It!)
Billed as the âInternet Journal of Emerging Medical Technologies,â this blog is written by âa group of MDs and Biomed Engineers.â Itâs not just for doctors and medical professionals, though. This blog is announcement driven with sources citedâbut there is still some personality injected into the articles. To lighten things up even more thereâs even a âHumorâ section. You can expect daily updates and some gadgets you probably wonât see anywhere else.

Goto Reviews (Squeet It!)
The Goto Reviews blog is a gadget blog with an eco-friendly twist. Their tag line is âA Guide to the Most Efficient Things in the World.â They dish up all of the latest gadgets and gizmos related to hybrids, alternative energy, the many uses of hemp, recycling, efficient building materials â all served up in every shade of green and every flavor of granola. The archives go all the way back to October of â03, so there is a considerable library to peruse.

Time Gadget of the Week (Squeet It!)
If youâre into low-volume feeds and corporate reviews of corporate gadgets, this could be the subscription for you. The products reviewed are typically big name, already available in stores, and practical. The last several reviews include products from Microsoft, Yamaha, and Apple.

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[O Velho News] On Squeet, RSS and Cool Stuff

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