Everyblock is actually a really interesting site; however, I kinda wish I was able to actually do my address instead of Columbia’s but what are ya gonna do when you live in the ‘burbs?
It’s amazing that by adding an address and zip code you are able to find out what’s happening near you so fast. building permits, licenses, crime and almost anything in between is readily available for FREE. I was a little discouraged with the amount of crime shown, but then again as I got used to the site, I realize that I would want to know what kinds of crime have haapened near Columbia so I can be more prepared and aware.
April 6, 2009 was not a good day: 1 assault, 1 domestic battery, theft of labor/services at CTA platform, theft from college/university grounds, and pocket-picking from small retail store.
On a lighter note, there were quite a few business reviews. I like to know how a business is doing (it shows Epic Burger with 4 out of 5 stars).
I also found the “Restaurant Inspections” section really interesting, and it’s updated daily. I like to know what goes on behind closed doors when it comes to preparing food. And if you click on the business that has failed, you get a detailed description of their violations.
I’m sure we’ve all heard of the earthquake in central Italy on Monday. At first it was said that at least 90 people were dead with roughly 15,000 injured. Today, the number dead has increased to 272. This earthquake has left 28,000 people homelss. Many are living in tents and eating from field kitchens.
Funerals for the first set of victims were set for today and a mass state funeral is set for Friday.
One thing many people may not have heard is that pop star Madonna has pledged cash to help the village of Pacentro, the birthplace of two of her grandparents. I ask this: is this really necessary and newsworhty to put in the same article as the death toll?
After the mention of Madonna and her generosity, the article goes on to say that the U.S. scientists have measured the earthquake at magnitude 6.3. Honestly that information seems a little more important and relevant than Madonn’a money plege. Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s great that she is helping a village in need. In fact, I think more people should take the time and help out. However, it couold have been its own little story rather than add it to the new death toll number. Maybe they were trying to lighten the tradegy?
I normally don’t listen to podcasts all that much; however, I did come across “The Soup” on E!. I watch that show as much as I can (I try to catch it every night, but that doesn’t always happen). I love the host Joel McHale. The podcast I listened to was dated 3/13/2009 entitled “Brit bares her bits” and with a title like that I had to listen. It was about Briteny Spears performing and not realizing her mic was still on after the song was done. She was caught saying something crude and perhaps a little offensive. Joel did a skit with a “kitty hanging around”, in relation to what Brit said. Hopefully you can all figure out what went wrong.
one of the reasons I like this podcast is it is weekly so if I do happen to miss it on E! I can just download the podcast and listen whenever. I recently got into “The Soup” a few months ago and I’m glad they have a podcast. I must say that I didn’t really know exactly what a podcast was or how it was different from listening to the AOL radio. i obviously realized there’s more to it and the benefits of podcasts- the ability to listen to practically anything, the cost (almost all are free and that’s always a good thing).
While searching for podcasts there were many others that caught my eye. now that I’m somewhat into this fad, I will have to check them out.
http://feeds.eonline.com/eonline/thesoup
The Twitter experiment for class seemed like a good idea at first, but I have to admit, I still didn’t get the point. Sure everyone uses Twitter, I can’t count how many times I’ve watched the news and heard the anchor say “Just Tweet us.” I still don’t see the fascination with telling people random (and I mean random) thoughts of about 140 chracters. It wasn’t something I was really into. I wasn’t rushing home to Twitter.
Actually what I’ve come to really like is Skype. My step-sister is studying in Italy now and I can talk to her anytime (within reason of course) FOR FREE. At forst she was thinking of getting a cell phone pay-as-you-go but that ended up being ridiculous. I get to talk to her on Skype about once or twice a week and there we have plenty of time to catch up. No worrying about jacking up your phone bill or waiting for an e-mail. She’s literally one click away and I can see her!
I’m sure we’ve all heard of the incident back in the beginning of February. For those of you who have been under a rock (or just don’t pay attention) chris Brown allegedly assaulted Rihanna, biting and hitting her. He turned himself in and said that he is seeking counseling and the help he needs.
So why are they working together on an album? Who knows. When I read the article, I rolled my eyes and thought “Well, here we go again.” if I were Rihanna I wouldn’t want to work wtih him for a long long time. Let him get all the help he needs. Give it some time.
I know I don’t have a say of what Rihanna is thinking. She’s a talented young woman. She has her own reasons. I just hope it doesn’t turn out like another Mike Tyson fiasco.
The Internet has made it so easy for me to stay in touch with family and friends out-of-town. I have an uncle who travels a lot and I get weekly or monthly updates from him via e-mail. My little cousin sent me an e-mail the other day and she’s 5.
I was on Facebook the other day and noticed I had about 5 friend requests, all from aunts and older relatives. That was a shock for me. When I first started Facebook, only my friends and some cousins had it. Now my older sister is on while she’s supposed to be teaching (lol).
I like many people have fallen under the Facebook spell. I don’t check every week because I don’t really care who threw a snowball or Superpoked me or invited me to their Knighthood. I use it mostly to check messages and see what friends are doing. I don’t care for the silly applications.
I also like to use it to contact classmates and figuring out assignments.
I do have a Myspace, but that to me sems more corrupt and juvinial.
This year for Lent the Catholic Church is advising Italians to put aside their high-tech lives and become more intuned with themselves and others. The bishop of Modena says that young people need to “get back in touch with themselves.” While the church is merely suggesting to cut down on iPods, texting and even computer games, they are not banning the usage of high-tech gear.
Our world is so fast-paced that one can order take-out from the El and have it ready by the time they get home from school or work. We always seem to be on the go all the time. Maybe taking a break from checking Facebook for the latest Superpoke from you friends isn’t such a bad thing after all. I think we could all use a little more “people” time- getting together for lunch with friends and sitting down for dinner with family.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/4933916/Italians-told-to-give-up-texting-for-Lent.html
