More Syndication
Useful way to aggregate
After having used Sage 1.3 and Firefox 1.0 together for a week, I am quite impressed with both programs. (Sage 1.3 is an aggregator extension for the new Firefox 1.0.)
The most recent version of Sage acts like a newsreader or an e-mail client, presenting a list of your subscriptions — bold-facing new items or items you have not yet read. The features of this program make syndication feeds extremely useful and easy to manage. Subscriptions can be found using a thorough search tool. All subscriptions are listed in the Sage sidebar and kept in a Firefox bookmark folder, entitled “Sage Feeds.” (For more information, visit the Sage development Web page.)
Firefox has also done a decent job of adding functions for syndication. When accessing a Web site with syndication feeds contained within the <head /> of the document (feeds are listed as <link class=“application/rss+xml” /> or <link class=“application/atom+xml” />), an orange icon appears in the browser’s status bar. This icon is an auto-discovery mechanism, which allows you to subscribe to the feeds available. These feeds are bookmarked like normal Web links; however, these links are presented as folders, where each <item/> or <entry/> (within the syndication feed) is presented as a link.
Firefox + Sage, Together they are better
The bookmarks created by Sage are useful within Sage, however, accessing those links within Firefox opens the XML file itself, resulting in a relatively useless page of data. The bookmark folders created by Firefox are useful in Firefox, however, are useless in Sage, since they were not added to the aggregator. However, when using Firefox to subscribe to a feed, it can be added to the “Sage Feeds” directory. This will add the feed as a folder (with the useful folder/link set), plus, it will add the feed to Sage (as Sage would normally have done). Together, the best of both worlds result. Now, when you are looking for information, you have all possible ways available at your fingertips (or mouse-click…).
Anyway, it’s a useful way to manage your feeds if you are looking at having them all in one place.
New Atom feed available
Sam, a friend of mine, recently noticed that I had added a syndication feed to my Web site, but was wondering why I had chosen RSS 2.0 instead of Atom 0.3. To be honest, I hadn’t taken any time to try a feed syndication aggregator; I was spending too much time surfing with Internet Explorer. As a result, I had done little research into either specific format, only syndication in general. With this lack of information, my decision was somewhat random — I picked the one with the initialism that sounded more “official.” Many other Web (XML-based) languages are referred to with using an initialism of their names (e.g. XML = extensible markup language, XHTML = extensible hypertext markup language, et cetera.), however Atom does not. So, despite the fact that they (Atom/RSS) are both valid XML-based languages, RSS sounded more “correct.”
Well, neither is any more official than the other, so I have taken some time now to look over both of them.
I read the entire pre-draft specifications of Atom 0.3 and it seems as useful as RSS 2.0. Perhaps I am missing something. Please let me know if there are any pluses or minuses to one format over the other.
To better explore both formats, I have added a second feed to my blog. The first is the original RSS 2.0 syndication; the second feed is a new Atom 0.3 syndication. While my exploration of each format continues, neither feed will be eliminated. So, feel free to subscribe to whichever syndication feed best fits your preference!
Here are some resources I read through while building the new Atom feed:
- Atom Syndication Format 0.3 (Draft)
- Feed Validator for Atom and RSS
- How to make a linkblog in Atom
- How to make a good ID in Atom
- Tag URI
Here are some links that don’t really fit the rest of this post:
More random Web links
Here are just a couple entertainment-related Web links that I have found in the last few days.
- The Muppets — got a new desktop image from this one, after all, you can’t beat Fozzie Bear!
- Information about the upcoming Special Extended Edition of the Return of the King from the Lord of the Rings. (Now four and one half hours!)
Posted: 30 November 2004, Matthew Schlukebier
Critical Thinking
Science versus Religion, Fact versus Fiction
Is the world still flat? No.
Are there only nine planets around one star in the entire universe? No.
Were we created in seven days? No.
Can everyone open their eyes and see the theories that meet the evidence? No…?
What is wrong with us these days?
Theory, fact, and fiction. Here are a few useful definitions:
- Theory
- Scientific principle to explain phenomena: a set of facts, propositions, or principles analyzed in their relation to one another and used, especially in science, to explain phenomena.
- Fact
- Something known to be true: something that can be shown to be true, to exist, or to have happened.
- Fiction
- Act of pretending: the act of pretending or inventing something such as a story or explanation.
Earth. Heck, this isn’t even a theory. This one is a fact. The Earth is a sphere. Evidence of this surrounds us — the horizon itself is curved; there are photos from space; and so much more. But, an International Square Earth Society seems to disagree. (A society? How many are there in this group?!)
Evolution. Evolution is a theory that meets the facts. Creationism doesn’t quite match up. Yet, some seem to insist on forcing this into our schools, trying to teach all young Americans how the planet and all life was created in seven days.
(Reminder: separation of church and state, people!)
Fortunately, others still see the light and think with a critical mind:
…Evolution is science’s best explanation for how life came to be and continues to be. It is accepted by the overwhelming majority of scientists, except for a fringe, vocal few who are by and large motivated by something other than teaching science.
“Evolution should be taught as a scientific theory that is open to critical scrutiny, not as a theory that can’t be questioned.” Sounds reasonable, doesn’t it? We want our children to engage in a healthy exchange of ideas, to examine evidence and explore possible explanations. I sometimes ask myself, “why not ‘teach the controversy’?”
Because there isn’t one worth mentioning.
I agree with you, Sam.
Okay, back off the soapbox.
Posted: 29 November 2004, Matthew Schlukebier
It’s gone
WCAL went off the air Sunday night
It is gone, in a way. WCAL went off the air at 10:00 p.m. on Sunday the 21st (from St. Olaf College and is now “simulcasting MPR’s regional classical music service until a new format for 89.3 and 88.7 is introduced after the first of the year” by MPR in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
The headline of the MPR press release states “… New Classical Music Service ….” However, buried within the press release, it also states that this service will remain on 99.5 and after the new year, and not on WCAL. The station’s format will “be replaced by a new music service, designed to appeal to younger audiences.” So, even though classical music is still broadcast on the station today, it won’t be for much longer.
Quick to hide
St. Olaf College was quick to hide the evidence of this terrible deed they have done. The WCAL Web site has already been replaced with a new page from Minnesota Public Radio; the links have been removed from most College Web pages (a few remained deep within the site, but I had to dig to find them); and the news stories have been buried, removed or reduced to “new shorts.” No major announcement is present on the Web site; no announcement that the College has completed a sale and earned some money. They must feel they need to hide their actions and hope that no more alumni realize the stupidity of the College at present.
I am very disappointed in you, St. Olaf College.
Very disappointed.
Over 5300 people signed the petition; graduates ranging from 1932 to 2008 — 76 years worth of alumni. And, this still has no meaning to the College. All they see is the $ and nothing more. Well, let the College know: they will never receive any donations from me.
Alright, I am off my soap box, for now.
- Check out SaveWCAL.org for more information.
Posted: 23 November 2004, Matthew Schlukebier
Surfing
Here are some sites that I ran across
These are just some random Web sites that I ran across this morning. Take a look:
Microsoft-related links
- Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 Add-in: Video E-mail
- Minimize Outlook to System Tray
- Tweak Manager™ 2.1 for Windows
Miscellaneous stuff
- Star Trek: Enterprise 4.7 FAQ
- Stylegala — the finest CSS and web standards resource
- USB Christmas Tree
- USB Glowing Snowman
- XFN — XHTML Friends Network
Posted: 22 November 2004, Matthew Schlukebier
Fingerprint Technology
From Microsoft.com: Tired of Passwords? Replace them with your fingerprint.
Not quite certain how I feel about this one yet…
Microsoft has developed a convenient solution for replacing all those passwords with something you don’t have to worry about forgetting: your fingerprint. Integrated into some of Microsoft’s latest keyboard and mouse products and also sold separately, the Microsoft® Fingerprint Reader lets you log on to your favorite Web sites without scrambling for passwords — just touch the fingerprint reader with a registered fingerprint whenever a password or user name is required, and you’re in. Just like that.
This could make things easier, or not. How will you be able to access your account(s) from other computers if you no longer remember your password(s)?
Check it out:
Posted: 19 November 2004, Matthew Schlukebier
Canada, eh?
Canada welcoming Kerry backers
From CNN:
“We invite you to get to know Canada,” the site [www.canadianalternative.com] says. “Explore the richness and diversity of our regions. And find out why Canada is the perfect alternative for conscientious, forward-thinking Americans.”
…
Canada suddenly has utopian appeal for many left-leaning Americans. Its universal health care, gay rights, abortion rights, gun-control laws, drug laws, opposition to the Iraq war, ban on capital punishment and ethnic diversity mirror many values of the American left.
Posted: 15 November 2004, Matthew Schlukebier
New Browser, Sage Extension
Firefox 1.0 is here! Time to switch!
As many Web developers continue to say on their blogs, Firefox 1.0 has been released by the Mozilla Foundation.
Take this opportunity to download the browser! You may have to be patient; since the browser is so popular, the site is a little busy.
Sage
I ran across an extension for Firefox, known as Sage. Sage is an RSS “browser” of sorts. From it’s home page:
Sage is a lightweight RSS and Atom feed aggregator extension for Mozilla Firefox. It’s got a lot of what you need and not much of what you don’t.
The extension installs into Firefox and opens in a side panel giving you options to search a page for any/all RSS files on the Web page open in your window (Firefox also displays an icon in the lower right corner indicating that an RSS file is available on that page). Once the search is complete, you can then select or “subscribe” to available syndications. Your subscriptions are listed in the panel with numerous options indicating available and recently published articles available on the selected Web site. Like many e-mail programs, the program will also boldface any articles you have not yet read.
The integration of Sage with Firefox makes it much more useful than a separate, stand-alone news reader. And the advantages of RSS over having to browse some Web pages are quite impressive. With the panel open, you are able to see whether or not anything new has been added to some of your favorite, and/or important Web sites. You don’t need to take any extra time to surf through those pages, digging to discover anything new. And you don’t need to risk running across too many advertisements and other annoying Web features. The subscriptions are also added to your bookmarks, so when you have the panel closed, you can still get to a page listing the available articles. (The page is created by combining the RSS/XML file with an XSL file.) I recommend it — so, go take a look!
Side note
The Episode III teaser trailer is out! Some nice new clips. Can’t wait for the full trailer!… And for the movie itself — May 19, 2005!
Posted: 10 November 2004, Matthew Schlukebier
An Important Thing …
I voted, did you?
Now’s the time, America! Go Vote!
Get out to your local polls before it is too late and put in your opinion — please do not shrug this off! And don’t use work as an excuse! They cannot prevent you from voting; it is your most important right as an American citizen.
- Minnesotans — All the information you need is here: Star Tribune My Ballot
A New Experiment
One of the more recent Web developments has been the introduction of RSS or as some call it “really simple syndication.” This new technology has many new advantages for both the author/content provider and the user. While I am still just beginning to explore this new technology, I have added an early version of this to my blog. As I discover more and become more familiar with this technology, I will write more about it then.
Posted: 02 November 2004, Matthew Schlukebier
A Funny Thing …
Want to see me in a toga?
Well, here it is!
Posted: 01 November 2004, Matthew Schlukebier
Bad mood.
Sometimes the things that happen around me can really put me in a bad mood. So far that’s the way this Monday is heading. I was having an enjoyable weekend with a couple of excellent performances of the musical I am in right now. But, it only took a phone call yesterday and the continued onslaught of a few political ads to really upset me.
St. Olaf College calls for money on Halloween.
I am an alumnus of St. Olaf College. I have been on again, off again as to whether or not I would I ever feel proud of that fact. I had some great times and some horrible times there — that’s life, I suppose.
Having been a member of the St. Olaf College Band and Orchestra, I thought that might be something worth remembering. However, in my senior year the administrators of the Music Department made multiple decisions based on whether or not they would profit, and never about how those decisions will affect their students. I am not going to go into those decisions now, since that will likely only bother me further. But those decisions like another recent decision (the sale of Classical 89.3), are only about short-term profit for the College, and not for the students, alumni, or community in the State of Minnesota.
Last night on All Hallows Eve, the College was making phone calls to encourage their alumni to make another donation.
The conversation begins with a congratulations on making it to five years post graduation, with a reunion approaching — as if it took extra effort to reach five years. Then, quickly, it moves on to asking to consider making a $250 donation to one of the College’s (already large) Endowment funds. Now, I have been out of the College for 4½ years at this point, and have just recently finished paying off my student loans. I am just beginning to save money for my future. How can they even consider asking me to give them more money?! Was my $80,000 not enough to begin with? Besides that fact, because of recent decisions the College has made, I am definitely not proud of them in any way.
To be honest with the caller, I let him know that at this point in time I am not willing to donate money to the College, so long as the are selling Classical 89.3 (WCAL). The caller mentions others have said this as well. Go figure. Then, as if threatening me, he asks if he can write that down by my name — as if I am going to be afraid of letting the College know how I feel. I told him to go right ahead and record exactly what I said. And then he moves right on, trying to explain to me where the money that I will donate goes. Hello! Did he not just hear what I said? I am not donating any money. I interrupted him mid-sentence and explained to him once more that so long as the College is going to sell WCAL, I will not donate any money and that if the College does sell, they can be certain that I will never donate any.
Fortunately, he thanked me for the call and hung up.
St. Olaf College — Get a clue! You are using your students to raise money; You are harassing your alumni to raise money; and, You are selling your greatest treasures to raise money! Don’t you see the problem? The money you raise is obviously not being used correctly, nor is it saved, because you seem to have the need to do it over and over again. Look at the long term, the money you will gain from the sale of WCAL will not last, and you will have to sell something else. The money that raised from the alumni is not ever going to be enough — that is because you continue to harass us all, so fewer of us will donate, and those few begin to donate less.
Ugh, I am sure you can see now why I am a litte angry at them. Stop calling, stop asking. If you sell WCAL, you will never receive anything, ever. But why do I bother? They are not listening, they do not care. They only want the money. I am definetly not proud of this’
Personal note to Mark Kennedy
Mark, you are not my representative (thank god), but I still need to say this to you:
Grow up! Your political ads are way out of line. All you do is continue to insult Patty Wetterling — you are not campaining as an honorable political candidate.
Are you afraid of her? You should be.
She seems like a much better person than you! I hope she wins and you lose. You do not deserve your office. With a childish, immature attitude like yours, I have no idea how you could ever represent any Minnesotan in office.