Flock

Ok, folks, here's a new (to me, at least) toy for the socially networked: Flock. This is a browser built on the Gecko engine (same as the framework for Firefox). It integrates such sites as Facebook, Blogger, Flickr, and the like. I've only had a bit of time to mess with this tonight, but it's pretty handy so far. This post was written with a built in blog editor. If you spend much time in the social network space, and it's hard not too any more, this looks like it'll be a great tool.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Pownce

I’ve been messing around with Powne lately. It has some interesting elements, particularly the ability to file share. I also like how it ties different services, but Friendfeed does that way better. It seems to be a slightly expanded Twitter, and I am trying to figure out how I can use this. Anyone else using this heavily? What do you think?

 

I guess Scoble’s comment sums it up: “I can’t take many more social networks.”

 

 

Google and Friend Connect

From our friends at CNET: " Google to launch Friend Connect for the social Web"

It's good to see Facebook getting onboard this train. When Dave quotes Mike Arrington, I need to disagree. "The reason these companies are are rushing to get products out the door is because whoever is a player in this space is likely to control user data over the long run." Not quite, or I at least hope that's not THE reason. It needs to be about having access to data; businesses need to give up the idea of owning it. The People, or at least This Person, are saying that WE own our data, and we're providing YOU (the business in question) access.

Another piece of this equation needs to be ensuring we have the ability to remove access to those who abuse their responsibilities. More on that latter.

Microsoft, Yahoo!, and other Tech fun

Apparently, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal, Microsoft is looking at Facebook now that the Microhoo deal is dead. (For the record, I thought the Microhoo concept was flawed. Different systems, different cultures…a painful M&A with the best execution) It’s probably not any better an idea, from Microsoft’s angle, though. Facebook is built on many of the same principles as Yahoo: a commitment to Open Source, Apache vs. Microsoft IIS, PHP vs. ASP, blah blah. Integrating Facebook would be just as clunky, just not as big a mouthful as Yahoo!.  Well, it’s really speculation at this point; we’ll see what comes.

 

Copyright Scholar Kicked Out Of Canadian Copyright Panel

As if I needed another reason to loathe RIAA.

 

Copyright Scholar Kicked Out Of Canadian Copyright Panel

 

 

Banana Splits - I Love Being a Boy

Thanks to Casetta for the video. Oh, the Banana Splits, and other the other cheesy kid's shows of the 1970's. 'Twas a much simpler time, I guess. Or dumber, I'm not really sure.

The Lead

The Lead

Painful news from the seminary of a few of my priestly friends. Seabury is in deep trouble.