Hey You’re Smart…

March 27th, 2008

I am constantly being asked questions that amazingly enough I am able to answer. The questions vary from music to movies to technology. Just after I give the answer (which usually contains more information than they needed) I get the second question, “Where did you learn that?”. So I thought I’d share my list of go-to resources for keeping up with all the things I think are important.

BLOGS

1. The Unofficial Apple Weblog
This is my one stop blog for all my Apple News. I’m sure there is a lot more news out there but this gives me all the major announcements along with regular software and hardware reviews.

2. Engadget
In my opinion the best tech blog on the web. They make tons of posts everyday and it would take a majority of your day to read all of them. It is wise to scan the headlines to find the ones that interest you the most.

3. Mashable
This blog covers everything having to do with Social Networks and Web 2.0 startups. There are new things happening everyday and this is where I get the info.

4. Laughing Squid
This blog covers art, technology and really whatever else they want. I usually find a couple gems here.

5. Daring Fireball
This is the blog of John Gruber. John is among other things a software developer and always has a little different perspective on technology issues than the standard tech pundants.

6. Lifehacker
What’s a life hack? A life hack is a trick used to make your life better. Like a productivity system or a use for an object other than intended. This site scours the web and brings the best life hacks right to your computer. Always helpful for productivity… that is if you can pull yourself away from the great content.

WEBSITES

1. Digg
Digg is a Social News site where the stories become more popular and receive a higher ranking based on user votes. So if you just read the front page you will be all caught up on what’s popular at the moment.

2. Gorilla vs. Bear
This site is actually a blog but I visit it directly and don’t subscribe to the rss feed. So I included it here in the websites. Gorilla vs. Bear is an indie music blog that usually has several links everyday to new music that is free for the taking.

3. Pollstar
Pollstar is the best way to find concerts coming to your area. You can search by band, by city, or even by venue. If Pollstar doesn’t know about it then it probably isn’t happening.

4. Pitchfork
Pitchfork is one of the largest music info/review sites on the web. Want to know what your favorite artists are doing check them out on Pitchfork.

PODCASTS

1. Diggnation
This show covers some of the weekly top stories found on digg.com. This show is usually pretty funny and almost informative. It is however full of profanity so if that is a problem for you then steer clear.

2. Tekzilla
Teckzilla is a tech tips, tricks, news, and reviews show. They release a 2 minute daily show and once a week a 20-30 full show. The daily show usually includes a short software tip or trick.

3. The Totally Rad Show
The Totally Rad Show gives review of movies, video games, tv shows, and comics.

4. This Week in Tech
This Week in Tech is a pundant roundtable. Here every week several tech personalities gather together to discuss the tech news of the week. They are usually very opinionated and can easily get off track but that just adds to the fun.

5. Macbreak Weekly
Macbreak Weekly has some of the same cast as This Week in Tech but they discuss only macintosh news. They also give a weekly software pick. This is where I’ve learned about several new products and been able to get in on some beta tests.

6. Macbreak Tech
This show is super geeky and covers some more technically savvy ways to use your macintosh.

7. Systm
These 2 guys are always taking something apart to build it again or make it better. These projects are past my realm of knowledge or comfort level but are super cool to watch.

8. This Week in Photography
This is pretty new podcast about photography. There is always news, tips, tricks and sometimes some reviews on new products.

Understand these are all sources for information for the things I’m interested in. Your millage may vary. I don’t read every post on the blogs, I don’t listen/watch every episode of each podcast, and I don’t visit the websites everyday. I’ve learned to skim headlines and filter content so I only ingest the content I find most interesting.

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