6-29-13 Hodgepodge

Replacing Google Reader

John Cook notes:

Google Reader is going away on Monday. ReplaceReader.com lists many alternatives, sorted by popularity.

Another RSS reader I didn't see on their list that looks promising is Yoleo.

Also, Digg Reader is supposed to be released soon.

And, if Google's ending Reader makes you uncomfortable with relying on the Internet giant's other free services, you might be interested in "Leaving Google's Silo".

Weekend Reading

"[T]elling someone they're 'too sensitive' suggests that their thoughts are 'too intense' or that they're 'thinking too much.'" -- Michael Hurd, in "How Sensitive Are You?" at The Delaware Wave

"There's a world of difference between, 'I sacrificed for you, so give back!' and, 'I did a good job; please give me some credit.'" -- Michael Hurd, in "Should Kids Be Grateful to Their Parents?" at The Delaware Coast Press

"If someone touts the enhanced 'coverage' under ObamaCare, ask if that's the same as actual medical care." -- Paul Hsieh, in "4 Questions to Ask During the Upcoming ObamaCare Public Relations Blitz" at Forbes

"[M]edia shield laws are a mistake, because they treat freedom of speech like a privilege to be doled out by politicians like so many special interest perks." -- Steve Simpson, in "We Don't Need A 'Media Shield' Law For Fox And AP, We Already Have The First Amendment" at Forbes

"Nonprofit status is no more a gift to social welfare groups than it is a gift to you for the government not to tax every one of your bank accounts every time you deposit money into them." -- Steve Simpson, in "Speech Laws and the IRS" at The American Spectator

My Two Cents

In his discussion of sensitivity, Michael Hurd draws an important distinction between people who merely express their feelings and those who go overboard. I think that this distinction is often overlooked, and that it is necessary one to make to understand how accusations of being "too sensitive" are so insulting.

Charge(r) Card

Paying homage to three "small ideas that make a difference" David Pogue describes one that can put an end to "Battery Death Anxiety":

The cleverly named ChargeCard ($25) was a Kickstarter.com success story. It's a replacement charging "cable" shaped like a black rubber credit card; you're supposed to carry it in your wallet. At one end is the connector for your gadget; in the middle is a flexible rubber tongue with USB contacts on the end. [link in original]

It's the thickness of two credit cards: That might be thin enough even for this All-Ett fan.

--CAV