Before going any further, let me say that I realize I’m behind the times.  Like 90% of the posts I write, I’m bringing old news, reviews and haikus.  I have actually yet to bring a single haiku to the blog - but that will change.  Anyway, I know there are people who have yet to discover some of the cooler things the internet has to offer.  And that is why I write.

For those that don’t know, Last.fm is a website that allows you to listen to customized internet radio stations.  Simply pick a band, song or genre tag and you’re good to go.  From there, you can fast forward, love or ban tracks from your station.  Every artist you play is automatically added to your library, and Last.fm tracks how many times you have played each artist and song, as well as how many playlists and “loved” songs you have.

If it sounds a lot like Pandora up to now, this is where it really takes off.  First, Last.fm is much more user-friendly and user-fueled than Pandora is.  Users are much more interactive, thanks to things like tagging artists and songs, voting on band photos and analyzing friends listening compatibility.  Sure, knowing who listens to the same music as you isn’t a huge deal.  But it is cool.  Take Lucy, a local friend who is a Last.fm junkie.  Upon adding her as a friend, I saw this:

Incredibly useful?  Maybe not.  But still neat.

If you’re not sold just yet, I’ve saved the best for last.  Thanks to my friend (and past guest blogger) Jimmy,  I’m now scrobbling.  With a few clicks and a little piece of software, you can start scrobbling too.

Scrobbling is what makes Last.fm so great.  Basically, it crawls through your iTunes library (or Windows Media Player library) and your iPod to gather information on your listening habits.  Check out a list of supported devices here.  Once completed, it adds this information to your online Last.fm account.  It’s a great way for new users to quickly build a large library.  If you use the Audioscrobbling software, you can synchronize your listening with your account automatically, so as you listen your songs are displayed in your online account and immediately added to your library.

To sum up, you should try it.  It’s real swell.  Check out a few more screenshots below or get up some courage and dive right in.

Related posts:

1. New Music Store Comes to BlackBerry
2. With Great Popularity Comes Great Laziness
3. Some Geek Music For Ya

The inspiration for this post came last night, while sketching in my blackbook and watching The Office. More specifically, I was watching “The Fire”. In it, Dunder Mifflin employees must think of ways to pass time while they wait for a small fire to be put out. Enter Desert Island. I thought it would make a cool blog post.

So here are the rules. I will name a few categories and list the top 5 things in that category that I would bring to a deserted island (or imagine you can only use the following for the rest of your life). You will do the same. On your blog. And send me an email or trackback so I can read it! For my game, a full season of a show counts as one DVD and a 2 disc audio set counts as one cd. Let’s begin!

DVD’s

1. Empire Strikes Back
2. No Country for Old Men
3. Hustle and Flow
4. Little Miss Sunshine
5. Scrubs Season 6

I’m young.  I’m allowed to be shallow.

Music CD’s

1. Weezer’s The Blue Album
2. 2Pac’s All Eyez On Me
3. Dave Matthew’s Live at Fenway Park
4. Brad Paisley’s 5th Gear
5. Flipsyde

What can I say?  I could listen to Jim Dale all day long.

Audiobooks/Spokenword

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
2. Star Wars: Dark Forces
3. Father Gilbert: Dead Air
4. The Westing Game
5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Books

1. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
2. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
3. The Fellowship of the Ring by JR Tolkein
4. Harry Potter and the
5. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Board(ish) Games

1. Mancala
2. Chess
3. Scrabble
4. Risk
5. Monopoly

For all my designer friends, assume you were restricted to using only the following for the rest of your life (#000 & #FFF are freebies).

Colors

1. #00BBEE
2. #FF77FF
3. #FFBB00
4. #DDDDDD
5. #444444

For now, that’s all I’ve got.  So, if you have a few minutes, play with me!  Copy and paste this template or come up with your own.  Add lists (writing utensils, sports equipment, etc) or take away lists.  Have fun with it.

Look forward to seeing your choices!

Related posts:

1. Computers, People, and the Fact That I’m Selfish
2. Jim Dale: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Strange But Awesome: Google Maps Monopoly

I’m not going to lie - 2009 has not been a great year for me.   Both semesters this year have been pretty tough, relationships have gone awry, and I’ve experienced the ups and downs that everyone goes through.   BUT I’ve met some really cool people and made some lifelong friends.

I think if I had to put a label on this year, I think it would be “friends”. I’ve met some good ones and gotten a lot closer to some old ones. They’ve helped me a lot this year, and I’m very blessed to have such a great group.

I guess I’ve learned that it’s not always fun to learn.  In a lot of ways it’s been a rebuilding year…breaking me down and hopefully building me up stronger.  In times like that, we can take comfort in the fact that even through the hard times, you’re learning something.

A good friend of mine from high school was killed towards the end of last year.  After our senior year, we would talk occasionally, but she moved and so I did not hear the news until the beginning of 2009.  Throughout the past year, though, I feel like it’s taught me to appreciate those that you love, because you never know if they, or you, will be there tomorrow.  My grandfather shared a great quote with our family a few years ago.

“Treasure those you love, and tell those you treasure now, because you never know what tomorrow will bring.”

I urge everyone who reads this to follow this advice - it can mean a lot to those you love.  Now, on to more happy things!

If my count is correct, I’ve written 151 posts in the last year.  WOW.  That’s crazy.  I think that the blog has grown a lot since last year in terms of maturity, depth, and importance.  Instead of short, link-sharing posts about whatever I stumble across (I now have a Twitter account for that!), I’ve tried to write longer, slightly thought-provoking posts.  Obviously that means there won’t be as many, but hopefully you have (and will) enjoy them more.  Throughout the last year, the website has undergone some design changes, we’ve now got a pimpin’ mascot, and things are rolling somewhat smoothly.

So, if you will let me, I’d like to highlight a few of my favorite posts really quick - just in case you missed anything.

The Switch: Windows to Ubuntu

“…Within one hour of using Ubuntu, I was slamming my head on the table, wondering why I had been so stubborn in not trying it out.  Sure, I had to install a few drivers, go through 236 updates (even though I had 8.1, it was a touch outdated), and I’m still working on wireless (Broadcom is messing me up - any help?), but it is, in a word, AMAZING.”

Introductions, OpenDNS, and Project Euler

My first guest post, written by my good buddy Breland Miley.

“I have no idea how I should start this off, but I’ll give it a shot. My name is Breland, and I’m a new blogger here on RyboMedia.com. I go to college with Rybo, and after meeting at a first year book experience of all things, we found out the we had some friends in common and that we were both pretty much computer geeks. I’ve been messing with computers since I was about five and my fascination with them has grown by leaps and bounds over the past several years. I’ve participated in programming competitions (FBLA) and won first place in nationals. My favorite programming language is probably PHP, only because I know it best, but I have experience in many others.”

3 Films from Last Year You Missed and Shouldn’t Have

My second guest post, written by Daniel Thompson.

The “Twitter is Narcissistic” Refute

By far one of the most popular posts of all time on this blog.

“…Ok, so Twitter was built to help friends and colleagues stay connected.  Now let me explain why I find Twitter so appealing….”

Getting to the Core of the Apple Problem

The most read, commented on, and hated on post I have ever written.

“I hate that guy.  You know exactly who i’m talking about.  Sipping his latte on a couch at Starbucks, Macbook propped on his lap, iPhone vibrating at his side, a $200 messy haircut, and an assortment of grungy, but not too grungy, clothes.  He turns to me, a smug look on his face.  Depending on which friend it is, he’ll describe some application he’s just discovered, a podcast he’s just recorded, or a website he’s just designed - all using his trusty Mac.  Without fail, in a somewhat sadistic, most definitely condescending tone, he’ll end with, ‘See, Apple stuff is just better.  Vista sucks.’ “

ConvergeSC

I had the pleasure of attending my very first web conference this year.  Here are the summary posts of what the speakers talked about.

Of iPhones and Gnomes…

“Big Prize. If you’re on Facebook or Twitter, there’s a good chance you’re somewhat familiar with the name. Whether you check the fan page every hour, are constantly confused by the odd little sayings your friends write on their wall, or your Twitter homepage is sprinkled with #moonfruit tweets - you’ve seen the name.”

Computers, People, and the Fact That I’m Selfish

“You see, computers appeal to me in a maniacal way that people don’t - I can manipulate them, create an idea and mold them into what I want them to do. I can put as little or as much time into them and receive a directly proportionate amount of joy from the results. I can have a problem (even something as simple as boredom) and make something to solve it. And what’s best, the selfish part of me can come out saying, “I built that. I made it, you didn’t, I rock.” It might not be the best, it might not help anyone else in the world, but it’s mine and I’m proud of it.”

Spotlight at NecessaryCool

“Chances are, you’re probably wondering why you’re reading about some random guy when you could be reading about all things cool. Jef told me a little while ago that he would like to have me help kick off the new “Spotlights” feature of NC – where you get a little glimpse of what some fellow bloggers do on their own sites.

Basically, RyboMedia is a blog about all things tech, geeky, or internet related. I write about awesome internet companies, design tips, blogging tricks, web conferences I have attended, and even some controversial pieces. Oh, and I do occasional giveaways. How’s that for concise?”

Whiplash

Coming soon, in a galaxy far, far nearer than you’d expect with this type of intro…Star Wars shoes by Adidas!  If you know anything about me, you know I love Adidas and I love Star Wars.  Yes, I have the Collector’s Edition of the Dark Forces dramatized audiobook, and yes I listen to the entire 6 hour adventure multiple times per year.  And yes I bought it when I was about 12.  I’ve also photographed myself with all my Adidas gear and sent it off to the company.

Point is, I couldn’t be happier about the news.  The most influential science fiction work ever produce is coming together with the makers of what I consider the highest quality everyday apparel.  It’s a dream come true.

Sadly, it hasn’t been released yet.  The few images we Star Wars fanatics have been granted leave us drooling and appetite-whetted, though not yet satisfied.  The official Star Wars release says that they will be available in select stores and online in January.  Here are a few of my favorites, though I believe I’ve decided to go with the AT-AT high tops (pictured above).

To add to the frustration, I stumbled across more Star Wars apparel that is currently only available in Japan.  This time it’s hats - New Era (59Fifty) hats to be specific.  Here comes the drool again.  I’m already a huge New Era fan (got my LA fitted a few weeks back and I love it), so again this excites me beyond words.  Here are a few pics of the hats currently available, though I have yet to hear if they will come to the US anytime soon.

Until January, enjoy the pics. I’m sure if you’re anything like me, you will come back for a second or third look. Oh, and a note to all relatives, friends, and random people who might want to get me a Christmas gift…all cash gifts will go into what I like to call my “ATAT FUND“.

Related posts:

1. Review: Star Wars Trilogy
2. Books: Death Star
3. Candy Wars (1.3)

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooot!

This is the 200th post on RyboMedia (hence the 200 “o’s”).

To celebrate this milestone, I’ve put together a list of 100 things I love about the internet. Why not 200? Read until the end and you’ll see. Enjoy!

50 Random Goodies

1. Overusing hashtags.  #awesome
2. Watching The Office on Hulu the day after it airs.
3. Blogging.
4. SideReel.  Where else can I go to find links to watch my Scrubs and Friends?
5. SquaredEye.  Because they rock and look perty.
6. Amazon wishlists.
7. Tupac is alive!!!
8. Pandora.  Seriously, the more I use it the more I love it.
9. Hey Ya! acoustic style.
10. Graffiti t-shirts.
11. Restaurant.com.  Admittedly, it was better when I had a lady friend, but still an awesome place to get gift certificates dirt cheap.
12. Joupes.  Yeah right, I’m going to list 100 things and not do some self-promotion?
13. Farmville.
14. Kobe Bryant highlight videos.
15. Wookieepedia.  It’s a Star Wars Wikipedia.  Need I say more?
16. HTML color code charts.  Far more useful than you’d expect.
17. Nerds proposing.
18. More nerds proposing.
19. Horrible, horrible, horrible albeit hilarious parents.
20. Amazing dance skills that I will never have.
21. The Star Wars tattoo chick.  Actually not a turn on for me, but still quite interesting.
22. Google Reader.  Sharing is quick and easy, and I can star items for later, more intense reading just like Gmail.
23. Retrievr.  If you’ve never used it, it lets you find Flickr images by color.
24. Google Image Search.  It makes staring at my future wife so, so easy.
25. ESPN Fantasy Football.  I’ll never play football so this is as close as this 160 pound white boy gets.
26. Cute dogs.
27. Google Chrome.
28. Google Voice.
29. Google cake.
30. Google.
31. The best song ever, sung by Percy Sledge and Michael Bolton (live footage).
32. SEEN painting the Hollywood sign.
33. Bob Parsons.
34. Listening to NBA games for free.
35. The things I’m going to put my kids through (because I’m a Star Wars junkie).
36. This dude.
37. Hungry Howies.
38. Extensive graffiti guide.
39. Awesome pictures of cute babies.
40. What up with that?!
41. Personality driven ministry.  #SARCASM
42. Nature in all it’s beauty.
43. Really, really, really good web design.
44. A 63-can color test.
45. DRM-Free mp3 downloads for less than $1
46. Listening to the exact songs I want…for free! (Yep, same as above)
47. Google Chrome Extensions
48. Mitch Hedberg
49. My cousins baby trying to hug my dog.
50. Star Wars Adidas shoes!

50 Blogs

51. SiteSketch101 - Teaching You How to Blog with Passion, Power and Profit
52. Blogussion - Blogging Discussion, Tips & Tricks
53. ColorFreak - Make sure to check out the Banksy piece!
54. KomodoMedia - BEAUTIFUL site, great design-related posts
55. UnmatchedStyle - Reviews of beautifully designed websites
56. Webdesigner Depot - One of the coolest header images I’ve ever seen on a site
57. The Design Cubicle - Well researched, deep posts on blogging and web design
58. Design Milk - Neat design, from home furnishings to computer equipment
59. ThinkVitamin - Carsonified’s Blog About the Web
60. Desizn Tech - Great design blog (CSS, textures, etc)
61. CrazyLeaf Design Blog - Beautifully designed blog
62. Daily Blog Tips - What’s it sound like?
63. Blog Oh! Blog - Wanna sizzle up your WordPress blog?
64. WordPress Jedi - Feed your WordPress Demons!
65. Unique Blog - Create A Blog That Stands Out From the Crowd
66. Million Clues - Technology Guide for the Digital Citizen
67. Spyre Studios - The blog of a small but high quality design agency
68. Lumos Studio Photography - Great photography from an old teacher of mine
69. Allan Cole Roberts - More grat photography from a great web designer
70. The Official Gmail Blog - News, tips and tricks from Google’s Gmail team and friends
71. Rands In Repose - Great writing, make sure to check out the Nerd Handbook
72. iGeekTrooper - On the Front Lines for the Geek Empire
73. Necessary Cool - The Premier Guide to All That is Cool (That’s me!)
74. Cope2 - Personal blog of graffiti legend Cope2
75. Senses Lost - Graffiti pics, interviews, product reviews, and other cool stuff.
76. Jersey Joe Art - Blog of graffiti icon Rime
77. Hurricane Game - That’s right, I’m a big fan of The Game
78. Chip Oglesby - Random Whatness
79. Jeff Elder -  On Charlotte Networking
80. LakersNation - For fans.  By fans.
81. The No Look Pass - Great NBA blog by Lakers fan
82. Cleveland, Curveballs, and Common Sense - Putting 2 and 2 Together Since 1987
83. People of Wal-Mart - You guessed it - pictures of Wal-People
84. Fail Blog - Funny FAIL pictures and videos
85. Awkward Family Photos - Spreading the Awkwardness
86. eSarcasm - Geek Humor Gone Wild
87. SocialWayne - Tech tips and tricks!
88. Jasongraphix - The journal of Jason Beaird
89. Technically Incorrect - Awesome news related to tech stuff…yep…
90. Chris Pirillo - Great posts by a true all-around geek
91. BDawg - Great blog from a good friend of mine, unveiling web apps, etc.
92. Conversion Rate Experts - Turning Clicks into Customers
93. Joupes Blog - Of course I’m going to put it here.
94. Tynan on Tech - Technology from a jaundiced perspective
95. Carrie Underwood - More of a news feed, but it helps me stay up to date with my lady
96. BoingBoing - Tech, gadgets, science, culture and art news, etc.  Whew.
97. Download Squad - Latests in tech news and software downloads
98. ISO50 - Great photography and design work by Scott Hansen
99. GeekDad - Logic puzzles and other awesome geeky things
100. The Star Wars Blog - Need I say more?

Now, granted, this post would have been a whole lot more effective if I had 200 items in my list. However, I seriously doubt you’ve read this far…and even fewer of you would have if I had 200 things. SO, here’s the challenge.

By this time next year, I would love to have a completed list of 200 things (blogs, videos, awesome Twitter people, whatever!) - half of them mine, half of them yours.  Lame?  I don’t care, it’s my blog.  Start commenting.

Related posts:

1. 7S7D #4 - Blog Design Blog
2. Why I Love Gmail S’Darn Much
3. With Great Popularity Comes Great Laziness