post#4: the world of RSS...

When are we not online? 

It is apparent that websites, especially social networking websites, are overflowing.  We are looking at many different sites everywhere and anytime but we can't keep up with all of them, all the time.  Because of this, I think RSS(Really Simple Syndication) is pretty handy and useful.  I can just pick which websites or which/whose accounts that I want to keep up with.  The feed reader will pick up the updates from my choices and update me.  

Yes, I'll have to sort through and occasionally filter through/delete/edit feeds, etc, but it is still quite convenient.

As you can see, this symbol on the left is the RSS symbol and if you find it (or just a box that says RSS next to a URL on the top of your browser)     and click it on a website, the feed will be available.

I tried out couple of examples such as GoogleReader and Netvibe and they are simple enough, fun, and convenient.  However, Netvibe seemed like it could be a bit cluttered or slow.  Other than that, these examples proved that these feed readers make it easy to pick and choose while making it easier and more accessible for web users.

Check these out!:

GoogleReader

Netvibes

Blog Post #3

Dallas area inside or near downtown is still not quite familiar to me.  I am relatively new at leisure/entertainment seeking in that area, having just recently started to go out there for occasions such as film festivals, concerts, and dinners.
Last Thursday, another chance came along to check out somewhere new.
I was invited to my friend Zeena's 21st birthday dinner party at a restaurant called "DISH."  It is located not quite all the way inside the downtown Dallas but it is right off of Wycliff exit right after Mockingbird.
What I saw around this place was interesting because there were a few buildings of somewhat fancy, flashy businesses surrounded by residential buildings and ordinary, everyday shopping areas so close by.
After I parked and walked toward the door, a man in a suit opened the door for me, I mentioned my friend's name to the host, and joined the rest of the group, waiting for the birthday girl and to be seated.
When Zeena arrived, we were led to and seated at the tables set up for us.  The interior design was stunning and also interesting at the same time.  There were different colored lights inside boxed-in rectangles across one side of the ceiling, one side had chandeliers, and one side of the restaurant was leveled a bit higher than the rest of the restaurant, had different colored wall with its own texture and design, and curtains that were pushed open.  There were couple of flat screen tv's on two sides of the walls tuned on models/fashion channel.
Aside from just the interior, the food, service, staff, and the music were great too.
I ordered the vegetarian plate which varies throughout seasons.  At this time, it was vegetable lasagna with squash and eggplant and it was plated beautifully.  It tasted pretty good too along with the Shirley Temple that I ordered with it.  Others from our group commented that their flatbreads, salads, and chicken clubs are excellent as well.
I would love to go back again soon because I really enjoyed the ambience of "DISH" as a whole which kind of reminded me of NYC scene/restaurants.
Next time, I will probably try the pan-seared salmon or the honey BBQ veggie burger...

Check out DISH Dallas, TX!

Blog Post #2

Last Saturday night would be the one of the most historic moments of my life up to date.
It was the night that I went to the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for the very first time after living in Dallas/Fort Worth area for about 9 years.
Saturday, September 11th, 2010.  7:00 PM.  Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees.
The distance to walk from the parking lots to the entrance of the ballpark building was pretty far and because of the end-of-summer heat, it felt worse.  But as soon as we had gone through bag check, ticket check, the escalators, then to our seating section, all that was worth it.
The whole ballpark was packed and the overall seating capacity of 49,170 was almost completely filled up.
The opening ceremony and few introductions were given before the actual game began.
The excitement of people, the staple ballpark food and drinks, the baseball team gears everywhere, and the Rangers' leading score all gave me positive impression of being at the Rangers' game for the first time.
However, because of unfortunate weather, the game was delayed an hour at the beginning of sixth inning. As soon as the sixth inning was over, my friend and I had to leave (considering that there were still 3 innings left and it was already 11pm) but the rest of the group we went with informed us of the Rangers' win at the bottom of ninth inning!  That was a quite exciting news.
I would definitely go back but next time, maybe it would be when it is cooler, and at lower level seats so my nose doesn't bleed trying to get to my seat..

                                                      The Texas Rangers Official Website

Blog Post #1

Although trying to be a student and have a social life outside of school can be kind of difficult, it is not impossible.  Being university students in Dallas/Fort Worth area can be not so fun sometimes because some people do not think there is much to do around here. Well, not true.  Look around more carefully and you would be surprised.
For example, last night I went to a friend's birthday dinner that I was invited to.  I had never been to Addison area to go to do something like go to a restaurant and hang out.  I admit that I get a bit hesitant to go to an area that I don't know well.  But I figured that I would venture out anyways because I wanted to go and check it out when I got a chance like this.  When I arrived at the location of the party, I was surprised and excited.  The place was called SOHO Food and Jazz right off of North Dallas Tollway on Belt Line Road in Addison.  They had live jazz music playing the whole time, the staff was friendly and attentive, and the food, of course, was amazing.
Even with a group of around 15 people, we could still have a good time, enjoy the food, and the atmosphere without much inconvenience.  They were more than happy to accommodate  us and they made sure we were doing fine all evening.  I had a chance to check out a new restaurant, try some great food, also meet some new people, and make new connections.
So, if you are more of an NYC person than Texan cowboy type of person, then go check it out.
http://www.sohofoodandjazz.com
You will experience the same pleasant surprise that I felt.

First Post

Excited to have a space where I can share ideas, thoughts, pics, articles, etc.

Hoping to make the best of it! :)