A changing TIME MAGAZINE

TIME Managing Editor Richard Stengel describes some changes at the magazine that “…reflect the way the Internet is affecting pretty much everything about the news business.”

In addition to a new publication date (Friday), the new feature that caught my eye was a blog:

“…now you can start your day by checking our news blog, The Ag, which smartly aggregates and summarizes the most important stories from daily newspapers and blogs around the world.”

Hmm. Someone forgot to tell the editors at TIME that real journalists don’t blog.

“Blogging everywhere you’re not supposed to go in the Ozarks”

That’s the intrigueing tag line of the Underground Ozarks Blog.

“… a site all about urban exploration in the Ozarks area. You’ll find information and pictures of abandoned places, sewers and drains, ghost towns, and more. If it’s in the Ozarks area, or just close enough to drive to, and you’re not supposed to go there… We’ll get it on the site eventually.”

The blog is written under the nom de guerre, White Rabbit who, along with pals Hiccup, Memory_machine and others, explore (and photograph) some very cool placess. Falstaff Brewery, Nike (Missle) Battery, Erie Sinkhole, “Albino Farm,” Acid Tunnel… just name a few.

If browsing the UOB makes you want to jump into your waders and explore, be sure to read White Rabbit’s disclaimer first:

Underground Ozarks Blog“Just because I do something stupid, doesn’t mean you need to do it, too. Some of the places listed on this site can be extremely hazardous. Adding to that, many of them are also on private property, which means you could be ticketed or arrested if you go there without permission.

In other words, I’m not responsible for you. I would never tell anyone not to go out and explore, but I sure as hell didn’t tell you to do it either. So if you get maimed, killed, or thrown in jail, don’t come crying to me with a subpoena, because it’s not my fault. I don’t have any freaking money anyway.”

Not a bad Philosophy of Life, if you think about it. [Thanks David]

Rose Bowl announcer talking about bloggers?

TV on in the background. Last couple of minutes of the Rose Bowl. I thought I heard the announcers say something about “the bloggers will be out” if Michigan loses. Did I hear that correctly?

I have no doubt there are a shit-load of fan blogs for every college and pro team, so I’m not sure why I would be surprised the subject would be mentioned in the broadcast. Can any of you sports fans enlighten me on this? Have bloggers become enough of a factor they get mentioned in such high-profile broadcasts?

Weblogs vs. the New York Times

Which will be more authoritative in 2007, weblogs or the New York Times? The question (“The Long Bet”) was posed back in 2002 as part of something called The Long Now Foundation. Dave Winer’s explains:

“My bet with Martin Nisenholtz at the Times says that the tide has turned, and in five years, the publishing world will have changed so thoroughly that informed people will look to amateurs they trust for the information they want.”

Not sure who will win the wager but there’s little question the publishing world has changed and blog are having some impact.

Looking back at 2006

This blog is first and foremost a personal journal. A place for notes on what I’m reading, watching and thinking. I took a few minutes to click and scroll back through 2006:

I posted on podcasting with some regularity and tried my hand at it with Dr. Domke’s Living Healthy Podcast.

I am more fascinated with blogging than ever and persuaded our company to start a blog. I’d like to think I played a small, behind-the-scenes role in the launch of the best veterinarian blog on the net.

We did some interviews: Ben Brogdon (Original cast of Best Little Whore House in Texas); Dan Shelley (Executive Editor of Digital Media for WCBS-TV); Dan Arnall (Business Editor, ABC News) and Kevin O’Keefe (Lex Blog).

Kasie had a birthday and I (almost) had my first cigarette.

I was overcome with Mac Lust and bought my first Mac and became a “slider” (someone that slides back and forth between PC and Mac).

I read, wrote and thought about radio. I discovered that politics matters to me more than I thought.

Blogging and surfing cut into my reading time. I only read 24 books. I came up with a couple of good ideas for screenplays that had everything but the ending. Fortunately, Kay was able to provide those.

I discovered the formula for The Perfect Day; I came to grips with the reality that I am not a team player; I worried about how much I worry; I watched two good friends build a tree house and concluded that work is your real life.

I’m blessed with a few good friends; one great partner; two sweet pups; the best job in the world and high-apple-pie-in-the-sky hopes for 2007.