Animation Fun!

Build your very own character...the site will then animate hundreds of them dancing. It sounds lame but you've got to try it.

Podcast '06 Part 2: Video

Tiki Bar TV
SF podcasters come up with questionable plotlines but pay no mind, they always deliver comedic brilliance and a new drink every show and is best viewed with a drink.

Ask a Ninja
That's right, inventive ninja advice, anecdotes and convoluted ways of killing people. One of the best video podcasts: always off the wall, always funny.

Ze Frank
Ok, he shoots a little tight with the closup face shots but his wit and ability to come up quality shows every few days is quite a feat. Very humorous and definitely a web phenomenon to be reckoned with.

Podcast '06 Part 1: Audio

Bored? Need a break from the 10 billion songs on you iPod? Here's my favorite podcasts of the year that deliver the goods every week. They may just stimulate your brain and give you a chuckle along the way.

RadioLab
1 theme, 4 or so stories, always engaging, always thought provoking. Kind of like This American Life but more science/philosophy based. Themes have include Sound, Space and Morality.

Sound Opinions
Excellent rock criticism, live performances, music industry news. Previously only broadcast on Chicago Public Radio, its one of those shows that had the foresight to to do a podcast. I'm particularly fond of the lack of pretention: they may recommend a Christina Aquilera album and dis some Radiohead album in the same show(no this didn't happen, settle down). Suffice to say, great criticism, great conversation and you may just find a new band or two every episode.

This Week in Tech
Warning, this is geek territory. Current tech news, irreverant commentary, Microsoft/Sony/RIAA/MPAA bashing; an all around fun show that has some of the people from the defunct TechTV network with varying guests from the industry.

Apple Releases iPhone!

The rumors have been true all along. Apple finally announced the much anticipated iPhone with combining phone/palm functionality with the ability to play video, audio, as well as a 2 megapixel camera all running in OS X! Add to this a touch screen interface instead of crappy little plastic keys and widescreen form factor, this will be the ultimate gadget for the forseeable future.

Daydreamin': masmediaspace '06 Mix

Here is is folks, a mix full of diverse goodness from what I would consider a good year in music. Part greatest hits, part under appreciated bands, what I was trying to accomplish was a cohesive, yet diverse album that flowed well and had some kick ass tracks from 2006. Enjoy!

Track list:

1. "Daydreamin" Lupe Fiasco
2. "Buckle" Tapes N Tapes
3. "Alligator" Grizzly Bear
4. "Those Feelings" Herbert
5. "Wayward and Parliament" Amy Milan
6. "Wolf Like Me" TV on the Radio
7. "Save Me" Jem
8. "St Elsewhere" Gnarles Barkley
9. "Elevator Music" Beck
10. "Elevate Myself" Grandaddy
11. "Tribulations" LCD Soundsystem
    
12. "Take What You Take" Lily Allen
13. "True Skool" Roots Manuva & Coldcut
14. "Don't Feel Right" Roots
15. "Peach, Plum, Pear" Joanna Newsom
    
16. "Reading in Bed" Emily Haines
    

PDX Implements First Stage of Free WiFi

As of yesterday, Portland is officially has free wifi available in areas near downtown. Users only need look for the "MetroFi" signal, login, enter name/email, and whalla! You've got internet speeds up to a respectable 1 Mbps! The only downside is users will be subjected to banner adds in the top of their browsers which will help fund the project. The other fiscal benefit is the ability to save on parking meter fees by not having to pay fees for each individual transaction.

It must be noted that this was an uphill battle with ISPs and there was a solid resistence but in the end it looks like the citizens of Portland have won the battle for municipal internet. Comcast was not available for comment.