News Roundup

Thanks to Stephanie for sending me this story straight off the wire 2 days ago. And thanks to the Seattle Post-Intellengencer for putting it online.

Belgian librarians use love to get readers

It could be a Valentine's setting at any restaurant or bar: Young couples drink red wine and chat eagerly at intimate tables aglow in candlelight and adorned with flowers...Singles who like to read are descending upon libraries across Belgium as part of an experiment in what two librarians have dubbed "lib-dating."..."Basically it's speed-dating, but in a new setting - with books."

And, can you believe John Bogert is podcasting?!?

Honestly, I'm amazed, for quite a few reasons

1. He's old, and proud of it. New fangled things and him don't go together.
2. His target audience must be people like my mom, someone who doesn't read the paper online, has never heard the word podcast, and has no interest in such things. And even if she wanted to, would probably fail at trying to listen to the file anyway.
3. The DB only got into the newspaper databases like a month ago. ProQuest, I think. Until then, you actually had to go to the library and get articles the old fashioned way. Who knew they'd be rolling out the audio? Their website still needs a lot of work, especially with the searching. The previous 2 weeks are available for free, but good luck finding a week old article if it's been booted off the front page for the section.
4. Even if they were ready with the technology, you'd think they'd start with Daniel DeFord (thanks google cache) (and here's his Xanga) He's got the nerd and the technology thing down. On more than one occasion he's writen about the tragedy of when his internet or cable tv goes down. NOTE TO DB: Why isn't he listed as a columnist? He's the only good one you've got. NOTE TO DANIEL: You don't have a single listing that comes up on a technorati search, so you're gonna find me sooner or later. I'll totally take you out for a drink next year, when you turn 21.
5. Oh yeah, John Bogert sucks.

At least the blurb on the internet has it right. Stephanie, did you write this?:

Whether you think he's an inspiration or an idiot, you'll get more of the story behind the story as he hashes out the details with his editor, C.J. Fogel.