Wednesday, September 27, 2006 by Kelly Sutton While browsing digg today, I came across this review written by the great College v2.
mynoteIT is a solid mash-up of basically everything HackCollege.com has covered in its existence. mynoteIT offers:
Head over to the article, read the review, then check out mynoteIT.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006 by Kelly Sutton It was only a matter of time.
While sitting in class the other day, I realized how nice a wiki for all of my classes. We'd never miss a single note again.
Thankfully, some one else beat me to it. Some UT students created NoteMesh that allows students to collaborate their notes. Now classes' notes can be their own Wikipedia article. Professors won't be too thrilled about this, but who doesn't like the concept of working less?
Check out the site that could change the way we study forever: NoteMesh
Monday, September 25, 2006 by Kelly Sutton A few weeks ago, Facebook released their own API for their site. (For those non-nerds and people that see the sun out there, the API just lets users write programs for Facebook.) To see all of these nifty plug-ins, click on the "developers" link on the bottom of any Facebook page then click on the "Product Directory," or just go here.
Many of the current plug-ins are nice in concept, but don't quite work because of the lack of users. Who wants to exchange books if only three people from the school are using the plug-in?
Most of the plug-ins sitll have a long way to go, but some work and are reasonably handy. Here is HackCollege.com's Top 5:
lickuacious gives you a surprisingly accurate readout of yourself using its own algorithms behind the scenes. For example, it took a look at all of my friends and determined I was a "juvenile playboy." I'll take that the best way possible. It also determines which of your friends are the most popular (depending on number of pictures and such). All of this is wrapped into a clean, Web 2.0 interface that is easy on the eyes.
Friendly Views is that feature that everyone wishes was already on Facebook. The plug-in looks at all of your current friends in your profile and then puts them on a Google Map of the entire United States. If you have a lot of Facebook friends, it's quite the ego boost.
While approaching stalker status, MatchBook is also a feature every user secretly wishes was built into Facebook. It sorts your friends in descending order according common interests. If you think similarities attract, this plug-in is for you.
I don't know how many times I've lost track of how-much-I-owe-who and who-owes-me-for-that-one-dinner exchanges. Among the several bill tracker Facebook plug-ins, MoochBook is the simplest and does the best job. Its direct integration with Facebook (with the others you have to know your friends' email addresses) makes it easy to keep track of your expenses.
This last one was tough because the rest of the plug-ins are not ready for primetime. fotocrib was probably the most functional remaining plug-in that has some potential. It allows you to quickly put cool filters and the photos in your Facebook albums. Think Apple store iSight fun without the drive. The overall feel of the site, however, is tough on the eyes. Some smooth edges and nicer buttons will give this plug-in its rightful spot on this list.
In general, a majority of the Facebook plug-ins are severely lacking in functionality or straight up don't work. Not a single classified ad plug-in made this page because--I believe--they are inherently doomed without direct integration with Facebook, which is not entirely likely.
So, fellows students, keep working at it. I will following up to this post with honorable mentions: plug-ins that have great potential but still have a few kinks to be worked out. Stay tuned and happy stalking.
Monday, September 25, 2006 by Kelly Sutton While not necessarily informative or useful, these pictures of the Redbull offices made the front page on digg.com earlier today.
Nice waste of a minute or two: Redbull Offices
Sunday, September 24, 2006 by Kelly Sutton When the week before finals rolls around, going cross-eyed while looking at your notes is that last thing you want to happen. While some professors talk faster than an auctioneer, these few organization tips can save you precious hours while studying.
Read on before it's too late: Take Study-worthy Lecture Notes
Thursday, September 21, 2006 by Kelly Sutton The Los Angeles Loyolan's tangent section reports today about the ever-difficult task of fitting two students in a twin bed. No matter what happens beforehand or how comfortable they may be, the task is always difficult.
Thankfully, Aria Juliet Castillo has given the entirety of American academia a solution.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006 by Kelly Sutton Every guy wishes he could be a ladies man: always knows the best places to eat, the best places to hang out, the best places to... shop?
Thankfully, Yelp.com transforms every dude with an Internet connection into a chic mass of testosterone.
Yelp.com is a user-maintained city guide that constantly surprises with its accuracy. Maybe that's because its reviews are legitimate; corporations--and more specifically advertisers--have no say in the reviews. If a restaurant's food tastes like sawdust, the reviews reflect that. Any one can create an account; any one can post a review. Think of it as MySpace, but with less garbage, more info, and content that promotes a healthy social life. Basically, don't think of MySpace.
One of the handiest functions is Yelp.com's integration with Google maps. I, for example, type in LMU's zip code (90045) and Yelp.com gives me close and delectable dining. Score.
The user reviews are spot on. I checked out a few of the restaurants I frequent in the area: Ayara Thai, C & O Cucina, and Hacienda Del Rey. Surprise, surprise, the reviews are spot on.
Who knew being suave could be so simple?
Wednesday, September 20, 2006 by Kelly Sutton Lists are always nice. Lists that promise more money for beer are even better.
Here's a great (and long) read for those looking to save a penny here or there. Some of the advice is hit or miss, but the article as a whole is very worthwhile.
Read on: 117 Creative Ways for Students to Save Money at College