It's Really Just a Series of Tubes

Molly Wright Steenson hit the Ignite jackpot at Etech this year with her explanation of the steam powered network of pneumatic tubes of the 1800s. If you're someone that, like me, has a [somewhat obsessive relationship with Internet Infrastructure](http://ping.fm/fsSse), you must watch this talk. http://ping.fm/TcjRH

Four short links: 7 Apr 2009

Maps, meaning, makers, and orphaned works: Lens Tools and Fisheye Map Browsing -- a summary of magnification in maps through history, culminating in use of the fisheye/lens as a way to explore layers and data in thematic maps. (via Titine's delicious stream) Socially Relevant Computing -- frustrated by the meaningless examples and work in computer science classes, Mike Buckley started... http://ping.fm/50SMn

W. David Stephenson on the Federal CIO: Vivek Kundra

W David Stephenson discusses his upcoming book "Democratizing Data", and his experiences with the new Federal CIO: Vivek Kundra. Stephenson talks about his experiences working as a consultant for Kundra in the DC government and he outlines what we can expect from Kundra during his tenure as Federal CIO in the OMB. http://ping.fm/1z4fS

Ignite Seattle Returns! Submit a Talk

After a year-long hiatus Ignite Seattle is returning to a bigger and better venue. We'll feature 16 speakers doing great 5 minute talks and geek contest to kick off the night. Ignite Seattle 6 will take place on 4/29. Doors will open at 7PM and talk will start at 8:30PM. We are very grateful to be getting sponsorship from... http://ping.fm/m4z6B

Four short links: 6 Apr 2009

Baby nerds, evil URL shorteners, reasoned discussion, and the Government straps its Web 2.0 on: Books for Wee Nerds -- Forget Pat the Bunny -- your baby wants to Pat Schrodinger's Kitty! Help baby search for subatomic particles and explore the universe. (via Tim's tweets) On URL Shorteners -- Joshua Schachter and Maciej Ceglowski on the downsides of URL shortening... http://ping.fm/btPs8

The Future of Our Cities: Open, Crowdsourced, and Participatory

Guest blogger John Geraci has spent the last six years making life in cities better with the use of web technologies. His latest project, DIYcity.org, has web developers and urban planners all over the world teaming up to create open source tools for residents of cities everywhere. Prior to DIYcity, Geraci co-founded the hyperlocal news network Outside.in. Back in... http://ping.fm/Q8M2x

U. of Phoenix nixes Twitter U.

Wendy Paul, executive director of public relations for the University of Phoenix, offers an official response to my April Fools post: “University of Phoenix is not going to deliver courses via Twitter. With the limited characters you can post on Twitter, this wouldn’t be a feasible platform for a robust and quality academic curriculum.” Typical ivory-tower elitist.... http://ping.fm/zwM1i