I was going to give a detailed description of the latest social media site that everyone seems to be talking about, but my delightful colleague, Mr Gill, saved me the time…

Full Article: http://www.nmk.co.uk/article/2008/6/3/a-friend-for-feeds

Choice cuts: “The atomisation of the web means that users have pockets of information fragmented all over the web. Just think about a regular person who watches, favourites and maybe posts a few videos on YouTube, puts their family holiday snaps on flickr, comments on a blog they read daily, shares links from their Google Reader. Multiply this by a blog you write, the comments on that blog, the links to it, tweets on Twitter, Facebook updates, de.licio.us, digg and stumble upon tags. And then multiply by the number of friends you follow and the fragmentation and amount of this information becomes overwhelming to the point of overload,” said Nicholas Gill, planner at headstream PR.

“FriendFeed helps that by aggregating all that information in one place so you don’t have to traverse numerous websites to keep in touch with the information. It helps you stay on top of what’s grabbing your friends’ attention and keeps you connected. You also get full control of the people you follow and can un-follow at any time,” continued Gill. “FriendFeed gives you control over the web 2.0 noise and lets you consume it in a way that is relevant to you.”

How do you fancy seeing New York in real time without setting foot on a plane? Impossible? Maybe not! Our friends at Tiscali recently told us about an extraordinary optical device called a Telectroscope which enables people to see from London to New York. 

We’re pretty sceptical and believe this may be an artistic stunt! But why not have a look for yourself? The Telectroscopes are open 24 hours a day from 22^nd May to 15^th June and the London Telectroscope is situated on the south side of the river near Tower Bridge. See www.tiscali.co.uk/telectroscope for more info.  We haven’t been to have a look yet but have to admit it’s pretty intriguing!

A short while ago, we wrote a piece on how a few blogs from the residents of Cuba were beginning to emerge following the demise of crazy old uncle Fidel. Despite the fact we are still unclear as to whether Raul Castro and his regime either aren’t too chuffed or are perhaps a bit non-plussed about this, it is a breakthrough of sorts and was met by intrigue from the western world. 

So yet again, it is pleasing to see that the ‘masters of disguise’, aka the Chinese Government, are letting citizens pass information created by one another with less restriction than usual. This is notably attributed towards recent events of the devastating earthquake to affect the country. Admittedly, nearly 20 people have still had police intervention and been made to publicly apologise for their reporting and personal views. In addition, censorship has also affected messageboards of several forums and communities also. Yet the freedom of information via blogging, text messaging & microblogging is vital in the efforts to help locate crucial news on missing friends and relatives. In terms of the global perception of China, the timing of this act couldn’t have been better, particularly in light of the recent Olympic Torch controversy. It remains to be seen as to whether or not this ‘chink-of-light’ style opportunity of free speech for the people of China will allow for less restriction in future. But for now they can ‘blog for the better’ and show that China has a heart.

As a keen rider of the delightful travel invention that is the bicycle, I was chuffed to see the emergence of the latest social network outforaride. Not only did I enjoy the feeling that I’m not alone in the fact that I love my cruiser enough to take a wee photo or two of it (my hand is raised acknowledging it’s very sad indeed), but users are swapping routes, tips, events and banter left right and centre. There are also some corking photos of a few lovely old-fashioned cycles on there. Admittedly, the majority of the community are currently US based and as much as I’d love to pedal my way across Ohio, it might just be a while before I can get to do it at the drop of a hat. But ultimately, what this did indicate to me was just how niche Social Networks are becoming – and the appeal becomes greater when the tone and subject matter of the site really is that specific to your own interests. The other thing I’ve learnt off the back of this quite geeky little discovery is that I’m clearly turning into my dad.

headstream’s very own ‘pet’ pop-outfit alphabeat have a new single out as of next monday (18th may). emi’s colourfully camp sextet can be seen mincing around with balloons, bicycles, balls and each other in what looks like the industrial zone in the crystal maze. you can take a look at their ridiculously catchy little number right here.