The Times They Are A Changin'

If you are new to blogs, and I am fairly new, let me introduce you to RSS readers.

Now, probably your first question is, "What does 'RSS' mean?" And then you wonder, "Is this some incomprehensible computer thig-a-ma-jig I really don't want to know about?" Well, maybe, but then again, maybe not.

RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication."

That's not so bad, is it. Blog readers are everywhere on the Internet, thanks to the rapid growth in the number of people blogging during the past couple of years. One blog reader I like is called "Bloglines":

http://www.bloglines.com

Bloglines is very easy to use. And free! Most are....

You can enter the RSS feed for any blog into any reader and see a summmary of its contents. What's so great is that you can use your blog reader with as many of your favorite blogs as you wish.

How would you read "The Flatted Fifth" in Bloglines or any other reader? It's easy! Just enter this line:

http://swingera.net/theflattedfifth/atom.xml

That's all! You'll see small graphics near the bottom of our right-hand column with for Atom and xml. Click on them to see this link or a similar one. You can use either. 

There are many humorous blogs online. One of my favorites contains all kinds of info about Washington insiders, filled with gossip, rumor, innuendo, and sometimes flat-out accusations. It's called "Wonkette":

http://www.wonkette.com/

Using your blog or RSS reader, you can scan Wonkette and many other blogs quickly while you enjoy your morning cup of coffee. Yes, you can read some major newspapers can this way, too.