Housecleaning isn't just a physical activity anymore – now, I find I have to take the time to clear out my virtual detritus every once in awhile too. So here are some links and articles I've had kicking around for awhile waiting for a good time to post.
Amazon: New & Future Book Releases
Librarians talk a lot about making our online services more like Amazon and Google but this is at least one place where (at least some) libraries have the online services beat. Amazon just announced an e-newsletter of new & future book releases but doesn't provide any additional customization at all.
So, unlike the NextReads subscriptions I still get from London Public Library which allows me to choose to receive news about Fiction books (or Pop Culture or Health & Body or Biography & Memoir or about a dozen or so other categories), it's all or nothing with the Amazon subscription. Still, that could be useful if you're doing collection development work and you don't have access to a niche list. But why not take advantage of their extensive categorization system and provide subscriptions right down to the micro-level? (“There is one new book published this month in the area of New Guinea architecture. Click here to buy from Amazon.com”)
BabyCenter's Top 10 Baby Names for 2007
Sophia for girls, Aiden for boys and not a Pace to be found. Trends include multi-syllabic names and unique spellings – again, not a Pace to be found. (Whew!)
Genetic Social Networks? (via Julie M.)
If the wife of one of Google co-founders is right, the next frontier in social networking could be based on your DNA. You do a swab (for a couple hundred bucks) then the sites link you to people who are genetically similar tot you (ie. distant relatives you never knew you had.)
How Breastfeeding Benefits Add Up
I think everybody knows (okay, should know) the benefits of breastfeeding over formula. But I like how this article Shea sent me shows the benefits at different stages of a baby's development.
Amazon's New E-Book Reader, The Kindle, Discussed on MetaFilter
I admit, I haven't even read the whole thread yet. But what I saw so far covers a lot of the debate – positive and negative – about both e-books and the future of publishing so it's worth reading if you're interested in that sort of thing.
Lakota Indians Declare Independence From USA
I'm not sure how serious this is and how much is political grandstanding. But if it's real…wow…another country for Bush to invade…without even having to go overseas! 
Radiohead's “In Rainbows” Dominates In New Media Environment
Bob Lefsetz looks at the success of the Radiohead Net-only release.
the
fact is, the record is a smash, but not using your traditional
measurement, i.e. sales and airplay. However, consider the new
measurement tools, i.e. those that actually track what people listen to
and play, and the radiohead album is by far the biggest release this
year.On Last.fm, last week, Radiohead occupied slots One to
Ten on the Popular Track Top Ten! And we’re not talking small numbers –
this is a site that measures tens of thousands of music fans listening
preferences…. it may be sitting unplayed on your ipod, but evidently
there are millions of people playing it….I’m sorry, but how do you
define a ’smash’?????”
Students Find Wikipedians Are Tougher Graders Than Their Professors
But are they providing constructive feedback? Some feel that Wikipedia's editorial cabal is a notoriously rigid group. (via Chris G.)
Viral Videos
Similar to YouTube's Top Video charts but taking in other sources as well, a good way to see which clips are popular today, this week, this month and all-time.
Wholefoods Give Away Free Groceries When Their POS System Crashes
Like my post on Costco's business practices earlier this month, grocery chain Whole Foods Market gives another example of what the world could be like if corporations were run with a bit of humanity instead of a relentless focus on the bottom-line and profits.
And finally, a bit of humour…
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