Occupy Baltimore

Recently I took a bike ride to the Canton waterfront park. While on my ride back to my apartment I stopped by the open space McKeldin Park across from the Harbor. As I was taking a water break I thought back to several of the nights when I would either walk or bike down to McKeldin Park to witness the Occupy Movement. On one occasion I took part in a group bike ride with the Occupy members and supporters. Below are pictures of the group as well as myself from that night.

Baltimore Fashion

Aldo Shoe Store Bag

On a nice day a couple weeks ago I decided to walk down to the Harbor after work instead of going straight to my apartment. After enjoying a nice stroll I thought I'd stop by the Mall Gallery to look for a new pair of work shoes. So, I also took a look at some of the other shops in the mall. However, while in the Aldo shoe store, something caught my eye. That's when I noticed it was a bag with this fox looking tail attached- it made me laugh so hard! As much as I like certain trends in the city, I'd lose the fox bags or purses as fashion statements for Baltimoreans.

Best Persian Restaurant in Baltimore



Orchard Market and Cafe
8815 Orchard Tree Lane, Towson, MD
www.orchardmarketandcafe.com

While there are several general Middle Eastern restaurants in Baltimore City, I have not been able to specifically find a Persian restaurant. Being that I am half Persian, I find myself often missing my father's traditional dishes. Therefore, when I saw a Groupon deal for the Orchard Market and Cafe, a Persian restaurant, I had to try it. And Persian it was! The menu had an array of Persian classics like koobideh (beef kabob) or juje fesenjune (chicken in walnut-pomegranate sauce). Plus they serve tastey side dishes like yogurt and cucumber salad. The restaurant also has a very typical Persian setting with lots of rugs, tea sets and ethnic artwork. But most importantly, the cuisine is delicious for any occasion.

Roxy's Baltimore City Spots

roxyb2012's photostream on Flickr.

What would Baltimore City be without its ''Baltimore Love Mural Art Project, or its ''Patterson Park" or its "American Visionary Art Museum" or its "Hampden Flamingo"? It's simple, it just wouldn't be the same. So, take a minute to check out these pictures that pinpoint some hot spots, restaurants, and landmarks from the city that I call home.

The Importance of RSS Feeds to Baltimoreans

Billions of people including Baltimoreans surf and use the Internet every day. Therefore, they can understand the time it takes to search for what they want online. Additionally, a web master also values the effort it takes to generate more activity on their website. As a result, everyone can appreciate the power as well as value of an RSS feed and all the benefits from using these formats.

What is an RSS Feed?

An RSS feed originates from the name “Really Simple Syndication” or “Rich Site Summary” that is a group of web formats as blog entries, news headlines, audio, video, and podcasting sources. The RSS document is identified as a “feed” or “web feed” or “channel” and consists of full or summarized text which gathers these formats to publish frequently updated information.

What is the RSS History?

RSS was first introduced by Internet-browser pioneer Netscape in 1999 and have been used in some shape or another ever since. Nevertheless, it has not boomed and been adopted until the last couple of years. For instance, in 2002 the New York Times started offering RSS feeds on their website and afterward the format started grabbing attention. In 2005, large corporations in the web browser market began integrating the technology directly into their products, including Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Mozilla Foundations Firefox and Apple's Safari. Today, most big website players offer at least one such RSS news feed.

What are uses for an RSS Feed?

The uses of an RSS feed is beneficial for individuals who subscribe to frequently updated websites. This way they can view many feeds from various sites in one location. The file format allows the requested information to be published just once but viewed from many different programs. Some advantages include: an RSS reader will indicate whenever a user has unread tables of contents available, a user can choose when to look at the RSS feeds plus they don't clog up email inboxes, an RSS feed has abstracts and can link directly to the articles online, and a user does not need to provide any personal information to sign-up for the news feeds.  

How do RSS Feeds Disseminate Information?

RSS feeds are important in order to disseminate information because individuals like to keep up to date on their favorite news and information from their topics of interest whether relating to home or work. Most mainstream media sources are publishing RSS feeds today and many people use them to stay on top of current news. In addition, corporate companies are using RSS feeds to disseminate information both internally and externally. They do this to provide information to staff and customers by using reports, blogs, newsletters, and so on. Using an RSS feed is cost effective because it saves valuable time and allows companies to be more competitive. Customers or readers can gain more knowledge and get more personalized experience which in return strengthens a company’s brand name

How can an RSS Feed be used as a Business Tool?

They can also be used as a tool for improving business in several ways including: transferring a company’s own content into an RSS feed, creating news headlines featuring a company’s press releases, or site updates, publicizing upcoming events, explaining thoughts or commentary, posting articles, highlighting new products or services, promoting weekly or monthly specials, sending out newsletters, sharing new links, and so forth.

Resources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2565593/

http://www.wix.com/flash/web-design/learning-center/planning-your-website/what-is-an-rss-feed-and-why-you-need-it.html

Do Baltimoreans Use Meebo?

Meebo is a Web-based instant messaging application similar to AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger, and so forth. The types of instant messaging programs that I have used or currently use include AOL Instant Messenger, Google Talk, Skype chat and Facebook chat. Each of these messaging applications have a variation of similarities and differences to Meebo. However, Meebo has some very distinct advantages in comparison to these programs. Below are some of the top five reasons to use Meebo over other programs.

1) No Software To Install
In order to user Meebo the user doesn't need to install any software to use it. The user simply goes to Meebo.com, sign's on, and can instantly message their friends or contacts right from the browser window.
When a user creates a Meebo account, they can sign into all their IM accounts at once and chat in a single integrated buddylist. Additionally, this allows the user to sign onto their Meebo instant messenger from any computer and have all of their settings available.

2) Message Friends On All Networks
Meebo has the ability to support all the major networks, including AIM, Yahoo!, Windows Live, Google Talk, ICQ, and Jabber. It also supports social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.

3) Endless Features
There are a lot of fun features on Meebo that are not found on common programs like AIM. It allows users to set custom backgrounds and buddy icons, transfer files with people, and save conversation history if needed. Uers can also launch applications like games and video chat.

4) The Meebo Notifier
Meebo permits users to close their browser window but still be signed on the program. The Meebo Notifier is a tray icon that allows a user to stay signed into Meebo even when their browser is closed. It allows for automatic sign-on and it provides notifications when users receive a message or a buddy signs on or off.

5) Use Meebo On Phones
Users can access their Meebo accounts on their phone or mobile device. There are apps for both the iPhone and Android, but a user can also sign on from any wireless device by simply going to the website.

"BMore Love" Wordle

The following image was composed by using the Wordle Web site. It was created by going on the Wordle Website and making a word cloud based on my first online blog post. My first online blog post described my love for Baltimore and how I came to both live plus work in Baltimore City. Below are the words taken from my first blog post which created the Wordle image.

Wordle Content
Baltimore is known as Charm City and it’s easy to see why. It's a friendly city with rich history and culture. And from seniors to singles, there is a wealth of things to do, places to visit, and activities to match everyone’s interest. Throughout the blog I will illustrate the things that make Baltimore a great place to live. I actually can't get enough city life! I love city life!


I am originally from Washington, DC. and was raised in Montgomery County most of my life. Then when it was time for me to go to college- I came to Baltimore- and this began my love affair with the city. After graduating college I stayed in Baltimore to continue my Master's degree. After a year of working as a full-time graduate assistant and studying full-time as well, I decided to pursue a job in Baltimore. This way I would be able to both begin my professional career and life in Baltimore City, too. And so my dreams were realized...


My blog will include a list of activities, restuarants, events, and various other spots all Baltimoreans and those visiting Baltimore should do at least once. My wish is that everyone who encounters Baltimore can appreciate it the way I have come to love it. This city has found a place within my heart and I hope that it can give something to everyone. Now, get out there and live BALTIMORE!!!

"BMore Love" by Roxy B
Wordle Image