Monday Links: November 3rd, 2008

Hi there folks.  Thanks for your patience through our unexpected blogcation these last few weeks.  Jarred and I have both been traveling (in Jrod’s case, cross-country), and I’ve been focused on election stuff and work.  Enough with excuses, you came here for links.  I’m trying to avoid political stuff since, well, we’re approaching saturation on that front (and I’ll probably post a few political things on Tuesday):

• Since I’ll be moving in July to a house with an actual (gasp) yard, I’ve been planning an organic vegetable garden.  The EasyBloom Plant Sensor is a new product that might sound like overkill at first but I have to say that after watching the demo video…I’m sold.  Basically you place the sensor in your garden or in your house to collect data on ambient temperature, soil moisture, sunlight, etc.  After a few days, you hook it up to your computer (via built in USB) to receive plant recommendations from EasyBloom based on the conditions in the spot you’re testing.  It can also be used to diagnose issues with plants that are…underperforming, by identifying insufficient sun, water, etc.  Like I said, I’m sold: for a beginner gardener like me, seems like a good idea.  My birthday is in May (and Christmas is fast approaching…).  Also, for those who are interested, I’ve looked into a number of books on organic gardening and this is by far the best, and most comprehensive, that I’ve found.

• Jrod pointed out this Google Reader Blog post touting the Guardian’s bold move to full RSS feeds on all articles.  As you know, partial RSS feeds are a major pet peeve.  It brings me joy to imagine more major news sites seeing the light of full RSS feeds and moving away from punishing readers (I’m looking at you NY Times, Washington Post, LA Times, etc).

• The Girl Effect video is another example of how well-crafted text can be as powerful and engaging as images:

• Dwell rounds up CFL reviews to help you find a bulb with a nice warm glow (no more excuses…as Michael Jackson says, “make that change”).

• Amazon is trying out a new concept they call “Frustration Free Packaging“: recyclable, clamshell- and plastic binding-free packaging for a variety of (initially, at least) toys and electronics.  This move will hopefully cut down on the outrageous number of injuries that occur each year when gadget nerds stab themselves trying to unpack new bluetooth headsets, and it represents a meaningful step in terms of sustainability for a major retailer.  Like Walmart deciding to sell only concentrated laundry detergent, packaging decisions like this from major market players can have an enormous trickle down effect on suppliers and other retailers.  Hopefully we’ll be seeing less of this kind of thing from Amazon in the future. [Hat Tip: 37 Signals].

Go Vote.