Stuff that’s been floating around the office – December 2008

I thought I might as well make a habit out of this, since there are some really entertaining and interesting websites or news articles that continue to be passed around at Made By Many – some new, some not so new but all a good read. In December, these were some of the things that occupied our attention, however briefly (we do work, in case you were wondering!):

1. Good.is: A collaboration of individuals, businesses and nonprofits pushing the world forward. (courtesy David)

2. Grader.com: Evaluates your websites, press releases and Twitter profiles. (courtesy Elin)

3. Ushahidi: Meaning ‘testimony’ in Swahili, Ushahidi is a platform that crowdsources crisis information, originally started to map reports of violence in Kenya during their elections at the beginning of the year. (courtesy David)

4. 30threads: We don’t live in North Carolina, but if you do, then you’d want to track the most talked-about stuff in your area with this site. (courtesy Elin)

5. The 20-year warranty calendar: This calendar, which sticks out of the wall more than 60 centimetres, was created by a brand to illustrate their 20-year quality warranty. You’re not going to forget that in a hurry! (courtesy David)

6. The Groupery: If you are part of a volunteer group of any kind, then you can make your life much easier thanks to this. (courtesy Matt)

7. MealBaby: A meal registry for people who’ve just had babies or are recuperating from an illness. It’s not as funny as it sounds! (courtesy me)

8. Popego: Popego filters the stuff that you and your friends are interested in, so you get what you want and are not lost in the volume. (courtesy me)

9. Spot.us: Community-funded reporting, as they say. One of the more interesting things I’ve seen this year. (courtesy me)

10. 2009 Social Media predictions: Originally compiled by Peter Kim, this list summarizes some predictions for next year from key people in the social media sphere. (courtesy Tim)

11. Man flu: I was sick with the flu recently, and lots of people around have been sniffing and coughing. So when Elin sent this video around, I for one doubled over in laughter!! 

12. Merry Christmas: ‘Tis the season to be jolly…and light up like a microwave, perhaps?! (courtesy Isaac)