A couple of my Norwegian friends did at some point need a dictionary to figure out a couple of my written words here. So I was pleasantly affirmed with the results of the blog readability test: My pages have a level of education required to understand my “blog” comparing to Junior High.

Take the test for your blog here. (Warning some loan advertising will try and make its way to your blog if you use their recommended code.)
(Via Vianho)

Information Architects have made a Subway map for: Web Trends of 2007. The most successful companies and websites, including a number of my favorite Web 2.0 solutions, are plotted, categorized with color-coding and rated by size and popularity with stars.
Personally I like the way that have portrayed the data, in a clear and familiar symbolic design.

For the interactive version of the map click here.

In addition the company has attempted to add Web generation numbers. Ie. Web 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and even Web 2.5. According to the company Web 2.5 can describe the route that Facebook is taking. (Then I am guessing that would entail Facebook’s Applications feature.)

(Via TechCrunch)

This morning I stumbled over this start-up named Octop.us. It’s goal, in a digg like manner, is to be a bank for “Tips on anything”. Although still very much in its birth stage, I think that this idea is a good one. Relying on simple user-submitted advice that people share and rate on and from everyday experiences.

Somewhat similar to SuTree, which I recently wrote about, Octop.us depends on textual tips, which may be easier to grasp and quickly search. I am looking forward to read the tips as the database grows.

(Via Alexander Kharlamov)

SuTree is a collection of instructional videos for a wide range of topics. From everyday personal care how-to videos, to more traditional software or hobby tutorial videos. Although it is still in an early stage there are more than 5000 lessons.

For more information on SuTree’s intent check out there about page.

(Via TechCrunch)

There are loads of different internet sited that want to tell you how fast you broadband actually is. Personally I find some complicated and others even too fancy. However Internet Frog has a nice and simple internet connection speed test.

It requires java, but the advantage is that it offers a nice visual comparison to other mediums like cable modem or T1 lines.

(Via LifeHacker)

I have not heard much of Windows Vista since the initial hype some months ago. The general idea I have been left with, after talking with others, is that Vista has not really taken off. But apparently Vista is doing better than most people think.

Although no statistics are yet available of Vista sales. Some of Microsoft’s rewards can clearly be seen according to a post on Windows Now by Robert McLaws. As an example Microsoft has received 21% fewer support calls for Vista than during the same period for Windows XP.

Also if you like Macs and you didn’t catch Joy Of Tech‘s clever comic on Vista sales in a store, check my previous post here.

(Via p0ps blog)

Wayne Smallman the writer behind Blah! Blah! Technology passed his 300th article marker earlier this week and launched the new domain and site.

Smallman’s blog has been one of my early inspirations since my entry to the blogosphere several months ago. He has also been an active contributor with comments and advice here on stepheno.net. So if you are interested in the latest and coming technology trends and in-depth opinions and follow-ups of them, check out blahblahtech.com .

PC World has just rated 50 of the Best Tech Products of All Time. Being the Apple Macintosh enthusiast as I am, I enjoyed seeing Apple ranked second only following Netscape Navigator, as well as several other Apple related placements further down. I’ll let you check out the complete list.

But I also want to point out some of my personal favorites: Atari 2600, Eudora and HyperCard to mention a few.

(Via Slashdot)

Going through Del.icio.us’ popular bookmarks this morning I came across the column: 20 Things You Didn’t Know About… at Discover Magazine.
Basically there are several categories, of 20 Things You Didn’t Know About, ranging from topics like Aliens or Skin to Lab Accidents.

The articles I read are written in a light and humorous manner. Though they also portray some very interesting and important facts: “No, you’re not less of a man if you let a garage do the work: One quart of motor oil, improperly disposed of, can pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water.” – 20 Things You Didn’t Know About… Garbage.
The series is not new at all, but obviously took me almost a year to find.

Stop the Big Brother State is an interesting short animation by David Schart. Their intent is to portray that people are giving up their freedom in exchange for temporary security. Although I do not agree with all their statements, I do definitely see how our freedom will be diminishing.

A large version of the animation can be seen here (flash 55mb). In regards to my design interests I do like the simplistic motiongraphics they have used as well.
(Via Del.icio.us)