RSS is cool

Are you ready to have your mind blown? No. Too bad. I recently learned about RSS, Really Simple Syndication. As my professor described it, RSS is like a magazine subscription for you web browser. You can subscribe to certain sites and media outlets and easily access the information and pages you would otherwise have to search for.

Naturally, after learning about this I went and poked around to find some things I would be interested in. Using the aggregator Feedly (www.feedly.com) I came across some really cool stuff. After following National Geographic, I read an article about a rare "virgin birth" from a shark in Australia. Then I learned that the popular Disney Cruise Line is combining two of my favorite things; vacation and superheroes! Yep, it turns out you can set sail with Iron Man.  But then, perhaps the best news of all the title for the new Star Wars film has been released. And even better, the font is in red! What does this mean for the galaxy? Guess I'll have to keep up to see!

I've included some of the RSS feeds I follow on the left. Check them out if you get the chance!

I find this to be a very interesting concept. The only issues I've run into is that not all sites have RSS feed available, or they are not up to date. But, as I said, RSS does a lot to limit the amount of time you spend searching for information as well as introduce you to new outlets that may pique your interest. Definitely give it a try!

New Year, New Me #yolo

I love reading other people's new years resolutions. I'm a sarcastic optimist, so I usually find these resolutions both inspiring and humorous. This year I've decided to make some honest resolutions for myself.

1. Try not to watch an entire Netflix series in one weekend- though it is fun, I don't think it's good for my brain (and yes, I am talking to you Marvel's Luke Cage)
   
2. Embrace dictionary.com's daily crossword puzzle- because it makes me feel smart, fuels my word obsession, and helps my vocabulary. (You can fuel your word obsession at http://www.dictionary.com/fun/crossword, btw the word of the day is jurisprudence, which is a body of systems or laws)
   
3. Do something new- I love trying new things, but I usually let my worrisome nature get the best of me. This year, I'm going to [try] to let myself take big risks and enjoy the big rewards. 

   

   *Disclaimer: I do not own any of the photos used in this post*

Introduction

 

 

 Mercedes Maness (n)- red head, Eastern Kentuckian, community and leadership development major, agricultural economics minor, Kappa Kappa Gamma; prospective extension agent; lover of all things superheroes, Star Wars, mystery novels, The Office, pizza, Sprite, Harry Potter, donuts, and alternative music.

The Most Interesting Thing That Happened to Me Last Week

Last week, I was cruising through the Caribbean on the Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship. We visited Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and Haiti. As you can imagine, it was quite a shock when I returned to the U.S. and there was snow on the ground.

 Our first port of call was St. Kitts, located in the West Indies. This is a panorama of the east end of the island from the ship. The photo below is of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. As you can see, she's not a ship to be messed with. There were over 8,000 people on the ship, more than the population of my hometown of Menifee County, KY.

The next stop was St. Maarten! We landed on the Dutch side of the island and took a water taxi over to the main part of town. The man who helped create Yoda lives on the island and runs a museum. Lucky for my dad and I, who are avid Star Wars fans.

 

From there we sailed to San Juan, Puerto Rico, one of the oldest established cities in the United States. Puerto Rico was my favorite destination, but unfortunately, we had to be back on the ship in just a few short hours. We stayed long enough to get a Pina Colada from the restaurant where they were created, as well as check out the favorite local dish, mofungo.

 

I had a great trip, and look forward to my next adventure!