I have followed the development of Google Reader since it was launched in 2005. Having used Thunderbird and then NetVibes, I have used Google Reader for the last two years to read blogs. The main reason I like Reader are the UI, the keyboard shortcuts for quick navigation and the fact I can also use it on mobile devices and multiple computers. During that period, I have sporadically marked articles that interest, amuse or shock me on my ‘Shared Items’ feed and Google recently added improved support for the sharing of ‘Shared Items’. ...

‘I miss seeing Cockneys trying to get a taxi in Moss Side.’ Noel on Maine Road and the good old days.

Early Jurassic - Mum takes you to playgroup, kicking and screaming and your friends are forced upon you. Free milk at 11 am. Cretaceous - Primary school. You go round to Robert’s for tea and Robert comes round to your house for tea. Painfully shy in female company. Middle Monolithic - Secondary school - you hang out with the kids who play football and avoid those who threaten you with knives at the bus stop. ...

Google have recently added some ‘social’ features to Google Reader which enables much improved sharing of people’s Shared Items. The features have re-energised my use of Reader as these were features I have wanted for a long time.

Friday ‘Can I touch them ?’ ‘No. Not yet.’ ‘Look - it’s been four months now. When can I touch them ?’ ‘Not yet. I’ve already told you, I’m not ready’. Sunday ‘Please can I touch them ?’ ‘No - not yet. Just a couple more days. But you can help me, if you like.’ ‘Oh what is it now ? The footy’s on in a minute.’ ‘Listen. Forget about the god-damned football for just one minute. Put your pole in here now because I want to drape them all around your pole.’ ...