Misinformation
Is way more dangerous than
No info at all

1) Audiobooks

As I’ve previously mentioned, I am a fan of audiobooks.  Since I don’t have a Discman anymore – thank you random thief at the Columbia Association gym – and really, even if I did, I don’t think I would use it, I rip the discs and put them on my iPod.  This allows me portability AND the added bonus of seeing the metadata embedded in the discs.   Let me just say, it is not good.  It is horribly inconsistent.

For example, this is one of the discs from Sara Gruen’s Riding Lessons:

Nada.

And this is another:

Look at all the information!

So, these two CDs are from the same audiobook.  Why are they like this?  I really don’t understand.  There might be a valid reason, but I honestly can’t think of one.  Is it difficult to set/enforce a standard?  It seems that the majority of audiobooks are given track numbers like 1a, which is perfect for those of us that listen on our iPods.  It makes sure all the tracks are in order and it will play from 1a to 9q or however many discs there are – but only if all of the other information matches.  Sometimes the album title is different from disc to disc, other times the genre (books & spoken or audiobook), and often the artist varies between the author and the person reading the book.

So why does this matter?  Well, like I said, if the tracks are numbered 1a – 9q then all tracks will play in order (which is really important for audiobooks), but if the metadata is inconsistent, the files will be saved in different locations (iTunes has a special list for audiobooks and I’ve had instances where one or two chapters ended in this list and the rest of the discs in the general music section).  Even if you’re NOT using your iPod, and have it in your CD player in your car, most modern CD players read metadata.  This should work.  This shouldn’t be an issue.  If anyone knows a valid reason why this isn’t enforced, I’d love to hear it, because I’m tired to having to relabel all of my audiobooks when I import them.

Ok, so that one was kind of geeky and for a limited audience, but here is some misinformation for the whole family!

2) This just in: super-clear and informative swine flu statistics!

Swine Flu Emotional Rollercoaster: No! Eek! Whew! Yay!

3) For you stock-market playas

Does Bloomberg own Conagra?

4) And finally, if you invested in Conagra because of what Bloomberg told you, here’s a great deal from an apartment company to help you through the rough patch

You won't believe our deals! (Incredulity not required)

That was fun.  Happy weekend everyone!  Remember, if you do anything stupid, at least it’s not on the Internet for bloggers to find and mock.  Oh, wait, Facebook . . . hm, well be careful out there.  <3L.L.