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SciTalks.com launches video site for science lectures

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scitalks.jpgSciTalks.com, a searchable repository of video recordings of science lectures from all over the world, launched today with over 1,000 lectures online. Segments range from a series of hour-long lectures by the late Richard Feynman, to a short, hilarious Ali G interview with Noam Chomsky, and a fascinating talk on designing a semiconductor-based brain, by up-and-coming Stanford researcher Kwabena Boahen.

Access to SciTalks.com is completely free. Users can also set up a free username and password to create their own collection of favorite videos, which can be shared with students, friends and colleagues.

“Science and scientists are going to be more fun and accessible because of SciTalks. Students will be able to hear the voices and passion of the actual discoverers of the subject they’re studying in class. Teachers can assign selections to their students… no matter how limited your school’s resources, if you have access to the internet, you can now get a great science education. It’s like crack for science geeks.” says founder Lee Vodra.

Originally posted on June 19, 2007 @ 4:17 pm

AOL launches travel guides to worldwide destinations

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aoltravel.jpgAOL announced the beta launch of 
AOL Travel Guides, an online resource that provides detailed information on more than 1,900 national and international locations and over 100,000 hotels. Also available through AOL Travel, Travel Guides include destination information – restaurants, bars, sights, activities and events – as well as hotel listings, with links to book directly from the site. In addition, the guides automatically plot these locations on a map using industry-leading technology and features from MapQuest.

“AOL Travel Guides give users the opportunity to expertly plan their vacations, based on ratings and reviews from other travelers, and share their own findings with our worldwide online audience,” said Jim Kovarik, Director and General Manager, AOL Travel. “By combining user-generated and editorial content, MapQuest technology and local search results, we can provide users access to an interactive travel site where they can help shape content.”

AOL Travel Guides also provide advertisers with an opportunity to reach users who are seeking information about specific destinations. Geo-targeted ad capabilities are available at the city, state, country and world region levels. Additionally, destinations focused on specific activities such as golf or skiing will also be packaged for interested advertisers. Specific user-submitted search queries will be targeted via sponsored links.

Originally posted on June 20, 2007 @ 6:41 am

Pittsburgh Pirates CEO takes a stake in Gather.com

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gather.jpgGather.com, a social media site for adults, announced that Kevin McClatchy has taken a minority stake in the company. McClatchy is CEO of the Pittsburgh Pirates major league baseball team and a director at The McClatchy Company, the third largest newspaper company in the United States. The funds will be used to expand Gather.com’s product development efforts and support its global expansion plans.

“Kevin’s investment in Gather reflects continuing interest from high profile investors who recognize the power of social media,” says Tom Gerace, Gather.com founder and Chief Executive Officer. “In addition to capital resources, he brings credibility and fresh ideas to further accelerate the growth of the Gather.com community.”

McClatchy joins several individuals and corporations who have invested in Gather.com, including former Lotus Chairman Jim Manzi, Allen & Company, The American Public Media Group, Hearst, The McGraw-Hill Companies, and Southern California Public Radio.

Originally posted on June 19, 2007 @ 6:21 pm

Dubai’s first online community portal launches

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dubai.jpgLime Green Entertainment LLC announced the launch of Dubai’s first online community website, DubaiLime.com.

The website was created to provide the city’s multi-national community, a forum for cultural development and exchange. Dubai Lime registrants and users can experience online and offline interaction with other members. Real life community events such as music, art and cultural events are held on regular basis for Dubai Lime’s registrants. Offering more than just an entertainment portal, Dubai Lime is a comprehensive tool for residents and tourists alike. The website broadcasts video clips made in Dubai, an original music podcast and listing of Dubai’s events, classified section, restaurants and food venues as well as Dubai’s tourist attractions. Partnering with Dubai based radio 92FM Dubai Lime airs a weekly music show ‘The Open Mic with Dubai Lime’ broadcasting every Saturday from 7pm to 9pm to promote original music in the city.

For Dubai’s growing businesses, Dubai Lime’s website provides a platform for online marketing solutions for companies wishing to promote their services and products to Dubai Lime subscribers. Utilising specialised demographic filter, Dubai Lime options offer targeted options for companies to reach their preferred consumer demographics. Registered members have an option of receiving product information and promotional messages. The website currently targets food and beverage, entertainment and real estate developers.

Originally posted on June 19, 2007 @ 1:50 am

Vois.com, social networking site for 30-50 year olds

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ViosFeeling like you’re too old for MySpace or FaceBook? Vois.com could the social networking playground for you. With the growing number of social networks that mostly cater to teenagers and yuppies in their 20s, Vois targets the more mature batch.

Industry reports reveal that over half of the members and visitors of social networks like MySpace, Facebook, Flickr and Livejournal are now above 35 years old who take advantage of these communities to build contacts and meet new people — which is basically what Vois is for: to cater to this particular age group of 30-50 years olds, while providing businesses a shot at this prime demographic.

Vois features the usual Web 2.0 elements which allow users to create blogs, post comments and classifieds, add friends, join communities, meet new people and find potential dates.

Originally posted on June 19, 2007 @ 11:51 am