Tech
Ontario dairy cows Tweet about their teats
When dairy cows start tweeting is it safe to say that Twitter is slowly taking over the world? OK maybe not, but a group of 12 dairy cows in Brant County, Ontario, have recently started "teat tweeting" and even have their own website.It's all thanks to a collaboration between Marcel O'Gorman (head of the University of Waterloo's Critical Media Lab) and Ron Broglio (an English professor from Georgia Gwinnett College in the States). This new social media project, affectionately named the Teat Tweet Dairy Diary, aims to show consumers the often highly technological nature of farming and how the industry is changing.
Tech
Ride the City gets the jump on Google with Toronto launch of interactive cycling maps
Last week's announcement that Google Maps now offers a cycling directions feature was cause for both excitement and disappointment on the part of Toronto's two-wheeled commuters. While the implementation of such a tool initially seemed a timely match for the unseasonably warm and rider-friendly weather, news that it's currently only available in American cities was occasion for a disheartened sigh from cyclists north of the border.But despite the fact that many have come to rely solely on the mapping prowess of Google, there are a host of other options. Founded in 2008, New York-based upstart Ride the City now offers cycling maps for nine North American cities, including Chicago, Seattle, and, as of last Thursday, Toronto.
Tech
A 2.0 version of the coupon book
Have you ever stopped yourself from trying something different in the city because you were worried that it might not be a good bang for your buck? Well, thanks to the traction the concept of collective buying on the web is getting, you have one less reason to worry about your bottom line and one more to get out and enjoy yourself.Although it's been around for about a year and a half, TeamBuy.ca seems to be coming up on more people's radar of late. Founded in Toronto by Edward Yao and Andrew Hutchings, TeamBuy combines the power of buying in bulk with the community dynamics of web 2.0.
Tech
Toronto Museum Project has the right idea, but remains a work in progress
Have you ever wondered why the city of Toronto has no museum of its own? Ever been traveling and visited a place like the Museum of the City of New York or the Museum of the City of San Francisco and thought -- why doesn't Toronto have one of these? As a history nerd and avid museum-goer, I believe such places go a long way toward establishing and maintaining the cultural identity of cities. And that's why I was excited by the plans to open the Toronto Museum Project opening in the Canada Malting silos. Tech
Toronto-based company takes next step in mobile payment revolution
There's nothing worse than waiting in a giant lineup at the grocery store only to realize you've forgotten your wallet at home, or finding that you don't have enough change after you've ordered your coffee (I always do this at Tim Hortons and have to dash to the ATM across the street). Ever wish you could just pay for something with the snap of your fingers? Well, how about the tap of your mobile phone? That's now a reality due to new technology introduced this week from the Toronto-based startup, Zoompass. Tech
Toronto Restaurants Have a Growing Appetite for Social Media
When it comes to food, everyone's a critic. Restaurants have always relied on word of mouth from satisfied diners to spread the word about their menu - especially in Toronto where there are new restaurants popping up all the time. With the explosion of social media tools, it's easier than ever for foodies and food-lovers alike to share experiences - I always Tweet out my new favourite spots. We recently compiled a list of the Top 10 Toronto foodies to follow on Twitter. But what about the restaurants themselves? How are they embracing social media tools - or are they? Some local restaurants are adopting new media tools, and some still have far to go.
