RSS FeedNook? Kindle? OverDrive!
We’re on record through numerous posts as being big fans of the DC Public Library (and librarians in general). We’ve talked about the collection, audio books for MP3 players, even the occasional spring blue bird. This post is more of the same, prompted by a recent article in the Wall Street Journal. In that article they note that the OverDrive software which has powered audio books, movies, music, and ebooks downloaded from the public library now has a smartphone app (iPhone & Android).
We decided to give it a try and downloaded the free OverDrive app for our iPhone. The app allows you to associate your phone with various public libraries, we of course chose our very own DC Public. The setup is a little tricky requiring an Adobe ID for any eBooks (also free) and then bouncing you between the app and OverDrive website. But once you have downloaded both an audio book and ebook successfully the setup makes more sense. In just a few minutes we were skimming through Seth Grahame-Smith’s Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (a favorite of Mrs Columbo).
It’s easy and very cool. We’re not big on the idea of reading a novel on our iPhone, but you can see the direction these things are moving. Back in early 2007 you could only download audio books for your for Windows DRM device. Then in late 2007 they added movies, music and ebooks. In mid-2008 they started offering DRM free downloads that could be used on your non-Windows device. Right now it’s no real threat to the Amazon and other ebook vendors, but one day it might be.
Merzi Brings Fast Indian To The Quarter (415 7th St NW)
In the PQ Living newsroom, there seems to be no end in sight to the new restaurants to try in the neighborhood. We said good bye to the Zenith Gallery on 7th St NW, watched the space get split into two, and then saw the last half gestate into Merzi (415 7th St NW) over the last seven months. Was it worth the wait? We think so.
Shakespeare Theatre Hosts Open Rehersal Of Cymbeline (Sunday)
Looking for something to do on Sunday afternoon? The Shakespeare Theatre Company is inviting the public to a free open rehearsal of its upcoming show, Cymbeline, at the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th St NW). Seatings for the behind-the-scenes look at the production will take place at 3pm and 4:20pm. No reservations required, just simply walk in!
Here is a synopsis of Cymbeline, which will officially open on Jan 18, 2011.
Photo credit: Shakespeare Theatre Company website
Openings & Closings
The new year is off to a bright start, at least for metro riders who use the 12th & G exit at Metro Center (across from Cosi). These metro escalators have been perennially out of service since we moved to DC. But yesterday we noticed the 12th & G escalators were both in working order. Will it last? Probably not, but in the year of the rabbit we want to look on the bright side.
On the not so bright side we just noticed this posting on the door of the now closed Mixt Greens (1311 F ST NW). The posting states that the business is now closed, as of 12/31/2010, due to a “long running dispute with the landlord.” Yikes, you know things are bad when a sign like that goes up on your door.