Dave is here.

Google Wave

My invite finally came through and I’m testing it out. Add me: dlbrows[at]googlewave.com

Vancouver suggestions! Help!

Remember yesterday when I talked about making some maps on Google to reference when I’m out an about? Good.

I started a new map of the places (pubs, restaurants and shops) people have suggested I check out. But I’ve done a good job, so far, of hitting up most places people suggest so I only have 3 spots left on this map. Soooooooo… have you got any favourite places you think I should try out?

If so, do me a huge favour and either leave a comment, reblog or email me with the spot, an addressee if you’ve got it, and maybe a quick reason as to why I might like it. If you can I’ll definitely add it to my map.

My hope is that when I’m out and about and I’m looking for a place to eat, drink or I’m just bored I’ll refer to this map and see if there are any places near by that have been suggested by my friends or the great people of tumblr.

Thanks!

My Maps

Sometimes I’m ahead of the curve, sometimes I’m well behind it.

I’ve been sort of looking for a way to keep track of my favourite places in Vancouver as I introduce myself to the city by wandering around. Well, Google Maps lets you create your own map of your favourite places (or other such themes) and now with Google Maps Mobile v. 3.2 I can refer to my map and edit it on my blackberry.

I’m sold.

UPDATE: Just had a great idea; with this I can also keep track of which pubs have my favourite beers on tap. BOOM.

Foursquare and the Vancouver Public Library

If you have no idea what Foursquare is here is a good overview.

If you’ve ever played foursquare you know how addicting it can be and how some nights it’s the reason you get off the couch. You want to be at the top of the leader board, become the mayor of your favourite haunt, or just use it to check out new places. Either way it gets you out of the house and into stores, pubs and yes, even libraries.

Recognizing this companies have started to come up with freebies and discounts for foursquare users who check in at their place.

So what’s this have to do with the VPL? How do you give discounts on free?

First, full disclosure; I am the Mayor of the Central Branch. But as I don’t live directly downtown I could be easily ousted so don’t think of this as trying to reward myself. But I did think of a way the Vancouver Public Library could encourage people to check in a little more than they already do (and thus, hopefully, be reading a book or two more than they normally do).

It’s simple and easy.

Throw up a sign/whiteboard somewhere in the branches that says, for example, “The Mayor of the Central Branch, Dave B., recommends The World According to Garp by John Irving”

Now obviously it could get a little tiring if they had to change these every time someone new became mayor which is why I would suggest setting a cut-off time. Whoever is mayor as of closing on Sunday night would have their recommendation up for the week.

Go to the VPL, check in, become mayor, get recognized as mayor and get a chance to recommend a book.

Just a fun little idea I thought could work for the Vancouver Public Library and maybe other Libraries in other foursquare cities.