Birdsong Information Services

May, 2007

Sometimes I need to refresh my mind with ideas so that I can think differently to solve a problem, meet a challenge or relax my mind to be more productive. There are many websites and other ways that could accomplish this feat. Here are a couple of ways that I use to look for ideas and relax my mind.

Business Search Example
I use NewScientist.com (http://www.newscientist.com/home.ns) for both business and general purposes. You can subscribe for approximately $65/year. It is one of my favorite places to search for new ideas or to see what is happening on a broad range of topics. Some of the topics on the home page as of this writing include information and research on, coffee and gout, Facebook and mark-up tools, animals and emotions, two-colour LED screens, how a starch diet could power a car in the future, and California and a stem cell bonanza. Below is an example of one area I follow for business.

One of the areas I keep an eye on is robotics and their uses as I believe Robotics has implications for business. An example in the health and medical industry is in the April, 07 issue. An article by Emma Young reviews the uses of robots and how “tireless reliable physio-robots” help stroke patients. The article also discusses how Robots can help patients with paralyzed limbs or how to help restore movement in limbs and joints where surgery has been performed. "In the next five to 10 years, therapeutic robots will be present in all clinics and at home," says Hermano Igo Krebs, a robotic rehabilitation specialist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Such robots should also help people with other diseases that affect movement, such as Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis, he says.” The potential of robotics in business is vast and only one example of the many different types of information available on NewScientist.com.

General Search Example
Another one of my favorite places to visit is iTunes (http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/) and listen to the free podcasts. I have an account with my iPod Nano and sometimes download them to my Nano if I am traveling or listen directly from my computer. There are several podcasts that can give ideas or refresh my mind. NPR’s podcasts have a variety of information and I particularly like the Story of the Day. It is short and gives me information quickly and concisely. There are currently 16 categories of podcasts with information and ideas on my topics such as Arts, Business, Kids, Health, Religion, Sports, TV and others which allows for a variety of topics to be heard via podcasts.

We are heading into the summer in the United States as of this writing. My wish is for all of you to have a summer filled with happiness and prosperity. If I can help you with any research please call.

Should you need assistance with information
or research please contact me at

or 303-884-8666