Previously at theTRu. I’ve begun a series of master lists of all my pop culture media influences, assigning them each a letter of the alphabet like a twisted version of Scattergories. Only my favorite items make it to the list, and even then, they are subject to being edited out eventually when something more intriguing comes along. So far, I’ve done a three-part series on TV-related media and I started the “online” section, which covers anything from the digital age, really. Part one encompassed A through H. Part two revealed my picks for I through Q. And today, we unveil the remaining letters of the alphabet.

R is for Reading. It would seem that the digital age is diametrically (and even diabolically) opposed to reading. The rise of digital formats and distribution has all but killed the magazine and newspaper industry and its sights are squarely set on the rest of the publishing world. However, I’ve found myself reading even more than before. Perhaps it’s a thirst for real, “actual” writing. Perhaps it’s just accessibility, but loading books onto my Kindle and iPod and having them where ever I go has been so convenient and caused me to lean towards a gluttonous reading habit.

S is for Spotify. I had a podcast in mind for this spot, but then I remembered Spotify. And Spotify is so great that no podcast in the world could take its place. Here’s the thing, I don’t even have access to Spotify like I used to, but just knowing it’s there when I do have access makes it all worth while. So many songs, even new releases. Very valuable asset.

T is for TED Talks. If innovation, leadership, and business sense had a first name, it would be TED. Okay, that’s pretty lame, but TED Talks are anything but. If you can imagine a topic, there’s probably a TED talk about it. Some of my favorites include the JJ Abrams, Simon Sineck, and Chris Seay presentations. And did I mention TED is on Netflix now? Synergy, baby.

U is for Under the Radar. First, make sure you get the right “Under the Radar.” I’m referring to the one at RadarRadio.net. Second, in the interest of full disclosure, I don’t spend an absorbent amount of time with this resource, but it’s one that I’m glad exists. More PASTE than CCM, Under the Radar highlights (and sometimes introduces) the lesser known artists in the music world and it’s certainly worth checking out.

V is for Videos. This is a pretty broad category and it includes everything from Netflix streaming to youtube (which I really don’t frequent much), from the aforementioned Olympics coverage to Your Movie Friend (http://www.aarondicer.com) video podcasts with Aaron Dicer. Aside from Netflix, I mostly take advantage of movie trailers and music videos, but it’s been quite interesting to see video become increasingly vital to the Internet culture.

W is for Wikipedia. Wikipedia at once embodies the best and the worst the web has to offer. At its best, Wikipedia is a boundless collaboration of web users from around the world to benefit others with the gift of trivial and pertinent information. At its worst, it represents the slow defeat of absolute authority and a rise in the (faulty) belief that truth is relative or knowledge is the culmination of the loudest voices.

X is for Xfinity App. X is a hard letter to work with. I wouldn’t praise anything about Xfinity (my cable company) except that it’s one of the few things I use that begins with or even features a prominent “x” in its name. I will say that the app (which doesn’t completely work as advertised) makes it somewhat easier to search the on-demand features available – and you can even stream some of them to your iPod/other device if you so desire. (Drains my battery though.)

Y is for Your Move with Andy Stanley. Formerly known as the Best of North Point Ministries, this podcast features messages (usually in a multiple part weekly series) from Andy Stanley, who often has practical advice for leadership, life, and how it all relates to our Creator.

Z is for Zynga. Zynga is that lovely gaming studio that brought us Farmville. Deep groan, yes I know, but also this innovative company made Words With Friends, Draw Something, and a host of other games household names. I was much more absorbed by their trappings about 6 months ago, but I still love a good game of WWF now and again.

Did you miss part one? or part two? or the three-part TV series? Read them now and stay tuned for the next series which will be music.

peace… love… bdg…