Half of the fun in procrastinating on the Internet is the opportunity for unexpected education. To help you get back to being a productive human being, for today at least, here are some quick learnings curated from around the Blogads network:

Methodshop — Portland vs. Austin
With the addition of the Portland Digital eXperience (PDX) to the MusicFestNW lineup, MFNW may be the new and arguably better version of Austin’s SXSW. Well, I’ll be!

Regretsy – View It in a Room
“Claw Predator Rings” are a real thing. These exist in the world. Someone makes these…and now you’re better for knowing.

The Comics Curmudgeon – I’ll just have to “suspend” my disbelief (that anyone would say this ever)
Low-end suspenders are slightly more affordable than low-end belts. This, I truly did not know.

Lamebook – Spelling Counts
Proof-reading is dead. This isn’t breaking news, but we should all take a moment. RIP.

Crazy Aunt Purl – A year from now you’ll wish you had started today
September is a great month to start fresh on a goal. New Year’s resolutions are for suckers.

photo by flickr user Marc_Smith

Welcome to the third post in our Barometer series, helping you gauge the atmosphere in the political blogosphere on Day 1 of the DNC.

Say Anything – Bedbugs, Prostitutes and Drug Dealers Plague Hotels at Democratic National Convention
Journalists and delegates report less-than-ideal accommodations in Charlotte.

Crooks & Liars – Haley Barbour: ‘I Would Love for Christie to Put a Hot Poker to Obama’s Butt’
MS governor’s controversial word choice stirs up accusations of racism.

The Lonely Conservative – Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s Laughable Claim that DNC Won’t Be ‘Corporate Infused’
The FL representative maintains that the DNC will be an open, grassroots convention.

Jack & Jill Politics – Watch Live – 2012 Democratic National Convention
Catch J&J’s DNC livestream!

Photos from: shannon-vaughan, Gage Skidmore, Timothy Valentine