RSS and Google Reader

Thanks to this week's topic in IST611, I've rediscovered my Google Reader account where I had subscribed to a number of sites, including Archaeology Magazine and Library Journal News.  I can't pinpoint exactly why I stopped using it, since the sites I chose to subscribe to all hold an interest for me, but I've never been one for staying on top of the latest news either.

That being said, I find the RSS technology to be extremely useful and believe that it should be taught/shown to students as an option for them to choose from if nothing else.  Students should be made aware of what RSS is and does and what it can do for them.  I don't remember where I read it, but the scenario of a girl working on a team science project comes to mind, where she is doing research on the computer and "oh, this looks like a good site; I will save it and click on the RSS to get instant updates for me and my project members."  So, being instantly updated with information is just one example of its usefulness.  Also, I enjoy having all of the websites/information from those websites that you would normally look at (and that are usually updated) right in front of you to view and then click on if you would like to go to the site for more information.

I'm curious to know, if this is not your first time using RSS feeds, how did you come about using them and why?  What are some of your favorite sites to subscribe to?