Apr 7, 2015 | Entertainment, Humor, Security
In 2013, former government contractor Edward Snowden blew the whistle on the NSA. Americans learned their desktops, laptops, smartphones, and social media pages were being spied on by this government entity without their approval or knowledge.
Now, that story is all but completely forgotten about. Many Americans seem to forget who Snowden is. But late night talk show host and comedian John Oliver hasn’t forgotten, and he’s determined not to let us forget. It bothered Oliver that nearly half of Americans don’t seemed that concerned about government surveillance. ?Do you know what happens June 1? John Oliver reminds us that’s the expiration date of certain parts of the controversial Patriot Act. By that day, government officials will either renew or kill those certain parts. One of those provisions is Section 215. It’s common name is the Library Records Provision. Don’t let that name fool you. Section 215/Library Records Provision requires employers to hand over any ‘tangible things’, including books, hard drives, records, even social media pages and music on your iPod. According to this provision, this would only be used investigate terrorist activities. That’s not all. John Oliver went to Russia and interviewed Edward Snowden. Part of his interview aired on Oliver’s HBO program called Last Week Tonight.
I’d like to thank John Oliver for re-starting the conversation. I’m thankful he educated us about the June 1 deadline, Section 215, and what’s really on the line. And he interviewed Snowden himself. Some may say Oliver is doing this for ratings. If that’s the case, then why aren’t there more host speaking out against this? I think the closer we get to June 1, the more Section 215 is going to be debated. At least that’s my hope. I live in a ?politically charged and progressive city. So when the government surveillance story broke, there were protest and rallies everywhere to stop government surveillance. A few months later, they stopped. I don’t trust Section 215. They say it’s only to investigate potential terrorism. But the cynic in me says it will be used and abused for more sinister reasons. Is John Oliver the man we need to re-start the call against government surveillance?
Apr 6, 2015 | News, youtube
Turkey censors social media…again. This time, that nation blocks You Tube and Twitter because the social media sites refuse to take down a photo of a lawyer being held hostage by militants in Istanbul, Turkey’s capital, largest city and most popular tourist destination.
After many people complained about failure to log on to You Tube and Twitter, a Turkish Internet service provider official confirmed the ban. A total of 166 websites were ordered shut down. All these websites published the controversial photos. It’s not just social media that’s suffering from the ban. Local newspapers and media are taking a hit. Facebook’s ban in Turkey has been lifted. But that’s only because they agreed to comply with this issue. This whole crisis started when a rouge far-left political party took prosecutor Mehmet Kiraz hostage. Kiraz was the prosecutor in an emotionally charged murder trial. Kiraz was kidnapped, attacked, and hours later, died of injuries afflicted in these attacks. Pictures of this ordeal went up all over the nation, electronically and otherwise. Kiraz’s widow and kids began the call to take the pictures down. The case went to an Istanbul court, which ordered the pictures to come down. Turkish medium Daily Hurriyet, who got censored because of the ban, said, “We just want to do journalism. We do not want to face bans…trying to prevent our colleagues from doing their work.”
I must admit, this is a tough call. I sympathize with Attorney Kiraz’s family. It’s traumatizing enough to lose a husband and father in this sudden, tragic and violent fashion. It’s another thing to have this ordeal displayed all over the country. The effect can be devastating. But to ban social media websites because of this is overkill. ?I agree, there needs to be respect for this man’s family and those pictures shouldn’t be posted. But I think of the reaction here. It almost seems like Turkish government leaders and service providers are using this tragedy as an excuse to push censorship. It’s not like they haven’t pushed censorship before. They could have just used disciplinary action against the media companies who posted these pics. Couldn’t the government and media come up with a better solution?
Apr 5, 2015 | Computer technology
In 1975, Gerald Ford was the US President. All in the Family was the top TV show. Jaws was the top movie. Captain and Tenille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together” was the top song. The Pet Rock was the top trend. And a technological revolution was born.
That technological revolution was Microsoft. This weekend, it celebrated it’s 40th anniversary. It was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. As you know, Microsoft eventually made Gates the richest man of our generation. Gates had such a firm hand on his company that any employee who suggested anything that might weaken company profits would face strict disciplinary action. It was called ‘strategy tax’, and although it destroyed many potential innovations, it created many revolutionary ones that changed the face of computer technology forever. Now Mr. Satya Nadella is the boss, and became so when Microsoft fell in some difficult times. His strategy included turning it from a Windows only to serving a broader range of online services for everyone. That’s paying off, as Microsoft is rolling in $87 billion in revenue. If you recall, Bill Gates stepped down in the early 2000s to focus on his philanthropy with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary, Bill Gates wrote a letter to the company in which he talked about Microsoft’s humble beginnings. He’s optimistic about computing’s future, believing it will evolve the next ten faster than ever before. I truly believe Gates is onto something there. He praises Satya’s leadership. Like many other tech leaders, he vows to make the Internet and other tech resources available to everyone around the world. Gates closed the letter reminiscing on the accomplishments of the last 40 years, and looks forward to the years…I mean…decades to come. But I think about the upcoming Windows 10 coming out later this year. Will Windows 10 help or harm Microsoft’s legacy?
Apr 4, 2015 | Computer technology
A year ago, the US Department of Homeland Security tried to come up with a licence plate tracking system. But because privacy rights groups raised so much controversy over the program, plans were scrapped. Now, those plans are back.
The Department of Homeland Security is reaching back out to private companies. They want these companies to help US law enforcement build a license place tracking system. The DHS claims they can do this now because they’ve addressed last years’ concerns. In a statement Thursday, DHS insisted it won’t build a national database or contribute data into existing systems. They will seek bids from gathering data private companies. They will charge and determine how much access to give Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is a DHS agency. But privacy rights advocates aren’t too crazy about this deal. A spokesperson for The Center of Democracy and Technology said, “If this goes forward, DHS will have warrantless access to location information going back at least five years about virtually every adult driver in the U.S…”. Spokespersons for law enforcement say such concerns are blown way out of proportion. We should also note the FBI already uses licence plate tracking.
If such concerns are blown out of proportion, then why did Homeland Security postpone this plan last year? They must have known something was wrong with this. And I’m not totally trusting of this new system either. Have you read about what happens to jails/prisons when private companies take over them? I have the same concern here. What if private companies get into the ear of certain law enforcement employees, leaders and agencies? Wouldn’t that compromise and cancel the integrity of the whole system? There’s an old saying that was popularized during the Watergate era: Follow the money. Should we follow the money if this new program comes becomes reality?
Apr 3, 2015 | Malware, Security, Smartphone
It’s no secret Android has had malware problems. At this time last year, a scathing report said most of mobile malware is on Android mobile products. Google is combating malware and it looks like Google is winning.
According to Android‘s own State of the Union report, the malware rate fell by 50% over the course of 2014. The article claiming 97% of all mobile malware is on Android came put in March 2014. According to Google, only one percent of Android devices had harmful apps installed in 2014. This State of the Union is 44 pages long. It doesn’t just talk about malware problems. This report tackled things from ransomware to SMS abuse. They expect to continue do more research on harmful glitches and bugs. This is part of Google’s war on malware wherever it exists, from Android devices to Chrome. Last week alone, Google cut out around 200 harmful extensions in their web browser, making web surfing easier for nearly 14 million people who struggled otherwise. But the report didn’t talk about the high risk Android Jellybean phone. There’s still controversy about the lack of a venerability patch, but some Android leaders say that was the best course of action for protection.
If this report is accurate, then it sounds like Android is making tremendous progress in reducing their malware threat. I’m guessing that March 2014 article was a wake up call. I was a little skeptical of getting a Droid phone, but then I remember the majority of malware issues came from Asian and Pacific nations. But there are still things you can do to prevent a malware attack, no matter what your favorite smartphone brand is. Get good antivirus protection. Today’s it’s simple to get and very essential. Watch the apps you subscribe to. If it looks suspicious, stay away from it. I can think of some websites to steer clear from. How well do you think the malware problem has improved?
Apr 2, 2015 | Entertainment, Humor, youtube
How did you get your prom date, or did you even have one? These ?high school students are using social media to come up with creative, outlandish, and very expensive ways to get that dream date.
This is where prom proposals, or ‘promposals’ come in. These are extravagant prom proposals, usually done on social media sites like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and You Tube. This year, the average American family will spend around $1,000 on prom. ?But a big chunk of that won’t go to just limos, dresses, tuxedos, and after parties. Over a third of it will be spent on simply asking the date to prom. Some are basic, like a big teddy bear holding a sign saying “Will you go to prom with me”. Some go over the top. One young man rode a horse on school property asking a girl to the dance. Another guy asked a girl to prom by twerking on You Tube. In Palmdale, California, a student named Davyeon was arrested in his school lunchroom. Davyeon didn’t commit any crime. His girlfriend Stephanie got an officer to stage his play arrest. She came out with a sign asking him to prom. Some teens are even using celebrities to do the proposal for them. Sarah Kardonsky had the New York Jets ask Mike to prom. Even Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston offered his promposal services.
I admire these kids’ creativity. It seems like they try to outdo each other in creative and entertaining ways to celebrate this teen ritual. Most people from my era ?never would have imagined going through such links. Many of these are fun to watch. The only disturbing part is people who make under $25,000 a year spending more on prom than those making $50,000 a year. But the way these kids are going all out for their prom tells me our future in entertainment and creative arts is going to be all right. Do you think they can put the same effort in math and science?
Apr 1, 2015 | Entertainment, internet
How many remember the Pac-Man craze? It was the most popular video game of the 1980s. In fact, it was so popular Pac-Man had it’s own song, own cartoon, even it’s own cereal. Google is bringing this craze back.
You can now play Pac-Man with Google Maps. Just download any Google map anywhere in the world. You’ll see a Pac-Man window on the bottom left corner on the screen. Click on the screen and the map will turn into a Pac-Man board. Make sure your map has enough roads for a Pac-Man game or it won’t work. It’s best to zoom into a city or town. Or you can click on the Pac-Man icon in the middle of your map. The format is regular Pac-Man. There is no Mrs. Pac-Man, Super Pac-Man, Baby Pac-Man, or any other version you might remember. At least, not yet. But it’s got everything the regular format had: the four ghost monsters, the fruit, the big dots where you can eat the ghost monsters, five chances before the game is over, everything. You can even keep up with score and put it on your Facebook pages and Twitter feeds.
I’ve played Google Maps Pac-Man and it can be very addictive! But I do have a playing tip. Play on roads that are straight and less plentiful. Playing on curvy and crazy roads will make the game even more complicated. This game is far more challenging than the 1980s Pac-Man. I haven’t even gotten past the cherry board yet. I’m not sure why Google decided to make Google Maps Pac-Man, or how long it will last. But I’m glad they’re doing it. This game is fun, family friendly, and a great way to cure the boredom blues. More than that, it allows an older generation to relive memories of the arcade or their first home video game system (though the arcade version was so much better, admit it!). It allows a new generation to get a taste of what life is like before Xbox. What other classic games could work on Google Maps?
Mar 31, 2015 | Entertainment, internet
Yesterday, I talked about rapper and music mogul Shawn ‘Jay Z’ Carter’s acquisition of the streaming service Tidal. They had their press conference yesterday. Remember when I asked which celebs would take part? Even I was surprised at the outcome.
At the conference, not only did we learn major A-List musicians support Tidal, they own pieces of this streaming service. Tidal co-owners include Beyonce, Madonna, Rihanna, Usher, Nicky Minaj, Alicia Keys, Calvin Harris, and groups Draft Punk and Coldplay. Together, they vowed to restore the value of music by launching a service owned by artists. Jay Z is still offering a million dollars and equity for other musicians to join him. The regular rates are $9.99 a month, which will pay standard royalties. But Tidal premium services will cost $19.99 a month, and that will pay artist the double royalties Jay Z promised.
But Tidal has a hard acre to plow. What is the customer supposed to get for $19.99 a month? We’re told higher quality audio files and new songs and albums before anybody else. I doubt that’s going to be enough to persuade customers. Customers are very cheap with their music today. In fact, music sales are half of what they were in 2000. Someone can easily go on You Tube‘s VEVO and watch the video for free at anytime. So I understand musicians’ frustration. But even teens and twenty somethings complain that music of the 2010s is plain awful. Do you know how many posts I’ve read from teens saying they prefer music from previous decades rather than today’s stuff? I think the artists should provide better music. Maybe then people will buy their product. Then there’s competition. Taylor Swift might have problems with Spotify, but customers don’t. They have 60 million subscribers. Tidal doesn’t even have 20,000. Apple and Beats are working hard to launch their own streaming service. All I heard from yesterday’s conference is how Tidal benefits the artists. All the artists I saw up there are multi-millionaires. How is this going to benefit consumers, many of whom are still struggling economically? Is Tidal going to be the next big thing in music? Or will it be the worse flop since Apple Newton?
Mar 30, 2015 | Entertainment
Tidal is a major music streaming company that’s going through some changes. It’s been acquired by hip-hop star and business mogul Shawn ‘Jay Z’ Carter for $54 million dollars. And he’s not wasting any time.
A press conference is expected at 5 pm eastern time. There, Jay Z himself will discuss his plans and a new direction for Tidal. It’s already been rumored to snag new albums for A-list musicians like Madonna and Kanye West. And according to a Swedish based blog, Tidal wants to get the first release of a major artist before competing streaming companies. But all streaming services will have access to their songs…eventually. The new Tidal is getting support from many big names. Madonna, Kanye West, Beyonce, Rihanna and Calvin Harris have hashtags in their social media posts saying #tidalforall. Even Taylor Swift, whose had problems with Spotify, is on board with Jay Z’s Tidal. Some of her songs are expected to be featured. Just don’t expect any tracks from her 1989 album to appear. Musicians trust Jay-Z. His Roc Nation helps artists with management, production, and other business ends of the industry. He seems to be keeping that trust with Tidal. We hear artists will be getting paid twice as much as they would with other streaming services.
But what about the customers? The 35,000 Tidal subscribers have to pay $19.99 a month, compared to only $9.99 a month with Spotify. I hope Jay Z addresses this in this conference today…then announces he’s lowering the price. I’m not saying this to be a cheapskate. I think if the price were more competitive, more customers would jump to Tidal, subscribers would go up, and artists would be paid more too. Or if he’s going to keep the $19.99 a month price, give the consumer something really special. I mean something even more special than being the first to release a musician’s song. ?The trust factor between Shawn Carter and many musicians have already been established, so no wonder why many are flocking to Tidal. There’s some speculation that some celebrities will accompany Jay Z to today’s press conference. Who will they be?
Mar 29, 2015 | Computer technology, Entertainment, Wireless
Most girls born after 1960 have probably owned a Barbie and/or a Barbie toy set. It used to look something like this. Today, the Barbie franchise looks a lot different.
Today’s Barbie can literally have a conversation with you. It’s called Hello Barbie. Hello Barbie is expected to appear on store shelves in late 2015. This Barbie uses the child’s voice pattern and Wi-Fi to interact with the child. In a demonstration, an adult woman talks about New York restaurants and even what she should be when she grows up. Yes, an adult woman is literally asking a doll what she should be when she grows up! While this doll is a technological breakthrough, it’s causing intense debate. Those who support Hello Barbie say it will enhance a child’s motor and social skills. Some say it will give lonely children a friend and make it so they don’t have to be lonely. But opponents are nicknaming this new toy ‘surveillance Barbie’. Civil libertarians and privacy right advocates say this doll can be used to spy on a child, or anyone for that matter. They argue Hello Barbie can manipulate the child into something he/she isn’t, or exploit a child’s emotions. There’s an advocacy group called Campaign For a Commercial-Free Childhood that’s even calling on Mattel to take this talking doll off the shelves at once.
I won’t go as for as the Campaign For a Commercial-Free Childhood, but there’s cause for concern. There is just something Big Brother/Orwellian about this doll. I’m afraid of what it might be teaching our children. ?I believe it is Mattel’s intention to make Hello Barbie a fun, educational and enriching experience for children. But in the world we live in, it can easily be twisted into something sinister. It can easily be manipulated into a spy tool, turning family against family and friend against friend. I don’t like the way it’s telling people what they should be when they grow up either. They’re taking children’s imagination away to figure that out for themselves. And what about the social ramifications? This could discourage kids to make real friends with real people. Why even try when you got interactive Barbie at home? So when the child gets grown and enters the real world, he/she won’t have the people skills they need to succeed, especially if they spent the first 18-22 years of life with a doll as their best friend. Isn’t society already coming to that already?
