Dec 16, 2014 | Entertainment, internet
Today, Google’s blog released it’s top 10 trending items of 2014. There were some hit and misses, but the ranking of Google’s 2014 trend list is what struck me.
What was the number one trending event search for 2014? It was the tragic suicide of actor/comedian Robin Williams. It brought up a lot of other issues, like depression and mental illness. The second was this summer’s world cup, and the USA’s brilliant play in that world cup. ?A serious medical crisis, Ebola, was the third biggest trending issue of 2014, followed by the mystery of Malaysian Airlines 370’s disappearance into thin air. Rounding the first five is the ALS ice bucket challenge craze of this past summer. A technology trend was the sixth highest trend: the Flappy Birds game. Rounding out the top 10 were Austrian entertainer Conchita Wurst, the terrorist group ISIS, movie sensation Frozen, and the Sochi Winter Olympics.
Now I’m no sociologist, but I see we love our celebrities, especially after they’ve passed away. With all the serious news issues that happened this year, like the rise of Ebola and ISIS terrorism, I’m surprised Robin William’s death surpassed even them. But the sudden death of one of the all time comedic greats was a great loss for us all. And it has gotten a much needed conversation on mental illness started. I look at the major news issues of the year that didn’t make the top 10: Ferguson, Israel vs. Palestine 7-week-war, Ukrainian crisis, plummeting gas prices, I can go on and on. ?And of all the young celebrities that made the 2014 trending list, Conchita Wurst was the only one who made it? No Taylor Swift? No Kerry Washington? No Jennifer Lawrence? All had amazing years, but I guess not amazing enough to trend as much as Conchita Wurst has. I find it strange only one technology trend made the trend list. Where’s the smartwatch? What does Google’s 2014 trend list say about our society?
Dec 15, 2014 | General
Christmas is next week. Are you done with your shopping, particularly you parents/guardians shopping for your kids’ toys? I don’t know if you’d want to use Amazon or their independent sellers. That’s because Amazon pumps Christmas toy prices.
Well, at least they give independent sellers the okay to do so. Take a man named Jim Sheppard from the greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. He bought the Disney Frozen Castle & Ice Palace Playset. It’s one of the most popular toys from one of the most popular movie franchises of all time. He bought it from a store for $119. He sold it through Amazon for $250. The official name of this tactic is called retail arbitrage: buying a product from a physical store and selling it at a much higher price. Mr. Sheppard isn’t alone. Around 40% of all Amazon deals are made by independent sellers. Many of these sellers practice retail arbitrage. This practice is especially popular around the holiday season, as the more popular toys get sparer and sparer. Remember the 1990s, when Tickle Me Elmo sold for over $1,500?
Does retail arbitrage work? You bet it does. Is it ethical? To each his own. But you must admit, it’s a profitable business tactic, and this is the right time to do so. Be honest. If your kid wanted that special toy, wouldn’t you pay extra for it? Or if you bought a present that nobody wanted, and you sold it online. Would you be tempted to pump up the price some, especially if that present is in high demand? But if you’re going to buy, let it be your last resort. This is why I like to check small businesses first to see if they have the present. And check many stores before going to Amazon for a better price. And if you have to use a certain chain store that I loathe, then, well, it’s Christmas, right?
Dec 14, 2014 | Computer technology
What’s the talk of the NFL sideline today? It’s not a certain quarterback’s love of a certain dirty word. In fact, the talk isn’t even about a human being. The talk is about how technology is changing NFL sidelines.
That technology is the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 Tablet, and they’re used by all 32 teams. They have to be weatherproof because, rain, sleet or snow, pro football will be played. They’re no games, no social media, no radio on these tablets. There’s simply used for coaching techniques and coaching techniques only. They’re two cameras to help make play calls. One aims at the line of scrimmage, (where a play starts) and the other shoots the whole field so coaches watch the play unfold. These images used to come out on paper printed on special printers. But with the Surface Pro 2, these images go directly to the tablet. Needless to say, this saves a ton of paperwork and waiting time for printers. Coaches can review and save images. And according to reports, the tablets did hold up the most extreme of weather conditions. And if that isn’t enough, NFL players are using RFID technology to track players and study their exact movements on the surface tab.
I’m a big NFL fan (I’m not telling you what team. I want to keep this blog civil.). And I’ve noticed these surface tablets on sidelines. Does it make games or teams any better? I can’t answer that. But I do see a concern or two. I’m definitely not a fan of RFID tracking players around, even if it is just on the field. Whose to stop them from tracking them off the field and invading their privacy? And whose to stop them from imposing that on the rest of us? So it’s good that it makes the game cleaner and run smoother, isn’t their room for improvements?
Dec 13, 2014 | News, Security
There has been news stories of American online infrastructure being the target of hacks from Russia, China, even North Korea. We might need to add another nation to the list. Could Iran hack the US?
That’s the FBI’s concern. They’re telling Americans to be alert for sophisticated Iranian hack attacks targeting defense contracting, energy companies and education facilities. This has been revealed by a FBI ‘Flash’ report. The report gives great details about malware and other techniques they plan to use and ways businesses can counter these attacks. Cyber experts and the Feds are also alarmed at the scope and determination this hacking campaign can be. The potential attacks and chatter are traced to two IP addresses in Iran. There is no hard evidence the Iranian government had anything to do with this, but it is widely speculated they are involved.Of course, Tehran is denying the allegations. ?Anyone who has been hacked is urged to contact the FBI.
Remember when I said you can’t trust North Korea as far as you can throw them: You can’t trust the Iran government or leadership as far as you can shove them. We’re talking about Iran here: a nation ruled by sociopaths and psychopaths who call for the destruction of whole countries. Would you put it past people like that to shut down businesses? Plus, it’s been said that our power and technology infrastructure is well overdue for a makeover. Why isn’t anything being done about this or said about this? If we can spend taxpayer money to build colonies on Mars, surely we can protect our government and private businesses from threats like international hacking. The next time this administration tries to meet and patch things up with Iran, maybe they should talk to them about this hacking threat. What should and must be done?
Dec 12, 2014 | General
A potentially historic rain and wind storm is hitting the San Francisco Bay area today. But there’s another storm that’s hitting Silicon Valley: the storm of Apple vs. protesters.
Protesters numbering in the hundreds, led by union United Service Workers West and civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson, called out Apple at their Cupertino, CA headquarters. They’re insisting better payment for contract workers, who often make a fraction of what tech workers do. They shouted chants like, “We fight today in the rain for job security and justice.” They went into the building armed with a petition with 20,000 signatures, urging Apple to lead the way for better pay and treatment for service workers not just for their company, but for all tech companies in the Silicon Valley. The crowd filled the lobby carrying signs like, “Apple dodges taxes, we pay the price.” The strained relationship between contract workers and Silicon Valley tech leaders is nothing new. For years, these workers have complained about how they struggle to financially survive the rising cost of living in the Bay Area, while tech workers get spoiled by perk after perk. The crowd included occupations from security guards to fast food cooks and clerks. No Apple leader, representative or employee dared comment about this situation.
I must admit, I’m a little conflicted. On one hand, techs are there for a reason: because they’re highly skilled and educated at what they do. It takes a lot of education and hard work to even be hired as a Silicon Valley tech. And even then, chances of being hired over there are slim. So they deserve their perks. But these mega, mega tech conglomerates are worth billions, and San Francisco/Oakland/Silicon Valley area isn’t a cheap place to live. So these companies can do better by treating these contract workers. I’m not saying give them the exact same pay as tech workers, but they do deserve a major pay raise. They should give these working men and women enough to live comfortably and decently in one of the most expensive areas in the US. Where do you stand?
Dec 11, 2014 | Computer technology, Smartphone
You’re at a bank, entering a bar, or in any other situation where you’re asked to present your drivers licence. How would you like to present your drivers licence…on your smartphone?
In a few months, Iowa citizens can do just that. Effective sometime in early 2015, Iowa will be the first state (that I know of) to have an app on their smartphone with their official drivers license as issued by their Dept. of Transportation. Not everybody may be willing or able to make this change, so Iowa drivers can still keep their traditional plastic licenses. But DOT Director Paul Trambino assures state residents the smartphone license will be accepted at traffic stops and airports. In this era of ever increasing hacking and malware, you can protect your smartphone drivers license with a pin number. This is just one step in the Iowa DOT’s push toward embracing new technology. Other projects include camera phone on snowplows (keep in mind this is Iowa) and adding driver license kiosk centers.
I’m glad airports and traffic stops have been giving the all clear to accept the smartphone drivers licence. But what about private institutions? What about banks, bars, and stores that sell age restricted products? I hope they go on board and accept the smartphone license. Because if not, than it’s not going to do citizens much good. I think it’s great this is an optional, and not a required thing. Yes, some people are going to run to get this app, but they’re some who aren’t. Another good thing, there is no extra cost to the Iowa drivers, which is another plus. I’m not going to name the state, but I was once charged an extra thirty dollars just to get a license/state ID changed. So I must give Iowa props on that one. Do you think other states will catch onto the smartphone license?
Dec 10, 2014 | Security, Wireless
Do you think a smartwatch is just for recreation, fitness, apps, or bragging rights? You would be wrong. This device is being used to track down children…or anyone else, for that matter.
Here I am introducing Gizmo Pal. Gizmo Pal can be worn on a child’s wrist. It’s geared toward children as young as four. And you can track your children at all times, as long as they’re wearing the device. It works as a phone, walky-talky and GPS system, all on one cellular network. ?You call your child with one button and if he/she doesn’t answer, you can send a stern PA message through the Gizmo Pal. One morning show demonstrated how this works. They sent one of their producers to an undisclosed location in New York City. The tracker said he was in Columbus Circle, and that’s exactly where the producer was. He had the Gizmo Pal on his wrist. You can track your child all over the US and you can get a plan for as little as $5 a month. This devices come in blue for boys and pink for girls.
On the surface, Gizmo Pal is a good thing. Parents want to know if they’re kids are safe, and if they’re doing the right thing, so Gizmo Pal can help out with that. But where will it end? If you give people an inch, they will take the whole road, forget the mile. What’s next? Are jealous wives going to track husbands with the thing? Are overzealous boyfriends going to put this on girlfriends during every girls’ night out? It’s crazy enough employers are firing or refusing to hire employees for social media posts. Could they use Gizmo Pal to track employees 24 hours a day to tighten that grip? Whose to say kids won’t take it off as soon as they hit the streets? I know parents are concerned about ?what their kids are doing. But for decades, even centuries, didn’t neighborhood watch, not to mention parent/child dialogue, and discipline, keep them in line? Are you concerned with what Gizmo Pal can turn into?
Dec 9, 2014 | Computer technology, Wireless
The upcoming Apple Watch may be the most personal, most revolutionary tech device yet (don’t get me started on Google Glass). So naturally, Apple brings out the big guns.
By that I mean the big guns in luxury fashion. There are documents revealing that Apple is hiring interior designers with ‘a fashion or luxury background’ to help upgrade retail stores by the time of Apple’s iWatch release in early 2015. Apple is also coaching it’s own staff on luxury vocabulary for this potentially historic event. There’s a reason Apple is taking this route. There is the personalization and diverse styles of the iWatch. Apple Design VP Jony Ive even joked, “Only in prison do all people wear the same thing.” And what options do they have? You can choose between the sizes of 38 or 42mm, between stainless steel, aluminum, and here’s where the luxury comes in, 18 karat gold. Bands come in different styles and colors. Rumors have it the iWatch prices will start at $350. But the ones in 18 karat gold could easily go into the thousands. As far as we know, the exact date of Apple’s iWatch releases is unknown.
They must be expecting big things from the Apple Watch to go all out like this. And it could help. Appearance is a part of the sale, and if you can hire the best, why not go for it? But they shouldn’t forget the most important thing here: the quality of the iWatch. By quality, I mean does it function correctly? Does the fitness tracker rate your heart properly? If I send a message through iWatch, will the recipient receive it? If I go to the store and pay through Apple Pay, will it take or will I be publicly embarrassed? ?These should be their top concerns. My great uncle once said, “I’d rather drive a Pinto that runs good than a Cadillac that just takes up space.” Well, you can have all the luxury and fashion design you want, but if the iWatch doesn’t function, you’re better off with a Timex. Are they focusing too much on look and too little on quality?
Dec 8, 2014 | Computer technology
If you’ve played video games at anytime since the 1970s, you have Ralph H. Baer to thank. This video game pioneer passed away last weekend at the age of 92.
Mr. Baer is credited for patenting and inventing the first home video game. Ralph Baer was born to a German Jewish family in 1922. He left with his family to New York City in 1938 to escape Hitler’s regime. He fought in World War 2 and after the war, Mr. Baer earned a college degree from the American Television Institute of Technology in Chicago, at a time when television what in it’s infancy. In the early 1950s, when he suggested adding games as a TV feature, his boss scorned him for such a foolish idea. Many years later, at a company called Sanders, his boss saw potential in his wild idea. In 1966, Baer and some colleagues came up with a box that would allow games to be played on TV sets. Five years later, Mr. Baer and his employer, Sanders Association, patented the first home video game system. In 1972, Magnavox ?Odyssey was born. It was the first home video game console, and it sold well over 100,000 copies that year alone. Their influence was immediate. In 1974, Atari released a more popular video game called Pong. Out of court, Odyssey became a partner with Atari in licencing this historic game. The rest is history. Ralph Bear is survived by his wife of 53 years, three children and four grandchildren.
And by the early 1980s, Atari and Colecovision became household names. By the late ’80s, Nintendo and Sega were in many a home. And today, Playstation, Xbox and Nintendo Wii are on Christmas lists all over the world. Just to think, this $90 billion a year phenomenon came from one crazy vision. It’s a vision so crazy he was often ridiculed for it. But then again, most innovations usually are before they reach massive success. What lessons can we learn from Ralph H. Baer’s legacy?
Dec 7, 2014 | Entertainment, News, Security
It’s probably the story of the week: Sony’s movie house was hacked, just in time for the Christmas season movie releases. Coincidentally, it was hacked just as a movie called The Interview is getting press.
This movie is a blatant spoof of North Korean dictator Kim Jung Un. But North Korea denies they had anything to do with any hack…sort of. But they’re sure not sympathetic toward Sony. They even called it a ‘righteous deed’ and said some…ahem…sympathizers may have been inspired to do damage. A statement by the Korean Central News Agency says they believe the film was instigating a terrorist act at a time when US and North Korea relations are already hostile. This news agency warned more hacks to come and, “The righteous reaction will get stronger to smash the evil doings.” Other movies hacked include ‘Annie’ and ‘Fury’, allowing them to be seen for free even before their release date. The Interview is still scheduled for release Christmas Day 2014.
First off, you can’t trust a thing North Korea says. Not one thing! This is the same oppressive government that tells their people, “Everything is going to be all right,” when in reality, they’re literally starving to death. And even by their own statement, they seem a little too giddy at Sony’s misfortune. It sounds like they’re backing these hackers so much they have a certain relationship with them. Their statement even commands the hackers to do such deeds in the future. No, I’m not buying North Korea’s claim they had nothing to do with it. At best, they may have sympathizers around the world (I don’t know why) who carried out the hack, and were inspired by North Korea’s communist regime to carry out the malicious attack. At worst, they’re flat out lying and this dictatorial regime did the whole thing themselves. How far deep do you think North Korea is involved?
