Oct 23, 2016 | News
Tech media giant David Bunnell passed away last Tuesday. He was 69 years old. Bunnell’s wife said he died as a result of pancreatic cancer. Many call him the father of tech media, and for good reason.
His father was a journalist in Nebraska. As a teenager, Bunnell worked for his father’s newspaper. David Bunnell came of age in the 1960s, a decade dedicated to change. And he gladly took part in that change. He marched against housing discrimination and protested the war in Vietnam. While teaching at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, he gave food to those occupying Wounded Knee during the standoff in 1973. So this is a legacy dedicated to change and justice.
In 1976, he started the Computer Notes newsletter. In addition, that same year, he directed the?World Altair Convention. That was the first convention for PC users. Also, he helped Microsoft with their first ad. In the late 1970s, he got inspiration to put a personal computer magazine together. Even Bill Gates and Steve Jobs contributed. It took a few years. But in 1982, PC Magazine was first released to the public. The magazine flew off the shelves. Advertisements came easy. But Bunnell hardly reaped the benefits. The publisher refused to give him an ownership status. Furthermore, PC Magazine was sold without his knowledge or approval. Bunnell and his loyal staff left the magazine.
But in 1984, Bunnell founded Macworld. It’s first release was January 24, 1984. That’s the same day the Mac came out. The magazine taught users how to use the Mac. Bunnell also helped launch PC World. Despite his successes, he never stopped fighting for justice and equality. In 1986, he championed LGBT rights, way before it was popular to do so. In 1987, he challenged and called out racial inequality in the tech industry, way before most ever did. For the rest of his life, Bunnell was committed to social justice. One thing he did was give free MacBooks to underprivileged college students.
Here’s another cool story I read about Bunnell. At his home church, instead of the usual staff in the kitchen, he and top professionals gave the staff a rest and took over. Most noteworthy, they served meals to panhandlers in their city, building relationships and offering hope. This is the legacy of a real man. Baseball great Jackie Robinson once said, “A man’s life is measured by the impact it had on other lives.” David Bunnell understood that. While others obsess over money and power, he chose to make a difference. He chose to stand for something, to make the world a better place. Don’t you think more people in the tech community should follow David Bunnell’s example?
Oct 22, 2016 | General
Ever read an article and had to do a double take? That’s what happened to me this morning. Because I read of a merger that could change everything…again. Is AT&T buying Time Warner?
While various reports come in, I’m still amazed at this one. According to such reports, AT&T verbally agreed to buy Time Warmer. As a result, the deal is worth $85 billion dollars. Hence, this deal gives AT&T control of cable channels HBO and CNN. It would also give them control over Warner Brothers, one of the biggest entertainment corporations in the world. While nothing is final, expect to hear an official word in the coming days.
But maybe this shouldn’t surprise me. The company led the telecommunication industry since the 1880s. Now they want the media industry. Recently, they bought direct TV for $48.5 billion. They also entered joint ventures with Otter Media and Chernin Group, a media based venture group. But back to Time Warner. If the deal is official, AT&T will offer $110 for every Time Warner share. That includes some cash as well. It has to be this way. AT&T only has $7.2 billion in cash. From what I hear, AT&T already struggles with debt. I also hear their credit rating rating faces tremendous pressure.
That’s just one of the reasons this merger should not happen. First of all, AT&T can’t afford it. Sure, you can give stocks and bonds. While Time Warner’s ticker tape grew 8%, AT&T’s stock went down 3%. From where I sit, this doesn’t spell good for the oldest and most respected telephone company in the world. That brings another point. What does AT&T have to do with media? Okay, that was a dumb question. They sell products that give us media. But how good are they with producing media. Ask yourself this question: Do you want AT&T controlling your news? Do you want them producing and controlling your movies and TV programs?
Oct 21, 2016 | Security
This is an alert: Internet sites went down by hackers. That’s because early this morning, hackers used distributed denial of service (DDoS). They attacked Dyn Inc. services. But?as of 1:20 pm UTC time, 9:20 am Eastern Time, Dyn states their services are normal again.
Dyn is a major domain name system (DNS) hosts. Hence, the attack caused a Level 3 outage. According to outage maps, attack hit the Northeast US hard. Also, the outage hit some of the US Southwest hard. Consequently, the websites affected include CNN, Business Insider, HBO Now, Paypal, People.com, Playstation Network, Twitter,?and Reddit. They attacked many more websites as well.
Also, the attack hit lots of news media sites, like Boston Globe and New York Times. You see, DNS is like the phone line system of the Internet. Since they process your request for a website, they make sure you go to the right website. For example, you type yahoo.com on your Web browser. The DNS makes sure you get to Yahoo, not some other website. But when the DNS, aka the phone lines go down, there’s no way the server can read, or process, your request. This happened many, many websites during this outage.
But the scariest thing isn’t the outage itself. We should be thankful it was resolved when it was. If the outage went on two days longer, what would the result be? Let’s face it: Even a few hours can be too long. In July 2015, a major airline went down for several hours. Therefore, flights went down, backups piled up and tempers flared. It only took a few hours for that situation to spiral out of control. So what if this outage lasted longer than it did? Furthermore, what if these hackers went after DNS hosts that affected our food supply, our fuel/oil/electricity, or sanitation, or our military defense? And what if that lasts for days and days. I’m not trying to sound like a fear monger. But with all this talk of cyber attacks, we must be realistic and aware. What will it take to prevent this potential disaster?
Oct 20, 2016 | Uncategorized
Social media home stay network Airbnb is in trouble. There are allegations of racial discrimination and racist abuse among Airbnb hosts. But wait…there’s more. Two of the biggest markets in America want to severely limit Airbnb. Airbnb verses New York and San Francisco is real. But Airbnb probably won’t win this one.
Today, Airbnb announced it will only allow limited listings in New York and San Francisco. Especially relevant is Airbnb’s headquarters are in San Francisco. Hence, this means as of November 1, 2016, an Airbnb hosts can only posts one listing at a time. This goes for all five New York City boroughs. But San Francisco already has these strict regulations in place.
Furthermore, the new policies are very timely. You see, Albany (New York’s state capital), owns this bill. The bill heavily fines rent platforms ?for violating state laws on short term rentals. All that’s missing is Governor Andrew Cuomo’s signature. ?As a result, Airbnb will cooperate. They will enforce a ‘3 strikes you’re out’ law. Therefore, if any Airbnb hosts violates these new laws in NY city 3 times; they will no longer hosts from Airbnb. In San Francisco, they’re trying to limit short term rentals to 60 days a year or less. That’s what the bill in Albany is about.
Airbnb will have problems hosting college students and foreign exchange students. That will cut a chunk into their profits and those of the hosts. But there is also the list posting rule. Suppose a person has two properties in New York City, or 2 properties in San Francisco? These are 2 of the richest cities in America. Consequently, people tend to do that. The cynic is me asks why are local governments clamping down like this? Are they really making a level playing field for all short term rentals? Or are they punishing Airbnb? But what about the racial issues Airbnb is having? Is Airbnb in trouble?
Oct 19, 2016 | Computer technology, Software
The 1930s was the decade of radio. The 1950s was the decade of television. The 1990s was the decade of Internet. The 2010s is the decade of smart technology. We have smart watches. In addition to that, we have the new smart crib: a good idea?
There’s a smart crib called Smoo. It seems like Smoo automatically puts crying babies to sleep. That’s because it mimics the womb. It rocks the baby back and forth. Also, it comes with a swabbling blanket. Also, it has straps. The blankets and straps stops the baby from rolling over into dangerous places. This prevents SIDS and other catastrophes.
Here’s another Smoo addition: built in microphones. They detect when the baby cries. It detects how loud the baby is. As a result, the crib plays noises, depending on how loud the baby cries. It rocks while it plays noises. The noises mimic heartbeats from an ultrasound machine heard during a sonogram. But when it’s baby bedtime, swaddle baby in the organic blankets provided. It begins the calming process. ?The Smoo cribs come in small, medium and large. Most noteworthy is Smoo’s cost. The cost is $1,150. It begs the question: How much do sleep and sanity costs?
But if you ask me, $1,150 is far too much for any crib. I don’t care if it performs miracles. That is an insane number for a crib. If Smoo wants any business at all, they must lower the costs so more Americans can afford it. Other than that, the smart crib can work. It can give parents the rest they’re deprived of. Just keep in mind…Smoo is for newborns and infants only! This smart crib won’t help toddler tantrums. It won’t help your older kids get their grades up. And it won’t keep bad boys away from your teen daughter…or bad girls away from your teen son. Hence, this is for small babies only. But it can keep your babies quiet, happy and at peace. Thank goodness Smoo can do that. But is $1,150 worth the peace and sanity?
Oct 18, 2016 | General
We know Silicon Valley is a technical haven. It’s not a political one. But tech billionaire Peter Thiel endorsed Donald Trump. He pledged over $120 million. Furthermore, Thiel spoke at the Republican National Convention last July. Is nobody immune? ?The presidential election even divides Silicon Valley.
Also, Facebook co-founder Dustin?Moskovitz and his wife donated $20 million to the Democrat Party. In addition, Charles River Ventures, a tech venture capitalist firm, published a blog called, “(Curse) Trump”. Charles River Ventures claims Trump’s immigration policies threaten entrepreneurship. ?Around 300 tech based companies are giving their employees Election Day off so they can vote.??Furthermore, Silicon Valley leaders tackle social/political issues. Some, like Netfix CEO Reed Hastings, donate millions toward Prop 62. Prop 62 is a bill that will abolish the death penalty in California and other states.
Let me be clear. Silicon Valley has never been political because tech companies know they could lose customers that way. But Inkling CEO Matt?MacInnis believes this is no ordinary presidential election. That’s because MacInnis, and many in Silicon Valley, are terrified of a Trump presidency. MacInnis says so. He said, “?The sheer terror of electing Trump as our president has caused many of those donors and activists to be public with their views, regardless of the social or business consequences.?
Meanwhile, Thiel is a disliked man in Silicon Valley. This election is tearing people apart. It’s tearing households, families and communities apart. Silicon Valley is no exception. There are probably other Trump supporters in Silicon Valley. But Thiel is the most vocal. ?MacInnis is right. We’ve never seen an election like this. I hope we never see it again. Silicon Valley is neutral in politics. Not anymore. Will supporting Trump costs Thiel business? Maybe supporting the Democrats will cause the others business. Many polls say it’s down to the wire. What about after the election? Will Silicon Valley ever treat Peter Thiel the same way again?
Oct 17, 2016 | Entertainment, internet
For several years, cyber bullies and trolls targeted high profile celebrities. But now, a more disturbing trend emerges. It seems the prey are becoming the predators. What are the consequences when celebrities become the bullies?
I say this because there are several incidents. First of all, there’s the drama within the Kardashian family over Rob’s fiance Blac Chyna. Rob tweeted out Kylie Jenner’s phone number to the world in a social media rant. Rob published other personal information of Kylie’s. In addition to that, Kim K. allegedly released a private conversation between husband Kanye West and pop star Taylor Swift. This was due to unflattering lyrics about Swift in Kanye’s song “Famous”. This video went on Snapchat in July 2016.
There are also sexual humiliation and revenge porn. During an online rap beef between online Kanye West and?Wiz Khalifa, reality TV star Amber Rose posted intimate, embarrassing details of West’s sex life. Keep in mind West and Rose dated for a time. When teen idol Grace Moretz stood up for Swift on social media, Khloe Kardashian struck. She posted photos of a woman looking like Moretz. What’s wrong with that? Moretz’s impersonator was almost naked from the waist down and on top of a strange guy. This borderlines on sextortion.
Furthermore, there are other examples of celebrities bullying celebrities. One can look at our presidential candidates, even our world leaders. While there have always been celebrity beefs, rarely has it escalated to this. I am NOT in the business of reporting Hollywood gossip. That’s not what this blog is about, and it’s not what I’m about as a man. But a point needs to be made. Whether we like it or not, whether they like it or not, celebrities are role models. Millions of teens look up these people. Cyber bullying is not the message you want to teach our kids. They need to handle their beef privately, and/or use such platforms to forgive and respect each other. ? If that weren’t bad enough, the people I mention have kids of their own! What are they teaching their own children about cyber bullying?
Oct 16, 2016 | Uncategorized
We’ve heard it before. “You have a civic duty to vote.” “Do you know how many people fought and died for your right to vote?” “Get to polls this November.” Google does it’s part. Google wants you to vote. They will help you.
Due to Google’s great wealth of knowledge, they will launch tools to give you more information. This information will equip you for Election Day. Because Google wants you to have no excuses. First of all, you ask Google about a ballot. Google tells you who is on the national, state and local ballot. However, Google acknowledges each state has different rules for voting. Since there are so many different rules, Google breaks it down for every state.
For example, you live in Massachusetts. Google shows you how to vote in Massachusetts. Also, Google encourages you to double check. Since there is a lot controversy about ID, Google tells you which ID to bring to the polls. Furthermore, you get deadlines, from registration deadlines to polling hours. In addition, if you’re voting by mail, Google walks you through that process. One can even check absentee ballots. Finally, Google tells you where your polling station is. And it shows you how to get there.
Another thing: Google has these instructions in English and Spanish. There you have it. There really is no excuse. I applaud Google for educating voters like this. All the quotes in the first paragraphs are true. It is your civic duty. People fought and ?died for your rights. We need to get to the polls in November. Look, I will not tell you who to vote for. I’m not too crazy about either presidential candidate. That’s all I will say about that. But even if yours don’t win, at least you can say, “I did my part. I voted.” Can Google help you to the polls?
Oct 15, 2016 | News, Security
The borderline defunct Samsung Galaxy Note 7 gets one more blow. The Federal government bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from airplanes. Consequently, this comes after a Galaxy Note 7 exploded during a Southwest Airlines airlines flight.
Therefore, US government agencies banned the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone from all aircraft. Agencies include DOT (Department of Transportation) and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). So this includes all individuals, passengers as well as flight crew. Furthermore, the Feds ban such smartphones for carry-on and checked bags. Don’t bother carrying it in your pocket either. That is illegal. In addition, even shipping these phones is illegal. The ban goes into effect On October 15, 2016.
Most noteworthy are the consequences of flying a Galaxy Note 7. If airport staff see you with a Galaxy Note 7, you will be denied boarding. Yes, even if you did pay $1,200 for a first class ticket. Also, if you try to check a Galaxy Note 7 in a bag, authorities warn you could increase the risk of explosion. Doing so could result in stiff fines and criminal prosecution. Also, authorities urge Galaxy Note 7 owners to contact Samsung. Samsung customers are urged to trade in their phone, or get a refund. In other words, do whatever it takes to get rid of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.
Some may call this move ‘big brother’ or invasive. I call this move, “Better safe than dead”. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 crisis is weeks old now. What I’m saying is this: Ladies and Gentlemen, rid yourself of this phone. It’s not getting any better. Samsung gives you every opportunity to do so. You can get a new phone. You can get a refund. Samsung even quit selling the Samsung Note 7. There are plenty of smartphones that do everything the Note 7 does. But they won’t blow up in your face, literally. Is this the final nail in Note 7’s coffin? Will Samsung ever recover?
Oct 14, 2016 | internet, Uncategorized
Yesterday, I addressed the issue of fake news. Facebook faces scrutiny. That’s because six weeks after firing editors, fake news stories still make trending pages. Now, meet Google News’ fact check feature.
Effective today, fact checks will appear on news stories. As a result, fact check labels will include ‘opinion’, ‘local source’ and ‘highly cited’. Hence, Google leaders look forward to fact check. Due to this, Google hopes to separate fact, from opinion, from spin, from outright tabloids and lies. These labels are are available on the Google News site. Also, fact check labels are available on Android and Apple smart devices. Furthermore, these labels are only in the United States and United Kingdom . But you can bet they’re coming in other nations. They just need a while to get popular.
So I’ve said it before: Facebook really tries to clamp down on fake news. It doesn’t seem to be working all the way. But five fake stories out of millions: I’ll take that as a good start. And they don’t have a fact checking system like this. In fact, some accused the social media conglomerate of literally promoting fake news. I’m glad Facebook tries to get it’s act together. Thankfully, others Internet companies, like Google, are too.
This couldn’t come at a better time. Look at the mudslinging in this election. Listen at the bickering between the US and Russia. Take a listen to these talking heads in our media. Read the Hollywood gossip so many Americans obsess over. In one poll I read, about 6% of Americans trust their mainstream media. I wonder why. We need the truth. We need it now. Our country and our world are at a critical stage. Nothing but the truth will help us. I hope fact check systems will help us get the truth. Will Claim Review help us get the truth?
