John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog December 23rd 2005

Good News!
Despite what you read and hear every day, there is a lot of good news going on here at home and around the world. Finally, someone has put it all together and made it very easy to find.
Read More >

Attention MP3 owners
There are essentially two groups out there: Those with MP3 players and those who will get them for Christmas. Now Google has yet another search engine just for you!
Visit Site >

iLectures
Ok, I’m showing my age here, but when I went to college I took more notes in class than I ever care to remember. Pen, pencil and paper were the learning tools of the day. Students these days have many more options, from accessing class information and instructor schedules from the Internet to listening to lectures on their iPods!
Read More >

It’s not just a cell phone; it’s HBO
Popular HBO shows like Deadwood (one of my favorites) will likely end up on video iPods. HBO execs like the idea, and already are providing clips via Cingular Wireless.
Read More >

Willie is getting ready to sing
Turn out the lights; the party’s over. Something just not meant to be, including Microsoft’s version of Internet Explorer for Macs.
Read More >

Dell recall
It’s been a tough year for Dell, with lots of consumer complaints about bad service and the company has announced a recall of 35-thousand notebook batteries. Here’s to better things for the folks in Austin in 2006.
Read More >

Off-topic
I want to take a few minutes and express my best personal wishes to you and your families this holiday season. Regardless of your own personal faith, this is a time for togetherness and to count our many blessing. Let’s all work hard to continue the spirit of this special time throughout the entire year.

Video Professor has many exciting new titles coming out in 2006, and our entire team will continue to work hard to provide you with the best computer learning possible along with the customer service you’ve come to know and expect from Video Professor.

Your trust in the entire Video Professor team these past 18 years is very much appreciated.

Quote o’ the week
HO! HO! HO! -Santa Claus

Site o’ the week
Ok kids, fire up your PCs or laptops and track Santa courtesy of NORAD!
Track Santa!

Site o’ the week II (And our annual favorite)
An e-snow globe like no other! Enjoy!
View e- snow globe

E-mail me at CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
View our report at www.denverbbb.org

John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog December 15th 2005

Last Call to Deck the Hall(s)


Video Professor employees making a difference
Video Professor employees are something special. They have their own volunteer club called “Seasons.” This is an especially busy time for the club. They donated over 1,166 food items to the JeffCo Action Center to make sure needy families had everything they needed for a nice Thanksgiving.

And this week the Salvation Army dropped by TWICE to pick up items donated through the Giving Tree Project. During this special time of the year, our headquarters takes on the look of a department store filled with scooters, bicycles, dolls and all sorts of presents for kids and seniors. A total of 150 gift requests were filled!

Video Professor employee Mike Svoboda delivers food to JeffCo Action Center

Just some of the gifts donated to the Salvation Army Giving Tree

Never have so many, known so little, about something
Do you have High Definition Television at your house? Or do you think you have HDTV at your house? Does watching a program on an HDTV make it an HD program? What’s the deal about digital? If you’re scratching your head at any of these questions, don’t feel alone.
Read More >

Good morning Mr. Phelps
Remember the original Mission Impossible Series? Mr. Phelps would get a taped message with details of his team’s next mission, which then self-destructed. Corny, but cool! Well, now there’s a digital version of the very same idea, especially helpful for business people sending sensitive information back and forth.
Read More >

Space. The final (and profitable) Frontier
One CEO I admire very much is Richard Branson. He’s launched an offshoot of his wildly popular airline; this enterprise (no pun intended) is called Virgin Galactic. He already is taking deposits for flights into space. Expensive? Yes. Popular? YES!
Read More >

Thanks Brian!
I was watching FOX & Friends last week when co-anchor Brian Kilmeade got some ribbing from his colleagues on set about some digital pictures he’d taken. So I sent him a copy of our “Learn Photoshop” and he showed the product on the air the very next day! Thanks Brian, and good luck with Photoshop!

Beware the Grinch trying to steal e-Christmas
Shopping online is simply super. Easy, and everything gets delivered right to your door. Very handy this time of year. As we get within a few days of Christmas, the crooks are out in force.
Read More >

Quote o’ the week
“Anybody who doesn’t appreciate what America has done and President Bush, let them go to h*ll.”-Iraqi Voter

Site o’ the week
I don’t know about you, but while I love buying gifts for family and friends, the wrapping part tends to be a bit vexing. Just in case you tend to have more thumbs than fingers and none of them seem to work well together, this site has some useful tips for you!
View Site >

E-mails, comments and interesting short stories are acceptable 24/7 by e-mailing me at CEO@videoprofessor.com

John. W. Scherer
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
View our report at www.denverbbb.org

John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog December 9th

“I’m making a list, and checking it twice and storing it all on an Excel Spreadsheet”-Santa Claus, December 2005.

Let’s talk tech and computing!

Video Professor featured in the Wall Street Journal!
As I told you a couple of weeks ago, we launched our exciting “Learn How to Buy and Sell on eBay” at the Country Music Association Awards in New York, which in turn caught the attention of the Wall Street Journal! You can see the article in the Wednesday December 7th edition.

Wikipedia-oops!
Utopian ideas always look great on paper. The problem often is in the execution as the folks at Wikipedia found out.
Read More >

Got computer? Help fight AIDS!
Christmas is a time where we all (hopefully) make an extra effort to help those less fortunate. But like others, you might be a little short on cash after a year of natural disasters, not the least of which being Hurricane Katrina. But if you have a computer, you can help make a real difference in our world!
Read More >

Virus alert!
Well, some worm has created another worm and this one is especially important to be on the lookout for if you’re an AOL customer.
Read More >
Stay current on the latest computer virus and protection news at the “Personal Internet Security” area of our website. It’s free and available to everyone!

Track holiday flights!
It’s likely you’ll have loved ones traveling to your house this Christmas. (If not the other way around) If they’re flying commercially or privately, I found this handy little site to help track you or your family as you or they head home for the holidays!
Visit the Site >
(I haven’t found the tail number for Santa’s sleigh yet but I’m working on it One source says it’s 1225SC.)

NBC gets on the iWagon
Looks like Apple’s new video iPod is taking off like a rocket with program providers lining up to offer programming for the new device. The catalog is filling up with both first-run programs, and classic hits from the past.
Read More >

Wonder if Lassie has one?
Just in case your kids are bugging you for their own cell phone, here’s a preview of what’s next. Cell phones for dogs. Yep, dogs!
Read More >

Off-topic

157
Combined ages of Penn State’s Joe Paterno (80) and FSU’s Bobby Bowden (77) when they meet in the 2006 Orange Bowl. And yep, both likely will be back next year. Great coaches are like fine wine. And very, very rare.
712
Combined victories of these two legendary coaches.

Reality Check (again)
I’ve seen Saddam Hussein yelling and waving his fist around the courtroom this week, screaming about how brave he is. So, why was he hiding in a dirt hole when American Troops captured him? Talk is cheap. Justice will be sweet.

Clark Griswold would be green with envy.
Just when you think you have the best Christmas lights on the block, someone comes along and raises the bar.
Read More >

Quote o’ the week
"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto of the Japanese Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, 64 years ago this week.

Site o’ the week
Paper Airplanes anyone?
www.amazingpaperairplanes.com

My e-door is open 24/7; send e-mails to CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
See our report at www.denverbbb.org

John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog December 2nd 2005

Let’s talk tech and computing!

One out of six, do I hear two? Or three?
More and more people are selling online. In fact, one out of six of us have sold something through an online auction or Internet sales site.
Read More >
So what the heck are you waiting for? Five out of six of us AREN’T selling online. But guess what? It’s EASY! Check out our new eBay tutorial at www.videoprofessor.com and start buying, selling or both, online.

Internet shopping, it sure beats getting trampled.
Do you remember seeing the news story about the poor lady who got trampled by other shoppers the day after Thanksgiving? It looks like a lot of folks saw that picture and decided shopping on the Internet is far safer!
Read More >

For many folks, like the lady who got trampled, the Internet remains a mysterious place. It’s anything but, and I can prove it to you!
Visit:: www.videoprofessor.com

New Orleans and Wi-Fi. A bold new step to the future.
New Orleans is slowly rebuilding. The city leaders know full well the importance of communication after Hurricane Katrina. The city is launching the first municipally owned wireless Internet system in the country. And the new system will be free and open to all users.
Read More >

Brian Williams- “You’ve got mail!”
NBC’s Brian Williams answers his e-mails. And it pays off. Here’s why.
Read More >

Black day for Blackberry
Bad legal news for the folks who make the ubiquitous Blackberry. It’s so popular it even has its own ailment, "Blackberry Thumb." But a legal decision is causing some real pain.
Read More >

Bose takes on potholes?
If you’ve never heard music through a Bose sound system, you just haven’t lived. Absolutely magnificent. But despite all his success, something more mundane bothered inventor Arman Bose. Potholes. And he’s doing something about it.
Read More >

No pay, no start
Looks like folks in the repo business should start looking for new careers. Car dealers that sell to high-risk customers are turning to tech to make sure they get paid!
Read More >


Off-topic
Rebates-use them!
I urge you to read a fascinating article about rebates in the December 5 issue of BusinessWeek. Did you know that 40% of rebate offers never get redeemed? That adds up to more than 2-billion dollars of extra revenue for retailers and suppliers. BusinessWeek reports that many consumers are “just too lazy, forgetful or busy to apply for rebates.” For those of you who do take the time (and it’s worth it!) keep the pressure up on some of the companies that take a little longer than promised to redeem your rebate. But rebates can make for some incredible bargains.

Saddam on trial
Saddam Hussein can bluster all he wants, but he’s the one sitting in the cage. His latest rant was about having to take the stairs up to the courtroom because the elevator wasn’t working. Sadly, this trial will take forever and a day. But justice will rule out and Hussein will pay dearly for his crimes. He’s right where he belongs.

See it Now, again.
Finally, it’s rare these days that a movie deserves a second look, but in the case of “Good Night and Good Luck,” you should. The message is especially relevant. In the movie, we see how Senator Joe McCarthy realized that he could smear anyone, anytime, simply by speaking into a microphone and the facts be darned. Once what McCarthy said was “out there” the damage was done, regardless of accuracy. The Internet is an extraordinary part of our culture, but like anything else, it can be abused and it’s too bad a few people are abusing the Internet for misinformation and half-truths. Just because it’s on the ‘net, doesn’t make it true. But just like Ed Murrow, we can and should, stand up to bullies because when you do, they cave, and quickly.

Quote o’ the week
“If you don’t,” he said, “I promise you the network will just put another comedy show in this time slot. Then you’ll be sorry.” –Now former ABC Nightline Anchor Ted Koppel, after urging viewers to give his successor’s a chance.



Site o’ the week
The National Zoo in Washington has a new star. Meet Tai Shan, who conducted his own version of ‘Meet the Press” this week. Check out the Panda-cam here on the zoo’s website!
View the Panda-cam

My cyber door is wide open; send e-mails to CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
View our report at www.denverbbb.org

John W Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog-November 23, 2005

Let’s talk tech and computing!

Don’t mess with Texas.
For the folks at Sony, the hits just keep coming. And we mean HITS!
Read More >

Seek and ye shall find.
I often talk about the Internet here on the blog and for good reason; it’s as much a part of our daily lives and brushing our teeth. (You do brush and floss, right?) And it appears many of you use the ‘Net as your first place to look, for anything, anytime.
Read More >

The Internet is one fascinating place. One Video Professor’s more popular tutorials is “Learn the Internet.” Check it out.
Visit:: www.videoprofessor.com

Television viewing: Bigger is better. Smaller is better. Better start saving up.
Folks shopping for TV’s have some interesting choices this year. On one hand, stores are trying to sell you giant HD sets to make your home viewing experience rival that of the most modern movie theater. On the other hand, the goal is to pack the tiniest of screens with as much high quality content as possible.
Read More >

Talk about your thundering herd!
That thunder you heard wasn’t the weather, it was kids (and grown-up kids) pounding their way into stores for the release of the new Xbox.
Read More >

And here’s some early top picks for games:
View Top Game Picks >

By the way, a check of eBay has the new Xbox going for as much as 2-thousand dollars! Waiting in line can be very profitable!

eBay. Oh boy!
We launched our eBay tutorial last week in New York at the Country Music Awards, and you’ll soon be seeing reviews in local and national publications. We’re excited about it. Our proven “What-You-See-Is-What-You-Do” method of learning will have you shopping for bargains on eBay, and maybe becoming a seller yourself, even starting your own home business. Check out more at www.videoprofessor.com and click on the eBay banner.

Off-topic

Make sure Don Ho hears about this one!Do you ever think much about bubbles? Tiny ones, big ones or even colored ones? Well, kids do and the brighter the bubble, the bigger the business. Apparently there won’t be a bubble in the bubble market anytime soon!
Read More >

Big Bird
You may have already heard about the Airbus 380, this monster of an airplane is designed to carry 555 passengers and several versions include having bedrooms, gyms and even in-flight shopping. Take a tour!
Tour Airbus 380 >

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, especially our troops.
While gorging on turkey, football and all the other fun stuff that comes with Thanksgiving, let’s all take more than a few minutes to give thanks for so many things. Not the least of which is being able to live in the United States of America. Our freedom comes at a very high price, and right now thousands of men and women of our armed forces are taking the fight to the enemy so we can live at peace here at home.

America is a special place, a country where a guy like me can grow up in a small town, come up with an idea, start a business and with the help of a terrific team of Video Professor employees, manufacture and sell a product that helps millions.

Best Thanksgiving wishes to you, your family and friends!

Quote o’ the week
"It is therefore recommended ... to set apart Thursday the eighteenth day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise, that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor..."—Samuel Adams, November 1, 1777 (adopted by the 13 states as the first official Thanksgiving Proclamation)

Site o’ the week
Design your own road sign!
Visit :: www.customroadsign.com

My e-door remains open 24/7. Send comments, suggestions and product ideas to CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
Check our report at www.denverbbb.org

John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog November 18, 2005

Video Professor at the Country Music Awards!
When you want to learn how to use computer programs like Word, HTML, Photoshop…and now eBay, you call the Video Professor. When you want to put a smile on the faces of celebrities such as Martina McBride, John Rich, Lee Ann Womack, Willie Nelson, George Strait and many more, simply put them in front of the Video Professor banner backstage at the 2005 Country Music Awards and watch their reactions!

We launched our new eBay tutorial lesson at the CMA Celebrity Showcase to show country stars and their fans, just how easy it is to buy and sell their favorite country memorabilia on eBay.

When presented with Video Professor’s newest learning lesson, How to Buy and Sell on eBay, Martina McBride smiled and exclaimed, “Oh, I need to give this to my brother Marty! He puts all my memorabilia on there and sells it!”

“This will really come in handy,” said a smiling Steve King [master of the keyboards for the Keith Urban Band], “I’ve been wanting to learn this!” Other Country Music legends such as Lee Ann Womack, Big & Rich, Montgomery & Gentry, Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley all stopped by the Product Showcase Room this weekend as well, where they too smiled and enjoyed the uniqueness of the Video Professor product display.

“Oh, I love that guy,” exclaimed Faith Hill’s band leader Jimmy Nichols, referring to Video Professor CEO and Founder John W. Scherer, “I see him all the time on TV!” Then, in his best product-pitch style, he mimicked, “Try my product! Try my product!” the popular slogan of the Video Professor.

“I actually have (the Video Professor) Photoshop tutorial already,” explained Bobby Boyd (lead singer of the Bobby Boyd Band). In fact, in addition to the new eBay lesson, many of the stars backstage picked up the Photoshop lesson as well. Stars from Vinny Kuliah to Rachael Warwick chose from more than 40 other titles Video Professor had on display at this star-studded showcase.




Let’s talk tech and computing!
Sony says OOPS!
It seemed a good idea at the time. Sony, like any music label, was worried about copyright protection. So they added a little extra code on each CD. Problem is, it made your computer just a little bit easier to get hacked! And that has users hacked, and Sony saying, Oops.
Read More >

Later that day….
Sometimes when you fix things, you break things even more.
Read More >

Whew!
The Internet will remain under United States control, at least for now. Free-speech loving countries like China and Cuba among others, were angling for United Nations control instead. We dodged a bullet, this time. So did the world.
Read More >

Classifieds? Less classified.
Will the want ads become just a Google away?
Read More >

Flu Season. An ounce of prevention is worth several ounces of cure
Ok, it’s flu season. And it’s the simple things that make the biggest difference.
Read More >

Off-topic

My nominee for NBA Player of the Year-A Slam Dunk
In the pro sports world of bling, hot cars, scandal and “It’s all about me,” every once in a while, a player comes a long that truly has it together. Meet Michael Redd of the Milwaukee Bucks, one cool guy. And very definitely a role model!
Read More >

Baseball gets real. 50, 100 and you’re out of here.
Major League Baseball and the Players Union have agreed on some incredibly tough rules against the use of Steroids. Beginning with the 2006 season a player caught using steroids is out for 50 games. 50 games is 1/3 of a season by the time a player would get back in shape. A 2nd offense gets you a 100 game suspension, which really means a full season and a 3rd puts you out of baseball for life. It’s about time.

Quote o’ the week
“The Internet has been the most fundamental change during my lifetime and for hundreds of years.” -Rupert S. Murdoch

Site o’ the week
This is indeed, a strange one! If you need tips, and I think you will, let me know.
Visit: The Site >

My cyber door is open 24/7; send e-mails to CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc

John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog November 11, 2005

Veteran’s Day November 11, 2005
Make sure you take a moment to remember those who have served, and those who continue to serve the cause of freedom. And this poem captures what it’s truly all about.Let us never forget.

In Flanders Fields By:
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Why what we’re doing is important
France. Forgetting (again) the past, doomed (again) to repeat it.
In the years leading up to World War II, France (as they did prior to World War I) hid its head under a blanket, hoping that Germany would go away. Germany didn’t, and invaded France. The United States and its Allies came to the rescue. In the fight against terrorism, France, again, hid its head under a blanket. They refused to join in the fight against terrorism, and in fact, did everything they could to jeopardize our own efforts in the fight against terror. And now it appears, that France is being invaded again. You’d think they’d learn, n’est ce pas? Read More >

John Stossel has it right
Several members of the Video Professor team had the chance to hear ABC 20/20 anchor John Stossel speak about what’s really ailing America. The event was the annual Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau Golden Torch Awards dinner. Stossel held up a pocket copy of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Now Stossel says, the government adds fifty thousand pages of new regulations every year. One reason Stossel says is that it takes more time to get permits than it actually takes to construct a new building. We couldn’t agree more.

Now let’s talk tech and computing!
Stock Hacker Alert!
Online trading is a terrific tool. Fast and economical and if you know what you’re doing, (or are just plain lucky) very profitable. And guess what? Hackers have noticed.
Read More >

Microsoft carries big stick but talks loudly (But did they have to use Cheap Trick?)
When everyone is hitting you from all directions, what’s a company to do? If you’re Microsoft, you fight back, big time. (Thanks Dick)
Read More >

Google launches new book site
Google’s legal department is now open 24/7.
Read More>

Google to go? YAHOO!
Content is indeed, King. It’s also darn mobile, I mean tech is for those on the move!
Read More >

On a clear day, you can see forever
NASA’s Mars Rovers have the Energizer Bunny beat. They just keep going and going, and sending back SPECTACULAR pictures.
Read More >

Etc, etc. Quote o’ the week"
I can't believe she's 89 and looks like that."-Robin Williams, (Kidding we think) after seeing Madonna at MTV show.

PS
Hey T.O. Don’t let the door hit you in the rear end on your way out. You’re a talented young man, no question. But you don’t get it. Welcome to the list of superb athletes who’ve blown terrific careers. Remember what Harry Truman said about success, especially when no one cares who gets the credit. Too bad for T.O. that the only person with less smarts than him, is his agent. I love football and the sport is better off without T.O.

Site o’ the week
Whether your eggs end up scrambled or sunny side up is up to you!
Visit Site >

My cyber door is open 24/7. Send e-mails to CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
Check out our report at www.denverbbb.org

John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog November 4, 2005

Let’s talk tech and computing!

The always interesting and innovative Internet
It really wasn’t all that long ago that a bunch of computer geeks at the Pentagon created something called the Internet. (Sorry Al) It’s as close to a living, breathing and evolving creature anywhere. And it just keeps on getting better.
More

Innovation brings competition (and that’s good for all of us)
The folks at Google are making inroads everywhere on the net. Microsoft, (like anyone else in the biz) is taking notice. Check out this new beta test site! Let me know what you think about it. My e-mail address is at the bottom of the blog.
More

Anchor.com
The networks are figuring out that if they want you to watch, it has to be convenient to you instead of them. NBC just announced an option for folks who can’t make it home for the 6 o ’clock news.
More

You should also check out digital video recorders. Devices like TiVo are changing the way you watch TV. Satellite and cable companies offer the technology and once you’ve tried one, you never go back.

Just one more reason why Wal-Mart is so efficient
Ok, I know some folks have it in for Wal-Mart. The company is taking a lot of pot shots lately. But you have to admit that a huge part of their success comes from simply being efficient. Including the way they keep track of stock, how much to stock, and when. Ole’ Sam Walton was a pretty simple fellow, but success has been built on high technology.
More

Dorothy was right, there is no place like home!
I’m just one of millions of working Americans who take their work home with them. And spare bedrooms are quickly turning into home offices. The benefits are equal for companies and their employees. And computers make it all possible.
More

Serious games-not an oxymoron
Ok, you think about video games and it’s wham, zap and ka-pow with some vroom tossed in for good measure. If your kids are really into video games, the career potential is awesome. And not just to create games, but really make a difference.
More

Business Week Tech Buying Guide
Make sure the November 7 issue of BusinessWeek is on your must-read list. It’s the magazine’s annual tech buying guide, and it’s full of very helpful and useful information to sort through what’s hot, and not so hot. I guarantee you’ll find something for the “hard to buy for” person on your list.
Visit: www.businessweek.com

Off topic

Nomination part Deux
President Bush announced his nomination for Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court on Monday. As you know, Harriet Miers withdrew last week, which is sad because despite what you heard or thought about her qualifications, she never got a chance to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Our court system is all about due process, yet she never was afforded the opportunity.

Let’s hope the folks inside the beltway give the process a chance this time around with Judge Samuel Alito. Write your Senators, tell them to ease up on the grandstanding and stick with the process. It’s served us well for hundreds of years.

Time to raise the bar folks
Words like “Nuclear Option” and “Armageddon” are being tossed around Washington so often these days, it seems like we’re back to the cold war days of the 1960s. Except it’s Democrats and Republicans instead of the United States and the old Soviet Union.

This sort of rhetoric is insulting to the vast majority of Americans who expect more from our elected representatives and the media that eggs them on. Is it too much to expect even a little dignity in the process?

Quote o’ the week
"I used to speak in the church all the time. The sisters in the front row fanning themselves would say to my grandmother, this child sure can talk!'" -Oprah Winfrey on how she first started honing her public speaking skills.

Site o’ the week
Just your basic chain reaction puzzle page! (See if you can beat my 1,037)
Visit: Grid Game

My cyber door is open; send me an e-mail at CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau. View our report at www.denverbbb.org

John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog October 28, 2005

It seemed like a good idea at the time
Motorola’s new iTunes equipped cell phone, named ROKR, could be a DUD instead. Folks are returning them in droves. Apparently folks are exactly thrilled with the device that only holds a hundred tunes and is so-so as a phone.
Read More >

High Tech “Grunts”
Much has been written and broadcast about the increasingly high-tech tools used by our country’s military. Soon we might be hearing “When Android Comes Marching Home.”
Read More >

Is your thumb, numb, chum?
Why is it that so much of the new technology, designed to make our lives simpler, ends up creating new medical woes? Maybe it’s just in our minds, or in this case, our thumbs.
Read More >

Yeah, but how will it work for Monday Night Football?
I’ve always been a sucker anytime a “video time-warping machine with a tangible deformable screen” comes on the market. Actually, you’ll need to read this a few times, but then the possibilities come flying at you!
Read More >

Nice work if you can get it
Ah the life of a pro player. Lots of money and cool cars. But I’m not talking about a player in the NFL or NBA, unless of course, they’re digital. Meet Kyle Miller.
Read More >

Possible perils of on-line job hunting
There’s a good chance you’re either using an online service to look for a job, or got the one you have now but job hunting online. It’s a great tool for employers, and a great tool for identity thieves!
Read More >

Stay up to date on Internet security news! We provide a special free section on our website. No cost. No obligation. We care about your security.
Visit :: www.videoprofessor.com

Off topic

Good Night and Good Luck
I hope you’ve had the chance to see Good Night and Good Luck, the story of legendary CBS newsman Ed Murrow, who along with producer Fred Friendly took on political bully Senator Joe McCarthy. McCarthy, destroyed countless lives in the 1950’s during his infamous witch-hunts.

Murrow took him on, and McCarthy ended up being rebuked by the very Senate he worked in, later dying alone and disgraced.

But in this age of the Internet, McCarthy’s tactics are worth remembering. He’d make up the most preposterous charges, with absolutely no evidence and announce them on national television. And once out there, the damage was done.

Today, anyone can make up and say the most ridiculous and outrageous things about good and honest people on the Internet, and once out there, again, the damage is done. And sadly, we don’t have someone like Murrow to help us out this time.

So, see this movie. It’s likely to win a bunch of Academy Awards, especially for David Strathairn’s performance as Murrow. But pay attention to McCarthy’s tactics, as they’re being used right now to cyber-smear many innocent people.

Rosa Parks 1913-2005
In 1955, Seamstress Rosa Parks took a seat on a bus in Montgomery, AL. When a white man demanded her seat, she refused. Back in those days, people of color were supposed to sit in the back of the bus. Her act of peaceful defiance started a movement that has allowed all of us to move to the front of the bus. Rosa Parks died this week at the age of 92. Rosa Parks proved, that regardless of gender of the color of one’s skin, that one person can make a difference.

Got sense of humor?
Major League Baseball is a tad upset with the folks that put milk on your table every day. A Dairy Association spot running during the series was about a player getting pulled aside for a performance-enhancing product. Of course the product was milk. Some of the MLB folks were not amused. Which proves they still don’t get it, and are in desperate need of a sense of humor.

Although there are plenty of smiles in Chicago! 4 Straight. Wow!

Quote o’ the week
Green Bay Packer coach Mike Sherman was asked what people will be saying about QB Brett Favre 20 years from now. Sherman replied, “He plays pretty good for his age!” (Thanks to Paul Harvey)

Site o’ the week
We thought about using this particular advertising firm, but weren’t exactly impressed with their concepts and ideas. I think personally that Donald Trump would fire these guys!
http://www.theadconceptor.com/


Send me an e-mail to CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
View our report at www.denverbbb.org

John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR BLOG - October 21, 2005

Let’s talk tech and computing!

A day at the races or, how I learned how to advertise at 200 MPH

If you haven’t heard of Danica Patrick, you soon will, regardless of whether or not you’re a racing fan. I got to know Danica through her fiancé, who is my personal trainer. After watching Danica race, I was hooked and knew I had to partner with her to promote Video Professor. About the only spot on Danica or her car that had any space left for a logo was on top of her helmet. So the last two races of the season, race fans got to see the Videoprofessor.com logo from her onboard camera.

Danica wrapped up the season Oct 16 at Fontana, CA and while she was taken out by a wreck late in the race, (It was the other driver’s fault, who must have been upset to be driving a pink car and getting passed by a girl) Danica still took Indy Racing League Rookie of the Year honors, was 2005Indianapolis 500 Rookie of Year, won several poles, led a bunch of laps and I do believe she’ll win a checkered flag or two next season.

Here are some pictures from the California race.

The United Savvy States of America
When it comes to all things tech, all parts of the country have what are called “early adaptors.” These are folks most likely to try something new when it comes out, bugs and all. And no matter where you live, one is likely living right next door!
Read More >

It seemed like a good idea at the time
Google continues to rock the publishing world with its library search engine. Handy for scholars and researchers, but resented by authors.
Read More >

Gucci Pocket Protectors?
While some associate tech with geek and vice-versa, the times and the styles are indeed changing. For many, tech can mean high fashion!
Read More >

United Nations Alert!
How do you feel about the United Nations controlling the Internet instead of the United States? Freedom loving countries like Cuba and China are behind a move to take away control of a distinctly American innovation. No, Al Gore didn’t invent the Internet. The Pentagon did. The issue has caught the attention of Brit Hume of Fox News. Here’s an excerpt from a recent interview:
Read More >

AOL on the move
A few tech pundits, ok, more than a few, have been preparing obits for AOL. The pioneering company has had a few zigs and zags along the way, ok, more than a few, the past several years. But the folks running the show have had their focus firmly on the future. And they’re succeeding.
Read More >

E-Mail Pet Peeves
If you’re like me, you get a ton of e-mail at the office. Some of them actually have to do with business! So what’s your biggest pet peeve of the e-mail variety? A staffing firm just did some research and I’m going to hazard a guess you might agree with some of the findings!
Read More >

Outlook is a terrific office tool. And like much of what you use day to day on your computer at work and at home, you’ve likely just scratched the surface of all that it can do to make your day a little easier, including managing your e-mail! Our VIDEO PROFESSOR computer tutorial on Outlook is one of our most popular lessons.
Learn more at: http://www.videoprofessor.com/products/learncomputerbasics/learnmicrosoftoutlook/outlook2003.html

Off-Topic
The folks who founded this country were a pretty smart bunch. One of their best ideas was the separation of powers into Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches. All independent of each other. The idea was to keep one person or group from grabbing too much power. It’s one of the reasons they told old King George to take a hike.

With the nomination of Harriet Miers causing such a stir in the news, it’s important to remember how the system works. The President of the United States gets to pick someone to join the Supreme Court. But the Senate in its ‘advise and consent” rule has to approve it. Before they vote yes or no, the nominee gets to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee, made up of members of both parties, so the committee can fairly ascertain if the nominee is suitable. Granted, politics enters the process, but after a few hundred years it continues to work pretty well.

But the hue and cry of politicos and pundits is deafening. And the voracious appetites of the 24-hour news channels give everyone with an opinion (and you know what they say about opinions!) far more than their fifteen minutes of fame.

Miers may, or may not be qualified to serve on the court. But can we tone down the rhetoric and political grandstanding and let the process work instead? You, me, we, can all put in our two cents. E-mail, write or call your Senators and tell them how you feel. It’s a grand system, tried and true, but it’s getting short shrift to name calling, half-truths and just plain baloney. The last time I checked, it’s still government of, by and for the people. And that’s us.

Would you like fries with that Mr. Hussein?
Saddam Hussein went on trial this week. And while further proceedings have been delayed until next month, there is something very satisfying about seeing Hussein in the docket. Of course he’s being offered every right his own victims never received. Let’s hope justice prevails, and quickly.

Astros vs Sox (no, the other ones)
Houston has never been. And it’s almost been a century for Chicago, and that one involved some legal issues. Pitching will be the key.

Quote o’ the week
“ I think Bill Romanowski is a self-promoting fraud. He has no credibility. I don't care, nobody cares, what he has to say ever on any subject, and he should never talk again. And stop putting him on television. It's not compelling. It's pathetic.”-Adam Shein, Foxsports.com

Site o’ the week
Jim Croce sang about time in a bottle. Here’s what the view is like!
View Site >

My cyber door is open 24/7 and it’s always good to hear from. Send e-mail to CEO@videoprofessor.com.

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
See our report at http://www.denverbbb.org/

John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog-October 14, 2005

GO DANICA!
I hope you get the chance to watch the Indy Racing League season finale on October 16. You can watch the race on ESPN. Look for the onboard camera shots from Danica Patrick’s #16. You’ll see the VideoProfessor.com logo on top of Danica’s helmet. Danica is this year’s IRL Rookie of the Year, and also took top rookie honors at the Indianapolis 500. I’m proud and excited to be associated with Danica Patrick. She’s a terrific person, one hot driver, and I’ll be in California cheering her on! Look for pictures next week here on the blog. To learn more about Danica and the IRL, visit these websites.

www.danicaracing.com
www.indycar.com

Privacy vs. Protection
I write just about every week here on the blog, about protecting you, your computer and your money. Incredible technology is being developed to do just that. But at what point does protection compromise your privacy?
Learn more >

We maintain a special section on our website available to everyone absolutely free with the latest news on protecting you and your computer. Make a point to add it to your favorites list.
Learn more >

One more thing
Rumor became fact as Apple unveiled a video version of its hugely popular iPod. Priced at $299 and $399, it features a 2.5-inch screen and can hold up to 150 hours of video. It also displays still pics and plays music. And it’s thinner than the original!
Learn more >

Better thing?
DISH Network beat Apple to the punch, and at first blush, perhaps a better product with its own pocket video player. It’s called PocketDish, and while it costs more than the iPod it certainly seems to be much more versatile, especially in how you can input video. I LOVE THESE TOYS!!
Learn more >

For all of you making a list and checking it twice
This is the time of year when kids of all ages dream about high-tech presents in their stockings. Here’s a preview of just some of the hot new products arriving in time for Christmas.
Learn more >

NASA starting to get 2001 in 2005 but just barely.
One of the great sequences in the landmark film, 2001-A Space Odyssey; starts right at the beginning when the Pam-Am Shuttle docks with the space station. Director Stanley Kubrick and author Arthur C. Clark understood the future of space way back in 1968. Along with Pan-Am, (sadly just a memory) several other commercial brands were featured including hotel and communications companies.

NASA blazed America’s trail into space, but is now just beginning to understand that commercialization of space is the future. It’s one area where the Russians did beat us, sending up private passengers to the International Space Station for 20 million a trip. And now entrepreneur extraordinaire Richard Branson is teaming with Burt Ruttan for sub-orbital hops into space for 200-thousand a trip.
Both are way out of my budget, but this is just the beginning.
Learn more >

Off-Topic
A huge tip of the hat to Bill O’Reilly of FOX News and Oprah Winfrey for their efforts going after child molesters. Bill O’Reilly makes it a point to skewer weak judges and hold state’s with even weaker laws, accountable. Oprah Winfrey, herself a victim of rape at the age of 9 years old, is personally handing out one hundred thousand dollar rewards to people who turn in these predators. There are thousands of them on the loose, sprung from jail after ridiculously short sentences behind bars. Once out, they blend into society. We need tougher laws, tougher judges and very awful jails to put them in for the rest of their lives.

To learn more, visit these websites:
www2.oprah.com
billoreilly.com
Support these two fine Americans by visiting their websites on a regular basis and watching their shows. I’m going to guess Bill and Oprah may have different political views about a lot of things, but their efforts in fighting this scourge on society deserves all of our support. And contact your local and national elected representatives. Hold their feet to the fire.

Quote o’ the week
“The opposite of pro is con. That fact is clearly seen. If progress means move forward, then what does Congress mean?” –Nipsey Russell, who died this week at the age of 80.

Site o’ the week
With Halloween just a few weeks away, time to sharpen your pumpkin carving skills!
www.pumpkin-carving.com

My cyber door is open, e-mail be at CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau. See our report at www.denverbbb.org

John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog October 7, 2005

Let’s talk tech and computing!

Arizona #1 in identity theft. How bad is it where you live?
ID Theft continues to be a plague on the nation. The more safeguards we put up, the craftier the crooks get. In Arizona, it’s especially bad. But it’s almost as bad everywhere else in the country.
Read More>

As a public service, we maintain a special section on our website with news you can use to protect yourself.
Visit: www.videoprofessor.com

California Dreaming
Anti-Phishing legislation has been signed into law in California. The good news is the legislation calls for stiff penalties and more money back to victims. The bad news is, the law essentially is unenforceable.
Read More >

Digital Bread Crumbs
That’s once description of the trail of information you leave in your digital life; a trail which makes it easy for you to be “Googled.” And that might not be a good thing.
Read More >

Leaking loses customers
Too often, identity theft starts with information leaks. You and I read about it all the time. Just think about all the companies you do business with that have confidential personal information about you in their data files. Consumers however, are sending a clear message to companies. Keep information safe, or we’ll take our business elsewhere!
Read More >

Got kids? Get this!
Parents are paying more and more attention to what their kids eat, but short of going to school with them each day, it’s hard to track what they have for lunch. Until now. Computer technology is allowing moms and dads to make sure their kids are eating healthy.
Read More>

Jeff Gordon-look out for FLASH Gordon!
OK race fans, this league is for you. We talked last week about our associate sponsorship with IRL Rookie of the year Danica Patrick. Millions follow the exploits of drivers like Danica and Jeff Gordon over in NASCAR. But if you REALLY feel the need for speed, check out the Rocket Racing League!
Read More >

The $ound of music
I told you a couple of weeks ago about getting an iPod. Seems I’m not alone.
Read More >

iMap
The neatest thing about America, I think, is when someone comes up with an exciting piece of technology like the iPod; someone else comes along and finds a new way to use it.
Read More >

Mark October 12 are your calendar
Rumors are swirling (why do rumors always swirl?) that Steve Jobs just might announce a new version of the iPod that plays videos. Reporters are being sent invitations to attend a speech by Jobs on the 12th. If true, one question: Will Apple supply eye-buds to go with the ear-buds?
Read More >

Down by the old video stream
The demand for video is increasing daily. Folks are watching video on their computers, PDA’s and their cell phones. (I even heard that some people watch video on TV!)
Read More >

No film, no wires, no kidding
If companies like Kodak make taking and sending pictures any easier, I’ll have to see it to believe it!
Read More >

Off topic

Hurricane Relief Efforts
The long process of re-building lives and livelihoods is underway in states impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Many folks need to get back to work, and discovering that they need to improve their computing skills. Video Professor has just donated 70 computer tutorials to the Families First Resource Center in Picayune MS for their computer-learning lab. As similar efforts ramp up in the region, we’ll be working with other organizations as well, contributing where we can to make a difference.

Clint would be proud
In Colorado we have something called the “Make my day” law. And for good reason.
Read More >

200 Million Dollars
Estimated cost to business due to lack of productivity during the baseball playoffs and World Series. It seems a lot of folks spend more than a few minutes each day working on office pools, fantasy leagues etc. If it’s any consolation, it’s even worse in March!

That said…
Things can get out of hand however. Keep this in mind the next time you fly out of DIA!
Read More >

Prank o’ the week
Some Navy Midshipmen from Annapolis are spending time at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs as part of an exchange program. Air Force plays Navy October 8, and if you’ve ever been in the military, you know all about rivalries between the service branches. On the AFA campus is an F4 Phantom, a fighter once flown by both the Navy and Air Force. Of course, the one at the Academy is normally painted in Air Force Colors, that is until the Middies painted it blue with Blue Angels logos! The reaction from the AFA cadets? They’re happy to settle it all on the football field. But just to be safe, the folks in Annapolis might want to post some extra guards!

Site o’ the week
If you love to fly, you may be familiar with Captain Meryl Getline. She flies “heavies” for United Airlines. Captain Meryl has a regular column in the travel section at www.usatoday.com . An accomplished pilot for much of her life, she and her husband also maintain a terrific website. Check out the video shot by a crew from another airline landing and taking off in San Diego!
Visit: www.fromthecockpit.com

My cyber door is wide-open 24/7. E-mail me at CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder-VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
To view our report, go to www.denverbbb.org

John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR BLOG Sept 30 2005

Let’s talk tech and computing!

But first let’s talk about Danica Patrick!
Ok, I did indeed, feel the need for speed. VIDEO PROFESSOR is an associate-sponsor of IRL Rookie of the Year Danica Patrick, for the last two races of this season. You’ll see the Video Professor logo on top of Danica’s helmet from her in-car camera. Danica is also Indianapolis 500 2005 Rookie of the Year. She’s a star with a bright future and we’re proud to be associated with her. Legendary driver Bobby Rahall owns Danica’s car along with CBS star David Letterman.

(With Team Danica at Pikes Peak International Raceway-Danica was a bit busy to pose with us!)

I got to know Danica through some mutual friends, and before you know it, I was a racing fan! Here are a couple of links to learn more about Danica and the Indy Racing League.
Visit: www.indyracing.com
Visit: www.danicaracing.com

Happy Birthday Google
Search engine and money making machine Google, turns seven this week. It’s a noun, verb and likely soon to be an adjective, soon as someone can figure out the proper use. Just your basic story of a couple of guys with an idea.
Read More >

The Skype’s the limit
Today’s tech buzzwords are a crazy mix of upper and lower case letters. eBay, VoIP and while we’re on the subject of weird words, have you ever been “skyped?”
Read More >

Betamax Wars Part Deux
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, there were two competing home videotape formats. VHS and Betamax. Beta was better, but VHS won the day. Today, videotape is passé, old-hat, so 20th century. DVDs are the new standard, but what about HD versions? There are (again) two competing formats. Here’s the latest on the battle for your HD viewing dollars and the heavyweights on each side. And once again, the rest of us are stuck in the middle again.
Read More >

Phonies find new ways to Phish
I’ve talked a lot in earlier blogs about “Phishers.” These are crooks that can easily fool you into answering their e-mails or routing you to what appear to be official sites. Their goal is purely to rip you off. While safeguards are getting better, these thieves are getting better too.
Visit: www.videoprofessor.com

Both programs are outstanding learning tools, and one big reason is the level of work put into designing them.

Off-Topic
Louisiana’s two Senators already have come up with the cost of rebuilding their state. 250 BILLION Dollars! Like all Americans, I’m glad to pitch in and help. But does EVERYTHING have to be gold plated?

As for where the money comes from, I think Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona has a very good idea. Take some of the pork from the recently signed highway bill and spend it instead on recovery efforts. But, that would make too much sense. Not a strong suit for the politicos from both parties in DC.

And politicos aren’t the only one’s pointing fingers at each other. The media is too. It seems there was some exaggerating going on.
Read More >


Finally a tip of the hat to authorities in the Lake Charles, LA area. Authorities there are holding 49 looters in a cold and wet concrete building. Each looter (ok, alleged looter) gets one MRE with water on the side each day. I’m sure once the ACLU gets wind of this there will be heck to pay, but for now, the looters (ok, alleged looters) are safely off the streets.

Speaking of baseball, a Denver sports writer wrote a few months ago about taking all the really bad teams each year, and putting them in their own division. It turns out we already have one. The NL-West. What we need is a rule banning any team with a record BELOW 500 from qualifying for any playoff. But, that would make too much sense. Not a strong suit for the folks who run Major League Baseball.

Quote o’ the week
“Don’t you get it?” Senator John McCain of Arizona to MLB Union Chief Donald Fehr during Senate hearings on the use of steroids in professional baseball. I guess the only thing we have to fear, is Fehr himself.
Read More >

Site o’ the week
Another variant of the sun clock we showed you a few months ago. I like this version better. As Chicago sings, “Does anybody know what time it is, does anybody really care?” But if you do, enjoy!
http://www.fourmilab.ch/cgi-bin/uncgi/Earth/action?opt=-p

My cyber door is open. E-mail me at CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
View our report at www.denverbbb.org

John W. Scherer Blog Sept 23 2005

Let’s talk computing!

Actually, let’s talk infomercials!
We just shot a new infomercial this past weekend. What you’ll see at home is the final, polished thirty- minute version put together by Chip Hopkins and his talented production team. But I want to show you all the work that goes into the production of an infomercial.

By the way, Chip and his team have won the coveted Aurora Gold Award for Video Production for the second year in a row. More on that in future blogs.

Two teams here at VIDEO PROFESSOR worked very hard on the infomercial, our marketing team and our production team. Not only do we have to develop the key messages and themes of each infomercial, but also we have to produce something that’s exciting and informative.

Dozens of our employees spend weeks planning in advance. We have to choose a location, in this case, Park Meadows Mall here in Denver. A shopping mall is a great place to recruit folks like you to try the many titles from our library of VIDEO PROFESSOR computer lessons.


The night before was pretty much an all-nighter as all the cameras, lighting, computers and pieces of the set were all set into place. We had to be ready to go when the mall opened Saturday morning.

The mall location provided us lots of room to work with. We were able to design a set that gave us plenty of “people” room! In this newest version, I have my anchor position with my excellent co-host, Laurel. But we also added an area for a “focus group. We got together with these folks and talked with them about what they knew about computing and more importantly, what they still wanted to learn and how they wanted to learn.



We then turned them loose at several computer laptop stations we set up and got them learning. We even had some folks try and learn with those bulky and hard-to-read instruction manuals to compare how fast they could learn compared to the folks using our lessons.

The contest between bulky and technical manuals and our VIDEO PROFESSOR tutorial lessons was in fact, NO contest!

I also had the chance to stop by the various workstations and visit with our users. Just like you, they have different interests in what they wanted to learn. Some worked on the basics, others worked on advanced skills with programs like PowerPoint and Excel. I’ve been teaching people how to operate their computers for over 18 years and it’s still wonderful to hear people say how fast and easy it is to learn a new skill, or improve existing ones.



Of course, because this was an infomercial, the cameras and microphones were everywhere. But it was spontaneous and unrehearsed. What you’ll see actually happened. And when our new infomercial begins airing around the country, you’ll also see first hand how quickly folks learned, and how good they felt about it.

And this is what makes it so much fun to come to work each day.

One special moment came when Laurel and I were taping a segment, and one of our guests came up to excitedly show us a picture she’d been able to create after just spending a few minutes with our lesson!


We wrapped up shooting at about 6pm. Then the hard work began again, this time in reverse; tearing everything down, packing it up and loading it on the truck for the trip back to the office.

Now our production team is hard at work, beginning the process of screening then editing dozens of hours of tape from the many cameras.

An infomercial is just half an hour. But hundreds and hundreds of hours go into making it. And all these pictures give you a chance to see the many talented and hardworking people that make VIDEO PROFESSOR so successful.

Site o’ the week
Here’s a collection of just plain silly stuff. Just once I’d like to meet one of the people that sits down and creates this stuff!
http://www.ertdfgcvb.ch/

My cyber door is open. E-mail me at CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau. View our report at http://www.denverbbb.org/

John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog for Sept 16, 2005

Let’s talk computing!

Katrina Scam Alert!
There are a lot of people looking to cash in on your generosity to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. I just did a Google search using “Katrina Aid Help” as search words and got 39,700,000 hits! Many obviously are for legitimate charities like the Red Cross and Salvation Army. Most are not. They’re scams.
Read more >

Others are already receiving scam e-mails, claiming to be legitimate charities but all they want is your money in their offshore bank accounts.

Legitimate charities like the Red Cross do not use these tactics; you go to their official websites and make your donations. They don’t solicit by e-mail.

America is digging deep to help. But be careful when and where you donate. Work with the established charities like the Red Cross and Salvation Army. If you have any doubts about a charity, check them out by visiting www.charitynavigator.com. This non-profit organization monitors charities, and provides you with information you need to know before you give.

Another good way is to donate is through your local church or club and you can also visit the websites of your local newspapers and broadcast stations, as they list legitimate sites to donate to. Our employee group, Seasons Club, is actively working with several relief organizations to get the right help to the right people.

Americans are responding like never before, but like everything else, look before you leap, or in this case, give.

Infomercial Info
We’re shooting a new infomercial this weekend. They’re fun to do, but our team here at VIDEO PROFESSOR puts in some incredible work getting it all done. The VIDEO PROFESSOR infomercials you see on TV run 30 minutes, but days and days of work go into planning, we’ll shoot for approximately 8 hours on Saturday, then dozens more hours are spent editing it all together. I’ll have some pictures and “behind the scenes” views of it all in next week’s blog.

Bill Gates on the record
Microsoft Guru Bill Gates is pitching software developers to work together to support existing and planned software products from Microsoft. Gates is keeping his focus on the future, and is encouraging others to team with him to do the same thing.
Read more >

Google Google GOOGLE GOOGLE
Can Google get any bigger or better? Like weather in Colorado, wait 15 minutes and you’ll find out! They have a new “Industrial Strength” blog search in Beta. Once again they surprised everyone, by not surprising everyone. Because at Google, the hits just keep coming.
Read more >

Mini, not Mega
Everyone, it seems, has a digital camera. And based on the popularity of our Photoshop tutorial, you’re doing all sorts of wonderful things with pictures and graphics (See site o’ the week below) But if you think digital imaging is something new, think again. The folks at Kodak were thinking digital 30 years ago!
Read more >

Friends, Romans and fellow iPod users, lend me your ears
I’ve joined the iPod generation. I too wear the white ear buds. You may have chosen a different brand of MP3 player, but we share the ability to work out, chill or whatever, listening to our favorite music. But what impact are those ear buds having on our ears, Bud?
Read more >

Spelling Checker?
Any of you who work with Word can appreciate how helpful the spelling and grammar functions are. If you don’t have a lot of experience with Word learn more about our Video Professor Word lesson.

That said, the English Language is an interesting one, and it pays not to totally depend on this neat little function. As a matter of fact, quite a few people personally “eyeball” the blog before I post it each week. But I did come across this article, which is great fun and shows the perils and pitfalls of depending entirely on technology! And a good reason to include English skills in your educational plans!
Learn more >

Off-topic
I’ve had a chance to watch part of the confirmation hearings for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Nominee John Roberts. He’s a lock for the job, likely to win confirmation in the full Senate by 70 votes or more. The Senate Judiciary Committee has the role of conducting hearings to learn more about the nominee. Senators of both parties get to ask questions, but not necessarily get answers. But some Senators (and you know who you are) need to understand the question part. A couple of Senators have the term confused with speeches. One “question” lasted 8 minutes. Followed by silence. Because it wasn’t a question. A waste of time and bugle oil.

Site o’ the week
Photoshop is an absolutely wonderful picture-editing tool and our award-winning tutorial really shows you just how powerful an editing tool it is.
Check it out >

I found this site, worth1000.com, which shows you some of the neat work you can do with Photoshop and your computer, plus a lot of imagination!

My cyber door is open. Send me e-mail at CEO@videoprofessor.com.

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau. Check out our report at www.denverbbb.org

JWS Blog – Week of September 9th

What goes around comes around
I’m so accustomed to seeing the world rely on aid from the United States when natural disasters strike, that it comes as a welcome surprise to see that over 94 countries have offered disaster relief to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Donors include long-time US allies such as Australia, Japan, Germany, Canada, France and Britain, and also from countries where our relations have been strained: Cuba, Venezuela and Iran. My hope is that by seeing Americans in need, some of the anti-American sentiment felt around the world will soften.
Read more >

When a picture is worth a thousand words
Victims of Hurricane Katrina who are worried about their property have turned to Google Earth to find out if their homes remain standing. Google was quickly able to add over 4,000 post hurricane images taken from a Cessna jet as overlays to its’ database of satellite images. Visit Google Earth >


Teaching and the Internet
There’s hardly a school left in America that isn’t connected with the Internet. A recent survey found that while most students felt that using the Internet helped them with their schoolwork, teachers weren’t as interested in including Internet based curriculum in their lesson plans. Read more >

Try my lesson: Learn the Internet.


“Web gangs” . . . 21st Century mobsters
Is your vision of a hacker a teenage boy, sitting in his bedroom trying to hack into his schools’ computer to change his grades? Think again. Gangs of high-tech criminals are hard at work searching for ways to steal your money. And I’ve just heard that Internet crime is up 20% from this same time last year.

I can’t stress how important it is for everyone to educate themselves about computer security. By ignoring Internet security you face rogue hackers taking control of your PC and using it for identity theft and the distribution of spam and pornography.

Learning how to guard your sensitive information is the key to preventing identity theft. No current or new technologies will be able to prevent the misuse of your personal information once it has been stolen.
Read more >

Learn how you can protect yourself and your PC with Video Professor’s Internet Security Lessons.

Site o' the week
I’ve always heard that slow and steady wins the race . . . after climbing for 14 months, NASA’s Spirit rover finally completed a 270 foot climb to the crest of Mars’ Husband Hill, named after Rick Husband, commander of the fallen shuttle Columbia crew. Spirit is rewarding researchers with spectacular panoramic views of the plains below.
View the photos >

My cyber-door is always open. Send me an e-mail at CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau. Check out our report.

Let’s Talk Computing!

VIDEO PROFESSOR Computer Literacy Day in Modesto, CA.
Much of this week’s blog is about a very special day I got to spend in Modesto, CA. You may recall that earlier this summer we conducted our July 4th Sweepstakes. The Grand Prize was a 2006 Chrysler 300C, and yes, it has a HEMI!

The winner is Corlene Goff of Modesto. She visited our site to order our Excel tutorial lessons, noticed the sweepstakes and entered. It was my pleasure to present her with the keys to her new car on Monday, August 29th at Central Valley Chrysler. (If you live in the Modesto area, I really recommend owner John Gardener and his staff, an absolutely terrific automobile dealership)
















John W. Scherer presents Corlene Goff the keys to her new Chrysler 300C!
















John and Corlene check out her new ride!

Corlene is a wonderful person and I enjoyed visiting with her. Another company had bought her company, and as a result and through no fault of her own, she’s looking for a new job, and that’s why she was working to improve her computer skills. It felt great to see her drive that gleaming Chrysler 300C off the showroom floor! Corlene also told me the Excel lessons really helped her!

To view the list of major prizewinners click here.

After we gave Corlene her car, we then went over to Johansen High School in Modesto. Anytime we’re involved in an event in a community around the country, we always make a point of donating our lessons to various civic organizations, schools or other groups involved in computer literacy.

Prior to our trip, we spent quite a lot of time working with the Modesto School District’s computer folks, and the more we got to know about their efforts, the more we knew we had to do something truly special.

So we decided to make available free access to our VP Online tutorials to each of the 20,000 High School Students in the Modesto area! We made the official donation at Johansen High School in their state-of-the-art computer lab, but again, the offer is available to all the students in the district.

We were thrilled by all the students, teachers, school board and civic officials who turned out to greet us. Mayor Ridenour officially declared this special Monday as “Video Professor Computer Literacy Day." Congressman Cordoza’s office and the County Board of Supervisors also presented special proclamations.
















Modesto Mayor Jim Ridenour officially proclaims August 29, 2005
“Video Professor Computer Literacy Day”

Most importantly, we showed the good that can come when businesses, schools and government work together. As a result, these high schools students now have an additional teaching resource to improve their computing skills and they’ll have the same access from home if they have high-speed Internet access.

I want to extend my most personal and deep felt gratitude to the entire Modesto Community for their warm hospitality!

Hurricane Survivors need all our help.
Like me, I’m sure you are absolutely stunned at the devastation left in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The clean up and recovery efforts will take years, and so many people have lost everything they have. The most basic needs of fresh water, food and shelter are challenging authorities throughout the regions hit hardest.

Right now, the American Red Cross is your best way to help out. What they need most is money. Visit their website at www.redcross.org to learn how to donate. And you can give in confidence knowing that your money will be put to good use. Charity Navigator (a non-profit organization that rates the efficiency of charities) gives the American Red Cross four out of four stars.

Site o’ the week
I haven’t made it past 250 with this one; maybe you’ll have better luck! (Most folks usually do!) Click here.


My cyber door is open, e-mail with questions, comments and ideas at CEO@videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau. Read our report at www.denverbbb.org