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.
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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.”
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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:
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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.
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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!
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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The $ound of music
I told you a couple of weeks ago about getting an iPod. Seems I’m not alone.
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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.
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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?
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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!)
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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