John W Scherer Video Professor BLOG January 27, 2006

On the scene at the Sundance Film Festival

John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog-Let’s talk tech!

The Sundance Scene
We had great success launching our new eBay tutorial at the Country Music Association Awards so we picked the Sundance Film Festival to showcase our new Learn Wireless Networking tutorial. And we weren’t disappointed.

First, if you are into film at all, make sure you attend the festival at least once. Park City, Utah is an absolute gem of a town and ski resort. And you can imagine how lively it gets during the festival! But the traffic is unbelievable!!

I want to personally thank several stars including Chazz Palmenteri
, (A Bronx Tale) Joe Pantoliano, (The Sopranos, The Fugitive) Oscar Winner Mary Matlin (who also has turned in some terrific performances on The West Wing) and Ally Sheedy, (The Breakfast Club) Ronald Reagan Jr. (That name sounds familiar) Harry Shearer, (Spinal Tap, The Simpsons) among others, for dropping by our display while we were at Sundance. They all took time to sign a limited edition Sundance Film Festival poster, of which just 300 were produced this year. The autographed poster will be up for auction on eBay shortly, with 100% of the proceeds going to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

We often hear about the huge egos with some movie stars, but that certainly wasn’t the case with the stars we met at Sundance. All were friendly, down-to-earth and they all shared very inspirational stories about their own lives with attendees. And because of their kindness, some money is going to St. Jude’s! More info on the auction here next week.

Ron Reagan Jr autographs Sundance Poster for eBay auction


John W. Scherer with actor Chazz Palmenteri


John W. Scherer with actor Joe Pantoliano


John autographs HTML tutorial at Sundance


Video Professor's Cindy Reif and Robin Deluca with actor Tyler Hilton

We also had some fun with the folks from Bravo! and did several interviews with various Internet trade publications covering the Sundance Film Festival. Look for me on the Bravo in March. We’ll keep you posted.

Our “Learn Wireless Networking” tutorial was very popular with Sundance attendees, also topping the most requested list were our eBay, PhotoShop and Excel tutorials.


Dangerous precedent?
A major confrontation is shaping up between Google and the Federal Government. The government wants Google to hand over records of searches conducted using Google. Google says “no way.” The precedent about privacy could have major implications.
Read More >

Different story however in China
Google has a little different attitude when it comes to dealing with Communist China. There’s little if any freedom of expression there and apparently that’s just fine with the folks at Google.
Read More >

BlackBerry Blackout?
Bad news from the Supremes to the makers of BlackBerry. Might the screen on that handy, can’t live without it device, go black?
Read More >
And this just in: A Judge has set an injunction hearing in BlackBerry patent case for February 24th.

Yeah, but how is the football team?
I wish they had this option when I went to college. Stanford students will soon be able to download all sorts of lectures, etc., by just going to iTunes. Or should I say iU?
Read More >

Off Topic
The difference between winners and losers
The folks here in the Denver area are still smarting (as are the Broncos) from the loss to Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship game. There was a telling shot late in the game, when the CBS cameras pointed at QB Jake Plummer on the sideline, sucking oxygen, hair hanging down to his knees. A beaten man who’d given up. That shot was in contrast to Texas QB Vince Young at the Rose Bowl. His team was down 10 with 6 minutes left, and Vince was NOT sitting down. He was cheering on his team, telling them, to believe, that they could win and would win. That’s called leadership.

One last note from Sundance: Several of the stars shared many stories of difficult time in their own careers, when literally there was no money, and no options. But the successful ones didn’t give up. They kept on trying, going for that 11th audition after being turned down in first 10. And then there was Jake Plummer, head down in defeat, sucking oxygen. And that’s why he lost, because he gave up.

Quote o’ the week
"Our guy made the plays.”-Pittsburgh wide receiver Cedric Wilson.

Site o’ the week
Ok, there’s a trick to this. See if you can figure it out. If you can’t, it is indeed, very mysterious!
View Site >

Contact me anytime 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 January 20th, 2006

Are you ready to go wireless?
John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog-Let’s talk tech! (And other stuff.)

“Learn Wireless Networking” tutorial released
“Look ma, no wires!” might be the new catch phrase in home computing. Today’s consumers can now enjoy multiple locations around the home for all things computing through wireless technology. Video Professor, the leader in computer tutorials recognizes the growth and also the need for a simple, easy-to-understand learning method to make your home wireless and make computing more efficient than ever before.

Video Professor’s Learn Wireless Networking tutorial, using the company’s proven “What-You-See-Is-What-You-Do” method of learning, will take you from the basics of today’s wireless networks to setting up your own home wireless system. Users will learn about Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth® wireless technology gadgets, and how everyone in your family can have multiple access for work or play and maintain the best personal security.

We’ll be debuting the new tutorial at the SundanceTM Film Festival in Park City, UT. We’ll have lots of pictures for you in next week’s blog!

Desktop vs laptop: The storage gap narrows
The folks at Seagate just released a new notebook, with some pretty impressive storage capacity. And they’re using something called a “Perpendicular Drive.” Sounds like something Scotty would say on Star Trek! But this technology is anything but, science fiction.
Read More >

Who will be the new gatekeepers?
“The medium is the message” was the saying not that long ago. Still relevant today, but decreasingly so as new forms of advertisements become available to us. (Whether we like it or not) And ads that are interactive to boot. A changing of the media guard is indeed underway.
Read More >

iRatings
The Super Bowl is just over two weeks away and you'll see more ads for big screen monitors than ever before. You need a big screen to watch the big game, right? That said; it appears to be the tiny screens having the biggest impact on TV ratings! So, smaller is bigger.
Read More >

2007-A Windows XP Odyssey
The folks at Microsoft have set 2007 for the next major update to their Windows XP program.
Read More >

In the blink of an eye
There are literally billions of web sites out there on the Web. You might have one yourself, either for personal or business use. So just how important is design? You better catch your viewer’s attention in just one blink!
Read More >

Off Topic: The punishment fits the crime
Despite the best efforts of security folks, every once in a while some yahoo runs out on the field during a football game. It’s an extremely dangerous situation. One such yahoo ran into the wrong judge in his case. The verdict? NO FOOTBALL FOR YOU!
Read More >

Speaking of sports
The final four go at it this weekend. It's the Broncos vs. Steelers for the AFC Championship and the Seahawks vs. the Panthers for the NFC title. The Steelers and Panthers are definite road warriors, and will need to pull off yet another road win to make it to Super Bowl XL. And doesn’t the Roman Numerals XL seem appropriate this year! Four classy franchises, with four very strong coaches and four organizations that put teamwork ahead of individual stardom. No matter who wins, this year’s championship should be the proverbial “Humdinger!”

Speaking of Canadian politics
It just may be true that everyone has a double somewhere. Apparently mine is a Canadian running for Prime Minister! A reporter for the CBC in Canada noticed the similarity and that’s how I found out about it.

Jack Layton-NDP
Candidate: Prime Minister of Canada*


Quote o’ the week
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Site o’ the week
How do you find a good parking spot? Practice, practice, practice. This starts easy then gets more and more frustrating with each level. Just like in real life parking! Enjoy. (I think.)
View Site >


Reach me 24/7 by 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

*Use of candidate’s picture does not constitute any endorsement of the candidate.

John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR BLOG - January 17th

CES is over, you can get on with your lives now

Let’s talk tech, computing and CES

News from the Consumer Electronics show
Wow! Imagine 28 football fields full of electronic toys! And last week’s Consumer Electronics Show delivered a lot of news! It was a world of 100-inch wide plasma screens, and screens small enough to fit into your pocket. Wires? Old School. Some observers say it’s just getting to complicated for most folks and the worry is those folks might sit on their wallets until they figure it all out. H-m-m-m, sounds like plenty of opportunity for new tutorials! Stay tuned!!

Several links of interesting stories, not the least of which is Google’s efforts to compete with Apple in the video business.
Read More >

Got Deal? Got phone? Then Google. Second only to the displays at CES, is the deal making. This one extends the reach of Google even more.
Read More >

There’s a “war” developing between folks developing competing formats for HD-DVD’s. It’s a repeat of the Beta-VHS format wars from the 70’s. Bill Gates says it’s a bit foolish. I agree. I mean; it’s all about entertainment. Can’t we all just get along?
Read More >

The future of HDTV might be as simple as “Who’s got game?” As with a lot of new technology, what often drives success is not what you expect.
Read More >

Hey Mac, is that an Intel inside? (Oops, old slogan)
Once shunned, Intel is now inside the new Macs. Talk about a turnaround.
Read More >

UT to spammers: Hook’em!
When it comes to college football, or fighting spammers, the rule is: Don’t mess with Texas. So says the United States Supreme Court.
Read More >

Top 50 gadgets
Remember the Sony Walkman? It was the ultimate in hip, to wear on your hip. Wow, a portable music player. Let’s face it, we love gadgets and the folks at PC World took the time to rate the Top 50 of all time. So take a trip down techno-memory lane!
View List >

Off-topic
It was a bit of a tough year for the media, with the correction columns using plenty of ink in 2005. Here’s a look back at the year that was, and what some wish hadn’t. Or at least wished they’d reported about it right the first time.
Read More >

And 2006 didn’t get off to a much better start.

Retirement? Why?
Much is being said about the first of the “Baby Boomer” generation turning 60 this year. I think the real news is that people are living and working longer than ever. 80 year old Marv Levy just went back to work for the Buffalo Bills, 79-year-old Joe Paterno coached Penn State to an Orange Bowl Victory and intrepid CBS reporter Mike Wallace is 87! Warren Buffet is in his late 70’s and Kirk Kekourian continues to run his multi-billion dollar empire at the age of 86! All have jobs that would stress out people more than half their age! Yet they seem to thrive on the challenge.

Young, and young Vick: A cautionary tale.
Now-former Texas Longhorn Vince Young has a golden arm, golden feet and a golden future. No one is blaming him, including the whole state of Texas, for coming out early. Vince Young put on a display at the Rose Bowl for the ages. Vince Young is a very classy young man who always goes out of his way to share the credit for his success. Some have said he may not be ready for the NFL. I think it’s the other way around. He’s going to give defensive coordinators fits.

Then there’s Marcus Vick. Just kicked off the Virginia Tech football team for being, well, stupid, he declared himself available for the NFL draft and to impress NFL teams, he now finds himself charged with pulling a gun on some people in a parking lot. And this isn’t his first brush with the law. His police file is growing while his stock is sinking faster than the Titanic.

Good people finish first. Always. Congrats Vince. You’re a terrific young man and a role model for anyone to follow. As for Marcus, 5-6th round maybe, and likely to the Raiders. Ha!

Question o’ the week
About the Alito Hearings, if they’re called “Hearings,” why were so many Senators talking all the time? Up next: Confirmation.

Site o’ the week
The neat thing about today’s technology is most folks can now use their home video cameras and computers to make movies. The bad thing about today’s technology is most folks can now use their home video cameras and computers to make movies.
View Site >

E-mail is a perfectly acceptable form of communication. Thoughts and comments sans pontificating are welcome 24/7 at CEO@videoprofessor.com


John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/BBB.
View our report at www.videoprofessor.com

John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog January 6th 2006

Let the Tech New Year begin


Internet sales rock in December
I wrote about this a few weeks ago, but remember the video of that poor lady getting trampled at one of those post-Thanksgiving sales? It appears a lot of you did, as Internet sales soared this season.
Read More >

Now they tell me
The millions of us using iPods may have a slight problem. Possible hearing loss. It seems the ear buds are a budding problem. I know in Spinal Tap, having a volume control that went to 11 was cool. But with your iPod volume control, a bit of moderation might be a good idea.
Read More >


iTheater?
I love going to the movies. Especially the new generation theaters with stadium seating and surround-sound that knocks your socks off. But will a larger iPod end the movie going experience? I say no, but others disagree. In this case, I just don’t think the “I’s” will have it.
Read More >


Royal Recognition
It seems Her Royal Highness; Queen Elizabeth is an iPod lover! She’s awarded a rather rare award to the designer! Jolly good show! (Wonder if the Queen knows about the ear damage issues?)
Read More >


Here’s the latest Intel on Intel’s new logo
The Intel Chip hasn’t been around quite as long as the, uh, potato chip for example, but after 37 years, insiders are reporting that “Intel Inside” will have a new look.
Read More >


Two lenses are better than one
At least that’s the thinking by the folks at Kodak. They’re unveiling a brand new camera at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Read More >



Speaking of CES
Over one hundred thousand manufacturers, distributors and industry insiders will be in Las Vegas this week for the Consumer Electronics Show. It’s not open to the general public, but let me tell you, it is an absolute feast for tech-lovers. Acres and acres of cool toys. Bill Gates will once again give the keynote speech but look for Google to make some possible major news on Friday.
Visit:: www.cesweb.org


Sevens miles and two years later
Remember the two Mars Rovers that began roving on Mars a couple of years ago? Both were supposed to last just a few months. Well, here’s a tip of the hat to the folks who designed and built these little engines that could because they’re still moving about Mar and gathering all sorts of important information about our neighboring planet.
Read More >


Quote o’ the week
"What's that?" -- Paris Hilton, when asked if she reads blogs.


Site o’ the week
OK, if you’re into teams and drawing, then this site is for you. It takes “collaborative effort” to a whole new level. Draw away!
Visit:: www.swarmsketch.com


Ideas, thoughts and opinions sans bloviating (That remains Bill’s job) are always welcome by sending them to 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 January 2nd 2006

Another Worm
Yet another “wolf” virus in sheep’s clothing!
Read More >

So, is the future of TV big, or small?
One thing is for sure when it comes to television these days, bragging rights vary on whom has the biggest TV, or the smallest!
Read More >

CBS says Yahoo!
Ok, not that I’m getting this whole big screen-small screen deal figured out, CBS is telling me that all I have to do is Yahoo!
Read More >

2005 will last a little longer than expected
In our fast-paced society, every second counts. So for those of you trying to catch up on unfinished business in 2005, I bring you good news!
Read More >

The passing of a pioneer
Ever hear of a gentleman named John Diebold? If you have, you know what a visionary he was in the field of computing, believing when hardly anyone else did. If you never heard his name before, read on and appreciate the work he did to put that computer on your desk or your lap. Hail and farewell sir!
Read More >

Top Webcams of 2005
Webcams are becoming very popular. There are hundreds of thousands of them. Here are one group’s pick of the Top 25. And I must say I agree, with the exception of the Anchorage DMV. Enjoy views from around the world!
Read More >

Quote o’ the week (Actually interview of the week)
Bush: All of these. I put it on shuffle. Dwight Yoakam. I've got the Shuffle, the, what is it called? The little.
Hume: Shuffle.
Bush: It looks like.
Hume: The Shuffle. That is the name of one of the models.
Bush: Yes, the Shuffle.
Hume: Called the Shuffle.
Bush: Lightweight, and crank it on, and you shuffle the Shuffle.
Hume: So you -- it plays . . .
Bush: Put it in my pocket, got the ear things on.
Fox News anchor Brit Hume interviews President Bush about his iPod.

Site o’ the week
There was a time when animation was drawn, painstakingly, one frame at a time. Now computers are the tools of choice for animators. But here’s a site that combines the best of both worlds. You just might flip over this e-flipbook!
View the FlipbookSite >

I always enjoy hearing from you, and thanks especially to those of you who sent kind holiday wishes from places as far away as England and Bermuda. My e-Door is open to all, from close and far. CEO@videoprofessor.com

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