The Flying Tomato? Golden Dude!
Let’s talk tech and computing and assorted off-topic items!
Happy Birthday!
Guess who, actually what, is turning 60? The machine you’re reading this on. Your computer! It was February 1946 when a couple of scientists hooked up a bunch of wires, tubes and lights and came up with ENIAC. How far have we come? Read on.
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Do you Yahoo! ? Just be careful what country you do it in.
The folks at Yahoo! have a little PR issue. It seems information they provided helped put a Chinese dissident in prison. That’s not a good thing. It’s all caught the eyes of Congress with resulting hearings scheduled. We have no more precious a right than our 1st Amendment here in the United States. But do different rules apply when doing business elsewhere in this world? This will continue to be a major subject of debate in the months to come. And as usual, there are no easy answers.
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Sure beats a firing squad, doesn’t it?
High-tech reps spent Wednesday testifying --actually being grilled, is a better term, in front of Congress. Look for them to increase their campaign donations this year. But it sure beats what would have happened to them if they’d run afoul of the government in China! And they bill you for the bullet!
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The “i”s have it
The incredible popularity of the iPod hasn’t gone unnoticed by the toy industry. Check out what Santa Claus is working on!
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iTarget
Phenomenal might be the best word to describe the success of the iPod. I’ve got one, and I see a lot of them around the office every day. But more and more companies are rolling out their own music plans, including Amazon, all looking to take a bite out of the
Apple!
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Microsoft gets out the bug spray
Microsoft announces several security bulletins, two listed as “critical,” this week. The fixes are for Windows, Internet Explorer, Media Player and PowerPoint.
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If at first you don’t succeed….
Patches part deux.
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Costs more, does less
At first glance, ethanol seems like a good deal. Made mostly from grain (which is a highly renewable resource) and some gasoline, even the President said it’s a good deal during his State of the Union Address. But a closer look shows that ethanol costs more than regular gasoline and produces less energy. Still a better deal than foreign oil? Read on.
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Off topic
Put a sock in it Saddam
As far as I can tell, this is how the Saddam Hussein trial works. He shows up, yells and waves his fist at the judge; then, court is postponed until a later date. We might speedup the process by asking him politely to speak only when spoken to, and if he still insists on mouthing off, then put a gag on him. And strap him to his seat. Let’s get this over with. As far as the hunger strike, you go Saddam! Save on food!
The Olympics, so far
Downhill racer Bode Miller is apparently all hat and no cowboy. But a tip of the ski pole to his teammate Ted Ligety, unsung before the games but leaving Turin with the gold. Profiles in courage have to go to Colorado’s Lindsey Kildow. Just two days after a horrific crash on the slopes, she raced and finished 8th. And for that she deserves golden appreciation from all of us. And Michelle Kwan said goodbye, gracefully withdrawing after nagging injuries wouldn’t let her compete at her best. The 25-year-old Kwan told reporters, “I’m not 13 anymore.” Ouch! The bloom was off Jeremy Bloom, another pre-race favorite and post-race--also ran. But how about them ‘boarders! You got to love a gold winner named the Flying Tomato! Gnarly dude! (And Dudettes.)
Quote o’ the week
“Our national conversation has become too shrill, too polarized, too inflamed, too predictable, too divisive and altogether too inimical to our national interest.” -Mortimer B. Zuckerman, editor in chief, U.S. News and World Report.
Site o’ the week
It’s February and spring is in sight. Pretty soon it will be time again to feel the sand between our toes. Until then, enjoy it on your computer screen!
Visit Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
Read our report at www.denverbbb/org.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Friday, February 10, 2006
John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog February 10, 2006
Post-Super Bowl XL Edition
Let’s talk tech (and assorted stuff)!
State o’ the blog
OK, it doesn’t have all the pomp and circumstance of the State of the Union, but it does have all sorts of charts and graphs and stuff. And seriously, this blog stuff is becoming serious business! (Thanks to siliconvalley.com, a site I highly recommend)
Read More >
But where do we put the stamp?
One of the great things about e-mail, and something not un-noticed by the folks at the post office, is that you can send e-mails for free. No postage required. It’s absolutely and totally changed the way we communicate. But along came spam. So companies are trying new tactics to make sure neither rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night, nor filters, prevent legitimate e-mails getting from here to there. And positively, absolutely, instantly.
Read More >
Zillow talk
Former Expedia.com CEO Rich Barton has come up with a way to expedite the way you “Zestimate” the value of real estate you own, or want to own. He worked wonders with travel; can he do the same with property? Don’t bet against him.
Read More >
Googling for a Beemer? You might want to try Yahoo.
Elegant automaker BMW has run afoul of monster search engine Google. Of course, Google just may be cranky at Wall Street and is taking it out on someone else. Either way, an interesting story and we’ll likely hear more about this sort of thing as the world of the Internet weaves its way through our lives and culture.
Read More >
A word to the wise about protecting your identity
I saw an interesting report this week on local TV. Seems ID thieves have yet another trick up their sleeves. I often see folks at the airport carrying their driver’s license in a clear packet around their neck. I know, it makes it easier when going through security, but it also makes it very easy for a crook and a cell phone camera to grab a picture of it. Your driver’s license holds a lot of important information and the cameras on cell phones these days are getting better and better. Keep any and all ID securely tucked away until you need to show it to someone who actually needs to see it!
Alive if not exactly kicking
There’s a fascinating little science experiment going on, but unlike the ones we did at school, this one is literally out of this world!
Read More >
Off topic
Idol wannabes trump pop superstars
The folks who put on the Grammy Awards are scratching their heads after being trounced by American Idol on FOX. Overnight Nielsen ratings show Idol beating out the Grammy Awards by a 17.4 rating and 26 share vs a 12.3 rating and a 19 share. Ironically American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson won a Grammy herself. But more people watched the next Kelly Clarkson instead!
Britney: The new Michael?
Anyone NOT remember the pics of Michael Jackson hanging “his” baby over the side of a balcony? (“His” is in quote for several reasons.) Now we see that young mom and fast-fading pop star Britney Spears took her child for a car ride. In her lap! Britney claims she was being chased by paparazzi. So what was her bodyguard in the passenger seat being paid to do? Being a star obviously doesn’t guarantee parenting skills. Not even close.
Super Bowl XL
I’m confused. For two weeks, every sports writer in the country hypes the Superbowl. So does the NFL. There is a four-hour live pre-game show. They open with Stevie Wonder, Aretha and Aaron sing the national anthem, plus they have Mick and the lads at half time. Then all the same sports writers complain the game was dull. How can any football game live up to that kind of hype? Thank heavens for this year’s Rose Bowl!
Quote o’ the week
"Poor Paul Allen — always the bridesmaid, never the bride. The Steelers won by exploiting the vulnerabilities in the Seahawks operating system with a defensive denial of service attack. Though the 'Hawks often crashed on their own….”-Jackson West/Om Malik Blog. (Paul Allen is co-founder of Microsoft and owner of the Seattle Seahawks)
Site o’ the week
There’s a neat little town in western Colorado called Ouray. And they have a very neat web cam that makes this view look like a postcard each and every day!
Visit Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
View our report at www.denverbbb.org.
Let’s talk tech (and assorted stuff)!
State o’ the blog
OK, it doesn’t have all the pomp and circumstance of the State of the Union, but it does have all sorts of charts and graphs and stuff. And seriously, this blog stuff is becoming serious business! (Thanks to siliconvalley.com, a site I highly recommend)
Read More >
But where do we put the stamp?
One of the great things about e-mail, and something not un-noticed by the folks at the post office, is that you can send e-mails for free. No postage required. It’s absolutely and totally changed the way we communicate. But along came spam. So companies are trying new tactics to make sure neither rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night, nor filters, prevent legitimate e-mails getting from here to there. And positively, absolutely, instantly.
Read More >
Zillow talk
Former Expedia.com CEO Rich Barton has come up with a way to expedite the way you “Zestimate” the value of real estate you own, or want to own. He worked wonders with travel; can he do the same with property? Don’t bet against him.
Read More >
Googling for a Beemer? You might want to try Yahoo.
Elegant automaker BMW has run afoul of monster search engine Google. Of course, Google just may be cranky at Wall Street and is taking it out on someone else. Either way, an interesting story and we’ll likely hear more about this sort of thing as the world of the Internet weaves its way through our lives and culture.
Read More >
A word to the wise about protecting your identity
I saw an interesting report this week on local TV. Seems ID thieves have yet another trick up their sleeves. I often see folks at the airport carrying their driver’s license in a clear packet around their neck. I know, it makes it easier when going through security, but it also makes it very easy for a crook and a cell phone camera to grab a picture of it. Your driver’s license holds a lot of important information and the cameras on cell phones these days are getting better and better. Keep any and all ID securely tucked away until you need to show it to someone who actually needs to see it!
Alive if not exactly kicking
There’s a fascinating little science experiment going on, but unlike the ones we did at school, this one is literally out of this world!
Read More >
Off topic
Idol wannabes trump pop superstars
The folks who put on the Grammy Awards are scratching their heads after being trounced by American Idol on FOX. Overnight Nielsen ratings show Idol beating out the Grammy Awards by a 17.4 rating and 26 share vs a 12.3 rating and a 19 share. Ironically American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson won a Grammy herself. But more people watched the next Kelly Clarkson instead!
Britney: The new Michael?
Anyone NOT remember the pics of Michael Jackson hanging “his” baby over the side of a balcony? (“His” is in quote for several reasons.) Now we see that young mom and fast-fading pop star Britney Spears took her child for a car ride. In her lap! Britney claims she was being chased by paparazzi. So what was her bodyguard in the passenger seat being paid to do? Being a star obviously doesn’t guarantee parenting skills. Not even close.
Super Bowl XL
I’m confused. For two weeks, every sports writer in the country hypes the Superbowl. So does the NFL. There is a four-hour live pre-game show. They open with Stevie Wonder, Aretha and Aaron sing the national anthem, plus they have Mick and the lads at half time. Then all the same sports writers complain the game was dull. How can any football game live up to that kind of hype? Thank heavens for this year’s Rose Bowl!
Quote o’ the week
"Poor Paul Allen — always the bridesmaid, never the bride. The Steelers won by exploiting the vulnerabilities in the Seahawks operating system with a defensive denial of service attack. Though the 'Hawks often crashed on their own….”-Jackson West/Om Malik Blog. (Paul Allen is co-founder of Microsoft and owner of the Seattle Seahawks)
Site o’ the week
There’s a neat little town in western Colorado called Ouray. And they have a very neat web cam that makes this view look like a postcard each and every day!
Visit Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
View our report at www.denverbbb.org.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
John W Scherer Video Professor BLOG February 3, 2006
Super Bowl XL Edition
Let’s talk tech and whatever else going on
Virus alert
Yet another virus may be on the loose as of Friday Feb. 3. Your main ounce of prevention is simply not to open any e-mail attachments from senders you have the least bit of doubt about. Here’s the latest info.
Read More >
The gold may be in them thar hills, but the treasure is on the ‘Net
I always thought the Internet was the ultimate in reality. Apparently I was wrong. Or right.
Read More >
$20 billion
Loss in value after Google announced Q4 numbers that didn’t impress Wall Street. Plus that whole China thing is hurting as well. Welcome to reality.
Read More >
Got wireless? Got Slingbox?
EchoStar’s Charlie Ergen and Liberty Media’s John Malone are slinging some serious cash at something called Slingbox. Imagine curling up in front of your TV in Boston, while you’re in San Francisco.
Read More >
iBill?
BusinessWeek, in the February 6th issue, is reporting that Microsoft might be working on its own digital music player. According to BusinessWeek, Microsoft has a team in place to study the idea. One could only guess at the potential to include Xbox technology for games and video, along with the music. Stay tuned.
Blogs, freedom of speech and the rest of the world
America is unique in its protection of free speech. No country has anything close to our First Amendment. It allows me to put this blog out each week, along with millions of my fellow countrymen. But the same rules don’t apply elsewhere around the world, and despite the enormous economic growth in China, free speech remains on the back burner with the heat turned to low. And it’s an issue creating some major PR issues for companies like Google and Microsoft.
Read More >
Don’t forget the digital when making your will
Ok, no one likes to prepare a will. But it’s good business and protects your family and heirs. But don’t forget the digital assets, along with the more conventional ones.
Read More >
Off-Topic
$3,295.28
Average price of a Super Bowl ticket on Stubhub.com on Jan 30.
$2,642
Price of a 50-inch Panasonic HD set. Ok, if you’re a Steelers or Seahawks fan, price isn’t the object. But for the rest of us, the HD set looks pretty good.
Sundance follow-up
We’ve sent our autographed Sundance Film Festival Poster to the nice folks at St. Jude’s hospital. They’re preparing it for auction on eBay and it’s expected to be up for bids within a couple of weeks. We’ll keep you posted!
Quote o’ the week
"I wish they were teeth so I could have them pulled. The only time they don't hurt is when I'm in the race car."-NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion Tony Stewart, commenting on injured ribs suffered in a sprint car accident, while racing in the just completed Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Site o’ the week
There are choirs, and then there are choirs.
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
View our report at www.denverbbb.org
Let’s talk tech and whatever else going on
Virus alert
Yet another virus may be on the loose as of Friday Feb. 3. Your main ounce of prevention is simply not to open any e-mail attachments from senders you have the least bit of doubt about. Here’s the latest info.
Read More >
The gold may be in them thar hills, but the treasure is on the ‘Net
I always thought the Internet was the ultimate in reality. Apparently I was wrong. Or right.
Read More >
$20 billion
Loss in value after Google announced Q4 numbers that didn’t impress Wall Street. Plus that whole China thing is hurting as well. Welcome to reality.
Read More >
Got wireless? Got Slingbox?
EchoStar’s Charlie Ergen and Liberty Media’s John Malone are slinging some serious cash at something called Slingbox. Imagine curling up in front of your TV in Boston, while you’re in San Francisco.
Read More >
iBill?
BusinessWeek, in the February 6th issue, is reporting that Microsoft might be working on its own digital music player. According to BusinessWeek, Microsoft has a team in place to study the idea. One could only guess at the potential to include Xbox technology for games and video, along with the music. Stay tuned.
Blogs, freedom of speech and the rest of the world
America is unique in its protection of free speech. No country has anything close to our First Amendment. It allows me to put this blog out each week, along with millions of my fellow countrymen. But the same rules don’t apply elsewhere around the world, and despite the enormous economic growth in China, free speech remains on the back burner with the heat turned to low. And it’s an issue creating some major PR issues for companies like Google and Microsoft.
Read More >
Don’t forget the digital when making your will
Ok, no one likes to prepare a will. But it’s good business and protects your family and heirs. But don’t forget the digital assets, along with the more conventional ones.
Read More >
Off-Topic
$3,295.28
Average price of a Super Bowl ticket on Stubhub.com on Jan 30.
$2,642
Price of a 50-inch Panasonic HD set. Ok, if you’re a Steelers or Seahawks fan, price isn’t the object. But for the rest of us, the HD set looks pretty good.
Sundance follow-up
We’ve sent our autographed Sundance Film Festival Poster to the nice folks at St. Jude’s hospital. They’re preparing it for auction on eBay and it’s expected to be up for bids within a couple of weeks. We’ll keep you posted!
Quote o’ the week
"I wish they were teeth so I could have them pulled. The only time they don't hurt is when I'm in the race car."-NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion Tony Stewart, commenting on injured ribs suffered in a sprint car accident, while racing in the just completed Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Site o’ the week
There are choirs, and then there are choirs.
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
View our report at www.denverbbb.org
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