John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog May 26th 2006
Technically Speaking!
Yahoo! and eBay Team Up
Two online giants announced a partnership they hope will help them surpass Google and Microsoft. Yahoo! and eBay have teamed up to try and contact even more Web surfers than they already do. According to reports, Yahoo! will have exclusive rights to all graphical advertising on eBay, plus the eBay toolbar will now include Yahoo! search capabilities. For sometime now, Video Professor has helped people Learn How to Buy and Sell on eBay with its educational CD, and now that the online auction house has collaborated with Yahoo!, it is only going to give buyers and sellers more resources to make it big.
Read more >
A Vista in Sight
The end is near. The end of the waiting, that is. The world has been eagerly waiting the arrival of Microsoft’s new operating system, Vista. According to Bill Gates, a second beta version of Vista has hit the street and the official launch is still on schedule to arrive in January. Proponents of the new operating system say that Vista features new and efficient ways to search for and organize your computer’s files, has new communication tools and offers a cleaner desktop.
Read more >
Closing the Ole Phishing Hole
I love when major computer and computer software companies are proactive when it comes to stopping Internet and “phishing” scams. To date, Microsoft has filed 125 civil lawsuits and shut down many “phishing” web sites since 2004. When major players like Microsoft step up, it really helps in making the Web more secure. Evidence of this came this week, when a “phisher” in Iowa was sentenced to 21 months in jail for running an Internet scam.
Read more >
Yahoo! Millionaires
It’s sad really. For all the good that can be found on the World Wide Web, there is just as much trash. So much for an honest day’s work; in Lagos, Nigeria a 14-year-old boy has hacked out his own little niche and become a “Yahoo! Millionaire.” After purchasing laptops, PDAs, etc. with stolen credit cards, this young man then sells the items on the black market.
I don’t know what is worse: that people are able to build fortunes in this manner, or that we don’t work harder to stop it.
Read more >
Off topic: Live forever?
Are humans destined to live forever? If so, is this really a good idea? Some scientists now believe that our lives could be extended by several decades, if not forever. Tinkering with human life will take us down some slippery roads. I love my job. The thought of working forever really intrigues me, but the thought of working forever disenchants me. If I know that I’m going to live forever, I’ll never be able to give up working and focus on different experiences in my life. Also, movement up the corporate ladder will soon become nonexistent. There will be nothing to motivate young workers looking to get ahead. If they are stuck behind some geezer who has no plans of leaving the post, how is that going to help productivity?
Read more >
A “Lego” Up on the Competition
Congratulations, Jason Poland. There are many kids around the country that are suffering from career envy. Poland won his own version of “American Idol” and was named Legoland California’s newest “master model builder.” After cruising through a regional competition, Poland beat out 23 other finalists in a grueling, two-day competition that tested their creativity and Lego skills. Each contestant, on Day 1, was asked to show off their basic skills by creating a face and an egg. But, the real test came during Day 2’s build-off, where each finalist got two hours to let their imaginations run wild. What earned Poland the prize? A fire-breathing snowman captivated the audience.
Read more >
Now, is there something to help my slice?
Finally! I dreamed of this product many, many times when I’ve been alone in the woods searching for my golf ball. These glasses are a stroke of genius that will definitely save me strokes.
Read more >
Quote o’ the week
“This conviction brings to a close the government's effort to send a clear message to the corporate world that fraudulent behavior won't be tolerated,'' said David Irwin, a former state and federal prosecutor who now handles white-collar criminal defense cases in Baltimore, in regards to the Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling convictions.
Site o’ the week
Do you think you have everything in this world figured out? Take this quick quiz and try to make sense of your senses.
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor blog May 12th 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor blog
May 12th 2006
Talking tech!
Is the end in sight?
I’ll admit that I wasn’t the first person in my neighborhood to learn how to use the Internet. Since that time, however, I’ve realized I do more on the Web now then ever, including this blog. I can find virtually anything I want on the Web. As Internet usage continues to become a bigger part of our lives, it has even changed our morning routines. It appears that fewer and fewer of us are taking the time to sit down with our morning coffee to peruse the morning news. Average U.S. newspaper circulation has dropped 2.5 percent, while readership on newspaper web sites rose eight percent to 56 million in the first quarter. If someday the daily news only gets delivered to our Outlook accounts, the nation’s paperboy population will become extinct.
Read more >
Rockwell knows best
I think the one-hit wonder from the 1980s, Rockwell, said it best: “I always feel like somebody’s watching me!” Last week I talked about Internet service providers retaining records of customers’ online activities. Well, it looks like the government has taken “big brother” to the next level. USA Today is reporting that The National Security Agency has been gathering data from every telephone call made in the United States since the 911 attacks. According to the report, more than 200 million people have been subjected to call monitoring.
Read more >
You’ve been warned
Since we’re in the business of helping people learn computers, I feel it’s necessary to pass along “critical” information to you when I see it. Microsoft said this week that they have discovered two “critical” software flaws that potentially could allow hackers to seize control of your computer. The flaws were detected in its Windows operating system as well as its business Exchange software. A patch can be downloaded from Microsoft’s web site.
Read more >
Mow no mo’?
Spring has sprung and with temperatures rising, so is the length of our lawns. The only time I like to cut the grass is with a 7-iron on the approach. But I may be in luck. A group of researchers may have stumbled upon a way to regulate growth in plants. According to Joanne Chory from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, these scientists can elevate or subtract the level of steroids in plants that control growth. By tweaking these levels, they think they can “dwarf grass” and keep it short. A major drawback I see, however, is men will have to come up with new excuses for getting out of trips to the mall on Sundays.
Read more >
Go ask you father!
With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, we are racking our brains trying to come up with the perfect gift for Mom. Well, if your mother has a penchant for technology, computer technology and gadgets, this gift guide may provide some enlightenment.
Read more >
Off topic:
Go, Danica, go!
I know it’s a shameless plug, but I want to wish our friend, Danica Patrick, nothing but the best of luck as she prepares for the upcoming Indianapolis 500. Talk about burning the candle. Not only is she preparing for the race, but she also recently concluded a week-long media tour to promote her new book "Danica: Crossing the Line." Good luck down the stretch! Tillie and I will be watching.
Read more >
A penny for your thoughts. Make that two pennies.
Paul Harvey reports this week that it now costs the mint more to make a penny or a nickel than the coin is actually worth! Apparently the cost of the metal continues to soar. So I guess a nickel isn't worth a plugged nickel!
A “lax” in judgment
I’m all for helping kids with school, but don’t you think this is taking it a bit far?
Read more >
Quote o’ the week
“In my heart, it's hard for me. I like to do things in Babe's name. I just don't want his name mixed up in steroids.” ~ Babe Ruth's granddaughter, Linda Tosetti.
Site o’ the week
Do you have what it takes to be successful in Kitchen Stadium?
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
May 12th 2006
Talking tech!
Is the end in sight?
I’ll admit that I wasn’t the first person in my neighborhood to learn how to use the Internet. Since that time, however, I’ve realized I do more on the Web now then ever, including this blog. I can find virtually anything I want on the Web. As Internet usage continues to become a bigger part of our lives, it has even changed our morning routines. It appears that fewer and fewer of us are taking the time to sit down with our morning coffee to peruse the morning news. Average U.S. newspaper circulation has dropped 2.5 percent, while readership on newspaper web sites rose eight percent to 56 million in the first quarter. If someday the daily news only gets delivered to our Outlook accounts, the nation’s paperboy population will become extinct.
Read more >
Rockwell knows best
I think the one-hit wonder from the 1980s, Rockwell, said it best: “I always feel like somebody’s watching me!” Last week I talked about Internet service providers retaining records of customers’ online activities. Well, it looks like the government has taken “big brother” to the next level. USA Today is reporting that The National Security Agency has been gathering data from every telephone call made in the United States since the 911 attacks. According to the report, more than 200 million people have been subjected to call monitoring.
Read more >
You’ve been warned
Since we’re in the business of helping people learn computers, I feel it’s necessary to pass along “critical” information to you when I see it. Microsoft said this week that they have discovered two “critical” software flaws that potentially could allow hackers to seize control of your computer. The flaws were detected in its Windows operating system as well as its business Exchange software. A patch can be downloaded from Microsoft’s web site.
Read more >
Mow no mo’?
Spring has sprung and with temperatures rising, so is the length of our lawns. The only time I like to cut the grass is with a 7-iron on the approach. But I may be in luck. A group of researchers may have stumbled upon a way to regulate growth in plants. According to Joanne Chory from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, these scientists can elevate or subtract the level of steroids in plants that control growth. By tweaking these levels, they think they can “dwarf grass” and keep it short. A major drawback I see, however, is men will have to come up with new excuses for getting out of trips to the mall on Sundays.
Read more >
Go ask you father!
With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, we are racking our brains trying to come up with the perfect gift for Mom. Well, if your mother has a penchant for technology, computer technology and gadgets, this gift guide may provide some enlightenment.
Read more >
Off topic:
Go, Danica, go!
I know it’s a shameless plug, but I want to wish our friend, Danica Patrick, nothing but the best of luck as she prepares for the upcoming Indianapolis 500. Talk about burning the candle. Not only is she preparing for the race, but she also recently concluded a week-long media tour to promote her new book "Danica: Crossing the Line." Good luck down the stretch! Tillie and I will be watching.
Read more >
A penny for your thoughts. Make that two pennies.
Paul Harvey reports this week that it now costs the mint more to make a penny or a nickel than the coin is actually worth! Apparently the cost of the metal continues to soar. So I guess a nickel isn't worth a plugged nickel!
A “lax” in judgment
I’m all for helping kids with school, but don’t you think this is taking it a bit far?
Read more >
Quote o’ the week
“In my heart, it's hard for me. I like to do things in Babe's name. I just don't want his name mixed up in steroids.” ~ Babe Ruth's granddaughter, Linda Tosetti.
Site o’ the week
Do you have what it takes to be successful in Kitchen Stadium?
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, May 19, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor blog May 19, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor blog May 19, 2006
Talking tech!
Safety Online
Keeping kids safe should be our No.1 priority. There are too many people online today with less-than-reputable intentions. Sometimes firewalls, spyware filters, and virus protection software isn’t enough to keep us secure. A surge in Internet “social networking” sites has spawned friendships from New York to Los Angeles, but it’s also subjected our youth to some seedy characters. A bill introduced in the House of Representatives Monday seeks to ban children from frequenting networking sites such as MySpace.com. On the surface, this bill is a good idea. The less access our kids have to these sites, the less access predators will have to them. I don’t think, however, it’s realistic to ban every teenager in the country from social networking sites. In lieu of a complete ban, perhaps we need to just step up the security on these sites. Kids will be kids, and they will continue to utilize these sites, regardless of a ban. If that’s the case, we should allow the networking to take place and step up our efforts to ban the predators.
Read more >
Victory for eBay
For all of you that Video Professor has helped learn to buy and sell on eBay, I want to pass along a bit of good news. The Supreme Court ruled yesterday “companies that infringe on patents don't necessarily have to change their products.” Previously, a jury found that eBay’s “Buy it Now” service violated a MercExchange patent.
Read more >
Educators Trying to Stay Ahead of the Curve
Technology has definitely enhanced our lives. Apparently it has also enhanced our ability to cheat. At colleges and universities across the country, students are using their laptops, PDAs, and even cell phones to get an “edge” in the classroom. What shocks me is that two-thirds of students in a recent survey admitted to cheating. According to David Callahan, who wrote “The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans Are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead,” more and more students today are feeling an immense amount of pressure to succeed in the classroom so they won’t face an uphill battle when looking for a job.
Read more >
In Poor Taste
A tasteless, new online video game has a group of parents up in arms. Super Columbine Massacre RPG, an online game that debuted on the Internet last year, is starting to gain popularity. It is truly disturbing that this game was created and, moreover, that it’s gaining a following. A father of one of the Columbine victims, Brian Rohrbough, said, “We live in a culture of death, so it doesn't surprise me that this stuff has become so commonplace. It disgusts me. You trivialize the actions of two murderers and the lives of the innocent." I couldn’t agree more.
Read more >
Yahoo! Woo Hoo!
Yahoo! is trying to make our lives easier, while at the same time battling competition from its archrival, Google.
Read more >
Off topic:
Trans-Congressional Airlines
For most folks, when they fly, they fly coach. You know: the middle seat in the back of the plane where you count it a lucky day if you get peanuts. Maybe you should run for Congress because that's where the good seats are. According to BusinessWeek magazine, a lot of our elected representatives, aka "Servants of the People," are flying first-class in corporate jets. Both Republicans and Democrats use donated corporate jets to fly about the country and abuse our trust. The top abuser is Republican Senator Trent Lott who received $165,724 in free flights aboard private jets between 2001 and 2005. Democrat Harry Reid of Nevada seems a piker in comparison, logging just $69,551 worth of plush air time. Companies like UST, FedEx, and Bell South love to give legislators free rides. Might they expect favors in return? Naah!
A man among boys?
It must really be a blow to the ego not to be in the limelight. Because the publicity from his book alleging steroid use in baseball is waning, Jose Canseco must feel he needs to manually up his stock. Ex-major leaguers frequently settle on a job or a hobby in retirement, but playing in a senior’s baseball league? Come on! We all know there was a time that you were considered one of the most-feared power hitters in baseball, but you don’t have to rub our faces in it … literally. Plus, he’s using an aluminum bat. Do the pitchers in this league have a death wish? It would be one thing to stand 60 feet 6 inches away from the ex-“bash brother” when he’s armed with a wood club, but with an aluminum stick, Canseco is even more lethal.
Read More >
Ward Churchill: Fraud
We have an update for you on Ward Churchill, that yahoo prof at the University of Colorado. An investigative committee unanimously says Churchill committed several acts of academic misconduct. Their finds say that Churchill's misconduct was deliberate. Apparently Ward likes to steal other authors’ work and claim it for himself. He also claimed to be a Native American, which he's not. You may recall that Churchill got far more than the allocated 15 minutes of fame for defaming victims of the 9/11 attack. The committee is recommending anywhere from firing him to a minimum two-year suspension without pay. Whether or not CU has the courage to act on any of this is suspect, but it's finally documented: Ward Churchill is a fraud. And a disgrace, as if anyone didn't know already.
The schools of hard knocks
The Revolutionary War-era leader Patrick Henry made famous the phrase, “Give me liberty or give me death!” School children across the country better bring back the popular mantra or fear losing playground privileges.
Read More >
Quote o’ the week
"I kept thinking of the Energizer Bunny, because it kept going and going and going, and not in a good way," James Rocchi, a film critic for CBS 5 television in San Francisco, commenting about The DaVinci Code, which hits theaters today.
Site o’ the week
Summer is just around the corner. Surf’s up, dudes!
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Talking tech!
Safety Online
Keeping kids safe should be our No.1 priority. There are too many people online today with less-than-reputable intentions. Sometimes firewalls, spyware filters, and virus protection software isn’t enough to keep us secure. A surge in Internet “social networking” sites has spawned friendships from New York to Los Angeles, but it’s also subjected our youth to some seedy characters. A bill introduced in the House of Representatives Monday seeks to ban children from frequenting networking sites such as MySpace.com. On the surface, this bill is a good idea. The less access our kids have to these sites, the less access predators will have to them. I don’t think, however, it’s realistic to ban every teenager in the country from social networking sites. In lieu of a complete ban, perhaps we need to just step up the security on these sites. Kids will be kids, and they will continue to utilize these sites, regardless of a ban. If that’s the case, we should allow the networking to take place and step up our efforts to ban the predators.
Read more >
Victory for eBay
For all of you that Video Professor has helped learn to buy and sell on eBay, I want to pass along a bit of good news. The Supreme Court ruled yesterday “companies that infringe on patents don't necessarily have to change their products.” Previously, a jury found that eBay’s “Buy it Now” service violated a MercExchange patent.
Read more >
Educators Trying to Stay Ahead of the Curve
Technology has definitely enhanced our lives. Apparently it has also enhanced our ability to cheat. At colleges and universities across the country, students are using their laptops, PDAs, and even cell phones to get an “edge” in the classroom. What shocks me is that two-thirds of students in a recent survey admitted to cheating. According to David Callahan, who wrote “The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans Are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead,” more and more students today are feeling an immense amount of pressure to succeed in the classroom so they won’t face an uphill battle when looking for a job.
Read more >
In Poor Taste
A tasteless, new online video game has a group of parents up in arms. Super Columbine Massacre RPG, an online game that debuted on the Internet last year, is starting to gain popularity. It is truly disturbing that this game was created and, moreover, that it’s gaining a following. A father of one of the Columbine victims, Brian Rohrbough, said, “We live in a culture of death, so it doesn't surprise me that this stuff has become so commonplace. It disgusts me. You trivialize the actions of two murderers and the lives of the innocent." I couldn’t agree more.
Read more >
Yahoo! Woo Hoo!
Yahoo! is trying to make our lives easier, while at the same time battling competition from its archrival, Google.
Read more >
Off topic:
Trans-Congressional Airlines
For most folks, when they fly, they fly coach. You know: the middle seat in the back of the plane where you count it a lucky day if you get peanuts. Maybe you should run for Congress because that's where the good seats are. According to BusinessWeek magazine, a lot of our elected representatives, aka "Servants of the People," are flying first-class in corporate jets. Both Republicans and Democrats use donated corporate jets to fly about the country and abuse our trust. The top abuser is Republican Senator Trent Lott who received $165,724 in free flights aboard private jets between 2001 and 2005. Democrat Harry Reid of Nevada seems a piker in comparison, logging just $69,551 worth of plush air time. Companies like UST, FedEx, and Bell South love to give legislators free rides. Might they expect favors in return? Naah!
A man among boys?
It must really be a blow to the ego not to be in the limelight. Because the publicity from his book alleging steroid use in baseball is waning, Jose Canseco must feel he needs to manually up his stock. Ex-major leaguers frequently settle on a job or a hobby in retirement, but playing in a senior’s baseball league? Come on! We all know there was a time that you were considered one of the most-feared power hitters in baseball, but you don’t have to rub our faces in it … literally. Plus, he’s using an aluminum bat. Do the pitchers in this league have a death wish? It would be one thing to stand 60 feet 6 inches away from the ex-“bash brother” when he’s armed with a wood club, but with an aluminum stick, Canseco is even more lethal.
Read More >
Ward Churchill: Fraud
We have an update for you on Ward Churchill, that yahoo prof at the University of Colorado. An investigative committee unanimously says Churchill committed several acts of academic misconduct. Their finds say that Churchill's misconduct was deliberate. Apparently Ward likes to steal other authors’ work and claim it for himself. He also claimed to be a Native American, which he's not. You may recall that Churchill got far more than the allocated 15 minutes of fame for defaming victims of the 9/11 attack. The committee is recommending anywhere from firing him to a minimum two-year suspension without pay. Whether or not CU has the courage to act on any of this is suspect, but it's finally documented: Ward Churchill is a fraud. And a disgrace, as if anyone didn't know already.
The schools of hard knocks
The Revolutionary War-era leader Patrick Henry made famous the phrase, “Give me liberty or give me death!” School children across the country better bring back the popular mantra or fear losing playground privileges.
Read More >
Quote o’ the week
"I kept thinking of the Energizer Bunny, because it kept going and going and going, and not in a good way," James Rocchi, a film critic for CBS 5 television in San Francisco, commenting about The DaVinci Code, which hits theaters today.
Site o’ the week
Summer is just around the corner. Surf’s up, dudes!
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, May 05, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor blog May 5th 2006
Will May Blogs Bring June Flowers?
Let’s talk tech and computing!
Citywide Wi-Fi® creating challenges for users
Large, citywide Wi-Fi networks have been in the news a lot lately; but cities that have already implemented Wi-Fi networks have found them more complicated than they first thought. Bandwidth and performance simply haven’t lived up to citizens’ expectations.
Read More >
You needn’t wait for your town or city to create a wireless network. Create one in your home using my new Learn Wireless Networking lessons.
Big Brother: your ISP...
Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette has proposed that e-mail and Internet providers retain records of their customers’ online activities, records that could enable law enforcement officials to identify each user. The idea is also supported by the Justice Department.
Read More >
Internet use to make life’s major decisions is way up!
A recent survey of Americans online found that over the last two years, 60 million Americans used the Internet to research major life decisions like buying a home or car, to help with a major illness, or to decide where to send their children to college.
That’s a 54% increase over a similar study done in 2002! Researchers suspect the growth of broadband has made it easier for Americans to find the information they’re looking for.
Read More >
I get by with a little spam from my friends.
Most of us are now able to recognize spam, and we’ve even begun to rely heavily on spam filters. Don’t relax yet ... the next generation of spam will be able to copy e-mail addresses from your in-box and write realistic replies to your e-mails! Read More >
Caught surfing at work? Should you be fired?
Caught planning your next vacation on the Internet while you’re at work? You’re not alone; millions of us are guilty of using the Internet for personal use at the office. Up to 3.7 hours per week!
A New York City judge John B. Spooner has recently ruled in a case by stating “It should be observed that the Internet has become the modern equivalent of a telephone or a daily newspaper, providing a combination of communication and information that most employees use as frequently in their personal lives as for their work.”
Read More >
College professors ban laptops to improve education
More and more college professors are banning laptops in their classrooms. Findings show that students retain classroom dialog more while participating and listening than when they spend their time typing . . . and then there are those who are just playing online games instead of paying attention in class.
Read More >
How the Internet can isolate kids
82% of kids are online by the seventh grade. The Internet is a place where less-popular kids can become obsessed in alternate realities they create for themselves, so much so that they become isolated in their online world.
Read More >
Off topic
A tip of the hat to Tony Snow, now former FOX news guy and new White House Press Secretary. I got to know Tony working with him on supporting our wounded troops. I was also a guest on his show. Tony is smart and tough: just the guy to take on the White House Press Corp, or mob, depending on the day! Good luck Tony!
Britney hires a babysitter.
Not for her baby, but for her hubby. Britney has had enough with the partying ways of her hubby. She’s hired a guard to escort him around, make sure he behaves, and to report directly to her if he doesn’t.
Quote o’ the week
“Henry Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record.” -MLB commish Bud Selig responding to questions of whether there would be a celebration when Barry Bonds passes Babe Ruth’s home run record. I guess this means no celebration.
Dumb idea o’ the week
Filling up your gas tank these days is an ongoing shocker. A gallon of gas is around three bucks a pop these days. Some yahoo Senators came up with the idea of a $100 rebate. How insulting. Instead of actually working to develop a sound energy policy, they think they can buy us off for a hundred bucks. And they didn’t mention that the rebate would be taxable! Shameful, and yet another reason to clean house in D.C.
Site o’ the week.
OK, this isn’t exactly Pixar Studios, but it’s a start!
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Let’s talk tech and computing!
Citywide Wi-Fi® creating challenges for users
Large, citywide Wi-Fi networks have been in the news a lot lately; but cities that have already implemented Wi-Fi networks have found them more complicated than they first thought. Bandwidth and performance simply haven’t lived up to citizens’ expectations.
Read More >
You needn’t wait for your town or city to create a wireless network. Create one in your home using my new Learn Wireless Networking lessons.
Big Brother: your ISP...
Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette has proposed that e-mail and Internet providers retain records of their customers’ online activities, records that could enable law enforcement officials to identify each user. The idea is also supported by the Justice Department.
Read More >
Internet use to make life’s major decisions is way up!
A recent survey of Americans online found that over the last two years, 60 million Americans used the Internet to research major life decisions like buying a home or car, to help with a major illness, or to decide where to send their children to college.
That’s a 54% increase over a similar study done in 2002! Researchers suspect the growth of broadband has made it easier for Americans to find the information they’re looking for.
Read More >
I get by with a little spam from my friends.
Most of us are now able to recognize spam, and we’ve even begun to rely heavily on spam filters. Don’t relax yet ... the next generation of spam will be able to copy e-mail addresses from your in-box and write realistic replies to your e-mails! Read More >
Caught surfing at work? Should you be fired?
Caught planning your next vacation on the Internet while you’re at work? You’re not alone; millions of us are guilty of using the Internet for personal use at the office. Up to 3.7 hours per week!
A New York City judge John B. Spooner has recently ruled in a case by stating “It should be observed that the Internet has become the modern equivalent of a telephone or a daily newspaper, providing a combination of communication and information that most employees use as frequently in their personal lives as for their work.”
Read More >
College professors ban laptops to improve education
More and more college professors are banning laptops in their classrooms. Findings show that students retain classroom dialog more while participating and listening than when they spend their time typing . . . and then there are those who are just playing online games instead of paying attention in class.
Read More >
How the Internet can isolate kids
82% of kids are online by the seventh grade. The Internet is a place where less-popular kids can become obsessed in alternate realities they create for themselves, so much so that they become isolated in their online world.
Read More >
Off topic
A tip of the hat to Tony Snow, now former FOX news guy and new White House Press Secretary. I got to know Tony working with him on supporting our wounded troops. I was also a guest on his show. Tony is smart and tough: just the guy to take on the White House Press Corp, or mob, depending on the day! Good luck Tony!
Britney hires a babysitter.
Not for her baby, but for her hubby. Britney has had enough with the partying ways of her hubby. She’s hired a guard to escort him around, make sure he behaves, and to report directly to her if he doesn’t.
Quote o’ the week
“Henry Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record.” -MLB commish Bud Selig responding to questions of whether there would be a celebration when Barry Bonds passes Babe Ruth’s home run record. I guess this means no celebration.
Dumb idea o’ the week
Filling up your gas tank these days is an ongoing shocker. A gallon of gas is around three bucks a pop these days. Some yahoo Senators came up with the idea of a $100 rebate. How insulting. Instead of actually working to develop a sound energy policy, they think they can buy us off for a hundred bucks. And they didn’t mention that the rebate would be taxable! Shameful, and yet another reason to clean house in D.C.
Site o’ the week.
OK, this isn’t exactly Pixar Studios, but it’s a start!
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, April 28, 2006
John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog April 28th 2006
Let’s talk tech!!
Testing, testing
OK, you Beta testers! Here’s a chance to explore the new Internet Explorer 7 software from Microsoft.
Read More >
MS vs. EU
It’s not quite Ali vs. Frasier, but it’s close. Team Gates faces off against Team Europe. Go Bill!
Read More >
My nominees for the Rover Hall of Fame:
The two Mars rovers landed back in 2004 and were designed to last about 6 months. Years later, they just keep on ticking and just keep on roving. I would love to meet the team of engineers that designed them!
Read More >
Sales in the Fast Lane.
Since Video Professor released our “How to Buy and Sell on eBay” tutorial, I’ve been fascinated by all things eBay. And like any good business, eBay keeps on innovating.
Read More >
Off Topic
NFL fans no doubt will be glued to the tubes this weekend watching the NFL draft. I can’t recall a draft, at least recently, that’s attracted so much speculation and guessing. Not surprisingly, four of the Top 10 played in this year’s Rose Bowl. Will Reggie be #1? Is Matt overrated or an instant superstar? Have coaches figured out what Vince might do in the NFL? We’ll find out this fall!
Dumb idea o’ the week
If you’re one of the thousands with bruised knees from flying in coach recently, you’ll love this idea. There have been dumber ideas, but I can’t remember any!
Read More >
Quote o’ the week
"It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."-President Harry S. Truman
Site o’ the week
Attention Chocoholics! This is a pretty nifty idea.
Read More >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Testing, testing
OK, you Beta testers! Here’s a chance to explore the new Internet Explorer 7 software from Microsoft.
Read More >
MS vs. EU
It’s not quite Ali vs. Frasier, but it’s close. Team Gates faces off against Team Europe. Go Bill!
Read More >
My nominees for the Rover Hall of Fame:
The two Mars rovers landed back in 2004 and were designed to last about 6 months. Years later, they just keep on ticking and just keep on roving. I would love to meet the team of engineers that designed them!
Read More >
Sales in the Fast Lane.
Since Video Professor released our “How to Buy and Sell on eBay” tutorial, I’ve been fascinated by all things eBay. And like any good business, eBay keeps on innovating.
Read More >
Off Topic
NFL fans no doubt will be glued to the tubes this weekend watching the NFL draft. I can’t recall a draft, at least recently, that’s attracted so much speculation and guessing. Not surprisingly, four of the Top 10 played in this year’s Rose Bowl. Will Reggie be #1? Is Matt overrated or an instant superstar? Have coaches figured out what Vince might do in the NFL? We’ll find out this fall!
Dumb idea o’ the week
If you’re one of the thousands with bruised knees from flying in coach recently, you’ll love this idea. There have been dumber ideas, but I can’t remember any!
Read More >
Quote o’ the week
"It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."-President Harry S. Truman
Site o’ the week
Attention Chocoholics! This is a pretty nifty idea.
Read More >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Easter Bunny Edition!
Easter Bunny Edition!
Let’s talk tech! (And other assorted and sundry items)
Microsoft megapatch.
The folks from Redmond released a major fix for its Windows Explorer program this week. These fixes are especially important for inexperienced users of the program.
Read More >
Dudcasts?
Podcasts are all the rage. Maybe. It seems a lot more people talk about podcasts than listen to them.
Read More >
Bill’s got game.
For most of us, video gaming means going to the store and buying a game. But when your name is Bill Gates, well, you just do things differently!
Read More >
It’s about time.
MySpace.com is all the rage. It’s both hip and dangerous. Predators prowl the site looking for victims to exploit in the worst ways. Finally, the site is taking action. It’s not enough, but better than nothing and better late than never.
Read More >
And why the Web remains such a great thing (if used properly).
Cancer is a tough fight—especially for kids. I can’t wait for the day when there’s a cure. But one of the great things about kids is, when they have someone to share their experience with, it makes a huge difference. We could learn a lot from kids!
Read More >
Not to be confused with kangaroo.
The Internet in the palm of your hand? Yep!
Read More >
Watching Lost is now as simple as ABC.
Many of your favorite ABC series will soon be showing at a computer near you. The folks at Disney and ABC will start streaming hit shows like Lost and Desperate Housewives to your computer. One hitch. If you’re a DVR user and used to skipping through commercials, you won’t be able to do the same thing on your computer. This is an interesting move by ABC as they just started selling episodes of these shows on iTunes for $1.99. And you have to wonder how local affiliates will feel about all this. Still, progress of sorts and proof that TV isn’t just for TV anymore!
Read More >
Google, China and censorship.
Google continues to expand its business in China, and to at least some dismay, agrees with strict censorship rules in China. Essentially this is how it works:
***CENSORED***
That said, the Muzzle goes to:
Read More >
Off topic.
13 Trillion Dollars:
Growth in household net worth during the last three years here in the United States.
The immigration mess: who really needs to be deported!
Immigration reform is a critical issue facing our country. There are many opinions and they all should be heard. But we also need action and direction. That’s why we elect Congress. Instead of facing the issue, they cut and run for Easter break. Perhaps we should deport them and start all over again.
Quote o’ the week
“I didn't hit the ball like I was 46. But I putted like I was 66.”Fred Couples on his disappointment not becoming the oldest winner of the Masters. (I feel your pain Fred.)
Site o’ the week
There are keyboards. And then there are KEYBOARDS.
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Let’s talk tech! (And other assorted and sundry items)
Microsoft megapatch.
The folks from Redmond released a major fix for its Windows Explorer program this week. These fixes are especially important for inexperienced users of the program.
Read More >
Dudcasts?
Podcasts are all the rage. Maybe. It seems a lot more people talk about podcasts than listen to them.
Read More >
Bill’s got game.
For most of us, video gaming means going to the store and buying a game. But when your name is Bill Gates, well, you just do things differently!
Read More >
It’s about time.
MySpace.com is all the rage. It’s both hip and dangerous. Predators prowl the site looking for victims to exploit in the worst ways. Finally, the site is taking action. It’s not enough, but better than nothing and better late than never.
Read More >
And why the Web remains such a great thing (if used properly).
Cancer is a tough fight—especially for kids. I can’t wait for the day when there’s a cure. But one of the great things about kids is, when they have someone to share their experience with, it makes a huge difference. We could learn a lot from kids!
Read More >
Not to be confused with kangaroo.
The Internet in the palm of your hand? Yep!
Read More >
Watching Lost is now as simple as ABC.
Many of your favorite ABC series will soon be showing at a computer near you. The folks at Disney and ABC will start streaming hit shows like Lost and Desperate Housewives to your computer. One hitch. If you’re a DVR user and used to skipping through commercials, you won’t be able to do the same thing on your computer. This is an interesting move by ABC as they just started selling episodes of these shows on iTunes for $1.99. And you have to wonder how local affiliates will feel about all this. Still, progress of sorts and proof that TV isn’t just for TV anymore!
Read More >
Google, China and censorship.
Google continues to expand its business in China, and to at least some dismay, agrees with strict censorship rules in China. Essentially this is how it works:
***CENSORED***
That said, the Muzzle goes to:
Read More >
Off topic.
13 Trillion Dollars:
Growth in household net worth during the last three years here in the United States.
The immigration mess: who really needs to be deported!
Immigration reform is a critical issue facing our country. There are many opinions and they all should be heard. But we also need action and direction. That’s why we elect Congress. Instead of facing the issue, they cut and run for Easter break. Perhaps we should deport them and start all over again.
Quote o’ the week
“I didn't hit the ball like I was 46. But I putted like I was 66.”Fred Couples on his disappointment not becoming the oldest winner of the Masters. (I feel your pain Fred.)
Site o’ the week
There are keyboards. And then there are KEYBOARDS.
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Let’s talk tech! (And Tillie and Danica)
John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog
Let’s talk tech! (And Tillie and Danica)
Tillie the very famous dummy
Video Professor won the eBay auction for Tillie the Dummy. For those of you not familiar with Tillie, a fellow by the name of Greg Pringle created her as his “companion” so he could travel in the HOV lanes. He got caught. The judge ordered Greg (who is a heck of a nice guy by the way) to auction Tillie on eBay with proceeds going to Alive at 25. (www.alive-at-25.org) I was happy to see the $15,000 we paid for Tillie, go to this excellent program. And we’re going to raise even more money with Tillie for Alive at 25 and similar program. What really surprised me was the huge interest in Tillie around the country. Almost 15-million people watched or read about the various Tillie stories around the country including Good Morning America and The New York Times! We’ll keep you posted on where Tillie shows up next. Here’s video of Tillie arriving at Video Professor and our news conference!
View Tillie
Video Professor and Danica Patrick feel the need for speed!
I was excited to sign a full-year sponsorship deal with Indy Racing League star Danica Patrick. You’ll see the Video Professor logo on Danica’s helmet all this season. Danica finished 6th this past weekend at the Honda Grand Prix in St. Petersburg FL. To learn more about Danica, go to www.danicaracing.com. And to learn more about the Indy Racing League go to www.indyracing.com
Apple opens new “windows of possibility.”
For all you folks who said “I’ll believe it when I see it,” you can believe it. Windows XP on an Apple!
Read More>
Apple said-Apple said
Ok, who is the REAL Apple? The music company, or the computer company that sells among other things, music.
Read More>
They’re still working on the popcorn.
America loves movies. It just seems we’re finding different ways to watch them. Not that long ago we went to the movie theater. DVD’s and pay-per-view are becoming more and popular options, especially as more and more of us have home theaters. So what’s next?
Read More>
#1 with a bullet.
Just how popular are ring tones? Just how competitive is the ring tone business? Just read Billboard Magazine!
Read More>
Off topic
$2.87 million
Average Major League Baseball salary this season. Highest paid player is A-Rod at $25.7 million. Something to think about when you’re enjoying that $5 hotdog!
Let’s leave this off the recruiting poster.
At the NCAA rifle championships, Army finished…. third. The University of Alaska-Fairbanks finished first.
Quote’ of the week
“I wanted to tell all of you out there who have watched the show for the past 15 years that after listening to my heart and my gut — two things that have served me pretty well in the past — I’ve decided I’ll be leaving ‘Today’ at the end of May.”-Katie Couric on announcing she’s leaving NBC’s Today Show to become the new anchor of the CBS Evening News.
Site o’ the week
With apologies to Ray Stevens…
View The Streaking Game>
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
Let’s talk tech! (And Tillie and Danica)
Tillie the very famous dummy
Video Professor won the eBay auction for Tillie the Dummy. For those of you not familiar with Tillie, a fellow by the name of Greg Pringle created her as his “companion” so he could travel in the HOV lanes. He got caught. The judge ordered Greg (who is a heck of a nice guy by the way) to auction Tillie on eBay with proceeds going to Alive at 25. (www.alive-at-25.org) I was happy to see the $15,000 we paid for Tillie, go to this excellent program. And we’re going to raise even more money with Tillie for Alive at 25 and similar program. What really surprised me was the huge interest in Tillie around the country. Almost 15-million people watched or read about the various Tillie stories around the country including Good Morning America and The New York Times! We’ll keep you posted on where Tillie shows up next. Here’s video of Tillie arriving at Video Professor and our news conference!
View Tillie
Video Professor and Danica Patrick feel the need for speed!
I was excited to sign a full-year sponsorship deal with Indy Racing League star Danica Patrick. You’ll see the Video Professor logo on Danica’s helmet all this season. Danica finished 6th this past weekend at the Honda Grand Prix in St. Petersburg FL. To learn more about Danica, go to www.danicaracing.com. And to learn more about the Indy Racing League go to www.indyracing.com
Apple opens new “windows of possibility.”
For all you folks who said “I’ll believe it when I see it,” you can believe it. Windows XP on an Apple!
Read More>
Apple said-Apple said
Ok, who is the REAL Apple? The music company, or the computer company that sells among other things, music.
Read More>
They’re still working on the popcorn.
America loves movies. It just seems we’re finding different ways to watch them. Not that long ago we went to the movie theater. DVD’s and pay-per-view are becoming more and popular options, especially as more and more of us have home theaters. So what’s next?
Read More>
#1 with a bullet.
Just how popular are ring tones? Just how competitive is the ring tone business? Just read Billboard Magazine!
Read More>
Off topic
$2.87 million
Average Major League Baseball salary this season. Highest paid player is A-Rod at $25.7 million. Something to think about when you’re enjoying that $5 hotdog!
Let’s leave this off the recruiting poster.
At the NCAA rifle championships, Army finished…. third. The University of Alaska-Fairbanks finished first.
Quote’ of the week
“I wanted to tell all of you out there who have watched the show for the past 15 years that after listening to my heart and my gut — two things that have served me pretty well in the past — I’ve decided I’ll be leaving ‘Today’ at the end of May.”-Katie Couric on announcing she’s leaving NBC’s Today Show to become the new anchor of the CBS Evening News.
Site o’ the week
With apologies to Ray Stevens…
View The Streaking Game>
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
No Foolin'!!
NO FOOLIN’!!
John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog
MEET TILLIE!
I just spent $15,000 for a dummy. Ok, before you say that I’m a dummy, a quick explanation.
Earlier this year, driver Greg Pringle, got caught using a dummy in his front passenger seat so he could use the HOV lanes during his morning commute.
The name of the dummy is Tillie. Part of the sentence mandated that Tillie be auctioned off on eBay with the proceeds going to the Alive at 25. (www.alive-at-25.org)
It’s a great cause so I ended up with the winning bid of $15,000. The saga of Tillie has been all over the local and national media including Good Morning America.
This week Video Professor held a news conference to show her off and to announce our plans to partner with Alive at 25, using Tillie as an on-going fundraiser.
You can watch the streaming video by clicking here.
And if you have any creative ways you think Video Professor can use Tillie to raise money and encourage kids to be safe drivers, let me know.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
CEO@videoprofessor.com
John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog
MEET TILLIE!
I just spent $15,000 for a dummy. Ok, before you say that I’m a dummy, a quick explanation.
Earlier this year, driver Greg Pringle, got caught using a dummy in his front passenger seat so he could use the HOV lanes during his morning commute.
The name of the dummy is Tillie. Part of the sentence mandated that Tillie be auctioned off on eBay with the proceeds going to the Alive at 25. (www.alive-at-25.org)
It’s a great cause so I ended up with the winning bid of $15,000. The saga of Tillie has been all over the local and national media including Good Morning America.
This week Video Professor held a news conference to show her off and to announce our plans to partner with Alive at 25, using Tillie as an on-going fundraiser.
You can watch the streaming video by clicking here.
And if you have any creative ways you think Video Professor can use Tillie to raise money and encourage kids to be safe drivers, let me know.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc
CEO@videoprofessor.com
Monday, March 27, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog
SPRING BREAK EDITION!!
Let’s talk tech!
Hurry up and wait.
Microsoft announced this week it’s delaying the much-anticipated release of its Vista operating system. Don’t expect to see it on a computer near you until at least January of 2007. That’s bad news for Microsoft stock and bad news for computer makers hoping to have the software on computers in time for the Christmas selling season.
Read More >
Oeuvrez l’ iPod?
The folks in France enjoy their music as much as we do; in fact we listen to many of the same songs. And a lot of us listen to those songs on iPods. But the French Government wants Apple to allow its iTunes music store to allow all MP3 players access to it. Sacre bleu!
Read More >
iResponse (Au revoir mon frere?)
And the good folks that sell iPods and iTunes have some opinions on all this.
Read More >
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
I’ve talked more than once about dropping quarters into arcade games in my youth. Computers ended all that. Well, maybe not. A penny may still be the going rate for your thoughts, but the quarter lives on in the world of video gaming!
Read More>
See me after class.
If you’re looking for computer security, don’t look to the federal government. You know the folks you send money to each payday. A new report shows government agencies are earning low grades when it comes to keeping computers and contents safe. And just think of all the personal information they have about you in their computers. Ouch!
Looking for just a plain phone?
Have you ever wanted just a plain cell phone? A phone that just lets you make and answer calls? No camera, no MP3 player, no sports highlights. And what about a great battery? You’re in luck, sort of.
Read More >
Off topic
$9,000,000,000,000
That’s nine TRILLION dollars. And it’s also the new debt level authorized by Congress. So what do they spend all our money on? See my site o’ the week.
Quote o’ the week
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” -B.B. King
Site o’ the week
This is a stunner!
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
Read our report at www.denverbbb.org.
Let’s talk tech!
Hurry up and wait.
Microsoft announced this week it’s delaying the much-anticipated release of its Vista operating system. Don’t expect to see it on a computer near you until at least January of 2007. That’s bad news for Microsoft stock and bad news for computer makers hoping to have the software on computers in time for the Christmas selling season.
Read More >
Oeuvrez l’ iPod?
The folks in France enjoy their music as much as we do; in fact we listen to many of the same songs. And a lot of us listen to those songs on iPods. But the French Government wants Apple to allow its iTunes music store to allow all MP3 players access to it. Sacre bleu!
Read More >
iResponse (Au revoir mon frere?)
And the good folks that sell iPods and iTunes have some opinions on all this.
Read More >
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
I’ve talked more than once about dropping quarters into arcade games in my youth. Computers ended all that. Well, maybe not. A penny may still be the going rate for your thoughts, but the quarter lives on in the world of video gaming!
Read More>
See me after class.
If you’re looking for computer security, don’t look to the federal government. You know the folks you send money to each payday. A new report shows government agencies are earning low grades when it comes to keeping computers and contents safe. And just think of all the personal information they have about you in their computers. Ouch!
Looking for just a plain phone?
Have you ever wanted just a plain cell phone? A phone that just lets you make and answer calls? No camera, no MP3 player, no sports highlights. And what about a great battery? You’re in luck, sort of.
Read More >
Off topic
$9,000,000,000,000
That’s nine TRILLION dollars. And it’s also the new debt level authorized by Congress. So what do they spend all our money on? See my site o’ the week.
Quote o’ the week
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” -B.B. King
Site o’ the week
This is a stunner!
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
Read our report at www.denverbbb.org.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc. BLOG
St. Patrick’s Day Edition, so “Try my blarney.”
Let’s talk tech! And assorted and sundry other stuff …
Phishers target less savvy.
I’ve talked about “phishers” here before. They scam people by sending out phony e-mails. Thankfully, the bigger fish these phishers have gone after have become a lot smarter, using protection software and understanding how it works. So the phishers are now targeting the less savvy.
Read More >
That said …
Sometimes protection goes a little too far.
Read More >
Just ask (.com).
Remember the search engine “Ask Jeeves”? Well, Jeeves is history, but not the search engine. It’s now simply “Ask.com.” It does a pretty nifty job. You might want to check it out.
Don’t ask.
Government lawyers and Google lawyers were in court this week. The government wants Google to turn over search words used by Google users. Both sides in all this are taking “double standard” to a new level. Google already provides the same info to the Chinese government for customers there. As for our government, there’s the whole right-to-privacy constitutional deal. Sigh.
Read More >
Hurry up and wait.
Sony’s much anticipated PS3 has been postponed. Video gamers hoped to get their hands on one this spring. They’ll have to settle for fall. Just in time for Christmas. Maybe.
Read More >
Is there life on Mars? Check it out for yourself.
Google has never been hesitant to boldly go where no other, well you get the drift. Google’s map service now has some choices that are truly out of this world!
Read More >
Off topic.
$2.5 Billion:
Estimated total of bets on NCAA Basketball Tournament, both legal and illegal. Plus a few-hundred-thousand dollars in copy machine paper to print all the brackets for the office pools. And just think of all those trees.
Time to rethink Team USA?
If you’ve been following the World Baseball Classic (and it appears not a lot of you have), Team USA is doing about as well as our hockey team did at the Olympics. Let’s face it; these aren’t “teams.” They are a collection of players. There’s a difference. Team USA is losing to real teams. A team won the “Miracle on Ice.” They were a group of players who put team and country before paycheck and endorsements. The truth is, we’re getting beat at our own game. We did beat South Africa, however. I do believe Bill O’Reilly would say it’s all quite ridiculous.
Hollywood hooey.
Two new movie projects are getting big buzz: remakes of Welcome Back Kotter and Dallas. That’s the best they can come up with? And they wonder why attendance is down. If you don’t deliver, they won’t come. Especially when it costs about 25 bucks for a ticket, cold popcorn, and watery soda.
Quote o’ the week.
"The court has decided to turn this into a secret and closed session,” –Chief Judge Raouf Abdel-Rahman after yet another rant by Saddam Hussein at his trial. Thanks judge. It’s time to end this circus and get on with justice. Too many American soldiers have died for this farce to continue any longer.
D’oh!!
Who needs animation when you have clever folks like this to produce your opening sequence? This is an instant Net classic.
View Clip >
See you next week. E-mails always welcome at CEO@videoprofessor.com.
John W. O’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 and sundry other stuff …
Phishers target less savvy.
I’ve talked about “phishers” here before. They scam people by sending out phony e-mails. Thankfully, the bigger fish these phishers have gone after have become a lot smarter, using protection software and understanding how it works. So the phishers are now targeting the less savvy.
Read More >
That said …
Sometimes protection goes a little too far.
Read More >
Just ask (.com).
Remember the search engine “Ask Jeeves”? Well, Jeeves is history, but not the search engine. It’s now simply “Ask.com.” It does a pretty nifty job. You might want to check it out.
Don’t ask.
Government lawyers and Google lawyers were in court this week. The government wants Google to turn over search words used by Google users. Both sides in all this are taking “double standard” to a new level. Google already provides the same info to the Chinese government for customers there. As for our government, there’s the whole right-to-privacy constitutional deal. Sigh.
Read More >
Hurry up and wait.
Sony’s much anticipated PS3 has been postponed. Video gamers hoped to get their hands on one this spring. They’ll have to settle for fall. Just in time for Christmas. Maybe.
Read More >
Is there life on Mars? Check it out for yourself.
Google has never been hesitant to boldly go where no other, well you get the drift. Google’s map service now has some choices that are truly out of this world!
Read More >
Off topic.
$2.5 Billion:
Estimated total of bets on NCAA Basketball Tournament, both legal and illegal. Plus a few-hundred-thousand dollars in copy machine paper to print all the brackets for the office pools. And just think of all those trees.
Time to rethink Team USA?
If you’ve been following the World Baseball Classic (and it appears not a lot of you have), Team USA is doing about as well as our hockey team did at the Olympics. Let’s face it; these aren’t “teams.” They are a collection of players. There’s a difference. Team USA is losing to real teams. A team won the “Miracle on Ice.” They were a group of players who put team and country before paycheck and endorsements. The truth is, we’re getting beat at our own game. We did beat South Africa, however. I do believe Bill O’Reilly would say it’s all quite ridiculous.
Hollywood hooey.
Two new movie projects are getting big buzz: remakes of Welcome Back Kotter and Dallas. That’s the best they can come up with? And they wonder why attendance is down. If you don’t deliver, they won’t come. Especially when it costs about 25 bucks for a ticket, cold popcorn, and watery soda.
Quote o’ the week.
"The court has decided to turn this into a secret and closed session,” –Chief Judge Raouf Abdel-Rahman after yet another rant by Saddam Hussein at his trial. Thanks judge. It’s time to end this circus and get on with justice. Too many American soldiers have died for this farce to continue any longer.
D’oh!!
Who needs animation when you have clever folks like this to produce your opening sequence? This is an instant Net classic.
View Clip >
See you next week. E-mails always welcome at CEO@videoprofessor.com.
John W. O’Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
View our report at www.denverbbb.org.
Monday, March 13, 2006
John W. Scherer VIDEO PROFESSOR Blog
Pre-Spring edition
Let’s talk tech and computing!
Origami? Absolutely!
Rumors continue to swirl (Why do rumors swirl anyways?) about Microsoft’s answer to the iPod. In fact Microsoft might be taking a page from the book of Apple when it comes to letting the ’net do the marketing! Here’s a possible sneak preview of the next big thing. And that could be a problem. It’s still a little too big.
Read More >
Just Google Microsoft.
And you’ll find the folks in Washington getting ready to launch a new-and-improved search engine. A beta test site is up and running.
Read More >
Meanwhile, back at the iRanch …
I’m not sure whether this is real or not, but feast your eyes on what could be the next-generation video iPod! And you might be able to buy one as soon as April. Siliconvalley.com reports the folks at Apple are close to signing a deal to distribute full-length movies, and this little unit would come out at the same time.
Read More >
Pong: The next generation.
OK, I’m dating myself here, but I remember dropping a lot of quarters in a machine called Pong. Back in the day it was quite the deal. Pong was a new technology called a “video game.” Not much to it, especially compared with today’s offerings. So what does a cutting-edge video game company come up with? Pong! For Xbox!
Read More >
Your cell phone on steroids.
Much has been made of converging technologies; your cell phone doubling as a MP3 player is an example. One problem, at least so far, is storage. Samsung just raised the bar.
Read More >
OK, you got your BlackBerry. Now comes reform.
“CrackBerry” addicts are breathing a huge sigh of relief. A drawn-out court case has been settled for over 600 million dollars. What’s the real story? Patent reform. Look for big changes in the system, and soon.
Read More >
Thank you, thank you, and thank you!
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) –“Half of all malfunctioning products returned to stores by consumers are in full working order, but customers can't figure out how to operate the devices, a scientist said on Monday.” And that’s why Video Professor continues to grow!
Off topic
Made in America?
I know a lot of you NASCAR fans are buzzing about Toyota’s entry into Cup racing next season. And to no one’s surprise, some of the opinions are rather heated! But did you know of the four brands that will race next year, only one is manufactured in America? It’s Toyota! The Ford Fusion, Chevy Monte Carlo SS and Dodge are manufactured in Mexico or Canada.
And the winner is …
Is it just me, or did it seem like more people watched the Oscar telecast than actually saw the nominated movies? And how could Crash be an upset winner? It was nominated for best movie, wasn’t it?
Speaking of sports.
Whew! NFL owners and players finally figured out a way to split all their billions of dollars. I was worried about them. And have you heard about the new book detailing the chemical enhancements Barry Bonds made to hit all those home runs? Who knew?
Quote o’ the week
When you can go bogey-bogey on holes 71 and 72 and still win the tournament, it means one of two things. Your name is either Tiger or Woods. -NBCsports.com
Site o’ the week
In honor of this Sunday’s premier of the Sopranos.
View Site >
E-mails are welcome. Drop me a note 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
Let’s talk tech and computing!
Origami? Absolutely!
Rumors continue to swirl (Why do rumors swirl anyways?) about Microsoft’s answer to the iPod. In fact Microsoft might be taking a page from the book of Apple when it comes to letting the ’net do the marketing! Here’s a possible sneak preview of the next big thing. And that could be a problem. It’s still a little too big.
Read More >
Just Google Microsoft.
And you’ll find the folks in Washington getting ready to launch a new-and-improved search engine. A beta test site is up and running.
Read More >
Meanwhile, back at the iRanch …
I’m not sure whether this is real or not, but feast your eyes on what could be the next-generation video iPod! And you might be able to buy one as soon as April. Siliconvalley.com reports the folks at Apple are close to signing a deal to distribute full-length movies, and this little unit would come out at the same time.
Read More >
Pong: The next generation.
OK, I’m dating myself here, but I remember dropping a lot of quarters in a machine called Pong. Back in the day it was quite the deal. Pong was a new technology called a “video game.” Not much to it, especially compared with today’s offerings. So what does a cutting-edge video game company come up with? Pong! For Xbox!
Read More >
Your cell phone on steroids.
Much has been made of converging technologies; your cell phone doubling as a MP3 player is an example. One problem, at least so far, is storage. Samsung just raised the bar.
Read More >
OK, you got your BlackBerry. Now comes reform.
“CrackBerry” addicts are breathing a huge sigh of relief. A drawn-out court case has been settled for over 600 million dollars. What’s the real story? Patent reform. Look for big changes in the system, and soon.
Read More >
Thank you, thank you, and thank you!
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) –“Half of all malfunctioning products returned to stores by consumers are in full working order, but customers can't figure out how to operate the devices, a scientist said on Monday.” And that’s why Video Professor continues to grow!
Off topic
Made in America?
I know a lot of you NASCAR fans are buzzing about Toyota’s entry into Cup racing next season. And to no one’s surprise, some of the opinions are rather heated! But did you know of the four brands that will race next year, only one is manufactured in America? It’s Toyota! The Ford Fusion, Chevy Monte Carlo SS and Dodge are manufactured in Mexico or Canada.
And the winner is …
Is it just me, or did it seem like more people watched the Oscar telecast than actually saw the nominated movies? And how could Crash be an upset winner? It was nominated for best movie, wasn’t it?
Speaking of sports.
Whew! NFL owners and players finally figured out a way to split all their billions of dollars. I was worried about them. And have you heard about the new book detailing the chemical enhancements Barry Bonds made to hit all those home runs? Who knew?
Quote o’ the week
When you can go bogey-bogey on holes 71 and 72 and still win the tournament, it means one of two things. Your name is either Tiger or Woods. -NBCsports.com
Site o’ the week
In honor of this Sunday’s premier of the Sopranos.
View Site >
E-mails are welcome. Drop me a note 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
Monday, March 06, 2006
1st Anniversary Edition!
1st Anniversary Edition!
Let’s talk tech and computing. (And whatever else fits.)
I’ll see your brief and raise you a subpoena.
Google and the Justice Department are fighting over access to millions of Google searches done by folks like you and me. Google says no. The Justice Department says yes. This is a very interesting battle and one with an enormous impact on all of us.
Read More >
I’ll see your iPod and raise you an Origami.
I think Bill Gates might have gotten a little tired of seeing all his employees with iPods. Bill must have been saying to himself, “Self, why can’t we design something like it, only better?” They might indeed be giving it a try!
Read More >
One billion served.
A Michigan teen ordered the one billionth download from iTunes last week. Sixteen-year-old Alex Ostrovsky ordered Coldplay’s “Speed of Sound” and not only got his tune, but also ten iPods, a new Mac, $10,000 worth of future iTunes orders AND a scholarship in his name at Juilliard. And for you folks who’ve spent thousands to download tunes, Alex has ordered a total of just fifty songs!
iBoom box?
Ok, I’m a little top-heavy this week on the subject of the iPod, but here’s the latest thing you can plug your iPod into. Steve Jobs calls it “home stereo reinvented.” I haven’t heard one yet, but it sure looks good!
Read More >
Feel the need for computing speed?
Japan has a new supercomputer. And this one is fast. Very fast. Wonder if they have a laptop version?
Read More >
Death, taxes, and scammers.
It’s bad enough that Uncle Sam wants your money. So do scam artists. Tax season is an especially busy time for these cyber crooks. With more and more people filing electronically, some scammers even pretend to be the IRS following up on your “refund.”
Read More >
Speaking of speaking.
Ok, this article is a little more technical than I like to share each week, but absolutely fascinating. Speech activated technology in itself is nothing new, but the applications being developed for it are very cool.
Read More >
Off topic.
Remember when the Olympics used to be about unknowns becoming stars? Today, it’s the opposite. We declare them stars, then they go to the Olympics. I like the old system better. Take skier Bode Miller, please. He was on “60 Minutes” and the covers of Newsweek and Time before the games. He flopped. Big time.
State o’ the union. D’oh!
A new poll has some disturbing news. If you believe the poll, more people know about “The Simpsons” than the 1st Amendment! I know that makes Homer very happy. But our founding fathers may be spinning in their graves.
Read More >
As a public service, here is the text of the 1st Amendment. Honor it. Cherish it.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
Quotes o’ the week
“We’ve got to nip it, nip it in the bud!” -Deputy Barney Fife, Mayberry Sheriff’s Department.
“There ya go.” -Marshall Sam McCloud.
Actors Don Knotts and Dennis Weaver, who played these two memorable characters, died this past weekend.
Site o’ the week
Ok, here’s the premise. Microsoft does the packaging for the iPod. If you own an iPod and use Microsoft products, you’ll get it and then some!
View Site >
(Thanks to SiliconValley.com)
My e-door is open 24/7; e-mail me comments, suggestions, and whatever else is on your mind 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
Let’s talk tech and computing. (And whatever else fits.)
I’ll see your brief and raise you a subpoena.
Google and the Justice Department are fighting over access to millions of Google searches done by folks like you and me. Google says no. The Justice Department says yes. This is a very interesting battle and one with an enormous impact on all of us.
Read More >
I’ll see your iPod and raise you an Origami.
I think Bill Gates might have gotten a little tired of seeing all his employees with iPods. Bill must have been saying to himself, “Self, why can’t we design something like it, only better?” They might indeed be giving it a try!
Read More >
One billion served.
A Michigan teen ordered the one billionth download from iTunes last week. Sixteen-year-old Alex Ostrovsky ordered Coldplay’s “Speed of Sound” and not only got his tune, but also ten iPods, a new Mac, $10,000 worth of future iTunes orders AND a scholarship in his name at Juilliard. And for you folks who’ve spent thousands to download tunes, Alex has ordered a total of just fifty songs!
iBoom box?
Ok, I’m a little top-heavy this week on the subject of the iPod, but here’s the latest thing you can plug your iPod into. Steve Jobs calls it “home stereo reinvented.” I haven’t heard one yet, but it sure looks good!
Read More >
Feel the need for computing speed?
Japan has a new supercomputer. And this one is fast. Very fast. Wonder if they have a laptop version?
Read More >
Death, taxes, and scammers.
It’s bad enough that Uncle Sam wants your money. So do scam artists. Tax season is an especially busy time for these cyber crooks. With more and more people filing electronically, some scammers even pretend to be the IRS following up on your “refund.”
Read More >
Speaking of speaking.
Ok, this article is a little more technical than I like to share each week, but absolutely fascinating. Speech activated technology in itself is nothing new, but the applications being developed for it are very cool.
Read More >
Off topic.
Remember when the Olympics used to be about unknowns becoming stars? Today, it’s the opposite. We declare them stars, then they go to the Olympics. I like the old system better. Take skier Bode Miller, please. He was on “60 Minutes” and the covers of Newsweek and Time before the games. He flopped. Big time.
State o’ the union. D’oh!
A new poll has some disturbing news. If you believe the poll, more people know about “The Simpsons” than the 1st Amendment! I know that makes Homer very happy. But our founding fathers may be spinning in their graves.
Read More >
As a public service, here is the text of the 1st Amendment. Honor it. Cherish it.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
Quotes o’ the week
“We’ve got to nip it, nip it in the bud!” -Deputy Barney Fife, Mayberry Sheriff’s Department.
“There ya go.” -Marshall Sam McCloud.
Actors Don Knotts and Dennis Weaver, who played these two memorable characters, died this past weekend.
Site o’ the week
Ok, here’s the premise. Microsoft does the packaging for the iPod. If you own an iPod and use Microsoft products, you’ll get it and then some!
View Site >
(Thanks to SiliconValley.com)
My e-door is open 24/7; e-mail me comments, suggestions, and whatever else is on your mind 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
Let’s talk tech!
You’ve got mail! And video. And a whole lot more.
America Online continues to roll out several new and exciting services. AOL looks to challenge competitors everywhere it can.
Read More >
In Google we trust?
As discussed here and elsewhere, search engine giant Google is fighting the government on turning over search records from users. The government claims it’s part of efforts to fight child pornography. Google counters it’s all about privacy for users. This one will go on for a long while.
Read More >
Meanwhile, back in Beijing.
More hassles for Google in China. China is a stickler for rules. And China gives new meaning to the term “stickler.”
Read More >
If at first you don’t fail, try try again.
How do you spell boondoggle? F.B.I.
Read More >
Turning the page on digital books.
I love books. There’s just something special about holding one in your hands and reading it. The feel of the page as you turn to the next one. So it goes without saying I’m not an “early adaptor” of digital books. But others are. And they seem to be enjoying it.
Read More >
And finally…
Dogs and doo-doo used to be a problem in San Francisco. Now they’re becoming a solution. Power from poop?
Read More >
Off topic
Debacle on ice.
There is no doubt the United States fielded the best individual hockey players in the business at this year’s Olympics. Too bad they couldn’t play as a team. They were eliminated from any shot at a medal on the 26th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice. Team USA was foolish to have these guys meet each other 2 days before their first game.
That said, much has been written about NBC’s rating during this year’s Olympic Games. They’re down not only from Salt Lake, but Nagano before that. Actually NBC did pretty well when you factor in all their cable/satellite network affiliates. But with news on the games available from so many other outlets like the Internet and because so many events air hours after they actually happened, fewer people are tuning in. NBC does report that its Olympic web page got hundreds of millions of hits, a huge increase from Salt Lake just four years ago, and a hint of what’s to come in the future.
The next games are in Vancouver in 2010. The good news is that prime-time events will happen live here in the United States. But compare technology today with technology from just four years ago. I predict that fewer people than ever will watch television, but more of us than ever will watch via webcast and events sent to our cell phones. By 2010, you’ll just program your DVR, your computer, and your cell phone to deliver the news and events you want to see.
Curling on your cell phone! Cool!
Curt Gowdy, hail and farewell.
Sportscaster Curt Gowdy died this week at the age of 86. Legend is an overused word these days but an appropriate description of Gowdy. He came from an era when one or two announcers in the booth were enough. The emphasis was on covering the game instead of nonstop blather. Curt Gowdy let you hear and enjoy the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, or just the sound of water rippling along a trout stream. He helped invent sports broadcasting.
Quote o’ the week
“A fellow should do all the sports he can."--Curt Gowdy
Site o’ the week
Here’s a page of fun little desktop games. None are for any of you on deadline!
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
View our report at www.denverbbb.org
You’ve got mail! And video. And a whole lot more.
America Online continues to roll out several new and exciting services. AOL looks to challenge competitors everywhere it can.
Read More >
In Google we trust?
As discussed here and elsewhere, search engine giant Google is fighting the government on turning over search records from users. The government claims it’s part of efforts to fight child pornography. Google counters it’s all about privacy for users. This one will go on for a long while.
Read More >
Meanwhile, back in Beijing.
More hassles for Google in China. China is a stickler for rules. And China gives new meaning to the term “stickler.”
Read More >
If at first you don’t fail, try try again.
How do you spell boondoggle? F.B.I.
Read More >
Turning the page on digital books.
I love books. There’s just something special about holding one in your hands and reading it. The feel of the page as you turn to the next one. So it goes without saying I’m not an “early adaptor” of digital books. But others are. And they seem to be enjoying it.
Read More >
And finally…
Dogs and doo-doo used to be a problem in San Francisco. Now they’re becoming a solution. Power from poop?
Read More >
Off topic
Debacle on ice.
There is no doubt the United States fielded the best individual hockey players in the business at this year’s Olympics. Too bad they couldn’t play as a team. They were eliminated from any shot at a medal on the 26th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice. Team USA was foolish to have these guys meet each other 2 days before their first game.
That said, much has been written about NBC’s rating during this year’s Olympic Games. They’re down not only from Salt Lake, but Nagano before that. Actually NBC did pretty well when you factor in all their cable/satellite network affiliates. But with news on the games available from so many other outlets like the Internet and because so many events air hours after they actually happened, fewer people are tuning in. NBC does report that its Olympic web page got hundreds of millions of hits, a huge increase from Salt Lake just four years ago, and a hint of what’s to come in the future.
The next games are in Vancouver in 2010. The good news is that prime-time events will happen live here in the United States. But compare technology today with technology from just four years ago. I predict that fewer people than ever will watch television, but more of us than ever will watch via webcast and events sent to our cell phones. By 2010, you’ll just program your DVR, your computer, and your cell phone to deliver the news and events you want to see.
Curling on your cell phone! Cool!
Curt Gowdy, hail and farewell.
Sportscaster Curt Gowdy died this week at the age of 86. Legend is an overused word these days but an appropriate description of Gowdy. He came from an era when one or two announcers in the booth were enough. The emphasis was on covering the game instead of nonstop blather. Curt Gowdy let you hear and enjoy the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, or just the sound of water rippling along a trout stream. He helped invent sports broadcasting.
Quote o’ the week
“A fellow should do all the sports he can."--Curt Gowdy
Site o’ the week
Here’s a page of fun little desktop games. None are for any of you on deadline!
View Site >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Member: Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau.
View our report at www.denverbbb.org
Monday, February 20, 2006
John W Scherer Video Professor Blog February 20th, 2006
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.
Read More >
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.
Read More >
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!
Read More >
Read More >
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!
Read More >
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!
Read More >
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.
Read More >
If at first you don’t succeed….
Patches part deux.
Read More >
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.
Read More >
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.
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.
Read More >
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.
Read More >
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!
Read More >
Read More >
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!
Read More >
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!
Read More >
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.
Read More >
If at first you don’t succeed….
Patches part deux.
Read More >
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.
Read More >
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.
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
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
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-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.
Friday, January 20, 2006
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-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.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
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
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