Let’s talk some tech!
The new political arena
If you are like me, you get incredibly tired of political ads the closer we get to November every other year. Many people probably try to escape watching TV by going to popular video sharing Web sites to get their fix. Well it looks like you still won’t be able to escape. YouTube.com is going to help give the candidates a leg up this year by getting their messages out. In theory this is great, as long as the candidates stick to promoting themselves. You know what is coming. Get ready for the mud to start flying.
Read More >
High-speed power lines
Forget about cable modems or wireless connections. We’ll soon be able to get high-speed Internet over our power lines. This is a very interesting story about the emerging technology and the benefits it could provide the electrical companies.
Read More >
A better weather predictor
It’s amazing what you can find on the Web. There are sites that can show you a satellite photo of your house. If you look closely enough, you might be able to see you on the porch. That’s nothing compared to where we are headed. Here’s one example that will just scratch the surface. The Weather Channel, www.weather.com, is revamping their online offerings next week to provide truly localized weather reports. It’s one thing to get a forecast of you general area, but if you are a weather nut, the new technology will provide you a pinpoint report down to your neighborhood.
Read More >
Going overboard on your E-signature
Do you view e-signatures as a nuisance or a help? True, they are great for passing along your contact info without having to attach an e-card each time. But do your e-mail recipients need them or even want them? According to manners mavens, people tend to go overboard with the information listed on the e-signature. They add Web sites, blog addresses, physical addresses, etc. Before you know it, your reader has to scroll through a dozen lines of text to find your phone number, and that’s only if you remembered to use it. No matter what side of this issue you land on, my advice is keep it simple.
Read More >
Off topic:
Is any athlete clean?
It seems that every week there is another major story in the press about a steroids ring that got busted that always accuses a major sports figure of doping. Is anyone in pro sports clean, or should we just assume that everyone is doping? It’s getting incredibly hard to look past it. Every time you see an athlete perform some major feat, I assume he must be on the sauce. It’s very, very sad. I grew up in an era in which our sports heroes accomplished all their feats naturally. Ok, I know I don’t have any concrete proof. Maybe guys back in the day were doping, but you certainly didn’t see a major news story about it every two weeks. Take it one step further though. Take Henry Aaron for instance. Look at his physical stature. Aaron by no means looked like he was using any performance enhancing drugs. He NEVER showed any physical signs. Now look at Barry Bonds. A story published last week pointed out that in the book “Game of Shadows” the author’s report that Bonds’ shoe size grew from a 10 ½ to a size 13 since he joined the Giants in 1993. Bonds has been accused of taking Human Growth Hormone (HGH). He adamantly denies these accusations and has never failed a test. But how does someone’s shoe size grow 2 ½ sizes as an adult? It seems a little fishy to me.
Read More >
That’s all the news I have for now. Have a good week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Feb. 23, 2007
Wanna talk about technology?
Winning the spyware battle
Is your computer running at a snail’s pace? Are you bombarded with pop-up ads and don’t know where they are coming from? If so, your computer is probably infected with spyware. If you surf the Internet regularly and have never used anti-spyware software, your CPU is swimming with it. This article will shed some light on what programs will work best for you to eliminate spyware. If you have any more questions about computer safety or Internet help, visit www.videoprofessor.com.
Read More >
The next Ansel Adams
Do you yearn to be the next Ansel Adams? Because today’s digital cameras make photography so easy, there is no question why it is so popular. If you are looking to take your photography to the next level, here is a review of some new cameras that will help you shoot professional-looking images.
Read More >
In a related note, organizing, editing and managing digital images can sometimes be a nightmare. Video Professor has a couple of tutorials that help consumers get a handle on this chore. The Learn Digital Photography and Learn Photoshop® CS tutorials give amateur photographers the skills to shoot like the pros. The Learn Digital Photography tutorial includes tips and tricks for taking the best photos, removing red eye and scratches, sharing photos with family and friends and even how to use your digital camera to film and edit short movies. The Learn Photoshop CS tutorials give users all the information they need to expertly use one of the world’s most powerful photo-editing platforms.
Will your existing software work with Windows Vista™?
If you are an early adopter of Microsoft’s® new operating system, Windows Vista™, you probably already know what applications run or don’t run properly. If you are still up in the air about upgrading because you’re unsure if your software will work, Microsoft announced a list of 800 software applications this week that work fine on the new operating system. But with that good news, there are certain software applications missing from the list, including some Adobe® applications and the Firefox® web browser.
Read More >
Off topic:
Might as well face it, you’re addicted to e-mail
It seems that in the last decade our workload has increased significantly. Few of us, if any, work a typical “9 to 5” job, and even if we have core hours at the office, we often can’t leave it behind. We go home and check our e-mail, or our portable PCs deliver the news right to our palms. Well if you are addicted to e-mail, there may be help yet. An executive coach has developed a 12-step program that can help cure you of this affliction.
Read More >
You have to set limits
Even Bill Gates, Mr. Microsoft, has to limit the amount of time his kids spend on their computers. What ever happened to going outside and playing in the park or starting a football game in the yard? Kids these days are spending more time in front of TVs and computers instead of experiencing the outdoors. Trust me, as the Video Professor, I love computers as much as the next guy, but kids need to be kids, and that means going outside and playing, running, jumping etc. Parents, wake up and tell your kids to get off the Internet.
Read More >
Have a good week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Winning the spyware battle
Is your computer running at a snail’s pace? Are you bombarded with pop-up ads and don’t know where they are coming from? If so, your computer is probably infected with spyware. If you surf the Internet regularly and have never used anti-spyware software, your CPU is swimming with it. This article will shed some light on what programs will work best for you to eliminate spyware. If you have any more questions about computer safety or Internet help, visit www.videoprofessor.com.
Read More >
The next Ansel Adams
Do you yearn to be the next Ansel Adams? Because today’s digital cameras make photography so easy, there is no question why it is so popular. If you are looking to take your photography to the next level, here is a review of some new cameras that will help you shoot professional-looking images.
Read More >
In a related note, organizing, editing and managing digital images can sometimes be a nightmare. Video Professor has a couple of tutorials that help consumers get a handle on this chore. The Learn Digital Photography and Learn Photoshop® CS tutorials give amateur photographers the skills to shoot like the pros. The Learn Digital Photography tutorial includes tips and tricks for taking the best photos, removing red eye and scratches, sharing photos with family and friends and even how to use your digital camera to film and edit short movies. The Learn Photoshop CS tutorials give users all the information they need to expertly use one of the world’s most powerful photo-editing platforms.
Will your existing software work with Windows Vista™?
If you are an early adopter of Microsoft’s® new operating system, Windows Vista™, you probably already know what applications run or don’t run properly. If you are still up in the air about upgrading because you’re unsure if your software will work, Microsoft announced a list of 800 software applications this week that work fine on the new operating system. But with that good news, there are certain software applications missing from the list, including some Adobe® applications and the Firefox® web browser.
Read More >
Off topic:
Might as well face it, you’re addicted to e-mail
It seems that in the last decade our workload has increased significantly. Few of us, if any, work a typical “9 to 5” job, and even if we have core hours at the office, we often can’t leave it behind. We go home and check our e-mail, or our portable PCs deliver the news right to our palms. Well if you are addicted to e-mail, there may be help yet. An executive coach has developed a 12-step program that can help cure you of this affliction.
Read More >
You have to set limits
Even Bill Gates, Mr. Microsoft, has to limit the amount of time his kids spend on their computers. What ever happened to going outside and playing in the park or starting a football game in the yard? Kids these days are spending more time in front of TVs and computers instead of experiencing the outdoors. Trust me, as the Video Professor, I love computers as much as the next guy, but kids need to be kids, and that means going outside and playing, running, jumping etc. Parents, wake up and tell your kids to get off the Internet.
Read More >
Have a good week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, February 16, 2007
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Feb. 16, 2007
Tech Talk!
As promised in last week’s entry, I mentioned that I’d have more information about the Windows Vista™ preview CD that Video Professor recently launched. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll quickly realize that Windows Vista is unlike any other operating system Microsoft has ever released. We wanted to give consumers an introduction to all of Vista’s new features and advantages. It will help you decide if Vista is right for you and help you decide when and if to upgrade. If you are interested in getting a copy of the Video Professor Windows Vista Preview CD, please call 1-800-591-1038.
In addition, Video Professor will launch its Learn Windows Vista tutorial in the coming months. You may be thinking that since you’ve mastered the previous versions of Windows, you don’t need a Windows Vista tutorial. Don’t be too sure. As you begin using Windows Vista, you’ll quickly see that many changes have taken place. From the Start menu, to the new look and feel of a window, to the capabilities Windows Vista offers, a lot has changed. Video Professor’s Learn Windows Vista lesson will teach you everything you need to know about:
• The new Windows workspace
• New methods to use, store and access graphic files
• Working with redesigned desktop tools
• Vista’s improved security features
• Personalizing Windows
• Using improved Windows System Tools
• Using the new Windows Sidebar and Gadgets
• Multimedia options, including Windows Media Center and Microsoft Movie Maker
• How to set up a network between multiple PCs and devices
• Wireless computing
Worried about ID theft? Check where you live
According to a recent study, people living in certain areas of the country run a higher risk of ID theft. If you live in Arizona, California or New York, you’re more likely to be attacked. We all know that you have to take precautions to keep your identity safe online, but this study is very interesting. The researchers said that knowing the areas that ID theft is more likely to occur could do wonders for fighting back. If you are looking for more information about how to keep your identity and your computer safe online, visit the resource library at www.videoprofessor.com.
Read More >
Let’s keep our kids safe, too
In a related story, efforts are being stepped up to keep our kids safe online. With all the dangers lurking on social networking sites, discussion boards and chat rooms, an agency that rates web sites is working hard to protect kids. This is an interesting article detailing their upcoming plans.
Read More >
Off topic:
Going to great lengths to avoid school
I guess kids today will go to great lengths to avoid going to school. Unfortunately, technology plays a role in their deviant behavior. Two teenagers in Ohio are accused of posting a fake message on their school’s web site announcing that school was closed due to the snow. Isn’t it easier just to study for the test? It seems that maybe if these students would put all that effort into their schoolwork, they wouldn’t need to avoid class.
Read More >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
As promised in last week’s entry, I mentioned that I’d have more information about the Windows Vista™ preview CD that Video Professor recently launched. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll quickly realize that Windows Vista is unlike any other operating system Microsoft has ever released. We wanted to give consumers an introduction to all of Vista’s new features and advantages. It will help you decide if Vista is right for you and help you decide when and if to upgrade. If you are interested in getting a copy of the Video Professor Windows Vista Preview CD, please call 1-800-591-1038.
In addition, Video Professor will launch its Learn Windows Vista tutorial in the coming months. You may be thinking that since you’ve mastered the previous versions of Windows, you don’t need a Windows Vista tutorial. Don’t be too sure. As you begin using Windows Vista, you’ll quickly see that many changes have taken place. From the Start menu, to the new look and feel of a window, to the capabilities Windows Vista offers, a lot has changed. Video Professor’s Learn Windows Vista lesson will teach you everything you need to know about:
• The new Windows workspace
• New methods to use, store and access graphic files
• Working with redesigned desktop tools
• Vista’s improved security features
• Personalizing Windows
• Using improved Windows System Tools
• Using the new Windows Sidebar and Gadgets
• Multimedia options, including Windows Media Center and Microsoft Movie Maker
• How to set up a network between multiple PCs and devices
• Wireless computing
Worried about ID theft? Check where you live
According to a recent study, people living in certain areas of the country run a higher risk of ID theft. If you live in Arizona, California or New York, you’re more likely to be attacked. We all know that you have to take precautions to keep your identity safe online, but this study is very interesting. The researchers said that knowing the areas that ID theft is more likely to occur could do wonders for fighting back. If you are looking for more information about how to keep your identity and your computer safe online, visit the resource library at www.videoprofessor.com.
Read More >
Let’s keep our kids safe, too
In a related story, efforts are being stepped up to keep our kids safe online. With all the dangers lurking on social networking sites, discussion boards and chat rooms, an agency that rates web sites is working hard to protect kids. This is an interesting article detailing their upcoming plans.
Read More >
Off topic:
Going to great lengths to avoid school
I guess kids today will go to great lengths to avoid going to school. Unfortunately, technology plays a role in their deviant behavior. Two teenagers in Ohio are accused of posting a fake message on their school’s web site announcing that school was closed due to the snow. Isn’t it easier just to study for the test? It seems that maybe if these students would put all that effort into their schoolwork, they wouldn’t need to avoid class.
Read More >
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, February 09, 2007
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Feb. 9, 2007
Let’s talk about tech!
PC sales jump after Windows Vista™ launch
Did you hear the news? Windows Vista™ launched last week. Unless you’ve been out of the country or in solitude, you probably heard the announcement. This new operating system is certainly different than anything else Microsoft has released. According to Current Analysis Inc., PC sales went up 67 percent in the first week after Windows Vista’s launch.
Read More >
If you are contemplating converting to Windows Vista, check back next week. Video Professor is launching a new Windows Vista Preview CD, giving users the information they need when deciding if and when to upgrade. Because Windows Vista is much different than previous Microsoft operating systems, consumers may find it confusing when deciding which of the five versions is right for them. The Video Professor Windows Vista Preview CD guides users step-by-step through the different versions—Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate and Enterprise editions—analyzes the pros and cons of each and helps consumers choose which version their computer can run and which version they actually need.
Look out!
I knew online theft was rampant, but I had no idea how bad it really was. Did you know that a hacker tries to penetrate a computer every 39 seconds? Michel Cukier of the University of Maryland said, “Our data provide quantifiable evidence that attacks are happening all the time to computers with Internet connections. The computers in our study were attacked, on average, 2,244 times a day.” If you need more information about how to keep your computer safe, visit the resource library at http://www.videoprofessor.com/.
Read More >
Watch where you step
iPods may be taking over the world, but law enforcement agencies in New York aren’t buying into the hype. If you live in New York you could soon be subjected to a fine if you cross the street while wearing your ear buds. If lawmakers have their way, New York pedestrians will actually have to pay attention when strolling across the street. What a novel concept.
Read More >
Off topic:
Well the NFL season has come to an end. Yes, I know there is a game this weekend, but that doesn’t count. Like that tree in the forest, if a football game is played in Hawaii and nobody is around to see it, did it really happen? For a lot of sports fans the next couple months will be pretty tough to handle. The NHL and NBA are in action, but things don’t really heat up until the playoffs are about to begin. “March Madness” seems so far away. Pitchers and catchers report to spring training this month, but who really cares about baseball until opening day in April?
Congratulations to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts for finally getting their rings. In a very sloppy game, especially in the first half, the Colts pretty much dominated the Bears. What surprised me was how the Colts won the game. Their defense was phenomenal. In my opinion, it was the defense that carried them to the Super Bowl title. The defense was highly criticized coming into the playoffs, but they really stepped up when they needed to. It was no different in the Super Bowl. The defense had Bears quarterback Rex Grossman confused all night. After Chicago ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown and then picked off Manning on his first offensive series, it was all downhill from there. Good job, Colts. You earned this one.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
PC sales jump after Windows Vista™ launch
Did you hear the news? Windows Vista™ launched last week. Unless you’ve been out of the country or in solitude, you probably heard the announcement. This new operating system is certainly different than anything else Microsoft has released. According to Current Analysis Inc., PC sales went up 67 percent in the first week after Windows Vista’s launch.
Read More >
If you are contemplating converting to Windows Vista, check back next week. Video Professor is launching a new Windows Vista Preview CD, giving users the information they need when deciding if and when to upgrade. Because Windows Vista is much different than previous Microsoft operating systems, consumers may find it confusing when deciding which of the five versions is right for them. The Video Professor Windows Vista Preview CD guides users step-by-step through the different versions—Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate and Enterprise editions—analyzes the pros and cons of each and helps consumers choose which version their computer can run and which version they actually need.
Look out!
I knew online theft was rampant, but I had no idea how bad it really was. Did you know that a hacker tries to penetrate a computer every 39 seconds? Michel Cukier of the University of Maryland said, “Our data provide quantifiable evidence that attacks are happening all the time to computers with Internet connections. The computers in our study were attacked, on average, 2,244 times a day.” If you need more information about how to keep your computer safe, visit the resource library at http://www.videoprofessor.com/.
Read More >
Watch where you step
iPods may be taking over the world, but law enforcement agencies in New York aren’t buying into the hype. If you live in New York you could soon be subjected to a fine if you cross the street while wearing your ear buds. If lawmakers have their way, New York pedestrians will actually have to pay attention when strolling across the street. What a novel concept.
Read More >
Off topic:
Well the NFL season has come to an end. Yes, I know there is a game this weekend, but that doesn’t count. Like that tree in the forest, if a football game is played in Hawaii and nobody is around to see it, did it really happen? For a lot of sports fans the next couple months will be pretty tough to handle. The NHL and NBA are in action, but things don’t really heat up until the playoffs are about to begin. “March Madness” seems so far away. Pitchers and catchers report to spring training this month, but who really cares about baseball until opening day in April?
Congratulations to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts for finally getting their rings. In a very sloppy game, especially in the first half, the Colts pretty much dominated the Bears. What surprised me was how the Colts won the game. Their defense was phenomenal. In my opinion, it was the defense that carried them to the Super Bowl title. The defense was highly criticized coming into the playoffs, but they really stepped up when they needed to. It was no different in the Super Bowl. The defense had Bears quarterback Rex Grossman confused all night. After Chicago ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown and then picked off Manning on his first offensive series, it was all downhill from there. Good job, Colts. You earned this one.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, January 26, 2007
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Jan. 26, 2007
Technology abound!
Keep your hardware up with the times
I’ve been teaching people how to use the software on their computers for years, but Video Professor does not have a tutorial on how to upgrade a computer’s hardware. So as a service to you, I like to try and offer articles that can help. By doing simple things like adding more RAM or using an external hard drive to back up your system, you can extend the life of your computer without breaking the bank to buy a new one.
Read More >
I’m being watched, but I don’t care
This is encouraging news for IT directors and bosses around the country. According to a recent survey by http://www.lawyers.com/, 69 percent of workers said they use their work Internet connections for personal use. And, 55 percent of workers surveyed use their work account to receive personal e-mails. What does this survey really mean? Is it that employees just don’t care about the job they have and that they would risk losing it to surf the Web? Or, do employees simply believe that IT experts just aren’t going to take the time to watch them? Read More >
Hey waiter, where’s the fly in my soup?
Are you ready to walk into an eatery and order by using a touch screen? What’s next, a conveyer belt that drops off my food? Call me “old school” but one of the reasons I go to restaurants is for the personal service. I like interacting with the servers. I realize that cost of labor is a big issue for restaurateurs, but it’s personal service that separates restaurants from vending machines.
Read More >
Let your photos see the light of day
If you’re like most people, you probably have a hard drive full of digital photos. The problem, however, is that you aren’t doing anything with them. Maybe you’ve been snapping digital photos for years, or maybe you got your first digital camera over the holidays. Well, if you don’t know what to do with your photos, this article can give you some interesting ideas. In addition, Video Professor recently released a couple of tutorials that can help you get the most out of your digital images, including Learn Digital Photography and Learn Adobe Photoshop CS2 Essentials.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
It’s a darn good thing Video Professor has been so successful. If I had to rely on my NFL picks to make a living, I wouldn’t survive very long. I have to give credit to the Bears and the Colts. There were a lot of people like me who did not think they had a chance to win. For the first time in a while the Bears didn’t just escape with a win. They handled the Saints from the beginning and had control of the game. The Bears’ defense showed why it has been feared all season long. They played a complete game and deserved to take the NFC crown.
Switching gears to the AFC, that was one of the best football games I have seen in a long time. I still can’t believe, however, that a Bill Belichick-coached team would squander a lead in the second half. I give Peyton Manning and the Colts credit. They fought hard all game, and in the end, they deserved to win. It was just odd not to see the Patriots pull it out like they have so many times before.
Heading into the Super Bowl, my playoff record stands at 5-5. I have one last chance to ensure I don’t finish below .500. I think Chicago will give Indianapolis all they can handle. In fact I think they will have a legit shot to win in then end. But, Indianapolis will escape with the win. Have a good week.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Keep your hardware up with the times
I’ve been teaching people how to use the software on their computers for years, but Video Professor does not have a tutorial on how to upgrade a computer’s hardware. So as a service to you, I like to try and offer articles that can help. By doing simple things like adding more RAM or using an external hard drive to back up your system, you can extend the life of your computer without breaking the bank to buy a new one.
Read More >
I’m being watched, but I don’t care
This is encouraging news for IT directors and bosses around the country. According to a recent survey by http://www.lawyers.com/, 69 percent of workers said they use their work Internet connections for personal use. And, 55 percent of workers surveyed use their work account to receive personal e-mails. What does this survey really mean? Is it that employees just don’t care about the job they have and that they would risk losing it to surf the Web? Or, do employees simply believe that IT experts just aren’t going to take the time to watch them? Read More >
Hey waiter, where’s the fly in my soup?
Are you ready to walk into an eatery and order by using a touch screen? What’s next, a conveyer belt that drops off my food? Call me “old school” but one of the reasons I go to restaurants is for the personal service. I like interacting with the servers. I realize that cost of labor is a big issue for restaurateurs, but it’s personal service that separates restaurants from vending machines.
Read More >
Let your photos see the light of day
If you’re like most people, you probably have a hard drive full of digital photos. The problem, however, is that you aren’t doing anything with them. Maybe you’ve been snapping digital photos for years, or maybe you got your first digital camera over the holidays. Well, if you don’t know what to do with your photos, this article can give you some interesting ideas. In addition, Video Professor recently released a couple of tutorials that can help you get the most out of your digital images, including Learn Digital Photography and Learn Adobe Photoshop CS2 Essentials.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
It’s a darn good thing Video Professor has been so successful. If I had to rely on my NFL picks to make a living, I wouldn’t survive very long. I have to give credit to the Bears and the Colts. There were a lot of people like me who did not think they had a chance to win. For the first time in a while the Bears didn’t just escape with a win. They handled the Saints from the beginning and had control of the game. The Bears’ defense showed why it has been feared all season long. They played a complete game and deserved to take the NFC crown.
Switching gears to the AFC, that was one of the best football games I have seen in a long time. I still can’t believe, however, that a Bill Belichick-coached team would squander a lead in the second half. I give Peyton Manning and the Colts credit. They fought hard all game, and in the end, they deserved to win. It was just odd not to see the Patriots pull it out like they have so many times before.
Heading into the Super Bowl, my playoff record stands at 5-5. I have one last chance to ensure I don’t finish below .500. I think Chicago will give Indianapolis all they can handle. In fact I think they will have a legit shot to win in then end. But, Indianapolis will escape with the win. Have a good week.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, January 19, 2007
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Jan. 19, 2007
Time to talk tech!
Book ’em, Dano
Finally, here is some relief for parents and students in the fight against higher college tuition. How many times have you needed an obscure book for a class and realized that it’s only available at the school’s bookstore? Who knows how much they are marking up the price. There is a new web store that helps students find the books they need and saves them a lot of money in the process. Where was this when I was in school?
Do we need more distractions?
Video Professor has taught a lot of people how to use the Internet and how to e-mail, but this is definitely not what I had in mind. Aren’t drivers distracted enough on the roads? We certainly don’t need a more convenient way to send and receive e-mail while driving. I realize that the makers of this product say that it’s safe. They claim it is hands-free and eyes-free, but you’re still not thinking about driving. If your mind is focused on 16 work-related topics, you certainly aren’t paying attention to your driving.
MySpace® stepping up its security
It’s been a while since I’ve written about the dangers lurking on MySpace. Thankfully, MySpace is stepping up its security efforts by adding parental notification software. I’m in the business of teaching people how to use their computers, and I know that there are a lot of ways to get into trouble. Please be careful and please watch your children. If you need any more information about how to protect yourself, your kids and your computer, please visit the resource library at www.videoprofessor.com, where we have a ton of great articles to help you.
Picks o’ the week!
As for drama, last week’s games were pretty good. As for my picks, I could have done much better. I finished 2-2 for the week and sit at 5-3 overall in the playoffs. Here are a couple of thoughts from the week that was. I don’t want to pile on Marty Schottenheimer anymore. Can you really blame
As for the other game in the AFC, had I told you that the Colts would fail to score a touchdown but still win on the road, you would have thought I had lost my marbles. What an impressive display by the Colts. But it wasn’t the offense that got it done.
AFC Championship Game
New England over
NFC Championship Game
See you next week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, January 12, 2007
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Jan. 12, 2007
Technology: It’s fantastic!
It’s a small world after all
We hear the term “downsizing” and we immediately think we’re going to lose our jobs. But it seems that technology keeps downsizing. Here is a look at a new computer that fits in your pocket. More than ever people are using their cell phones to get their info on the go, but here is a computer that will let you do so much more.
Read More >
And speaking of cool gadgets …
Working in the technology field for the past 20 years with Video Professor, I felt I had to talk a little about some of the coolest new products that launched this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Here is a pretty good wrap-up of the show and info on some of the cooler gadgets. If you are interested in more, there are plenty of articles out there talking about CES. If you are a technology junky, there is no better show on earth.
Read More >
Having trouble with Internet Explorer® 7?
If you are like this reader, you may be having a problem with IE7. For all its pluses, there are some negatives floating around. Apparently the new browser will work great with the new Vista operating system, but in XP it has some flaws. This helpful article gives a few tips on how to help remedy the situation.
Read More >
“Spam-a-lot”
Don’t worry: This is not going to be a review of the Broadway show produced by the Monty Python comedy troupe. Are you like most people who are bugged by spam e-mail, or do you have a very good filter that keeps the junk away? According to the company Postini®, spam mail accounted for 94 percent of all e-mail sent in December. That is an increase of 144 percent over 2005. Staggering! If you want more information about preventing spam, and what filter is right for you, visit the resource library at www.videoprofessor.com.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
Well three out of four isn’t bad. But how many people picked all the games right? I would say most of you. Looking back, it turned out to be an easy week of picking. Every home team won. No Wild Card entrants were able to move on. That’s a pretty big deal in my opinion, considering Wild Card teams have been very successful in recent years. Heck, a year ago the Steelers were a Wild Card team that won three straight road games to advance to the Super Bowl.
A quick note before we get to my picks: I will admit that I was completely wrong about Indianapolis last week. I agreed with the experts who said that Larry Johnson and the Chiefs would run roughshod over the Colts. Indy’s defense stepped up big time; in fact, the Chiefs went without a first down until midway through the second half. It was a very dominating performance, but can they replicate that effort this week? It’s going to be very, very hard. It’s a lot easier to get up for a game when you are playing in the comfort of your own home. This week they travel to Baltimore to face one of the hottest teams in the AFC.
Well, on to my picks …
AFC Divisional Playoff Games
Baltimore over Indianapolis: Despite the effort they gave last week, I really don’t think they can get it done against Baltimore. Even if the Colts’ defense can hold Baltimore’s offense at bay, their offense is going to have its hands full with the Ravens’ defense. Baltimore, on the defensive side of the ball this year, is almost as good as they were in 2000 when they won the Super Bowl.
New England over San Diego: This is going to be the game of the weekend, and probably the hardest to predict. San Diego looked great this season and LaDainian Tomlinson can’t be stopped. However, how will Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers react in his first career playoff game? On the other sideline, they’ll face Tom Brady, who is turning into this generation’s Joe Montana. There has not been a more clutch quarterback in the playoffs than Brady. In a very close battle, I see the Pats pulling off the upset.
NFC Divisional Playoff Games
New Orleans over Philadelphia: I know this is the popular choice, but I think New Orleans is the better team. Philadelphia escaped last week, and I don’t think they have the man power to beat the Saints. Plus, the Superdome is going to be rocking. The home field advantage in this game will prove to be the key.
Seattle over Chicago: I don’t trust Bears quarterback Rex Grossman. He was incredibly shaky down the stretch (and that’s being kind). Granted, Seattle didn’t exactly knock our socks off last week with their squeaker win over Dallas (thanks Tony Romo), but I think they are good enough to beat “Da Bears.”
Have a good week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
It’s a small world after all
We hear the term “downsizing” and we immediately think we’re going to lose our jobs. But it seems that technology keeps downsizing. Here is a look at a new computer that fits in your pocket. More than ever people are using their cell phones to get their info on the go, but here is a computer that will let you do so much more.
Read More >
And speaking of cool gadgets …
Working in the technology field for the past 20 years with Video Professor, I felt I had to talk a little about some of the coolest new products that launched this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Here is a pretty good wrap-up of the show and info on some of the cooler gadgets. If you are interested in more, there are plenty of articles out there talking about CES. If you are a technology junky, there is no better show on earth.
Read More >
Having trouble with Internet Explorer® 7?
If you are like this reader, you may be having a problem with IE7. For all its pluses, there are some negatives floating around. Apparently the new browser will work great with the new Vista operating system, but in XP it has some flaws. This helpful article gives a few tips on how to help remedy the situation.
Read More >
“Spam-a-lot”
Don’t worry: This is not going to be a review of the Broadway show produced by the Monty Python comedy troupe. Are you like most people who are bugged by spam e-mail, or do you have a very good filter that keeps the junk away? According to the company Postini®, spam mail accounted for 94 percent of all e-mail sent in December. That is an increase of 144 percent over 2005. Staggering! If you want more information about preventing spam, and what filter is right for you, visit the resource library at www.videoprofessor.com.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
Well three out of four isn’t bad. But how many people picked all the games right? I would say most of you. Looking back, it turned out to be an easy week of picking. Every home team won. No Wild Card entrants were able to move on. That’s a pretty big deal in my opinion, considering Wild Card teams have been very successful in recent years. Heck, a year ago the Steelers were a Wild Card team that won three straight road games to advance to the Super Bowl.
A quick note before we get to my picks: I will admit that I was completely wrong about Indianapolis last week. I agreed with the experts who said that Larry Johnson and the Chiefs would run roughshod over the Colts. Indy’s defense stepped up big time; in fact, the Chiefs went without a first down until midway through the second half. It was a very dominating performance, but can they replicate that effort this week? It’s going to be very, very hard. It’s a lot easier to get up for a game when you are playing in the comfort of your own home. This week they travel to Baltimore to face one of the hottest teams in the AFC.
Well, on to my picks …
AFC Divisional Playoff Games
Baltimore over Indianapolis: Despite the effort they gave last week, I really don’t think they can get it done against Baltimore. Even if the Colts’ defense can hold Baltimore’s offense at bay, their offense is going to have its hands full with the Ravens’ defense. Baltimore, on the defensive side of the ball this year, is almost as good as they were in 2000 when they won the Super Bowl.
New England over San Diego: This is going to be the game of the weekend, and probably the hardest to predict. San Diego looked great this season and LaDainian Tomlinson can’t be stopped. However, how will Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers react in his first career playoff game? On the other sideline, they’ll face Tom Brady, who is turning into this generation’s Joe Montana. There has not been a more clutch quarterback in the playoffs than Brady. In a very close battle, I see the Pats pulling off the upset.
NFC Divisional Playoff Games
New Orleans over Philadelphia: I know this is the popular choice, but I think New Orleans is the better team. Philadelphia escaped last week, and I don’t think they have the man power to beat the Saints. Plus, the Superdome is going to be rocking. The home field advantage in this game will prove to be the key.
Seattle over Chicago: I don’t trust Bears quarterback Rex Grossman. He was incredibly shaky down the stretch (and that’s being kind). Granted, Seattle didn’t exactly knock our socks off last week with their squeaker win over Dallas (thanks Tony Romo), but I think they are good enough to beat “Da Bears.”
Have a good week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, January 05, 2007
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Jan. 5, 2007
Time to talk tech!
People will sell anything on eBay®
By now we’ve all seen the reports that Denver got pounded by two major winter storms in the past month. The storms pretty much shut down the city for a series of days. I guess there was nothing better to do than think of crazy business ideas. A woman last week began selling the snow in auctions on eBay. When Video Professor launched its Learn eBay tutorial last year, this isn’t what we had in mind. But give her credit for originality.
Read More >
Do you trust your security software?
Internet and computer security is one of the biggest issues we constantly face while surfing. It seems like every week a new hack or virus is detected and we are all immediately warned. We all take great strides protecting our computers from installing firewalls to purchasing antivirus software. Are we really safe, though? Have you given your computer a complete check? If you need any more information about how to safeguard your computer, Video Professor’s web site has a resource library with a number of articles on how to protect your computer.
Read More >
Flaw found in Acrobat® Reader®
On a related note, I wanted to pass along a bit of a warning for computer users who regularly use Adobe® Acrobat Reader and PDF files. Researchers last week discovered a flaw in the software that could potentially allow hackers to break into your computer through trusted links. Read this story for more information.
Read More >
Off topic:
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Darrent Williams
It’s with an incredibly heavy heart that I write this entry. By now most of you have heard about the senseless tragedy that occurred in Denver early in the morning on New Year’s Day. Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, who was only 24 years old, was murdered in his limo after leaving a club on New Year’s Eve. I was shocked when I heard the news and I wanted to pass along my deepest condolences to the young man’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I truly hope the slayer is brought to justice.
Picks o’ the week!
The playoffs start this week, and I must say, I wasn’t too happy with how I finished up the regular season. I missed two of three picks last week and finished the season at 27-24. If you remember, back in September, I warned you not to take my advice when picking your own games, and I guess my statement rang true. As we move on to the playoffs, maybe I can do a little better. The plan is to pick the winner in every playoff game leading up to and including the Super Bowl. On a related note, it sure looks hard to bet against San Diego getting to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately the way it looks now, if Baltimore and San Diego meet in the AFC Championship game, that could be a better game than the Super Bowl . We all know how bad the NFC is compared to the AFC. Can the NFC representative stay within 15 points of either San Diego or Baltimore? We’ll see. You know what they say: that’s why you play the games.
AFC Wild Card Games
New England over the New York Jets: This is going to be one heck of a game. These two bitter division rivals will face off for the third time this season, and I think New England will come away with the win at home. The Jets will put up quite a fight, but the Patriots and Tom Brady will be proven stronger in the end.
Kansas City over Indianapolis: It seems as if there is always one upset in the Wild Card round, and I think this game could be it. Indianapolis has a lethal offense, but there defense has been offensive. The Colts don’t defend the run very well and running the ball is KC’s specialty. If the Chiefs can survive the first quarter and not find themselves in a huge hole, they’ll be able to take control of the game with the run, wind down the clock and keep Peyton and the boys off the field.
NFC Wild Card Games
Seattle over Dallas: The Cowboys have not played very well the past couple weeks and have no momentum heading into the playoffs. They choked away the division title to Philadelphia and limp in after a humiliating loss at home to Detroit last week. Seattle finally appears healthy and could be hitting their stride. I don’t see this game being very close in the end.
Philadelphia over the New York Giants: This game almost mirrors the other NFC Wild Card game. One team struggled down the stretch, while the other is playing great. Philadelphia got hot a couple weeks back and is soaring into the playoffs. Philly is a tough, tough place to play and the Giants won’t be able to compete in those conditions. Like the Seattle game, I don’t think this game will be very close. Philadelphia wins going away.
Have a good week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
People will sell anything on eBay®
By now we’ve all seen the reports that Denver got pounded by two major winter storms in the past month. The storms pretty much shut down the city for a series of days. I guess there was nothing better to do than think of crazy business ideas. A woman last week began selling the snow in auctions on eBay. When Video Professor launched its Learn eBay tutorial last year, this isn’t what we had in mind. But give her credit for originality.
Read More >
Do you trust your security software?
Internet and computer security is one of the biggest issues we constantly face while surfing. It seems like every week a new hack or virus is detected and we are all immediately warned. We all take great strides protecting our computers from installing firewalls to purchasing antivirus software. Are we really safe, though? Have you given your computer a complete check? If you need any more information about how to safeguard your computer, Video Professor’s web site has a resource library with a number of articles on how to protect your computer.
Read More >
Flaw found in Acrobat® Reader®
On a related note, I wanted to pass along a bit of a warning for computer users who regularly use Adobe® Acrobat Reader and PDF files. Researchers last week discovered a flaw in the software that could potentially allow hackers to break into your computer through trusted links. Read this story for more information.
Read More >
Off topic:
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Darrent Williams
It’s with an incredibly heavy heart that I write this entry. By now most of you have heard about the senseless tragedy that occurred in Denver early in the morning on New Year’s Day. Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, who was only 24 years old, was murdered in his limo after leaving a club on New Year’s Eve. I was shocked when I heard the news and I wanted to pass along my deepest condolences to the young man’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I truly hope the slayer is brought to justice.
Picks o’ the week!
The playoffs start this week, and I must say, I wasn’t too happy with how I finished up the regular season. I missed two of three picks last week and finished the season at 27-24. If you remember, back in September, I warned you not to take my advice when picking your own games, and I guess my statement rang true. As we move on to the playoffs, maybe I can do a little better. The plan is to pick the winner in every playoff game leading up to and including the Super Bowl. On a related note, it sure looks hard to bet against San Diego getting to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately the way it looks now, if Baltimore and San Diego meet in the AFC Championship game, that could be a better game than the Super Bowl . We all know how bad the NFC is compared to the AFC. Can the NFC representative stay within 15 points of either San Diego or Baltimore? We’ll see. You know what they say: that’s why you play the games.
AFC Wild Card Games
New England over the New York Jets: This is going to be one heck of a game. These two bitter division rivals will face off for the third time this season, and I think New England will come away with the win at home. The Jets will put up quite a fight, but the Patriots and Tom Brady will be proven stronger in the end.
Kansas City over Indianapolis: It seems as if there is always one upset in the Wild Card round, and I think this game could be it. Indianapolis has a lethal offense, but there defense has been offensive. The Colts don’t defend the run very well and running the ball is KC’s specialty. If the Chiefs can survive the first quarter and not find themselves in a huge hole, they’ll be able to take control of the game with the run, wind down the clock and keep Peyton and the boys off the field.
NFC Wild Card Games
Seattle over Dallas: The Cowboys have not played very well the past couple weeks and have no momentum heading into the playoffs. They choked away the division title to Philadelphia and limp in after a humiliating loss at home to Detroit last week. Seattle finally appears healthy and could be hitting their stride. I don’t see this game being very close in the end.
Philadelphia over the New York Giants: This game almost mirrors the other NFC Wild Card game. One team struggled down the stretch, while the other is playing great. Philadelphia got hot a couple weeks back and is soaring into the playoffs. Philly is a tough, tough place to play and the Giants won’t be able to compete in those conditions. Like the Seattle game, I don’t think this game will be very close. Philadelphia wins going away.
Have a good week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, December 29, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Dec. 29, 2006
Technology in the New Year!
Before we get into talking about technology, let me take a moment to remind you to make your New Year’s resolutions. Here’s an idea for all of you who have a hard time following through on your promises. Make a resolution to keep up on the latest technology trends and use that information to make your lives more efficient. And, if you need any help along the way, remember that Video Professor is always there to help you with all your computer learning needs. I hope you all have a great New Year and a truly blessed 2007.
Vista’s first vulnerability
Here’s the fist chink in the armor. According to published reports, the new Microsoft operating system, Vista, which has been touted as the most secure OS on the market, comes with a “minor” flaw. Programmers in recent days stated that they’ve contacted Microsoft about these flaws. Let’s hope that Microsoft can get them firmed up before the launch of the home editions on Jan. 30.
Read More >
Online holiday sales predicted to soar past retailers
I guess this comes as no real surprise to me. It was just so much easier to sit down in front of my computer to do all my holiday shopping than to fight the crowds in the mall. As long as you gave yourself plenty of time for shipping, you shouldn’t have encountered too many problems. According to comScore Networks, holiday sales online were expected to see a bump of 25 percent to $24.6 billion.
Read More >
iTunes vs. Zune: It’s no contest, yet
I talked about this battle for MP3 supremacy in a previous blog post. Back then I agreed with reports that said despite Microsoft having a decent competitor in the field now, Zune, they still had their work cut out for them. Apple had such a head start on Zune that the iPod completely dominates the market now. This report confirms that. This article will give you some good insight into the post-holiday traffic numbers posted on Apple’s iTunes compared to Zune.
Read More >
Off topic:
Checkmate
Seriously? I didn’t realize that the world of chess was so cutthroat. A player was banned from international competition for 10 years because he was using a cell phone earpiece to gain an advantage. Apparently the guy sewed the device into a hat that he’d pull over his ears. In a remote location, his buddies would feed him his next move based on a computer’s recommendation. People will go to any means necessary to gain an advantage, won’t they?
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
Wow, it’s hard to believe that the final week of the NFL regular season is here. It seems like only yesterday we were chomping at the bit for training camp to be over. My picks have been very average this year. I’ve had some up weeks and some down. Last week I finished 2-1, which brought my overall record to 26-22 for the season. New England surprised me. I really thought the Jags would take care of the Pats. But what goes around comes around. I could have easily won the Jags pick, but I could have easily lost the Broncos pick. I haven’t seen a bizarre finish like that in quite some time. The “Bungles” botched an extra point attempt with 41 seconds left in the game that would have caused a tie. Instead, Cincinnati, after scoring what appeared to be the tying touchdown, had to line up for a desperate onside kick attempt. The Bengals recovered the kick, but wouldn’t you know it, an offside penalty wiped out the play. Cincy re-kicked. Denver recovered, and escaped with a 24-23 win. The Bengals now need a virtual miracle to make the playoffs. That’s what keeps us watching each week. Well, here are my final regular season picks of the year. Once the playoffs start, I’ll attempt to pick every game, but who knows how successful (or lack thereof) I’ll be.
Kansas City over Jacksonville: This game has playoff implications, though slight. Both teams still have a shot to get into the playoffs, but they need some help with Denver and the New York Jets in control. The Chiefs have been the most dominating home team in December in the past decade, so I see the trend continuing this week.
New Orleans over Carolina: My hat goes off to the job Saints head coach Sean Payton has done this season. He turned a train wreck into arguably one of the top sports stories of the year. Last week the Saints clinched a bye in the first round of the playoffs, but I don’t see a letup happening this week. The Saints want to win to keep the momentum rolling into the postseason.
Tennessee over New England: The Tennessee Titans were another great story the second half of the season. After starting the year 0-5, the Titans have won eight of their last 10 and find themselves in the playoff chase. Granted, they need a lot of help to get in, but what they’ve done has been great. I think they close out the regular season at home with a win, and though they probably still won’t make the playoffs, the win will give them something to build on for next season.
Happy New Year! Be safe out there.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Before we get into talking about technology, let me take a moment to remind you to make your New Year’s resolutions. Here’s an idea for all of you who have a hard time following through on your promises. Make a resolution to keep up on the latest technology trends and use that information to make your lives more efficient. And, if you need any help along the way, remember that Video Professor is always there to help you with all your computer learning needs. I hope you all have a great New Year and a truly blessed 2007.
Vista’s first vulnerability
Here’s the fist chink in the armor. According to published reports, the new Microsoft operating system, Vista, which has been touted as the most secure OS on the market, comes with a “minor” flaw. Programmers in recent days stated that they’ve contacted Microsoft about these flaws. Let’s hope that Microsoft can get them firmed up before the launch of the home editions on Jan. 30.
Read More >
Online holiday sales predicted to soar past retailers
I guess this comes as no real surprise to me. It was just so much easier to sit down in front of my computer to do all my holiday shopping than to fight the crowds in the mall. As long as you gave yourself plenty of time for shipping, you shouldn’t have encountered too many problems. According to comScore Networks, holiday sales online were expected to see a bump of 25 percent to $24.6 billion.
Read More >
iTunes vs. Zune: It’s no contest, yet
I talked about this battle for MP3 supremacy in a previous blog post. Back then I agreed with reports that said despite Microsoft having a decent competitor in the field now, Zune, they still had their work cut out for them. Apple had such a head start on Zune that the iPod completely dominates the market now. This report confirms that. This article will give you some good insight into the post-holiday traffic numbers posted on Apple’s iTunes compared to Zune.
Read More >
Off topic:
Checkmate
Seriously? I didn’t realize that the world of chess was so cutthroat. A player was banned from international competition for 10 years because he was using a cell phone earpiece to gain an advantage. Apparently the guy sewed the device into a hat that he’d pull over his ears. In a remote location, his buddies would feed him his next move based on a computer’s recommendation. People will go to any means necessary to gain an advantage, won’t they?
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
Wow, it’s hard to believe that the final week of the NFL regular season is here. It seems like only yesterday we were chomping at the bit for training camp to be over. My picks have been very average this year. I’ve had some up weeks and some down. Last week I finished 2-1, which brought my overall record to 26-22 for the season. New England surprised me. I really thought the Jags would take care of the Pats. But what goes around comes around. I could have easily won the Jags pick, but I could have easily lost the Broncos pick. I haven’t seen a bizarre finish like that in quite some time. The “Bungles” botched an extra point attempt with 41 seconds left in the game that would have caused a tie. Instead, Cincinnati, after scoring what appeared to be the tying touchdown, had to line up for a desperate onside kick attempt. The Bengals recovered the kick, but wouldn’t you know it, an offside penalty wiped out the play. Cincy re-kicked. Denver recovered, and escaped with a 24-23 win. The Bengals now need a virtual miracle to make the playoffs. That’s what keeps us watching each week. Well, here are my final regular season picks of the year. Once the playoffs start, I’ll attempt to pick every game, but who knows how successful (or lack thereof) I’ll be.
Kansas City over Jacksonville: This game has playoff implications, though slight. Both teams still have a shot to get into the playoffs, but they need some help with Denver and the New York Jets in control. The Chiefs have been the most dominating home team in December in the past decade, so I see the trend continuing this week.
New Orleans over Carolina: My hat goes off to the job Saints head coach Sean Payton has done this season. He turned a train wreck into arguably one of the top sports stories of the year. Last week the Saints clinched a bye in the first round of the playoffs, but I don’t see a letup happening this week. The Saints want to win to keep the momentum rolling into the postseason.
Tennessee over New England: The Tennessee Titans were another great story the second half of the season. After starting the year 0-5, the Titans have won eight of their last 10 and find themselves in the playoff chase. Granted, they need a lot of help to get in, but what they’ve done has been great. I think they close out the regular season at home with a win, and though they probably still won’t make the playoffs, the win will give them something to build on for next season.
Happy New Year! Be safe out there.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, December 22, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Dec. 22, 2006
Happy Holidays from the Video Professor!
I want to take a moment to wish you and yours a very happy and safe holiday season. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog every week. Hopefully you’ve enjoyed it and have been able to stay up to speed on some of the prominent issues in this technology-driven world. Video Professor has been helping people with all of their computer learning needs for almost 20 years now, and I hope you get some value from reading these posts each week. Have a great holiday. We’ll chat again after the New Year!
Are you a “re-gifter?”
Like most of us, you probably expect to receive one or two gifts this holiday season that you have no use for. What will you do with them? According to a recent survey released by eBay®, sixty-nine percent of respondents think there is nothing wrong with re-gifting an item. Well, so much for finding that perfect gift. What I don’t understand is why people would re-gift a present. Heck, why don’t they put the unwanted gifts up for auction on eBay? If they don’t know how to do that, Video Professor offers a tutorial teaching people everything they need to know about buying and selling on eBay. I think we stumbled onto the hottest business idea of 2007: Open an entire eBay store where people can buy discounted “re-gifts.”
Read More >
Off topic:
Digging out!
I want to send my very best wishes to all of the Coloradans who spent the majority of Wednesday and Thursday digging out from that huge blizzard. Talk about unfortunate timing. A major storm crippled the city a few days before one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. I especially feel bad for all of the travelers who got stranded at Denver International Airport because it was closed from Wednesday night until Friday afternoon. Good luck to everyone gearing up for some holiday travel. Please get there safely!
Picks o’ the week!
That’s the last time I pick the New York Giants. Just when you think you have that team figured out, they get knocked down a peg. I’m taking nothing away from what the Eagles were able to accomplish, but New York could have won that game. Do credit Philadelphia, however. A couple weeks ago when Donovan McNabb went down, everyone thought their season was over. Now, heading into this week’s game against Dallas, they can control the outcome of their season. If Philadelphia wins, they seize control of the NFC East with only one regular season week to go. Now that I have that off my chest, I can focus on this week’s picks. I still finished 2-1 last week, improving my overall record to 24-21 with two weeks remaining. Here are my picks for Week 16.
Jacksonville over New England: The Patriots have control of the AFC East, so this game is not as vital to them as it is to Jacksonville. Sitting at 8-6, the Jaguars are right in the hunt for one of the two AFC wild cards. Because they are at home and because they’ve been running the ball very well of late, I see Jacksonville pulling out a close one.
San Diego over Seattle: Here is the “no brainer” statement of the week: There is no better team in the NFL than San Diego. Philip Rivers is playing great, the defense is outstanding and oh yeah, did I mention LaDainian Tomlinson’s play? Last week he set an NFL record for most points scored in a single season, and he still has two more games to go. The Bolts travel to Seattle this week, and shouldn’t have a problem getting one step closer to securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Denver over Cincinnati: This is one of the best games on the NFL docket this week. The Bengals and the Broncos both sit at 8-6 in a logjam for a wild card spot. The winner of this game will have a leg up on the rest of the crowded pack heading into the final week of the season. Last week Denver bounced back from a four-game losing streak and looked impressive against Arizona. Rookie quarterback Jay Cutler enjoyed his finest day as a pro so far, and I look for Denver to carry over that momentum and squeak out a victory at home.
Once again, let me wish you a wonderful holiday season, and I hope you remain healthy and happy! We’ll see you again after New Year’s! Take care.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
I want to take a moment to wish you and yours a very happy and safe holiday season. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog every week. Hopefully you’ve enjoyed it and have been able to stay up to speed on some of the prominent issues in this technology-driven world. Video Professor has been helping people with all of their computer learning needs for almost 20 years now, and I hope you get some value from reading these posts each week. Have a great holiday. We’ll chat again after the New Year!
Are you a “re-gifter?”
Like most of us, you probably expect to receive one or two gifts this holiday season that you have no use for. What will you do with them? According to a recent survey released by eBay®, sixty-nine percent of respondents think there is nothing wrong with re-gifting an item. Well, so much for finding that perfect gift. What I don’t understand is why people would re-gift a present. Heck, why don’t they put the unwanted gifts up for auction on eBay? If they don’t know how to do that, Video Professor offers a tutorial teaching people everything they need to know about buying and selling on eBay. I think we stumbled onto the hottest business idea of 2007: Open an entire eBay store where people can buy discounted “re-gifts.”
Read More >
Off topic:
Digging out!
I want to send my very best wishes to all of the Coloradans who spent the majority of Wednesday and Thursday digging out from that huge blizzard. Talk about unfortunate timing. A major storm crippled the city a few days before one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. I especially feel bad for all of the travelers who got stranded at Denver International Airport because it was closed from Wednesday night until Friday afternoon. Good luck to everyone gearing up for some holiday travel. Please get there safely!
Picks o’ the week!
That’s the last time I pick the New York Giants. Just when you think you have that team figured out, they get knocked down a peg. I’m taking nothing away from what the Eagles were able to accomplish, but New York could have won that game. Do credit Philadelphia, however. A couple weeks ago when Donovan McNabb went down, everyone thought their season was over. Now, heading into this week’s game against Dallas, they can control the outcome of their season. If Philadelphia wins, they seize control of the NFC East with only one regular season week to go. Now that I have that off my chest, I can focus on this week’s picks. I still finished 2-1 last week, improving my overall record to 24-21 with two weeks remaining. Here are my picks for Week 16.
Jacksonville over New England: The Patriots have control of the AFC East, so this game is not as vital to them as it is to Jacksonville. Sitting at 8-6, the Jaguars are right in the hunt for one of the two AFC wild cards. Because they are at home and because they’ve been running the ball very well of late, I see Jacksonville pulling out a close one.
San Diego over Seattle: Here is the “no brainer” statement of the week: There is no better team in the NFL than San Diego. Philip Rivers is playing great, the defense is outstanding and oh yeah, did I mention LaDainian Tomlinson’s play? Last week he set an NFL record for most points scored in a single season, and he still has two more games to go. The Bolts travel to Seattle this week, and shouldn’t have a problem getting one step closer to securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Denver over Cincinnati: This is one of the best games on the NFL docket this week. The Bengals and the Broncos both sit at 8-6 in a logjam for a wild card spot. The winner of this game will have a leg up on the rest of the crowded pack heading into the final week of the season. Last week Denver bounced back from a four-game losing streak and looked impressive against Arizona. Rookie quarterback Jay Cutler enjoyed his finest day as a pro so far, and I look for Denver to carry over that momentum and squeak out a victory at home.
Once again, let me wish you a wonderful holiday season, and I hope you remain healthy and happy! We’ll see you again after New Year’s! Take care.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, December 15, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Dec. 15, 2006
Tech talk rings, are you listening?
Revolutionary inventions
As we all shuffle around the malls and electronics web sites this time of year trying to find that perfect gift for all the gadget lovers we know, take a step back and remember a few gadgets that completely changed the world. Compared to the advances we’ve made in technology in just the past five years, these gadgets look so basic now. But at the time they were invented, they revolutionized the landscape of technology. Where would we be today if the telephone, television or personal computer would not have been invented? I know Video Professor wouldn’t be around without the latter.
Read More >
Is the laptop a dinosaur?
We all know it’s inevitable. Just look at the way technology has downsized in the past 20 years. When Video Professor first started teaching people how to use their computers back in 1987, the PC took up every inch of their desks. Over the years, computers have gotten smaller and more portable, and laptops currently outsell desktop computers. What’s next, though? This is an interesting article that sheds a little light on the future of the laptop.
Read More >
MySpace takes the lead
For the first time in its relatively short existence, the extremely popular social networking web site MySpace® topped Yahoo!® as the most visited site. According to recent research, MySpace generated 38.7 billion page views in the United States in November, compared to 38.1 billion on Yahoo!.
Read More >
A better backup
Are you tired of burning and re-burning countless numbers of CDs backing up your data? Check out Mozy, a system that allows people to back up all their data on remote servers. The company offers 2 GB of storage capacity for free, or customers can get unlimited space for only five dollars a month.
Read More >
Off Topic:
Rudolph the red-nosed hot dog
I guess for some getting into the Holiday spirit means digesting a little piece of its lore. A Chicago hot dog vendor is serving up reindeer hot dogs. According to the manufacturer, the hot dogs are made from a combination of Blitzen, beef and pork. Because reindeer is such a lean meat, the use of beef and pork fat is needed. If you’re interested in dining on Donder, it will not be cheap. The reindeer dog is going for a hefty eight bucks a link.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
I want a do over. Last week didn’t happen. I guess that is what happens when I try to predict the upsets. Two of them just didn’t happen last week. Rethinking my picks, I should never have put any stock in Tampa. I really thought St. Louis would play Chicago better, especially at home, but the Bears proved they are a good team. Finally, I have to give a ton of credit to New Orleans. The Saints completely owned the Cowboys and continue to prove each week that they are legitimate contenders. Let’s hope for my records’ sake that I get back into the win column this week. Heading into Week 15, I’m only two games over .500 at 22-20. Let’s hope for the best.
Dallas over Atlanta: I think Dallas recovers from that loss last week to beat the Falcons. Mike Vick is a darn fine athlete, but his feet cannot possibly win every game. He’s going to have to learn how to pass more consistently. It’s just not going to happen this week. Cowboys win.
New York over Philadelphia: With Dallas losing last week, the NFC East really tightened up. Since the Cowboys have another tough game this week at Atlanta, the winner of this game can pull even for the division lead. I predict the Giants get by the Eagles, despite Eagles QB Jeff Garcia playing well of late.
Indianapolis over Cincinnati: For the first time in weeks, the Monday night game should be a really good one. The Colts host the Bengals, and Indianapolis is coming off of a pummeling at the hands of Jacksonville last week. Peyton and company will rebound after that loss and cool off the streaking Bengals.
Have a great week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Revolutionary inventions
As we all shuffle around the malls and electronics web sites this time of year trying to find that perfect gift for all the gadget lovers we know, take a step back and remember a few gadgets that completely changed the world. Compared to the advances we’ve made in technology in just the past five years, these gadgets look so basic now. But at the time they were invented, they revolutionized the landscape of technology. Where would we be today if the telephone, television or personal computer would not have been invented? I know Video Professor wouldn’t be around without the latter.
Read More >
Is the laptop a dinosaur?
We all know it’s inevitable. Just look at the way technology has downsized in the past 20 years. When Video Professor first started teaching people how to use their computers back in 1987, the PC took up every inch of their desks. Over the years, computers have gotten smaller and more portable, and laptops currently outsell desktop computers. What’s next, though? This is an interesting article that sheds a little light on the future of the laptop.
Read More >
MySpace takes the lead
For the first time in its relatively short existence, the extremely popular social networking web site MySpace® topped Yahoo!® as the most visited site. According to recent research, MySpace generated 38.7 billion page views in the United States in November, compared to 38.1 billion on Yahoo!.
Read More >
A better backup
Are you tired of burning and re-burning countless numbers of CDs backing up your data? Check out Mozy, a system that allows people to back up all their data on remote servers. The company offers 2 GB of storage capacity for free, or customers can get unlimited space for only five dollars a month.
Read More >
Off Topic:
Rudolph the red-nosed hot dog
I guess for some getting into the Holiday spirit means digesting a little piece of its lore. A Chicago hot dog vendor is serving up reindeer hot dogs. According to the manufacturer, the hot dogs are made from a combination of Blitzen, beef and pork. Because reindeer is such a lean meat, the use of beef and pork fat is needed. If you’re interested in dining on Donder, it will not be cheap. The reindeer dog is going for a hefty eight bucks a link.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
I want a do over. Last week didn’t happen. I guess that is what happens when I try to predict the upsets. Two of them just didn’t happen last week. Rethinking my picks, I should never have put any stock in Tampa. I really thought St. Louis would play Chicago better, especially at home, but the Bears proved they are a good team. Finally, I have to give a ton of credit to New Orleans. The Saints completely owned the Cowboys and continue to prove each week that they are legitimate contenders. Let’s hope for my records’ sake that I get back into the win column this week. Heading into Week 15, I’m only two games over .500 at 22-20. Let’s hope for the best.
Dallas over Atlanta: I think Dallas recovers from that loss last week to beat the Falcons. Mike Vick is a darn fine athlete, but his feet cannot possibly win every game. He’s going to have to learn how to pass more consistently. It’s just not going to happen this week. Cowboys win.
New York over Philadelphia: With Dallas losing last week, the NFC East really tightened up. Since the Cowboys have another tough game this week at Atlanta, the winner of this game can pull even for the division lead. I predict the Giants get by the Eagles, despite Eagles QB Jeff Garcia playing well of late.
Indianapolis over Cincinnati: For the first time in weeks, the Monday night game should be a really good one. The Colts host the Bengals, and Indianapolis is coming off of a pummeling at the hands of Jacksonville last week. Peyton and company will rebound after that loss and cool off the streaking Bengals.
Have a great week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, December 08, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Dec. 8, 2006
It’s beginning to look a lot like tech talk!
The Holiday travel season is here
The Holidays are right around the corner and millions of people will be making their travel plans online. Video Professor launched a new tutorial this week that can turn anyone into an online travel expert. The “Learn Online Travel” tutorial teaches users everything they need to know about booking a trip online, including:
• Comparing and getting the best prices on airfare and rentals
• Finding the best deals for accommodations and restaurants
• Learning about domestic and international travel bargains
We researched thousands of travel-related web sites and put together a comprehensive tutorial that will help save you a ton of money in travel costs.
For more information about this tutorial or any Video Professor product, visit http://www.videoprofessor.com/.
Read More >
Finding the perfect gift
Are you like me in that you struggle every year trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone? I stumbled onto a web site this week that can help. Offering dozens of gift ideas tailored to a person’s likes, http://www.gifts.com/ comes up with the perfect gift based on the criteria you feed the search engine. It’s definitely worth checking out if you haven’t finished your shopping yet.
Read More >
Great gadgets
Can you tell that I’m thinking about my Holiday shopping this week? Here is a story I found detailing some of the hottest gadgets on the market this year. Are you sick of vacuuming? Try the iRobot Dirt Dog. Do you need a new gaming system and don’t want to drop a grand on a PS3? Why don’t you check out Nintendo Wii?
Read More>
Off Topic:
A true hero
It saddened me to read about James Kim’s unfortunate passing. For those of you who didn’t see the story, Kim’s family was stranded in a car in the Oregon wilderness. Kim left his family to search for help. Rescuers said that he covered nearly eight miles of terrain on his quest, but unfortunately he could not find help before he passed away. His family was eventually rescued. My thoughts and prayers go out to James Kim and his entire family. He is a true hero in my book.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
Well last week didn’t treat me very well. Only Dallas came through for me. Denver lost at home to Seattle in Jay Cutler’s NLF debut and Miami couldn’t get it done against the Jaguars. Right now my record stands at 22-17 going into Week 14. Let’s see if I can rebound.
Dallas over New Orleans: This is the game of the week. The Cowboys and the Saints look like the cream of the NFC crop this season. I know there are a lot of people waiting for the wheels to fall off the Saints’ bandwagon, but I think they are a legitimate team. On the other side of the ball, the Cowboys and Tony Romo are playing very, very well. Dallas wins a tight one.
Tampa Bay over Atlanta: I don’t like how inconsistent Michael Vick is. One week he will look like the MVP and the next, he can’t complete a pass. Tampa still has a very strong defense, and I think they will be able to pull off the upset at home.
St. Louis over Chicago: Rex Grossman is not a very good quarterback. That could be the biggest “no brainer” comment in the history of the world. His 1.3 quarterback rating last week should have tipped you off. The Bears are very lucky that their defense and special teams are scoring machines lately. The luck, however, will run out this week. St. Louis wins at home on Monday night.
Talk to you next week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
The Holiday travel season is here
The Holidays are right around the corner and millions of people will be making their travel plans online. Video Professor launched a new tutorial this week that can turn anyone into an online travel expert. The “Learn Online Travel” tutorial teaches users everything they need to know about booking a trip online, including:
• Comparing and getting the best prices on airfare and rentals
• Finding the best deals for accommodations and restaurants
• Learning about domestic and international travel bargains
We researched thousands of travel-related web sites and put together a comprehensive tutorial that will help save you a ton of money in travel costs.
For more information about this tutorial or any Video Professor product, visit http://www.videoprofessor.com/.
Read More >
Finding the perfect gift
Are you like me in that you struggle every year trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone? I stumbled onto a web site this week that can help. Offering dozens of gift ideas tailored to a person’s likes, http://www.gifts.com/ comes up with the perfect gift based on the criteria you feed the search engine. It’s definitely worth checking out if you haven’t finished your shopping yet.
Read More >
Great gadgets
Can you tell that I’m thinking about my Holiday shopping this week? Here is a story I found detailing some of the hottest gadgets on the market this year. Are you sick of vacuuming? Try the iRobot Dirt Dog. Do you need a new gaming system and don’t want to drop a grand on a PS3? Why don’t you check out Nintendo Wii?
Read More>
Off Topic:
A true hero
It saddened me to read about James Kim’s unfortunate passing. For those of you who didn’t see the story, Kim’s family was stranded in a car in the Oregon wilderness. Kim left his family to search for help. Rescuers said that he covered nearly eight miles of terrain on his quest, but unfortunately he could not find help before he passed away. His family was eventually rescued. My thoughts and prayers go out to James Kim and his entire family. He is a true hero in my book.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
Well last week didn’t treat me very well. Only Dallas came through for me. Denver lost at home to Seattle in Jay Cutler’s NLF debut and Miami couldn’t get it done against the Jaguars. Right now my record stands at 22-17 going into Week 14. Let’s see if I can rebound.
Dallas over New Orleans: This is the game of the week. The Cowboys and the Saints look like the cream of the NFC crop this season. I know there are a lot of people waiting for the wheels to fall off the Saints’ bandwagon, but I think they are a legitimate team. On the other side of the ball, the Cowboys and Tony Romo are playing very, very well. Dallas wins a tight one.
Tampa Bay over Atlanta: I don’t like how inconsistent Michael Vick is. One week he will look like the MVP and the next, he can’t complete a pass. Tampa still has a very strong defense, and I think they will be able to pull off the upset at home.
St. Louis over Chicago: Rex Grossman is not a very good quarterback. That could be the biggest “no brainer” comment in the history of the world. His 1.3 quarterback rating last week should have tipped you off. The Bears are very lucky that their defense and special teams are scoring machines lately. The luck, however, will run out this week. St. Louis wins at home on Monday night.
Talk to you next week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, December 01, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Dec. 1, 2006
Tech talk!
It’s heeeerrrrreeee!
Well it’s about time. The much ballyhooed release of Microsoft Vista is finally here. The software giant launched the business version of the new operating system this week; the consumer version is not due out until late January 2007. There are quite a few things in this new operating system that people will need to learn. Video Professor will launch its tutorials for the operating system following the consumer release. The new operating system has some tremendous upgrades, including enhanced security. According to Microsoft, the operating system is the most secure product on the market. Check back on our web site, www.videoprofessor.com, for more information about Vista closer to the launch of our tutorials.
Read More >
The grass is greener, and real
Kids: Get outside and play. According to a recent study, parents think their kids are spending too much time online. I agree. There are so many great things people can discover on the Internet. Video Professor knows this, and that’s why one of our most popular software tutorials is “Learn the Internet.” But, kids need to discover the world around them. It’s so much better to play in real, green grass rather than run through a virtual garden.
Read More >
First down!
It’s amazing how sometimes things that seem fairly simple are actually very complex. I came across this article regarding how TV broadcasts show the first down marker at a football game. You know the yellow line that goes across your screen that shows where the offense needs to go? I had no idea it was this complicated.
Read More >
Off topic:
Roy-nderful!
I wanted to extend belated congratulations to Patrick Roy for his recent induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. I’ve been in Denver for quite some time, and I have to admit that Roy’s impact on the sports scene around these parts was almost as great as John Elway’s. Okay, before all you die-hard Broncos fans start e-mailing me, I fully know what Elway means to this city. What I’m saying is that the impact Roy made on Denver and the NHL is just as great. The Quebec Nordiques moved to Denver prior to the 1995-96 season, and, before their arrival, they were a good team that hadn’t reached the next level. Midway through the team’s first season in Denver the Avs traded for Roy, and he became the catalyst that propelled them to their first Stanley Cup—and Denver’s first major sports championship. Without Roy between the pipes, there is no way the Avs would have won the Stanley Cup that season, not to mention the second cup they won in 2000-01. Roy is one of those rare, transcendent athletes who shape the landscape of the sport in which they play. Similar to the impact Michael Jordan made on the NBA, Babe Ruth made on Major League Baseball and Joe Montana made on the NFL, Patrick Roy changed the way professional hockey is played. Congratulations, Patrick!
Picks o’ the week!
I’m starting to become a broken record. I finished 2-1 again last week. I just can’t seem to get over the hump and pick that perfect week. Overall this season I’m 21-15 heading into Week 13.
I will kick myself if I don’t make a few comments on the quarterback situation in Denver. Since April, when the Broncos selected Jay Cutler with the 11th overall pick, the media has been clamoring for him to become the starting quarterback. They wrote Jake Plummer off the minute the Commissioner announced the pick. Well, I have to agree. I jumped off “The Snake’s” bandwagon a long time ago, especially after his performance in last year’s AFC Championship game. The move to Cutler needed to be made. Granted, it needed to be made before the season started, but it’s better late than never. The Broncos offense has been stagnant in all but two games this season. A contingency of Jake backers have been saying that the defense hasn’t been playing up to par lately and that they were the cause of the back-to-back losses. The defense has only allowed more than 20 points on two occasions this season (Indianapolis and San Diego) and, in both cases, had the offense made a play or two, they could have won the game. Don’t blame the defense. The offense needs to be more consistent and more dynamic. I strongly believe that Cutler can easily be the spark the team needs as they fight for a playoff spot.
Denver over Seattle: Well, I guess it’s only fitting that after defending the move to swap Cutler for Plummer that I pick Denver. I really think that the Broncos can win at home. Cutler will struggle early on as he fights rookie jitters, but I fully expect him to regain his composure and lead the team to victory.
Dallas over New York: This should be a whale of a game. Despite the fact that the Giants have struggled of late, I think they play well on Sunday. This game is HUGE, and should pretty much decide who wins the NFC East. Dallas has been playing great and Tony Romo looks very, very good. I think Dallas will escape with a win. Oh, by the way, did you see the comments some of the Giants players have been making this week? That never bodes well the week leading up to the biggest game of the year.
Miami over Jacksonville: Look out for the Dolphins. Over the past four weeks, they’ve been one of the NFL’s toughest teams. Take away that horrendous start and the Dolphins would be in the postseason hunt right now. With a win Sunday, they could get to six with four games remaining. If they stay hot and win three of the last four, they’ll be right in the thick of it. An AFC team will realistically need 10 wins to get into the playoffs this year, but Miami could make it interesting.
Have a good week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
It’s heeeerrrrreeee!
Well it’s about time. The much ballyhooed release of Microsoft Vista is finally here. The software giant launched the business version of the new operating system this week; the consumer version is not due out until late January 2007. There are quite a few things in this new operating system that people will need to learn. Video Professor will launch its tutorials for the operating system following the consumer release. The new operating system has some tremendous upgrades, including enhanced security. According to Microsoft, the operating system is the most secure product on the market. Check back on our web site, www.videoprofessor.com, for more information about Vista closer to the launch of our tutorials.
Read More >
The grass is greener, and real
Kids: Get outside and play. According to a recent study, parents think their kids are spending too much time online. I agree. There are so many great things people can discover on the Internet. Video Professor knows this, and that’s why one of our most popular software tutorials is “Learn the Internet.” But, kids need to discover the world around them. It’s so much better to play in real, green grass rather than run through a virtual garden.
Read More >
First down!
It’s amazing how sometimes things that seem fairly simple are actually very complex. I came across this article regarding how TV broadcasts show the first down marker at a football game. You know the yellow line that goes across your screen that shows where the offense needs to go? I had no idea it was this complicated.
Read More >
Off topic:
Roy-nderful!
I wanted to extend belated congratulations to Patrick Roy for his recent induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. I’ve been in Denver for quite some time, and I have to admit that Roy’s impact on the sports scene around these parts was almost as great as John Elway’s. Okay, before all you die-hard Broncos fans start e-mailing me, I fully know what Elway means to this city. What I’m saying is that the impact Roy made on Denver and the NHL is just as great. The Quebec Nordiques moved to Denver prior to the 1995-96 season, and, before their arrival, they were a good team that hadn’t reached the next level. Midway through the team’s first season in Denver the Avs traded for Roy, and he became the catalyst that propelled them to their first Stanley Cup—and Denver’s first major sports championship. Without Roy between the pipes, there is no way the Avs would have won the Stanley Cup that season, not to mention the second cup they won in 2000-01. Roy is one of those rare, transcendent athletes who shape the landscape of the sport in which they play. Similar to the impact Michael Jordan made on the NBA, Babe Ruth made on Major League Baseball and Joe Montana made on the NFL, Patrick Roy changed the way professional hockey is played. Congratulations, Patrick!
Picks o’ the week!
I’m starting to become a broken record. I finished 2-1 again last week. I just can’t seem to get over the hump and pick that perfect week. Overall this season I’m 21-15 heading into Week 13.
I will kick myself if I don’t make a few comments on the quarterback situation in Denver. Since April, when the Broncos selected Jay Cutler with the 11th overall pick, the media has been clamoring for him to become the starting quarterback. They wrote Jake Plummer off the minute the Commissioner announced the pick. Well, I have to agree. I jumped off “The Snake’s” bandwagon a long time ago, especially after his performance in last year’s AFC Championship game. The move to Cutler needed to be made. Granted, it needed to be made before the season started, but it’s better late than never. The Broncos offense has been stagnant in all but two games this season. A contingency of Jake backers have been saying that the defense hasn’t been playing up to par lately and that they were the cause of the back-to-back losses. The defense has only allowed more than 20 points on two occasions this season (Indianapolis and San Diego) and, in both cases, had the offense made a play or two, they could have won the game. Don’t blame the defense. The offense needs to be more consistent and more dynamic. I strongly believe that Cutler can easily be the spark the team needs as they fight for a playoff spot.
Denver over Seattle: Well, I guess it’s only fitting that after defending the move to swap Cutler for Plummer that I pick Denver. I really think that the Broncos can win at home. Cutler will struggle early on as he fights rookie jitters, but I fully expect him to regain his composure and lead the team to victory.
Dallas over New York: This should be a whale of a game. Despite the fact that the Giants have struggled of late, I think they play well on Sunday. This game is HUGE, and should pretty much decide who wins the NFC East. Dallas has been playing great and Tony Romo looks very, very good. I think Dallas will escape with a win. Oh, by the way, did you see the comments some of the Giants players have been making this week? That never bodes well the week leading up to the biggest game of the year.
Miami over Jacksonville: Look out for the Dolphins. Over the past four weeks, they’ve been one of the NFL’s toughest teams. Take away that horrendous start and the Dolphins would be in the postseason hunt right now. With a win Sunday, they could get to six with four games remaining. If they stay hot and win three of the last four, they’ll be right in the thick of it. An AFC team will realistically need 10 wins to get into the playoffs this year, but Miami could make it interesting.
Have a good week!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Nov. 22, 2006
Technology and Turkey!
Because of the Thanksgiving Holiday, I’m posting my blog a little early this week. I know you all eagerly anticipate my stellar NFL picks each week, thus I wanted to make sure I got them posted before the pigskins fly on Thursday morning. But with an early posting, there hasn’t been too much new technology news to discuss.
New software helps parents monitor their children online
For some time, I have been very active trying to help people protect themselves from dangers lurking on the Internet. Video Professor offers a number of tutorials that teach people how to keep their computers safe. And with this blog, I would like to point people to other useful software. Webroot recently released new software that will help parents monitor their children’s online usage. ChildSafe, available for about $40, lets parents screen the sites their kids visit and also get a detailed activity report of use. The biggest thing parents can do to keep their kids safe is to make sure they stay one step ahead of them.
Read More >
The new Office 2007
It seems like nary a week goes by that we don’t see big press regarding Microsoft’s pending launch of Vista. This week is no different. With the launch of Vista, Microsoft is also revamping its complete Office suite. The article below gives a pretty comprehensive overview of the new Office products. If you are having trouble with the new Office products after you upgrade, make sure you visit Video Professor’s web site. Our new tutorials on Office 2007 will be out in February.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
I’m not an “I told you so” guy, but how about those Cowboys? Ok, I know I’m not the only one in the world to make that prediction. We all knew it was only a matter of time before the Colts lost. How good is Tony Romo? He’s one botched field goal attempt away from being 4-0 as a starter. Not bad. He’s breathed life back into the Cowboys, and with the New York loss to Jacksonville, Dallas finds themselves tied for first place in the NFC East.
Here is the real reason I’m not an “I told you so” guy. If I’m going to talk about games I accurately predicted, I also have to talk about my misses. I was completely wrong about San Diego. I figured that with Denver’s defense and the home field advantage, the Broncos would certainly win last week. They have dominated the Chargers at home in recent years and I thought the trend would continue this year. I was wrong. LaDainian Tomlinson sparked the Chargers with four touchdowns and took control of the AFC West. I can’t remember seeing an individual performance from a running back since, well, the week before when Tomlinson scored four touchdowns against Cincinnati. Are you kidding me? He scored eight touchdowns in two weeks? I don’t think anyone can argue that there is a better player in the league right now. Wow!
One more note: Other than the Denver at Kansas City game, this year’s Thanksgiving slate of games is pretty bad. Miami at Detroit? Tampa Bay at Dallas? Ugh! After having to sit through those dogs, at least the NFL will give us something decent to watch in primetime.
After finishing 2-1 last week, I’ve now run my record to 19-14 moving into Week 12. Here are my thoughts.
San Francisco over St. Louis: Mike Nolan has the 49ers playing very well. And, who would have thought that a chronically injured running back, Frank Gore, would be able to make such a powerful impact? San Francisco will pick up an important road win and will continue to be in the hunt for the NFC West crown.
New England over Chicago: The Bears have earned two tough road wins the last two weeks, but that string comes to an end Sunday. The Patriots put together their most complete effort of the season last week (granted it was against Green Bay) and that momentum will carry over at home this week.
Baltimore over Pittsburgh: The Steelers definitely aren’t the same team they were last season, but they will show some life this week. They are battling one of their most bitter rivals. Unfortunately, they don’t have what it takes to get the win. Baltimore will be too tough, especially at home. With all the attention being put on the Colts and the Chargers, the Ravens are just flying under the radar in the AFC. This will be a blessing for them once the playoffs start.
Happy Thanksgiving!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Because of the Thanksgiving Holiday, I’m posting my blog a little early this week. I know you all eagerly anticipate my stellar NFL picks each week, thus I wanted to make sure I got them posted before the pigskins fly on Thursday morning. But with an early posting, there hasn’t been too much new technology news to discuss.
New software helps parents monitor their children online
For some time, I have been very active trying to help people protect themselves from dangers lurking on the Internet. Video Professor offers a number of tutorials that teach people how to keep their computers safe. And with this blog, I would like to point people to other useful software. Webroot recently released new software that will help parents monitor their children’s online usage. ChildSafe, available for about $40, lets parents screen the sites their kids visit and also get a detailed activity report of use. The biggest thing parents can do to keep their kids safe is to make sure they stay one step ahead of them.
Read More >
The new Office 2007
It seems like nary a week goes by that we don’t see big press regarding Microsoft’s pending launch of Vista. This week is no different. With the launch of Vista, Microsoft is also revamping its complete Office suite. The article below gives a pretty comprehensive overview of the new Office products. If you are having trouble with the new Office products after you upgrade, make sure you visit Video Professor’s web site. Our new tutorials on Office 2007 will be out in February.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
I’m not an “I told you so” guy, but how about those Cowboys? Ok, I know I’m not the only one in the world to make that prediction. We all knew it was only a matter of time before the Colts lost. How good is Tony Romo? He’s one botched field goal attempt away from being 4-0 as a starter. Not bad. He’s breathed life back into the Cowboys, and with the New York loss to Jacksonville, Dallas finds themselves tied for first place in the NFC East.
Here is the real reason I’m not an “I told you so” guy. If I’m going to talk about games I accurately predicted, I also have to talk about my misses. I was completely wrong about San Diego. I figured that with Denver’s defense and the home field advantage, the Broncos would certainly win last week. They have dominated the Chargers at home in recent years and I thought the trend would continue this year. I was wrong. LaDainian Tomlinson sparked the Chargers with four touchdowns and took control of the AFC West. I can’t remember seeing an individual performance from a running back since, well, the week before when Tomlinson scored four touchdowns against Cincinnati. Are you kidding me? He scored eight touchdowns in two weeks? I don’t think anyone can argue that there is a better player in the league right now. Wow!
One more note: Other than the Denver at Kansas City game, this year’s Thanksgiving slate of games is pretty bad. Miami at Detroit? Tampa Bay at Dallas? Ugh! After having to sit through those dogs, at least the NFL will give us something decent to watch in primetime.
After finishing 2-1 last week, I’ve now run my record to 19-14 moving into Week 12. Here are my thoughts.
San Francisco over St. Louis: Mike Nolan has the 49ers playing very well. And, who would have thought that a chronically injured running back, Frank Gore, would be able to make such a powerful impact? San Francisco will pick up an important road win and will continue to be in the hunt for the NFC West crown.
New England over Chicago: The Bears have earned two tough road wins the last two weeks, but that string comes to an end Sunday. The Patriots put together their most complete effort of the season last week (granted it was against Green Bay) and that momentum will carry over at home this week.
Baltimore over Pittsburgh: The Steelers definitely aren’t the same team they were last season, but they will show some life this week. They are battling one of their most bitter rivals. Unfortunately, they don’t have what it takes to get the win. Baltimore will be too tough, especially at home. With all the attention being put on the Colts and the Chargers, the Ravens are just flying under the radar in the AFC. This will be a blessing for them once the playoffs start.
Happy Thanksgiving!
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, November 17, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Nov. 17, 2006
Let’s talk technology!
Do you Zune?
Should Apple be worried? Is Zune going to be hotter than Elmo TMX this Holiday Season? Who knows? It’s been a long time coming, but Microsoft finally stepped up to the plate and is trying to challenge their rival. Microsoft launched its own MP3 player this week in hopes of taking a significant chunk out of the iPod’s market penetration. Unless Microsoft comes up with a way to market Zune as the hottest product on the market, like Apple did a few years back, they won’t even make a dent. I guess Video Professor needs to offer a learning lesson on managing your music files and give suggestions on what MP3 players will give you the best value.
Read More >
A tough road ahead
I’m all for competition in the business world, but I really think Zune is going to have a tough go of it. The iPod has such a head start that it is going to be nearly impossible for Microsoft to catch up — especially if Apple keeps making deals so that the iPod can penetrate every aspect of our lives. This week, company officials announced a deal with six airlines that will allow travelers to connect their video iPods to monitors and watch their videos and movies in the comfort (or lack thereof) of their seats. What’s next, hook ups in our showers?
Read More >
New Windows Updates
Here is another public service announcement from your friends at Video Professor. Our computer tutorials have been teaching people how to protect their computers for years. We can teach you all the tricks, but if you don’t keep your software up-to-date, you’ll still be in trouble. Microsoft released some security patches this week, so if you haven’t done so already, you’d better download them.
Read More >
And, if you are ever looking for more information about computer safety, or any computer-related topic really, our web site, www.videoprofessor.com, has a robust resource library with hundreds of great articles containing plenty of info. Click here to check out the library.
Off topic:
The new Evil Empire
I remember the days long ago when it was fun to bash the New York Yankees for overspending to build their roster. My, how the past two years have flown by. Steinbrenner would spend millions of dollars more than other owners to build his championship team. The only problem is that the boys in pinstripes haven’t won a World Series title since 2000. It used to be so much fun to laugh at the Yankees; it was fun until last week when the boys from “Chowder Nation” did the same thing. There is a young pitcher in Japan, Daisuke Matsuzaka, who has the potential to become the next Cy Young. He has nasty stuff, great control, more than 1,300 strikeouts, a career ERA of less than three and he’s only 26. Don’t get me wrong, Matsuzaka is a phenomenal talent, but nobody can accurately predict how he will pitch in the Majors. Red Sox management is so enamored with this young stud that they paid $51 million to the Seibu Lions simply for the rights to negotiate a contract with Matsuzaka. The Sox could conceivably come to a deal with the pitcher for say $15 million a year over the next three years. That is a pretty common salary for a top pitcher. If that happens, they will have close to $100 million invested in a guy that has yet to prove himself against top AL hitters like Derek Jeter, Jermaine Dye, Alex Rodriguez and Joe Mauer. I’m not completely ready to stop laughing at the boys in pinstripes, but it’s getting harder and harder for me to respect other teams that do the same thing. That is, unless this whole stunt was just a ploy to prevent the Yankees from buying another top talent. Hmmmmmm.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
I bounced back! After a couple of 1-2 weeks, I’m back to my winning ways. Granted, I wasn’t perfect last week, but I’ll take 2-1. Thanks, Kansas City. The NFL is wonderful. I should have lost two games last week, but thanks to a second half meltdown by the Bengals, I was able to pull out a win. San Diego scored 42 points in the second half to win a thriller in “the Nati.” What is this bizarre NFL world we are living in? A Marty Schottenheimer-coached team is capable of posting 49 points on the road while Mike Shanahan, an offensive genius, can only get his team to score 17 against the pathetic Raiders? Funny I mention the “Bolts” and Broncos. They play under the lights Sunday night, and I think this game should be the game of the week. I’ll give you my prediction later.
A quick note on New England: I gave you a reprieve after losing at home to Indianapolis. That can be forgiven. I still thought you were a legitimate contender. But after that stunt you pulled Sunday at home against the Jets, I’m getting ready to write you off. Three home losses in your first nine games is unacceptable.
Now that I have that out of my system, let’s move onto my picks. I’m 17-13 heading into Week 11.
Denver over San Diego: Did I mention that this has the makings of a great game? I know Denver’s offense struggled last week against Oakland, while San Diego posted 49 on the road. Denver is at home, however, and they are a different beast. Plus, here are a couple of compelling stats I saw this week that prove the Chargers struggle in the Mile High City: 1) LaDainian Tomlinson, arguably the best running back in the NFL, averages only 52.8 yards a game in Denver. 2) The Chargers have lost six straight in Denver and since 1987 are a measly 2-17 against the Broncos in Denver. Ouch!
Baltimore over Atlanta: The Ravens scare me. They are quietly becoming a force in the AFC. Their defense is playing very well, conjuring up images of 2000. But what surprises me is that the offense is starting to click. They have pretty much flown under the radar recently, with all the publicity going to Indy, Denver and New England. But, this team is 7-2, and if they take care of business Sunday, they’ll have a share of the second-best record in the AFC.
Dallas over Indianapolis: Yes, you read that correctly. The Cowboys, despite being the most dysfunctional family in the entire NFL, will beat the Colts at home. I have no rational thoughts to back up this prediction. Call it a gut feeling. The way the NFL has played out this season, a Cowboys win certainly wouldn’t shock me.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Do you Zune?
Should Apple be worried? Is Zune going to be hotter than Elmo TMX this Holiday Season? Who knows? It’s been a long time coming, but Microsoft finally stepped up to the plate and is trying to challenge their rival. Microsoft launched its own MP3 player this week in hopes of taking a significant chunk out of the iPod’s market penetration. Unless Microsoft comes up with a way to market Zune as the hottest product on the market, like Apple did a few years back, they won’t even make a dent. I guess Video Professor needs to offer a learning lesson on managing your music files and give suggestions on what MP3 players will give you the best value.
Read More >
A tough road ahead
I’m all for competition in the business world, but I really think Zune is going to have a tough go of it. The iPod has such a head start that it is going to be nearly impossible for Microsoft to catch up — especially if Apple keeps making deals so that the iPod can penetrate every aspect of our lives. This week, company officials announced a deal with six airlines that will allow travelers to connect their video iPods to monitors and watch their videos and movies in the comfort (or lack thereof) of their seats. What’s next, hook ups in our showers?
Read More >
New Windows Updates
Here is another public service announcement from your friends at Video Professor. Our computer tutorials have been teaching people how to protect their computers for years. We can teach you all the tricks, but if you don’t keep your software up-to-date, you’ll still be in trouble. Microsoft released some security patches this week, so if you haven’t done so already, you’d better download them.
Read More >
And, if you are ever looking for more information about computer safety, or any computer-related topic really, our web site, www.videoprofessor.com, has a robust resource library with hundreds of great articles containing plenty of info. Click here to check out the library.
Off topic:
The new Evil Empire
I remember the days long ago when it was fun to bash the New York Yankees for overspending to build their roster. My, how the past two years have flown by. Steinbrenner would spend millions of dollars more than other owners to build his championship team. The only problem is that the boys in pinstripes haven’t won a World Series title since 2000. It used to be so much fun to laugh at the Yankees; it was fun until last week when the boys from “Chowder Nation” did the same thing. There is a young pitcher in Japan, Daisuke Matsuzaka, who has the potential to become the next Cy Young. He has nasty stuff, great control, more than 1,300 strikeouts, a career ERA of less than three and he’s only 26. Don’t get me wrong, Matsuzaka is a phenomenal talent, but nobody can accurately predict how he will pitch in the Majors. Red Sox management is so enamored with this young stud that they paid $51 million to the Seibu Lions simply for the rights to negotiate a contract with Matsuzaka. The Sox could conceivably come to a deal with the pitcher for say $15 million a year over the next three years. That is a pretty common salary for a top pitcher. If that happens, they will have close to $100 million invested in a guy that has yet to prove himself against top AL hitters like Derek Jeter, Jermaine Dye, Alex Rodriguez and Joe Mauer. I’m not completely ready to stop laughing at the boys in pinstripes, but it’s getting harder and harder for me to respect other teams that do the same thing. That is, unless this whole stunt was just a ploy to prevent the Yankees from buying another top talent. Hmmmmmm.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
I bounced back! After a couple of 1-2 weeks, I’m back to my winning ways. Granted, I wasn’t perfect last week, but I’ll take 2-1. Thanks, Kansas City. The NFL is wonderful. I should have lost two games last week, but thanks to a second half meltdown by the Bengals, I was able to pull out a win. San Diego scored 42 points in the second half to win a thriller in “the Nati.” What is this bizarre NFL world we are living in? A Marty Schottenheimer-coached team is capable of posting 49 points on the road while Mike Shanahan, an offensive genius, can only get his team to score 17 against the pathetic Raiders? Funny I mention the “Bolts” and Broncos. They play under the lights Sunday night, and I think this game should be the game of the week. I’ll give you my prediction later.
A quick note on New England: I gave you a reprieve after losing at home to Indianapolis. That can be forgiven. I still thought you were a legitimate contender. But after that stunt you pulled Sunday at home against the Jets, I’m getting ready to write you off. Three home losses in your first nine games is unacceptable.
Now that I have that out of my system, let’s move onto my picks. I’m 17-13 heading into Week 11.
Denver over San Diego: Did I mention that this has the makings of a great game? I know Denver’s offense struggled last week against Oakland, while San Diego posted 49 on the road. Denver is at home, however, and they are a different beast. Plus, here are a couple of compelling stats I saw this week that prove the Chargers struggle in the Mile High City: 1) LaDainian Tomlinson, arguably the best running back in the NFL, averages only 52.8 yards a game in Denver. 2) The Chargers have lost six straight in Denver and since 1987 are a measly 2-17 against the Broncos in Denver. Ouch!
Baltimore over Atlanta: The Ravens scare me. They are quietly becoming a force in the AFC. Their defense is playing very well, conjuring up images of 2000. But what surprises me is that the offense is starting to click. They have pretty much flown under the radar recently, with all the publicity going to Indy, Denver and New England. But, this team is 7-2, and if they take care of business Sunday, they’ll have a share of the second-best record in the AFC.
Dallas over Indianapolis: Yes, you read that correctly. The Cowboys, despite being the most dysfunctional family in the entire NFL, will beat the Colts at home. I have no rational thoughts to back up this prediction. Call it a gut feeling. The way the NFL has played out this season, a Cowboys win certainly wouldn’t shock me.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, November 10, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Nov. 10, 2006
Talking Tech!
No e-mail for you
I thought teenagers were the target market for e-mailing, but apparently not. According to a new survey, teens between the ages of 13 and 17 are less likely to communicate via e-mail. After thinking about it, I guess it makes sense. We are moving into a world of instant gratification, and I guess kids don’t want to wait for e-mails. Instead, instant messaging is the way to go. Most teens prefer to communicate using AOL Instant Messaging or MSN Messenger services. Plus, with social networking taking over the Internet, kids simply must prefer MySpace to e-mail.
Read More >
Cleaning up your Web reputation
Are you a little worried about information about you that lives on the Internet? Are you searching for a new job and a little worried that your potential employer will see some embarrassing photos from spring break your junior year of college? Well if you have a Web rep that you’re a little ashamed of, you may be in luck. A new company, ReputationDefender, can help rid the Net of your past. They can contact server hosts and ask them to remove certain information that you may regret now.
Read More >
Vista is near
After much speculation as to the launch date of Microsoft’s much anticipated new operating system, company officials announced this week that they will begin selling Vista to customers on Jan. 30, 2007.
Read More >
Search by sight
This is a pretty cool search engine. For me, there have been countless times that I’ve seen a product but didn’t know the name and just couldn’t find it. By using a new search engine, Like.com, you can search for something using a photo. Pop the photo in and let the Web find your match.
Read More >
Beware of your BlackBerry
I’ll stick with a pen and paper. That’s a joke, but you will get my point. I’m a business owner, Video Professor, and some of my employees are jumping on the PDA bandwagon. Am I going to have to pay higher medical insurance premiums because constant PDA use is causing arthritis? I’ve been saying it for years: the more that technology betters our lives, the more it can hurt.
Read More >
Off Topic:
There is a pro for everything
Are professional video gamers really necessary? What’s more surprising, that there are actually professional video gamers or the fact that the top pros can pull down a low six-figure salary? A high-school dropout at the age of 16 is now a top video game pro at 19 and pulling down a great salary. But according to the lad, it’s not all fun and games. My recommendation to teens, don’t take this route. Stay in school and cherish your education.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
I have this picks thing figured out. That’s for sure. In the past two weeks, I’m 2-4 after only picking one game correctly last week. I guess this is what the powers-that-be wanted in the NFL. There is so much parity right now. The team that really stands above and beyond anyone else is Indianapolis. Peyton and company are playing so well right now. That was an absolutely huge win for the Colts last Sunday in New England. Granted, Tom Brady did the Patriots no favors by throwing four interceptions, but give the Colts a ton of credit. Give them credit until the playoffs roll round. We’ll see if they can avoid another January swoon. As we move into Week 10, I’m at 15-12 overall. Let’s see if I can rediscover my winning ways.
San Diego over Cincinnati: San Diego is surging, and that’s pretty easy to do when your running back scores six touchdowns in two weeks. How good is LaDainian Tomlinson? There is certainly no back in the NFL that I would rather have on my team. To keep pace with Denver, who plays the lowly Raiders at Oakland on Sunday, San Diego needs to take care of business on the road. Plus, Cincinnati is one Chad Johnson eruption from finally imploding.
Philadelphia over Washington: I just can’t figure out this Washington team, and neither can anyone else. One week they won’t be able to do anything, and the next they pull out an improbable win. Did you see what they pulled off last week against Dallas? That was a gut wrencher for the ‘boys. I think Philly at home is just too tough for a very inconsistent team to handle.
Kansas City over Miami: Was that shocking upset win a sign of good things to come from the Dolphins? I don’t think so. Despite pulling off a huge upset last week at Chicago, the ‘fins are still chock-full of problems including, among other things, at quarterback. Speaking of QB, Herm Edwards certainly has a conundrum on his hands. He lost Trent Greene but said that a player would not lose his starting job due to an injury. With the way Damon Huard has been playing in relief, however, it’ll be hard to pull him out of the lineup.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
No e-mail for you
I thought teenagers were the target market for e-mailing, but apparently not. According to a new survey, teens between the ages of 13 and 17 are less likely to communicate via e-mail. After thinking about it, I guess it makes sense. We are moving into a world of instant gratification, and I guess kids don’t want to wait for e-mails. Instead, instant messaging is the way to go. Most teens prefer to communicate using AOL Instant Messaging or MSN Messenger services. Plus, with social networking taking over the Internet, kids simply must prefer MySpace to e-mail.
Read More >
Cleaning up your Web reputation
Are you a little worried about information about you that lives on the Internet? Are you searching for a new job and a little worried that your potential employer will see some embarrassing photos from spring break your junior year of college? Well if you have a Web rep that you’re a little ashamed of, you may be in luck. A new company, ReputationDefender, can help rid the Net of your past. They can contact server hosts and ask them to remove certain information that you may regret now.
Read More >
Vista is near
After much speculation as to the launch date of Microsoft’s much anticipated new operating system, company officials announced this week that they will begin selling Vista to customers on Jan. 30, 2007.
Read More >
Search by sight
This is a pretty cool search engine. For me, there have been countless times that I’ve seen a product but didn’t know the name and just couldn’t find it. By using a new search engine, Like.com, you can search for something using a photo. Pop the photo in and let the Web find your match.
Read More >
Beware of your BlackBerry
I’ll stick with a pen and paper. That’s a joke, but you will get my point. I’m a business owner, Video Professor, and some of my employees are jumping on the PDA bandwagon. Am I going to have to pay higher medical insurance premiums because constant PDA use is causing arthritis? I’ve been saying it for years: the more that technology betters our lives, the more it can hurt.
Read More >
Off Topic:
There is a pro for everything
Are professional video gamers really necessary? What’s more surprising, that there are actually professional video gamers or the fact that the top pros can pull down a low six-figure salary? A high-school dropout at the age of 16 is now a top video game pro at 19 and pulling down a great salary. But according to the lad, it’s not all fun and games. My recommendation to teens, don’t take this route. Stay in school and cherish your education.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
I have this picks thing figured out. That’s for sure. In the past two weeks, I’m 2-4 after only picking one game correctly last week. I guess this is what the powers-that-be wanted in the NFL. There is so much parity right now. The team that really stands above and beyond anyone else is Indianapolis. Peyton and company are playing so well right now. That was an absolutely huge win for the Colts last Sunday in New England. Granted, Tom Brady did the Patriots no favors by throwing four interceptions, but give the Colts a ton of credit. Give them credit until the playoffs roll round. We’ll see if they can avoid another January swoon. As we move into Week 10, I’m at 15-12 overall. Let’s see if I can rediscover my winning ways.
San Diego over Cincinnati: San Diego is surging, and that’s pretty easy to do when your running back scores six touchdowns in two weeks. How good is LaDainian Tomlinson? There is certainly no back in the NFL that I would rather have on my team. To keep pace with Denver, who plays the lowly Raiders at Oakland on Sunday, San Diego needs to take care of business on the road. Plus, Cincinnati is one Chad Johnson eruption from finally imploding.
Philadelphia over Washington: I just can’t figure out this Washington team, and neither can anyone else. One week they won’t be able to do anything, and the next they pull out an improbable win. Did you see what they pulled off last week against Dallas? That was a gut wrencher for the ‘boys. I think Philly at home is just too tough for a very inconsistent team to handle.
Kansas City over Miami: Was that shocking upset win a sign of good things to come from the Dolphins? I don’t think so. Despite pulling off a huge upset last week at Chicago, the ‘fins are still chock-full of problems including, among other things, at quarterback. Speaking of QB, Herm Edwards certainly has a conundrum on his hands. He lost Trent Greene but said that a player would not lose his starting job due to an injury. With the way Damon Huard has been playing in relief, however, it’ll be hard to pull him out of the lineup.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, November 03, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Nov. 3, 2006
Technology Tell All!
Video Professor’s production team earns honors
Before we get into talking about some technology, I want to congratulate Video Professor’s long-time Director of Production Chip Hopkins, and his entire staff, for once again earning prestigious Aurora Award recognition. For their work on the Video Professor’s “Learn How to Buy and Sell on eBay®” tutorial, the team won the Platinum Best of Show Award in the Technology/Computer Training category. In addition, lessons from the “Learn Wireless Networking,” “Learn the Internet with the AOL Service,” and “Learn How to Buy and Sell on eBay” tutorials earned Gold Awards in the same category. I am extremely proud of Chip and his team. The quality tutorials they have been producing for nearly 20 years are the best in the market, and it is wonderful to know that they are being recognized for all their hard work.
Has air safety really improved?
Apparently not. It is pretty scary what can be accomplished with a computer and an Internet connection these days. A graduate student at Indiana University developed a web site that allows people to print fake boarding passes, allowing travelers to circumvent the government’s no-fly list. Now before we call the authorities to have this guy arrested, know that he created the site to prove to the powers-that-be how easy it really is to pull one over on the TSA. Since 911 the TSA has been preaching to us about how much safety on airlines has improved. Has is really? We need some competent folks in there making sure they stay one step ahead of the terrorists.
Read More >
Too much information
It’s a darn good thing that Video Professor has a tutorial teaching people to “Learn the Internet.” According to Netcraft, a company that watches the web, there are more than 100 million web sites. Netcraft has been monitoring the web since August 1995, and they said that only 18,000 web sites existed back then. The 50 million mark was surpassed in May 2004 and, in only a little more than two years, that number has doubled.
Read More >
Uh, I need to take that back…
I bet Mark Foley wishes he would have used this product. The United States Representative from Florida certainly could have avoided his troubles if he would have used software to erase his online past. That or he could have not sent inappropriate messages in the first place. But anyway, there is new technology that allows people to erase the private e-mails they wish they never would have sent. Check out this review of VaporStream’s new product.
Read More >
Off topic:
Earning their keep
One problem that has plagued Major League Baseball in recent years, other than steroids, is that a growing number of fans cannot buy into the fact that pampered players are breaking the bank and not earning their keep. Does Alex Rodriguez truly earn every penny of the $252 million contract he signed? Well, if you’ve ever wanted to figure out mathematically if a player deserves his millions, go to the web site created by Information Builders Inc. They have developed a site that allows fans to analyze a player’s statistics in conjunction with their salary to see if they are worth the money.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
Up and down, up and down. The minute that I start thinking I’ve figured out how to pick the winners in the NFL, I get popped the next week. Last week, thanks to Minnesota imploding at home and Baltimore’s defense taking control, I finished the week 1-2. The only thing that saved me was an absolutely incredible passing effort put in by Peyton Manning and the Colts against the Broncos. I guess Denver’s vaunted defense has a little more work to do before it can be compared to the 1985 Chicago Bears or the 2000 Baltimore Ravens. Coming into the game, Denver’s defense was allowing less than eight points a game, but Peyton and company had no trouble racking up 34 points. So, heading into Week 9, I’m at 14-10 overall.
New England over Indianapolis: This has the makings of the game of the week. Arguably the two superior teams in the AFC are gearing up for a mid-season clash in Foxboro. Both teams are coming off impressive wins last weekend, and this game could be huge in determining home-field advantage at the end of the year. The Patriots have owned the Colts in recent years, and I foresee more of that same dominance this weekend.
Denver over Pittsburgh: What was Steelers coach Bill Cowher thinking last week? With Big Ben coming off a concussion and still dealing with a myriad of other ailments, he still played against a pathetic Oakland team. Still feeling the effects, Ben threw four interceptions and Pittsburgh was handed an embarrassing loss. Well, I see more of the same for the defending Super Bowl Champions this week. Even though they are at home, Denver will eek out a tough win and the Steelers will be left to lick the wounds of a 2-6 start.
Dallas over Washington: I know this rivalry isn’t what it used to be, but it’s still pretty good. Washington, however, is not. I do not think they have what it takes to beat the Cowboys. It looks like Tony Romo was the answer for “America’s Team” last week and it seems that he can keep Terrell Owens in check, at least for the time being. I think that Dallas will pick up an important division and road win.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Video Professor’s production team earns honors
Before we get into talking about some technology, I want to congratulate Video Professor’s long-time Director of Production Chip Hopkins, and his entire staff, for once again earning prestigious Aurora Award recognition. For their work on the Video Professor’s “Learn How to Buy and Sell on eBay®” tutorial, the team won the Platinum Best of Show Award in the Technology/Computer Training category. In addition, lessons from the “Learn Wireless Networking,” “Learn the Internet with the AOL Service,” and “Learn How to Buy and Sell on eBay” tutorials earned Gold Awards in the same category. I am extremely proud of Chip and his team. The quality tutorials they have been producing for nearly 20 years are the best in the market, and it is wonderful to know that they are being recognized for all their hard work.
Has air safety really improved?
Apparently not. It is pretty scary what can be accomplished with a computer and an Internet connection these days. A graduate student at Indiana University developed a web site that allows people to print fake boarding passes, allowing travelers to circumvent the government’s no-fly list. Now before we call the authorities to have this guy arrested, know that he created the site to prove to the powers-that-be how easy it really is to pull one over on the TSA. Since 911 the TSA has been preaching to us about how much safety on airlines has improved. Has is really? We need some competent folks in there making sure they stay one step ahead of the terrorists.
Read More >
Too much information
It’s a darn good thing that Video Professor has a tutorial teaching people to “Learn the Internet.” According to Netcraft, a company that watches the web, there are more than 100 million web sites. Netcraft has been monitoring the web since August 1995, and they said that only 18,000 web sites existed back then. The 50 million mark was surpassed in May 2004 and, in only a little more than two years, that number has doubled.
Read More >
Uh, I need to take that back…
I bet Mark Foley wishes he would have used this product. The United States Representative from Florida certainly could have avoided his troubles if he would have used software to erase his online past. That or he could have not sent inappropriate messages in the first place. But anyway, there is new technology that allows people to erase the private e-mails they wish they never would have sent. Check out this review of VaporStream’s new product.
Read More >
Off topic:
Earning their keep
One problem that has plagued Major League Baseball in recent years, other than steroids, is that a growing number of fans cannot buy into the fact that pampered players are breaking the bank and not earning their keep. Does Alex Rodriguez truly earn every penny of the $252 million contract he signed? Well, if you’ve ever wanted to figure out mathematically if a player deserves his millions, go to the web site created by Information Builders Inc. They have developed a site that allows fans to analyze a player’s statistics in conjunction with their salary to see if they are worth the money.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
Up and down, up and down. The minute that I start thinking I’ve figured out how to pick the winners in the NFL, I get popped the next week. Last week, thanks to Minnesota imploding at home and Baltimore’s defense taking control, I finished the week 1-2. The only thing that saved me was an absolutely incredible passing effort put in by Peyton Manning and the Colts against the Broncos. I guess Denver’s vaunted defense has a little more work to do before it can be compared to the 1985 Chicago Bears or the 2000 Baltimore Ravens. Coming into the game, Denver’s defense was allowing less than eight points a game, but Peyton and company had no trouble racking up 34 points. So, heading into Week 9, I’m at 14-10 overall.
New England over Indianapolis: This has the makings of the game of the week. Arguably the two superior teams in the AFC are gearing up for a mid-season clash in Foxboro. Both teams are coming off impressive wins last weekend, and this game could be huge in determining home-field advantage at the end of the year. The Patriots have owned the Colts in recent years, and I foresee more of that same dominance this weekend.
Denver over Pittsburgh: What was Steelers coach Bill Cowher thinking last week? With Big Ben coming off a concussion and still dealing with a myriad of other ailments, he still played against a pathetic Oakland team. Still feeling the effects, Ben threw four interceptions and Pittsburgh was handed an embarrassing loss. Well, I see more of the same for the defending Super Bowl Champions this week. Even though they are at home, Denver will eek out a tough win and the Steelers will be left to lick the wounds of a 2-6 start.
Dallas over Washington: I know this rivalry isn’t what it used to be, but it’s still pretty good. Washington, however, is not. I do not think they have what it takes to beat the Cowboys. It looks like Tony Romo was the answer for “America’s Team” last week and it seems that he can keep Terrell Owens in check, at least for the time being. I think that Dallas will pick up an important division and road win.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, October 27, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Oct. 27, 2006
Straight Tech Talk!
He hasn’t got mail…
Technology is not completely wasted on the President of the United States. According to a recent interview President Bush is a fan of Google, but is reluctant to use e-mail. He, like many, is cautious about the way e-mails can sometime spread. What he says on e-mail could easily be the next headline of the Washington Post. Maybe Video Professor should send the White House a copy of our “Learn Outlook” tutorial.
Read More >
Online video growing
It’s a good thing I started a company to teach people how to use their computers and didn’t start a TV manufacturing company. The tube’s days may be numbered. Ok that’s a little extreme, but who knows where technology will take us in the future. As online video sites such as www.YouTube.com continue to grow, people may eventually shift to online TV viewing rather than sitting in front of the plasma. In this on-demand world, why wait for your show to come on when you can download it at a moments notice?
Read More >
The next big thing
So you want to be discovered? Are you looking for your big break in the entertainment world? If you YouTube, you may be on your way. You just don’t know it yet. Apparently talent agencies are combing the popular video portals for the next big thing. Talented writers, directors and producers are getting noticed and the entertainment landscape is changing.
Read More >
Off topic:
Needless violence on the gridiron
Despicable. There really isn’t any other way to describe what happened last week at a peewee football game for five and six year olds. In case you didn’t hear about it, a father of one of the players got into an argument with the coach over playing time. Bad words turned into fisticuffs that led to the father pulling out his handgun. He pulled a weapon on somebody because he felt his kid wasn’t getting ample playing time? Where is our society heading? It’s nearly impossible to make it through a day without seeing a needless act of violence in the news. It’s ridiculous and it needs to stop. The kids just wanted to have a little fun on the gridiron, but now they are left with tragic memories.
Read More >
I am Dracula, and I bid you welcome . . .
With Halloween just a few days away, I was very disappointed to read this story. I love the creepy, crawlies. I love the things that go bump in the night. I love mummies and Frankenstein. And I really love vampires. A researcher at the University of Central Florida came up with a formula that debunked the vampire myth. Well even if bloodsuckers don’t roam our streets for real, I’ll still believe at least one night a year.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
After going “O-fer” a couple weeks back, I got back on track last week going 2-1. Overall this year, I’m not too bad, sitting at 13-8 going into Week 8. I have a couple comments about the week that was. First: Just when you think Jake “The Snake” was turning it around, the old Jake came out in the fourth quarter. Denver was in control of the game at 17-0 in the fourth and the defense looked poised for a road shutout. What does Jake do? He throws an interception resulting in the Browns gaining possession inside of Denver’s red zone. An easy drive later, and the lead has shrunk to 10 with a lot of time left to play. Denver shut Cleveland down after that, but Jake should never have put them in that position. Cincinnati got a must win over Carolina. Do you agree that Carson Palmer just doesn’t look right? Finally, I’m never trusting Arizona again. After that debacle on Monday night a couple weeks ago, they lose to the winless Raiders. Wow. Dennis Green, your days look to be numbered. Ok, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, let’s move on to my Week 8 picks:
New Orleans over Baltimore: How can you not root for this Saints team? Wow, talk about your surprises. This early-season success is giving that wonderful city and state a shot in the arm. Way to go Saints. Keep it rolling at home this Sunday. Baltimore still has a good defense, but their offense is offensive. Coach Billick will be calling the plays for the Ravens after sacking his O-coordinator before their bye week, but it won’t matter. Saints will roll.
Indianapolis over Denver: This has the makings as the NFL’s game of the week in my opinion. Denver’s defense has been unreal so far this season, but it has not faced an offense as powerful as the Colts. Denver’s only hope for victory is to limit Peyton and boys to fewer than 20 points. If this game becomes a shootout, Denver is in trouble. That troubled offense can’t keep up with the Indianapolis scoring machine.
Minnesota over New England: After what Minnesota did to Seattle last week, Monday night’s game just got a lot more interesting. This should be a great game. The Patriots always show up for big games and I think Minnesota is a very legitimate team this year. At the end of game, however, I think Minnesota at home will pull out a squeaker.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
He hasn’t got mail…
Technology is not completely wasted on the President of the United States. According to a recent interview President Bush is a fan of Google, but is reluctant to use e-mail. He, like many, is cautious about the way e-mails can sometime spread. What he says on e-mail could easily be the next headline of the Washington Post. Maybe Video Professor should send the White House a copy of our “Learn Outlook” tutorial.
Read More >
Online video growing
It’s a good thing I started a company to teach people how to use their computers and didn’t start a TV manufacturing company. The tube’s days may be numbered. Ok that’s a little extreme, but who knows where technology will take us in the future. As online video sites such as www.YouTube.com continue to grow, people may eventually shift to online TV viewing rather than sitting in front of the plasma. In this on-demand world, why wait for your show to come on when you can download it at a moments notice?
Read More >
The next big thing
So you want to be discovered? Are you looking for your big break in the entertainment world? If you YouTube, you may be on your way. You just don’t know it yet. Apparently talent agencies are combing the popular video portals for the next big thing. Talented writers, directors and producers are getting noticed and the entertainment landscape is changing.
Read More >
Off topic:
Needless violence on the gridiron
Despicable. There really isn’t any other way to describe what happened last week at a peewee football game for five and six year olds. In case you didn’t hear about it, a father of one of the players got into an argument with the coach over playing time. Bad words turned into fisticuffs that led to the father pulling out his handgun. He pulled a weapon on somebody because he felt his kid wasn’t getting ample playing time? Where is our society heading? It’s nearly impossible to make it through a day without seeing a needless act of violence in the news. It’s ridiculous and it needs to stop. The kids just wanted to have a little fun on the gridiron, but now they are left with tragic memories.
Read More >
I am Dracula, and I bid you welcome . . .
With Halloween just a few days away, I was very disappointed to read this story. I love the creepy, crawlies. I love the things that go bump in the night. I love mummies and Frankenstein. And I really love vampires. A researcher at the University of Central Florida came up with a formula that debunked the vampire myth. Well even if bloodsuckers don’t roam our streets for real, I’ll still believe at least one night a year.
Read More >
Picks o’ the week!
After going “O-fer” a couple weeks back, I got back on track last week going 2-1. Overall this year, I’m not too bad, sitting at 13-8 going into Week 8. I have a couple comments about the week that was. First: Just when you think Jake “The Snake” was turning it around, the old Jake came out in the fourth quarter. Denver was in control of the game at 17-0 in the fourth and the defense looked poised for a road shutout. What does Jake do? He throws an interception resulting in the Browns gaining possession inside of Denver’s red zone. An easy drive later, and the lead has shrunk to 10 with a lot of time left to play. Denver shut Cleveland down after that, but Jake should never have put them in that position. Cincinnati got a must win over Carolina. Do you agree that Carson Palmer just doesn’t look right? Finally, I’m never trusting Arizona again. After that debacle on Monday night a couple weeks ago, they lose to the winless Raiders. Wow. Dennis Green, your days look to be numbered. Ok, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, let’s move on to my Week 8 picks:
New Orleans over Baltimore: How can you not root for this Saints team? Wow, talk about your surprises. This early-season success is giving that wonderful city and state a shot in the arm. Way to go Saints. Keep it rolling at home this Sunday. Baltimore still has a good defense, but their offense is offensive. Coach Billick will be calling the plays for the Ravens after sacking his O-coordinator before their bye week, but it won’t matter. Saints will roll.
Indianapolis over Denver: This has the makings as the NFL’s game of the week in my opinion. Denver’s defense has been unreal so far this season, but it has not faced an offense as powerful as the Colts. Denver’s only hope for victory is to limit Peyton and boys to fewer than 20 points. If this game becomes a shootout, Denver is in trouble. That troubled offense can’t keep up with the Indianapolis scoring machine.
Minnesota over New England: After what Minnesota did to Seattle last week, Monday night’s game just got a lot more interesting. This should be a great game. The Patriots always show up for big games and I think Minnesota is a very legitimate team this year. At the end of game, however, I think Minnesota at home will pull out a squeaker.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Friday, October 20, 2006
John W. Scherer Video Professor Blog Oct. 20, 2006
Let’s talk some tech!
Internet Addicts
I could see this becoming a bigger problem than it is now. Are you an Internet addict? Heck, if you’re reading my blog, you just may be. Ha! There is so much information on the Web and not enough time to surf it all. Video Professor has been teaching folks for years how to use the Internet. Maybe we should slow down a bit? I’m joking. It’s a great tool to help us in life. But like anything else in life, moderation is the key.
Read More >
An iPod is born
There are quite a few stories on the Web trying to dissect the true origin of the iPod. Well, according to Wired, here is how the iPod came to be. Regardless of how it started, it has certainly revolutionized the music industry.
Read More >
The next big thing...
Speaking of Apple, according to analysts, they plan to roll out a new cell phone as early as next year. Could Apple possibly strike gold twice? I won’t put anything past Steve Jobs and his marketing gurus.
Read More >
Is the Vista near?
The beta 2 version has been out for a while and Microsoft is frantically fixing the bugs, but officials at the software giant say that Vista is still on schedule to ship on time. With that, Video Professor will be right behind the release with helpful tutorials breaking down the ins and outs of the new operating system.
Read More>
It’s about time
Microsoft made more news this week with its much-anticipated release of Internet Explorer 7. After many, many beta tests and many, many months of development, the browser is finally available. It has been five years since Microsoft last released a new browser, Internet Explorer 6, and some experts say that has led to a loss in market shares. Popular browsers, such as Mozilla’s Firefox, have slowly been nibbling at Microsoft’s customers. And speaking of Mozilla, the company released a new version of Firefox this week too.
Read More >
Off topic:
Immortalizing your fandom
I’m a big-time sports fan. I love to watch baseball, football, basketball and even hockey. I’m not sure, however, that I’m THIS big of a fan. A company called Eternal Image has cut a deal with Major League Baseball to sell urns and coffins so baseball fans can represent their team in the afterlife. In addition, they are trying to work similar deals with the NFL, NHL and even NASCAR.
Read More >
Traffic is going to get a lot worse
Wow, can you even grasp how big a number 300 million is? Seriously, what does that really mean? The US Census Bureau announced this week that the population in the United States has passed 300 million. I thought traffic was bad now.
Read More>
Picks o’ the week!
What a difference a week makes. I guess I was too confident and football karma went against me. After picking three correct two weeks ago, I was rewarded with a goose egg last week. Ouch! I was pretty confident with the games I picked last week, and I guess I can take solace in the fact that they were all close games. Seattle knocked off St. Louis on a last-second field goal, Carolina narrowly escaped Baltimore and the New York Giants pulled off the road upset. That’s how it goes from week to week in today’s NFL. There is so much parity in the league right now. That is evident by the fact that the Bears, who looked dominating in the first five weeks of the season, frankly got lucky against Arizona. In a game that Chicago should have won by 10 points, the Bears escaped with a 24-23 win. And, they didn’t even score an offensive touchdown. Weird things happen in this league. Well, going into Week 7, I’m 11-7 overall this year. Humbly, I give you my picks for this week.
Cincinnati over Carolina: Carolina has won four straight. Cincinnati appears to be reeling lately. This should be a pretty easy pick, right? That’s what makes the NFL great. I think Cincinnati will get back on track this week, especially at home. They have something to prove after last week’s embarrassing loss to winless Tampa.
Denver over Cleveland: I think this is a pretty easy game to pick. Denver is the better team and should win, despite their offensive woes of late. There is some great intrigue surrounding this game, however. Almost every week we see a situation that a player returns to play against his former employer. But in this game, the entire starting defensive line for Denver returns to Cleveland for the first time since they all played for the Browns. Do you think they’ll have a chip on their shoulders?
Arizona over Oakland: This is a dog of a game, but it’s certainly fun to talk about. Oakland is pathetic. There is nothing more to say. Arizona is in the same class. The second-half meltdown that Arizona suffered last week was legendary. How do they bounce back from that? In a normal situation, I’d say it’s impossible. But fortunately for the Cardinals, they get to play Oakland.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
Internet Addicts
I could see this becoming a bigger problem than it is now. Are you an Internet addict? Heck, if you’re reading my blog, you just may be. Ha! There is so much information on the Web and not enough time to surf it all. Video Professor has been teaching folks for years how to use the Internet. Maybe we should slow down a bit? I’m joking. It’s a great tool to help us in life. But like anything else in life, moderation is the key.
Read More >
An iPod is born
There are quite a few stories on the Web trying to dissect the true origin of the iPod. Well, according to Wired, here is how the iPod came to be. Regardless of how it started, it has certainly revolutionized the music industry.
Read More >
The next big thing...
Speaking of Apple, according to analysts, they plan to roll out a new cell phone as early as next year. Could Apple possibly strike gold twice? I won’t put anything past Steve Jobs and his marketing gurus.
Read More >
Is the Vista near?
The beta 2 version has been out for a while and Microsoft is frantically fixing the bugs, but officials at the software giant say that Vista is still on schedule to ship on time. With that, Video Professor will be right behind the release with helpful tutorials breaking down the ins and outs of the new operating system.
Read More>
It’s about time
Microsoft made more news this week with its much-anticipated release of Internet Explorer 7. After many, many beta tests and many, many months of development, the browser is finally available. It has been five years since Microsoft last released a new browser, Internet Explorer 6, and some experts say that has led to a loss in market shares. Popular browsers, such as Mozilla’s Firefox, have slowly been nibbling at Microsoft’s customers. And speaking of Mozilla, the company released a new version of Firefox this week too.
Read More >
Off topic:
Immortalizing your fandom
I’m a big-time sports fan. I love to watch baseball, football, basketball and even hockey. I’m not sure, however, that I’m THIS big of a fan. A company called Eternal Image has cut a deal with Major League Baseball to sell urns and coffins so baseball fans can represent their team in the afterlife. In addition, they are trying to work similar deals with the NFL, NHL and even NASCAR.
Read More >
Traffic is going to get a lot worse
Wow, can you even grasp how big a number 300 million is? Seriously, what does that really mean? The US Census Bureau announced this week that the population in the United States has passed 300 million. I thought traffic was bad now.
Read More>
Picks o’ the week!
What a difference a week makes. I guess I was too confident and football karma went against me. After picking three correct two weeks ago, I was rewarded with a goose egg last week. Ouch! I was pretty confident with the games I picked last week, and I guess I can take solace in the fact that they were all close games. Seattle knocked off St. Louis on a last-second field goal, Carolina narrowly escaped Baltimore and the New York Giants pulled off the road upset. That’s how it goes from week to week in today’s NFL. There is so much parity in the league right now. That is evident by the fact that the Bears, who looked dominating in the first five weeks of the season, frankly got lucky against Arizona. In a game that Chicago should have won by 10 points, the Bears escaped with a 24-23 win. And, they didn’t even score an offensive touchdown. Weird things happen in this league. Well, going into Week 7, I’m 11-7 overall this year. Humbly, I give you my picks for this week.
Cincinnati over Carolina: Carolina has won four straight. Cincinnati appears to be reeling lately. This should be a pretty easy pick, right? That’s what makes the NFL great. I think Cincinnati will get back on track this week, especially at home. They have something to prove after last week’s embarrassing loss to winless Tampa.
Denver over Cleveland: I think this is a pretty easy game to pick. Denver is the better team and should win, despite their offensive woes of late. There is some great intrigue surrounding this game, however. Almost every week we see a situation that a player returns to play against his former employer. But in this game, the entire starting defensive line for Denver returns to Cleveland for the first time since they all played for the Browns. Do you think they’ll have a chip on their shoulders?
Arizona over Oakland: This is a dog of a game, but it’s certainly fun to talk about. Oakland is pathetic. There is nothing more to say. Arizona is in the same class. The second-half meltdown that Arizona suffered last week was legendary. How do they bounce back from that? In a normal situation, I’d say it’s impossible. But fortunately for the Cardinals, they get to play Oakland.
John W. Scherer
CEO and Founder
VIDEO PROFESSOR, Inc.
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