I've been telling you I'm going to show you how to master Yahoo!'s search, and I am, but I first need to discuss the recent partnership Yahoo! entered with Microsoft. While news of the deal came out this summer, and I meant to discuss it then, events precluded me from doing so. However, some readers may think learning Yahoo!'s search function is unnecessary, since Bing will replace it soon. That's not exactly the case.
At this time, Yahoo! remains #2 in search. While Bing is gaining ground, Google retains a full 2/3 of the search market; there isn't a whole lot of ground left to be gained! But Google's recent, aggressive attacks on bloggers who employ sponsored posts and advertisers other than AdWords seriously damaged its credibility, not to mention its own results' relevancy! See, Google selectively punishes sites, blogs, and their owners; Google continues to support several, big-name blogs and sites which employ sponsored posts and advertising - namely those which speak favorably of Google and its growing monopoly. Obviously, as Google de-ranks so many (generally small) content providers, it reduces the pool from which it draws returns, resulting in far less relevant search returns, dominated primarily by sponsored and repetitious results.
That Google can't figure out how to make an algorithm that works is not the fault of webmasters or bloggers who sell links; it's Google's fault.
While Bing's accuracy is still lacking, Bing does not try to return all results relating to a search; Bing tries to return only the most relevant. The deal with Yahoo! gives Microsoft access to Yahoo!'s search technology, but Yahoo! retains control over how and when different search approaches are used. The main change is that Yahoo!'s search will now include a little "Powered by Bing" button. IOW, Bing is going to combine Yahoo!'s search accuracy with Bing's relevancy determination.
Webmasters are going to have to change their SEO tactics to include this new search force; previously, webmasters worked hard to see that their site was accepted into the Yahoo! directory, then optimized it to rank high in Google. Google can't tell what is relevant and what is not as it works with little to no real human guidance, while Yahoo!'s directory is compiled by human editors, alone. As Yahoo! continues to distance itself from its directory origins, and Bing streamlines and improve its search capabilities with full access to Yahoo!'s directory and search functions (certainly closely related), this is going to change.
Further, if Google continues to employ strongarm tactics, webmasters and bloggers will eventually abandon SEO practices favoring Google altogether. While this is not really an option right now, I foresee a time when webmasters work to improve their sites and site content to rank higher in Bing/Yahoo! and just pay AdWords to run ads for a few months. Of course, Yahoo! and Microsoft are both hoping to get a chunk of that ad market, but they've admitted their immediate focus is on search.
So, all that said, the whole Yahoo!/Bing partnership doesn't even start, in earnest, for another three years and, even then, Bing is going to be the underlying search provider. I don't look for anything to change significantly for another 3-5 years and even then not before a whole lot of fanfare. Learning to master Yahoo! search will not only make you more productive, it's likely to make you a better searcher, in general - across the entirety of the Web, and not just by engine.
As an aside, Yahoo! will also retain control of advertising to a large degree: Yahoo! can access its search records to sharpen its market focus and ad placement tactics, in addition to receiving a whopping 88% of that revenue for the first five years! From that perspective, Yahoo! has every incentive to strengthen its advertising, allowing Microsoft all the time it needs to focus on search. Some "analysts" will dispute what I say, but they're looking at things from a different perspective; this is how things are from the trenches. Who would know better?
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Fashion by Michael Kors
Christmas is one of those rare days when wives and girlfriends across the country are actually expected to dress their men. Well, you know what I mean. The truth is that, with some exceptions, we men rarely pay much attention to fashion; I have friends who only stopped wearing "Members Only" jackets when the teasing became too much for them to bear! (And not just a few of them still rock the Members Only gear at home.)
Truth be told, I don't know too many guys who know who Michael Kors is, much less what he does. Honestly, I'm only dimly aware myself (I have heard the name, but...). If you check out that link though, you will see a sample of his work - some really nice, leather gloves. I'm not sure if they are for every guy, but I am certain that most guys will dig the technology! Scrolling across the image brings-up a close-up of the gloves, so you can check-out all of the details as you browse the item. Pretty slick!
So here's your chance to get the men in your life more interested in fashion - and possibly even to throw-out those Members Only jackets they keep rescuing from the fire!
Truth be told, I don't know too many guys who know who Michael Kors is, much less what he does. Honestly, I'm only dimly aware myself (I have heard the name, but...). If you check out that link though, you will see a sample of his work - some really nice, leather gloves. I'm not sure if they are for every guy, but I am certain that most guys will dig the technology! Scrolling across the image brings-up a close-up of the gloves, so you can check-out all of the details as you browse the item. Pretty slick!
So here's your chance to get the men in your life more interested in fashion - and possibly even to throw-out those Members Only jackets they keep rescuing from the fire!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Something to Gnaw On
I say this all the time, but if you ever join the cast and crew here, you can tell everyone it's true: I write probably one-two posts a week which get drafted, never (well, very rarely) to see the light of day. The thing is, a lot of them are really good, they just don't come together the way I'd hoped - they're either flailing or too snarky or something - somewhere along the way, they fall apart and, for whatever reason, I can't seem to put them back together, but I realize there's something good about them, so I can't bring myself to throw them out entirely. The really bad thing about this is that I almost never post anything about the entry's subject; I always move-on, as though I'd actually covered the topic, and never do. This is why I'm forever saying things like, "I know I wrote about that, but I can't find it."
This week, it's Yahoo!
Now, Yahoo! is a big and broad subject, so I can accept my inadequacy at covering it, however the posts are all really good in parts. At this time, I'm thinking I may do a hack-job and cull one good, all-encompassing, post from the parts of the many, but also at this time, there's nothing to show for any of it.
Anyway, part of my point in covering it was to show you some tips and tricks to using Yahoo!, and I still want to do that. But because I don't know when, if ever, I'll actually work on the pieces already abandoned, I'm going to try to cover some of these things next week. Maybe over the weekend, depending. And, if things come to it, I'm going to do a post on Yahoo! power-searches later today.
Also, Happy Thanksgiving!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
This week, it's Yahoo!
Now, Yahoo! is a big and broad subject, so I can accept my inadequacy at covering it, however the posts are all really good in parts. At this time, I'm thinking I may do a hack-job and cull one good, all-encompassing, post from the parts of the many, but also at this time, there's nothing to show for any of it.
Anyway, part of my point in covering it was to show you some tips and tricks to using Yahoo!, and I still want to do that. But because I don't know when, if ever, I'll actually work on the pieces already abandoned, I'm going to try to cover some of these things next week. Maybe over the weekend, depending. And, if things come to it, I'm going to do a post on Yahoo! power-searches later today.
Also, Happy Thanksgiving!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
I'm Wired!
Finally. I restarted my subscription to Wired through Magazines.com way back, in like August, and my first issue just arrived yesterday. I'd been meaning to resubscribe for years now. Wired is one of my all-time favorite magazines and the only one (excluding comic books) that I ever read religiously. I still have the entire run from my subscription back in the 1990s, and as soon as I get organized, I'll be re-reading and referencing those.
Years ago, when I decided to let my subscription lapse, it was only because Wired was basically publishing the entire magazine online as each issue was released; I just subscribed to the mailing list and started frequenting the site to read articles there. Of course, that didn't last long; for what it's worth, newspapers aside, print is here to stay in some form and I know this, intellectually; I say "print is dead" a lot and mean it to whatever degree it's relevant (and it is relevant), but I sincerely doubt any technology will ever completely replace the press. I don't care how hard I try nor how long I succeed, my bookmarks and feeds always become a complete mess in which I can find nothing and I regularly just give-up and start anew... it lasts for a while, then falls to ruin. And I know everyone else does the same, so the press will remain for this reason alone, if no other.
As often as I've lamented my lapsed subscription, I just never remembered to re-up when I could afford to, so this has been a long time coming. I devour Wired from cover to cover, even if it takes a few weeks to get around to it, and could not more fervently recommend a magazine.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Years ago, when I decided to let my subscription lapse, it was only because Wired was basically publishing the entire magazine online as each issue was released; I just subscribed to the mailing list and started frequenting the site to read articles there. Of course, that didn't last long; for what it's worth, newspapers aside, print is here to stay in some form and I know this, intellectually; I say "print is dead" a lot and mean it to whatever degree it's relevant (and it is relevant), but I sincerely doubt any technology will ever completely replace the press. I don't care how hard I try nor how long I succeed, my bookmarks and feeds always become a complete mess in which I can find nothing and I regularly just give-up and start anew... it lasts for a while, then falls to ruin. And I know everyone else does the same, so the press will remain for this reason alone, if no other.
As often as I've lamented my lapsed subscription, I just never remembered to re-up when I could afford to, so this has been a long time coming. I devour Wired from cover to cover, even if it takes a few weeks to get around to it, and could not more fervently recommend a magazine.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Netbooks, Subnotebooks
This computer jargon has always been nebulous. Not only does it change daily, but it's gotten so that little of it means the same to any two groups. I just learned that "FTW" means "For The Win" to youngsters...
When I was shopping for my new computer, I learned about netbooks and "subnotebooks." Netbooks have a pretty specific description: they are 9-10" and weigh less than three pounds. AFAIK, there are no other specifications. I wanted to make sure I was buying a "laptop," because I needed it to replace a desktop, so it had to have all the features of a "regular," or traditional, workstation. Netbooks often sacrifice CD/DVD and floppy drives to minimize weight, so you have to buy external drives. The idea is to make the machine as lightweight as possible so it's more portable, but if you have to buy external drives, I think it kind of defeats the purpose.
Practically speaking, netbooks are literally just ultra-thin, lightweight laptops. "Netbook" was apparently the brand name of a particular model and the name just caught-on.
When I was shopping for my new computer, I learned about netbooks and "subnotebooks." Netbooks have a pretty specific description: they are 9-10" and weigh less than three pounds. AFAIK, there are no other specifications. I wanted to make sure I was buying a "laptop," because I needed it to replace a desktop, so it had to have all the features of a "regular," or traditional, workstation. Netbooks often sacrifice CD/DVD and floppy drives to minimize weight, so you have to buy external drives. The idea is to make the machine as lightweight as possible so it's more portable, but if you have to buy external drives, I think it kind of defeats the purpose.
Practically speaking, netbooks are literally just ultra-thin, lightweight laptops. "Netbook" was apparently the brand name of a particular model and the name just caught-on.
Monday, November 23, 2009
How's Your Mom and Them?
Oh, hey. What's been durin? Shit. How's your mom and them? Naw, we don't talk.
We're back... for now. I don't know what happened, truth be told. I'd published content earlier in the day and then drank beer and played foozball with a friend and whenever he passed-out in the other room, I logged-on to find the blog had been suspended. Querying insisted it was "reported as spam." I've no idea who reported it, nor why, though it may have been this guy.
It also could have been someone trying to scam me, because I received a very official-looking e-mail claiming I'd made a purchase from Cartoon Network. It needed some private information to "confirm" it, but I'm not stupid! I downloaded the attached file and ran it, just like it told me to do if I hadn't made the purchase!
It also could have simply been Google's "mistake." The monopoly is so busy buying-up the Internet and expanding into areas which have absolutely nothing to do with search that it can't be bothered to work on returning relevant results, so I certainly don't expect them to be able to tell spam from... relevant results.
Anyway, it'll probably be a busy week because we have so much time to make-up. And I have to jaw about Win7 and my new laptop!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
We're back... for now. I don't know what happened, truth be told. I'd published content earlier in the day and then drank beer and played foozball with a friend and whenever he passed-out in the other room, I logged-on to find the blog had been suspended. Querying insisted it was "reported as spam." I've no idea who reported it, nor why, though it may have been this guy.
It also could have been someone trying to scam me, because I received a very official-looking e-mail claiming I'd made a purchase from Cartoon Network. It needed some private information to "confirm" it, but I'm not stupid! I downloaded the attached file and ran it, just like it told me to do if I hadn't made the purchase!
It also could have simply been Google's "mistake." The monopoly is so busy buying-up the Internet and expanding into areas which have absolutely nothing to do with search that it can't be bothered to work on returning relevant results, so I certainly don't expect them to be able to tell spam from... relevant results.
Anyway, it'll probably be a busy week because we have so much time to make-up. And I have to jaw about Win7 and my new laptop!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Laptop Test-Drive (Sorta)
I took the laptop with me today, as I have a few times recently, in hopes of finding a hotspot so I could test-drive the wireless link. My other laptop also has a wireless card, but I was never able to get it to connect to anything and it didn't really give me any direction in which to go, troubleshooting-wise.
This past Monday, I discovered far more wireless networks in the small town of Parsons, TN than I'd expected - more than I think most anyone would expect, given the size and general temperament of the county - but only one allowed me to connect: Godfather's Pizza. Yes, the Godfather's Pizza in Parsons, TN is hot, but I didn't get the chance to actually sign-on because we were just passing through and couldn't stop.
Windows 7 shows a network icon in the bottom-right of the Taskbar. If no connection is present, there is a red X across the lower-right; if connections are present, it indicates this. You have to drop-down for it to list the networks available and choose one. Godfather's Pizza wanted me to configure my network before it would allow me connectivity. Because it said something about the router, I didn't do anything (didn't have time to, either, as I indicated above).
There are, as one might expect, many networks available in Nashville - even from the Interstate! Unfortunately, none were strong enough to allow me to connect or were private and requested a "security key" (password). It wasn't until I was at the Hohenwald, TN McDonald's that I was able to get the laptop online. However, McDonald's charges for wi-fi connectivity! I didn't expect that (though probably should have).
It's $2.95 for two-hours of connectivity. You can pay by credit card and there was an option for a prepaid card. The employees were completely ignorant as to the entire matter, so I only know what I read when I tried to connect. Had I paid by credit card, I would have gotten the connectivity right then and there for the specified time; whatever time I did not use would have been forfeit. I don't know about the prepaid method; I assume one could use smaller increments and the rest would carry-over, but I'm not certain.
The laptop handled things fine and Win7 is stable enough, I suppose, but I've yet to really dig into everything. I know this much: the new Wordpad is great!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
This past Monday, I discovered far more wireless networks in the small town of Parsons, TN than I'd expected - more than I think most anyone would expect, given the size and general temperament of the county - but only one allowed me to connect: Godfather's Pizza. Yes, the Godfather's Pizza in Parsons, TN is hot, but I didn't get the chance to actually sign-on because we were just passing through and couldn't stop.
Windows 7 shows a network icon in the bottom-right of the Taskbar. If no connection is present, there is a red X across the lower-right; if connections are present, it indicates this. You have to drop-down for it to list the networks available and choose one. Godfather's Pizza wanted me to configure my network before it would allow me connectivity. Because it said something about the router, I didn't do anything (didn't have time to, either, as I indicated above).
There are, as one might expect, many networks available in Nashville - even from the Interstate! Unfortunately, none were strong enough to allow me to connect or were private and requested a "security key" (password). It wasn't until I was at the Hohenwald, TN McDonald's that I was able to get the laptop online. However, McDonald's charges for wi-fi connectivity! I didn't expect that (though probably should have).
It's $2.95 for two-hours of connectivity. You can pay by credit card and there was an option for a prepaid card. The employees were completely ignorant as to the entire matter, so I only know what I read when I tried to connect. Had I paid by credit card, I would have gotten the connectivity right then and there for the specified time; whatever time I did not use would have been forfeit. I don't know about the prepaid method; I assume one could use smaller increments and the rest would carry-over, but I'm not certain.
The laptop handled things fine and Win7 is stable enough, I suppose, but I've yet to really dig into everything. I know this much: the new Wordpad is great!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
404ed-Out
If you tried to visit the last day or two, you probably saw Google's 404 page.
Apparently, at some point Wednesday or Wednesday night, Google decided The Cyberculturalist was spam. I do not know when this was decided, specifically, nor why; I don't know if someone reported it as spam or if Google automatically signaled someone or what.
Neither The Cyberculturalist nor The Weirding are spam. I do not, have not, and will not ever spammed anyone or anything; I, like everyone else, detest spam and have actually done quite a bit to help fight it in the past. In fact, some e-mail configuration files are set to be uploaded to The Cyberculturalist very soon; these files will help protect your mailbox and computer by automatically trashing specific messages and moving others to your Trashcan (if you use OE or Outlook).
I really don't know why this happened and Google isn't talking - as usual.
Google is an exceptionally evil corporation. In cases such as this, it should be incumbent they explain their misbehavior. It's shit like this that has forced people like me, who were stringently opposed to governmental interference in the Web's development in the past, to admit that some agency(s) need to get involved!
So, I apologize for the suspension, but do not know why, how, nor even when it occurred, so I can't say for certain that it won't happen again. I can say this much, though: The Cyberculturalist is a free-standing entity and can be erected under different software within a matter of hours.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Apparently, at some point Wednesday or Wednesday night, Google decided The Cyberculturalist was spam. I do not know when this was decided, specifically, nor why; I don't know if someone reported it as spam or if Google automatically signaled someone or what.
Neither The Cyberculturalist nor The Weirding are spam. I do not, have not, and will not ever spammed anyone or anything; I, like everyone else, detest spam and have actually done quite a bit to help fight it in the past. In fact, some e-mail configuration files are set to be uploaded to The Cyberculturalist very soon; these files will help protect your mailbox and computer by automatically trashing specific messages and moving others to your Trashcan (if you use OE or Outlook).
I really don't know why this happened and Google isn't talking - as usual.
Google is an exceptionally evil corporation. In cases such as this, it should be incumbent they explain their misbehavior. It's shit like this that has forced people like me, who were stringently opposed to governmental interference in the Web's development in the past, to admit that some agency(s) need to get involved!
So, I apologize for the suspension, but do not know why, how, nor even when it occurred, so I can't say for certain that it won't happen again. I can say this much, though: The Cyberculturalist is a free-standing entity and can be erected under different software within a matter of hours.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Burning Fat
Wow... that headline screams something entirely different from the subject of this post, huh? Sorry. ANYwho, a lot of people out there want to lose weight. America is said to have a "chronic" obesity problem and the weight-loss industry is now a multi-billion dollar force! I even saw a big story on a new weight loss supplement about to hit the market on a late-night TV news magazine last week.
Some people do need diet supplements, while others just need to learn ways to eat better, exercise more efficiently - literally how to burn fat. The studies are confusing; one day, they tell you eating right and exercising regularly is the way to do it, then they say that's not true... Keep up to snuff on the best everything for losing weight by doing your research and posting your own experiences to share with others.
Some people do need diet supplements, while others just need to learn ways to eat better, exercise more efficiently - literally how to burn fat. The studies are confusing; one day, they tell you eating right and exercising regularly is the way to do it, then they say that's not true... Keep up to snuff on the best everything for losing weight by doing your research and posting your own experiences to share with others.
Cyberwarfare, Here and Now?
A new report from McAfee claims that cyberwarfare is no longer a threat of the future; opposing forces are, right now, forming offensive and defensive teams and strategies for conducting war online. Five countries - France, North Korea, Germany, China, and the UK - are known to be preparing for war conducted via the Internet. The report does not, however, clearly define "cyberwarfare," nor what it comprises.
America is not only known to have cyberwar protocol in-place, it has used it in the past. U.S. forces hacked Iraqi networks and computers as part of its ground forces maneuvers. It is said to be using hacks as part of its efforts to police the nation.
The problems cyberwarfare pose to national infrastructures and communications networks aside, another issue is anonymity and the fact that cyber attacks can be launched with little to no money. All that is really needed is a computer, some specific software, and the knowledge of how to use it. Through a system of firewall(s) and proxy servers, exactly who is responsible for such an attack may never be known.
According to one security expert, although governments are finally "waking-up" to the threat, they are years behind enterprising criminals who can setup operations and carry-out attacks basically overnight.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
America is not only known to have cyberwar protocol in-place, it has used it in the past. U.S. forces hacked Iraqi networks and computers as part of its ground forces maneuvers. It is said to be using hacks as part of its efforts to police the nation.
The problems cyberwarfare pose to national infrastructures and communications networks aside, another issue is anonymity and the fact that cyber attacks can be launched with little to no money. All that is really needed is a computer, some specific software, and the knowledge of how to use it. Through a system of firewall(s) and proxy servers, exactly who is responsible for such an attack may never be known.
According to one security expert, although governments are finally "waking-up" to the threat, they are years behind enterprising criminals who can setup operations and carry-out attacks basically overnight.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
FYI - My Agenda
Hey, you gu-uys! Just a quick note - because I know several of you only follow this blog, separate from the rest of the site - to let you know that posting is going to be erratic for the immediate time. I mean, even more erratic than normal. I came across a screw-up on the site and I have to do damage control.
I have no idea how long it will take because I don't know the extent of the damage just yet, but this is precisely why it takes me so damned long to do... anything. I hustled a slew of pages out the door to meet the Halloween deadline (which I wouldn't have had to fight, had I not gotten a sinus infection the week before!) and they all need to be tweaked - even republished.
The upside? Well, since you're on The Cyberculturalist, there's a decent chance you dig on webdesign, and I am fairly proud of what I've accomplished so far. There's a lot more to come and a lot further to go, but I'd love to hear your thoughts!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
I have no idea how long it will take because I don't know the extent of the damage just yet, but this is precisely why it takes me so damned long to do... anything. I hustled a slew of pages out the door to meet the Halloween deadline (which I wouldn't have had to fight, had I not gotten a sinus infection the week before!) and they all need to be tweaked - even republished.
The upside? Well, since you're on The Cyberculturalist, there's a decent chance you dig on webdesign, and I am fairly proud of what I've accomplished so far. There's a lot more to come and a lot further to go, but I'd love to hear your thoughts!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
China's Supercomputer
China's Tianhe-1 supercomputer in Tianjin was rated the fifth fastest computer in the world, making China one of the elite countries in supercomputing. It joins Germany and America: the German supercomputer, Jugene, is the fourth fastest in the world, and the U.S. has the top three fastest supercomputers in the world. Two of those are right here in Tennessee!
While America and the U.K. dominate the Top 500, compiled biannually, China's induction proves the rest of the world is not only keeping pace with us, but advancing quickly! Pres. Obama was in China today and spoke about the importance of free and uncensored Web access. How timely is that? Unfortunately, his speech was heard by a relatively small audience; Chinese officials censored him.
The fastest supercomputer in the world is located in Oak Ridge, TN, and is capable of 1.759 petaflops - that's 1,000 trillion calculations... per second! It's name is Jaguar.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
While America and the U.K. dominate the Top 500, compiled biannually, China's induction proves the rest of the world is not only keeping pace with us, but advancing quickly! Pres. Obama was in China today and spoke about the importance of free and uncensored Web access. How timely is that? Unfortunately, his speech was heard by a relatively small audience; Chinese officials censored him.
The fastest supercomputer in the world is located in Oak Ridge, TN, and is capable of 1.759 petaflops - that's 1,000 trillion calculations... per second! It's name is Jaguar.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Get Your Public Safety Masters from Lewis U
A regionally-accredited, non-profit organization, Lewis University offers many fine Masters degree programs online, in addition to conventional, on-campus classes. These online courses thoroughly cover the subjects, yet allow you the time and freedom to continue working your current job and living your current life.
Continuing your education is a great way to improve your skills set - which, as the recession taught us, is something we could all use! But it's about more than a job or job security. With a Public safety masters degree, you will be improving your community, and actually saving lives. Lewis University's public safety degree draws on many disparate fields, but the desire to lead has to come from within.
Further, your MS in Public Safety qualifies you for work in numerous fields - from law enforcement and fire services to disaster response, to emergency preparedness, and more - your degree assures you an important, enriching career in any number of areas you might wish to pursue. You need a creative mind, a deeper than usual understanding of sociology, and a desire to truly make a difference. If your natural drive is to lead, and your wont is to provide for your community and make the world a little better place to live, take a moment to learn more about Lewis University's online MS course in Public Safety.
Continuing your education is a great way to improve your skills set - which, as the recession taught us, is something we could all use! But it's about more than a job or job security. With a Public safety masters degree, you will be improving your community, and actually saving lives. Lewis University's public safety degree draws on many disparate fields, but the desire to lead has to come from within.
Further, your MS in Public Safety qualifies you for work in numerous fields - from law enforcement and fire services to disaster response, to emergency preparedness, and more - your degree assures you an important, enriching career in any number of areas you might wish to pursue. You need a creative mind, a deeper than usual understanding of sociology, and a desire to truly make a difference. If your natural drive is to lead, and your wont is to provide for your community and make the world a little better place to live, take a moment to learn more about Lewis University's online MS course in Public Safety.
Friday, November 13, 2009
MS Exec: 'Win7 is based on Mac'
A high-level Microsoft employee told an interviewer that the new Windows 7 desktop features and graphics were based on the Mac. Other Microsoft employees raced to "correct" the quote, saying group manager, Simon Aldous, was not involved in the Windows 7 development and his statement was "inaccurate."
Aldous was speaking to a British technology magazine when he said, "what we've tried to do with Windows 7...is create a Mac look and feel in terms of graphics." The quote made it into the magazine PCR.
Brandon LeBlanc responded on his blog, "I hate to say this about one of our own, but his comments were inaccurate and uninformed." LeBlanc also said Aldous had no part in the design or development of Windows 7. Macintosh has not made any statement at this time.
There was a 1988 lawsuit regarding the similarities.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Aldous was speaking to a British technology magazine when he said, "what we've tried to do with Windows 7...is create a Mac look and feel in terms of graphics." The quote made it into the magazine PCR.
Brandon LeBlanc responded on his blog, "I hate to say this about one of our own, but his comments were inaccurate and uninformed." LeBlanc also said Aldous had no part in the design or development of Windows 7. Macintosh has not made any statement at this time.
There was a 1988 lawsuit regarding the similarities.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Facebook Alibi
When police arrested 19-year old Rodney Bradford for the commission of two crimes, Bradford vehemently denied the charges. Both his father and stepmother claimed the boy was home with them at the time, but the alibi which proved unshakable was his timely query, "Where's my pancakes?"
His defense attorney got records which showed someone had entered the question as Bradford's Status Update on Facebook at approximately the time the crimes were committed - someone using his user account, his password, and his father's computer located at the family's Harlem home. While cynical readers might think the DA could still argue someone did that specifically to create an alibi, it appears the Brooklyn DA isn't quite as bloodthirsty as those in the rest of the country: "He is not Dr. Evil."
This is believed to be the first time a social network profile has been used as an alibi. Many social network profiles have been used to locate and convict suspects, however.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
His defense attorney got records which showed someone had entered the question as Bradford's Status Update on Facebook at approximately the time the crimes were committed - someone using his user account, his password, and his father's computer located at the family's Harlem home. While cynical readers might think the DA could still argue someone did that specifically to create an alibi, it appears the Brooklyn DA isn't quite as bloodthirsty as those in the rest of the country: "He is not Dr. Evil."
This is believed to be the first time a social network profile has been used as an alibi. Many social network profiles have been used to locate and convict suspects, however.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Should Elderly be Encouraged to Get Online?
According to some figures, over 6 million elderly in the UK alone have never been online. A new PC, SimplicITy, is aimed at these elderly. SimplicITy has just six buttons and 17 video tutorials, and is made-to-order. There is no login screen nor any drop-down menus. SimplicITy opens up to "Square One," containing links to such things as e-mail, chat, files, et.al. The unit also comes with an eldy.org e-mail address. The OS is a modified and simplified version of Linux.
Many are applauding the computer, noting that the elderly who are not online are missing out on savings, as well as social activities. However, I'm wondering if this is a good idea.
I worked tech support, and in the course of that job, I encountered more than my fair share of... morons. And though only a portion of those were older users, we are talking about people who are not only old, but completely inexperienced. I think the dangers of the Internet far outweigh any benefits. I think they will be overrun by spam - much of which they may end up falling for - and abused in forums and chatrooms.
The Web is a large, and largely dirty, place. While the SimplicITy unit is a good idea, I don't know that many older citizens even care to be netizens. Further, I'm not sure how good an idea it is to encourage older people to get online.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Many are applauding the computer, noting that the elderly who are not online are missing out on savings, as well as social activities. However, I'm wondering if this is a good idea.
I worked tech support, and in the course of that job, I encountered more than my fair share of... morons. And though only a portion of those were older users, we are talking about people who are not only old, but completely inexperienced. I think the dangers of the Internet far outweigh any benefits. I think they will be overrun by spam - much of which they may end up falling for - and abused in forums and chatrooms.
The Web is a large, and largely dirty, place. While the SimplicITy unit is a good idea, I don't know that many older citizens even care to be netizens. Further, I'm not sure how good an idea it is to encourage older people to get online.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Vacation on the Outer Banks
Being farther north, I can't say exactly what winters are like in the Carolinas. Here in Tennessee, they tend to be rather mild, though snow is usually a given in the eastern part of the state. Whether the Carolinas get snow or not, there is no denying their natural beauty.
But be warned: outer banks vacation rentals can be hard to come by - they are very popular destinations. Carolina Designs has great tools to help you find the property you are looking for, depending on your arrival and departure dates, as well as your price range! Just enter your information and the site brings up several options. You can also check their blog for more information.
But be warned: outer banks vacation rentals can be hard to come by - they are very popular destinations. Carolina Designs has great tools to help you find the property you are looking for, depending on your arrival and departure dates, as well as your price range! Just enter your information and the site brings up several options. You can also check their blog for more information.
Cyber Hygiene
U.S. officials are asking all American netizens to practice good 'cyber hygiene' as a matter of national security. Most of it boils down to not clicking on links in suspicious e-mails. Now, if you're here, chances are you're way past that; The Cyberculturalist is aimed at advanced netizens, and though we sometimes post information suitable for all levels of mastery, we're more about history and the future of the Web than anything else. Still, I'm constantly shocked by how many people do very stupid things - such as click on links in suspicious e-mails!
Of course, phishers and general spammers continually get craftier, so it isn't nearly as easy to know which are "suspicious" e-mails and which are not. But let's get real here real fast: Do you really think a website you've never heard of is giving out $1 million and that you've already won? Have you ever heard of a contest which can only grant you the money "you've already won" after it knows your account number and PIN? Do you have to give the casino $1,000 to hold before it can give you your winnings?
Long before it became commonly known as a scam, I knew better than to send an African prince from Nairubi, or whatever, $2000! "Your friend from Africa?" Really? I've only ever had two friends from Africa - one got deported for dealing cocaine and I lost touch with the other because he was always borrowing money from me! Not because he was African; because he was a cokehead, too!
No offense, but some people deserve to get taken! It's their own avarice which fells them, and clever spam artists already know it. I genuinely feel for the people who unknowingly send their information to what appear to be legitimate e-mails sent from legitimate websites to which they belong - we've all received those PayPal e-mails, after all. Of course, the best practice is to remain wary, and those of us who have been online for even a short while are already too cynical to buy into 95% of those scams.
However, officials note the phishing e-mails of today are far more specific, targeting systems admins and other "key" players with very sophisticated e-mails which appear legitimate to even the most cynical observer. Hackers know that if they can compromise that single recipient, they can compromise the entire network! And they are getting a lot of personal information about people through their social networking profiles.
So, let's go over this one more time:
No financial institution - nor any other, legitimate website or business - should ever ask for your personal information. If they do, I guarantee there is a way to change that information on their actual website. Do not click the link included in the e-mail; go directly to the actual website and either contact a representative using the "Contact Us" options or go directly into your account to change your information. It really is that simple.
Also, take a moment to forward the e-mail to the website from which it purports to be; send PayPal all spoof e-mails you receive, for instance. They have far more resources and are better-equipped to handle the matter. Plus, it helps reduce spam in general.
Never reply directly to any of these e-mails! Not even to say, "I know this is a spoof e-mail, please do not contact me again." Also, do not click any of the included links, including the "Click Here to be Removed" links. Go directly to the website from your browser and check your account or contact a representative from there.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Of course, phishers and general spammers continually get craftier, so it isn't nearly as easy to know which are "suspicious" e-mails and which are not. But let's get real here real fast: Do you really think a website you've never heard of is giving out $1 million and that you've already won? Have you ever heard of a contest which can only grant you the money "you've already won" after it knows your account number and PIN? Do you have to give the casino $1,000 to hold before it can give you your winnings?
Long before it became commonly known as a scam, I knew better than to send an African prince from Nairubi, or whatever, $2000! "Your friend from Africa?" Really? I've only ever had two friends from Africa - one got deported for dealing cocaine and I lost touch with the other because he was always borrowing money from me! Not because he was African; because he was a cokehead, too!
No offense, but some people deserve to get taken! It's their own avarice which fells them, and clever spam artists already know it. I genuinely feel for the people who unknowingly send their information to what appear to be legitimate e-mails sent from legitimate websites to which they belong - we've all received those PayPal e-mails, after all. Of course, the best practice is to remain wary, and those of us who have been online for even a short while are already too cynical to buy into 95% of those scams.
However, officials note the phishing e-mails of today are far more specific, targeting systems admins and other "key" players with very sophisticated e-mails which appear legitimate to even the most cynical observer. Hackers know that if they can compromise that single recipient, they can compromise the entire network! And they are getting a lot of personal information about people through their social networking profiles.
So, let's go over this one more time:
No financial institution - nor any other, legitimate website or business - should ever ask for your personal information. If they do, I guarantee there is a way to change that information on their actual website. Do not click the link included in the e-mail; go directly to the actual website and either contact a representative using the "Contact Us" options or go directly into your account to change your information. It really is that simple.
Also, take a moment to forward the e-mail to the website from which it purports to be; send PayPal all spoof e-mails you receive, for instance. They have far more resources and are better-equipped to handle the matter. Plus, it helps reduce spam in general.
Never reply directly to any of these e-mails! Not even to say, "I know this is a spoof e-mail, please do not contact me again." Also, do not click any of the included links, including the "Click Here to be Removed" links. Go directly to the website from your browser and check your account or contact a representative from there.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
NY Court to Rule on 'Online Impersonation'
Attorney, Raphael Golb, opened an e-mail account under the name of one of his father's biggest detractors - Lawrence Schiffman, chairman of Judaic studies at New York University - and used that account to send e-mails to Schiffman's colleagues and employers, in which he admitted plagiarism and fraud. While Golb denies he ever opened the account or sent any e-mails, his lawyer says it wouldn't matter, because whoever did that would actually be guilty of nothing more than an "intellectual prank," protected by free speech. Now, a New York court is set to rule on whether or not "online impersonation" is actually a crime when no actual crime has been committed. Libel is not a crime in New York.
There are several problems with this case, not least of which being that libel is not a crime in New York; Golb is absolutely guilty of libel. His lawyer tried to argue that, were Golb found guilty, lawyers all over the country could use this as precedent to stop all sorts of Web activity, from parodies to blog comments.
Bullshit.
There is an ocean of difference between leaving an anonymous blog comment and creating a fraudulent e-mail address in someone's name and using it to directly contact someone's employers and co-workers with the express purpose of defaming the victim. Parodies and satire are covered by the First Amendment and no one would try stopping them - no one with any common sense... (which, come to think of it, doesn't include a single lawyer, anywhere). Golb's case is entirely different from the theoretical cases his lawyer posited.
Raphael Golb is absolutely guilty of something, and I can tell you what:
Since the man he "impersonated" is a professor, I'm assuming he is a doctor; if that's the case, Golb is guilty of impersonating a doctor.
By any standard, though, Golb is guilty of identity theft specifically because he assumed someone else's identity with the express purpose of damaging that person! He wasn't "impersonating" someone and I'm not even sure how you can impersonate anyone online, anyway! I know you can steal their identity.
Lori Drew murdered someone and even she was only charged with "illegally accessing a computer" (for "impersonating" a 13-year old boy) - and that verdict was overturned! We can't expect the American legal system to protect us here; we netizens have to do what we can for ourselves, by ourselves. And the way to determine these things is pretty easy: by intent.
Lori Drew intentionally created a social networking profile with the express purpose of instigating someone's death. Raphael Golb intentionally created a fraudulent e-mail account under someone else's name with the express purpose of libeling the victim - disparaging his name and reputation - and getting him fired. In both cases, the intent overrides the method; had either of these people used other means to achieve their intentions, they would have been convicted of other crimes. Is it any different when a thief robs a brick and mortar bank than when he fraudulently uses someone's credit card online? Of course not - nor should it be!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
There are several problems with this case, not least of which being that libel is not a crime in New York; Golb is absolutely guilty of libel. His lawyer tried to argue that, were Golb found guilty, lawyers all over the country could use this as precedent to stop all sorts of Web activity, from parodies to blog comments.
Bullshit.
There is an ocean of difference between leaving an anonymous blog comment and creating a fraudulent e-mail address in someone's name and using it to directly contact someone's employers and co-workers with the express purpose of defaming the victim. Parodies and satire are covered by the First Amendment and no one would try stopping them - no one with any common sense... (which, come to think of it, doesn't include a single lawyer, anywhere). Golb's case is entirely different from the theoretical cases his lawyer posited.
Raphael Golb is absolutely guilty of something, and I can tell you what:
Since the man he "impersonated" is a professor, I'm assuming he is a doctor; if that's the case, Golb is guilty of impersonating a doctor.
By any standard, though, Golb is guilty of identity theft specifically because he assumed someone else's identity with the express purpose of damaging that person! He wasn't "impersonating" someone and I'm not even sure how you can impersonate anyone online, anyway! I know you can steal their identity.
Lori Drew murdered someone and even she was only charged with "illegally accessing a computer" (for "impersonating" a 13-year old boy) - and that verdict was overturned! We can't expect the American legal system to protect us here; we netizens have to do what we can for ourselves, by ourselves. And the way to determine these things is pretty easy: by intent.
Lori Drew intentionally created a social networking profile with the express purpose of instigating someone's death. Raphael Golb intentionally created a fraudulent e-mail account under someone else's name with the express purpose of libeling the victim - disparaging his name and reputation - and getting him fired. In both cases, the intent overrides the method; had either of these people used other means to achieve their intentions, they would have been convicted of other crimes. Is it any different when a thief robs a brick and mortar bank than when he fraudulently uses someone's credit card online? Of course not - nor should it be!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Acnexus
I grew-up with acne. It was like my best friend. Seriously, acne didn't just "haunt" me, it possessed me! In those days, you really only had two options: OTC (Over The Counter) medications which were nothing so much as rubbing alcohol, and doctor-prescribed medications which worked by first burning away the top layer of your skin!
These days, there are dozens of options and hundreds of medications, both OTC and prescribed, available to acne sufferers. The problem is, they are all expensive and not all of them produce the same effects for everyone. Acnexus is said to be one of the best acne treatments on the market today and you can get it now for 1/2 price! If you have acne, don't wait - check out Acnexus today!
These days, there are dozens of options and hundreds of medications, both OTC and prescribed, available to acne sufferers. The problem is, they are all expensive and not all of them produce the same effects for everyone. Acnexus is said to be one of the best acne treatments on the market today and you can get it now for 1/2 price! If you have acne, don't wait - check out Acnexus today!
UK Broadband Doesn't Test Well
UK officials have made headlines in recent months with their Web-based initiatives. According to reports, UK officials consider getting people online a matter of national importance and security. As it turns out, their network can't handle some 5 million more netizens!
In recent studies, Cisco found that European countries such as Latvia and Sweden were better prepared to handle next generation Internet applications. The UK landed a distant 25th out of the 66 countries on Cisco's list. However, the UK's network was found quite capable of handling today's network applications. If they plan on bringing more and more people online, though, the UK has a ways to go before it catches up to leaders Japan and South Korea.
"Next generation" applications are mostly video, when you get down to brass tacks, but also include sharing photos, video conferencing/"phone calls," and other, bandwidth-sucking activities. "Cloud computing" also continues to gain ground and many experts posit it as the future of computing, as a whole.
Based on file transfer speeds and latency alone, the actually UK placed 31st. On a positive note, the study found the United Kingdoms in a far better spot than a similar one in 2008, which found only Japan prepared to handle future applications. Cisco's findings employed speedtest.net.
The United States fared slightly better (one rank) than the U.K. Some of the countries which failed too meet even today's standards include Brazil, China, and South Africa.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
In recent studies, Cisco found that European countries such as Latvia and Sweden were better prepared to handle next generation Internet applications. The UK landed a distant 25th out of the 66 countries on Cisco's list. However, the UK's network was found quite capable of handling today's network applications. If they plan on bringing more and more people online, though, the UK has a ways to go before it catches up to leaders Japan and South Korea.
"Next generation" applications are mostly video, when you get down to brass tacks, but also include sharing photos, video conferencing/"phone calls," and other, bandwidth-sucking activities. "Cloud computing" also continues to gain ground and many experts posit it as the future of computing, as a whole.
Based on file transfer speeds and latency alone, the actually UK placed 31st. On a positive note, the study found the United Kingdoms in a far better spot than a similar one in 2008, which found only Japan prepared to handle future applications. Cisco's findings employed speedtest.net.
The United States fared slightly better (one rank) than the U.K. Some of the countries which failed too meet even today's standards include Brazil, China, and South Africa.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
TV Everywhere
According to Intel, 90% of all network traffic will be video and 60% of its viewers will access it from an Internet network. To help industries tap this market, Intel is devising ways to make TV ubiquitous, in an effort it calls "TV everywhere." By 2015, Intel hopes every individual will have two or more devices capable of connecting to 500 billion hours of TV and video content.
While this sounds mildly exciting, we're already halfway there; I'd hardly call this "news." More than anything, I think Intel was confirming what many pundits and netizens already know: video content is here to stay and should continue to dominate. With Intel's support, content producers and providers alike should find it easier to secure funding.
Intel also commented on direction, specifically 3D-TV. While there are a handful of 3D models available today, all of the major companies plan to release 3D-capable television sets within the next 2-3 years - Sony and Panasonic are releasing 3D TVs next year. Nearly 10% of American households will have one by 2013, according to one report.
Intel assured the burgeoning online TV industry that it is behind it. Intel referenced how the Web will change video technology, blending video content with personal content and other media, but remained focused on the work it is doing to advance its "TV everywhere" concept.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
While this sounds mildly exciting, we're already halfway there; I'd hardly call this "news." More than anything, I think Intel was confirming what many pundits and netizens already know: video content is here to stay and should continue to dominate. With Intel's support, content producers and providers alike should find it easier to secure funding.
Intel also commented on direction, specifically 3D-TV. While there are a handful of 3D models available today, all of the major companies plan to release 3D-capable television sets within the next 2-3 years - Sony and Panasonic are releasing 3D TVs next year. Nearly 10% of American households will have one by 2013, according to one report.
Intel assured the burgeoning online TV industry that it is behind it. Intel referenced how the Web will change video technology, blending video content with personal content and other media, but remained focused on the work it is doing to advance its "TV everywhere" concept.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Where'd You Get Those Peepers?
If you are anything like me, you thought those dark circles some people get beneath their eyes was from lack of sleep. While this is true to some degree, dark circles beneath your eyes is indicative of many things. Eyes are very sensitive, so it's now wonder many of us get "crows feet" and "laugh lines" around our eyes long before the rest of our face is showing age.
One of the reasons so few anti-wrinkle and anti-aging products work around the eyes is that they are not strong enough. These creams, salves, and treatments can be costly, so you should know which are considered the best eye creams before you start wasting time and money. Of course, not every product works the same for every person, and this is why you'll want to check out reports and consumer reviews from several contributors, not just read what manufacturers have to say.
One of the reasons so few anti-wrinkle and anti-aging products work around the eyes is that they are not strong enough. These creams, salves, and treatments can be costly, so you should know which are considered the best eye creams before you start wasting time and money. Of course, not every product works the same for every person, and this is why you'll want to check out reports and consumer reviews from several contributors, not just read what manufacturers have to say.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Win7 on its Way
Yes, I bought a laptop with Windows 7 pre-installed and it arrives tomorrow! Unfortunately, the hi-speed Internet is still about 10 business days away, but I'll probably need that time to download everything from the old hard drives, get familiar with the system, and all that.
It's exciting and I'm going to write along as I check it out. Honestly, I haven't heard much about it. I don't know if that's good or bad, but I assume it's okay - after all, if it was a real dud, I feel confident we'd all have heard about it by now!
While there are many features I'm interested in checking-out, the main thing to which I'm looking forward is Windows 7's supposed backward-compatibility. From what I've heard (or read), Win7 is supposed to be backward-compatible all the way to Win95! Yes, Win95! And I just so happen to have a couple Win95 computers (along with the two Win98 boxes, the Vista box, a couple old Macs, and a Tandy running Win3.11). I keep these things around for various reasons, but the foremost being the fact that I often find need for older programs which do not run on newer OS. I've gone through this before. Another good reason is hardware - I have at least one scanner and one printer which do not work on anything above Win95, yet they do still work. And both have come in handy on more than one occasion. Still, I'm mainly just interested in finding out if it really is backward-compatible; I can do without it, it's just neat.
Either which way it goes, I'm sure I'll be posting more about Win7 tomorrow.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
It's exciting and I'm going to write along as I check it out. Honestly, I haven't heard much about it. I don't know if that's good or bad, but I assume it's okay - after all, if it was a real dud, I feel confident we'd all have heard about it by now!
While there are many features I'm interested in checking-out, the main thing to which I'm looking forward is Windows 7's supposed backward-compatibility. From what I've heard (or read), Win7 is supposed to be backward-compatible all the way to Win95! Yes, Win95! And I just so happen to have a couple Win95 computers (along with the two Win98 boxes, the Vista box, a couple old Macs, and a Tandy running Win3.11). I keep these things around for various reasons, but the foremost being the fact that I often find need for older programs which do not run on newer OS. I've gone through this before. Another good reason is hardware - I have at least one scanner and one printer which do not work on anything above Win95, yet they do still work. And both have come in handy on more than one occasion. Still, I'm mainly just interested in finding out if it really is backward-compatible; I can do without it, it's just neat.
Either which way it goes, I'm sure I'll be posting more about Win7 tomorrow.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Cyberpunk: Times Square Marquee
Technology firm, NEC, unveiled their Tele Scouter smart goggles in Japan recently. The Tele Scouter smart goggles were developed to provide suits with clients' information during a meeting. The data is sent to the Tele Scouter, which projects LED text and images on the wearer's retina. In the original Cyberpunk RPG from R. Talsorian (Cyberpunk 2013, © Mike Pondsmith, 1988), a cybernetic device called the Times Square Marquee did the very same thing (View from the Edge, p. 21; Cyberpunk 2020 v. 2.01, p. 86). The Tele Scouter is not a cyberoptic device; it is a headset which one expert said has "a bit of the sense of the borg from Star Trek."
The Tele Scouter is sold in bundles of 30, which cost just over $100,000 and will be available in 2010. In 2011, a translator option will be made available. The device records a person's speech, pipes it through translation software, then through speech-to-text software, and the translation is sent to the Tele Scouter; the Tele Scouter provides subtitles to the conversation, eliminating both the need for a common language and a translator! The translation software is not included in the price of the headsets.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The Tele Scouter is sold in bundles of 30, which cost just over $100,000 and will be available in 2010. In 2011, a translator option will be made available. The device records a person's speech, pipes it through translation software, then through speech-to-text software, and the translation is sent to the Tele Scouter; the Tele Scouter provides subtitles to the conversation, eliminating both the need for a common language and a translator! The translation software is not included in the price of the headsets.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Christmas in Cancun
While I personally love the cold, wintry days of Christmas, not everyone shares my opinion. I can't imagine having grown-up any place where it is warm during the holidays; I can't imagine a warm Christmas (though I recall at least one temperate Christmas day on which a friend and I rode around in his Jeep with the top off), but I know some people have never experienced a white one. Some people just do not like the cold, Christmas or no.
Likewise, while a lot of people like to take their vacation during the summer, others save-up their days to combine with their Christmas days-off and travel then. So why not try Christmas in Cancun this year? The riviera maya hotel is just south of there, facing the tropical island of Cozumel. A beautiful, romantic getaway for two could also be the setting of a Christmas you will never forget!
Likewise, while a lot of people like to take their vacation during the summer, others save-up their days to combine with their Christmas days-off and travel then. So why not try Christmas in Cancun this year? The riviera maya hotel is just south of there, facing the tropical island of Cozumel. A beautiful, romantic getaway for two could also be the setting of a Christmas you will never forget!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Stating the Obvious: We've Lost Our Way
Computers are supposed to do one thing, technically - one thing well, at any rate: make things easier to accomplish. This is especially true of complicated and/or repetitious tasks. However, they really aren't being used for this because our focus has shifted from using computers to make doing things easier to computers and computer technology, themselves.
Sadly (and ironically), part of the reason for this is because Microsoft has continued to push inferior product; Windows users spend as much, if not more, time learning, tweaking, and repairing their computers as they do anything else! I'm not being facetious; I wish I were being facetious! Fucking Windows 98 froze during the press conference at which Bill Gates introduced it! It's been all downhill since then...
Okay, now that was facetious. Win98 was not a bad OS - in fact, it was pretty darned good (I'm using it right now!) - and XP was downright decent. I stayed away from Vista for over a year after it was released, until I purchased a new computer (on which it was pre-installed, as those with XP pre-installations had been pulled from shelves). The point being that I knew from literally everything released between Win98 and XP to wait until the bugs were ironed-out when it comes to Windows.
Of course, Microsoft keeps running through OS in attempts to make them stronger and more efficient - so they perform better when running programs and routines designed to make you, and/or your business, more efficient! The irony being that we are so busy upgrading, installing, and learning new features to actually get anything done! The fact that we wind-up spending as much time trying to make the damned things work - finding and installing the correct drivers and software, ad nauseam - as doing anything else is simply a slap in the face.
And these companies have moved away from business and general management, anyway; these days, personal computers (including Macs) are designed to be all-in-one entertainment centers, not... computers! The software firms have decided "personal" computers should be exactly that, and "business" computers are a separate thing. Except that they are also busy pumping-out actual entertainment units (game cubes), meaning they are marginalizing business technology - in an effort to secure higher revenue, of course. Vista came in about five different "flavors," and a damned fax program was only included in the "Business" editions!
Personal computers never really became the home business machine they were originally conceived to be. We can argue that Microsoft directly did that with the Win95 OS and advertising campaign, but who did it or how it came about is moot; the point is that computers are not only no longer thought of as management tools, they are no longer designed to be! And that's where the problem lies: Listening to music and watching movies on my computer are great options, but the reason I bought a computer instead of an entertainment cube is because I need to be able to send a fax!
The other major reason this has become an issue is simple naivety: Too many people are afraid that computers will replace people if they are designed to handle business tasks, and/or personal and business management, effectively. Of course, the entire point of using computers for these tasks is to free-up the time of the human(s) who would otherwise be doing them. Technically speaking, said people are supposed to have other skills and talents which would forward the company/project - if only they had time to introduce, hone, and exercise them. So, the computer should be balancing the accounts and overseeing payroll while the personnel manager is recruiting, reviewing, and inspiring.
As always, we've decided to allow the LCD (lowest common denominator) to control the situation; instead of raising the expectations of computer users and operators, we've changed the model to appeal to anyone who draws breath. Instead of employing computers to handle the shit jobs and hiring creative types who would now have time to be creative, we're designing computers to make slack-jawed pedestrians feel creative and hiring them to handle the computers!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Sadly (and ironically), part of the reason for this is because Microsoft has continued to push inferior product; Windows users spend as much, if not more, time learning, tweaking, and repairing their computers as they do anything else! I'm not being facetious; I wish I were being facetious! Fucking Windows 98 froze during the press conference at which Bill Gates introduced it! It's been all downhill since then...
Okay, now that was facetious. Win98 was not a bad OS - in fact, it was pretty darned good (I'm using it right now!) - and XP was downright decent. I stayed away from Vista for over a year after it was released, until I purchased a new computer (on which it was pre-installed, as those with XP pre-installations had been pulled from shelves). The point being that I knew from literally everything released between Win98 and XP to wait until the bugs were ironed-out when it comes to Windows.
Of course, Microsoft keeps running through OS in attempts to make them stronger and more efficient - so they perform better when running programs and routines designed to make you, and/or your business, more efficient! The irony being that we are so busy upgrading, installing, and learning new features to actually get anything done! The fact that we wind-up spending as much time trying to make the damned things work - finding and installing the correct drivers and software, ad nauseam - as doing anything else is simply a slap in the face.
And these companies have moved away from business and general management, anyway; these days, personal computers (including Macs) are designed to be all-in-one entertainment centers, not... computers! The software firms have decided "personal" computers should be exactly that, and "business" computers are a separate thing. Except that they are also busy pumping-out actual entertainment units (game cubes), meaning they are marginalizing business technology - in an effort to secure higher revenue, of course. Vista came in about five different "flavors," and a damned fax program was only included in the "Business" editions!
Personal computers never really became the home business machine they were originally conceived to be. We can argue that Microsoft directly did that with the Win95 OS and advertising campaign, but who did it or how it came about is moot; the point is that computers are not only no longer thought of as management tools, they are no longer designed to be! And that's where the problem lies: Listening to music and watching movies on my computer are great options, but the reason I bought a computer instead of an entertainment cube is because I need to be able to send a fax!
The other major reason this has become an issue is simple naivety: Too many people are afraid that computers will replace people if they are designed to handle business tasks, and/or personal and business management, effectively. Of course, the entire point of using computers for these tasks is to free-up the time of the human(s) who would otherwise be doing them. Technically speaking, said people are supposed to have other skills and talents which would forward the company/project - if only they had time to introduce, hone, and exercise them. So, the computer should be balancing the accounts and overseeing payroll while the personnel manager is recruiting, reviewing, and inspiring.
As always, we've decided to allow the LCD (lowest common denominator) to control the situation; instead of raising the expectations of computer users and operators, we've changed the model to appeal to anyone who draws breath. Instead of employing computers to handle the shit jobs and hiring creative types who would now have time to be creative, we're designing computers to make slack-jawed pedestrians feel creative and hiring them to handle the computers!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Saving the Economy, the Digital Perspective
The UK's "Digital Champion," www.lastminute.com's co-founder, Martha Lane Fox, commissioned a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers to find out how much money families can save by being online. Fox commissioned the report to help her determine the best route for getting the poorest Britons online by 2012, but found a number of interesting points along the way.
Households not already online could save between $500 and $1100 annually, depending on their circumstances. Unemployed workers could increase their earnings by nearly $25,000 in their lifetime, while workers already online can still make nearly $10k more. The study also showed how the European government could save a whopping £900m a year if everyone not online right now got online and made just one electronic contact per month!
The UK's interest in becoming digitally-capable has surged in recent months. They have declared it a matter of national security, among other incentives. Ms. Fox' role as Digital Champion is not exactly clear, but comes in the wake of Britain's "Digital Inclusion Minister" office. From the onset, Fox has made the 4 million poorest constituents her focus.
While many of her initiatives are traditional in nature - such as working with retailers to develop packages aimed at these strata, and other financial incentives; organizing peer-to-peer networks where the formerly digitally-deprived mentor others; and so on - some of her approaches are refreshing and quite brilliant in their directness. For example, she is trying to get daytime soap operas to introduce Internet-related storylines.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Households not already online could save between $500 and $1100 annually, depending on their circumstances. Unemployed workers could increase their earnings by nearly $25,000 in their lifetime, while workers already online can still make nearly $10k more. The study also showed how the European government could save a whopping £900m a year if everyone not online right now got online and made just one electronic contact per month!
The UK's interest in becoming digitally-capable has surged in recent months. They have declared it a matter of national security, among other incentives. Ms. Fox' role as Digital Champion is not exactly clear, but comes in the wake of Britain's "Digital Inclusion Minister" office. From the onset, Fox has made the 4 million poorest constituents her focus.
While many of her initiatives are traditional in nature - such as working with retailers to develop packages aimed at these strata, and other financial incentives; organizing peer-to-peer networks where the formerly digitally-deprived mentor others; and so on - some of her approaches are refreshing and quite brilliant in their directness. For example, she is trying to get daytime soap operas to introduce Internet-related storylines.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
T.A.S.C.O.
At least once a year, Americans are treated to photos or footage of a work crew in distress. Whether window-washers clinging onto their scaffolding for dear life or a similar scene which leaves us white-knuckled, the moral of the story is always the same: Safety First. This hit home for me when I learned that a former friend recently fell to his death while setting-up for a concert because he was not properly strapped-in.
I don't care how pedestrian the job, nor how many times you've performed it, you should always follow the proper safety precautions and use the right equipment. There are so many places to purchase industrial safety supplies, such as T.A.S.C.O., that there is literally no reason for not doing so.
No matter what else, you shouldn't learn how important safety is by dangling from a skyscraper.
I don't care how pedestrian the job, nor how many times you've performed it, you should always follow the proper safety precautions and use the right equipment. There are so many places to purchase industrial safety supplies, such as T.A.S.C.O., that there is literally no reason for not doing so.
No matter what else, you shouldn't learn how important safety is by dangling from a skyscraper.
MSN Receives a Facelift
Microsft has not had much luck as a Web presence. Sure, their technical KB and related website is one of the big ones, but that's more because you constantly have to search for how to fix your effing computer! When it comes to MSN, MS' flagship Web presence, things simply have not gone their way.
However, the release - and success - of Bing has changed things somewhat. I got an early invite to Bing and was able to check-out the engine from a Webmaster's perspective before it went live. Unfortunately, I was not able to use it (as a search engine). Still, I did an early review, then drafted it to wait until it went live and - like most things - never got back to it. But I've said, time and again, since its release that Bing is the best search engine out there. It only follows that MS would want to bring this newfound success to MSN and see what they can do with it.
Sure enough, MSN's new look and functionality is closely-tied to Bing. While the revamped site does not go live until 2010, some US users are able to access it now (I'm not one, I'm sorry to say), and this post is based on various reports from people who have seen it, as well as mainstream articles discussing it.
According to this information, MSN is being redrawn into a portal - which is what MSN was in the very beginning. Like Yahoo!, MSN lost its direction along the way, offering its version of other services, such as auctions, communities/forums, user websites, and more. Also like Yahoo!, MSN is dropping a lot of its user-generated and "unique" services (that is, MS' version of other companies' services, functions, and websites) in favor of a more pared-down, more streamlined look. However, MSN is staying with "partner" providers, like MSNBC (duh) and Fox Sports.
Anyone can access the preview and my first impression is that MSN hasn't "streamlined" so much as just moved to scripts to "hide" the 12390709 functions, buttons, and services it's always offered. Microsoft is infamous for its bloat and MSN became the online illustration of this. Redesigning graphic elements to make them more congruent with Bing's doesn't qualify as an actual redesign. Still, I'll hold my opinion until I actually get to check it out.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
However, the release - and success - of Bing has changed things somewhat. I got an early invite to Bing and was able to check-out the engine from a Webmaster's perspective before it went live. Unfortunately, I was not able to use it (as a search engine). Still, I did an early review, then drafted it to wait until it went live and - like most things - never got back to it. But I've said, time and again, since its release that Bing is the best search engine out there. It only follows that MS would want to bring this newfound success to MSN and see what they can do with it.
Sure enough, MSN's new look and functionality is closely-tied to Bing. While the revamped site does not go live until 2010, some US users are able to access it now (I'm not one, I'm sorry to say), and this post is based on various reports from people who have seen it, as well as mainstream articles discussing it.
According to this information, MSN is being redrawn into a portal - which is what MSN was in the very beginning. Like Yahoo!, MSN lost its direction along the way, offering its version of other services, such as auctions, communities/forums, user websites, and more. Also like Yahoo!, MSN is dropping a lot of its user-generated and "unique" services (that is, MS' version of other companies' services, functions, and websites) in favor of a more pared-down, more streamlined look. However, MSN is staying with "partner" providers, like MSNBC (duh) and Fox Sports.
Anyone can access the preview and my first impression is that MSN hasn't "streamlined" so much as just moved to scripts to "hide" the 12390709 functions, buttons, and services it's always offered. Microsoft is infamous for its bloat and MSN became the online illustration of this. Redesigning graphic elements to make them more congruent with Bing's doesn't qualify as an actual redesign. Still, I'll hold my opinion until I actually get to check it out.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Robo-Moose
Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife now have a robotic elk to add to their collection of decoys. In Oregon, it is a Class-A misdemeanor (punishable by up to one year in jail or a sizable fine) to hunt at night or during the off-season, yet it remains an issue. Many hunters use techniques such as "spotlighting" to stun wildlife before shooting it - and, being aware of the decoys, many wait for signs of movement before firing. The robotic elk is a top-shelf decoy which led to some 143 citations.
The $4000 robot was donated by the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust. Oregon Fish & Wildlife has a few robotic deer, too.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The $4000 robot was donated by the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust. Oregon Fish & Wildlife has a few robotic deer, too.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
2 Insure 4 Less
*This is a Sponsored Post*
Did you know the concepts of insurance and bonding, et.al., go all the way back to Biblical Times? They are mentioned in the Bible, I kid you not. It seems weird, when you think about how many people say things like, "Insurance is vital today," and so on - heck, I say things like that. It is true - insurance is now an indisputable bedrock of Western society - but it has always been available. Auto insurance, in most states, is now mandatory - just for example - where previously, many people went without it to save a few bucks.
But insurance is easier than ever to learn about, find, and purchase. You can now access everything you need concerning your insurance online, even from your mobile phone! Insurance makes a lot of sense and because it is so easy to handle these days, there is no reason not to have it. Further, you can get just about anything insured - your home, car, life - with all sorts of options.
Did you know the concepts of insurance and bonding, et.al., go all the way back to Biblical Times? They are mentioned in the Bible, I kid you not. It seems weird, when you think about how many people say things like, "Insurance is vital today," and so on - heck, I say things like that. It is true - insurance is now an indisputable bedrock of Western society - but it has always been available. Auto insurance, in most states, is now mandatory - just for example - where previously, many people went without it to save a few bucks.
But insurance is easier than ever to learn about, find, and purchase. You can now access everything you need concerning your insurance online, even from your mobile phone! Insurance makes a lot of sense and because it is so easy to handle these days, there is no reason not to have it. Further, you can get just about anything insured - your home, car, life - with all sorts of options.
Halloween Week
As you know, The Weirding is a mish-mash of all sorts of Geekery, but at the heart of it all lay the RPG content. It is, bar-none, the best online. The Weirding is not just another website, it's a work of art - my legacy - my answer to the traditional structure in the entertainment industry and a testament to the ideas that talent should triumph and businessmen have no place in art, et.al., etc., ad nauseam.
We have updated every Halloween since our inception and I like that (I dig traditions, so long as they are happy ones) and 2009 was no exception. This year was particularly special, as it brings the much-vaunted, long-awaited Chill @ The Weirding.
Unfortunately, I got really, really sick the week before. While much of the scheduled material did make it (and on-time, I'll add), it isn't... well, pretty. And because The Weirding is a work of art and not just another website, this is a sticking point. For now, though, enjoy what of it is there in the condition it's in. Of course I'll be tweaking and changing things all the time, but this department will get special attention in the coming weeks before I move-on to the next big project (Cyberpunk).
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
We have updated every Halloween since our inception and I like that (I dig traditions, so long as they are happy ones) and 2009 was no exception. This year was particularly special, as it brings the much-vaunted, long-awaited Chill @ The Weirding.
Unfortunately, I got really, really sick the week before. While much of the scheduled material did make it (and on-time, I'll add), it isn't... well, pretty. And because The Weirding is a work of art and not just another website, this is a sticking point. For now, though, enjoy what of it is there in the condition it's in. Of course I'll be tweaking and changing things all the time, but this department will get special attention in the coming weeks before I move-on to the next big project (Cyberpunk).
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
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