New Year. So full of hope. Not many blog posts since we returned. My resolution is to write more often. And considering it Jan 5 and I am just now acting on that resolution, I don't know how well I do at this!
But I am trying the new blogger apps on Android and the iPad. Wish there was one for Kindle Fire, but I have improved my access by 200% so fewer excuses.
Also redid our website, though to be honest Redoing consisted mostly of removing content. Still messing around with Flickr. Have decided to go Pro, but working on how to integrate into the website. More on that hopefully soon.
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
POP! RE: Facebook to Buy Photo-Sharing Service Instagram for $1 Billion
Facebook to Buy Photo-Sharing Service Instagram for $1 Billion - NYTimes.com:
Is it just me or does this deal make a huge POP sound that can be heard around the world? I am sure I am not an expert into the financials of this deal nor will I comment on the specifics around the architecture that it appears FB wanted to leverage, but I was a short-term user of Instragram and for the life of me, I don't get this!
Granted I do do not use my phone for taking a lot of pictures so perhaps the value is lodged in the thousands of users who now only take pictures via smartphones. While I found the tools available in the tool well thought out and realzie that the "workflow" available in the tool also far exceeds other similar tools, I found it novel in a way that is hard to explain. I would use the app for a week or two and then completely ignore it for months.
We'll have to wait to see how this pans out for final judegement. I personally think that Kevin Systrom did an excellent job of lining up the right investors at the right place and time. Still a POP from a long term strategy though...
'via Blog this'
Is it just me or does this deal make a huge POP sound that can be heard around the world? I am sure I am not an expert into the financials of this deal nor will I comment on the specifics around the architecture that it appears FB wanted to leverage, but I was a short-term user of Instragram and for the life of me, I don't get this!
Granted I do do not use my phone for taking a lot of pictures so perhaps the value is lodged in the thousands of users who now only take pictures via smartphones. While I found the tools available in the tool well thought out and realzie that the "workflow" available in the tool also far exceeds other similar tools, I found it novel in a way that is hard to explain. I would use the app for a week or two and then completely ignore it for months.
We'll have to wait to see how this pans out for final judegement. I personally think that Kevin Systrom did an excellent job of lining up the right investors at the right place and time. Still a POP from a long term strategy though...
'via Blog this'
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Technology Paralysis
This is what is currently happening at my desk RIGHT NOW:
- An attempt to connect to Word Press through the new iPad app. Stuck on the RPC updates, need to fix on server with the laptop before I can finish.
- Gmail not loading completely. What is up with the VPN???
- Downloading a file from Survey Monkey but the file is empty? What the...
- Trying to find the SwiftKey Update app on the Android Market for my HTC Hero. Why is China not letting me see that? Grrr....
- My website is syndicating my Blogger updates multiple times. Looking at the WordPress admin function not helping. Need to search for help.
- Trying to remember what software I was using to convert from MOV to MP4. What that before the Windows 7 upgrade?
- Why is my Zune not syncing this music?
- Out of INK? How can this printer be out of INK?
- Why does Quicken open a Qui*.tmp directory EVERY time I open the app? And why does each directory contain a minimum of 39Meg?? Why does the Intuit help site not help me with this??? Hello???
I'm going on vacation...
Monday, January 31, 2011
READ Different?
So today I read to so VASTLY different views on "publishing" books that I began thinking about what has changed for me in terms of publishing and reading. I wondered if my own needs, as a CONSUMER had changed. In fact, I know they have.
I started the day reading my Domino Project newsletter from Seth Godin. I am a huge Godin fan and rarely feel his commentary is far off the mark. He is a writer. He is a publisher. More importantly he is passionate about getting his messages into his customers hands. And now he has partnered with Amazon, who like it or hate it, has had a huge impact on our world of books and reading. Today he commented on pricing. Along the way he made some interesting about books and how as consumers, we have always had to bend to the "will" of publishers. Very satisfying quick read.
Finished my daily mandatory reading and went on the big newspaper headline perusing. And, aha, another article on publishing in the New York Times opinion pages. As I read through the article, Read On, I was astounded at the contrast in CONSUMER perspective of the industry in the NYT commentary to the Godin view. In this case, the CONSUMER is the reader. Sure, the article does point out that the industry has done much better than the recording industry at managing the move to "e-", but not sure the additional patting on the back is warranted. Let's admit it, another industry would be hard pressed to fail as big as recording companies did. This tone from NYT should probably be no surprise. It comes from a media giant who publishes a Bestseller list for the very objects that are produced from this industry. [Interested in how The New York Times Bestsellers REALLY are or are not determined? Read this...] I am dissapointed that I read the whole article on how much better the the industry is doing, and yet the writer shared no opinion on why it exists in the first place? Instead we get this:
Do we read different then we used to? As a CONSUMER, have I changed? I have been a user and fan of Amazon's recommendations for a very long time. I placed my first Amazon order in 1997 (bought The Grotesque by Patrick McGrath) . I have rated 889 books. Was poignant to see Brown Bear, Brown Bear marked with 5 stars in 2002. Year Natalie was born. Cancer Vixen in 2003. (Love you Julie!) Did I really read all of those Jean M. Auel books? And yes, I did give Middlesex a single star. First book that as an adult I did not finish. But what really strikes is how many of these books would NOT have been books that I would have bought at a traditional bookstore. Joyce Carol Oates? No way. Loved Carl Hiaasen, but had never heard of James Lee Burke. Had a rule about reading Oprah's Book Club (I didn't, it was the principle), but finally read She's Come Undone after it stayed at my number one recommendation for three book orders. Turned out it was one of my top 5 books. So Amazon expanded my base of books, though I may or may not have read more. Browsing recommendations versus browsing by the covers seems like a way to improve the overall quality of my reading. And it did. I tried new things (Naked by David Sedaris in 2000) and while not all were hits (didn't I mention Middlesex?) I certainly changed from my mostly Science Fiction genre to a broader swatch of literature. I get that I probably would have changed my reading materials without Amazon, I mean how many times can you read The Hobbit after you turn 30? But Amazon pushed me a bit out of my comfort zone. For that I am appreciative. [On a side note, it was weird to see that I only placed two order with Amazon in 2003. A new vacuum and Middlesex. I'm just sayin'...]
I was not ready to go to eBooks. Tom had one way before I did. I didn't like the idea of giving up the tactile experience of reading. I've always associated good book reads with the experience in which it was born. Reading The Reader by Bernhard Schlink in a Florida hotel room waiting on Y2k to hit? Contextual. Imagining Argentina by Lawrence Thornton on a deployment visit to Argentina? Realistic. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell read in little snippets during "lunch at the desk" years at CareSource? Life changing.
But, I took the plunge. And I am amazed at how quickly I adapted. I love that all my favorite books can be with me (note this is only the case since the Kindle was upgraded to allow folders). I can mark up and highlight to my hear's content. And the convenience of using the device for reading technical text files for computers and photography subjects is fabulous. I now can read 3-4 books at the same time. I used to max out at 2. But since they are with me, I can switch from my only-when-I-have-10-minutes book to my read-each-night-until-I-fall-asleep book. And that topic-for-which-I-should-have-paid-more-attention-to-in-high-school-government-class can be easily traded for the wish-i-remembered-if-I-liked-it-the-first-time book. And it's still as tactile as it used to be. I don't use a kindle cover except when I pack it in a bag. So my reading in bed experience is still the same really.
I am positive that I am reading more than I used to. And yes, some is short, which is great when my attention span will be short such as when I have 10 minutes until the microwave timer goes off. But I just re-read Watership Down by Richard Adams in about 10 little sessions. I think I was able to discern the main points regarding teamwork and leadership. In fact, it kept my frustration of reading about yet another bunch of males who don't recognize their need for females until it is too late. Ah, but I digress...
eBooks are here to stay. But what will it mean to the publishing world? What value does a publisher add to the acquisition process? Can they assist me in finding new and interesting things to read, or can they only direct me to the books they want me to read because THEY determined they were good books (again, Middlesex????)? I have a friend who is a fabulous writer (you know who you are!) and it would be great if she could easily be published. I am sure she aspires to have a NYT #1, but wouldn't it be even better to publish a book quickly and cheaply so that it can be priced and sized for us to try it? Then, when we love it, we can move on to her tomes!
Whatever happens I know that I continue to be a book lover. And I love that my daughter is a book lover. So here is to books:
I started the day reading my Domino Project newsletter from Seth Godin. I am a huge Godin fan and rarely feel his commentary is far off the mark. He is a writer. He is a publisher. More importantly he is passionate about getting his messages into his customers hands. And now he has partnered with Amazon, who like it or hate it, has had a huge impact on our world of books and reading. Today he commented on pricing. Along the way he made some interesting about books and how as consumers, we have always had to bend to the "will" of publishers. Very satisfying quick read.
Finished my daily mandatory reading and went on the big newspaper headline perusing. And, aha, another article on publishing in the New York Times opinion pages. As I read through the article, Read On, I was astounded at the contrast in CONSUMER perspective of the industry in the NYT commentary to the Godin view. In this case, the CONSUMER is the reader. Sure, the article does point out that the industry has done much better than the recording industry at managing the move to "e-", but not sure the additional patting on the back is warranted. Let's admit it, another industry would be hard pressed to fail as big as recording companies did. This tone from NYT should probably be no surprise. It comes from a media giant who publishes a Bestseller list for the very objects that are produced from this industry. [Interested in how The New York Times Bestsellers REALLY are or are not determined? Read this...] I am dissapointed that I read the whole article on how much better the the industry is doing, and yet the writer shared no opinion on why it exists in the first place? Instead we get this:
The resilience of the book business may be because of demographics. Like jazz, which is less prone to illicit downloads than hip-hop, books cater to older, less Internet-savvy customers. Publishers also avoided the recording industry’s mistake of wasting precious time suing customers and have rightly focused on promoting cheap and easy ways for them to download books legally.So publishing is working because my mom buys books? Because she can't figure out how get the free versions of bitTorrent I guess! And then there was this:
Some argue that the short texts usually found on the Internet are changing readers’ habits, perhaps reducing our attention spans.I read Ken Follet books and I am pretty sure that it's required attention span of 120 hours is a bit excessive. Why are full size novels more popular than short stories? You can never just buy a single short story either. Remember Stephen King's foray into the small, bite-size, publishing world? Everyone loved it. Of course, it was a return to the "serial" style. I agree that blogs, news readers, and other internet tools have faciliated readers in quickly covering many topics with a short amount of detail. But most of this reading is non-fiction. SO the observation might only apply to readers who read a larger % of non-fiction as oppossed to fiction-generally readers. Al this makes me wonder if the experts at The Times includes anyone who has actually been buying and consuming books in the last 14 years.
Do we read different then we used to? As a CONSUMER, have I changed? I have been a user and fan of Amazon's recommendations for a very long time. I placed my first Amazon order in 1997 (bought The Grotesque by Patrick McGrath) . I have rated 889 books. Was poignant to see Brown Bear, Brown Bear marked with 5 stars in 2002. Year Natalie was born. Cancer Vixen in 2003. (Love you Julie!) Did I really read all of those Jean M. Auel books? And yes, I did give Middlesex a single star. First book that as an adult I did not finish. But what really strikes is how many of these books would NOT have been books that I would have bought at a traditional bookstore. Joyce Carol Oates? No way. Loved Carl Hiaasen, but had never heard of James Lee Burke. Had a rule about reading Oprah's Book Club (I didn't, it was the principle), but finally read She's Come Undone after it stayed at my number one recommendation for three book orders. Turned out it was one of my top 5 books. So Amazon expanded my base of books, though I may or may not have read more. Browsing recommendations versus browsing by the covers seems like a way to improve the overall quality of my reading. And it did. I tried new things (Naked by David Sedaris in 2000) and while not all were hits (didn't I mention Middlesex?) I certainly changed from my mostly Science Fiction genre to a broader swatch of literature. I get that I probably would have changed my reading materials without Amazon, I mean how many times can you read The Hobbit after you turn 30? But Amazon pushed me a bit out of my comfort zone. For that I am appreciative. [On a side note, it was weird to see that I only placed two order with Amazon in 2003. A new vacuum and Middlesex. I'm just sayin'...]
I was not ready to go to eBooks. Tom had one way before I did. I didn't like the idea of giving up the tactile experience of reading. I've always associated good book reads with the experience in which it was born. Reading The Reader by Bernhard Schlink in a Florida hotel room waiting on Y2k to hit? Contextual. Imagining Argentina by Lawrence Thornton on a deployment visit to Argentina? Realistic. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell read in little snippets during "lunch at the desk" years at CareSource? Life changing.
But, I took the plunge. And I am amazed at how quickly I adapted. I love that all my favorite books can be with me (note this is only the case since the Kindle was upgraded to allow folders). I can mark up and highlight to my hear's content. And the convenience of using the device for reading technical text files for computers and photography subjects is fabulous. I now can read 3-4 books at the same time. I used to max out at 2. But since they are with me, I can switch from my only-when-I-have-10-minutes book to my read-each-night-until-I-fall-asleep book. And that topic-for-which-I-should-have-paid-more-attention-to-in-high-school-government-class can be easily traded for the wish-i-remembered-if-I-liked-it-the-first-time book. And it's still as tactile as it used to be. I don't use a kindle cover except when I pack it in a bag. So my reading in bed experience is still the same really.
I am positive that I am reading more than I used to. And yes, some is short, which is great when my attention span will be short such as when I have 10 minutes until the microwave timer goes off. But I just re-read Watership Down by Richard Adams in about 10 little sessions. I think I was able to discern the main points regarding teamwork and leadership. In fact, it kept my frustration of reading about yet another bunch of males who don't recognize their need for females until it is too late. Ah, but I digress...
eBooks are here to stay. But what will it mean to the publishing world? What value does a publisher add to the acquisition process? Can they assist me in finding new and interesting things to read, or can they only direct me to the books they want me to read because THEY determined they were good books (again, Middlesex????)? I have a friend who is a fabulous writer (you know who you are!) and it would be great if she could easily be published. I am sure she aspires to have a NYT #1, but wouldn't it be even better to publish a book quickly and cheaply so that it can be priced and sized for us to try it? Then, when we love it, we can move on to her tomes!
Whatever happens I know that I continue to be a book lover. And I love that my daughter is a book lover. So here is to books:
There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry --
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll --
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human soul. ---Emily Dickinson
Monday, October 18, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
iPad Keyboard Woes
It has been a while since I provided any feedback on our iPad. Which is interesting considering that I used it almost every day while I was in the U.S. this summer. My observation still is that the iPad is really more for consumption rather than creation. Typing an email on the existing touch keyboard is beyond painful. And those of you who have received emails I have typed under this duress are aware of the inability to send a "quick note"! But alas, there may be a solution coming for the creators out there who own an iPad. A new case which includes a keyboard which works via Bluetooth. Called the KeyCase iPad Folio, the keyboard will go on sale shortly in the UK for £59.95 and will carry a usage time of between 45 to 90 hours. (The iPad's batterly lasts around 10 to 12 hours.)Yeah!On a side note, it should be noted that this manufacturer, Shenzhen Paoluy Silicone Technology Co., Ltd is in China. AND they also make silicone breast forms. They probably have tons of experience with geeks!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Watch TV Shows & Movies Online - Clicker.com
For anyone who is trying to find online movies or shows, this site is great. It has made our expat entertainment life so much simpler! Clicker looks on video sites like Hulu, Netflix, Crackle, all of the TV network sources, and iTunes and Amazon too. Create an account and create a playlist. Now I have one place to go rather than looking at Hulu, then Netflix, then the SlingBox. If it is not available online, then I go buy the DVD's!
Watch TV Shows & Movies Online - Clicker.com
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Is This the Craziest Bridge Ever Designed?
Never thought about how to connect two countries where they drive on different sides of the road! Not sure I would want to be on during typhoon season though!
[Is This the Craziest Bridge Ever Designed?]
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
iPad Experience - Day 4
Read a magazine on Zino format on iPad. Note that Tom downloaded application and magazines while still in the US. Overall, a good expereince. I chose National Geographic, an iPad interactive issue from April 10. The pictures looked as fabulous as they do when you read the magazine. And since they are about the same size, that part of the experience was basically the same. Really enjoyed the integrated video that was available in this magazine. However, since our wireless access is not working (see previous post), the integration to the internet content was not yet there. It took me about an hour to read thorugh the whole magazine.
One observation regarding my reading process though. I spent a lot of time with the visual aspects of the stories, but found myself uninterested in the actual text that went along with it. I tended to focus on the text that was integrated into the pictures or visuals. Not sure why that was, maybe content, though the same thing happened with Spin.
A note about SPIN. This magazine has a lot less interactive content and required the iPad to be in a vertical mode versus the horizontal mode. When horizontal, there were two pages formated for the screen. I would have needed much stronger reading glasses to read any of the small text. The feeling when looking at this way, was like reading a pdf file or some type of scanned page. But vertically, it paged OK until you hit a page which was actually a two page spread. Anyway, the point is that some magazines (i.e. magazine publishers) have invested more than others on the future of e-reading magazine content on these types of devices. I am not yet convinces yet to give up my Wired paper magazine! But I can see this device allowing for more casual browsing of magazines that today I buy occasionally for specific content.
READING/BROWSING INTERACTIVE MAGAZINES: 4/5
I also feel that as a reader, the iPad is REALLY heavy. So I tried reading the Kindle for Mac that Tom has also installed on the iPad. Not a good experience. The thing is heavy. The light in a room reflects off the screen making it hard to read. Forget reading outside. For me at least, this would never replace my Kindle as an e-book reader. If you don't have an e-reader already, than maybe this will work for you. I read ever night in bed, and the thought of holding this vertical for more than 2 minutes makes me queasy. I am an avid reader (except apparently when it comes to interactive magazines!) so I have specific rituals (not like voodoo) that come into play: reading with one hand in bed, cheating on an airplane and leaving my "device" on during take off, and reading at the beach. So, this usage for the iPad is not going to get a high score.
e-Reader (current Kindle user): 1/5
Now off to find a new router...
One observation regarding my reading process though. I spent a lot of time with the visual aspects of the stories, but found myself uninterested in the actual text that went along with it. I tended to focus on the text that was integrated into the pictures or visuals. Not sure why that was, maybe content, though the same thing happened with Spin.
A note about SPIN. This magazine has a lot less interactive content and required the iPad to be in a vertical mode versus the horizontal mode. When horizontal, there were two pages formated for the screen. I would have needed much stronger reading glasses to read any of the small text. The feeling when looking at this way, was like reading a pdf file or some type of scanned page. But vertically, it paged OK until you hit a page which was actually a two page spread. Anyway, the point is that some magazines (i.e. magazine publishers) have invested more than others on the future of e-reading magazine content on these types of devices. I am not yet convinces yet to give up my Wired paper magazine! But I can see this device allowing for more casual browsing of magazines that today I buy occasionally for specific content.
READING/BROWSING INTERACTIVE MAGAZINES: 4/5
I also feel that as a reader, the iPad is REALLY heavy. So I tried reading the Kindle for Mac that Tom has also installed on the iPad. Not a good experience. The thing is heavy. The light in a room reflects off the screen making it hard to read. Forget reading outside. For me at least, this would never replace my Kindle as an e-book reader. If you don't have an e-reader already, than maybe this will work for you. I read ever night in bed, and the thought of holding this vertical for more than 2 minutes makes me queasy. I am an avid reader (except apparently when it comes to interactive magazines!) so I have specific rituals (not like voodoo) that come into play: reading with one hand in bed, cheating on an airplane and leaving my "device" on during take off, and reading at the beach. So, this usage for the iPad is not going to get a high score.
e-Reader (current Kindle user): 1/5
Now off to find a new router...
Monday, May 17, 2010
Newest Member of the Bramer Family: iPad
Well, it finally happened. An Apple product was introduced into my home this past weekend! Apparently Tom had too much time and too much cash available during his most recent trip to the US. He felt compelled (maybe he was drunk?) to purchase an iPad. Being an IT Professional (no jokes), I have had a long time relationship with Microsoft and, eh, it's productivity tools. Hence the blog entry. Now I am not ignorant of Apple technology, I have simply chosen to ignore it up to this point. So, now this Microsoft Family is being forced to learn how to also hate and despise Apple (as if I have any frustration left after my Windows 7 upgrade!).
Enough lamenting. Thought I would use the blog to share my thoughts and learning. There are a lot of people out there considering such a purchase, so thought I might help by exposing, I mean sharing, our journey to integrate and use this technology in our MS home.
Day 1/2/3
Determined that the iPad will not connect to our current wireless routers that we are using in the house. Simply stated, the iPad requires wireless support of the latest wireless standard, 802.11n. (Check out the wiki for a quick overview of what that means). Sounds reasonable, right? Well, our NetGear router does not support that version, nor did a router firmware upgrade help. Nor does the newer NetGear router upstairs, which I just purchased two years ago. So at this point, we cannot access wireless inside our home.
But we have determined it is a great to play Mahjong on! Natalie and I are competing to see who can finish the round the world game first! (I am winning)
More later...
Enough lamenting. Thought I would use the blog to share my thoughts and learning. There are a lot of people out there considering such a purchase, so thought I might help by exposing, I mean sharing, our journey to integrate and use this technology in our MS home.
Day 1/2/3
Determined that the iPad will not connect to our current wireless routers that we are using in the house. Simply stated, the iPad requires wireless support of the latest wireless standard, 802.11n. (Check out the wiki for a quick overview of what that means). Sounds reasonable, right? Well, our NetGear router does not support that version, nor did a router firmware upgrade help. Nor does the newer NetGear router upstairs, which I just purchased two years ago. So at this point, we cannot access wireless inside our home.
But we have determined it is a great to play Mahjong on! Natalie and I are competing to see who can finish the round the world game first! (I am winning)
More later...
Group Video Calling on Skype
Just updating to the new version of Skype. In this major upgrade, Skype now has ability to support video calls with more than two people. Once you’re all set up, it’s easy to start a group call – just use the Add button to invite people into the conversation, and click the Video Call button. If you want to use this feature, the person you want to add has to have upgraded to the newest version as well. Note that this is a beta feature, soe there may be a few hiccups, but I think it is great!
You have to use this link to access the Beta 5.0 upgrade, it is not the 4.2 release that just came out!
You have to use this link to access the Beta 5.0 upgrade, it is not the 4.2 release that just came out!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)