Technical Reviews 01

Instant Gratification

politico1 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:31:43 +0000

We all love to stop at a fast food restaurant when we are hungry and in a hurry. We get our meal in under five minutes, gobble it down and our bodies fly off in another direction for new horizons for our next appointment or job interview, or back to work on our lunch hour. Love that fast lane of service.

Our newer wizzy digital cameras provide fast accurate focusing, instant photographs that we can instantly download to our computers and upload to our own web sites. We have gazillions of instant moments as long as we can press that instant go button. Love this fast lane of instant gratification.

Our cellular phones provide us with instant caller text messages. Some of them which we return instantly, others not so fast. Love that instant message that we can’t seem to live without. But, in public we tell everyone around us our life story in five minutes on our cellular phones that they all overhear. None of which they wanted to know in the first place.

New digital televisions offer a menu that is almost instant for watchers, then we have to decide which tv show to see. As we click through the menu to find what might check into our brains the quickest there are instant decisions to make. Does that make us brainier? Do I really want to watch Desperate Housewives, World Wide Wrestling, Everybody Love Raymond, Dirtiest Jobs, Jay Leno, David letterman, The Science Guy, the NFL Football Game of the Week, or perhaps Animal Planet?

This all brings us to the need to know if a retail store has what we need instantly. Take the customer caller who asks “Do you have the washer and dryer that I just saw on Television?”

Telephone operator Well, Mam I’m not sure, what brand is it?

“I don’t know it sells for $499.00”

Telephone operator Mam, what is the name of it?

Customer “I don’t know I just saw it on TV”,

Telephone operator “Mam I need more information than that? Do you have a Model number”?

“Well that is all I know about it.”

Telephone Operator “Mam I’ll look it up on my computer here at the store and see what we have that those items sell for at that price for you, just a moment please.”

Telephone operator “Mam, we have a Maytag Washer and Dryer that are listed for $499.00 each. The washer is a 4.cu and the dryer is a 7.cu does that sound like what you saw?

Customer, “why yes, when is the sale over”?

Telephone operator “Tonight Mam at 7:00 p.m.”

Customer “Well, thank you very much for your help. You have been very helpful, I’ll be there this evening to look at them.

Now is that good customer service or what?

Terror in New Technology/Losing a Job

politico1 — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:38:40 +0000

Fillipina Hamilton has lost her job. She was a model for years for Ralph lauren. He decided he didn’t like the way she looked anymore so ordered her photos Photoshopped. Hence we see her in weird poses and looks as if her body is contorted. He comment was “they said I was fat.” So technology has its drawbacks for sure.

Now my question is can she sue them? If people who are obese can claim discrimination, why can’t she? While these women look okay, and notice that I did not say healthy, or even good, they are not people I want my grandchildren to seek to imitate. At some point we need to really take the bull by the horns and say enough of your sadomachism (Ralph Lauren) let these young girls look like young girls and clothe them appropriately, but healthy.

The fashion industry has for years been insane and promoted unhealthy looks toward our youth. No wonder so many of our children face insecurities we can’t even fathom these days. It is everywhere, but always at the front of fashion. As parents we need to make sure we put positive images in front of our children.

I always turn my head to approve of a woman who has some curves. That is classic beauty at its best, and makes her more interesting. Photoshop can also make a persons face look thinner, and take out the famous red eyes for you as well. Too bad Ralph Lauren took the low road . Wonder what else he has done with technology in the past?, Oh that’s right there are some things you can’t fake.

Monster.com and Getting Jobs

politico1 — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 02:32:09 +0000

According to Wikipedia Today, Monster.com is the largest job search engine in the world, with over a million job postings at any time and over 150 million resumes in the database (2008) and over 63 million job seekers per month.

But, does all of that make them relevant to getting a real job in today’s market? Does that sound like a dumb question? Well, it isn’t. How many people do you know who have received a job offer and been hired from a Monster.com advertisement?

Maybe their sheer size prevents many people from even finding a relevant job. After visiting their site, opportunities seem to be everywhere. However, having said that, many jobs require a bachelors degree or higher education. Three are still many people who fall between the cracks and just do not have their degrees for many life altering reasons. As we all know sometimes life gets in the way of getting ahead.

Maybe employers who really want to hire could take a more aggressive approach and pay for educational needs. Some national employers like Home Depot already do that on a regular basis.

With the U.S. unemployment rate as high as it is the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that unemployment rates were higher in June than a year earlier in all 372 metropolitan areas.

A random selection of current statistics are as follows:

The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area is 6.6%.

Baltimore-Towson, MD Metropolitan Statistical Area rate is 8.0%.

Winston-Salem, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 10.4%

Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 17.1%.

Winston-Salem, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area 11.2%.

Danville, VA Metropolitan Statistical Area 12.8%.

Morristown, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area 13.2%.

Mansfield, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area 14.1%.

Modesto, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 16.6%.

Flint, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 17.6%.

Kokomo, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area 19.2%.

Yuma, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 23.1%.

El Centro, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 27.5%

Unemployment (Household Survey Data)

The number of unemployed persons (14.7 million) and the unemployment rate (9.5 percent) were little changed in June. Since the start of the recession in December 2007, the number of unemployed persons has increased by 7.2 million, and the unemployment rate has risen by 4.6 percentage points., according to the Labor site.

All in all the many jobs listed on Monster.com could be scooped up in no time. But, monster has lots more to do because of the high numbers of people who need jobs who do have computer skills and have been unemployed for longer periods of time. In an article from Fortune Magazine April 13, 2009: “You have to take a long-term view and expect that it may take you a full year to land the job you want,” says Nancy Keene director of the Dallas office of executive recruiters Stanton Chase.

Monster.com has taken note of the older workers still out of work, hardest hit by layoffs and encourages them to get into classes, to take on job retraining management skills and an update on their expectations for the current marketplace.

The Computer World

politico1 — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:22:45 +0000

Computers can be great as far as online marketing goes, and learning new facts, accessing the newest information that you need, or keeping up with friends and associates.

Computers and their programs totally change about every six months because of new ways of doing things, and new programs that are available to make things easier. Many of the programs are very expensive. Different types of computers are better suited for techies who really understand computers (Dell,IBM,SONY), or easier methods for non-techies (Apple Macintosh brand). There are differences in machines made for college students, artistic and design people, music, techies and non-techies. Just like any technical field it is an intense learning experience, but all the time, not just at the beginning. This field is not for the faint of heat, or those who never seem to be able to finish their projects.

New computers, a think pad can be purchased for approximately $700.00 more or less, but that depends on how much memory you need and what you want it to do for you and your own technical abilities, last but certainly not the least important factor to color your important purchase.

Prices from the Warehouse CDW.com

A Sony Vaio SR490PBB Notebook

SR490PBB – Core 2 Duo T6670 / 2.2 GHz – Centrino…

Sells for $1,099.99

An HP EliteBook 6930p – Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4 GHz – 14.1″ TFT Core 2 Duo P8600 / 2.4 GHz – Centrino 2 with vPro…

Sells for $1,149.99

Apple MacBook Core 2 Duo 2.13 GHz – 13.3″ TFT

Core 2 Duo 2.13 GHz – RAM 2 GB – HDD 160 GB – DVD±RW (±R DL) – GF 9400M shared video memory (UMA) – Gigabit Ethernet – WLAN : 802.11 a/b/g/n (draft), Bluetooth 2.1 EDR – MacOS X 10.5 – 13.3″ Widescreen TFT 1280 x 800 ( WXGA ) – camera

Sells for $998.00

Apple MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 3.0 GHz – 15.4″ TFT

Core 2 Duo 3.0 GHz – RAM 4 GB – HDD 500 GB 7200rpm – DVD±RW (±R DL) – GF 9600M GT / GF 9400M – Gigabit Ethernet – WLAN : 802.11 a/b/g/n (draft), Bluetooth 2.1 EDR – MacOS X 10.5 – 15.4″ Widescreen TFT 1440 x 900 ( WXGA+ ) – camera

Sells for $2648.00

Top selling desktops- Apple Mac mini Core 2 Duo 2 GHz

DTS – 1 x Core 2 Duo 2 GHz – RAM 1 GB – HDD 1 x 120 GB – DVD±RW (+R DL) – GF 9400M shared video…

Sells for $598.00

HP Compaq Business Desktop dx2400 – P E2220 2.4 GHz

Micro tower – 1 x P E2220 / 2.4 GHz – RAM 1 GB -…

Sells for$406.99

Lenovo ThinkCentre A62 9935 – Athlon X2 5000B 2.6 GHz

Tower – 1 x Athlon X2 5000B / 2.6 GHz – RAM 2 GB…

Sells for $478.99

All of the information above is just the tiniest tip of the computer world as some of us know it.

Next begins the business side for business owners who need computers networked together, and new buildings prewired for lease and more. There are accessories like cameras and mouse pads, keyboards that need to be replaced and interconnections for conferences.

Power, data storage projects, computers for retail operations at your local grocery store, and shopping mall all serve their own specific specialty niche. Then of course there is the scientific world, internet security, governments, and health to mention a few other types of special needs that have to be prioritized and needs attuned to for effective use.

New Web site WWW.DIANEKNAUS.COM

politico1 — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:03:03 +0000

In order to promote my photography and creative services more, I have produced a web site http:// www.dianeknaus.com. The site includes my over fifteen years in publishing, advertising, copyrighting, and photography services. Currently working on putting together a web gallery for the site. Working on the tech details parts of the whole gallery at the moment. So, stop on over for a preview. Leave some comments if you like. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Diane

Facebook Won’t Publish Nursing Mothers Photos

politico1 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:50:02 +0000

The www.911info.net has a new section about parenting. In the section we are accepting photographs of nursing mothers to publish. The only reason we won’t publish one is because of size constraints on our server, or if it is clearly pornographic. So check out We also accept letters to the editor.

Have a Great Day .

Diane

Canon EOS30D New Camera

politico1 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:59:20 +0000

I have been using an AE1 Cannon camera since 1984. It has given me wonderful service. However, after buying a new EOSD30 I can see why the professionals like the digital technical advances. This model provides 8.2 Megapixels and 5 Frames per second, 9 focusing areas, an almost silent noise factor, great focusing even for moving objects or people. It is a seemless process to upload the photograhs to my Macintosh G5, with no problems.

So your question is probably will I give up my old AE1Canon? No, not on your life, it still works just as good as when it was new. The new EOS30D is a partner in quality. And I have used it with really good results in the past year.

Voting Booths

politico1 — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 03:28:19 +0000

Oh how we change from one election to another. I distinctly remember being a judge at the voting booths in Maryland during the 70′s. We had a booth with a pull curtain and when we voted for something we had to pull a lever, and all of the levers were pulled at the same time, marking the ballots. Guess what, they worked like a charm. We will now have paper trail booths in Maryland again, but they are supposed to help us to track things better. It has been said that the other electronic booths we recently had were reliable and easy to use. Maybe the newer ones will work, but maybe not.One of my big issues is with who is to deliver the machines at this point. John Kane of The Kane Companies has been a Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party from 2002-2006.. It has been reported in the media that he has raised funds for Mitt Romney. For my money and vote, I do not want any political leader to deliver or have any contracts involving an election in any business deal.The vote in Maryland is next week, I for one want to know more about these machines, there is supposed to be a paper trail and can they be tampered with or not? The state has dumped the electronic machines which cost us the taxpayers of Maryland approximately 65 Million dollars, yes I said 65 Milion dollars and they are not paid for as yet. Now the big political leaders have spent 20 Million more dollars to buy these new machines, ho hum, it all comes out of all of our pockets you know. Yes, and .06 cents for taxes now, hmph! Not much we can do about it now. Lets see just how well the machines work. I wonder if there is a money back guarantee?

Careerbuilder.com to Financial Gatekeepers

politico1 — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 03:31:58 +0000

In most career sites you will be told to not do business with those companies who want your financial information, or bank account or paypal number. That is great, however, I have been getting many offers from companies wanting me to do just that, from careerbuilder.com mostly.
I even got a solicitation from Forbes. Of course I immediately went to their web site and got contacts for their communications director and sent her an e-mail with the solicitation in the body of the e-mail. That happened two days ago. Her immediate response was “Sounds like
> a complete hoax.”
In part the job offer said “Please visit our site below for consideration for
> this
> position.
> Browse the site to become more
> familiar with the company and position available.
> If
> you feel you are
> or will be a good
> candidate for this position ensure to view the
> Employment section.” Notice the improper English
Remember folks,
There are so many bogus job offers in cyberspace it
is getting harder to tell what is a real offer or not. Use your techie sensibilities, and read all offers very closely. Make sure you read them all twice to check out facts. Do not click on their links if you are unsure of where they have originated. Check out the name of the business online and their site by typing in the company name in your url space to check on them before making a reply.
Have a great day.
Diane

Spam a Lot

politico1 — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 02:22:18 +0000

How many times a week do you get spam on your computer? Everyday? Once a week? How many e-mail accounts have you closed because of too much spam in your mailbox? I do not spam anyone, never have, will never do it.

My reality is, everytime I go to check e-mail there is spam, sometimes it is ten, other times it is fifty or more. What a real pain in the ass! Personally I am on the computer about four or more hours a day because I have a web site which I perform updates on everyday. That translates into my searching the internet for information three hours each day. At times I may have to sign up for a newsletter to gather more information on a specific topic so that I can better understand what I am on the search for.

You guessed it, then I receive offers from other people or companies who deal with that newsletter. Do you think that is the price I pay for the free information?

Yes, I know I can go to the library and search for information there, however, that’s not always up to date, or applies to my subject. Libraries do have value, especially if you need in depth information. Sometimes online libraries are the answer.

My other reality is how much time should I spend online or in a library for a web site that was started as a result of the 9-11 Tragedy and which does not actually pay me any dollars, but gets my name out there in cy-berspace, with some recognition.

All of that spam I get takes me time to delete them off of my computer. It takes time to select them from what I am on task to do. I have closed three e-mail accounts, because, I received too much spam.

People will tell you not to log into gambling sites, well that is good advice for anyone, I don’t gamble anyway. Don’t enter contests, unless they say they will not give out your e-mail address to anyone else. Don’t answer ads and buy things just to get something for free. Remember if you have to buy something, you got nothing for free. If you do buy, then you risk the chance that the sponsors that you bought from will spam you, and their associates will do that as well. If a company buys e-mail lists, then your name gets on many other lists because some companies buy those e-mail lists.

Remember, if you don’t like spam, then don’t you spam either!

Thus we have Spam a Lot! And it comes to your e-mail box as well as mine. However, there are spam programs that cost money to keep spam out of your mailbox. Check them out today, take charge of your e-mail for tomorrow.

See web site