Can't Stop Geeking

A new texting app came out for the iPhone that deletes the messages from the person’s phone.  “Tiger Text,” that’s what it’s called, stores text on a server for a certain amount of time and then erases it from the texting server.  The reason this works is because the actual message is stored on the server, not the recipient’s phone.  Of course, people are thinking about how this would have kept Tiger Woods in the clear.  So, now the iPhone tagline could be:

“Cheating on your spouse just got easier.”

Suzanne Choney from MSNBC wrote this article last Friday detailing some research done as to whether the internet is helping or hurting human intelligence. Some say that the access to all the information the internet has is making us smarter in a slightly different way than in years past. Others say that we are using Google as a crutch to do the bare minimum in terms of research. So where do you stand?

Me personally, I think the information on the internet is fantastic. I’ve accessed things and studies topics I wouldn’t normally have been able to. On the other hand, with the proliferation of blogs and other sites put up with faulty information, reading info from one site only doesn’t alkways paint the fullest picture. If you plan to do research, it’s best to gather information from multiple, credible sites.

Are you a fan of the new layout?  Do you have to spend 5-10 minutes just trying to figure out where to visit your profile?  Do you find getting to your apps and games easier?  I myself don’t think the changes are necessary.  I could go into FB, check to see if there were any major friend updates from my last visit, and get on with my life.  I have many friends who also hate the changes, so what’s your opinion?

There’s a new study coming Britain that TV and video games may be the cause for a resurgence of rickets in children.  Rickets can lead to developmental abnormalities such bowed legs.  Rickets can occur when a child has chronic vitamin D deficiencies from too many hours out of direct sunlight and/or with poor nutrition.  Healthy exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D which promotes normal growth and development.

What’s the lesson to be learned here?  Connecting and playing in the cyber-world is fun, but balance your time between virtual reality and reality for healthy mind and body. Read the full story here.

That’s right.  Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, arguable the richest man in the galaxy, philanthropist extraordinaire, has joined the ranks of tweeters.  So, Bill can let us know what’s going on 145 characters at a time.  Can I ask a question: what is the point of personal Twitter accounts?

I mean, corporate twitter accounts I can understand.  Businesses can tease the public with upcoming product news and release dates.  But what can you share from a personal standpoint?  Is anyone’s life changed forever knowing Bill was working on his foundation letter when he tweeted?  Does getting an update from Ashton saying he and Demi are ordering wine with dinner make your life better?  Can someone tell me what value personal Twitter accounts have?

Google is set to take down it Chinese search engine due to allegations that the Chinese government’s actions toward human rights activists using gmail to communicate as well as oppressing other companies.  I wonder if  the doomsday clock movement on Thursday has something to do with this.

This comes from foxnews.com.

The doomsaday clock, a clock debuting in 1947 and representing man’s proximity to nuclear annihilation, will be moved for the first time in three years.  People can watch the clock change over the internet.  Of course, the direction and amount of change will not be made public until the actual change which leaves room for a lot of speculation.  What is causing the clock change.  More dangers or fewer? Nuclear war issues or climate change issues?  Whta do you think?

Imagine you have a website you like to visit.  Whether it is because of the content, the look or layout of the site, or if they offer mercahndise online, this is the first site you visit when you get on the internet.  Now, imagine you’re blind, or you have a muscle disease that hinders fine motor coordination.  How easy is it to visit your favorite site now?

Some companies are starting to optimize their sites to accomodate those with impairments, and the World Wide Consortium, which establishes internet standards, has developed guidelines for creating accessible sites. Having a cousin who lives with Cerebral Palsy, I know how hard it is to live with a disability. So, bravo to those companies who are already taking this step, and if you know of someone who works in web design, whether it’s a local orange county web design or a national company, let them know the good they can do for those with disabilities.

I saw this looking through cnet.com and immediately put it on my Christmas list for this year and next.

Not only can you load up to 32 GB of song files, it has a built in receiver for FM radio signals. Now, say what you will about including all your favorite songs, but sometimes listening to the radio is a pleasant diversion. It also supports Wi-Fi connectivity, so it can support live video streaming services from any number of sites. This truly could be the ultimate portable entertainment unit.

The date is getting closer.  Christmas is coming and if you’re looking to ship a gift long distance, now is the time to do it.  Some retail shops are offering free shipping, other online stores are folliwing suit. So, if you have a store with a web site design in orange county, don’t forget to offer that free shipping for customers.