I love the internet. As a consumer, I get what I want when I want it...and, I can get content which is not provided by other forms of media (radio, television, etcetera). As a content producer, I need not worry about crossing a boundary set by another.
"..monthly visitation to radio station Web sites (16 percent) among persons 12+ lags visitation to local TV and local newspaper Web sites." Probably because radio station web sites don't offer much in the way of local content...other than advertisements...
"The Internet passes TV as most essential medium in Americans' lives: For the first time, more Americans say the Internet is 'most essential' to their lives when given a choice along with television, radio, and newspapers; 42 percent chose the Internet as 'most essential'...television still leads among those over the age of 45, Internet dominates among younger persons age 12 to 44."
The Infinite Dial 2010: Digital Platforms and the Future of Radio
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Before you purchase movies on DVDs that offer digital copies...
Especially the "Star Trek 2-Disc Special Edition", know that the digital copy being offered might not be on the disc you are purchasing: you may need to download it. If you can...
AFTER I opened the (Star Trek) package and inserted a DVD, I was offered a "Transfer to iTunes" option. When I chose that, I was required to have an Apple ID. Which, due to previous purchases from iTunes, I have.
After logging in, (as has happened before) I was unable to proceed past the "Payment Method section"...because I don't have a credit card (and any funds in my PayPal account). So, I can't get my digital copy from the iTunes store.
iTunes has often dissappointed me. Whenever I've attempted to download free content, like the "Free Single of the Week", I find that I could not (because I cannot get past the "Payment Methond" section).
At the moment, due to a gift card I had received, I have over $26 of active credit in my iTunes account.
And NOW, I find I can't log into iTunes with my Apple ID...AND my AOL Screen Name.
Buyer beware.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Tire Safety Week
June 6-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
...AAA would like to offer the following “Do’s and Don’ts” of tire care:
Do check for under inflated tires, which are one of the leading causes of tire failure, causing the tire to wear faster and adversely affect a vehicle’s handling. A tire can lose up to 50 percent of its pressure without appearing flat...
Don’t over inflate tires, which have an increased risk of tread separation, and can easily be damaged by things like road debris and potholes.
Do fill to the correct tire pressure, which is listed in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s door, not the tire itself. In addition, pressure should be checked when the tire is cold.
Don’t rely on pressure monitoring systems, which are designed to warn motorists once tires are 25 percent underinflated, which may be too late to prevent damage caused by under-inflation (RMA).
Do check tread depth, which is imperative to the tire providing the vehicle with adequate traction.
Motorists in need of a trusted technician can search AAA’s network of club owned or approved auto repair facilities statewide.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services...
Wireless car mouse for Father's Day?
The e-mail I received began:
"I wanted to introduce you the one luxury car that’s guaranteed not to have a recall this year...the Motormouse."
(And, of course, after receiving that message...there were more recalls. Of motorized vehicles, not computer mice...)
"Inspired by the Porsche 9-11...makes a great gift item and conversation starter for any gadget lover.
"...It is available in red, silver and black..."
The one that was sent to me is the "RedPOM: Red classic sports car wireless mouse"...
A carrying pouch is provided, which has an inner sleeve for spare batteries. The batteries are installed in the trunk, and the USB receiver can also be stored there. There is energy saving technology so when the mouse isn't in use, it will hibernate. When the batteries need to be changed, the headlights flash...
On their webpage it states it has the "worlds’ smallest 2.4 GHz USB receiver": I measured it as 3/4 of an inch (19 mm) long...and once it is inserted into a USB port, 1/2 of an inch (12.5 mm) of the receiver extends from the computer.
Sensitivity settings on one model can be set at 400, 800, or 1600 DPI...but I received the model locked to 1200 DPI (its settings cannot be changed).
The scroll wheel feels GREAT! It's 31/64 of an inch (12 mm) wide, made of rubber...and is very comfortable.
Ahem...Father's Day is June 20.
-------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE:
I use a computer in a small, cramped area...and decided to try the Motormouse to see if, being wireless, it might make my experience more comfortable: IT DOES! If you have limited space to use a mouse in, the Motormouse might also be the answer for you...
"I wanted to introduce you the one luxury car that’s guaranteed not to have a recall this year...the Motormouse."
(And, of course, after receiving that message...there were more recalls. Of motorized vehicles, not computer mice...)
"Inspired by the Porsche 9-11...makes a great gift item and conversation starter for any gadget lover.
"...It is available in red, silver and black..."
The one that was sent to me is the "RedPOM: Red classic sports car wireless mouse"...
A carrying pouch is provided, which has an inner sleeve for spare batteries. The batteries are installed in the trunk, and the USB receiver can also be stored there. There is energy saving technology so when the mouse isn't in use, it will hibernate. When the batteries need to be changed, the headlights flash...
On their webpage it states it has the "worlds’ smallest 2.4 GHz USB receiver": I measured it as 3/4 of an inch (19 mm) long...and once it is inserted into a USB port, 1/2 of an inch (12.5 mm) of the receiver extends from the computer.
Sensitivity settings on one model can be set at 400, 800, or 1600 DPI...but I received the model locked to 1200 DPI (its settings cannot be changed).
The scroll wheel feels GREAT! It's 31/64 of an inch (12 mm) wide, made of rubber...and is very comfortable.
Ahem...Father's Day is June 20.
-------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE:
I use a computer in a small, cramped area...and decided to try the Motormouse to see if, being wireless, it might make my experience more comfortable: IT DOES! If you have limited space to use a mouse in, the Motormouse might also be the answer for you...
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Insert it into your car's 12-volt socket, and save gas?...
(DISCLOSURE: I have not yet had an opportunity to conduct what I would consider reasonable tests to give an opinion on this device...at the moment, I am only publicizing that the device exists. If I ever get an opportunity to document my experiences, I intend to update this information...)
================================
I received a Fuel Doctor FD-47. I've seen the commecials on television...I'm sure you have, also.
"FD-47 cleans the power that your vehicle uses to operate. As your vehicle ages, the electrical systems tend to experience more electrical noise or electrical interference. This noise can have many detrimental effects on the various electrical components in the car. By removing or reducing this noise the vehicles electronics can operate more effectively and/or efficiently."
"...regardless of if your vehicle operates on gasoline or diesel fuel the FD-47 works on the vehicles power systems and is independent of the fuel type that the vehicle uses.
"...The FD-47 works on the 12VDC power systems and is independent of the size of the vehicle.
"...Fuel Doctor is confident in its product and offers a 30-day money back guarantee as a pledge to your satisfaction.
"...once the FD-47 is plugged into the 12VDC power outlet that is tied to the electrical system that is responsible for controlling the drive engine of the RV...
"...the FD-47 works on motorcycles...
"Our field and lab tests have shown up to 25% better...
"...optimal effects are seen with cars 24 months and older."
"FD-47 CAN NOT be use on Hybrids or Electrical Vehicles."
--------------------------------------------------
Before using the FD-47, they recommend the following procedure to obtain a baseline:
1. Fill the fuel tank...
2. Record the mileage on the odometer...log it as "Mileage A"
3. Drive until the tank is less than half full.
4. At the same filling station, using the same pump as before (because pumps can be differently calibrated), fill the tank ...log how many gallons it takes to fill the tank.
5. Record the mileage as "Mileage B"...
6. Subtract Mileage A from Mileage B (which will give the amount of miles driven)...
7. Divide your answer by the number of gallons it took to fill the tank...this will give the a baseline miles-per-gallon figure.
To begin logging the amount of fuel that might be saved by using the FD-47:
8. Now, plug in the FD-47 (and drive the car until the tank is less than half full)...
9. Fill the tank at the same station using the same pump...log how many gallons it takes to fill up the tank.
5. Record the mileage as "Mileage C"...
6. Subtract Mileage B from Mileage C...
7. Divide your answer by the number of gallons of fuel most recently put in the tank.
If the FD-47 saves fuel, you might notice the difference in miles driven before using the FD-47...and those that were while using the FD-47.
------------------------------------------------------
With it being available from Best Buy stores, I assume there must be some credibility to it. As always, I recommend that you understand what Best Buy's return policy is before you purchase the device from them...
================================
I received a Fuel Doctor FD-47. I've seen the commecials on television...I'm sure you have, also.
"FD-47 cleans the power that your vehicle uses to operate. As your vehicle ages, the electrical systems tend to experience more electrical noise or electrical interference. This noise can have many detrimental effects on the various electrical components in the car. By removing or reducing this noise the vehicles electronics can operate more effectively and/or efficiently."
"...regardless of if your vehicle operates on gasoline or diesel fuel the FD-47 works on the vehicles power systems and is independent of the fuel type that the vehicle uses.
"...The FD-47 works on the 12VDC power systems and is independent of the size of the vehicle.
"...Fuel Doctor is confident in its product and offers a 30-day money back guarantee as a pledge to your satisfaction.
"...once the FD-47 is plugged into the 12VDC power outlet that is tied to the electrical system that is responsible for controlling the drive engine of the RV...
"...the FD-47 works on motorcycles...
"Our field and lab tests have shown up to 25% better...
"...optimal effects are seen with cars 24 months and older."
"FD-47 CAN NOT be use on Hybrids or Electrical Vehicles."
--------------------------------------------------
Before using the FD-47, they recommend the following procedure to obtain a baseline:
1. Fill the fuel tank...
2. Record the mileage on the odometer...log it as "Mileage A"
3. Drive until the tank is less than half full.
4. At the same filling station, using the same pump as before (because pumps can be differently calibrated), fill the tank ...log how many gallons it takes to fill the tank.
5. Record the mileage as "Mileage B"...
6. Subtract Mileage A from Mileage B (which will give the amount of miles driven)...
7. Divide your answer by the number of gallons it took to fill the tank...this will give the a baseline miles-per-gallon figure.
To begin logging the amount of fuel that might be saved by using the FD-47:
8. Now, plug in the FD-47 (and drive the car until the tank is less than half full)...
9. Fill the tank at the same station using the same pump...log how many gallons it takes to fill up the tank.
5. Record the mileage as "Mileage C"...
6. Subtract Mileage B from Mileage C...
7. Divide your answer by the number of gallons of fuel most recently put in the tank.
If the FD-47 saves fuel, you might notice the difference in miles driven before using the FD-47...and those that were while using the FD-47.
------------------------------------------------------
With it being available from Best Buy stores, I assume there must be some credibility to it. As always, I recommend that you understand what Best Buy's return policy is before you purchase the device from them...
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Edmonds and Foster, (2010) May 30
A long time ago...on a radio station far, far away...and now off-air...two friends were hired by another friend to do a friendly radio show...and then they were fired. The end. Except...
Someone created the internet, and then podcasts.
Initially, this began as me testing some software that will allow for the recording from chat software...which I may later post a review of: so far, I've found interaction of the software to be a little "iffy".
When on-air, and off-air, this is how Robert and I interact in our personal lives...and have for decades.
Other than the fact that we were once paid to be on-air together, we have no other reason to believe that anyone might want to hear what we have to say. But now, we make it available for anyone to hear...depending on how bored and lonely you are.
Feel free to fast-forward.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
summer car/vehicle safety information/suggestions
Great information from AAA Arizona...
===============================
Breakdown Plan a Must as Summer, 100 Degree Days Begin
Phoenix, Ariz., May 26, 2010
...Without preventive maintenance, the desert heat increases the likelihood of a motorist experiencing a vehicle failure, leaving them unexpectedly – and dangerously – stranded on the side of the road. As a result, AAA would like to remind motorists about the importance of vehicle maintenance, as well as the need to have an emergency roadside plan.
--------------------------------------------
In the event that a vehicle failure does occur, AAA advises motorists to adhere to the following emergency roadside plan:
Turn on four-way flashers and pull completely off the roadway, if possible. On a freeway/highway, use the nearest exit, if possible. If unable to exit, pull the vehicle to the far right side of the roadway, on the right side of the solid, white line. Do not pull into, or stop in the gore area, which divides the roadway from the exit.
If you’re unable to exit the roadway, stay in your vehicle and remain buckled. Call AAA or your emergency roadside provider.
If you feel that you are in danger, let the dispatcher know immediately. Or, if your vehicle is stopped on the travel portion of the roadway, call 911.
Know your location in order to expedite help. Pay attention to the last exit if on a freeway, mile markers or signs, and your direction of travel.
Stay with your vehicle at all times, so long as it is safe to do so.
---------------------------------------------
Another must-have...is an emergency car care kit. The kit should include water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, a flashlight, extra batteries, duct tape, safety vest as well as first-aid items. Kits can be assembled at home or purchased pre-assembled...
AAA also advises motorists to always travel with a cell phone and car charger, which will enable them to summon help...
Free program to uninstall software that does not need to be installed!
I received the following from IObit...
I have downloaded, and launched, the program...it does not install into Windows: it is a stand-alone application. ("YEA!..")
=============================
date Wed, May 26, 2010 at 9:00 AM
Remove Stubborn Toolbars with New IObit Uninstaller
IObit Newly released IObit Uninstaller 1.1 for easy and deep toolbars removal
Boston, MA (IObit) May 26, 2010 – IObit today announces the release of IObit Uninstaller v1.1...this new version runs much more efficiently. With the unique "1-click toolbars removal" feature, IObit Uninstaller 1.1 can uninstall the targeted software completely, including files, folders and Registry keys.
This unique feature allows computer users to uninstall browsers’ tool bars which are hard to be detected in Control Panel...most of browser tool bars are rogue software that you don’t know when you installed and how to uninstall. The feature, tool bar uninstaller, allows you to deal with hard-to-uninstall toolbar easily. It automatically detects what toolbars you installed on browsers, no matter they are on IE, Firefox or other web browsers. With just one click, you can remove those rogue toolbars completely.
About Advanced Uninstaller: Advanced Uninstaller works on Windows 7/ Vista/ XP/ 2000 (32bit or 64bit), multi-language supported. For more information, please visit the product homepage: http://www.iobit.com/advanceduninstaller.html
Without Installation
Look for a pure uninstaller that does NOT need an installation and will not screw your system again? IObit Uninstaller is the answer.
Log Manager and Restoration
Easily view what has been changed by IObit Uninstaller. Every time an "Advanced Uninstall" is performed, a restore point image will be automatically set for possible future system restoration.
Free and Easy-to-use
No IT knowledge needed, just download it and simply run it to remove all junk programs.
IObit Uninstaller Product Specs
Current Version: v1.1
File Size: 673 KB
Operating System: Designed for Windows 7, Vista, XP and 2000
Release Date: May 12, 2010
Designed to: Uninstall Software.
AVG Rescue CD and USB
I like having tools available, like bootable CDs and USB drives, because you never know when you might need them...and when they can come in handy to have.
================================
====================================
(from the press release)
...AVG’s Rescue CD...is used to recover computers that are not able to boot or are infected in a way that will not allow normal operation. AVG is now making the Rescue CD available to all customers (including AVG Free customers). It can be downloaded to any CD or USB stick and then inserted into the damaged computer and used as the recovery disk.
This powerful offering contains all essential tools for users, including:
Comprehensive administration toolset
System recovery from virus and spyware attacks
Suitable for recovering Windows based operating systems
Ability to perform a clean boot from the CD
Upon booting a damaged computer using the AVG Rescue CD, the software will automatically mount all hard drives of the computer and scan them for viruses and malware. The Rescue CD will also automatically restore a safe network connection to the computer. For advanced users, the AVG Rescue CD also includes a Windows Registry editor, a TestDisk utility for recovering deleted files and lost partitions, a file browser for navigating folders, and a Ping tool for basic network diagnostics.
The AVG Rescue CD is a Linux-based boot utility with essential AVG security software already integrated. The AVG Rescue CD can be downloaded for free from AVG’s website at www.avg.com/us-en/avg-rescue-cd and burned onto any CD or DVD or extracted directly onto a USB flash drive.
=================================
I didn't want to burn/waste a CD, so I just tried the USB version...I needed a USB drive that was at least 80 MB.
----------------------------------------------
After putting the AVG Rescue CD on a USB drive, I booted from the USB drive. The AVG Rescue CD GNU/Linux Boot Menu has eight options (which can be seen at the AVG Rescue CD Guide. Two of the eight available options I found interesting are: Memtest86+ and "exit to the Syslinux boot prompt").
----------------------------------------------
When you get to the Main Menu, the options are:
* Scan - for starting an on-demand scan
* Scan Result - for viewing reports of finished scans
* Update - to start update of AVG
* Vault - to view files stored in Vault of AVG installed on the computer
and to restore them...
* Mount - to start mounting of storage devices. Use this option after
inserting a USB device
* Network - to configure the network connection
* USB - to create a bootable USB flash drive containing
AVG Rescue CD.
* Utilities - set of useful tools (see Utilities section below)
* Eject - to eject the CD/DVD-ROM disc tray
* Reboot - to restart the computer
* Shutdown - to turn off the computer
* About - to view information about the AVG Rescue CD
(My information is: AVG Rescue CD Version 100429,
AVG Version 8.5.812)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are decriptions of the utilities that are available:
"...Ping...can be used for basic network diagnostic (searching for IP address or computer name), other options are more advanced.
"Midnight Commander is a two panel file browser. It can be used to go through files stored on the hard drives of the computer. Navigation through folders is relatively easy - use arrow keys to move and the ENTER key to select folder. You can switch to the other panel by pressing the TAB key. The most used functions are assigned shortcuts which are listed at the bottom side of the screen (e.g. F5 for copying). To access the top menu, press F9. Note that the MC will display the Linux files system on which the AVG Rescue CD is running. To find the hard drives and USB drives of the computer, move to the folder mnt. There, you will see all drives attached to the computer. The system disk of the PC should be the first one (e.g. sda1)."
{Midnight Commander was a little tricky for me to use...I recommend you have directions available when you try to use it.}
"Windows Registry editor is a powerful tool to access and alter the Windows registries. It is only recommended for advanced users...
"TestDisk allows multiple operations with the hard drives of computer (including recovery of deleted files, lost partitions, MBR record, etc.). As with the registry editor, it should be only used by advanced user as it can destroy all data on the drive. For more information on its use, please see the web page of the vendor of this application: http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk_Step_By_Step
"PhotoRec can be used to recover (undelete) removed files from the computer but also from connected devices – digital cameras, mp3 players or generally any flash disk memory...For more information on its use, please see the web page of the vendor of this application: http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/PhotoRec_Step_By_Step
"Links is a text web browser similar to Lynx. It displays only text of visited pages and basic positioning on page. Some pages may not be readable from this reason (pages done mostly with pictures, in Adobe Flash or generally requiring some plugin to be displayed.)"
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