***Begin Quote***
Why do I have to call to complete my transaction?
See answer
For security reasons, we need to speak with you to confirm that your transaction is valid. We apologize for inconvenience.
***End Quote***
It’s a disaster.
NOT RECOMMENDED
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SERVICE | 
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Posted by reinkefj
http://www.wsmv.com/news/15315424/detail.html?taf=nash
Woman Says Being Declared Dead Ruins Life
Laura Todd Says She’s Been Dead On, Off Again For 8 Years
Reported By Nancy Amons
POSTED: 5:10 pm CST February 15, 2008
UPDATED: 4:59 pm CST February 16, 2008
***Begin Quote***
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Nashville woman said that having to prove she’s alive over and over is ruining her life.
***End Quote***
It’s technology because it is poorly designed.
Just shaking my head.
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Leave a Comment » | Technology | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/02/fire_at_south_brunswick_apartm.html
Fire at South Brunswick apartment complex displaces 16
by Seung Min Kim/The Star-Ledger
Saturday February 02, 2008, 2:50 PM
***Begin Quote***
The fire was first detected when a tenant working on his computer around 3:15 a.m. noticed the power flickering throughout the apartment, South Brunswick police Detective Jim Ryan said.
***End Quote***
Who needs smoke detectors? We have the “web surfers”.
:-)
Can laff now about a potentially serious incident.
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Posted by
http://hardware.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/01/25/0625206&from=rss
Big Delays, Small Laptops: OLPC XO Recipients Mad
Posted by Soulskill on Friday January 25, @08:15AM
from the give-one-get-one-if-you-are-lucky dept.
Portables Hardware
***Begin Quote***
PCWMike writes to tell us about the growing concern over the failure of OLPC to deliver laptops to some of its customers. PC World editor-in-chief Harry McCracken notes that record-keeping was poor for some of the people who paid via PayPal. A report on LinuxJournal also suggests that customer information was lost due to errors in the database software used by OLPC. Quoting PC World: “OLPC spokesperson Jackie Lustig acknowledges problems with the ordering and the fulfillment process, but says the biggest challenges are a short supply of XO laptops and the organization’s ability to meet consumer demand for the XO laptop. Some also wonder whether chronic delivery problems for Give One, Get One donors may bode poorly for the 15 countries slated to receive nearly 500,000 XO notebooks. Lustig says delivering in bulk to just over a dozen countries is infinitely simpler than processing and delivering 80,000 individual laptops.”
***End Quote***
Guess I wasn’t lucky. Now the “early January” date has slipped to “maybe April”. Argh! What did these guys take lessons from Dell? They should have outsourced it to Amazon!
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Posted by reinkefj
http://apnews.myway.com//article/20080126/D8UDG2N00.html
Photo Clues Lead to Camera’s Owner
Jan 26, 4:43 AM (ET)
By BRIAN BERGSTEIN
***Begin Quote***
At dusk on New Year’s Eve, Erika Gunderson got into a taxi in New York City and entered a digital-age mystery. Sitting on the back seat was a nice Canon digital camera. Gunderson asked the driver which previous passenger might have left it, but the cabbie didn’t seem to care. So Gunderson brought it home and showed it to her fiance, Brian Ascher. They decided that the only right thing to do was to find the owner.
***End Quote***
I won’t spoil the story by revealing the ending, but …
… why don’t electronic devices have a return address?
… why don’t all cell phones suggest an ICE (In Case of Emergency)?
… why don’t more people try harder like these folks?
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Posted by reinkefj
http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/web/2008/0114web2.html
What comes after blogging?
First comes static Web site postings, then comes blogs, then comes tumblelogs
Web Applications Alert Newsletter By Mark Gibbs, Network World, 01/16/08
*** begin quote ***
First came Web sites with static postings. Then came blogs, essentially diaries on steroids. The astute reader might guess what question that raises: What comes after blogging? Some believe the answer is “tumblelogs” – a curious and compelling hybrid of a blog and a scrapbook. The definitive tumblelog service today is Tumblr, but the term “tumblelog” was first coined as long ago as 2005 to describe the formatting of a blog.
*** end quote ***
Interesting. I’ll try it, of course.
http://www.tumblr.com/dashboard
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How to replace Microsoft Outlook address book with online service: Big Contacts
14 January 2008
***Begin Quote***
Problem: How to replace Microsoft Outlook address book with online service: Big Contacts
Solution: Big Contacts
Site: http://www.bigcontacts.com/
***End Quote***
The limits are set at a 1,000 contacts per user. You can have two thousand users. So, in theory, 2M contacts. But, on Outlook I have over 19k of contacts in various and sundry categories.
SO BIG ain’t BIG enough!
NOT RECOMMENDED!
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Posted by reinkefj
FROM A RECENT EMAIL
***Begin Quote***
We’ve had a “national outbreak” of the “reply all” virus.
It’s really not a virus. But it might as well be.
It’s when, to get off a distribution, some poor soul — usually in a fit of pique — does a “reply all” and says “take me off the list”. Others respond with a “reply all” to either chime in about getting off the distribution, or castigate the transgressor. If the distribution list is really large and / or there are lots of computing centers involved, it can create an overwhelming “fire storm” of messages that can overwhelm an infrastructure.
It usually takes some one in Leadership saying politely “shut up”, or the equivalent, to stop it. I’ve appended an attempt to damp it.
I just thought you’d want to pass along a warning about the use of “reply all”.
Lest it be followed with the “pink slip” virus. :-)
***End Quote***
I don’t blame people. I blame poorly designed software.
How hard would it have been to say “Confirm reply all to a distribution list”?
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Posted by reinkefj
http://www.livescience.com/php/video/player.php?video_id=080104-flying-fish
LiveScience Video
Dolphins Play with Unmanned Seaplane
***Begin Quote***
Built for DARPA, this unmanned seaplane became a dolphin toy! Credit: Univ. of Michigan/ DARPA
***End Quote***
Kool!
Now how much did that gang have to steal from the taxpayer to make a “dolphin toy”?
Argh!
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Posted by reinkefj
http://www.webware.com/8301-1_109-9842728-2.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=Webware
Hands-on
PicMarker watermarks, keeps your photos safe from evildoers
By Josh Lowensohn – January 7, 2008, 5:03 AM PST
***Begin Quote***
The correct attribution for online photos is a touchy subject.
***and***
Maybe one of the simpler ways to keep your photos and videos moderately safe from incorrect attribution is watermarking. I’m sure you’ve all seen it before, but if not, it’s basically layering on a semi-transparent line of text, or image over a spot in a photo. Some folks put it in a corner, and if they’re really worried, will place it all over the photo. A new service called PicMarker has set up shop to help people accomplish such a task, although instead of having to rely on a desktop software application, anyone can watermark up to ten shots at a time right in their browser.
***End Quote***
Interesting?!?
Now what can I use this thing for that it wasn’t intended to accomplish?
Social networking?
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Posted by reinkefj
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8U0M82O0&show_article=1
GM Researching Driverless Cars
Jan 6 06:25 PM US/Eastern
By TOM KRISHER
AP Auto Writer
***Begin Quote***
DETROIT (AP) – Cars that drive themselves—even parking at their destination—could be ready for sale within a decade, General Motors Corp. executives say.
***End Quote***
Well, I’d welcome that.
Having driven in Florida and had elderly relatives that can’t drive, or shouldn’t be driving, yet still need to get around, a driverless car would be a boon.
How about a driverless taxi?
Imagine the commute to work where you weren’t driving, but reading. Like an exec in limo?
An idea who time has come. Let’s roll it out now!
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Posted by reinkefj
EMURSE
Join XXXXX’s Network
***Begin Quote***
XXXXX would like to add you as a connection on Emurse. By connecting with trusted friends and colleagues, you will always have access to their most current resume and contact information!
Are you already an Emurse member?
***End Quote***
Wow!
A resume distribution service, which I recommended, has added a social networking component.
Why?
It’s now not enough to do your one thing well; you have to chase wildly any wisp of an idea (like little children playing soccer who follow the ball all over the field?).
Strange!
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Posted by reinkefj
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=340
Western Digital 1TB My Book World Edition – Ethernet (10/100/1000) Network External Hard Drive – WDG1NC10000N
***Begin Quote***
Add this unique remote-access storage system to your wired or wireless network and you’ll have a surprisingly simple and secure way to access data and photos at home, in the office, and anywhere in the world–even when your local computer is off. The included RAID software makes it easy for you to take advantage of RAID mirroring for extra data protection.
Product Features
WD Anywhere Access™ – This storage system and all the files on it are always accessible when you need them, even when your local computer is turned off.*
***and***
*Due to unverifiable media license authentication, the most common audio and video file types cannot be shared with different users using WD Anywhere Access. A list of the non shareable file types can be found here.
***End Quote***
Excuse me, who made you the “license” police?
Argh!
Would have bought one on the spot, but for this minor after-though kowtow to the RIAA!
NOT RECOMMENDED!
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Posted by reinkefj
FROM AN EXCHANGE ON CREATING LINKEDIN ACCOUNTS
*** begin quote ***
Perhaps this is the answer to the “quantity” types. You too could have
a few thousand meaningless networking contacts. And, at the same time
help LinkedIn reach 100 million accounts.
*** end quote ***
From: XXX
Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2007 7:46 PM
Subject: LinkedIn’s magic millions
Wicked :)
*** my response ***
Glad you like that idea.
Can I interest you in the 10, 100, 1000, or our 10,000 contacts plan. I figure I can put up a script that will generate them as a service to our “quantity brethren”. What should I charge? $1/contact? 2?
Maybe I can have a pseudo identity with a pseudo army of contacts?
You really shouldn’t encourage me. Next I’ll have a deck and start looking for VC money.
:-)
Happy New Year,
fjohn
# – # – #
I wonder what an army of ghouls is worth. Time to update the taxonomy. What do spies call their alternate identities?
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Posted by reinkefj
In considering moving to an ultra light, my current subscription to verizon wireless broad band rears it’s ugly head. (It’s already in my doghouse for its recent poor performance in AC.) New notebooks offer a Verizon wireless broadband, but you can NOT swap in your existing plan. And, the plan is tied to that specific platform. Argh! If I sign up for another two years (an eternity in the technology world), then they give me a “free” usb dongle. Hah! Like I can be fooled by “free”. No more than I am by “unlimited”. Argh! What to do, w2do, w2do, what do I do?
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Posted by reinkefj
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/RIAA-Says-You-Cant-Copy-Music-To-Your-Computer-90566
RIAA Says You Can’t Copy Music To Your Computer
Even when you’ve legally purchased the CD that it comes off of
02:04PM Saturday Dec 29 2007 by KathrynV
***Begin Quote***
They say that even a copy made on to your own computer is considered unauthorized. The Arizona man that they’ve accused of this crime has refused to pay the RIAA fines and the issue is heading to litigation.
***End Quote***
I think we have really now thrown down the red cape in front of the bull.
What kind of “barbara streisand” is this?
I have cassette tapes that I paid through the nose for and they say “tough”.
Well, I say we boycott them.
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Posted by reinkefj
http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/archives/1060
Resolve To Not Be A Digital Nuisance In 2008
January 1st, 2008
*** begin quote ***
Improving communication is key to our career success, right? Here are 08 things for ‘08 to help us communicate better on the digital playground.
*** end quote ***
One can only hope that one avoid annoying people. After all, we need them to do the “heavy lifting”.
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Posted by reinkefj
http://blog.spokeo.com/?page_id=128
***Begin Quote***
1. Is Spokeo another social network?
No. Spokeo is a friend tracker (or a reader for the Open Social Graph) that automatically brings you friends’ updates across the Web. You cannot send messages, create profiles, or interact with others. Learn more about how to track friends.
***End Quote***
This looks like another JIGSAW or SPOCK type engine.
Hmm?
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Posted by reinkefj
>PLEASE give us 500 characters for our professional endorsements!
May I suggest a tiny url as a continuation to what you really want to say?
*** begin quote ***
Joe Jones is a real gem. Blah blah blah
(continued at http://tinyurl.com/yo6d5y)
*** end quote ***
That uses up your last 31 characters, but you have an unlimited amount of space somewhere.
With Google pages, ISPs, WSPs, giving the stuff away it shouldn’t be a big deal?
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Posted by reinkefj
12.27.07 | No Comments
On December 11, 2007, business networking company LinkedIn Corporation filed to protect the trademark in in relation to their popular business networking website.
*** begin quote ***
So, you thought that circle-R next to the LinkedIn logo was only for the whole name. Well, now it appears it applies to just the “in” part. The abbreviated LinkedIn logo (seen in the above link) is now showing up on sites across the web, including that of a prominent Presidential candidate (scroll down), and on LinkedIn’s own merchandise. Makes sense. With one little word and a cute Web 2.0 logo, everyone in the world can see that you’re “in” the club, “in” the know…and just plain “in”.
*** end quote ***
Argh!
LinkedIn groups are basically under the bulls eye.
Trust no one! Ever.
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Posted by reinkefj
http://slashdot.org/~Felipe+Hoffa/journal/191246
http://groups.google.com/group/google-reader-howdoi/msg/876a2302bc71b433
GReader sharing flap!
***Begin Quote***
Message from discussion New Feature: Sharing with Friends
The group you are posting to is a Usenet group. Messages posted to this group will make your email address visible to anyone on the Internet.
Your reply message has not been sent.
Your post was successful
AnnaB
View profile
More options Dec 22, 8:03 pm
From: AnnaB
Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2007 17:03:45 -0800 (PST)
Local: Sat, Dec 22 2007 8:03 pm
Subject: Re: New Feature: Sharing with Friends
Reply | Forward | Print | View thread | Report this message | Find messages by this author
This is going to sound like hyperbole, but this new feature has
actually RUINED CHRISTMAS for my family! I sent a share a few days ago
that I thought would only go to a few politically-like-minded friends.
I didn’t realize that because I had chatted with him in GChat, it
would also go to my brother, who is of a different political
persuasion. When he received it, he sent a snide, angry email about it
to a large group of our family members. I sent him an email (I’ll
admit, not the nicest one I’ve ever sent) asking him not to talk about
me behind my back and recommending that he stop reading my feed if the
posts were going to make him so angry. He called me a nasty name and
told me that if I can’t take a little ribbing, maybe we shouldn’t talk
anymore at all, including at Christmas Eve dinner. My whole family has
taken sides over this divisive political issue, and several of them
are not speaking. I kid you not, this is threatening to break up my
family at Christmas.
***End Quote***
In case you missed the latest GREADER “feature”, that’s what you get with web-based software — no change control; no feature control; AND it may happen without you even being aware of it.
Sigh!
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Posted by reinkefj
In my spare time (ha!), I have decided to “learn” the OLPC. It just has some tremendous potential. Under the G1G1 program, I should have mine shortly. I figure I can be at least as good as the Thrid World child who gets one. Maybe not. The child has time, motivation, and focus. Maybe I can do almost as good? :-)
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Posted by reinkefj
*** begin quote ***
From: Nadine
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 5:31 PM
To: reinkefj
Subject: Fw: Ferdinand Reinke has requested your trust on Spock
Hi fjohn,
I received the following email regarding your Spock request. I’m not a user. If you are, do you recommend it and why?
*** end quote ***
OK, SPOCK is of interest (as I’ve blogged about) that is a “sponge”. It “sucks up” publicly available info, (somewhat like JIGSAW), and makes it available. Unlike JIGSAW, you can “claim” the account and make sure what it says is accurate. Leaving it alone, just leaves a collection point that is “untended”. In these days of digital dirt, I am a fan of taking any control I can of anything that will let me. I’m afraid this is just another something that you need to “tend”?
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***Begin Quote***
From:
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 10:08 PM
To: Reinke’s Catch All Email
Subject:
{Extraneous Deleted}
Are you happy with using the Kodak page as a way to send pics? I bought a new Kodak camera and the upload/set up a photo gallery the Kodak page looks pretty simple.
*** end quote ***
Kodak is a name brand. There is one hidden trap. It’s dead drop simple to put the pics in, print, and share. BUT to get hi rez out, you have to join their “premiere gallery” for 25$ year. (50$ if you want a discount on reprinting I don’t print that much.) Then, you can DOWNLOAD a high rez version of the pics you put in. Otherwise, you’re uploading say a 5meg version, but can only download a 5k version. And, they do promise to keep your pics archived for an annual purchase of some number of dollars (One print order of $10? I think)
So I think Kodak sums up: (1) cheap photo archive; (2) cheap prints (probably cheaper than doing it yourself); (3) a neat one button fix of pics; (4) a central place for all your pixing activities. On the theory that you should never depend upon any ONE point of failure. I suggest that one should upload photos, fix ’em, hirez download them, and then send them to a gmail account (i.e., one message per “album”) with the album name in the subject line.
Also, since scanners are so cheap, old pics should be “captured” in the same way.
I’m thinking of the NOLA flood and SanDigo fires. Bet those folks wish they had such.
Plus, Kodak handles ANY jpeg. So, any important docs can be put into a jpeg and put on the Kodak site. (Cute huh?)
# – # – #
RECOMMENDED with that one caveat!
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Leave a Comment » | RECOMMENDED, SERVICE | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj
FROM AN EMAIL ABOUT “LIVELINESS”
*** begin quote ***
I don’t know about the other 63% of your contacts, obviously, but as for myself, I didn’t respond because the email address was V2Y2R0N27RHJ6Y and even though the message looked authentic, that email looked hokey.
*** end quote ***
OK, point well taken. I’m going to be moving my emails off Comcast and onto my own domain (i.e., reinke.cc). In the spring, I’ll test again and see if that makes a difference. :-)
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Posted by reinkefj
http://portableapps.com/apps/development/nvu_portable
KompoZer Portable 0.7.10 Revision 2 Released
Submitted by John T. Haller on December 5, 2007 – 6:35pm.
***Begin Quote***
KompoZer logoKompoZer Portable 0.7.10 Revision 2 has been released. It’s the popular KompoZer web editor bundled with a PortableApps.com launcher as a portable app, so you can edit websites on the go. This new release fixes a small bug that would cause a single file to be left behind on certain PCs. In addition to the full install package, there is a small upgrade package that will upgrade an existing 0.7.10 install. It’s packaged in PortableApps.com Format for easy integration with the PortableApps.com Suite. And it’s open source and completely free.
***End Quote***
Free!
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Leave a Comment » | SOFTWARE | Permalink
Posted by reinkefj
You are currently browsing the archives for the Technology category.
-
-
FJohn Reinke
Consultant at Technology Legacies LLC
Advisor, Computer Governance Committee at Manhattan College
Editor / Publisher at Jasper Jottings
Greater New York City Area
JJ Positraction JJ Endnotes Downsize DC
Philosophy of Liberty
I have NOT received any gagged governmental information requests
Reinke Faces Life 
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