Wednesday, April 29, 2009

more vinyl comeback news

According to a story in the New York Post, Best Buy is planning to offer vinyl recordings in some of their stores.

On the Best Buy website, they do offer some. Also, I found some of the listed available (music) formats interesting:
DVD (17100)
VINYL (4569)
12-Inch Single (1533)
DVD-Audio (415)
DualDisc (360)
Blu-ray Disc (218)

I only was able to find one title that I consider a release of album audio on Blu-ray, and that is "Neil Young: Archives, Vol. 1: 1963-1972".

Per Amazon.com: "...This Blu Ray disc edition contains 10 discs...9 of these discs hold a total of 128 tracks (12 hidden), all presented in ultra high resolution 24-bit/192 Khz stereo PCM state-of-the-art master quality sound, and featuring nearly 60 previously unreleased songs, versions, mixes, or rare tracks....20 special feature videos, film clips, and film trailers...55 audio tracks of rare interviews, radio spots, and concert raps...image galleries of archival photos, press, lyric manuscripts, documents, biographies, tour dates, and complete lyrics...Each of the 10 Blu Ray discs feature 1920X1080 high definition picture quality...(a Blu Ray disc of) 'Journey Through The Past'...a digital download card to access MP3 files of all 128 audio tracks..."

It is scheduled to be released June 2.

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The Tech Alternatives to Air Force One buzzing New York

We've no doubt heard of the incident that took place over the skys of Mahatten on Monday April 27th with a 747 in Air Force One colors and an F16 Chase plan. We've been told by Media Outlets and the Press Office of the Administration that the plane bieng used for a Photo Opportunity with the Statue of Liberty as the 747 flew over the monument. The fly-over brought terror to many as you can see in Various YouTube videos that have been posted which have demonstrated the memories many New Yorkers felt back to the terrible morning of September 11th, 2001.

What seems to us to be missing from the Administrations decision to how this could effect the businesses and residents of New York was the overlooking of technology and how this could have been completely rendered using products such as Adobe After Effects. Not only could the feelings of those on the ground and in evactuated building been spared but certainly the budget of over 350k it took to accomplish this photo-op, could have been reduced.

With a team of pros, this could have been completed and produced at certainly less the cost with dynamic results. Yes, having Air Force One available is great to have but in today's age of technology, a possibility of creating this could have been done with a helicopter capturing the footage of the New York Skyline and Statue of Liberty and merged together with footage of the 747 or digitally rendered. We have the technology, this would have been a great time to use it.

This would be a great time for a Digital Artist to create the effect and submit it to the Administration to demonstrate the possibilities with today's Digital Creation programs from Adobe After Effects to the popular Maya and Lightwave programs as well.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Laurel and Hardy Dance To The Gap Band

Some things you have just got to love!

Friday, April 24, 2009

New Interview Posted


We've posted a new Interview at http://www.techtalkradio.com with Associate Creative Director Yvonne Perez Emerson of Curiosity Group. The Company, based in Portland, handles creative design and output for client projects with companies such as HP, Apple, Disney, Sega, Dreamworks and an impressive list. Yvonne shares with us how she has integrated the Adobe Creative Suite 4 products into the workflow for the stylish and creative agency.
Tune in to find out how you can try Adobe Creative Suite 4 for 30 days to get your feet wet and how the products interact with the other software in the suite to provide faster and productive completion of projects. Listen in at http://www.techtalkradio.com/software/curiositygroup.html

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Sunday, April 19, 2009

technology training, and degrees, and jobs/careers

In the latest edition of Network World (March 30-April 6), there are a couple of interesting articles...

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Does a computer science degree matter anymore?

...CIOs and IT staffing firms say the skills they need most are collaboration, problem solving and communications...

...U.S. tech companies say there are still not enough computer scientists and engineers to fill all of their open jobs...tech companies and CIOs often hire computer-savvy business majors instead.

When CIOs are surveyed about the top skills they are looking for in entry-level and mid-level employees, they cite few technical skills. Instead, their top concerns are ethics, critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving and communication skills...The technical skills that are in demand – programming, database and system analysis...

"The things we need are project management experience and business process evaluation. You don't get those from knowing the applications on your desktop..."

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/040609-hot-tech-skills.html

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Top 10 technology skills

Here's our list a list of 10 tech skills that are still in demand:
1. Business Process Modeling
"It's about how does our business work, what are the business processes and how do we analyze them..."

2. Database
...Companies are looking for IT workers with experience in Microsoft SQL Server and the Oracle Developer Suite. They're also willing to pay for workers with database certifications such as the Oracle DBA Administrator Certified Master and the Teradata Certified Master, Certified Application Developer and Certified Design Architect...
...database skills...among the top skills for entry-level employees...

3. Messaging/Communications
...unified communications and messaging systems, which was among the highest paying IT skills...A related skill that also ranked among the highest paying was VoIP and IP telephony.

4. IT architecture
...enterprise architects as well as system, network, application, data, information and security architects. Among the certifications rising in value are EMC Proven Professional Technology Architect, Security Certified Network Architects, Microsoft Certified Architects, SNIA Certified Architects, and the Open Group's IT Certified Architect.

5. IT security
A slew of security certifications – including the CompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials, Certified Ethical Hacker, GIAC Certified Incident Handler and Check Point Certified Security Administrator-- have increased in value...

6. Project management
The Project Management Professional certification remains in demand...
...Project planning, including budgeting and scheduling, was also cited as well as project integration and management.

7. Data mining
...information on demand, content management and unstructured information management...

8. Web development
...there is still a need for developers who understand the latest Web trends, especially social media.

9. IT optimization
...virtualization and cloud computing...

...certifications from Cisco, SNIA, EMC, Brocade and Avaya.

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/040609-10-tech-skills.html

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Friday, April 17, 2009

keep your notebook computer cool

On a Tech Tuesday segment, Andy presented the Cooler Master NotePal X1: a notebook computer support that you place the computer on, and then place the Notepal on your lap. The video is at http://www.techtalkradio.com/koldtv/koldtv.htm, and the article is at http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?s=10143417.

More information on the Notepal X! can be found at http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2866. Cooler Master has five versions of the Notepal model (the NotePal, NotePal D1, NotePal Infinite, NotePal W1, and the NotePal X1).

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Game On: Steelseries Gaming Mouse “WoW's” User’s With Ultra Configurable High Res Device

steelseries logo small

steelseries, is best known for making devices to enhance your daily experience using your computer, whether it be for work or play, such as the Z-Board (with customized ‘keysets’) & Iron Lady branded devices.

But if you are one of the 11 million plus gamers addicted to…um…I mean, who occasionally play, World of Warcraft, then you are in for a special treat.

Blizzard teamed up with steelseries to offer an officially licensed and customized WoW MMO Gaming Mouse with ALL the bells and whistles you could ever want…and then some!

The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse was designed specifically for World of Warcraft® by Blizzard® and steelseries,” claims the websites product description. “The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse provides remarkable benefits to all MMO gamers, regardless of level or play style. The mouse features incredible customization options to accommodate personal preferences. Seamless integration between software and hardware will provide an amazing in-game experience that provides superior performance, comfort and control. The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse is fully scalable to meet and exceed the requirements of even the most discerning World of Warcraft® gamer.”

WoW mouse

Quick Overview

- Macros up to 160 characters
- A total of 15 programmable buttons
- Over 130 predefined commands for drag-and-drop macro creation
- 16 million illumination choices with 3 intensity and pulsation levels
- World’s first gaming mouse designed exclusively for World of Warcraft®

Once you’ve downloaded the most recent installation package from the website (a must for Windows Vista users, as instructed by a stand alone, can’t miss, post card inserted in the packaging) setting up pulsating wonder is not nearly as daunting a task as you would think it would be, as I was pleasantly surprised to discover.

The software setup interface is simple to understand, laid out simply and intuitively, and ready to reach out and download your character info from the Blizzard® authorized “WoW Armory” into one of the 10 provided customizable slots. (Note: Characters do not get picked up by the armory until they reach level 10, so if you’ve just started a toon, you can still use all the features of the MMO mouse, but you’ll need to get to work on your skill level before assigning to a slot.)

THE SOFTWARE INTERFACE

As you can see in the screen shot below, all 15 programmable buttons are clearly marked and its assigned action or function is labeled.

WoW mouse setup Each button can then be programmed by simply selecting an action from the predefined drop-down list of WoW commands, change the dpi or character profiles on the fly, or even create custom macros by just “recording” the normal keystrokes you would use in-game and assigning a set of actions to a single button.

While having 15 buttons may seem like more than you can possibly remember, especially if you have multiple characters on multiple servers, all with different actions needed to complete a task, I found that using it on my primary and secondary toons becomes easier and more intuitive the longer I play them…and frankly I find that I use about 6 or 7 button frequently and with good results.

Of course you can always use the mouse for everyday left and right clicking, scrolling the wheel to your hearts content as needed; with up to 3200 dpi resolution available to you, pinpoint accuracy is assured in any game or desktop editing program.

GAME ON!

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Monday, April 13, 2009

motion detection with webcam

During our latest show on Ustream, Andy mentioned he liked the motion detection software that had been available with some Logitech webcams. It's available, but only as a Windows Vista Gadget...

Motion Detector Gadget
Keep a watchful eye—even when you're not around. This Gadget acts like a motion detection sonar, triggering a recording whenever it senses movement within the field of view of your QuickCam. Recording stops when the motion stops, and an .AVI file is saved in a location you specify. The videos are even time & date stamped to help you keep track of what happened, when.


Also, take a look at the QuickCapture Gadget:
"...three-in-one Gadget...QuickPicture enables you to take snapshots with a single click; QuickCapture helps you to record, store and email videos; and QuickView shows you a live feed from your Logitech QuickCam. Use the QuickCapture Gadget to compose and preview your video communications, watch remote rooms and hallways in real time, or even create a "security" monitor by setting the time-delay recording function."

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Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Interview with Macworld Senior Editor Christopher Breen Posted

We posted an interview with Macworld Senior Editor Christopher Breen at TechtalkRadio sharing information on the new book available as a Downloadable PDF, CD with PDF or Book form titled "Macworld iPhone Superguide Second Edition." It covers the iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPod Touch. Access the Interview here http://www.techtalkradio.com/books/iphoneguide.html

A sample PDF from the Book can also be download from the site at http://www.macworld.com/superguide/iphone2/

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Monday, April 6, 2009

TechtalkRadio broadcast shows from Roadrunner Coffee Company

For the past few weekends, we broadcast from the Roadrunner Coffee Company locations. There are two: one at 8245 North Silverbell Road (520-572-9011), and another at 9669 North Thornydale Road (520-579-7011).

Much thanks to them for their hospitality...we do plan on having more events at their locations.

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Money available for startups...

...in Boston and New York. But, it's available...

===================================

Spark Capital, the venture capital firm behind startups like Twitter, Tumblr and Boxee, has launched a new early-stage investment program called Start@Spark...

Boston and New York based entrepreneurs with companies in media, technology, and entertainment are eligible for the program and can receive up to $250,000 in jump start money.


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We seek applicants who are trying to build large and disruptive companies within our focus area of technology, media, and entertainment. Our investments span the full value chain in this sector, including gaming, technology platforms, mobile, advertising, consumer applications, infrastructure, and hardware. Consider our current portfolio of investments for examples.

Additionally, we will regularly discuss specific themes that particularly excite us on our blog. Some of our current themes include:
* Applications that that leverage open platforms (for example: Android, IPhone, Gaming Consoles, Twitter, and others)
* Next generation personal finance
* Education


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The application is at http://startatspark.com/start/start-apply-wufoo.html

(If you are lucky enough to get one, and are successful, remember you learned about it from us at TechtalkRadio: we also could use some investment...and jobs. Love, S!ick)

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Thursday, April 2, 2009

TurboTax 2008


Intuits TurboTax is a program that can be used throughout the year to help understand your Tax Situation as income or life changes occur. With many different flavors of the program to handle both Federal and State filing on paper or with e-File, Andy Taylor gives you a look at some of the updates from last years options and what to expect with each program. We even tell you how to use the program for Free! Check out the article at http://www.techtalkradio.com/reviews/turbotax2008.html

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