Digital Village Dispatch

Digital Village in Exile

2011-05-14T10:28:00.001-07:00

As you (hopefully) have noticed, Digital Village has been off the air for several weeks. This post is to help explain what is going on, and what is happening with Digital Village Radio.

First, station management has assured us that Digital Village is not going away! In fact KPFK has asked us to expand our format to include more elements and voices. We've spent our time off the air developing some of these new features and topics. The plan is to return to the air after the Spring Fund Drive, though it may be at a different day and/or time. Be sure to check back here periodically to get the latest Digital Village news.

To the best of our knowledge, Digital Village Radio is the longest running radio program focused on the social and cultural impact of computers, the Internet, and technology in general. When we began in 1995, many questioned whether we would have enough to talk about. Nobody does that any more. In fact, there is now so much to talk about that Ric and Doran can no longer do it alone. Which brings us to our first big announcement.

The Digital Village Radio call for volunteers!

We are looking for a number of people who are interested and willing to work with us in producing the weekly Digital Village broadcast and its online content.

We need people with good organizational skills, who can work on a deadline to help produce the show and its individual segments. We are looking for people active in the community who can work on the air and behind the scenes to help create the most cutting-edge program about digital culture in the country.

Some will work on the air, conducting interviews and producing segments. Others will work behind the scenes, gathering info, scheduling guests, and generally helping produce the weekly program as well as other online events and features. Technical skill in radio production or with online media is a plus, but not required.

The most important requirement is commitment. We really need people who are willing to stay with the project as it develops. Quitting after a couple weeks will do more harm than if a person didn’t sign up in the first place. That said, we understand that this is something of an unknown we’re asking volunteers to sign up for. It’s just that we ask that you consider whether you are willing to commit to at least 3 months. If not, this probably isn’t for you.

What we don’t need are people who just want to be radio stars, or have a specific agenda to push, regardless of how noble it may be. We need people who can take direction and be part of a team which covers a wide range of topics. And while we are absolutely looking for people who can help come up with fantastic ideas for the show, we also need people willing to do whatever work is needed to produce the program. If your interest is only to be in front of the microphone, then again, this probably isn’t for you.

So, if you haven’t been scared away yet and are still interested and willing to make the commitment, send your resume and cover letter to KPFK’s Volunteer Coordinator Jessica Woods at volunteer@kpfk.org. Please do it quickly so we have time to evaluate the candidates and get the team assembled before we go back on the air this Summer. With your help, we’ll bring Digital Village to the next level.

Thanks!

Epic Step's WikiLeaks Billboard

2011-03-30T07:48:00.001-07:00

Epic Step's WikiLeaks Billboard
Originally uploaded by ~db~

It's on the corner of Highland Ave and Santa Monica Blvd in Hollywood.
Here's an NPR story about how this came to be.

Don't Worry, We're Still Here!

2010-12-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

Digital Village was pre-empted during the recent KPFK pledge drive*, and will be off for Christmas and New Year's Day. But we'll be back on Jan. 8 with another great show!

Don't forget, you can always follow us on Twitter.

*The good news is that the pledge drive was a great success and puts KPFK is a good place to go forward with its plans for expanded programming, and projects such as the new solar canopy.

Real-Time 3D Scanning

2010-09-06T13:30:00.001-07:00

Real-Time 3D Scanning
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Structured (ie. striped) light is projected on a person and a 3D image is rendered in real-time. As the person moves, so does the rendered images (that's Ric in this photo) with each section showing a different way to represent what is seen.

In the Line of Sight

2010-08-17T07:50:00.001-07:00

In the Line of Sight
Originally uploaded by ~db~

From the artists' description:

"In the Line of Sight uses 100 computer-controlled tactical flashlights to project low-resolution video footage of suspicious human motion. Each flashlight shines a light spot on the wall. All flashlights combined create a ten by ten matrix representation of the source footage, featured on a video monitor in an adjacent part of the gallery."

Meet the Snake

2010-08-12T07:20:00.001-07:00

Meet the Snake
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Officially named ADB, it is a tactile robot, reacting to touch. Normally still, if one of its modules is touched, the other modules immediately twist, seeking to be touched as well. This results in something akin to petting an animal in order to keep it still. Differing the pressure of the caress creates different responses. Even though it is designed to not look like an animal, it is difficult to resist the urge to treat it as one. Lots of "Awww, isn't it cute?" type of remarks. It was one of several pieces which explored emotive or social devices.

Interactive Zoetrope

2010-08-10T07:14:00.001-07:00

Interactive Zoetrope
Originally uploaded by ~db~

This zoetrope was developed by Disney Pixar. The left and right faces are controlled by microphones. With music playing in the background, participants could sing or talk and the respective face would change dynamically and independently of the other.

Lo-Res 3D Modeling

2010-08-07T07:18:00.001-07:00

Lo-Res 3D Modeling
Originally uploaded by ~db~

This year's SIGGRAPH showed many ways of turning computer models into three dimensional objects. Most involved layering microscopic amounts of resin thousands of times, slowly building up the final object over many hours.

This instead was a decidedly lo-fi affair uses a computer guided mill to cut out individual layers of the final object, which will then be assembled.

I'm not sure of what kind of applications it could be used for, but it is a nifty idea.

The Lightness of Your Touch

2010-08-01T15:30:00.001-07:00

The Lightness of Your Touch
Originally uploaded by ~db~

By Henry Kaufman, this piece reacts to your presence and, particularly, to touch.

Face Time

2010-08-01T13:23:00.001-07:00

Face Time
Originally uploaded by ~db~

A small (4-5") model used during a demo of desktop 3D modeling.

Jaron Lanier Interview

2010-02-01T21:39:00.001-08:00

Our guest this week was Jaron Lanier. Yes, that one. We had a great time talking about his latest book, You Are Not a Gadget.

- Listen to the Interview -

Mirvish and Rachman - Slamdance 2010

2010-01-17T11:12:00.000-08:00

Our guests yesterday were Dan Mirvish and Paul Rachman, co-founders of the Slamdance Film Festival which begins next week in Park City, Utah. Lots of fun talking about films, forums, hot tubs and sledding.

- Listen to the Interview Here -

Ken Auletta Interview

2009-11-21T22:42:00.001-08:00

We had a terrific talk this morning with Ken Auletta about his new book Googled: The End of the World as We Know It.

- Listen to the Interview Here -

Deputy Gylfie, Photography Isn't a Crime

2009-11-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

Shawn Nee, the photographer who is also known as Discarted, and who was our guest on March 7, 2009, has once again been detained for taking photographs, legally, in a public place. This time he was stopped by LA Sheriff's Deputy Richard Gylfie who, as is common, uses fear of terrorism and threats of FBI investigations is his effort to stop this legal activity.

AFI Fest / Transcendent Man

2009-10-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

Great talk today with Lane Kneedler of the AFI Film Fest and Barry Ptolemy, director of Transcendent Man.

- Listen to the Interview -

Erik Davis Interview

2009-10-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

Our guest today was Erik Davis, author of several books, including Techgnosis: Myth, Magic, and Mysticism in the Age of Information. Today we talked about Surviving the Apocalypse, the Burning Man Opera, for which Erik wrote the libretto and "who also plays a wise-cracking bunny with a bullhorn". We also talked about a "The Magickal Realism of H.P. Lovecraft", an online course which Erik will be teaching.

- Listen to the interview here -

Fred von Lohmann Interview

2009-10-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Our guest today was Fred von Lohmann, senior staff attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation. He updated us on the latest happenings regarding Net Neutrality and P2P.

- Listen to the Interview -

Google Book Settlement Discussion

2009-09-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

We had a really excellent discussion today with Jennifer Granick, Civil Liberties Director for the EFF and Chris Danielson of the National Federation of the Blind. We talked about the proposed Google Book Settlement, the opportunities it promises, and the concerns it presents.

- Listen to the Interview -

Desi Doyen Interview

2009-08-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

Our guest today was Desi Doyen who, along with Brad Friedman, produces The Green News Report. We talked about pig farms, political lobbyists, school lunch programs, Cash for Clunkers, and so much more.

- Listen to the Interview -

A Song for Uncle Teddy

2009-08-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

2 Sleep

Hurts so hard
Hurts so deep
Cry myself 2 sleep
Not your voice
Not a peep
Cry myself 2 sleep

Another Heart On the Heap
When the Mountain climb's 2 steep
I pray the Lord Your Soul 2 keep
When the Gap's 2 wide 2 leap I
Cry Myself 2 Sleep

Life is costly
Death not cheap
Cry myself 2 sleep
I grieve alone in
Our old Jeep
Cry myself 2 sleep

Brushed away with 1 Sweep
When Tomorrow starts to seep
I pray the Lord Your Soul 2 keep
When The Sorrow start to creep I
Cry Myself 2 Sleep
Myself 2 sleep

You were sown
Now I reap
Cry myself 2 sleep
Once we laughed
Now I weep
Cry myself 2 sleep

Your cell phone's Silent Beep
When all I want 2 scream is BLEEP
I pray the Lord your Soul 2 Keep
When the Night's 2 thick 4 sheep I
Cry myself 2 Sleep
Myself 2 Sleep
Self 2 Sleep
2 Sleep....

-Ric Allan (2009)

Octomom! The Mu$ical Interview

2009-08-23T13:39:00.001-07:00

Our in-studio guests August 22 were Chris Voltaire and cast members from Octomom! The Mu$ical. Lots of fun talking about things both digital and analog, including two live performances!

- Listen Here -

Downtown L.A. Film Festival

2009-08-17T01:14:00.001-07:00

Our guests for August 15 were Noel Lawrence and Rex Bruce. We talked about this week's Downtown Film Festival in Los Angeles.

- Listen to the Interview -

Chris Mooney Interview

2009-08-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

We had a terrific interview with Chis Mooney who, along with Sheril Kirshenbaum, wrote Unscientific America, How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens our Future.

- Listen to the Interview -

Trauma Team

2009-08-02T10:19:00.001-07:00

Trauma Team
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Guys from the Ghostbusters team take a break.

Capcom

2009-07-29T09:08:00.001-07:00

Capcom
Originally uploaded by ~db~

E3 PS3

2009-07-28T00:45:00.001-07:00

E3 PS3
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Very intense game-play in a small package.

Honor

2009-07-28T00:44:00.001-07:00

Honor
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Lots of "Yay, America!" messages.

Roadie

2009-07-28T00:43:00.003-07:00

Roadie
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Fantasy Girl

2009-07-28T00:43:00.001-07:00

Fantasy Girl
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Wendy Carlos from the Pacifica Archives

2009-07-27T23:54:00.001-07:00

In recognition of KPFK's 50th Birthday on July 26, we reach back into the Pacifica Archives and find this 1987 interview of Wendy Carlos by Kimberly Haas, for Totally Wired. Excellent stuff.

- Listen to to Interview -

Wet

2009-07-06T23:40:00.001-07:00

Wet
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Various stereotypes were strong at this year's E3.

Hello Kitty

2009-07-06T01:03:00.001-07:00

Hello Kitty
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Icon.

Shiny Happy

2009-07-04T08:04:00.001-07:00

Shiny Happy
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Apparently users of Nintendo are very pleased with themselves.

Katherine Morrison and Kim Zetter Interviews

2009-07-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

Our June 27th program was devoted to talking about the Iranian election.

First we spoke with Katherine Morrison of Purple People Vote about the use of social networks, such as Twitter and YouTube, and their part in getting the word out about what is happening in Iran.

Then we talked with Kim Zetter of Wired News about allegations against Nokia-Siemens Networks that they have provided equipment to the Iranian government which allows for deep packet inspection of voice and data transmissions within the country.

- Listen to the Katherine Morrison interview -

- Listen to the Kim Zetter Interview -

Euphoria

2009-07-03T09:18:00.003-07:00

Euphoria
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Guitar Hero and its ilk were a big hit this year.

Blue Tunnel

2009-07-03T09:18:00.001-07:00

Blue Tunnel
Originally uploaded by ~db~

This was one of the first things I saw upon entering E3. That pattern is projected upon the dome.

Ric on Red

2009-06-23T19:02:00.001-07:00

Ric on Red
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Dual UbiSoft

2009-06-15T06:22:00.001-07:00

Dual UbiSoft
Originally uploaded by ~db~

I'm a sucker for color fields.

EA Light Panel

2009-06-15T06:21:00.001-07:00

EA Light Panel
Originally uploaded by ~db~

I thought it was interesting how the fluorescent lights are used as a design element.

Game Tunnel

2009-06-11T07:31:00.001-07:00

Game Tunnel
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Fairyland Melody Magic

2009-06-11T07:20:00.001-07:00

Fairyland Melody Magic
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Looking through a screen of LED lights.

Wiiiiiii!

2009-06-09T07:25:00.001-07:00

Wiiiiiii!
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Nintendo had a lot of floorspace.

Fight Night, Round 4

2009-06-06T10:09:00.001-07:00

Fight Night, Round 4
Originally uploaded by ~db~

Unfortunately, there's no sense of scale here. These screens are enormous, at least 10 feet tall, with several dozen people (again) transfixed by the images they are watching.

Bring the Mayhem

2009-06-06T09:41:00.001-07:00

Bring the Mayhem
Originally uploaded by ~db~

I can't help but notice the mix of realism and fantasy. This was consistent throughout the show.

Proles

2009-06-06T08:27:00.001-07:00

Proles
Originally uploaded by ~db~

The PlayStation3 had much floor space dedicated to its titles, including this huge screen which blasted images from various games, often at a machine-gun pace. Often it was so compelling, regardless of the content, that people would stand transfixed, gazing at the company's marketing prowess.

Booth Babes Were Back

2009-06-06T08:20:00.001-07:00

Booth Babes Were Back
Originally uploaded by ~db~

After a brief absence, there were lots of models in various costumes roaming the show floor and hallways. Decidedly less revealing than in the past, but hardly devoid of sexuality. In fact, the gender and ethnic stereotypes were obvious throughout the show.

Douglas Rushkoff Interview

2009-06-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

Our guest for May 30 was Douglas Rushkoff, professor of media culture at New York University and author of several books, including his latest, Life, Inc. He also wrote a recent article in the Daily Beast entitled Obama's Internet Misfire where he argued that the President, rather than appointing some cyber czar to defend our nation's network infrastructure, should rather focus on educating our children (and adults) on how they can be more than simple consumers of content.

- Listen to the Interview -

Breast Cancer Gene Lawsuit Interview

2009-05-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

Our guest on May 23 was Sandra Park of the Women's Rights Project at the ACLU. Together with the Public Patent Foundation, they have filed a lawsuit against the patenting of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, saying that such patents are unconstitutional and invalid.

- Listen to the Interview -

Eddan Katz Interview

2009-05-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

Our guest on May 16 was Eddan Katz the International Affairs Director at the EFF. We talked about the proposed Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). The EFF has some major concerns about both the ultimate content of the treaty and the large amount of secrecy which has surrounded the negotiations.

We also talked about the recently approved "Three Strikes" law (HADOPI) in France which the EFF says has some serious problems.

- Listen to the Interview -

When "IMAX" Isn't So Max

2009-05-11T22:15:00.001-07:00

The AMC and Regal movie theaters are promoting an "IMAX Experience" for some films. But it's not what you think. That's according to actor Aziz Ansari, who paid $5 extra to see the "IMAX" version of Star Trek at AMC in Burbank, only to find it wasn't at all what he expected.

Julia Angwin Interview

2009-05-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

On May 2 we had a wonderful talk with Julia Angwin, tech editor and columnist at the Wall Street Journal, and author of Stealing MySpace: The Battle to Control the Most Popular Website in America.

- Listen to the Interview -

Amazon Hiding Gay & Adult Books?

2009-04-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

A bit of a controversy has erupted as it appears Amazon has begun filtering out gay and "adult" themed books from some of its ranking and search systems.

Courtney Love Sued Over 'Tweets'

2009-03-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

Courtney Love is being sued for libel because of comments she made against her former fashion designer, Dawn Simorangki, on Twitter and elsewhere online. This is reportedly the first libel lawsuit involving Twitter.

Mark Cuban Fined for Twitter Comments

2009-03-29T22:11:00.000-07:00

Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has be fined $25,000 for comments he made on his Twitter stream which were critical of officiating at a recent Denver/Dallas game.

Cuban said in another posting Sunday that he "can't say no one makes money from twitter now. the nba does."

Brad Friedman Interview

2009-03-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

Four months after the Presidential elections and e-voting issues continue to be a serious problem. To talk about the latest, we talked with Brad Friedman of The Brad Blog and Velvet Revolution about the latest developments. We were also able to talk with Desi Doyen about their Green News Report.

- Listen to the Interview -

Web Base Prayer Service

2009-03-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

The subscription-based site Information Age Prayer promises to "incant your prayers each day," relieving you of the task.

Wow.

Transparency and Social Networks

2009-03-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

As social networks gather information about their users, how much of it should they make available to others? Who does this info belong to, and how easy should it be to access?

The Photographer's Right

2009-03-08T11:48:00.001-07:00

Following up on yesterday's program, there is a very popular online resource known as The Photographer's Right, a printable PDF document written by Bert P. Krages II, an attorney in Oregon.

The War on Photography

2009-03-08T11:36:00.001-07:00

Our program for March 7 was about the growing problem of harassment of photographers in public places by law enforcement and security guards. Our guests were photographers Shawn Nee (known as Discarted) and Thomas Hawk, and Peter Bibring, staff attorney at the SoCal ACLU. We talked about personal experiences, photographer rights, and what photographers can do when faced with confrontation by authorities.

Shawn also brought along a VIEVU PVR-PRO 2, a wearable always-on video recorder which can be used to document situations as they happen.

- Listen to the Interview -

Mountain Drama Plays Out Over Twitter

2009-03-04T07:48:00.000-08:00

One snowboarder died, and another found alive after they became lost in the Swiss Alps during inclement weather. Friends of the two men used Twitter extensively during the ordeal, keeping each other updated on the status of the rescue effort, though police said the service did not play a role in the actual rescue and recovery.

Inventor of Taser Dies

2009-02-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

Jack Cover was 88.

He derived its name from a fictional weapon in a favorite childhood book, "Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle," one of a series of adventure stories by Victor Appleton.

"Amorphous Metals" Ease Nano Production

2009-02-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

The material may be used to manufacture nano-scale devices in large numbers at low cost.

Teeny Tiny GPS Receiver

2009-02-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

Neato scary.

Nanoparticle Tattoo Monitors Diabetes

2009-02-13T20:33:00.000-08:00

A scientist at Draper Labs has developed a nanoparticle ink which changes color based on glucose levels in the skin.

Catvertising

2009-02-11T23:31:00.000-08:00

That's what Kotaku is calling the use of trained black cats in London to advertise the video game F.E.A.R. 2 on Friday the 13th.

"Every day people are bombarded with so many advertising messages that it can be easy to miss them," said Charlene Allen, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment spokeswoman. "With our research telling us that Brits are actively looking out for signs of bad luck this Friday, it makes perfect sense to try and capture their attention that way."

White House Live-Blogs Obama

2009-02-11T10:16:00.001-08:00

The White House live-blogged President Obama's recent speech in Fort Myers Florida.

-- 12:30 pm: (Blogger) A moment of candor: "No plan is perfect. I can't tell you with one hundred percent certainty that everything in this plan will work exactly as we hope." But, that said, "doing nothing is not an option -- you didn't send me to Washington to do nothing."

-- 12:55 pm: (Blogger) President pauses the Q&A to announce some breaking news: the Senate has passed the (economic stimulus plan). And there was much rejoicing.

-- 12:58 pm: (Blogger) A woman in the crowd asks for assistance, President embraces her.

Congressman Twitters @ Secret Trip

2009-02-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

Today's congressional trip to Iraq was supposed to be secret. Oops!

That was, until Rep. Peter Hoekstra twittered his arrival into Baghdad. "Just landed in Baghdad. I believe it may be first time I've had bb service in Iraq. 11th trip here," he sent from his BlackBerry.

Tim Karr Interview

2009-01-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

Our guest on January 24 was Tim Karr, of FreePress.net and SaveTheInternet.com. We talked about changes at the FCC which are expected from the Obama Administration.

- Listen to the Interview -

Web Threat Leads to Arrest

2009-01-17T09:20:00.001-08:00

From Reuters:

Authorities on Friday arrested a U.S. man on suspicion of threatening to kill President-elect Barack Obama based on statements he posted on a website about UFOs and aliens, the Justice Department said.

Martin Announces Resignation

2009-01-15T11:13:00.001-08:00

No surprises here. The FCC chair will step down on Inauguration Day and take a position as a senior fellow at the Aspen Institute.

Jobs Takes Medical Leave

2009-01-15T10:09:00.001-08:00

He says he'll be back in June.

Obama's Presidential Portrait

2009-01-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

It is the first official White House portrait taken with a digital camera.

China's Boot Camp for Web Addicts

2009-01-14T13:06:00.001-08:00

And they take it very seriously.

Here, in addition to military-style discipline, some 60-odd patients at his center undergo a three-month regimen of counseling, confidence-building activities, sex education and in about 60 percent of the cases, medication. The treatment is designed to address underlying family and psychological problems, and boost their self-confidence.

State Dept: Do Not Reply to All

2009-01-14T13:03:00.000-08:00

From the AP:

Many "reply all" fiascos result in mere embarrassment, but American diplomats have been told they may be punished for sending mass responses after an e-mail storm nearly knocked out one of the State Department's main electronic communications systems.

29 Suspended Over Facebook Comments

2009-01-14T12:54:00.000-08:00

Twenty nine students in England were suspended after "deeply insulting comments" about a teacher were found on a Facebook page.

The New Fail Whale

2009-01-13T15:54:00.000-08:00

Karl Rove is the latest to Twitter.

IRS to Tax Linden Dollars?

2009-01-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

The IRS now has its eye on Second Life.

"Economic activities associated with virtual worlds may present an emerging area of noncompliance, in part, because the IRS has not issued guidance about whether and how taxpayers should report such activities," Olson wrote in her report. She points out that almost all income is subject to tax—even prizes, winnings, and barter exchange. She also acknowledges, however, that tracking and reconstructing so many tiny transactions would be a huge burden, and that attempting to place a value on virtual transaction could present serious challenges.

Free NIN Album Tops Amazon Charts

2009-01-08T11:26:00.000-08:00

Trent Reznor is the latest major artist to prove that giving music away is good for business.

Though fans could grab the music free of charge, Reznor racked up huge amounts of cash by offering limited edition sets with extras like Blu-ray discs and deluxe packaging; this was widely praised as a way to profit from scarcity while simply giving away the stuff that's easily copied (i.e., the digital bits that make up the music).

Hackers Target Progressive Blogs

2009-01-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

They were all published using the SoapBlox blog framework, making them all susceptible to the same attack.

Cherry Picking Science

2009-01-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

It's a G.O.P. specialty.

Wiretap Lawsuit Continues

2009-01-07T12:49:00.000-08:00

From Wired:

A federal judge ruled Monday that "sufficient facts" exist to keep alive a lawsuit brought by two U.S.-based lawyers for a Islamic charity who say they were eavesdropped on without warrants.

Data Breaches Up 50%

2009-01-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

Yikes!

Businesses, governments and educational institutions reported nearly 50 percent more data breaches last year than in 2007, exposing the personal records of at least 35.7 million Americans, according to a nonprofit group that works to prevent identity fraud.

Social Sec. Applications Online

2009-01-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

From the AP:

The Social Security Administration, envisaging the near-future prospect of 10,000 baby boomers applying for benefits every day, has put together a new online service that will allow people to get their benefits without ever traveling to a Social Security field office.

Dozens of Twitter Accounts Hacked

2009-01-06T10:39:00.000-08:00

Including accounts for Barack Obama and others.

First Fox News Twitter followers read a false message about Bill O'Reilly's sexuality Monday morning after hackers launched several attacks.

Then came the attack on pop princess Britney Spears' private parts.

Stephen Cohen on photo l.a.

2009-01-04T21:21:00.001-08:00

Our first guest of the year was Stephen Cohen, President and Director of photo l.a. which begins next Thursday in Santa Monica.

- Listen to the Interview -

"Breastfeeding Is Not Obscene"

2008-12-31T09:48:00.001-08:00

Facebook has angered a number of users for it's prohibition on photos of nursing mothers.

eBay's Ban on Ivory Sales

2008-12-31T09:34:00.000-08:00

It begins tomorrow.

Martin Drops Porn Filter Plan

2008-12-31T09:29:00.000-08:00

FCC Chairman has dropped the requirement for anti-porn filtering from his plan for nationwide wireless broadband.

How HP Sells to Iran

2008-12-30T10:11:00.000-08:00

Trade between the U.S. and Iran is banned, yet California-based Hewlett Packard is a big seller there. How do they do that? They use middlemen.

In 1997, two years after President Clinton banned trade with Iran, HP struck a partnership with a newly formed company in Dubai to sell its products in the Middle East. At the time, the company, called Redington Gulf, had only three employees and its sole purpose was to "sell HP supplies to the Iran market," says a history on Redington Gulf's website and Rajesh Chandragiri, the administrative manager in Redington Gulf's Dubai office.

RIAA v. Thomas Retrial Will Happen

2008-12-29T17:09:00.000-08:00

From Wired:

A federal judge is denying the Recording Industry Association of America's request to appeal his decision granting a retrial in the RIAA's only file sharing case to go to trial.

Lost in Snow, Saved by MP3 Player

2008-12-29T16:39:00.001-08:00

A skier and snowboarder were outside marked runs near Savognin in southeast Switzerland when they got lost. They were able to alert authorities to their problem, but the batteries in their phone ran out before they were found. Yet, according to the story, they were found because of the faint glow of their MP3 player.

Holiday Sellout 2008!

2008-12-21T23:12:00.000-08:00

Our guest on 11/20 was Tanguy Leborgne, VP Worldwide Marketing, at Pinnacle Systems. We talked about lots of the cool stuff they have this year.

- Listen to the Interview -

Sock and Awe

2008-12-18T20:00:00.000-08:00

This is what has come of it.

Report: Kevin Martin Abused Power

2008-12-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

From CNet News:

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin ignored his responsibilities as head of the regulatory body and abused his power, according to a congressional report released Tuesday.

Virtual World For Muslims

2008-12-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

Somewhat similar to other virtual environments, Muxlim Pal, currently in beta phase, is designed for Muslims in Western society, and to foster understanding among non-Muslims.

Army to Open Second Life Islands

2008-12-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

The virtual islands will be used as recruiting tools.

The YouTube Symphony Orchestra

2008-12-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

Is looking for musicians.

A Reminder to Facebook Users

2008-12-02T13:20:00.001-08:00

Post details about parties at your own risk.

The Tech of Terror

2008-12-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

From Wired:

The Mumbai terrorists used an array of commercial technologies -- from Blackberries to GPS navigators to anonymous e-mail accounts -- to pull off their heinous attacks.

Free Nationwide WiFi?

2008-12-01T15:17:00.000-08:00

From the WSJ:

Outgoing Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is pushing for action in December on a plan to offer free, pornography-free wireless Internet service to all Americans, despite objections from the wireless industry and some consumer groups.