With everything good in this world, there is a bandit out to disturb what should be enjoyed openly. The Hamburglar challenged Ronald McDonald in his quest to share unhealthy yet delicious foods. Darth Vader and Two Face turned evil after receiving unfortunate face injuries. And almost any character who owned a mask meddled in episodes of Scooby Doo. But the modern day villain, one who is nearly impossible to catch, are Internet bots, stealers of information and hackers of computers. ( Read more )
Tagged: reviews
Mar 20
An Actual New Kind of Search Engine
About a year ago, I wrote about my disdain for Bing, an aversion that still holds true. Their searches are irrelevant, the ads seem to mock, and Bing’s self-righteous nature only makes me dislike it even more. (In case you are wondering, I’m team Chrome.) But, thanks to a newly released search engine, I have a new respect for those reevaluating the original engine-y model. This new model, Blekko, is a search engine that eliminates the spam and paid search results. A search engine that doesn’t pull up spam? What a novel idea. No more jumping to the top of the line just because you’ve got money; Blekko is not swayed by socioeconomic status.
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Feb 13
The Social Robot’s Favorite Things: iPhone Apps
In honor of Oprah – who invented sharing favorites through media – I’ve decided to write a blog post listing my most-handy iPhone applications. Whether work related or just for fun, my phone helps me get through the day with a sense of ease that pre-smartphone me never knew could exist. Google searches are at my fingertips, songs can be identified with a single tap, and I always know the chances of rain.
Unlike Oprah, I’m not going to provide you with your own copy. But I’ll list out the links so any interested parties can download a version for themselves. And the best perk of all: every one of them is free.
First up, Viggle
Viggle is a Shazam-type application that allows users to earn free things while watching TV. (Take a few seconds to reread that if you must; I did when I first stumbled upon their website.) All you have to do is watch TV – “check in” by letting the phone record a few seconds of each program – and collect points. More rewards are given for featured shows (listed on the app’s home page), and users can then redeem rewards. Choose from gift cards, restaurant dollars, movie tickets, and donations to a featured charity. It’s the version of an arcade childhood me always wanted.
Easy Writer ( Read more )
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Dec 13
B-Sides: I’m Kind of a Mac
About two months ago, I went from slowly tipping my toes into the edges of a pool to jumping in – a full on giant-splashing cannon ball. I got an iPhone. A few B-sides posts ago I shared how I finally purchased a Mac, that after years of being cheap and angry, I wrote the big check and started closing Word tabs from the left. Now, just a few months later, I bought my second Apple product and became a card-carrying member.
It wasn’t some revelation that made me betray my former PC ways. I was never for either side – Macs and PCs just floated through my life idly and unaware. I was just too cheap to justify buying Apple products. But, once electronics became my livelihood (I spend roughly 7 hours a day on the computer), I gave Macs a second look.
Then, once it was time to give up my two-year stint with a phone that had clicking buttons and no internet access, buying a phone of the same brand just made sense. Rather than having to mix and match PC brands or products, I ordered my iPhone knowing it was not only compatible with my constant sidekick (my MacBook Pro), but that they were made for each other. They automatically sync. My iTunes (both music and work-related apps) takes care of itself. The chargers don’t have to be checked for compatibility. And in an extremely petty comparison, their cords are color-coded for easy locating.
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Oct 03
Social Media in the Movies
Within the past few decades, social media has not only made its debut into the world of Hollywood, but became an A-list star. What started out as a simple mention or quick email has now turned into the subject for entire films. Nowadays it’s the norm for films to feature actors with giant-screened phones that can instantly reach hundreds of followers. Characters check their emails and online profiles where home phones and mailboxes were once checked. Where social media was once the unnamed, unrecognizable actress serving coffee, social media’s big screen appearance now more closely resembles a cameo by Jennifer Aniston or Ellen DeGenerous – recognized and noticed by all.
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Blogging, Social Media, and Content Writing by Kelsey Jones and Bethaney Wallace
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