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Monday, August 25, 2014

TechnoGrannyShow, Five Technologies Formerly Science Fiction


Five Technologies Formerly Science Fiction
21st Century technology blurs the lines between fact and fantasy.  Techno Granny knows we are living on the cusp of technological breakthroughs which have the potential to changes lives and the world as we know it.  Techno Granny delves into the research of what was once science fiction and shares with us 5 ways some of the world’s most innovative minds are developing and marketing cutting edge high-tech devices for everyday use.
Time: 09/09/2013 10:00 AM EDT
Do you ever hear about a new technology and say to yourself, ‘I saw Bones do that on the old Star Trek series’? Or do you watch a medical procedure on a documentary and quickly realizing it looks like something from Star Trek?  These five technologies will prove to you that yesterday’s science fiction is today's technology. Techno Granny reports on: smart phones that do kidney tests.....sprayable energy.....surgery with Google Glasss......new eco-friendly building material and digital autopsies....
Paying attention to science fiction because the future of science is today and it’s rooted in the science fiction of yesterday”.

In the world of health care, technology is vital.  Researchers from around the world receive millions of dollars to explore various ways technology can be advanced to save lives, heal and improve the health of individuals.  In the August 30, 2013 issue of gizmag.com reporter Antonio Pasolini uncovers the latest smart phone adaptations that allow diabetics and other individuals plagued with kidney disease to self-monitor levels of the blood protein albumin in their urine. 

UCLA' portable testing kit for kidney problems

The article “, Portable device works with smartphone to perform kidney tests,” outlines the advantages of using this new technology developed by researchers at the University of California. The benefits are promising on a number of levels; the tool weighs just 5.3 ounces, is compatible with Android and Apple phones, proclaims accuracy to within less than 10 micrograms per milliliter, testing can be completed within 5 minutes and this is expected to be a cost efficient and time saving tool for patients and physicians. 

Read the complete article here.

Feeling sluggish halfway through your day?  Do you often make midafternoon visits to Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts for a quick and often pricey, coffee pick-me-up?  Look no further for a solution to the daily doldrums, gizmag.com author Dave Parrack describes the advantages of a caffeine body spray in his article ‘Sprayable Energy provides caffeine hit through the skin.’ 

Its makers claim that Sprayable Energy will provide a gradual hit of caffeine through the skin
The makers of Sprayable Energy advertise the product as “, the world’s first caffeine based topical energy spray,” and claim it delivers a colorless and odorless jolt anytime you want, without the hassle of having to make a pot of coffee or leave your desk to buy a cup at the cafĂ© across the street from the office. 
  

The idea behind Sprayable Energy is to reduce caloric intake, maintain fresh breath and still get your caffeine fix- by spraying a few squirts onto your skin up to 4 times a day. 


Technology in the classroom is advancing at a rate quicker than many can keep up with.  Furthermore, the use of various devices to promote and advance health care is evolving at an even faster pace.  Mingle the 2 and you will receive a first rate educational experience, second only to being there in person.  Dario Borghino’s article for gizmag.comUS surgeon streams operation via Google Glass,” is both fascinating and enlightening.  

Performing surgery while wearing Google Glass could offer advantages for doctors and patients(Photo: Ohio State University)
This experience of blending education, health care and technology occurred in 2013 when Dr. Ismail got his hands on a set of Google Glass.

He teamed up with colleague Dr. Kaeding, who performed a routine knee ligament surgery wearing the Glasses.  The surgery was streamed live to a group of medical students at Ohio State and at the same time, to colleagues who were able to consult with him in real time.


Wearable computing devices have been a hot topic of conversation within the medical community for years.  The value of physicians and surgeons accessing vital patient information is being realized by more than the health care professionals themselves. Accessing high- tech instruments allows for more than just a heightened educational opportunity for medical students.  Utilizing tools, such as Google Glass would permit medical personnel to extend time sensitive information any place in the world, grant surgeons near instant access to patient records in real time and connect specialists and colleagues any time via the internet.
Although many in the medical field are already thinking outside the box, imagining the possibilities Google Glass could provide, more testing is required before this instrument is used on a regular basis.


Upcycling is trendy and obviously for good reasons.  The saying waste not, want not comes to mind, especially when considering the cost of a new car, clothes and furniture. If you believe in the ideology of recycling but are tired of the shabby chic look an alternative may be on the market in the near future; Zeoform. 

Zeoform promises a recyclable, low carbon-footprint building material that's as strong as ebony
Antonio Pasolini’s article “,Zeoform: The eco-friendly building material of the future”? Published in the August 29, 2013 edition of gizmag.com, Pasolini explains how the Australian company Zeo has created a glue-free process that creates building material from nothing but cellulose and water.  Not only does the patented material possess strength comparable to hardwood but it can be molded into any shape.
  
What are the benefits to Zeoform?  Cellulose is a raw material, a natural compound, that has been found in certain algae, the secretions of bacteria and extracted from paper, fabrics and plants.  The formula Zeo has invented works by mimmicing a natural glue-free process called hydroxyl bonding; when cellulose fibers cling to each other in water generating a product that is envirnomentally friendly, non-toxic, water effectient  and recyclable.  The products produced by Zeoform would be water and fire resistent and, ‘as strong as ebony’.

Plans are underway to provide a digital alternative to traditional autopsy 

The final article for review is “Digital autopsy: Replacing scalpels with scanners,” by Colin Dunjohn.  Here is another fascinating example of how the mediacl community is embracing technology and offering to expand their findings for educational purposes, thus creating a technology chain that many different groups can reap benefits from. In his article for gizmag.com, Dunjohn explores the innovation of Mathavan (Matt) Chandran.  Chandran is able to take raw data from Multi Slice Computerized Tomography (MSCT) the standard technology used today, and  process it through a high-tech computer system, which allows the human body to be viwed in HD (high definition). 
   
As CEO of iGene, Chandran credits the drive toward developing this software from the desire to alleviate famly trauma and honor various religious doctrine. In addition, there are plenty of other purposes for advancemening digital technology in medecine, such as security of patient records, easy accessibilty to data by law enforcement, doctors and other hospital staff, in addition to the educational component that accompanies virtual diagnostics.
This newly developing digital autopsy is not a replacement for the current system used, but an enhancement to traditional autopsies. Pramod Bagali, chief operationas officer at InfoValley, the parent company to iGene, expalins the new scanner could potentially manage 70% of routine autopsies and complement other established means of examinations at a fraction of the cost.  

Between investments and funding iGene has received nearly 100 million dollars to pursue the use of digital autopsies and with interest stemming from all across the globe the growth potential for the industry appears promising.

 LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE

Techno Granny Show Hosted By:
Joanne Quinn-Smith is the Creative Energy Officer of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and an expert on Web 2.0 Branding, 2009 National SBA Small Business Journalist of the Year, Author "Folly of Marketing Plan in Your Head, 101 Compelling Reasons to Write One." Available at:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DHKVJOG


This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:
© Joanne Quinn-Smith, Techno Granny Show™ 2014  All rights reserved.
Dreamweaver Marketing Associates  |  (412) 444-5197
Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/TechnoGrannyShow OR on its unique radio channel at: http://tinyurl.com/pospittlivemag
Additional blog posts at: http://technogrannyshow.com

TechnoGrannyShow, Conversation on Future of Blogging, Will People Be Reading in 5 Years


To see this entire conversation use the grey side bar strip to scroll back to the beginning. We welcome comments through ReplyAll and if they are pertinent and thoughtful they will be displayed through the blogcast system. Comments posted in the comment section on this blog will not appear in this conversation stream. Conversation Guests so far: Susan Newman of Susan Newman Design and host of Suzy Brandtastic Podcast on TalkShoe Joanne Quinn-Smith, National Small Business Administration Journalist of the Year and host of the TechnoGrannyShow Zach Abramowitz CEO and co-founder of ReplyAll

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Techno Granny, Exclusive New Way to Have Conversations, NOT by Email


Exclusive New Way to Create Interesting, Dynamic 

Content for Your Website or Blog


Listen to Show Here



Title: Techno Granny, Exclusive New Way to Have Conversations, NOT by Email

Episode Notes: This may just be creative self destruction for #podcasting and email but TechnoGranny prefers to think of it as an amazing extension to give us great alternatives.| 

ReplyAll is a the easiest way to create conversations between your writers or interviews with interesting guests that will develop live on your site. But instead of, time consuming audio/video, ReplyAll allows you to make great conversations in PRINT. It's easier on the content creators because it doesn't require schedule coordination or production value. It's easier on the reader because it doesn't require downloads, ear phones or clicking on a video at the workplace.| And it can be used for email streams that include many people.|
 

And because the conversations develop live on your site, ReplyAll content gets higher time on page and return visitors coming back to the conversation to see what they've missed. Over 100 sites including the Houston Chronicle, AbovetheLaw.com and SB Nation have already begun using ReplyAll.| This could work for your organization, your blog, content creation. Nearly endless opportunities!|
 

Guest today: Zach Abramowitz is CEO and co-founder of ReplyAll, a platform that makes it easy to create great conversations between your writers or with interesting guests. Prior to ReplyAll, Zach was a corporate lawyer, a graduate from NYU Law School, radio show producer and a standup comedian. In addition to ReplyAll, Zach currently writes for AbovetheLaw.com and runs his own LSAT tutoring business. | Find out today if ReplyAll is a great alternative to creating blog content or group email streams.

At ReplyAll we constantly strive to give you the best, easiest experience for creating dynamic conversations on your site. We aim to update our tool to meet the needs of all writers, and we're excited to announce that we heard your call!









Now take even more control of your interviews, round-tables, debates and more by adding multimedia to your replies. Jump back to ReplyAll.me, start a new conversation, and join the over 50 sites that have used the ReplyAll tool to drive massive user engagement (Over 7 minutes in most cases).






Check out these great uses of ReplyAll!






Now Embed Videos and Images!



ReplyAll allows you to create dynamic conversational content, e.g. interviews, roundtables, stories and debates, that you can embed on your site as stand alone content. The conversations develop live on the page keeping your audience engaged, but the invited participants reply on their schedule and at their convenience so there's no need for your writers to synchronize schedules (and everyone has plenty of time to craft a witty reply).












Why should you use ReplyAll?
High Rate of Return Visitors - Readers keep coming back to see what they've missed.
Avg. Visit is 13+ Minutes - The ReplyAll interface is easy to skim and browse plus the back-and-forth dynamic keeps your readers engaged.
Save Yourself Time & Work - Never transcribe another phone interview or copy, paste and format long e-mail chains








How easy is it?
Start a conversation and invite your writers to join the Cast or fly solo and invite guests for an interview. To embed a conversation on your page, simply drop the "embed link" into a new post on your site. The content will update automatically as the conversation continues.
 Questions?
Follow us on Twitter / Facebook or email the team at info@replyall.me and say "hi." We look forward to continuing the conversation!


















For tips, tricks, or any assistance, emailAri@replyall.me


Tuesday, August 5, 2014

TechnogGrannyTalks, Texting in the Good Ol' Days!



Remember when?  And you still got busted for it?

Thanks to 

http://yougottobekidding.wordpress.com/author/yougottobekidding/

Great blog to get you through a humorless, crazy day, 

subscribe to get your daily funny.


Sunday, August 3, 2014

TechnoGranny Show, 7/22/13 Twenty Things You Should Know Before Downloading Free Software.


TechnoGranny Show,  7/22/13 Twenty Things You Should Know Before Downloading Free Software.

Listen to the Show Here

Is downloading free software safe? You get a pop up on your computer that says, "Safe Software to Store Your Passwords, " No, you idiot, it's probably not. Beware before you click, you may just be inviting a wolf into your home, computer, records. ..........Answers to questions like What is freeware?........Where can I find freeware?.........Suggestions for safe places and curated lists to find and review software that can be helpful and tips for safe downloading.

How easy is it to fall victim to a scam on the internet?  The correct response is, too easy.   Most of us are probably aware of the hazards which could accompany opening a suspicious email.  Now we need to be mindful of downloading software that could potentially damage our computer, sabotage personal files or rob us of our identity.  This segment's subject delves into the lure of free software, or freeware, as it is often called.  

What is freeware and how can you avoid putting your computer into harm’s way? 
Techno Granny will guide you through the topic of free software and unveil the truth behind downloading programs that are often promoted to help when in reality they perform the exact opposite.  Hopefully, with the research and advice of Techno Granny, we all will be more thoughtful before falling prey to the lure of ‘free’ software.

Is Downloading Free Software Safe?
In her article, Is downloading free software safe, http://computer.howstuffworks.com/downloading-free-computer-software-safe.htm
published on How Stuff Works, Kate Kershner simplifies the matter of using free software; if it comes from a
reputable source, such as Microsoft, and your are searching for the programs on their direct site it is probably safe. Downloading a pop-up or an advertisement from a little known company with an unfamiliar program may not be a wise choice. No matter how alluring the ‘free’ portion of the deal may sound, Kershner advises doing an internet search of the company offering the system before downloading or installing any software.  You can read the full article here http://computer.howstuffworks.com/downloading-free-computer-software-safe.htm

Why Free Software Downloads Aren’t Always Safe.
Norton is a company whose name is synonymous with privacy, anti- theft and antivirus.   They span a significant corner of the internet security market for PC’s, MACs and mobile devices. The official Norton site, offers consumers insight into managing the market of freeware.  On the Your Security Resource page, general questions about freeware are answered by expert Elizabeth Wasserman.  The first question:  
What is freeware?  

The answer, “freeware is software that you install on your computer knowingly or not”.  One popular example of freeware is games and may also be referred to by the phrase widget.   Freeware can come from
a cd or directly from a website download.    It’s important to note, not all freeware is dangerous to your computer.  It depends on the source of the program.
The second question: Where can I find freeware? 
Wasserman’s answer encompasses safe downloads as well as those we should be guarded against. Well-known companies, shareware makers and widgets alike all offer freeware, therefore weeding out trustworthy and verifiable sources may seem like a daunting task.  Rest assured, there are some simple tactics which can be applied to your investigation before downloading iffy applications.  Most notably, well- known companies will often require consumers agree to a licensing agreement upon installation. Corporations such as Microsoft and Adobe Acrobat are household names in this arena.  In addition, searching for a company through the Association of Software Professionals is another good source for gauging the legitimacy of a company.  http://asp-software.org/www/
The third question what are the risks of freeware? 
The response is severe.  Some free software can have spyware or malicious adware attached to the code.  If this is the case, viruses, worms and other detrimental file management systems can become inserted into your computer wreaking havoc on your files, and putting you at risk of identity theft. 
The last and most important question, how can I protect myself from risky freeware? 
The answer outlines 4 essential steps anyone can easily take to ensure their computers protection. 
1.     Step one, do your homework.  In other words, before downloading take a few extra minutes to do a Google search of the program.  Alternatively, visit a software site like CNET or ZDNET to read freeware reviews. 
2.     Step two; look for a seal of approval.  A TRUSTe logo signals a secure site. 
3.     Step three, always keep security programs up to date.  This may seems like a no brainer but complementary to running an antivirus program is the recommendation to patch any holes in current software. Malicious software may make use of outdated programs, so keeping abreast to any updates and new versions as they are released is helpful. 

4.     Step four, be wary of social network freeware.  Many social media sites offer applications, free from cost, downloadable directly from the site onto a computer or other device.  Despite the popularity of these widgets, they cannot always be verified.  Furthermore, social networks are quick to renounce any responsibility related to the security and safety of these applications.  Knowing this alone should be a red flag. 

It can’t be said enough, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Some software companies test their software for bugs while others are simply trying to trick you into allowing them to place a virus or spyware on your device.  Read the complete Norton article  Here

For your protection and the defense of your computer and your files stored on it, please take advantage of ZDNet, the web’s largest library of software downloads.  This site has complied lists of software for Windows, Mac, and mobile systems.  Searches can be conducted by price, category or most popular downloads.  ZDNet offers a basic description of the program such as Avast Free Antivirus 2014, AVG Antivirus Free 2014, Java Runtime Environment  and also provides a link viewers can use to access the program right from their site.  ZDNet is a strong safety net for consumers.  View their home page here 



Cnet.com is another reliable site which offers freeware resources such as software and app reviews, news, how to’s and downloads for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.  Covering a vast array of electronic and computerized devices any person would find helpful, including but not limited to appliances, car tech and cameras in addition to the expected laptops, mobile devices and PC’s.  This site is an invaluable resource for today’s consumer. You can access their site here http://www.cnet.com/.  Windows users may find http://www.filehippo.com/ helpful.  Filehippo contains a directory of downloads including freeware, shareware and software.  Aside from software downloads from trusted sites, Filehippo offers their own software called FileHippo Update Checker. This is a cost- free program that scans your computer then generates a report listing any out of date software.  The report suggests the installation of the most current versions, including links to the appropriate sites. Commonly available on Filehippo are browser and plugin software, anti- malware, audio and video, file sharing, firewall and security, messaging and chat and system tuning programs. Connect with the valuable resources available through Filehippo here http://www.filehippo.com/.

If you are feeling concerned about how to safely navigate the freeware circuit, Chris Hoffman offers some good advice in his article, How To Do Your Research Before You Download Free Software.  In a nutshell, research first, download later.  The type of device you have will also dictate where you seek out security information needed for reassurance purposes.  Hoffman offers 7 tips for guiding Windows users toward a safe download experience. 
·       Find a curated list of the best free software available for download.  Hoffman directs consumers to his site, http://www.makeuseof.com/pages/the-best-of.  Here individuals can take advantage of research that has already been gathered. 

·
Make sure you trust the developer.  A company like Microsoft or Google is well known and safe but if the company is lesser known, it would be best to visit a site like http://www.Cnet.com/ and research the program and company before putting your computer at risk for a potentially harmful download.
·       Only download from a trusted site.  Many third- party sites like Cnet give consumers an opportunity to download directly from their page.  These sites are typically safer to use because they are monitored for security flaws. Try to steer clear from downloading from someone’s personal site because there are no telltale signs they are safe. 
·       Read reviews.  To increase your chances of finding an unbiased review begin with a Google search using the program name.  Social networks are another good source for reviews. 
·       Use an antivirus.  It doesn’t matter how careful you are, an antivirus will offer your computer another layer of protection. Many of the antivirus programs available can be downloaded for free.  This is a prime example of freeware.  There are many well-known corporations that offer free, or free on trial basis, antivirus software.   Just be sure the name is one you can trust or that you have researched the company before downloading or installing software.

·       Install an app in a sandbox.  This is typically something more experienced tech users are accustomed to.  The process would require Sandboxie to run a questionable program in a sandbox.  This would allow the program to be tried in an isolated area of your computer where it cannot do damage to the rest of your system. A knowledgeable computer user may also be acquainted with virtual machines which would allow you to test the program in the same manner. 
·       Pay attention during the installation process.  Despite the legitimacy of many freeware programs, even the trusted sites will include software you do not want, such as adware or default search engine changes.  Java and Adobe are notorious for this, so it is critical that you pay attention during the install so you can decline any unwanted additions to the software as they occur. 

You can read the complete article here 

What are some of the ways you research freeware?  What do you look for to ensure it won’t mess up your
computer?  We are always looking for comments and tips to share.
Imperatives for safe download.
1.     Use common sense.  Be suspicious of flashy ad or popup windows that contain unsolicited invitations to download, or that stress an urgent need for you to download immediately.
2.     Never download a file unless you know and trust the source. 
3.     Do not download a file from BitTorrent or any other file sharing program; ever.
4.     Google the product you are considering downloading.
5.     Always read the program description before installing.  This will allow you to verify its’ compatibility with your computer. 
6.     Always backup your files before you install any new software.
7.     Although scanning programs for viruses, worms, malware and the like is never a guarantee, it can’t hurt.  Any extra steps applied to ensure the safety of your files and hardware is a good idea.

Safe places to download software from.
Further Research has led us to uncover Site Advisor, a service browser plug- in from one of the most trusted names in online security, McAfee.  This free software adds safety ratings to web sites and offers a secure search box.  In addition, I have prepared an inventory of major download sources which have received the
Techno Granny ‘seal of approval’.  Often their ratings are provided by the supplier so comparing a few different sites is advised.  The list includes Tucows, MajorGeeks.com, WebAttack, NoNags, Pricelessware, WinPlanet, ZDNetDownloads and CNET.  Also I will offer a plug for our very own community based Gizmo.  Gizmo selects the best of the best freeware options and displays them for your use.  I have taken the liberty of generating some special search engines available.  Please take advantage of the work I have done to find the specific type of programs you are seeking.
Microsoft’s Free Download Center provides links to over 5,000 programs, including games.  Furthermore, The Ultimate List of Windows Software from Microsoft may make finding what you are looking for a little simpler.

 Listen to the Show Here

Techno Granny Show Hosted By:
Joanne Quinn-Smith is the Creative Energy Officer of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and an expert on Web 2.0 Branding, 2009 National SBA Small Business Journalist of the Year, Author "Folly of Marketing Plan in Your Head, 101 Compelling Reasons to Write One." Available at:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DHKVJOG


This blog post can be reproduced in its entirety with the following information:
© Joanne Quinn-Smith, Techno Granny Show™ 2014  All rights reserved.
Dreamweaver Marketing Associates  |  (412) 444-5197
Listen at: http://tinyurl.com/TechnoGrannyShow OR on its unique radio channel at: http://tinyurl.com/pospittlivemag
Additional blog posts at: http://technogrannyshow.com