Month: November 2014

Tech Stories For Your Weekend Reading Pleasure: Week of 11/17 – 11/21/2014

Linda Reimer

Hi everyone, the library is closed tomorrow, Friday, November 21, 2014 for a combo Staff Development and Library Rug Cleaning day; thus my list of personal technology related stories you might have missed this week is coming to you a bit early!

Here is a list of seven interesting personal technology related articles you might have missed during the week of 11/17 – 11/21/2014.

Article 1. The Creation of Artificial Retinas: In a collaborative effort researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’ Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and Newcastle University in Britain are have created and are testing artificial retina films. This technology when perfected should allow persons who have lost their sight due to macular degeneration to regain vision!

Here’s a link to a Business Standard article on the subject:

http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/artificial-retina-could-help-restore-vision-of-elderly-114111300902_1.html

Artificial retina could help restore vision of elderly. (2014, November 13). Business Standard. Online.

Article 2. The Right To Be Forgotten Vs. Google: In Europe there has been a major league, and ongoing flap and court case, over the amount of information Google, and other online companies, compile and keep versus the rights of persons to have their personal information deleted from Internet – basically for them to be forgotten as far as the online records goes.

The Guardian offers and interesting story that sheds light on this complicated and controversial subject – here’s the link:

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/nov/11/right-to-be-forgotten-more-questions-than-answers-google

Floridi, Luciano. (11 November, 2014). Right to be forgotten poses more questions than answers. The Guardian. Online. Accessed November 17, 2014.

Article 3. The Bullying Of Women Online: NPR offered an article this week on the problem of women being bullied in online forums – here’s the link:

http://www.npr.org/2014/11/16/364479377/why-women-get-the-worst-of-internet-bullying

Why Women Get The Worst Of Internet Bullying. (16 November, 2014). NPR. Online. Accessed November 17, 2014.

Article 4. iCloud Guide: Re/Code offered a neat how-to use Apple’s iCloud feature to store photos this week – here’s the link:

http://recode.net/2014/11/19/apples-icloud-photo-library-a-quick-how-to-guide/

Boehret, Katherine. (19 November, 2014). Apple’s iCloud Library: A Quick-To Guide. re/code.Online. Accessed November 19, 2014.

Article 5. Libraries In The Digital Age: The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle featured a cool article this week on just how public libraries have changed in our modern high tech age – and they are right! As some who started working in the public library field in 1984; I concur with the assessment that public libraries today offer books and a great deal more– with a large slice of that great deal more being personal technology related materials and services.

Here’s a link to the RD&C article:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2014/10/25/libraries-competing-digital-age/17897503/

McDermott, Meaghan. (25 October, 2014). How libraries are competing in the digital age. Democrat & Chronicle. Onlie. Accessed November 19, 2014.

Article 6. Samsung Launches New Milk Video Service For Galaxy Phone Users: Samsung launched a new video service this week for Galaxy phone users. This new service is free and helps Galaxy phone users more easily find popular online videos.

Here’s a link to a CNET story on the subject:

http://www.cnet.com/news/samsung-dives-into-video-with-milk-video-but-only-for-galaxy-phone-users/

Tibken, Shara., & Solsman, Joan. (19 November, 2014).Samsung aims for a splash with Milk Video — but only for Galaxy phone users

Article 7. Texting Can Be Dangerous To Your Spine: NPR also offered a story this week on the amount of pressure your spine endures when you lean forward to read, send and type text messages. And I think we better all hold our heads up higher when we text!

Here’s a link to the article:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/11/20/365473750/keep-your-head-up-text-neck-can-take-a-toll-on-the-spine

Sullivan, Laura. (20 November, 2014). Keep Your Head Up: ‘Text Neck’ Takes A Toll On The Spine. NPR. Online. Accessed November 20, 2014.

And in case anyone is wondering — the library will indeed be open our normal hours of operation on Saturday, November 22, 2014 of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — come and see us!

Have a great weekend!

Linda, SSCL

Tech Stories You Might Have Missed In The Last Week

Linda Reimer

Hi everyone, I usually get this list out on Friday for your weekend reading pleasure; however, I didn’t quite manage that on Friday as it was busy in Library Land!

So here is list of interesting tech stories from the past week that you might have missed!

Tech Stories Week of November 10 – November 16, 2014

  1. News Apps: The New York Times offered a neat article that highlights some of the best news apps:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/06/technology/personaltech/flipboard-circa-and-other-apps-to-keep-track-of-the-news.html?action=click&contentCollection=Personal%20Tech&region=Footer&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=article

Eaton, Kit. (10 November, 2014). Hold the Phone: There’s Breaking News! Flipboard, Circa and Other Apps to Keep Track of the News. New York Times. Online. Accessed November 10, 2014.

  1. Net Neutrality: Here are links to four articles on the subject of Net Neutrality, President Obama’s public suggestion that the Internet should be regulated just like public utility and just why the subject of Net Neutrality is a huge deal:

Article 1 is from CBS:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/five-things-you-should-know-about-net-neutrality/

Peterson, Kim (11 November, 2014) 5 things you should know about net neutrality. CBS News. Online. Accessed November 11, 2014.

Article 2 is from the re/code site:

http://recode.net/2014/11/10/what-president-obamas-net-neutrality-proposal-means/

Schatz, Amy., & Kafka, Peter. What President Obama’s Net Neutrality Proposal Means. recode. Online. Accessed November 10, 2014.

Article 3 is from the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/11/technology/obama-net-neutrality-fcc.html

Wyatt, Edward. (10 November, 2014). Obama Asks F.C.C. to Adpot Tought Net Neutrality Rules. New York Times. Online. Accessed November 10, 2014.

And article 4 is from SF Gate:

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Obama-s-defense-of-net-neutrality-sets-up-war-5884351.php

Garofoli, Joe. (10 November, 2014). Obama’s defense of net neutrality sets up battle with Congress. SFGate. Online. Accessed November 11, 2014.

  1. Using the Google Chromecast as a Game Controller: The re/code site offered an article on how you can use your smartphone as a game controller if you own, or buy, the $35 Google Chromecast media/streamer player:

http://recode.net/2014/11/11/its-official-the-smartphone-is-the-new-party-game-controller/

Johnson, Eric. (11, November 2014). The Smartphone Is the New Party-Game Controller on Chromecast. recode. Online. Accessed November 11, 2014.

  1. PC Magazine showcased the new 3 D Foodini printer that “prints” food for you to cook!

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2471806,00.asp

Mlot, Stephanie. (7 November, 2014). 3D Print Your Dinner With Foodini. PC Magazine. Online. Accessed November 12, 2014.

And should you wish to check out the Foodini website – here’s the link:

http://www.naturalmachines.com/

  1. Sharing of Data: NPR offered an interesting article on how Internet users data is being compiled and used by online companies – and what data people are comfortable sharing with the universe and just what data people would rather have stay private:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2014/11/12/363320931/the-data-youre-ok-sharing-and-what-you-dont-want-others-to-see

  1. Comet Landing: BBC News offered a nice visual article on the first ever human comet landing:

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30034060

Amoz, Jonathan. (13 November, 2014). Rosetta; Battery will limit life of Philae comment lander. BBC News. Online. Accessed November 14, 2014.

  1. Popular Science Most Innovated Inventions 2014: CBS Morning News offered a cool segment that highlighted some of the top 100 most innovated technology items as ranked by Popular Science:

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/popular-science-picks-best-inventions-for-2014/

  1. And on the e-book front the New York Times offered an article that offers information on Amazon and the Hachette Publishing company finally agreeing on new sales terms so Hachette books will be easy to get through Amazon once more:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/14/technology/amazon-hachette-ebook-dispute.html?ref=technology&_r=0

Have a great day!

Linda, SSCL

November Tech Movie This Friday, November 14, 2014 – 2001: A Space Odyssey

Linda Reimer

Join us this Friday, November 14, 2014 for the next film in our Monthly Tech Science Fiction series.

This month we’re showing the 1968 classic 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Here’s a review of the film: When Stanley Kubrick recruited Arthur C. Clarke to collaborate on “the proverbial intelligent science fiction film,” it’s a safe bet neither the maverick auteur nor the great science fiction writer knew they would virtually redefine the parameters of the cinema experience. A daring experiment in unconventional narrative inspired by Clarke’s short story “The Sentinel,” 2001 is a visual tone poem (barely 40 minutes of dialogue in a 139-minute film) that charts a phenomenal history of human evolution. From the dawn-of-man discovery of crude but deadly tools in the film’s opening sequence to the journey of the spaceship Discovery and metaphysical birth of the “star child” at film’s end, Kubrick’s vision is meticulous and precise. In keeping with the director’s underlying theme of dehumanization by technology, the notorious, seemingly omniscient computer HAL 9000 has more warmth and personality than the human astronauts it supposedly is serving. (The director also leaves the meaning of the black, rectangular alien monoliths open for discussion.) This theme, in part, is what makes 2001 a film like no other, though dated now that its postmillennial space exploration has proven optimistic compared to reality. Still, the film is timelessly provocative in its pioneering exploration of inner- and outer-space consciousness. With spectacular, painstakingly authentic special effects that have stood the test of time, Kubrick’s film is nothing less than a cinematic milestone–puzzling, provocative, and perfect. –Jeff Shannon, Amazon review. MPAA Rating: G. Run Time: 148 minutes.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062622/?ref_=nv_sr_1

The doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the film starts at 7 p.m. sharp.

Join us!

Linda, SSCL

Interesting Personal Technology Stories For The Week of November 3 – 7, 2014

Linda Reimer

Here are links to nine personal technology related articles for your weekend reading pleasure that you might have missed during your busy week!

Have a great weekend!

Linda, SSCL

  1. Tech journalist and reviewer Walt Mossberg discusses Apple’s newly introduced Apple Pay payment system, which showcases the emerging technology that allows you to pay for items by simply waving your smartphone or smartwatch at participating stores scanners, and why certain retailers would prefer you use their smartphone scanning payment systems instead…

http://recode.net/2014/11/04/what-are-the-anti-apple-pay-merchants-afraid-of/

Mossberg, Walt. (4 November, 2014). What Are the Anti-Apple Pay Merchants Afraid Of?. re/code. Online. accessed November 4, 2014.

  1. Amazon adds new perks to its Amazon Prime service – new service #1 (of 2 for this week) is free second day shipping for some Amazon Marketplace vendors:

http://recode.net/2014/11/04/amazon-begins-extending-perks-for-prime-members-to-other-shopping-sites/

Del Rey, Jason. (4 November, 2014). Amazon Begins Extending Prime-Member Perks to Other Shopping Sites. re/code. Online. Accessed November 4, 2014.

  1. Amazon adds new perks to its Amazon Prime service – new service #2 (of 2 for this week) – new service #2 has Amazon offering Prime members unlimited cloud photo storage:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2842865/no-fire-phone-required-amazon-prime-subscribers-get-unlimited-photo-backups.html

Newman, Jared. (2014, November 4). No Fire Phone required: Amazon Prime subscribers get unlimited photo backups. PC World. Accessed November 8, 2014.

And as a related FYI here is a link to the Amazon info page on its new cloud storage feature:

https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/primephotos/ref=cd_gw_takeover?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=gateway-takeover&pf_rd_r=05CAKS2RKPF6EKZVQRP1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1966647182&pf_rd_i=507846

You can also get the Amazon Cloud Drive app for Apple, Android mobile devices and for PCs.

  1. NPR offered a neat article this week on the new book Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free: Laws for the Internet Age co-authored by Cory Doctorow, Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer – the book takes a look at the very current, relevant and hot debate on the tangled quagmire of outdated copyright laws and digital content:

http://www.npr.org/2014/11/03/360196476/picking-the-locks-redefining-copyright-law-in-the-digital-age

Picking The Locks: Redefining Copyright Law In The Digital Age. (3 November, 2014). NPR Staff. Author Interview: Cory Doctorow. Online. Accessed November 3, 2014.

  1. The New York Times offered an article at the end of last week on Apple CEO Tim Cook and just why his announcement that he is gay and proud of it is important:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/31/technology/timothy-cook-apples-chief-executive-says-he-is-proud-to-be-gay.html?ref=technology&_r=0

Chen, Brian., & Goel, Vindu. (30 October, 2014). Apple’s Tim Cook Says That He Is ‘Proud to Be Gay.’ New York Times. Online. Accessed November 4, 2014.

  1. A informative New York Times article on the subject of just why our Internet speed in the U.S. is so abysmal as compared to other countries:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/31/upshot/why-the-us-has-fallen-behind-in-internet-speed-and-affordability.html?abt=0002&abg=1&_r=0

Miller, Claire Cain.(30 October, 2014). Why the U.S. Has Fallen Behind in Internet Speed and Affordability. New York Times. Online. Accessed November 4, 2014.

  1. A neat ZDNet article on the new fitness tracker the Jawbone UP Move which costs $49.99:

http://www.zdnet.com/jawbone-announces-affordable-up-move-and-high-end-up3-activity-trackers-7000035439/

Miller, Matthew. (2014, November 5) Jawbone announces affordable UP Move and high-end UP3 activity trackers. ZDNet. Online. Accessed November 5, 2014.

  1. An interesting article that offers insight as to how the results of Tuesdays’ election will impact the tech industry:

http://recode.net/2014/11/05/winners-and-losers-for-silicon-valley-in-tuesdays-election/

Schatz, Amy. (2014, November 5). Winners and Losers for Silicon Valley in Tuesday’s Election. re/code. Online. Accessed November 6, 2014.

  1. And lastly an article from PC World on Amazon’s smart gadget the Echo which is another step forward in smart home technology as it is a hands free personal assistant that can play music and answer questions by voice command:

http://www.computerworld.com/article/2844509/why-amazon-echo-is-the-future-of-every-home.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+computerworld%2Fnews%2Ffeed+(Latest+from+Computerworld)

Elgan, Mike. (2014, November 8). Why Amazon Echo is the future of every home. Computerworld. Online. Accessed November 8, 2014..

And just in case anyone finds it convenient to have access to a printable list — here is a link to a PDF of the same list:

Tech Stories of the Week November 3 – 7 2014

Brand New E-Books, Downloadable Audiobooks & Streaming Videos Available Today!

Linda Reimer

Hi everyone, the new e-books, downloadable audio books and streaming videos for November have just been added to the Digital Catalog — so you can download and/or stream titles right now!

Here’s a link to a PDF list of the titles that you can download, print and share:

Newly Added OverDrive November 4, 2014

And for the sake of convenience here is the list all by itself!

Audiobooks

Title/Author or Creator:

Cat & Canary by Michael Foreman, Gary Klar

The Pagan Lord: The Saxon Chronicles, Book 7 by Bernard Cornwell, Matt Bates

E-Books:     

As the Crow Flies: Walt Longmire Mystery Series, Book 8 by            Craig Johnson

Blue Bloods: Blue Bloods Series, Book 1 by Melissa de la Cruz

The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Birds by Julie Zickefoose

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy: A Righteous Gentile vs. the Third Reich by Eric Metaxas, Timothy J. Keller

Christmas in Absaroka County: Walt Longmire Christmas Stories: Walt Longmire Mystery Series, Book by Craig Johnson

The Complete Guide to Building Affordable Earth-Sheltered Homes: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply by Robert McConkey

Cracking the GED Test with 2 Practice Tests, 2015 Edition: Fully Updated for the New GED by Princeton Review

Cracking the SAT with 5 Practice Tests, 2015 Edition by Princeton Review

Curse of the Bane: Wardstone Chronicles / Last Apprentice Series, Book 2 by Joseph Delaney

Deadline: Virgil Flowers Series, Book 8 by John Sandford

Digital SLR Photography in Easy Steps: Now Includes Clever Photography Techniques by Nick Vandome

The Divorce Horse: Walt Longmire Mystery Series by Craig Johnson

Earthbag Building: The Tools, Tricks and Techniques by Kaki Hunter, Donald Kiffmeyer

Earth-Sheltered Houses: How to Build an Affordable Underground Home   by Rob Roy

Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life by William Deresiewicz

Fool’s Errand: The Realm of the Elderlings: The Tawny Man Trilogy, Book 1 by Robin Hobb

Fool’s Fate: The Realm of the Elderlings: The Tawny Man Trilogy, Book 3 by Robin Hobb

Forest Mage: The Realm of the Elderlings: The Soldier Son Trilogy, Book 2 by Robin Hobb

GED® Math Test Tutor, For the New 2014 GED® Test by Sandra Rush

The Ghost Prison by Joseph Delaney

The Golden Fool: The Realm of the Elderlings: The Tawny Man Trilogy, Book 2 by Robin Hobb

Hell Is Empty: Walt Longmire Mystery Series, Book 7 by Craig Johnson

The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution by Walter Isaacson

Junkyard Dogs: Walt Longmire Mystery Series, Book 6 by Craig Johnson

Lovely, Dark, Deep by Joyce Carol Oates

Masquerade: Blue Bloods Series, Book 2  by Melissa de la Cruz

Midnight by Dean Koontz

Monk’s Hood by Ellis Peters

More Straw Bale Building: A Complete Guide to Designing and Building with Straw by Chris Magwood

The Neighbor: Short Story by Dean Koontz

Night of the Soul Stealer: Wardstone Chronicles / Last Apprentice Series, Book 3    by Joseph Delaney

Out to Canaan: The Mitford Years Series, Book 4 by Jan Karon

The Penguin Book of Witches by Katherine Howe

Renegade’s Magic: The Realm of the Elderlings: The Soldier Son Trilogy, Book 3 by Robin Hobb

Revenge of the Witch: Wardstone Chronicles / Last Apprentice Series, Book 1 by Joseph Delaney, Patrick Arrasmith

A Serpent’s Tooth: Walt Longmire Mystery Series, Book 9 by Craig Johnson

Shaman’s Crossing: The Realm of the Elderlings: The Soldier Son Trilogy, Book 1 by Robin Hobb

Ship of Magic: The Realm of the Elderlings: The Liveship Traders Trilogy, Book 1by Robin Hobb

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Taking it All: The Surrender Trilogy, Book 3 by Maya Banks

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Digital Photography by Chris Bucher

These High, Green Hills: The Mitford Years Series, Book 3 by Jan Karon

Thyroid Balance: Traditional and Alternative Methods for Treating Thyroid Disorders by Glenn S. Rothfeld, Deborah S. Romaine

Thyroid Diet Solution by Brittany Samons

Thyroid Diet: Thyroid Solution Diet & Natural Treatment Book For Thyroid Problems & Hypothyroidism Revealed! by Jason Scotts

Thyroid Disease — Hyperthyroidism: The Most Important Information You Need to Improve Your Health by Adams Media

U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to Basic Survival Secrets by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo

U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to Jungle Survival Secrets by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo

U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to Mountain and Arctic Survival Secrets by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo

U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to Survival at Sea Secrets by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo

U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to Survival Heroes and Their Stories by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo

U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to the Elements of Survival by Don Mann, Ralph Pezzullo

Wait for Signs: Twelve Longmire Stories   by Craig Johnson

The Young Elites: The Young Elites Series, Book 1 by Marie Lu

Your Guide to the New GED Test: Need-to-Know Info for the Computer-Based 2014 Exam by Princeton Review

Streaming Videos:          

Determined to be Heard by Sally V. Beaty

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, Capture the Moon by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, Catch a Tiger by the Tail  Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, The Challenge by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, The Finger of Light by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, The Garden Plot by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, Gobo’s Discovery by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, The Great Radish Famine by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, I Don’t Care by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, I Want to Be You by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, Let the Water Run by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, The Lost Treasure of the Fraggles by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, Marooned by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, The Minstrels by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, Mokey’s Funeral by Jim Henson et al.

Fraggle Rock, Season 1, New Trash Heap in Town by Jim Henson et al.

Have a great day!

Linda, SSCL