technology « margonaut

20Feb/091

gentle approach computer coach

I'm discovering a talent in helping people who are new to computers learn why they are fun and good and have repurposed the gentlebuzz.com domain name for this purpose.

I'm getting some clients through the store and only time will tell what's in store!

our new sign below a mall Valentine's day decoration

Filed under: personal updates, technology 1 Comment

24Jan/090

“never trust a computer you can’t lift”

25 years ago today Steve Jobs introduced the first Macintosh Computer!

Click on the image below for a video...

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14Nov/081

on “Warcrack” dealing

Yesterday, the new edition of the hugely popular networked computer game Warcraft came out and the store where I work is selling out quickly (as of writing this sentence there is only one left.)

Today there are 263 stories on Google News about the phenomenon.

As someone who used to play video and role playing games, I understand the appeal. That said, some of the customers buying it look as if they do not leave the house very often and I sometimes feel like a drug dealer helping people get their fix. I have encouraged several of them to remember to go outside and play from time to time...

BBC Video: Hordes Greet Warcraft Expansion
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7725328.stm

related blog post:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2008/11/addicted_to_warcraft.html
The problem with WoW is that the whole game is engineered to be addictive and to get you in to a headlock. First of all you've got the point and the level system you have to work through - because we're all fallen sinners we are never content so you start the night saying right I'm gonna get to lvl. 52 tonight, then you get there and it's approaching mid-night and your thinking, well i might as well keep going for a bit to see what the lvl. 52 quests are like and hey presto before you know it your deep into lvl. 52 and you just know you've blown your chances of making it to the library by 9am the next morning! The other thing that makes it addictive and gets you in a headlock the the whole Guild thing. If your in a Guild with say a gang of player around lvl. 50 then you can't take a week or two away from the game because when you get back the rest of your Guild will be deep into the lvl. 60s. You just have to keep playing daily to keep up with everyone else. Vicious circle.

Filed under: news & media, technology 1 Comment

11Jan/071

art of avatars

I am "superstitious" about the state of my computer (it needs work but I'm on it) especially my desktop wallpaper and chat program aliases.

It seems as if making them reflect the positive is useful.

Or perhaps it's simply a vestige of the fact that most of my social life is on the Internet.

Filed under: technology 1 Comment

15Dec/064

another make money fast online offer?

The book The E-Code: 33 Internet Superstars Reveal 43 Ways to Make Money Online Almost Instantly---Using Only Email is a collection of essays written by different people who have made money online giving tips on how to go about it.

I noticed that many of the included authors made their money selling information on the Internet about how to make money on the Internet. This reminded me of those real estate seminar guys who promise to teach you how to make money in real estate in exchange for a hefty fee (when the truth is they made most of their money not in real estate, but in seminars!) This and the whole "make money online almost instantly" vibe turned me off and I quit reading about halfway through.

However, I couldn't stop thinking about the book and decided that I would put aside my irritations and give it another chance, primarily because what had initially attracted me to the book was that one of the editors is Joe Vitale, who appears in the movie The Secret where he seems very wise indeed. I decided to be open minded and read the book again, sifting through the filler and fluff in search of any gems of useful information.

The main technique that is championed is writing ebooks online, choosing topics based on the currrent most popular Internet searches. The editor also happens to sell an ebook online about how to write and sell ebooks online. You can read the short version for free on his website.

There are some useful tips about marketing, including the idea that it better to look for an existing "hungry market" rather than choosing what to sell first then looking people to buy it. There are also some more obvious tips such as, "put together an irresistible offer and have a quality product."

I also like the idea that one's primary focus in business must be providing value to customers, far above and beyond doing it just for the money. This is definitely a good philosophy, though sometimes when we're in need money concerns come to mind during meetings.

For me personally, the most valuable piece of information was this bit by Joe Vitale, who is a proponent of the idea that we attract our own realities to us via our thoughts as much as our actions. This quote sparked something in me:

If you are broke right now, ask yourself what the lesson in being broke is for you. Don't settle on flip answers like, "I should have saved more in advance." And don't blame others. It's no one's fault. What is the positive reason for you to have this situation in your life? You know the answer. Be honest and write it down.

He's sneaky embedding stuff like that into the text, eh?

I'm glad I gave the book another chance, it turns out it will help my career after all!

Filed under: awareness & spirit, books, technology 4 Comments

6Oct/062

make your own time lapsed photography

Someone I know in Toronto invented this device and I think it's really cool!

P.S. I am currently not making any money by promoting this :)

Pclix
http://www.pclix.com
If you have the desire to easily photograph time-lapse sequences using a digital still camera then this device is for you. The Pclix LT100 is easy to use and program, it fits into just about any camera bag and is compatible with a long list of digital cameras.

Filed under: technology 2 Comments

10Jun/062

"an era of social computing"

I'd really like to read this document but it's $299 American!

Social Computing
How Networks Erode Institutional Power, And What to Do About It
http://www.forrester.com
Easy connections brought about by cheap devices, modular content, and shared computing resources are having a profound impact on our global economy and social structure. Individuals increasingly take cues from one another rather than from institutional sources like corporations, media outlets, religions, and political bodies. To thrive in an era of Social Computing, companies must abandon top-down management and communication tactics, weave communities into their products and services, use employees and partners as marketers, and become part of a living fabric of brand loyalists.

Filed under: technology 2 Comments

20Oct/052

the opposite of crashing cars

This video game uses gorgeous graphics and biofeedback sensors to teach peace and serenity.

Journey to Wild Divine
http://www.wilddivine.com
Wearing three finger sensors that track your body's heart rate variability and skin conductance, you'll learn to use the power of your thoughts, feelings, breath and awareness to:
* Increase relaxation
* Reduce stress and anxiety
* Restore balance and vitality
* Improve physical & mental wellbeing

Filed under: awareness & spirit, technology 2 Comments

17Oct/050

symbolic search

Here's a fun website to browse around in: a reference guide to symbols! The classification system really resonates with my librarian side.

Symbol 26:6
http://www.symbols.com/encyclopedia/26/266.html
26:6 · When the longitudinal axis is diagonal the preceding entry sign's structure is used to denote tones as the main note sign in the Western system of musical notation.
It is also used as a sign for galaxy in one US astronomical sign system, i.e. one of the largest entities of matter in the universe, a system consisting of billions of sun systems.

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17Jun/050