Thought these socks were pretty cool.
POW!
WHAM!
ZAAP!
KAPOW!
SPLAT!
We are living in an age with potential for great upheaval whether from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, bigotry and social inequality, national debts and unpaid social entitlements, poverty and pandemics, global warming and environmentally unsustainable practices, and the clash of Western and Eastern civilizations.
Thank G-d for advances in technology and innovation to help address these huge challenges of our time.
However, whoever is portraying everything as all rosy or telling you to just be optimistic and all will be well--they're feeding you a bunch of you know what!
We need a superhero/Messiah leader to come help us save the day and these socks would be perfect for their arrival. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
January 20, 2015
November 18, 2014
Say Little And Do Much
New Article by Andy Blumenthal here in Public CIO Magazine.
"It's not what we say, it's what we do that really matters."
Hope you enjoy!
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
"It's not what we say, it's what we do that really matters."
Hope you enjoy!
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Say Little And Do Much
November 5, 2014
Luv Technology, Always
No reason for Sir/Madam technology here to feel down in the dumps.
Yes, we love you technology.
And not just sometimes, but always! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Luv Technology, Always
Labels:
Art,
Artificial Intelligence,
Augmentation,
Automation,
Clever,
Computers,
Effectiveness,
Efficiency,
Helpful,
Love,
Photo,
Robots,
Technology,
User-centric
November 3, 2014
Orange You Glad I Didn't Say Banana
Took this photo of this very cool looking Orange Fridge.
It actually comes in all sort of vibrant colors including pink, blue, and even "Union Jack."
Made by an Italian appliance maker called SMEG, whose tag line is "Technology with style."
I like technology, and I like design...so this is great stuff!
For home and Museum of Modern Art. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Orange You Glad I Didn't Say Banana
Disabled Be Heard
Promising technology coming from Israeli startup Voiceitt.
Chosen by Wall Street Journal global technology conference as an audience favorite application.
This technology will help the disabled who have trouble speaking to effectively communciate with others.
The application translates sounds and intonation patterns into words that can be understood.
Victims of Stroke, Parkinsons, ALS, Cerebral Palsy, and Autism may benefit from this.
The founder of the technology himself has two siblings with Cerebral Palsy and he is driven to personally address their challenges.
Application is expected to be released 2nd quarter 2015.
To me, it is especially encouraging when we use technology to help the disabled live a fuller and more comfortable life.
Life is tough enough on people the way it is already, so if we can help make things better for those who are disadvantaged in any way, what a great, great thing to do! ;-)
Disabled Be Heard
October 30, 2014
G-d, Nature and Technology
Hello out there in TV land!
@TotalCIO appreciating nature and G-d's gracious gifts.
Technology and innovation is a derivative of all the kindness and beauty G-d has bestowed on us!
Video clip, short and sweet. ;-)
(Source Video: Dannielle Blumenthal)
G-d, Nature and Technology
Labels:
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October 22, 2014
Walk Like A Chicken
But this was something different yesterday in downtown D.C....
Using virtual reality to "See Life Through A Chicken's Eyes"--complements of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
So I go up and ask the attendant what this is all about.
She says, "You can take the virtual reality tour and walk around a field as a chicken!"
She goes on, "Only we're having some trouble with the technology, so can you come back in 20 minutes?"
Uh, okay, but 2 things:
1. Yes, I do believe in ethical treatment for everyone (including animals), and no one should suffer where we can (and should) prevent it.
2. I did just have some chicken (only Kosher, of course!) to eat just last week (and it was pretty good), and while I am curious to see the virutal reality, I can't make it back here in 20 minutes, but thank you!
Lesson: Treat all life compassionately, but I don't have to walk around as a chicken to see that! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Walk Like A Chicken
Labels:
Animals,
Chicken,
Compassion,
Empathy,
Ethics,
Food,
Health,
Meat,
Mercy,
Novel,
Nutrition,
PETA,
Photo,
PTSD,
Suffering,
Technology,
Veterans,
Virtual Reality,
Walk In Their Shoes,
Washington D.C.
October 7, 2014
The Games Organizations Play
So HP, under Meg Whitman, is breaking up into a PC/printing company and an enterprise products and services firm.
Um...well of course it’s the right thing to do to focus each and release the
great value of these two companies.
Only, just a few years ago, under Carly Fiorina, HP a
printer and enterprise products company combined with Compaq, a PC company, in
order to gain the size and clout to succeed in the ever-competitive technology
marketplace.
The B.S. of corporate America—everything and the opposite--to
try and do something, almost anything, to try and raise the share prices of those
strategically stalled companies.
From Meg Whitman, CEO of HP:
- October 2011--“Together we are stronger!”
- Then today, 3 years later--“Being nimble is the only path
to winning.”
Yeah, whatever.
Merge, split—wash, rinse, repeat…fool the fools.
HP is still HP—especially compared to Apple, Amazon, Google,
and even now Lenovo. ;-)
(Source Photo: here with attribution to Angie Harms)
The Games Organizations Play
Labels:
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Competitive Advantage,
Fake,
Focus,
Games,
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Size,
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Strategy,
Succeed,
Superficial,
Technology,
Unleash,
Value Creation
September 24, 2014
Rosh Hashanah iPhone Greeting Card
I had to share this wonderful Rosh Hashanah greeting.
This was developed using Apple's iPhone icons.
It is one great technology way to usher in the Jewish New Year of 5775.
Please G-d, let it be a wonderful year full of blessings! ;-)
(Source Photo: Sarah Herbsman from Pamela)
This was developed using Apple's iPhone icons.
It is one great technology way to usher in the Jewish New Year of 5775.
Please G-d, let it be a wonderful year full of blessings! ;-)
(Source Photo: Sarah Herbsman from Pamela)
Rosh Hashanah iPhone Greeting Card
Labels:
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September 3, 2014
Who Would Advertise This?
Check out this license plate...for real.
"LOW IQ"
Who would pay to advertise this on their car?
And perhaps more importantly, do they mean that they have a low IQ or perhaps the whole state of Virginia (no offense to all my friends and colleagues there).
From a technology and creativity standpoint...Silicon Valley or Metro Washington, D.C., Silicon Valley or Metro Washington, D.C., Silicon Valley or Metro Washington D.C.--I get it! ;-)
(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
"LOW IQ"
Who would pay to advertise this on their car?
And perhaps more importantly, do they mean that they have a low IQ or perhaps the whole state of Virginia (no offense to all my friends and colleagues there).
From a technology and creativity standpoint...Silicon Valley or Metro Washington, D.C., Silicon Valley or Metro Washington, D.C., Silicon Valley or Metro Washington D.C.--I get it! ;-)
(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)
Who Would Advertise This?
Labels:
Advertising,
Branding,
Crazy,
Creativity,
Funny,
IQ,
License Plate,
Photo,
Put Down,
Silicon Valley,
Technology,
Washington D.C.
August 23, 2014
Can You Love A Robot?
Pew Research reports that by 2025, "Robotic sex partners will be commonplace."
While I certainly understand loving (new helpful) technology, actually making love to a machine is taking things a little too far.
Even with great advances in artificial intelligence (AI), a robot can be nothing more than an artificial partner...a humanoid is not a human!
Despite portrayals in the movie Her (2013) of a nerdy writer who falls in love with his life-like operating system, the reality of human and machine love is more a desperate call for companionship and understanding than a real connection of equals--physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
While a computer may be programmed to say the things you want to hear, to laugh at your jokes, and even to succumb to your advances, love cannot be programmed or even artificially learned.
The complex dynamics between two real people locked-in the emotional roller coaster of life with its ups and downs, pulling together and pushing apart, of shared experiences, challenges, and conflicts, can only be met head on with a best friend, soulmate, diametric opposite, and at the same time congruent equal.
Only another human being can love you and be your love.
A machine, however beautiful designed, charming, and learning of you, can be just a poor surrogate for the sad person screaming out for connection in a large lonely world. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
While I certainly understand loving (new helpful) technology, actually making love to a machine is taking things a little too far.
Even with great advances in artificial intelligence (AI), a robot can be nothing more than an artificial partner...a humanoid is not a human!
Despite portrayals in the movie Her (2013) of a nerdy writer who falls in love with his life-like operating system, the reality of human and machine love is more a desperate call for companionship and understanding than a real connection of equals--physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
While a computer may be programmed to say the things you want to hear, to laugh at your jokes, and even to succumb to your advances, love cannot be programmed or even artificially learned.
The complex dynamics between two real people locked-in the emotional roller coaster of life with its ups and downs, pulling together and pushing apart, of shared experiences, challenges, and conflicts, can only be met head on with a best friend, soulmate, diametric opposite, and at the same time congruent equal.
Only another human being can love you and be your love.
A machine, however beautiful designed, charming, and learning of you, can be just a poor surrogate for the sad person screaming out for connection in a large lonely world. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Can You Love A Robot?
August 19, 2014
Panic, Technology To Rescue
Who us panic?
- ISIS is threatening the West with "dangerous new extremism"
- Syria's death toll tops 170,000 with more than 10,000 believed tortured to death.
- Boko Haram is still abducting young girls (and boys).
- Iran says no deal on nukes.
- Ebola is "out of control."
- China is emergent as the U.S. pivots east and space becomes militarized with anti-satellite weapons.
- Russia is resurgent (Crimea is history to Ukraine).
- The national deficit only hints at the true extent of our unfunded liabilities from entitelements.
- The economy is bubbling over the top again, warns Robert Shiller.
- Racial and income inequality continues to divide America (case in point, Ferguson MO).
- Nearly 1 in 3 American adults has an arrest record.
- Almost half the world--3 billion people--live in poverty on less then $2.50 a day.
Ah, if only technology could solve all our global problems--and this is a big list and not by any means comprehensive.
It's a race of the "world is exploding all over" with technology trying to make it better with more and better information, innovation, productivity, security, and cures.
Almost like the war of good over evil--we may lose the battle, but hopefully (let's pray) in the end, we will win the war. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
- ISIS is threatening the West with "dangerous new extremism"
- Syria's death toll tops 170,000 with more than 10,000 believed tortured to death.
- Boko Haram is still abducting young girls (and boys).
- Iran says no deal on nukes.
- Ebola is "out of control."
- China is emergent as the U.S. pivots east and space becomes militarized with anti-satellite weapons.
- Russia is resurgent (Crimea is history to Ukraine).
- The national deficit only hints at the true extent of our unfunded liabilities from entitelements.
- The economy is bubbling over the top again, warns Robert Shiller.
- Racial and income inequality continues to divide America (case in point, Ferguson MO).
- Nearly 1 in 3 American adults has an arrest record.
- Almost half the world--3 billion people--live in poverty on less then $2.50 a day.
Ah, if only technology could solve all our global problems--and this is a big list and not by any means comprehensive.
It's a race of the "world is exploding all over" with technology trying to make it better with more and better information, innovation, productivity, security, and cures.
Almost like the war of good over evil--we may lose the battle, but hopefully (let's pray) in the end, we will win the war. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Panic, Technology To Rescue
Labels:
Abductions,
Arrests,
Bubble,
Discrimination,
Disease,
Ebola,
Economy,
Extremism,
Inequality,
National Deficit,
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Nuclear,
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Photo,
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Space,
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Torture,
War
August 16, 2014
Technology Easy Sell
Technology is not like buying a time share, thank G-d.
We examine the costs and the benefits, and it either works and provides us a tangible competitive benefit or it doesn't.
"You can't be competitive without modern technology, you'll simply be out of business."
At the end of the day, you don't want to be sold a worthless bag of goods from a no good (not genuine) salesperson.
Read about it here in my new article in Public CIO.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
We examine the costs and the benefits, and it either works and provides us a tangible competitive benefit or it doesn't.
"You can't be competitive without modern technology, you'll simply be out of business."
At the end of the day, you don't want to be sold a worthless bag of goods from a no good (not genuine) salesperson.
Read about it here in my new article in Public CIO.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Technology Easy Sell
August 10, 2014
Why Innovation Is On The Decline
Do you feel compelled to get a new smartphone, TV, or just about anything else...or do you already basically have the latest and greatest technology, even if it's a couple of years old now?
But imagine, if something great and new did come out...we'd all be dancing in the streets and eager to buy.
That's right, innovation is not what it was...according to the Wall Street Journal, there is "An Innovation Slowdown At The Tech Giants."
The question is why is this happening?
No, the tech companies are not copying Washington politics (sleepy, sleepy...)!
But instead, we may have become our own worst enemies to our ability to innovate anew.
The New York Times today explains that our minds have a toggle switch between being focused on a task and being free to let your mind wonder and innovate.
You can't do both at the same time, no you can't.
And these days, we have so flooded ourselves with information overload with everything from 24/7 work and "big data," email/texting, social media, and thousands of cable stations and billions of YouTube videos, and more that we are forever engaged in the what's now, and are not allowing ourselves to rest, recuperate, and think about the potential for what's new.
If we want more from the future (innovation, creative problem solving, and sound decision making), then we need to allow some space for our minds to restore itself.
Whether that means daily downtimes, weekly walks in the park, monthly mediations, or semiannual vacations...we need to stop the diminishing returns of constant work and information arousal, and take a little mind breather.
Instead of chugging along our insane nonstop routines of endless activities and firehose information engagement, we will do ourselves and our children and grandchildren a great service by pulling the train over for some rest and relaxation...and only then will real innovation begin again. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Why Innovation Is On The Decline
August 9, 2014
Robots, Who's Telling Whom What To Do
"In the future, there's potentially two types of jobs: where you tell a machine what to do, programming a computer, or a machine is going to tell you what to do. You're either the one that creates the automation or you're going to get automated."
Already, we've seen manufacturing get outsourced by the millions of job to cheaper labor oversees or automated in factories by machines and robotics.
Similarly, agriculture has seen a large decrease in small family-owned farms, in lieu of mega farms run by multinationals and run by automated farm equipment with GPS and drones.
The military is moving quickly to warfare by drones, robotics, and people geared-up in high-tech exoskeletons.
Now in the sacrosanct service sector, where it has been said that it could never be done by anyone by local people within their communities, services are moving in the direction of robots.
Perhaps we can ask if even in government, can there be a future where robots can govern better than we can--and get things done speedily and efficiently!
In one Sci fi hit after another, from Star Trek to Battlestar Galactica to Terminator, a future of humanity embattled by cyborgs predominates.
Like in the show, Lost in Space, where the robot in wont to say, "Crush, Kill, Destroy," perhaps we can understand this as not jsut a physical threat as people's lives, but also to their ability to earn a living in a world where automation challenges us with the children reframe:
"Everything you can do, I can do better. I can do everything better than you. Yes you can, no you can't..."
At this point, I am not sure it is really a debate anymore, and that Preston-Werner is predominantly right...technology is the future--whether we are end up being eaten alive by it or are its earthly masters. ;-)
Robots, Who's Telling Whom What To Do
Labels:
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July 20, 2014
G-d Changes Path Of Rockets
I have to say this one terrorist was pretty smart.
Despite his blind hatred of Jews and desire to obliterate Israel, at least he knows why the Hamas and Islamic Jihad rockets are not hitting their targets.
"Their G-d changes the path of our rockets in mid-air."
Yes, technology may help intercept missiles heading for the populated cities.
But the chief engineer is none other than G-d almighty, the ultimate protector of the Children of Israel.
Next up after Iron Dome is Iron Beam (by the same G-d inventor).
(Thank you Betty Monoker for sharing this with me.)
G-d Changes Path Of Rockets
Labels:
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War
July 18, 2014
Movement For Human Rights
IF
1) you are a dissident living in a country that suppresses basic human rights
OR
2) you are a person seeking to help others suffering under authoritarian regimes
THEN
consider signing up at Movements.org, an organization that connects people in need of human rights help with those wanting to provide assistance.
After you create a profile, which is given a star rating depending on a vetting process, you can post requests for help or offers of services to help others.
Available services for "advice, contacts, training, and services," include those from:
- Lawyers
- Journalists
- Technologists
- Translators
- Policy Makers
The great Soviet Jewish dissident, Natan Sharansky, who spent 10 years imprisoned in a tortuous gulag, wrote in the Wall Street Journal that Movement.org is a "transformative approach to an old problem" for collecting and trying to get information on human-rights abuses to reach the free world and to seek justice and freedom.
While dictators looks to suppress freedom of speech and information flow, social media is combating it, and Movements was provided a grant from Google, I believe, to do just that. ;-)
Movement For Human Rights
Labels:
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Translators,
Video
June 22, 2014
From Pepper Spray to Champagne
Shhh! This is the story of drones.
Drones continue to go from battlefield to backyard.
Initially, developed for advanced persistent surveillance and later weaponized for targeting terrorists, we heard the like of Jeff Bezos promise drones for Amazon delivery.
Once again, the double-edge of drones continues...
This week we saw the introduction of scary, "Riot Control Drones" developed by Desert Wolf (a military contractor) that can shoot 4,000 rounds of pepper spray, paint balls, and non-lethal plastic projectiles, employs bright strobe lights and blinding lasers, and issues commands and warnings through loud speakers, and monitors crowds of protesters by high-definition and thermal vision cameras.
At the same time, we saw drones being used as Flying Bel Hops in the luxury Casa Madrona hotel and spa in California for delivering champagne, treats, toys, and even sunglasses to their $10,000 a night guests on their guest deck or even to a boat out on the bay.
And we are still only at the beginning, with drones, and robotics in general, moving to revolutionize our world.
Robots will surveil, they will attack and kill, and they will serve people everywhere from restaurants and retail to hospitals and homes.
You can't shush the robots, they are on the march and they will have the means to help and hurt people--it won't be simple, but it definitely will be completely invasive. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Drones continue to go from battlefield to backyard.
Initially, developed for advanced persistent surveillance and later weaponized for targeting terrorists, we heard the like of Jeff Bezos promise drones for Amazon delivery.
Once again, the double-edge of drones continues...
This week we saw the introduction of scary, "Riot Control Drones" developed by Desert Wolf (a military contractor) that can shoot 4,000 rounds of pepper spray, paint balls, and non-lethal plastic projectiles, employs bright strobe lights and blinding lasers, and issues commands and warnings through loud speakers, and monitors crowds of protesters by high-definition and thermal vision cameras.
At the same time, we saw drones being used as Flying Bel Hops in the luxury Casa Madrona hotel and spa in California for delivering champagne, treats, toys, and even sunglasses to their $10,000 a night guests on their guest deck or even to a boat out on the bay.
And we are still only at the beginning, with drones, and robotics in general, moving to revolutionize our world.
Robots will surveil, they will attack and kill, and they will serve people everywhere from restaurants and retail to hospitals and homes.
You can't shush the robots, they are on the march and they will have the means to help and hurt people--it won't be simple, but it definitely will be completely invasive. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
From Pepper Spray to Champagne
Labels:
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Delivery,
Drones,
Dystopian,
Futurist,
Hoteling,
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Military,
Pepper Spray,
Photo,
Protests,
Revolution,
Riot Control,
Robots,
Service,
Surveillance,
Technology,
Terrorism,
Weapons
May 20, 2014
Winning Respect Of The People
Please see my new article here in Public CIO Magazine on how we can learn from the technology industry to improve our nation's government.
"We can solve technological problems beyond our forefathers' wildest dreams, but we're challenged to break political gridlock. compromise, make difficult decisions, and forge a balanced, reasoned path forward."
Hope you enjoy!
Andy
(Source Photo: the talented Michelle Blumenthal)
"We can solve technological problems beyond our forefathers' wildest dreams, but we're challenged to break political gridlock. compromise, make difficult decisions, and forge a balanced, reasoned path forward."
Hope you enjoy!
Andy
(Source Photo: the talented Michelle Blumenthal)
Winning Respect Of The People
March 16, 2014
There's No Line In Online
Kessler's point is that technology is all about convenience.
The way I put it is that online, there is no line!
With technology, we can do things proverbially--better, faster, cheaper.
But so much of technology really is about doing things with the utmost convenience--that means that rather then spend time hunting or gathering, searching or shopping, traveling or transacting, gaming or gambling, we can go online and in Internet speed it's done!
The beauty of the Internet and technology is that there is no queue, no lines, no waiting--just lots of convenience mainly with point and click.
I couldn't hate lines more--hate wasting time--hate doing stupid things that have no real meaning-->time is absolutely precious!
We are mortal and one day, time stops for all of us, so we better use what we have well--use it wisely, not wastefully.
When we have convenience from technology, we have to spend less time on the mundane and have more time to do the things we really enjoy or that can grow us.
So get the doldrums done quickly online, and spend more time with family and friends, on fitness, pursing spiritual matters, and even learning the secrets of the universe--and then blogging about them.
Technology is a convenience and a true G-dsend. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
There's No Line In Online
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