This week’s Weezy and the Swish is punctuated with an exceptionally creepy photograph, but also there is discussion of Martin Sargent and his new site, [ http://www.sargeworld.com/ ] as well as apparent broken blogging promises to Laura, and much more. Pretty straight forward from where I sit. Head on over and download it:
Weezy and The Swish Episode 11 // August 22, 2005 – [ episode notes | download ]
This week’s Diggnation comes to us a bit early, but it’s no dissapointment. Topics this week include the riot down in Virginia for 50-dollar iBooks, research being done into Crocodile immunity to HIV and what it could mean to humans, the triumphant return of Call for Help to the United States and Kevin Rose’s subsequent twice-a-week appearances on the show, the end of DVD-shrink, and DiggNation T-shirts, among much more. The video isn’t up yet, but last week’s is already available. Enjoy!
DiggNation Episode 8 // August 18, 2005 – [ episode notes | download links ]
This week’s Command-N is the big one! We see the winner of the “Your video for a shuffle” contest, and much much more, including the web picks and the new “thumbs-up/thumbs-down” rating approach that Amber and Mikey are taking to some new web content. It looks like Command-N is really coming into its own and this is definitely a good thing. This week’s topics look like a new Command-N store, blogger templates, and flickr-licious! I haven’t had a chance to watch this one yet, but no doubt it’s a good one. Head on over and check it out:
Command-N Episode 11 // August 22, 2005 – [ episode notes and download links ]
While an official press release is yet to come, Leo has finally given up on holding the secret back and let the beans spill in the last 5 minutes of his “Tech Guy on KFI” radio show this week and let it be known that, as suspected (and leaked on the G4 message boards) that Call for Help will begin airing on G4 Television starting August 29th at 11AM EST.
Set your Tivos and PVRs folks, this is great news! Many people had suspected it all along, but I’ve been duped by people with random internet posts too often before to fall for this one without it coming straight from the horse’s mouth. And while the attention is ramping up over this announcement, keep in mind that an official press release is still to come, so keep an eye out for that.
In the meantime, this is great news, and whether you like or hate G4, it’s definitely cause to celebrate!
UPDATE :: Looks like Leo’s made the official announcement. It’s kind of sad that G4 won’t see fit to make an announcement of their own (I’m more than skeptical of G4’s motives with regard to the silent inclusion of Call for Help to their lineup, their failure to post a press release, and their choice of timeslot-it rings setup for failure to me) but Leo knows the story and knows that anyone who would be watching would be checking on the official word from him, and he’s got it. Check out the most recent post at TWIT:
[ http://thisweekintech.com/node/3920 ]
More information as it becomes available!
Leo’s been fueling the rumor mill for a while now, and he’s been talking about how he has a big announcement that he has to wait for a press release to talk about, but that hasn’t stopped the rumors from flying.
Some people think that it means another network has picked up Call For Help for air in the US. Others think that Leo’s worked out an IPTV subscription system so CfH can be downloaded in the US. Others, and this seems to be the most popular rumor, believe that CfH is being picked up in the US….by G4 Television. ::gasp!::
Well, I have to admit, I staved off the whole rumor bit and promised not to make an announcement until Leo did, but my feelings about the whole event lean that way-that G4 is going to pick up Call for Help. And a number of people, including G4 employees and forum admins, seem to agree:
[ http://forums.g4tv.com/messageview.cfm?catid=64&threadid=466445&forumid=1 ]
This is VERY hopeful news, but we’ve all been dissapointed before, so I’ll wait for the official word, but hey! Here’s rooting for CfH in the US again!
Another Weezy and the Swish in the can-this week is a momentous occasion; another one of our beloved podcast/net shows that has reached the 10 episode mark, and are still going strong! This week’s promises to be no dissapointer (and much better for those of you who were turned off by the political bent of last week’s guest), and the lovely ladies cover topics like emasculation, a DJ who was beaten for playing too much “gay music,” and much much more. Check it out:
Weezy and the Swish Episode 10 // August 15, 2005 – [ episode notes | download ]
This week’s TWiT looks good, very good! Our fine hosts this run around are of course Leo and Patrick, Dvorak, Steve Gibson, Robert Heron, David Prager, and of course Roger Chang. I tend to like the TWiTs with more people, adds some life to the podcast. This week is the first in what will hopefully be a regular trend; having special guests on the show, including Bob Young, former CEO of Red Hat, founder of Lulu.com, Mike Lazazzera (also known as The Man Lazazz over at Command-N) of Call For Help. Definitely looks like fun!
I’ve heard more than a few people bemoaning the presence of John C Dvorak on the podcasts, pining for the days when he couldn’t get a stable voice connection to everyone else so they didn’t have to listen to him. The fact that the first “topic” in the episode notes for this week is “Dvorak and Gibson nearly come to blows over HTML email” isn’t really exciting in that regard. I can’t imagine anyone arguing FOR HTML email, but maybe Dvorak is that guy. Or maybe it’s Gibson. Who knows, I haven’t listened to the podcast yet, but I’ll get back to you.
Also on topic this week are issues like the hacking of OS X to make it run on any PC, AOL giving away the loot of a spammer who settled a legal battle with them out to their users, Apple’s woes patenting the iPod interface, what happened to DiggNation (you’ll have to listen to both podcasts to find out!), more updates on the new live TWiT recordings, and much much more! Enjoy!
This Week In Tech [TWIT] Episode 18 // August 14, 2005 – [ episode notes | download ]
Another lovely episode of DiggNation is up and ready to go! This week’s topics include the infamous TPS reports, Pirates of Silicon Valley being released on DVD, Google getting into the IM business, sex tips for geeks, the passing of Peter Jennings, MS giving up on the whole Genuine Advantage program, and more. Looks like a good good show, so don’t hesitate to download it now.
I realized that since I do the podcast roundup on Mondays, I post the direct download link for the DiggNation mp3s, but later in the week they manage to post the link and torrent for the videos, so I’ll go ahead and start linking the media download page, so those of you who come back later in the week can click on the same link and grab the video. I usually wind up downloading the podcast early in the week, and come back for the video later. Sound good?
DiggNation Episode 7 // August 11, 2005 – [ episode notes | download links ]
10 episodes and going strong! This week’s Command-N marks the 10 episode mark, and personally I think Amber and Mikey have come a long way in the past 10 episodes and are delivering some real solid (but still entertaining) technology content and news. Definitely good stuff. Apparently shot during the big TechTV meetup in Toronto, this week’s video is full of hilarity and at least one notable cameo appearance, so it should definitely be good watching. Use the mirrors, bu the way, they’re getting slammed right now.
Command-N Episode 10 // August 15, 2005 – [ episode notes and download links ]
My bad! I’m late on this one. The most recent Weezy and the Swish was actually posted on Monday, but since I didn’t see it right away, I figured I’d wait and totally missed it. I apologize!
Anyway, the newest episode is up and definitely a good one. This week features Bob Cowsill, of The Cowsills fame [ http://www.robinrecords.com/cowsills/ ] which has ignited quite the political controversy over at the Weezy and the Swish site. Regardless of how you feel, head on over, download the podcast, and enjoy!
Weezy and The Swish Episode 9 // August 8, 2005 – [ episode notes | download ]
If you hadn’t been able to tell from the array of podcasts this week and from a whole assortment of other tech news, some small part of hell just froze over because Friday Apple announced that it was releasing a mouse with -gasp- more than one button. But then again, leave it to Apple to release a mouse with multiple buttons that actually doesn’t have any..well..buttons. Don’t believe me? Well, meet the Mighty Mouse [ http://www.apple.com/mightymouse/ ] and here he comes to save the day! (I know, I know, I couldn’t resist)
Seriously though, as soon as Apple released the thing, geeks like me rolled our eyes and breathed a collective “about time” and “oh for crying out loud” sigh, namely because it’s been way overdue since Mac OS 9 introduced multi-button support, and it’s natively handled in OS X (all versions, for that matter). Essentially this means that Mac users for the past 5 years at least have bought their macs, ditched the Apple mice that came with them, and immediately ran out and picked up a cheap Microsoft or Logitech to make use of the multibutton support. So Apple finally wisened up. Good news. But look at it-the little trackball in the center, and the fact that it looks like it only has one button (and can be configured to only have one button) and the little squeeze-clicking by squeezing the sides? Oh come on. I have to admit, even I, an Apple die-hard, rolled my eyes. And yet, they still flew off the shelves! I haven’t gotten my hands on one to play with yet, but PCWorld has, and here’s their First Look:
[ http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,122072,tk,wb080805x,00.asp ]
Another TWiT, ready to go – this week’s hosts are Leo Laporte, Patrick Norton, Kevin Rose, Roger Chang, Robert Heron, Steve Gibson, and John C. Dvorak. Whew! There’s a lot of TWiTs on this week’s show, but it’s not confusing-I actually like the episodes where there are plenty of people chatting about a whole variety of topics. This week Leo reveals unintentionally when talking about laptops and gaming that he plays World of Warcraft [ http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/ ] (what server, Leo?), everyone comments on Apple’s big announcement this past week-what else? The release of the Mighty Mouse, details of the TechTV meetup in Toronto on August 11, suggestions on a new cellphone, Kevin sharing my love for Dell LCD displays, and a whole messload of listener submitted questions! Definitely a good TWiT if I do say so myself.
This Week In Tech [TWIT] Episode 17 // August 8, 2005 – [ episode notes | download ]
This week’s Command-N is up and ready to download, and while this week is no blooper reel, it’s definitely amusing. This week Amber and Mikey have an exclusive interview with Ray S. from iPodderX [ http://www.ipodderx.com/ ], tips on how to put linux on your iPod, the weekly web picks, chat about Yahoo’s acquisition of Konfabulator and subsequent free release, and Apple’s release of the Mighty Mouse. As always, the video is a treat to watch, and Amber and Mikey have the most interesting dynamic to watch. Head on over and watch:
Command-N Episode 6 // August 8, 2005 – [ episode notes and download links ]
They were a little late last week, but I didn’t mean to completely forget the release of their most recent podcast! Looks like they’re a little behind now, but that’s okay-I’m glad to get my hands on the hilarity at all. Episode 8 is up and ready to download; this week the discussion centers around why the podcast was late, everyone’s weekly activities, and all the usual tidbits that you’re all but accustomed to. I haven’t listened to it yet so I don’t have any more details, but as usual I’m sure you won’t be dissapointed.
Weexy and The Swish Episode 8 // August 3, 2005 – [ episode notes | download ]
A brand new DiggNation is up and ready to go, and it looks promising! This week’s DiggNation lists off the best 5 torrent sites, the ugliness that is the new AOL Instant Messanger Beta (which apparently has ads all over the place), Harrison Ford is going to go ahead and be Indiana Jones in the new movie (awesome), Apple’s Mighty Mouse [ http://www.apple.com/mightymouse/ ], and much, much more. It’s looking awesome, and I can’t wait. Check it out:
DiggNation Episode 6 // August 5, 2005 – [ episode notes | download ]
Uh oh! Looks like no sooner than Windows Vista Beta 1 go live over MSDN and to developers and other beta testers did it wind up available on the p2p circuit, and as soon as it was available on the p2p circuit the viruses appeared. Not that this is really significant news, because I’m sure many of the security holes and problems that are present in the current beta of Vista will be plugged and patched up between now and the final release, but it’s still amusing to see how quickly the exploits and viruses have come across for Microsoft’s new operating system. Read the details:
[ http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,122125,tk,dn080505X,00.asp ]
UPDATE: 5:23PM EST //
Looks like Microsoft has decided to pull the scripting shell, code named “Monad,” that led to the ease with which these viruses were created and used. It’s kind of amusing that, rather than make a more secure product, or lock down their scripting environment, they instead choose to pull yet another feature from Vista. I’m thinking this definitely makes the list of features pulled from the new OS longer than the list of new features that’ll be in it. Anyway, PC World has the updated scoop:
[ http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,122145,tk,dn080805X,00.asp ]
Recently the TTVF crew had the opportunity to chat with Andy Walker, host of Call for Help [ http://www.callforhelptv.com/ ] with Leo Laporte and Amber MacArthur, which is currently being aired on G4TechTV Canada and on several other fine networks around the world, (in places like Austrailia, the Phillipines, and more!) not to mention the owner of must-bookmark sites like Cyberwalker [ http://www.cyberwalker.com/ ], which includes his blog [ http://blog.cyberwalker.com/ ], and the Cyberwalker Software Library [ http://software.cyberwalker.com/ ]!
We wanted to ask him questions about his new book, what its like working on Call for Help, his insights on the direction of technology, and of course his own personal preference in gadgets and gear. It was a good time, and we really thank Andy for taking the time to answer our questions, exclusive to TechTV Forever! Now then, on with the interview!
//
TTVF: Andy, tell us a little about your new book, why did you choose to write a book about these topics?
ANDY: It’s one of the most important topics in personal computers today. A lot of our questions on the show relate directly to security, and Que Publishing felt the timing was right. With the encouragement of Leo, who has agreed to write the foreword, I couldn’t say no!
TTVF: Where will we be able to pick up a copy of your book?
ANDY: The book, called The Absolute Beginners Guide to Security, Spam, Spyware and Viruses, is being published by Que. They will distribute it internationally, so you’ll be able to get a copy from all major book chains as well as Amazon.com and Amazon.ca and other online book sellers. Pre-ordering is available now. More info here: [ http://www.cyberwalker.com/books/abg-security.html ] I sound like an infomerical!
TTVF: What was the inspiration for the Cyberwalker Software Library? [ http://software.cyberwalker.com/ ]
ANDY: I just thought there was a lack of good software library resources on the Net that reflected what Cyberwalker was all about. Download.com is awesome but it’s too big and unfocused. On Cyberwalker.com, I was always linking out to other computer fix it resources and thought why not create a mini site to keep it in the family. It’s early days yet, but you’ll see a lot of new content on there that no only shows you freeware, payware and shareware but also helps you choose the right programs and lets the community participate with comments and product ratings.
TTVF: How does the Cyberwalker Software Library differ from sites like Download.com?
ANDY: It mostly focuses on fix-it tools for the PC. The focus was Craig Worden’s idea. He’s my software site webmaster (you may know him as tambits10 on Leoville). However we want to include all the great freeware out there in a separate section.
TTVF: Tell us a little about Call for Help, what is the average day on the set like?
ANDY: It’s a crazy schedule. We’re in for makeup and prep in the AM and then we get to it. And we do one show after another with a break in between for more makeup and a wardrobe change and maybe a coffee. We shoot it in realtime as if it’s live. So no stopping for tech issues or gaffes – its all in there. Then we go til the end of the day. We go out for a bite sometimes at dinner and then off home to bed. It’s grueling, but tons of fun. It’s my favorite part of the job. And we do that for four days in a row.
TTVF: What goes into getting an episode of Call For Help from idea to screen?
ANDY: Amber and I cook up our own segments (15 per mo) and free files (with suggestions of course from viewers). Mike preps 5 free files and helps with preproduction. And Sean and Mike do loads of lab work on segments for each cycle. Leo chooses calls from the email and is our ultimate content adviser approving everything you see on the show.
Jenny Chase produces the callers and Claudia does guest booking with input from everyone. Producers Katya and Matt work with use to develop ideas and are the backbone of the show. Matt also works with me on field segments. He is amazing. Katya is just a dream to work with too. They are all young hardworking excellent people. I feel so lucky to work with such a strong team and such awesome co-hosts.
TTVF: Do you think there is a future for technology on television? In Canada? Abroad?
ANDY: It’s hard to say. I think you’ll see a lot of IP TV based content about tech. And you’ll see tech content make its way into lifestyle shows on mainstream TV. A dedicated channel with full blown content? Not as we have seen in the past. But IP TV is about to happen. TV is changing and its future is bright. Tech content will lead the way. All you have to do is look at TWIT [ http://www.twit.tv/ ] and Command-N [ http://www.commandn.tv/ ] for proof if its popularity.
TTVF: Do yo think that the future of TV is on the internet using downloadable programs such as Systm [http://www.systm.org/ ] and Command-N [ http://www.commandn.tv/ ] as early examples?
ANDY: See above. YES! The world is about to change.
TTVF: So many of us know so little about G4TechTV Canada. What do you think really puts G4TTV Canada apart from their American counterpart?
ANDY: The recognition that technology is a key part of the content. G4 is all gaming of course while, G4TechTV Canada recognized non-gaming tech content is as important. However it’s a business decision. G4 has made a lot of people angry for what they did to TechTV, but in the end it was business people making business decisions. And business people think with their wallets not with their hearts.
TTVF: Where do you see computers and related technologies going in the next 5 years?
ANDY: Smaller, faster, lighter and more mobile. Wireless will be a suite of technologies not just one or two specifications. The marketing keyword on product boxes is “networked”. Consumer electronics will be paired with the internet as a given. Just as you would expect color on a screen and wouldn’t think about buying a black and white screen, you will see non-connected consumer electronics as yesterday’s technology.
TTVF: What’s your favorite gadget?
ANDY: My laptop is my life. Right now I have a Toshiba P20, but soon I’ll be replacing it. Thinking Thinkpad T42.
TTVF: Do you own an iPod, what’s your favorite mp3 player?
ANDY: I have a 1GB iPod shuffle and I love it. I use it in my car with a Belkin Tunecast II that plays music on my car FM radio. My iMac has been a disappointment as a multimedia production machine, however it has become my “stereo”, if I can use such an old fashioned word.
TTVF: Can you give us a quick run-down of some of your “must-have” gadgets and gear?
ANDY: A Bluetooth cellphone that disappears in my pocket. I have a Motorola RAZR. A PVR – I am shopping for one here in Toronto. I miss my TiVO from my Berkeley, CA days. An HDTV – I have an HD CRT at the moment. Waiting on a Samsung DLP. Have to save my pennies. Laptop. Wi-Fi router. Fastest broadband connection I can find (I have a 5 M/bps cable service). MP3 player for exercise and the car.
TTVF: Are there any projects in your future that you can share with us at this time?
ANDY: There are so many. Another book for sure. AndyWalker.com will launch soon, designed by Tackie. You’ll also see a “Tackie” resdesign of Cyberwalker.com with RSS and XML content from [ http://software.cyberwalker.com/ ] and [ http://blog.cyberwalker.com].
My Jetson book — the Jetson Prophesy — is still being looked at by the New York publishing houses. I am also looking at doing a podcast, but the other projects are a priority at the moment so I’ll be guesting here and there.
TTVF: How are your kittens Biff and Boo settling in at your home, do they own it yet?
ANDY: Biff and Boo are terrorizing my apartment. The have doubled in size and they have learned to eat the plants, climb on the kitchen table and monopolize my time. They are driving me nuts. But I adore them! More pix on my blog soon and an appearance on the show in a demo soon!
//
Thanks Andy!
You can check out Andy’s bio at G4TechTV.ca [ http://www.g4techtv.ca/callforhelp/aboutus/bio_andy.shtml ] and visit the Call for Help website here [ http://www.callforhelptv.com ] for more information about the show, and of course visit CyberWalker.com [ http://www.cyberwalker.com/ ] for loads of tech tips and tricks, Andy’s blog, the Cyberwalker software archives, and much much more!
Oh look out! Gamers beware! Okay-this really wasn’t so particularly amazing or unexpected. We all had expected the purchase price for Microsoft’s next-generation console gaming system, the Xbox 360, to be about $299, and today’s leak by Walmart pretty much confirmed it. Granted the price could change between now and then, but it probably won’t go up for any reason. In addition to this, the rumor mill is pointing to a November 4th, 2005 release date for the Xbox 360, and most game stores and websites are already taking pre-orders for the system and most of its release titles.
For more details, and a little comparison to the rumors circulating about Sony’s Playstation 3 console, scheduled to come out sometime next year, check out this article from ArsTechnica.
[ http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20050802-5159.html ]
124.9 miles. That’s ridiculous-it’s something like the distance between Baltimore, MD and Philadelphia, PA. That’s the current record for a direct unamplified wifi connection, held by team iFiber-Redwire, achieved this past week at the Defcon hacker convention in Las Vegas. From a mountain in Nevada to a mound in Utah, the team managed to get signal apparently good enough to do remote desktop and run shell commands, completely shattering a whole assortment of previous records. Definitely an accomplishment, and apparently their equipment said that it could have supported up to 300 miles. Crazy.
Regardless, the team is confident their record will stand a while, and plans to let other teams give it a whirl next year, and I’m sure we’ll have someone go for it. In the meantime, read all about this amazing accomplishment:
[ http://www.wired.com/news/wireless/0,1382,68395,00.html ]
Finally some good news from the halls of government. Everyone admits that landfills and dumps are beginning to overflow with old technology like computers, monitors, cellphones, and printers, and while recycling and reuse programs are growing, they are still for the large part hard to find, difficult to access, and not nearly as widespread as they should be. Hopefully with this upcoming legislation, that trend might change. Business leaders and electronics retailers are hailing the rules in stead of a patchwork of 50 state regulations that may differ significantly. All in all, this could mean that there may be a convenient place for you to take your old computer where it can be sanitized, reused if it’s new enough, or disposed of properly if it can’t be used.
Good news, definitely.
[ http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,122044,tk,dn080105X,00.asp ]