If you thought mind reading was only for psychics and fortune tellers, think again. Intel Corporation has recently showcased software that can analyze brain scans, via MRIs, to determine what people are thinking about.
In a recent test the software was 90% accurate in its prediction of which two words a person was thinking about. According to Intel Labs researcher Dean Pomerleau, this technology will put humans one step closer towards controlling technology with our minds.
In a 1992 Newsweek article, we were informed that once the human brain was under a scanner that neuroscientists would be able to watch our thought patterns move along our neural networks. Less than 10 years later, we're wearing electrode covered caps writing letters and playing pinball via our minds, without using our hands.
If Intel's technology is any indication, we're moving closer to a future where, according to Clemens Holzner of g.tec, "people will be able to control wheelchairs, open doors and turn on their televisions with their minds."
Friday, April 16, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Beware of job scams
These days finding work is very challenging. In addition to the brutal economy, there are cyber criminals preying upon those who are desperate to find work.
One famous scam is the 'Account Manager' position. For this position you're asked to process payments for a company's client. The compensation is promised to be high with the minimal requirements being to have a bank account, to be at least 18 years old and to have an Internet connection and email. The minimal requirements for the job are typically a flexible work schedule, career advancement, home-based opportunities and the ability to take unlimited vacations. If this seems too good to be true that's because it is. To safeguard against these scams, one should be sure not to give out one's bank account or social security number, take notice of non-professional emails or those typically from Yahoo or Gmail, and/or lots of errors in the message.
Be safe out there!
One famous scam is the 'Account Manager' position. For this position you're asked to process payments for a company's client. The compensation is promised to be high with the minimal requirements being to have a bank account, to be at least 18 years old and to have an Internet connection and email. The minimal requirements for the job are typically a flexible work schedule, career advancement, home-based opportunities and the ability to take unlimited vacations. If this seems too good to be true that's because it is. To safeguard against these scams, one should be sure not to give out one's bank account or social security number, take notice of non-professional emails or those typically from Yahoo or Gmail, and/or lots of errors in the message.
Be safe out there!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tattle-telling on the boss?
Need a little extra holiday cash? Well, if you're an employee in London, snitching on your boss might pay big dividends this holiday season.
While we know that software piracy is a huge problem, the Business Software Alliance (BSA) is going to pay employees who alert the organization that their boss is using pirated software. In London, the payout can be as high as $32,000.
This isn't the first time BSA had such a campaign. A 'Nail Your Boss' campaign took place in the United States in 1997. The BSA is made up of about 80 companies, including Microsoft and Apple.
Given the tough economic climate, the campaign is expected to be very successful. According to the BSA, a whopping 41% of all software is pirated.
While we know that software piracy is a huge problem, the Business Software Alliance (BSA) is going to pay employees who alert the organization that their boss is using pirated software. In London, the payout can be as high as $32,000.
This isn't the first time BSA had such a campaign. A 'Nail Your Boss' campaign took place in the United States in 1997. The BSA is made up of about 80 companies, including Microsoft and Apple.
Given the tough economic climate, the campaign is expected to be very successful. According to the BSA, a whopping 41% of all software is pirated.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The power of social media
Ok, so DARPA, that secretive and sometimes downright spooky research arm of the Defense Department (which totally intrigues me) put out a challenge to find 10 moored, 8-foot, red, weather balloons at 10 fixed locations. The balloons were strategically scattered around the United States and nine days were allowed to find the balloons for a $40,000 winning prize. So, imagine DARPA's surprise when the contest was won in under nine hours. How? Read here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/dec/07/darpa-challenge
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Too dependent on technology?
Today, most of us depend on various technologies for our daily lives, whether it's Google, Facebook, texting, email and/or our cell phones. We've even heard about President Obama's Blackberry dependence. So, like the rest of us, could he also be too dependent on technology to carry out the simplest of tasks? Let's check with the hilarious Onion News Network:
Obama's Home Teleprompter Malfunctions During Family Dinner
Obama's Home Teleprompter Malfunctions During Family Dinner
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Your directorial debut
As you've probably heard by now, the movie Paranormal Activity, made on a $11,000 budget, has become a huge box office success. And now, thanks to accessible gadgets, you can also become a director. A good script, help from friends and/or family, and a little ingenuity just might be your ticket to the big league.
One item that will help you get there and that I find truly amazing is today's camcorder. I remember when camcorders were big, bulky and expensive. While they weren't totally out of the reach of every day folk, you would have to spend more than a few dollars to own one. Today, you can get a HD digital video camera for about $200...and some even fit in your pocket. The Flip camera is pretty cool. Also, Apple's iPhone has a pretty cool camera that's all the rave on Flickr.
So, if you've ever had aspirations to become a director now is a great time to put your talents to the test. Paranormal Activity grossed $22 million in its first weekend with a full wide release. Just think, the next great flick might have your name on it.
One item that will help you get there and that I find truly amazing is today's camcorder. I remember when camcorders were big, bulky and expensive. While they weren't totally out of the reach of every day folk, you would have to spend more than a few dollars to own one. Today, you can get a HD digital video camera for about $200...and some even fit in your pocket. The Flip camera is pretty cool. Also, Apple's iPhone has a pretty cool camera that's all the rave on Flickr.
So, if you've ever had aspirations to become a director now is a great time to put your talents to the test. Paranormal Activity grossed $22 million in its first weekend with a full wide release. Just think, the next great flick might have your name on it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
