Dec 02

I Have Your Gift List Ready

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Gadgets and Tech, Traveling

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Sometimes the Holiday season brings with it the stress of “what to get” for those on your shopping list.  I’m doing my best this year to help out and I think I’ve found some great ideas for everyone on your shopping list.   Here’s what I’ve been talking about.

 

Kohler’s Moxie Showerhead + Bluetooth Speaker

First up, its something everyone of us have to do.  Shower!  How about making the whole showering experience just a little cooler? No, not temperature-wise, I’m talking music in the shower! Showering has never been so fun. Kohler’s Moxie lets you stream your favorite music, news or talk radio right in the shower with you. The Moxie showerhead holds a portable wireless speaker that pairs wirelessly with Bluetooth®-enabled devices to deliver high-quality audio to your shower. The speaker docks directly into the showerhead, so your music is closer than ever when showering. While it plays your favorite sounds, this revolutionary showerhead generates a full-coverage, revitalizing spray of water for a sensory experience like no other. Moxie is easy to install and use; the wireless speaker pops out for recharging, then securely pops back in for use while showering. You can even take it with you as a wireless speaker to use in any room of the house, or on the go. Head to www.kohler.com for more info.

Keurig Vue Brewing System V700

Got a coffee lover on your list? You’ve got to check out the Keurig Vue Brewing System is the perfect gift for the gadget-loving coffee connoisseur who enjoys a gourmet beverage custom brewed to their liking. Using the iPad-like touchscreen interface, the Keurig Vue system allows you to simply customize strength, size and temperature of your beverages for the ultimate brewing experience every time. In addition, this state-of-the-art brewer gives you the ability to brew two-step, café-style cappuccinos and lattes as well as hot or iced teas and coffees, hot cocoa and apple cider. For more information, visit www.keurig.com/VueSystem.  It runs for just under $150.

LG G Pad 8.3

Tablets are hot again this year…and I found the one everyone will love! It’s the LG G Pad 8.3.  Standing 8.3 inches in height and weighs less than a pound, this tablet is so super portable.  It’s got a Full HD display (great for watching movies, reading e-books, or surfing the web.)  It has this unique QPair feature to make it the perfect companion to any Android smartphone (no other device can do this), This Seamlessly connects and switches between devices. and it has the QSlide Function™ 2.0, which allows you to access multiple apps on one screen, saving time.  You can find it at Best Buy.

Dyson Hard

More and more homes these days have hardwood or tile floors.  That’s why the Dyson Hard™ cordless vacuum cleaner is engineered for hard floor cleaning. Using dual suction channels and a wet wipe, it removes both dust and grime in a single action. It has patented Root Cyclone™ technology and is powered by the Dyson digital motor V2. It’s the only vacuum cleaner to combine powerful constant suction and a wet wipe. Dyson is the leader in vacuums and you can find out more at www.dyson.com

Skylanders Swap Force

For the kid or the kid at heart, you can’t go wrong with video games. This year, Skylanders is “mixing it up” with the newest game in the award-winning, top-selling franchise.   Skylanders SWAP Force introduces a compelling play pattern — swapability — that lets gamers mix ‘n match 16 SWAP Force toys into more than 250 unique characters by swapping the top and bottom halves of the toys.  Now, Portal Masters can experience an unprecedented level of choice never before seen in a SkylandersTM game.   Fans also can play Skylanders SWAP Force with their entire collection of 100+ characters from Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure and Skylanders Giants.  Get ready for some fun with this brand new game.  Check out more at www.skylanders.com

Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

And finally, something for everyone…For the first time ever, the first three films in the legendary Indiana Jones saga will be available individually in sparkling high definition!  Now you can own Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, each with pristine picture and sound in high definition. Raiders of the Lost Ark, the cinematic classic that started it all, has been meticulously restored under the supervision of director Steven Spielberg. BEFORE DECEMBER 17th: all three films are now available for download in Digital HD and will be available on Blu-ray Disc on December 17th.  Head to www.paramount.com

I hope you take the opportunity to check out these great gifts.  Let me know what you think.  I’d also love to hear some of your gadget gift must-haves this year too.  Drop me a line!  It was great being in your city!!

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Mitch
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Nov 21

Movin on to America’s Finest City

Categories:

Mitch Rant, Tech News, Traveling

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If you follow me on Facebook , Twitter or any of the other social media networks (if you don’t, well then, you should!) You have probably heard the news that I have accepted the position of Executive Producer & Show Runner of Good Morning San Diego at KUSI-TV.  As you can imagine, I am ecstatic about this new opportunity and I’m really excited to learn more and take on the challenge.  Best of all, I am going to have the opportunity to work with my dear friend Brandi Williams again!!   I’m excited to use my 20+ years of Broadcasting experience to a show/station that fully embraces the community that surrounds it.

kusi

I’m not quite done with the “Tech” aspect of my career yet. I’m happy to tell you I will be on some great TV Shows in the next couple of weeks in great cities like Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charlotte and St. Louis.   Be looking for me. (I’ll post more on what I’ll be talking about soon.)

I encourage all of you to “LIKE” GMSD’s Facebook page by clicking here.

And finally, I want to thank all of you that have stuck with me as a fan and I’m looking forward to being on the other side of the camera making a difference.

ROCK FORTH and STAY CLASSY!

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Oct 31

GPS For Your Windshield

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app, Gadgets and Tech

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hudwayI came across a cool navigation app for your iPhone.  It’s called Hudway.  I currently use the free app Waze pretty much anywhere I drive these days.  I really like the fact that it tells me about hazards on the road and the fact it’ll let me know where there is a cop hiding to check my speed.  What I like about Hudway is its functionality.

Like most GPS systems in cars, the app will get you where you’re going.  This app, however, goes one further and will turn your iPhone (and soon Android device) into a heads-up display that can be viewed on your windshield at night.  The app works like any other GPS app on your iPhone; type in your destination and it’ll give you the route.  Once you put Hudway on your dashboard face up, it reflects to your windshield.  It’ll show you the route ahead and your speed.

Cool.

Cons: #1- you have to use the device at night to get the reflection feature, though its still a good GPS system.  (I’d use Waze during the day.)  #2- keeping your device still on your dashboard isn’t the easiest thing in the world to do.  You probably have to buy a device that will stabilize the phone on your dashboard.  #3- Yes, its free, but then they want you to “go pro” with in app purchases.  You also have to deal with ads at the bottom of the screen. Check out the video below as it will lay it all out for you.

Will I use it? Probably, but don’t expect it on familiar trips…during the daytime.

 

 

PS- If you’re on Waze too, look me up!

 

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Oct 22

Microsoft Gets Glasses

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Gadgets and Tech, Tech News

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googleglassThey say imitation is the highest form of flattery and in the tech world, that just might be.   Our friends over at Microsoft apparently see something in the future with Google’s monitor Google Glass.

It looks like Microsoft now has some prototypes put together for Internet-connected glasses, you know, just like Google’s high-tech specs.  According to the Wall Street Journal,  the prototype project is part of Microsoft’s strategy to compete with Google, Samsung, and Apple in the device market.  And that’s good for them.

If you’re into wearing the computer glasses, you’ll be happy to know that the market price is expected to really drop big time from the $1,500 Explorer edition (which is really for developers.)  You’re probably not going to be happy about waiting time now.  They wanted them out to consumers Q4 2013 but I haven’t seen them.  More than likely, look for a Q1 or Q2 2014 release.

Microsoft doesn’t want to be last to the party when it comes to wearable computers.  If you remember they were just that with smartphones.  I’m surprised they haven’t made the leap into the smartwatch ring, but let’s give them time.

Would you purchase the Google Glass?  What if it was affordable?

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Aug 24

LET’S GET BUNKED!!

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Featured, Gadgets and Tech

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bunkedIt’s time to GET BUNKED!!! My new app BUNKED! is up and running now and its catching on pretty fast. You can download the app on your iPhone FOR FREE for a limited time. Just go to www.getbunked.com. You can go there on your iPhone and it will allow you to download it from there.

 

Thanks, enjoy and please tell your friends about this FREE App!

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Aug 16

Think You Have Privacy? Google It.

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FOX 35, Tech News

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Gmail_logoThere has been much talk about the pending lawsuit against Google and privacy of those who use their service “Gmail”. I can make this post really short and to the point: Sending email to Gmail users means you expect Google’s servers will process it. Google actually scans your email anyway, but more than likely, you don’t mind.  Why? Because they’re scanning it to find out if it is spam.  The argument from consumer groups in their class action lawsuit is the fact that Google also scans what you send through their servers for keywords.  Those keywords look for possible ad revenue and more relevant ads you’ll see pop up in your every day web searches and on the gmail.com page itself.

But, is this really a surprise to anyone? First, you’re getting the email address for free and as the old adage goes “nothing in life is free.”  Google justifies the searches based on a 1979 Supreme Court ruling about third-party involvement.  The Third-Party Doctrine basically says you lose legally enforceable privacy rights when you use their service.  Here’s what they said in court papers:

Just as a sender of a letter to a business colleague cannot be surprised that the recipient’s assistant opens the letter, people who use web-based email today cannot be surprised if their emails are processed by the recipient’s [email provider] in the course of delivery. Indeed, “a person has no legitimate expectation of privacy in information he voluntarily turns over to third parties.”

Google’s “oh, we thought you knew that” has actually come out as an admission that they do the scans.  They feel that you shouldn’t expect something you are doing online to be private.  It goes along the lines of using your common, everyday telephone.  You’re voluntarily conveying numerical information to the phone company.  Look, companies email get hacked all the time.  There’s no reasonable expectation of privacy when you use your work email, right?

Not so fast, say the watchdog groups.  They are comparing the email scans as nothing short of illegal wiretapping, hence the class action lawsuit. What about the rights of people that send an email TO a gmail address? What are their rights?  Here’s what Google Says about that:

Non-Gmail users who send emails to Gmail recipients must expect that their emails will be subjected to Google’s normal processes as the [email] provider for their intended recipients.

Oh.  That means I can’t plead ignorance.  Neither can you now, according to Google, because you just read the above sentence.  We’ll see how this all plays out when this case goes before a judge September 5th.

Ed Snowden, NSA, the IRS – all are in the psyche of today’s consciousness and we have to remember that NOTHING is private anymore.  So – think twice if you have a problem with sending something over the internet… its just going to get worse.

Here’s my segment from WOFL FOX 35 in Orlando

FOX 35 News Orlando

 

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Aug 08

Heisenberg’n

Categories:

Hollywood, Something I found on the net

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Get ready to Break Bad.  The final 8 episodes are kick off Sunday with Episode 9, Blood Money.  The kids from AMC have some great ways to get ready and all geared up in HazMat suits to make sure you pick up where Walt and Jesse left off.  Here’s some tips:
bb

Ten Ways to Get Ready for Breaking Bad‘s Return This Sunday 9/8c 

1. The Season 4 and 5 marathon starting this Fri., Aug. 9 at 3PM/2c with the Season 4 Premiere,Box Cutter.

2. Watch the Breaking Bad Countdown Mashup trailer that premiered at Comic-Con 2013.

3. View six sneak peek photos from the Premiere.

4. Bookmark Breaking Bad Story Sync, the interactive, two-screen experience for your smartphone, tablet or Internet Browser during the premiere broadcast.

5. Check out Breaking Bad: All Bad Things, a comic book recap of the first four-and-a-half seasons.

6. Watch Walter White’s transformation into Heisenberg via 30 recap videos, released daily until the premiere on Sunday.

7. Use the Breaking Bad Name Lab to transform your name with elemental symbols (just like the show’s logo).

8. Enter the Breaking Bad Quick Fix Sweepstakes for your chance to win $15,000 and a $1,000 Urban Outfitters gift card.

9. Sign up for Breaking News: the Breaking Bad Newsletter to keep up-to-date and possibly win swag.

10. Find out about Talking Bad, the new LIVE after show hosted by Chris Hardwick and airing Sunday nights at 11/10c

Breaking Bad returns this Sun., Aug. 11 at 9/8c

from amc.com

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Jul 25

Chromed-Out

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Gadgets and Tech, Tech News

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Google Chromecast. Click image to see all specs and to purchase


I came across a new gadget that if you’re a Windows fan, you might appreciate.  At the English household, we’re all pretty much Mac.  This includes our AppleTV that I love to use to stream video using my iPhone using AirPlay.  The problem is, I don’t want to buy another $99 AppleTV to use on my other televisions.

Enter Google.  They have jumped into the TV game with their $35 device called “Chromecast.”   Basically, it allows both Android and iOS devices to play HD video on TV sets. YouTube, Google Play and Netflix goes straight to any TV equipped with the device that easily plugs into a HDMI port.  Will I get this? YES.

Why? Well, first, it’s the price: 35 bucks ain’t bad.  Second, it’s cross-platform so it’ll work on my iPhone. However, the best feature is that it supports multitasking. A big plus.  Other cool features is the integration into the Chrome browser (which I use.) Basically, I can put my browser on the TV

Chromecast is now available to buy on Google Play, Amazon.com and BestBuy.com, shipping early next month.

 

Here’s their promotion video:

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Jul 16

Here’s the Info in Your Zip Code

Categories:

FOX 35, Mitch Rant, Mo' Info, Tech News

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zipcodeThis morning on FOX 35, I’m talking about your ZIP Code.   Ahhh, yes…  The ZIP Code.  The 5 digit number needed to get the mail to your home every day.  There are some zip codes more popular than others, there have been TV shows named after a zip code.  When I worked national weather on TV, my outcue was “here’s the weather in your ZIP Code…”  and the local affiliates would do their local weather.  But what gives on this geographical representation that makes it so important to everyone? Well, it actually says a lot about you.

If you’re ever at a retailer and they ask “Can I have your ZIP Code?” DO NOT give it to them.  Why? Mainly, its because your ZIP Code is the last piece of the puzzle for companies to sell you stuff.  What seems harmless actually gives big business an opportunity to sell who you are.  ”Dynamic, personalized marketing.”  They know what you buy and they know what to send to you.

So, who cares.  I’ll get some more junk mail.  Right? Yes, you’re right.  But you’re info now becomes a commodity for those businesses to sell to others. Other companies that might not be so scrupulous.    Its become ‘Big Data’ and companies don’t need your whole address to find you.  Once you’ve swiped your credit or debit card, they have your address and possibly your phone number.  What they don’t have is your ZIP Code.  They verbally ask you for it.  Once you’ve given it to them, its cart blanche on them building a profile on you.  A profile of what you’ve bought, when you’ve bought it and so on.  What’s even more troubling is that some of these companies have accuracy rates close to 100%.

Generally, you don’t have to give them your info.  It’s illegal to require personal information to run your credit card in CA, DE, GA, KS, MA, MD, MN, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, TX, WI, and DC.  If you live in one of these states and you don’t want to give them your info.  Don’t! According to Mastercard, a merchant cannot refuse to complete a transaction if the card holder doesn’t want to give out that information.

Most stores know what to do if a customer refuses.  They more than likely have already dealt with it.  You might want to ask them if its going to be used for marketing purposes.

If you’re ready to purge any and all junk mail, check out The Federal Trade Commission’s website. If you want to get rid of unsolicited mail, email and phone calls.  Go to the FTC’s opt-out page (for some reason, they give you a choice of opting out for 5 years or permanently.  I think most would prefer the latter!)

Don’t worry about typing in your ZIP Code at the gas pump.  You’re ok there.  They need that information to make sure it matches with the credit card you used.  Its a way to deter fraudulent charges.

Here’s my segment in FOX 35:

FOX 35 News Orlando

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Jul 08

Ripley Radio All Month Long!

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Out and About

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ripleyradio

I am excited to let you all know that I’ve been invited to be a guest on Ripley Radio, the official broadcast station of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! all month long in July.  (Well, I am hoping they let me be on every week, they seem to like me!)  I had such a fun time talking about something I know a little about – weirdness.  A new show is available every Monday morning.  It was so fun to get behind the microphone again, I can’t wait for the next episode.

On today’s edition (July 8, 2013,) Jodi Pliszka, Ripley’s own guru of weird medical maladies reports on some of the most unbelievable body-part re-attachments in medical history;  Kirk Demarais, author of Mail Order Mysteries, explains the items that he highlights in his book -the small items once available for order from the back of cereal boxes and comic books and sideshow and carnival fan extraordinaire Wayne Keyser joins us to talk about his radio show, Ballycast.

Ripley Radio is a journey through the weird, wacky, whimsical, wild, and totally unbelievable world of the odd, strange and unusual. Each show provides listeners with amazing and absolutely true tales of today, as well as unbelievable facts culled from the extensive archives of the company that has been freaking out families for more than 90 years!

Ripley’s Radio Co-hosts Ralf “with an F” Ingwersen and Tim O’Brien, and their unbelievable multi-talented ensemble report on the latest oddball happenings and outrageous current events each week, but with that added Ripley Twist (of course).

The weekly broadcast is an unpredictable and fun-filled show that proves Ripley’s is indeed, the global authority on the weird, strange, bizarre and the UNBELIEVABLE!

You can hear the  www.ripleyoddcast.com; www.webtalkradio.net; and www.cyberstationusa.com. Find Ripley Radio on iTunes and for detailed information on each show, the hosts and a look at the extensive archives, please visit the Ripley Radio website.

To listen on a mobile device, download the free app at www.stitcher.com

 

About Ripley Radio

Ripley Radio is owned by Ripley Entertainment Inc., keepers of the venerable Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brand and is a global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 12 million guests visit its 90-plus world-wide attractions annually. The Orlando-based company also has divisions that oversee publishing, licensing and broadcast operations.  Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the third-largest privately held company in Canada.

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Older posts «

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Think You Have Privacy? Google It.

There has been much talk about the pending lawsuit against Google and privacy of those who use their service “Gmail”. I can make this post really short and to the point: Sending email to Gmail users means you expect Google’s servers will process it. Google actually scans your email anyway, but more than likely, you …

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Not So Hot

Hotmail.  You probably have an account. You probably don’t use it other than to sign up for those services that require some kind of email address.  If you do, however, have an @hotmail.com address, you’ll want to know that Microsoft is distancing itself from the email provider.  Distancing itself so far as to develop @outlook.com. …

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Thanksgiving Fryer’s Club

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Pin Heads

Well, that fancy schmancy iPhone in your pocket will be archaic when the new iPhone 5 (we think it will be called) comes out soon.  And with all the anticipated features we’re looking forward to, here’s one that we aren’t: the alleged 19-pin Dock connector. The little port that is at the bottom of your iPhone currently has …

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Random Shots from CES

Here are some random shots from CES. I know, I know. They aren’t the most awesome shots but I’ve been crammed packed with checking stuff out. Here ya go. I’ll post more later. Former co-host and former roommate and fellow geek Clayton Morris.  It was great catching up. My producer Matt Doolittle.  We got matching …

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Booqin’ It

I’m like Linus with that blanket.  I’m the cat with one of those backpacks everywhere you see me.  I totally “get” why women have purses; it’s because they want to have everything they need all in one place.  I go through about 2 backpacks a year.  I usually spend about $80 each and I found …

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GPS For Your Windshield

I came across a cool navigation app for your iPhone.  It’s called Hudway.  I currently use the free app Waze pretty much anywhere I drive these days.  I really like the fact that it tells me about hazards on the road and the fact it’ll let me know where there is a cop hiding to …

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Let’s Get Our Gift On!

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Reborn Phones

What is old is new again. Reborn.  I think its safe to say that payphones have gone the way of travel agents, the phone book and maps.  But they are not going to waste… anymore. New York City (The greatest city in the world) is doing something about those eyesore payphones that seem to be …

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Get your GAME on!

Being a husband, being a Dad, being a dude, I have to find what to do when I get a little time to myself.  Now, knowing how much of a Tech Geek I am, I peruse the iPhone Apps searching for those must-have apps that will give me some entertainment while the wife is shopping …

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Think You Have Privacy? Google It.Not So HotThanksgiving Fryer’s ClubPin HeadsRandom Shots from CESBooqin’ ItGPS For Your WindshieldLet’s Get Our Gift On!Reborn PhonesGet your GAME on!