Where would life be without fascinations? Where would life be without exploring the different aspects of our world through laughter, amazement, curiosity, and that childlike glee when we see something anew for the first time? I only wish that I could somehow bring many of the different treats that arrive on my web doorstep to your attention. Of course, through the magic of the Internet, there are few constraints to this excitement.
On the last workday of the week (usually Friday), we will bring you something at 12:00 noon Pacific Time (that’s late afternoon on the East Coast, so you have something before leaving the office). It’s here to tickle your fancy, entice you to learn, entertain you, or simply explore your funny bone. It may not always be humor, but it should never be boring. It will be clean, safe for work and the family, and will be related to our core topics at Computer Talk Radio, that’s computers and technology, and occasionally just plain nerdy.
Further, like many of the other things around here, if you submit something that we use in our Friday Fascinations, I’ll also send you something from the grab box(es).
Benjamin Rockwell
What are you doing at quarter past? WebEx wants you on calls then, to ease corona-congestion • The Register
In an interesting approach to ease traffic and improve quality, Webex (owned by Cisco) is seeking to have more conferences start at strange times. This approach will help balance the load, and makes a large amount of sense. We should apply this everywhere in this new...
eBay is waiving seller fees for new businesses to help shuttered retailers move online – The Verge
Being nimble is key in today's marketplace. eBay is helping businesses move online quickly in this new effort by waiving seller fees. eBay will win with new customers, reinvigorate their sales strategy, and move us in better directions. eBay is starting a new "Up...
Zoom could be stealing your Windows password, hacking your webcam | TechRadar
Zoom has been plagued in the past few weeks, as hackers have moved in upon seeing a 20 fold increase in usage. From spammers (and worse), to hackers chasing after more information, this does not bode well. Zoom is chasing after these issues, but it would serve us all...
Comcast says the internet is holding up fine – Axios
In what may be obvious to most of us working at home, the Internet appears to be surviving really well. Yes, there will be outages in various service providers, but the Internet is designed for resiliency. Another bit of good news for all of us!Peak traffic is up 32%...
We Saw NSO’s Covid-19 Software in Action, and Privacy Experts Are Worried – VICE
In recent weeks, I've been asked to cover "amazing new ideas in tracking CoVid." Each one that I've seen has had a creepy Big Brother feel, and I don't mean the TV show. As the old saying goes, "never let a good crisis go to waste", and these companies are finding new...
Schools get creative to keep students connected – Axios
Steve and I will be discussing some of the different nuances of the new homeschooling that the nation is encountering right now. This article covers some of the ways that schools are adapting right now. School districts are relying on non-profits and private companies...
Google cancels its infamous April Fools’ jokes this year – The Verge
Now hours away from a day traditionally full of pranks, I bring the bad news that Google, and others will be dialing it back this year. Unfortunate, as it is at this time that we might be able to use the diversion from our very drastically altered lives. Google has...
Apple staffers suffer work-from-home setbacks due to security guidelines, travel bans
Working from home (WFH) is going through a number of different hurdles, especially in companies that value security and privacy of their own projects. This will raise a need for new thinking in all sectors, so don't be surprised if we also see new approaches for all...
Record Numbers Turn to Online Faith Platforms During Coronavirus Pandemic
Churches everywhere scrambled to bring their service online, at least in a modified form. I'm currently members at two different locations (2000 miles apart), and both have done amazing jobs at converting to the online platforms. Both in the form of service, but also...
‘Plague Inc.’ Creators Donate $250,000 to Coronavirus Battle
How amazing is it, that a video game company that focuses on pandemics, is donating cash to fight it, and writing a new game towards battling this disease? I'm aware of the game, which is enjoying success as people deal with their darker humor at this time... and I...