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
Freedom of Speech is disappearing.
This isn't about left or right. I would scream about this no matter who is working to keep our voices silent. I despised the efforts years ago to censor music. I was against the censorship of a certain comedian who I found to be foul and obnoxious, as it made him more...
Amazon Prime subscribers get a year of Grubhub Plus for free
Interestingly, Amazon announced something new in the leadup to Prime Day. Amazon Prime is getting into the food delivery game by leveraging a deal with GrubHub. Now, you'll pay nothing for a year, but after that, you'll pay the usual fee of $9.99 a month for the...
Why China’s BYD is a threat to Tesla’s EV dominance
Tesla is no longer the largest worldwide maker of electrified vehicles. China has an automaker called BYD, which admittedly sells about half electric, and half plug-in hybrid cars. Also, being part of communist China, they can build endless cars with cheap labor,...
Inventor of world’s first cellphone: Put down your devices
Years ago, on Saturday Night Live, a famous skit with William Shatner telling Trekkies to "get a life" was hilarious. Little would I have expected that years later, a serious plea from a real nerd, Martin Cooper, who is considered the inventor of the world's first...
Starlink on the go? What a new FCC ruling means for SpaceX internet service on moving vehicles – GeekWire
Amid some pushback from competitors like Dish Networks, Starlink from SpaceX was granted clearance by the FCC to officially advertise and provide internet services to anything mobile. Portability means you can relocate, and has been available through Starlink for a...
Amazon Prime Day 2022 — dates and best early deals | Tom’s Guide
Amazon Prime Day is here. Now, it's not always what it's cracked up to be... there will be great deals at Amazon, but also Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and more. Amazon has developed a Christmas In July setup that drives clearing of shelves and inventory for the new...
Computer Talk Radio Broadcast 07-02-2022
Computer Talk Radio Broadcast 07-02-2022; CarPlay, video cards, removable batteries, more; social media overload; rumor mills; Independence Day; Christmas In July Scam; tech and 4th; password demise; quit college or not; job hunting; reflections
FBI names ‘Cryptoqueen’ to Ten Most Wanted list
Ruja Ignatova, who has been called 'Cryptoqueen', is now on the FBI Ten Most Wanted List. She's bilked people for over $4 Billion in a cryptocurrency scam called OneCoin. Frankly, the reward is one of the cheapest ones for someone this heinous, at $100,000. Someone...
Samsung’s heavy-duty Galaxy XCover 6 Pro is keeping the removable battery dream alive in 2022
Samsung has announced that the Galaxy XCover 6 Pro, a heavy-duty phone for construction workers, and other folks who want a durable superphone... also will have a removable battery, and a headphone jack too. Amazing how classic features are coming back! It's not a...
California’s online kids bill could end internet anonymity • The Register
California is pushing AB2273, an act that would require all websites to verify the age visitors to ensure children don't access information that could be bad. Sounds good, right? Except it would require ALL websites accessible within California to adhere to this....
Airport departure board uses facial recognition to show your flight info
A new creep factor as elements of the movie Minority Report sink deeper into our lives. A screen recognizes you walking through the airport and reads "Hello Benjamin, your flight has been changed to gate A14, you better hurry... thanks for flying with Delta Airlines."...