Don Contreras: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

When we look ahead, the one thing we can safely predict is the rate of innovation happening in the 21st century will only get faster. Over the past 10 years, we have seen the rise of a strong online economy, bloody revolutions tweeted globally and the compression of information into tiny amounts of physical space.

Thanks to those changes, the cell phone changed its form factor and capabilities, and real-time updates from cell phones have become a signpost to the future. Oddly enough, in the same 10 years our concept of search remained a simple text box and 10 blue links. That is, until recently, when an upstart contender started shaking the trees to challenge the way people think about “search.”

Here at Bing we don’t claim to have all the answers – but we know that together we can dream up something big and different. To that end, we have teamed with the folks at O’Reilly Radar to create a series called “The Future of Search.” Their editors will be curating multiple themes including social search, natural language, and “ the web of things” that explore what the industry sees now, and where it might be headed.

(Intro video taken from O'Reilly site :-) )

We invite you to think beyond the search box and be a part of the conversation.

Here’s how it works: every 3-4 weeks, the channel will feature a theme and a variety of videos, writings, and discussions on that theme so as to elevate the search discussion beyond market share, the feature of the week, or dwelling on past trends. Our first topic - Welcome to the party: Social’s potential and limitations on information retrieval and usage – will show off the intellectual horsepower that spoke at the Farsight conference including Esther Dyson, Rich Skrenta of Blekko and Dr. Chris Ahlberg. The series will also feature big brains from our own Microsoft Research like Principal Researcher Susan Dumais and on-the-ground engineers like Bing’s Sean Suchter whose team works to ensure Bing takes social data into account and integrates it in a meaningful way.

Check out the site and join the conversation: http://radar.oreilly.com/future-of-search/

Betsy Aoki

Senior Program Manager, Bing

Source: http://www.bing.com/community/Site_Blogs/b/search/archive/2011/02/18/bing-and-o-reilly-radar-the-future-is-now.aspx

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Khosla Ventures Leads $5.6 Million Funding For MyLikes; Buchheit Joins Board

Khosla Ventures likes social advertising startup MyLikes. The VC firm is leading the startup's $5.6 million Series A financing. Lightspeed Partners also invested and Metamorphic Ventures, which participated in the all-Googler $600,000 seed round, ponied up again. Additionally, seed investor Paul Buchheit is joining MyLike's board of directors. Buchheit, the creator of Gmail and founder of FriendFeed, recently left Facebook to become a partner at Y Combinator (although MyLikes is one of his private investments).

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/y1FzxU7NX5I/

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SHOTS FIRED: 'Rachel Maddow Mislead Everybody,' Says Politifact

Rachel Maddow

I think it is probably a measure of the kind of show Rachel Maddow puts on that she is currently in a war of words with...Politifact.

Short background: A few weeks back Politifact, the non-partisan fatct-checking org, gave Maddow a 'false' on a show she did about the Wisconsin budget saying she had her facts wrong. Which turned a lot of heads -- Maddow is not someone you'd associate with bad facts.

Last week Maddow fired (FIRED) back saying "Politifact, you are wrong here on the facts and bluntly and you ought to correct it."

Nope. Seems they are quite comfortable with the ground they are standing on.

On Reliable Sources Sunday Politifact editor Bill Adair pushed back saying that they had not made a mistake in calling her claim false:

What she just said did was mislead everybody. She played a nine-word clip without putting in context. If you look at what she said, both the longer claim that Politifact Wisconsin checked, plus that claim that she said Politifact Wisconsin should have checked, you can see that we made the right call. We checked the right fact. She made a claim that Wisconsin tonight has a budget surplus. That's false.

Indeed. Except. Well, let's just say that's a pretty black and white take on a rather grey issue. As Howie noted:

KURTZ: She said it's on track for a budget surplus. And then she said $137 million deficit, which we saw. That's the brief clip. And then she followed by saying, coincidentally, Governor Scott walker has given away $140 million in business tax breaks. She didn't say that caused the deficit. She -- you could say she suggested it, maybe.

ADAIR: Yes. And I think there was a clear implication. You know, here, what we're trying to do, Howie, is to answer readers' curiosity. Viewers who saw her original segment would come away with the clear point that Wisconsin was on track to have a budget surplus. So that's what we fact-checked.

KURTZ: But that seemed like a thin read to -- I mean, saying that somebody said something false, not that maybe she should have said it better, or maybe it was misleading, or she didn't put enough emphasis on it, that's a very serious charge to hurl at a journalist. And it seems that's where we get into this, you know, you brand somebody, in effect, a liar by saying they said something false.

Emphasis mine. Because Howie's right, and considering her reaction the other day I suspect Maddow is not going to let this lie.

Join the conversation about this story »

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/~3/filol_JL9QI/rachel-maddow-politifact-misleading-wisconsin-video-2011-2

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FAQ On Standing, Conferences, App Development

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Smarterware/~3/gb4KJ8QMBmg/faq-on-standing-conferences-app-development

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Khosla Ventures Leads $5.6 Million Funding For MyLikes; Buchheit Joins Board

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/y1FzxU7NX5I/

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Avast 6 ready for download, adds sandboxing to antivirus defense

After only a few weeks in beta testing, Avast 6 is now ready for download. If you're looking for a good, free antivirus program for your Windows computer, Avast is still one of the best options -- and version 6 adds one very powerful defense mechanism.

Sandboxing -- which allows your computer to run unknown and untrusted programs in an isolated spece where they can't harm your operating system or data -- has been added to Avast 6. It's even there in the free version, and it's a very compelling reason to take another look at Avast. Since Avast 6 can automatically sandbox programs, you're protected even if its definitions and behaviorial scanning can't tell that program is malicious. In paid versions, Avast has added a new Safe Zone designed to offer increased protection when transmitting sensitive data to banks or other Web sites.

Continue reading Avast 6 ready for download, adds sandboxing to antivirus defense

Avast 6 ready for download, adds sandboxing to antivirus defense originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/avast-6-free-antivirus-windows-download/

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NEStalgia is a retro-tastic 8-bit multiplayer online RPG

For those of you longing for the long lost days of NES RPGs, NEStalgia brings the classic 8-bit action into the 21st century -- with a few added perks here and there.

Dubbed by its own developers as "Dragon Warrior 3 meets World of Warcraft," NEStalgia lets you wage turn-based battles using a multiplayer system while also having a full-featured quest system, plenty of loot to find, and even an Auction House for item trading.

After you join the game, you create a hero and then play against friends and strangers. Customization is a big part of the game, as you can dress up your character in whatever clothes and armour you like, choose whichever class suits your playing type, and even create your own guild -- which comes with its own customizable cape.

NEStalgia is free to download and play, however you need to register with the BYOND game system so you can save your games and stats. If you want to support the developers, you can go for an optional yearly subscription that will give you a few extra, but non-essential features, such as additional character classes and even more ways to customize your character's appearance.

To play NEStalgia, head to this page and start your download. You'll need Windows, a 500 MHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, and (obviously) an internet connection.

NEStalgia is a retro-tastic 8-bit multiplayer online RPG originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/24/nestalgia-is-a-new-8-bit-multiplayer-rpg/

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Google to launch unlimited video streaming service in the U.K. first

Google, no doubt more than a little leery of Netflix's entrenchment in the U.S., is planning to launch an unlimited on-demand movie streaming service through YouTube in the U.K.

The Big G has been talking with Hollywood studios for months, and has set aside $100 million to secure some big deals. According to one Hollywood executive, Google will launch both video-on-demand and 'channels,' which could even pit it against conventional European TV providers like Sky.

By launching in the U.K. first, Google will still have to beat LoveFilm, which was recently bought by Amazon. Presumably Google will attempt to create a beachhead, which it will then use to try and tackle Netflix in the U.S., and a variety of on-demand services in Europe.

Google to launch unlimited video streaming service in the U.K. first originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/25/google-to-launch-unlimited-video-streaming-service-in-uk-first/

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So what works with FaceTime?

Apple comes to the rescue with a KnowledgeBase posting that will give you all the details on what systems are capable of using FaceTime. As you may know, FaceTime HD is a new feature of the just released MacBook Pro line, and Apple has taken FaceTime for the rest of us out of beta and made it a US $0.99 app.

While the HD feature of FaceTime is built into the just-released laptops because of an updated higher resolution camera, it doesn't mean those with older equipment are out of the game. Apple says you need Snow Leopard 10.6.6 or above to send a standard definition call. Many, but not all older Macs can view a call in HD, but Apple says it requires a minimum download bandwidth of 1 Mbps.

Check out the specifics after the break.

[via The Mac Observer]

Continue reading So what works with FaceTime?

So what works with FaceTime? originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.tuaw.com/2011/02/25/so-what-works-with-facetime/

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2011 Moto2 Jerez Private Test Press Release Roundup

The press releases issued by the Moto2 teams after the latest two-day private test at Jerez:

Another step ahead for Marc Márquez in Jerez

The Repsol rider continues with his progression in Moto2, slowly improving his performance. He reduced yesterday's time by 7 tenths

Year:

2011

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/Okm3i94C9-o/2011_moto2_jerez_private_test_press_rele.html

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2011 WSBK Phillip Island FP1 Result: Checa Takes Up Where He Left Off

Results of the first session of free practice for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:

Race Details

2011

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/zsjOXJ9FQl4/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_fp1_result_chec.html

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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Evernote for BlackBerry gets Android-style home screen and better search

Evernote has updated its app for BlackBerry smartphones, rolling numerous bugfixes and improvements in to the new build. Among them is an updated home screen, which now looks much more like the Evernote app for Android. The search bar has been removed from the bottom of the screen and a shortcut to all your notes has been added.

The new version also brings a much more powerful search feature, which is why Evernote chose to swap the bar for an icon. The new search displays suggestions as you type and also allows searches to be saved for easy scroll-and-click (or tap, if you've got a BlackBerry with a touchscreen) execution later.

Download the new Evernote for BlackBerry from AppWorld -- the QRCode is after the break.

Continue reading Evernote for BlackBerry gets Android-style home screen and better search

Evernote for BlackBerry gets Android-style home screen and better search originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 20 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/20/evernote-for-blackberry-gets-android-style-home-screen-and-bette/

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The Weekend's Over: Here's What's Coming In A Huge Week Ahead

Earlier: Summary for Week ending February 25th

The key report for this week will be the February employment report to be released on Friday, March 4th.

Other key reports include the Personal Income and Outlays report on Monday, the ISM manufacturing index on Tuesday, vehicle sales on Tuesday, and the ISM non-manufacturing (service) index on Thursday. Also Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke will deliver the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress on Tuesday (Senate) and Wednesday (House).

----- Monday, Feb 28th -----

8:30 AM: Personal Income and Outlays for January. The consensus is for a 0.4% increase in personal income and a 0.4% increase in personal spending, and for the Core PCE price index to increase 0.2%.

8:30 AM: New York Fed President William Dudley speaks on the economic outlook

8:45 AM: Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren, panel discussion, "Lessons Learned from the Global Meltdown."

9:45 AM: Chicago Purchasing Managers Index for February. The consensus is for a slight decrease to a still very strong 68.0 (down from 68.8 in January).

10:00 AM: Pending Home Sales for January. The consensus is for a slight decline in pending sales (a leading indicator for existing home sales).

10:30 AM: Dallas Fed Manufacturing Survey for February. The Texas production index was down sharply last month to 0.2 (from 15.3 in December), but is expected to show improvement in February.

----- Tuesday, Mar 1st -----

10:00 AM: ISM Manufacturing Index for February.

The consensus is for a decrease to 60.5 from the strong 60.8 in January. All of the regional manufacturing surveys showed strong improvement in February.

The PMI was at 60.8% in January, the highest level since May 2004. Some forecasts are as high as 63, and any reading above 61.4 would be the highest since 1983.

10:00 AM: Construction Spending for January. The consensus is for a 0.4% decrease in construction spending.

10:00 AM: Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke testimony, Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress, Before the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, U.S. Senate

All day: Light vehicle sales for February. Light vehicle sales are expected to increase to 12.7 million (Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate), from 12.6 million in January.

This graph shows light vehicle sales since the BEA started keeping data in 1967. The dashed line is the January sales rate.

Edmunds is forecasting: "Edmunds.com analysts predict that February's Seasonally Adjusted Annualized Rate (SAAR) will be 12.64 million, up from 12.54 in January 2011."

----- Wednesday, Mar 2nd -----

7:00 AM: The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) will release the mortgage purchase applications index. This index has declined over the last few weeks suggesting weak home sales through the first few months of 2011.

8:15 AM: The ADP Employment Report for February. This report is for private payrolls only (no government). The consensus is for +180,000 payroll jobs in February, down slightly from the 187,000 reported in January.

10:00 AM: Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke testimony, Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress, Before the Committee on Financial Services, U.S. House of Representatives

2:00 PM: Fed Beige Book, Informal review by the Federal Reserve Banks of current economic conditions in their Districts

2:15 PM: Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart speaks on economic outlook

8:00 PM: Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, "Challenges for State and Local Governments", At the Citizens Budget Commission Annual Dinner in New York

----- Thursday, Mar 3rd -----

8:30 AM: The initial weekly unemployment claims report will be released. The number of initial claims had been trending down over the last couple of months. The consensus is for a slight increase to 396,000 from 391,000 last week.

10:00 AM: ISM non-Manufacturing Index for February. The consensus is for a slight increase to 59.5 from 59.4 in January.

11:00 AM: Minneapolis Fed President Narayana Kocherlakota speaks on labor markets and monetary policy

2:15 PM: Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart speaks on the economy and labor

----- Friday, Mar 4th -----

8:30 AM: Employment Report for February.

The consensus is for an increase of 179,000 non-farm payroll jobs in February, after the disappointing 36,000 jobs added in January.

This graph shows the net payroll jobs per month (excluding temporary Census jobs) since the beginning of the recession. The estimate for February is in blue.

The consensus is for the unemployment rate to increase to 9.1% from 9.0% in January.

The second employment graph shows the percentage of payroll jobs lost during post WWII recessions - aligned at maximum job losses.

This shows the severe job losses during the recent recession - there are currently 7.7 million fewer jobs in the U.S. than when the recession started.

10:00 AM: Manufacturers' Shipments, Inventories and Orders for January. The consensus is for a 2.2% increase in orders.

10:00 AM: Fed Vice Chair Janet Yellen, Panel Discussion, Improving the International Monetary and Financial System, At the International Symposium of the Banque de France, Paris, France

Best Wishes to All!