Tag: Ohio

WTAM 1100 – Social Media 101

WTAM 1100 – Geek Squad – June 4th, 2012

Social media grows ever day, but it is important to remember that there are other networks beyond just Twitter and Facebook. Linkedin, Pintrest and Instagram are also examples of social networks used by an increasing number of people, especially in the older generation.

I had a chance to speak to Bob Frantz on Cleveland’s WTAM 1100 Newsradio about “Social Media 101” this morning.

WTAM – Protecting Your Tech From Thunderstorms

WTAM 1100 – Geek Squad – May 14th, 2012

As Spring gets underway, thunderstorms become a real concern for technology. Power issues created by lightning strikes or downed power lines can damage your computers, appliances or home theater equipment.

I spoke to Bill Wills of Cleveland’s WTAM 1100 Newsradio this morning about protecting your computers from Spring and Summer storms with both surge suppression and backup plans for your data.

Fox 8 News – Hackers Gain Access to Homes Through Webcams

Fox 8 News in Cleveland put together this story of computer webcams being accessed without authorization through malicious software.

I had a chance to speak to them as a member of Geek Squad on signs that your PC may be infection with malware, such as viruses or spyware.

In general, webcams are not a target for most malicious software, but it’s important to help protect your PC from malware where you can. Keeping your antivirus software up to date and set to scan your computer on a regular basis will help. Making sure your operating system and web browser plug-ins like Java, Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader will help as well.

An April Motorcycle Adventure

Last year, I began my motorcycle journey with a 2009 Yamaha Vino 125 scooter and then a 1973 Honda CB350F motorcycle. Earlier this year, I added a 1978 Kawasaki KZ650 to my stable. The scoot and CB350F are great fun, but aren’t really designed for a longer ride that I had started imagining over the Winter here in Ohio. The KZ650, on the other hand, had the performance (and reliability) to make a multi-day trip.

So I took three days off during the first week in April, and set out to ride through Ohio (and a little bit of Pennsylvania). I even managed a stop at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame near Columbus, Ohio.

Some very cold and wet weather, along with a number of thunderstorms, delayed most of my progress on the first day. Fortunately, I had plenty of tech to help me out, and was able to bring up the latest weather reports on my tablet to help avoid the worst of it.

I was able to get onto State Route 78 and 555 on the second day. Both roads are filled with plenty of twists and turns, along with the hills and scenery one expects in southern Ohio. I was able to really enjoy the ride, and gained new confidence in all that I’ve learned over my first year as a motorcyclist.

Towards the end of the day, I headed through West Virginia, and on to Pennsylvania, where I stopped at Pittsburgh for the night. The next morning, I gave into my geek side and visited the Carnegie Science Center before heading back up to Ohio.

The map below shows my progress across those three days, but I like to think of it as a larger sign of the progress I’ve made as a rider. I definitely look forward to more opportunities to get onto the open road for some more motorcycle adventure.


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