tagged w/ Apps
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In her keynote speech at last year’s annual Netroots Nation gathering, Darcy Burner pitched a seemingly simple idea to the thousands of bloggers and web developers in the audience. The former Microsoft MSFT +0.94% programmer and congressional candidate proposed a smartphone app allowing shoppers to swipe barcodes to check whether conservative billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch were behind a product on the shelves.
Burner figured the average supermarket shopper had no idea that buying Brawny paper towels, Angel Soft toilet paper or Dixie cups meant contributing cash to Koch Industries through its subsidiary Georgia-Pacific. Similarly, purchasing a pair of yoga pants containing Lycra or a Stainmaster carpet meant indirectly handing the Kochs your money (Koch Industries bought Invista, one of the world’s largest fiber and textiles companies, in 2004 from DuPont).
At the time, Burner created a mock interface for her app, but that’s as far as she got. She was waiting to find the right team to build out the back end, which could be complicated given often murky corporate ownership structures.
She wasn’t aware that as she delivered her Netroots speech, a group of developers was hard at work on Buycott, an even more sophisticated version of the app she proposed.
“I remember reading Forbes’ story on the proposed app to help boycott Koch Industries and wishing that we were ready to launch our product,” said Buycott’s marketing director Maceo Martinez.
The app itself is the work of one Los Angeles-based 26-year-old freelance programmer, Ivan Pardo, who has devoted the last 16 months to Buycott. “It’s been completely bootstrapped up to this point,” he said. Martinez and another friend have pitched in to promote the app.
Pardo’s handiwork is available for download on iPhone or Android, making its debut in iTunes and Google GOOG +3.26% Play in early May. You can scan the barcode on any product and the free app will trace its ownership all the way to its top corporate parent company, including conglomerates like Koch Industries.
Once you’ve scanned an item, Buycott will show you its corporate family tree on your phone screen. Scan a box of Splenda sweetener, for instance, and you’ll see its parent, McNeil Nutritionals, is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson JNJ +0.77%.
Even more impressively, you can join user-created campaigns to boycott business practices that violate your principles rather than single companies. One of these campaigns, Demand GMO Labeling, will scan your box of cereal and tell you if it was made by one of the 36 corporations that donated more than $150,000 to oppose the mandatory labeling of genetically modified food.
Deciding to add that campaign to your Buycott app might make buying your breakfast nearly impossible, as that list includes not just headline grabbers like agricultural giant Monsanto but just about every big consumer company with a presence in the supermarket aisle: Coca-Cola, Nestle, Kraft, Heinz, Kellogg’s, Unilever and more.
Buycott is still working on adding new data to its back end and fine-tuning its information on corporate ownership structures. Most companies in the current database actually own more brands than Buycott has on record. The developers are asking shoppers to help improve their technology by inputting names of products they scan that the app doesn’t already recognize.
And if this all sounds worthy but depressing, be assured that your next trip to the supermarket needn’t be all doom and gloom. There are Buycott campaigns encouraging shoppers to support brands that have, say, openly backed LGBT rights. You can scan a bottle of Absolut vodka or a bag of Starbucks coffee beans and learn that both companies have come out for equal marriage.
“I don’t want to push any single point of view with the app,” said Pardo. “For me, it was critical to allow users to create campaigns because I don’t think it’s Buycott’s role to tell people what to buy. We simply want to provide a platform that empowers consumers to make well-informed purchasing decisions.”
Forbes reached out to Koch Industries and Monsanto for comment and will update this story with any responses.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2013/05/14/new-app-lets-you-boycott-koch-brothers-monsanto-and-more-by-scanning-your-shopping-cart/In her keynote speech at last year’s annual Netroots Nation gathering, Darcy... more
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The group now claims to have shut down a massive voter fraud attempt through ORCA, Romney’s problem-plagued election app that was designed to track the election. Some are attributing Romney’s loss, in part, to the failure of ORCA. But did it fail or was it purposely brought down? In the letter from Anonymous, they take responsibility for crashing the app, among other things...and they issue a threat to Karl Rove to proceed at his own peril...
http://veracitystew.com/?p=46004The group now claims to have shut down a massive voter fraud attempt through ORCA,... more
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Just when Star Wars diehards like myself were looking for a bit of comfort following the devastating news that the House of the Mouse had garbled up all the real estate in that galaxy far, far, away, we are treated to this. Damn, those Angry Birds! (why are they so angry?)
Still, it’s very cute. I couldn’t help but giggle…and then download the game.
http://veracitystew.com/?p=45643Just when Star Wars diehards like myself were looking for a bit of comfort following... more
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While watching a political TV ad, a user can hold up her phone to identify the commercial and receive objective, third-party information. The Super PAC App allows the user to rate the ad, while understanding who and how much money is behind the ad, what claims the ad is making, and whether those claims are based on facts.
http://veracitystew.com/?p=41459While watching a political TV ad, a user can hold up her phone to identify the... more
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Marc Andreessen has predicted that iPhone and Android apps are a temporary fad but many experts disagree. Apps affect millions of people every day, so this is a very important issue.Marc Andreessen has predicted that iPhone and Android apps are a temporary fad but... more
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It’s unfortunate that we must take these measures, but as the militarized police state continues its rise, innocuous tools like a simple phone app could be our best and most effective way to secure our rights.
http://veracitystew.com/?p=39088It’s unfortunate that we must take these measures, but as the militarized police... more
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Before you send bottle rockets into the sky, try some of these social media APP’s that were developed specifically for Independence Day!
4th of July Recipes: With the 4th of July Recipes book, you will find all the tips and techniques necessary to make your Independence Day Recipes like those of a seasoned professional.
National Constitution Center: The National Constitution Center is an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of, and appreciation for, the Constitution, its history, and its contemporary relevance, through an interactive, interpretive facility within Independence National Historic Park and a program of national outreach, so that “We the People” may better secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity. Know your history!
Fireworks Arcade: Users can either tap the screen or drag your finger to create firework displays with light and sound. Choose your own music, save pictures of your work, and then shake the phone for one big fireworks finale.
Grill Guide: Once you choose your food, the app will help you measure the thickness and let you know how long to grill it — plus it’ll tell you the best temperature and whether you should use direct or indirect heat. It includes seven food groups — red meat, poultry, pork, lamb, fish, veggies, and fruit — and you’ll get a step-by-step guide of how to grill over 100 different foods.
Beach Finder: The database includes over 5,300 beaches, which you can locate by city, town, address, or zip code. You can also use the Locate Me feature to pinpoint your location, then check out a list and a map with all the closest spots.
NOAA- Hi-Def Radar: Simple yet powerful app for viewing real-time animated weather radar images in vivid color on a highly responsive interactive map, with higher resolution images than any other radar app in the appstore. Jaggies begone! Don’t let the rain spoil the party…move the food inside before the downpours!
Speakeasy Cocktails: Mix the perfect drink with Speakeasy Cocktails, a complete how-to book that features video tutorials, instructional graphics, hundreds of interactive recipes, and expert advice from two award-winning bartenders.
How are you celebrating 4th of July? Are you using online networks dedicated to the festivities? Tell us more!
http://socialfulcrum.com/2012/07/03/patriotism-and-social-media-social-fulcrums-4th-of-july-holiday-app-guide/Before you send bottle rockets into the sky, try some of these social media... more
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In yet another Smartphone-related push to increase the intensity of the global police state, a “new” company, CrimePush, has released a smartphone app that will allow individuals greater ability to report “crimes” in real time.
The CrimePush app, which is now available on iTunes, is being touted as “the latest in mobile technology to provide urban populations with fast, discrete, and intelligent safety assistance.” This follows on the heels of similar Big Brother apps such as PatriotApp, which merged phones with American security and law enforcement agencies via the Internet, allowing for one-touch reporting of suspicious activities that could be perceived as threats to the Homeland.
Essentially, after the free app is downloaded, one need only access the app in order to record and report a crime to police. As Anushay Hossein of Forbes describes, “A package of information including the location of the crime, photo, video, audio, and text description of the crime are sent to authorities immediately. The application also allows for users to report crime anonymously so that they may continue with their busy lives knowing that with a push of a button, police will know and have everything to pursue the criminal.”
CrimePush co-founder, Eman Pahlevani, explains the alleged importance of the app a bit further by saying:
There are often situations when calling the police is not an option. There are other times when inconvenience or fear of reprisal prevents one from reporting an incident. Featuring the ability to take a photo, record video and audio, and provide a description of the incident, citizens can now be assured that their phone has the capability to alert family, friends, and the authorities at the push of a button, should a threat arise.
Pahlevani continues,
Often people are witnesses to crimes, such as sexual assault and robbery, but do not take the time or effort to call the police. There are other times when personal security is at stake and there is no discreet method of alert.”
While it is likely that CrimePush will receive glowing endorsements from the corporate media, law enforcement, and various trend-oriented communities (particularly those in large cities), one must pause for a moment to examine both the effectiveness of the technology, as well as its true purpose.
For instance, one must wonder if this app is any more effective at reporting true crimes (meaning violent crimes such as robbery, sexual assault, physical violence, etc.) than the technology already available. Anyone with a smartphone already has the capability to take video and audio recordings and depict incidents in text format. The only thing CrimePush does is allow that information to be sent to police faster.
However, consider for a second what this would involve. If one were to witness a sexual assault taking place, would one then whip out their smartphone and begin taking video/audio of the incident in order to send that information to police if one was afraid of being attacked themselves? Wouldn’t the act of videotaping and recording a crime thus make the individual doing the recording a likely target as well?
Not only that, but it is highly unlikely that an individual who is prone to simply ignore a violent crime taking place due to the inconvenience of the situation, will now reverse the content of their character, stick around and record the crime (which they could have done before), and then send that information on to police. Indeed, the lack of concern that the average person has for the well-being of their fellow citizen cannot be changed by virtue of a ridiculous smartphone app.
But, one might ask, what about situations in which one’s own safety is an issue?
Likewise, the idea that this new app would be useful in any practical fashion where one is in danger is comical to say the least.
Imagine for a second that you are being held up by your average run of the mill street thug. He has a gun (or knife, your choice) and is demanding your money, your car, or that you come with him. Immediately, you spring into action by whipping out your Smartphone and accessing your CrimePush app. Of course, this is presuming he hasn’t already taken your phone and that he won’t do so once you produce it.
But, for the sake of argument, let’s say you still have your phone, which you now have to begin typing on or using some other method to send your crime report to the police. You now notice the look of surprise and anger on the criminal’s face at the fact that you are using your phone during the course of being assaulted (or robbed, again your choice) so, in order to diffuse the situation and assuage his concern, you cleverly respond by saying, “It’s cool. I’m just sending a text. I’m totally not calling the police.” The police then arrive shortly thereafter and save the day. The puzzled criminal is then lead away in handcuffs wondering what could have possibly gone wrong.
Somehow, I’m just not buying that CrimePush will work this way.
However, the area in which CrimePush may be effective is in that of non-violent crimes, drug crimes, “suspicious activity,” political protest, and “subversive speech” etc. – all areas where police and other government agencies have been quite adept at pursuing, prosecuting, and convicting for many years without the aid of smartphone apps.
But while sexual assault, robbery, and murder will not likely be prevented or even successfully prosecuted by technologies such as CrimePush, crimes like drug use obviously will. Ironically, those individuals committing “crimes” which are non-violent and victimless in nature provide much less of a perceived threat in the minds of those witnessing the “crime.” It is for this reason that they are more likely to be taped and reported than an individual who is committing a real act of violence.
But, as we all know, reports to police will not be limited to criminals, violent or not. Individuals carrying weapons for self-defense are at a special risk for becoming targets of apps like CrimePush. After all, city dwellers in many areas have been trained to be generally terrified of weapons . . . at least when they are not attached to police in black stormtrooper uniforms.
Indeed, in a period where virtually every behavior can now be considered a crime, Constitutionally protected rights like free speech may even be reported to “authorities,” as apps like CrimePush become more popular amid a climate of programmed paranoia and a "See Something, Say Something" culture.
“Racist” speech or “homophobic” speech may be classified as “bullying,” the new trendy term used by a society which has been trained to be terrified of standing up for itself. Likewise for “threatening” speech which can simply be considered threatening because of the tone of voice.
Given the unbelievable levels of brainwashing experienced by Americans every day, it is highly possible that situations could occur where innocent people are reported to police simply for having a point of view that is considered outside the mainstream. A passerby, for instance, may hear a father lecturing another parent as to why their child should not be vaccinated, and why he does not vaccinate his own child. Given the right passerby, the right cop, or the right social worker, one could easily see how the ever-expanding powers of the State could then be called in via agencies like CPS to remove the child from the home.
(more @ link)
http://www.activistpost.com/2012/02/push-toward-snitch-culture-new-app.htmlIn yet another Smartphone-related push to increase the intensity of the global police... more
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The iPad technology is growing in popularity and effectiveness, and it is no different
among the medical community. There are an incredible amount of apps that allow students, teachers, and health professionals to teach and learn anatomy and more. The FDA has even approved a mobile tool that allows radiologists to view, disagnose, and approve treatment plans on the go.
link: http://www.onlineradiologyschools.org/20-apps-all-radiologists-should-have-on-their-
ipads.htmlThe iPad technology is growing in popularity and effectiveness, and it is no different... more
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The Android Market and Apple App Store are locked in constant battle for the hearts and
minds of mobile device users. Although Apple still holds a lead in the total number of app
offerings, its dominance looks to be diminishing. But fear not, Apple fan boys: Team iOS
still holds an overwhelming lead in terms of app purchase revenue.
link:http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/12/ios-revenues-vs-android/The Android Market and Apple App Store are locked in constant battle for the hearts... more
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In a sexual health initiative, Beijing authorities are giving away free condoms to its citizens via a custom-made iPhone app called FreeCondom...In a sexual health initiative, Beijing authorities are giving away free condoms to its... more
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Source: http://snd.sc/vxQC4B
HIP HOP SLOWS DOWN AND GROWS UP by Carol Sigman Online Music Watchdog:
Never before in the history of Hip Hop, or it's culture has there been a single rap record created that allows today's hip hop heads, as well as non hip hop heads alike to take there partner by the hand and slow drag to thehttp://snd.sc/vxQC4B record,That's right I said “slow drag!” Wow, remember that form of dancing in the blue light basement parties in Brooklyn back in the 70's and 80's? Well unlike the current records that have been released over the years by artist such as Drake and Lil Wayne to respectfully name a few, I discovered an online joint that took me back to my younger years of pot smoking, class skipping ,and basement slow dragging parties all in one and it wasn't a traditional songster or even a singer for that matter this joint was, get this, performed by an artist known internationally as Gangster rapper! according to some of the online Google results I got when I started looking into this song I heard Sunday October 30th
I was in the kitchen of my small Brooklyn apartment when my 17 year old son asked if he could use our shared computer, like most of the time I said sure, no problem, I'd say about 20 minutes past when I noticed my son in the living room with the head phones on and his eyes closed nodding his head to this record, I panicked a little bit because my son is generally a very hyper teen music listener, and I usually hear small amounts of change jingling in his pockets or see him lip syncing and bouncing around to what ever he's listening too, but not that day. I walked up to him, pulled the headphones off one ear and asked him flat out, “alright Jamal, what girl got you listening to grown folks music?”
My son replied this ain't your grown folks music ma, this is our grown folks music
[referring to his age group]
So I asked him to start the record over, and he did, and I asked him, “Jamal,is this dude rapping to this music” and he said “yeah ma” I asked him who the rapper was and he said “Scarecrow”, I said “who?” and he said “his name is Hector but sometimes people call him Scarecrow”. I asked my son to burn me a copy of the song on a CD for my car and he did. Monday I called off from work to catch up on my house cleaning and get ready for trick or treaters, and take some me time, later that morning I Googled “Hector Scarecrow” and saw 423,000 hits for an Atlanta producer named Lord Hector Diono, and the song I was listening to was a joint called
“I Don't Know The Plan”. I saw it on soundcloud.com, but at the time I couldn't download this song my folder, it was streaming only and after that I started searching the web, I located him on facebook, linkedin, myspace, and a host of other sites all over the internet, so I sent him a private request on facebook. I asked Hector if it would be okay with him if I blogged my story about how I heard the first rap slow jam ever made and it was his song, and he sent me his phone number to discuss my request since I don't work for him, in short we spoke for about 15 minutes and to my surprise Hector sounds like a Caribbean gigolo on the phone {smiles} he said to me, “sure darling I don't see why not” WOW.. he sounded so good to me but enough of that, he even fixed it online where I'd be able to download this song for free after I explained to him that I couldn't download it because of the player settings and he fixed it just for me! Carol from Brooklyn! Hector told me that if I was going to blog him to be sure I spelled his name right and announce that it will be on iTunes on Saturday November 12 and to download his free Android app from https://market.android.com he didn't know I had found that info on the internet already I was going to write that anyway (smiles)
Thank you Lord Hector Diono for giving Hip Hop a reason to hold their lady every now and again. Carol Sigman from Brooklyn!Source: http://snd.sc/vxQC4B
HIP HOP SLOWS DOWN AND GROWS UP by Carol Sigman... more
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GiveMeApps opened its doors last month and managed to snag 130 developers and over 10,000,000 page views in its first month. The new app store touted as an "App Mall" supports iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Web OS, Windows Phone 7, Symbian and Facebook apps. Developers can include their apps in their comprehensive and easily searchable App Directory via links from existing app stores, or upload and sell their apps directly for 100% download revenue, something no other app store currently offers.
Additionally, Developers can create their own profiles which GiveMeApps calls "Store Fronts". There, developers can provide links to their Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and all other social media accounts, embed their RSS/Blog/Newsfeeds directly on the site, showcase all of their products in a catalog-like fashion, upload their own free ads, and even embed and display all of their product demo videos from YouTube or any other video site. This conveniently allows users to visit "developer stores" and browse through their material and services on their smartphone, tablet or desktop as if they were in an actual store, letting developers do business and showcase their goods from one location.
App lovers can download apps, rate and review apps, create their own profiles, play on-site single and multi-player games, participate in forum discussions, search for jobs and employment opportunities, contact developers directly, troubleshoot device problems, take part in daily polls and enter to win lots of prizes through frequent giveaways. There is also a daily app recommendation by platform type called "Today's App".
Account creation is free and anyone can log in using Facebook and Twitter. The site has both a Desktop and Mobile component with all features available to both.
http://givemeapps.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=28:new-app-store-promises-support-for-all-phones-tablets-and-lots-of-services&Itemid=524GiveMeApps opened its doors last month and managed to snag 130 developers and over... more
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Recently an app called "Phone Story" was pulled by Apple because it exposed the horrendous working conditions at Foxconn's factory in China. Sign this petition to help put an end to all this:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/end-apples-labor-abuse/Recently an app called "Phone Story" was pulled by Apple because it exposed... more
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Technology has created a way to bring our love of reading right to our finger tips, without the hassle of hauling around heavy books. These are 25 amazing apps for the iPhone and iPad
that include book and news readers, tools to help you study, and even apps so you can enjoy
reading during a commute or during your down time.
link:http://librarysciencedegree.org/25-awesome-iphone-and-ipad-apps-for-book-lovers/Technology has created a way to bring our love of reading right to our finger tips,... more
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Investment legend Roger McNamee says mobile has already killed search. Smartphone users hardly use search. Is Google no longer the gatekeeper to the web, business, the world? Will Google+ put them back in the money? Does today’s ‘Facebook for business’ launch roll the dice once again?Investment legend Roger McNamee says mobile has already killed search. Smartphone... more
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Science is often an essential part of your education and degree, but it doesn't have to be boring. Science can also be fun through the help of these amazing iPad apps.You'lllearn while being entertained.
link:http://www.asdegree.org/20-incredibly-entertaining-ipad-apps-for-science-nuts/Science is often an essential part of your education and degree, but it doesn't... more
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Wow, I can’t believe that it’s been four whole years since we started dating. It only seems like yesterday when your camera only had 2 megapixels and you still had your cute baby fat which I was really attracted to. You were such a simpler girlfriend back then, so much nicer, you used to be so attentive to my needs, God I miss those days. Over the years you’ve changed. You started working out, tanning, getting your hair colored and even started yoga even though you said you hated it. You’ve started dressing different now that you’re so svelte and it seems you hardly even notice me anymore since you’ve become so “Hollywood”. I’ve just become “that guy who carries me around”, and that really hurts because I have a name damnit.
I remember when you used to weigh 135 grams. Yes I said it, I know you don’t want anyone to know how big you used to be, but since our relationship is going downhill, I’m going to air out all of our dirty laundry right here, right now! I used to lovingly lug you around in my pocket, and trust me it wasn’t easy back then, but sacrifice is how relationships work. I loved you, and you loved me and nothing else mattered. But now you have competition with that new sexy Android slut, and even though I would never look at her in a lustful way, your jealousy is getting the best of you. I understand if you’re looking for a way out of what we have, but let me tell you, you’re making a huge mistake. She’s sexy yes, but you are my true love! True, I may have held her a couple of times and commented on her gigantic screen, but none of that matters. You’re way hotter than her. I don’t care if you enlarged your screens, got lasik surgery for better sight, increased your knowledge with those fancy French and pottery classes you’ve been taking. I don’t care that you’ve lost 3.5 mm from your waist, I used to adore those cute love handles. Remember how I would grab on to those babies? Smacking that ass, your loud ringtones going off, and how hot your battery charger used to get when I was all up in … sorry … I’m losing focus, but you know what I mean.
I hope this letter reaches you well, and I really do hope that you’ve found your true happiness out there wherever it may be. But just know that there’s a guy out there that still really cares about you regardless of what you look like, because he knows the real you and I don't even care that you've gained 2 grams over the years. A guy who will always be there for you if you ever choose to return, and still smiles when he thinks about the fun times we used to have in the car with Shazam.
Happy BirthdayWow, I can’t believe that it’s been four whole years since we started... more
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Day 3 of Shama Kabani blog, top social media expert, shares the events, ideas and how business opportunity is now part of the landscape in post-revolution EgyptDay 3 of Shama Kabani blog, top social media expert, shares the events, ideas and how... more
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They look like apps but they’re really stealth development tools which give your customers the ability to build themselves their own app for your serviceThey look like apps but they’re really stealth development tools which give your... more
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