AMEX Enhanced Fraud Protection - Overseas Transactions

Before traveling abroad, I need to remember to call my credit card companies such as AMEX to ensure I can use my credit cards overseas. That said, when traveling abroad online and when you think the company's shopping cart might be hosted overseas such as in the UK, then you must remember to call your credit card company to ensure your card is authorized to charge in the UK. Otherwise, you'll find yourself calling your credit card company or in the AMEX case, using their "Enhanced Fraud Protection".

Canon Rebel XTi Photos during Amgen Tour of California Bike Race

Here are some shots I took with my Canon Rebel XTi in the rain during the Amgen Tour of California bike race. You'll see some shots of Lance Armstrong.

Google GrandCentral 2.0 - Bring It

I was at a Miami Heat basketball game the other night reading my Twitter Friend's posts on my iPhone 3G and noticed disturbing tweet (no, it wasn't twitter: THE_REAL_SHAQ announcing he's in San Fran on his way to Alcatraz and he might stay) -- it was a tweet from Alex de Carvalho (twitter: alexdc) South Florida Tech thought leader and Social Media Strategist regarding the rumor that Google was shutting down GrandCentral, the universal phone number service. I immediately called my GrandCentral number that I had recently had printed on some new business cards and discovered that it was still active. If I would have continued reading Alex's Twitter messages, I would have later discovered that GrandCentral.com is not shutting down but will soon be releasing GrandCentral 2.0, that's at least the news from NY Times Tech Columnist David Pogue. http://www.alleyinsider.com/2009/1/pogue-googles-grandcentral-not-dead-just-resting

I had significant doubts that GrandCentral would not be a repeat of the dot-com era startup Thinklink later acquired by United Airlines. I'm glad to hear that at least today's news is that's just not true!

If you don't have a GrandCentral number yet, there's a waiting list so I would advise that you reserve your number now.

Upgrading my iPhone from 2.2 to 2.2.1

Today, despite warnings from a few users not to install the iPhone firmware update 2.2.1, I went ahead and installed it. I also updated my iPhone Touch from 2.2 to 2.2.1.

I was little hesitant to update it since earlier this year I switched to a MacBook Pro after nearly decades of exclusive PC computer and laptop use. See my blog on some of my experiences in running Windows on a MacBook Pro. 

http://widows-on-mac.blogspot.com/

In any regard, so far both my iPhone 3G and iTouch are running on 2.2.1 without any problems. I understand there are only minor fixes (Safari stability; fixes an image image in which pictures are saved from mail and don't display in camera roll and for iTouch users a Apple Lossless ALAC audio issue) but some 3G users report improved performance.

The Google Earth Updates 5.0 Rock! (at least for Miami, Florida users)

Wow, the new Google Earth Updates for Mac and Windows totally rock! If you haven't installed them yet, you should. I also noticed at least in the Miami, Florida area, the satellite and 3D images are vastly improved!

Google Earth Mac
5.0.11337.1968 (beta)

Google Earth 5.0.11337.168 Windows

Twitter is over Capacity - Trying to Add or Update your Picture

Are you trying to add or update your picture on Twitter and are you receiving the error message: "Twitter is over capacity". This happened to me only when I tried to upload a .GIF image. When I converted the image to .PNG or .JPG, the same image uploaded successfully.

Fring iPhone Applicaton - Can receive Skype Chat - AlwaysOn

 

 

http://www.fring.com/download/iphone/

Lastly, so what is Fring, on their website they say they are a "mobile internet service & community" that enables you to access and interact with social networks on-the-go, make free calls and live chat with your fring, Skype, MSN Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, SIP, Twitter, Yahooo and AIM friends using your handset's internet connection.

 

 

 

Dish Network - Losing Local Channels

In the past several month, my Dish Network cable TV has been losing my local channels. To fix this, shutting the power off and turning it back on usually fixes the problem, but that requires at least 5 minutes to reboot and reconnect to the satellite. I actually think turning most of my Windows PCs boot faster. I also use a Dish Network reseller in Miami, Florida, Broadband Solutions. I hope to find a solution to this problem or another vendor.

BTW, in the past month they have sent me two different smart cards to reinstall. They say they will be canceling my service unless I reinstall the new cards. What's up with that? I hope this isn't some security issue! Don't they know if it's not broken, don't mess with it!

If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know (and don't say, switch to Direct TV!)

View of Inauguration on CNN Site Using Microsoft Photosynth

If you haven't seen this yet, check out the view of the Inauguration at the CNN site using user submitted photos. It uses Photosynth by Microsoft Live Labs.

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/44.president/inauguration/themoment/


This is very cool technology!

Inauguration Map -

Here is a link to an Inauguration Day Map if you have any family and friends attending today's Inauguration in Washington DC. It shows the areas for the different ticket colors.

My V-Moda iPhone Headphones broke

After almost a year, my V-Moda iPhone headphones plug casing broke and it lasted a few months until one day they just didn't work. I bought a new pair at the Apple Store over the holidays and I sure hope they don't break this time!

Fix for Zune Frozen, Video How to Reset Zune - ZY2K9 Fix

If you have a frozen Zune affected by the Dec. 31st ZY2K9 issue, here is a Youtube.com video to reset your Zune.

1. Press and hold the [Back] button and the [Up] on the pad for a few seconds.




More info on fixing a Frozen Zune
http://mostpopularinusa.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-to-fix-frozen-zune.html

Zune Z2K9 Fix

I don't have a Zune so I am not affected by the Zune Z2K9 failure that is crashing Zune 30s. Here is one recommendation from a user on Gizmodo.com.

-- snip from Gizmodo.com --

http://gizmodo.com/5121311/30gb-zunes-failing-everywhere-all-at-once

There's a fix:

"Your zune will need a "hard reset."

To do this, use a small screwdriver to pop off the plastic shielding where the zune cable plugs into and remove the two screws on either side of the plug. Next pop the cover off and locate the battery plug at the top left corner of the zune, using your screw driver, pop the cable connection half way off, and do this to the other plug on the right side. Wait 3 seconds, then push down the right connector and then the left battery connecter. Your zune should start up immediately. Press the backing of the zune down (make sure headphone jack is aligned) and put the screws and cover back in place.

It's an easy process but if you're unsure don't attempt it if you think you'll screw it or something. :)"

Not pretty, but it might help those of you who have this problem.

Congrats to the Miami Dolphins

As read my email including friend updates from social sites: Facebook.com, MySpace.com, Twitter.com, LinkedIn.com and Yelp.com, I am shocked at the number of people talking about the Miami Dolphins.

Las Vegas Airport Information - Snow Storm

My nephew's flight to Las Vegas last night was canceled due to the snow storm and he is currently waiting at his gate for the next flight to Vegas. It occurred to me that with the new iPhone 3G and other similar devices, you can use other more reliable websites to predict or estimate your flight status rather than relying on the TV monitor at the airport gate as your sole source. I'm sure many of us have waited patiently at an airline gate and not trusted the information provided by the airlines and wanted more detailed information so that we can make possible alternative travel plans.

For flights delayed due to the Las Vegas Snow Storm, here's some sites that I found.

FAA Airport Information - provides overall airport conditions status.
http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/flyfaaindex.jsp?ARPT=las&p=0

Las Vegas Airport Information - provides a list of upcoming flight arrivals and departures.
http://www.mccarran.com/

Bose Headphones with iPhone and Skype?

When traveling overseas, I like to use Skype and I've always wondered if I can use my Bose QuietComfort 2 Headphones with the accessory microphone cord I use with my iPhone to connect to my Dell laptop. I would really not wamt tp carry an extra headset for using Skype with my PC. I googled around and didn't see the answer, looked at the Bose FAQs and finally called Bose Customer Service. The answer from their customer service representative was that there is no known plug from Bose or any third party. A workaround is to use the Bose for your sound and buy a third party microphone for your laptop.

That's too bad.

Vonage Service Outbound Caller ID Not Yet Available in 2008

I noticed the other day that their Outbound Caller ID did not display the name of my business. I cannot believe that Vonage Outbound Caller ID is not yet available as of 2008. I have seen complaints dating back to 2006. When I called Vonage Customer service today, the rep told me:

• "It's available for their business customers only."


• "It's not available on any IP Phone Service"


• "The final answer is that the Vonage Outbound Caller ID is not available on their personal or business services".

Here are some links to other individuals complaining about this.

Vonage Outbound Caller Not Available
Vonage Outbound Caller ID Complaint in 2006
Cnet News - comment

When I subscribed to the Vonage Service several years ago, I did so thinking the service would improve in future years. I understand that displaying the caller id has been problematic for telco companies, but even my iPhone family plan displays the correct outbound caller id for each family member. The Vonage corporate tag line is: "A Better Way to Phone for Less". They list one of their features as "Caller ID with Name" but that is clearly deceptive advertising, it should read "Inbound Caller ID with Name Only".

Without Outbound Caller ID, Vonage is clearly not a viable personal or business phone alternative. Come on Vonage, it's time to step up your level of service!

Apple iTunes 8.02 and iPhone 2.2

I updated my Apple iTunes 8.02 and my iPhone to iPhone 2.2. These updates were installed without any problems except with my PC Windows or Dell laptop, I have not been able to upgrade my iPhone firmware for about a year. Luckily, I have a Macbook and I first synch my iPhone on my Dell, then backup and upgrade my iPhone on my Macbook. This release took less than an hour with my 16GB iPhone 3G.

This is a nice upgrade loaded with use features that include:

• Google Maps Walking and Public Transit Directions
• ITunes Store Podcast Downloads
• Apps Store sorting options
• The ability to disable the annoying Auto Correction keyboard setting (Setting > General > Keyboard > Auto-Correction Off
• Pressing the App Home Button is suppose to return you to the Application Home screen with this release but this feature did not work for me.

Overall, a very nice unexpected full featured iPhone update. Great job Apple iPhone Dev Team!

Google Mobile App to be launched on Monday 17 November 2008?

The new rumor is that Google Mobile App that allows voice search will be released on Monday, November 17, 2008.

http://www.google.com/mobile/apple/app.html

How much postage do you put on your Miami - Dade County Absentee Ballot?

I use to think the United States Postal Service website was great at calculating postage but when I mailed my Absentee ballot today, the site computed $.59 unless the envelope is an odd size, which it could be, then it's is $.79 cents. James Camner, a blogger on The Huffington Post site writes it will cost two first class stamps or $.84. My W says she took hers to the post office and the postal worker there said it was $.59. A Miami Herald website news article reports that the Post Office will deliver your ballot regardless of the postage you put on it. In Osceola county in Florida, the postage is $1.17 because of the number of initiatives on their ballot.

I put two first class stamps or $.84 on my ballot. If I were voting for the post master general or for the group that writes the ballot instructions, they surely won't get my vote today.

Happy voting!