Category Archives: Tech

The Rise of the eBook

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

I continue to be intrigued by clever, fact-filled infographics. So, here’s a well-researched one that explores the comparative details of the world’s main English language ebook markets. Who knew that there were more than 400 million ebook capable devices in … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Canada, ebooks, Tech, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

What the Phonics

Posted on July 22, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

WTPh? What the Phonics is a neat project that helps confused travelers with the frequently tricky pronounciation of street names in Denmark. Artist Momo Miyazaki and sound engineer Andrew Spitz created the interactive installations that are scattered around the heart … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Paris: free wi-fi and more

Posted on July 14, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

All photos © Felipe Ribon The Mairie de Paris commissioned the firm JCDecaux to create the clever Escale Numérique , a “green” free wi-fi/gadget charging station/information kiosk at the Rond Pont des Champs-Elysées. The Escale Numérique’s sheltered hotspot is equipped … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Tech, Tourism | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

TED : not just talk anymore

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Focused on short, quick-read books, the new TED Books app, set to launch this month, is a dedicated platform for TED‘s publishing efforts. Most of the e-titles will be in the 20,000 word range. The nifty app will offer optional … Continue reading →

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Free Wi-Fi (redux)

Posted on July 7, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

This summer, New York subway riders might be able to actually get some work done on the train (rather than just beating their high scores in Temple Run). Beginning Monday, free Wi-Fi will be available at a number of stations … Continue reading →

Posted in Tech, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Another Reason to Visit Vienna

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Passangers passing through the international airport in Vienna, Austria now encounter an amazing art installation at Check-in Area 3. Stradding the corridor to the security checkpoint a towering wall of video monitors forms the ZeitRaum/Textscape. As travelers approach the wall, … Continue reading →

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Stand Up for Our Libraries

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The American Library Association has released a massive infographic describing the myriad of problems facing American libraries since the Great Recession. Public libraries have been an essential force for democracy and public education in the U.S. for more than two centuries. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, ebooks, Libraries, Tech, USA | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Ray Bradbury Saw It Coming

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Over his long and illustrious career, Ray Bradbury demonstrated an uncanny ability to predict technological innovations and sociocultural change. Many concepts and devices in his short stories and novels eventually became commonplace. Bradbury predicted everything from automatic banking machines to omnipresent electronic surveillance. … Continue reading →

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We want our free Wi-Fi

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The universal traveler’s lament these days seems to be “where’s the free Wi-Fi ?”. Cities around the world have floated all kinds of public schemes, but none seems to have reached fruition as of yet. But just in time for … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Tech, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Google Street View Trekker

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Google Maps Street View feature is a versatile and helpful tool, as well as a major time-waster for anyone with an internet-enabled gadget or computer. Now Google is bringing the Street View technology to parks, recreation areas and the wilderness … Continue reading →

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