May 19, 2008
Clark has been a real nuisance for MySpace and Facebook over the years. He thinks they created a dangerous environment for teens, and was shocked by how reluctant they initially were to stop Internet predators.
However, MySpace was the first site to come to heel after action taken by the attorneys general of 46 states. Now Facebook has reached a deal with all 50 states.
The new arrangement has several requirements. Facebook must go through special steps to ensure people are who they say they are online; teens will only be allowed to receive carefully vetted ad content; and they'll also receive continuous safety warnings while online.
Facebook has also joined a task force (along with MySpace) that seeks to make social networking sites safer.
Clark salutes these efforts, but knows there's no way to eliminate all the predators out there. So you as a parent must request to be added as a "friend" on your child's social-networking site of choice. Then you've got to be diligent in monitoring their online circle of peers.
May 19, 2008
He may be behind the curve, but Clark just discovered the handheld cameras that are part of the Flip Video Ultra Series. With prices starting around $100, this line of ultra small camcorders made a great gift.
Let's face it, most handheld video cameras are just bulky enough to be annoying. Plus they have too many buttons to operate with ease. But the Flip is simple to use and about the size of a pack of cigarettes. It even passed Clark's own "dunce cap test," which means that he didn't need to look at the owner's manual to operate it.
The Flip comes in mostly feminine color schemes and is small enough to slip into a woman's purse. There is also an all-black model that may appeal to men. One feature that Clark and his wife really like is the built-in USB connector that pops out of the side. Once it hooks in to your computer, you can instantly e-mail your videos, burn a DVD and more.
The real beauty of the Flip is that it ends the frustration of fumbling around for your camera at the right moment.
May 28, 2008
Clark recently spoke about protecting yourself online against cyber-criminals. Now technology columnist Walt Mossberg has compiled a handy list that reinforces the message. Below are some excerpts:
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May 28, 2008
The Blu-ray technology is not selling all that well, between it being too expensive and a serious dearth of titles in the format. Clark says let the early adopters have the bragging rights and hang back for now.
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May 15, 2008
Clark was practically a majority of one on his staff when he got excited about the Asus Eee (pronounced "Triple E") PC. Joel and Christa were vocal during a recent staff trip about their dislike for Clark's beloved mini-laptop.
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