Geocaching in the News

A local article about Geocaching hits the Rochester Post Bulletin.

http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=2&a=325813

Multitasking or CPA?

Have you ever felt an irresistible urge to check your email during an important conversation? I have on too many occasions. I always thought I was simply getting more done, multitasking, using downtime... wrong. Technologist Linda Stone explains this behavior pattern, known as "Continuous Partial Attention", and how it can negatively affect your performance and health. I would highly suggest reading her article if you frequently grab your BlackBerry throughout the day.

Continuous partial attention and multi-tasking are two different attention strategies, motivated by different impulses. When we multi-task, we are motivated by a desire to be more productive and more efficient... In the case of continuous partial attention, we're motivated by a desire not to miss anything. There's a kind of vigilance that is not characteristic of multi-tasking. With cpa, we feel most alive when we're connected, plugged in and in the know. We constantly SCAN for opportunities—activities or people—in any given moment. With every opportunity we ask, "What can I gain here?" [MORE]

To each my friends, colleagues and family who have witnessed my CPA tendencies... Sorry. I will learn where the OFF switch is for each of my gadgets and attempt to give you my undivided attention.

GeoCacheNavigator for BlackBerry

BlackBerry Guru Daw411 tipped me this morning about a new Geocaching application for the BlackBerry. Trimble Outdoors now has extended their Geocache Navigator product to work on the BlackBerry platform.

This really opens up a new approach for Geocachers. Until now, there was always a need to prepare for your caching experience by visiting geocaching.com to seek a listing of the caches that will be present at your destination. Once the cacher identifies the caches to seek, some print out individual cache descriptions and tips, while others go paperless by downloading all the cache information into a GPS equipped PDA. Nonetheless, there is preparation involved.

With a cellular data capable BlackBerry with an integrated GPS, and Geocache Navigator, you could with really no preparation, just pull your BlackBerry out and begin caching at any destination. I just downloaded the 30 day trial this morning. I launched the application while out running errands and was amazed at how simple it was to get a list of the caches surrounding me. I have not yet field tested the functionality in the brush actually seeking a cache; however this app get's its own spot on the top row of icons on my BlackBerry screen.

Great Job Trimble!

Asus EEE PC

KomandoKwan tipped me about a new "sub-notebook" that ASUS recently announced. The EEE PC might just be the first laptop my kids will call their own. This small notebook ships with a variety of configurations with solid state hard drives ranging from 2-8GB. The notebook orginally shipped running Xandros (a Linux distribution) that runs OpenOffice.org, Mozilla Firefox, Skype, Tux Paint and other educational entertainment software, E-mail and Internet radio applications, Google Docs and Wikipedia look-up tool. A new version is to be announced shortly that runs Windows. I can't wait! http://eeepc.asus.com/global/

GeoTagging Photos

I've been researching GeoTagging, the point where GPS and Digital Camera meet. Basically adding metadata to photos to include GPS coordinates to reveal where the photo was taken. If all photos were GeoTagged, one should be able to search for a location on an online map and get an option to view publicly shared photos from the area. An example of this technlogy can be experienced at www.flickr.com/map. Flickr seems to have the idea right; however Flickr isn't really one of the sites I frequent to plan travel arrangements.

Netlfix & LG

I have really been enjoying watching past episodes of "The Office" on my laptop using the Watch Instantly feature of Netflix. Colleague, and ImageMaster, Eric has tipped me that LG is working with Netlfix to create a set-top box option to deliver movies directly to the TV. Check it out at http://www.hackingnetflix.com/2008/01/netflix-lg-part.html

Itinerary helper

Man, do I ever struggle picking flights. There are sooo many variables at hand that could save money or travel time or open up a new opportunity. Which airline should I fly? Should I just stick with the my local airport or surrounding alternatives? and the same question applies to the destination end (which requires a visit to google maps for a geography lesson). What time of day should I fly to save the most money yet be realistic considering parking, shuttles, and security delays. After about an our on expedia.com, my nerves feel like I am gambling at a craps table. Finally a solution that can dynamically shift airlines, departures, arrivals, airports. Kayak.com seems to be a tool I will highy value for preparing an itinerary. Check it out: http://www.kayak.com

More BlackBerry Google apps

Got a tip from colleague "Seabass" about a whole new collection of Google applications (applets, shortcuts, etc) for the BlackBerry. After spying all the new icons on his BlackBerry screen including Picasa, Google Sync, Google Reader, Google News, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Search and Google Updater, I knew I had something fun to try during downtime today. Check them out for yourself by pointing your BlackBerry browser at mobile.google.com.