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Tech News & Commentary
Marly promised pictures of the Lifehub wrist device, you can look at them here.
John in Bossier City, Louisiana listens on 710 KEEL asked: “how do i improve my internet reception if my router is in another room?”
Depending on your current router’s model, you may be able to buy a similar one that will let you extend your network.
The setup varies a little bit depending on the particular router, but it will usually involve setting up the same network name and password and giving it the mac address of the router that’s creating the network you want to extend.
If you can run a wire to whatever room needs service, you may be able to connect an access point at the end of that wire and extend the network that way instead.
You can also use a wireless network extender, or repeater. Many wireless access points include a mode where they do this, and there are some dedicated repeaters that simply plug into an outlet like some kind of giant mutant air freshener. How they work is simple. They receive anything being broadcast on the frequencies used for wi-fi networks and rebroadcast them…for lack of a better word, “louder.” As long as you put the repeater where it can hear the existing network, it will extend it further into your house. Mark has used them in installations over the years, and they do really work.
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
“This Week in Tech History” Weekly Feature with Chris Graveline
Facebook Participation:
Into Tomorrow’s home state of Florida has become the 40th state to ban texting while driving. The first offense carries a $30 fine and the second offense will cost the driver $60 and add three points to their driving record. What are your thoughts on these laws? Do you think they really do save lives or do you think they are a waste of time?
Here are some of the responses that we got:
Mark – Absolutely needs to be banned. Fines are something like $300 here in Australia. You can’t watch the road and text at the same time.
Geoffrey – Here in Jersey, British Channel Islands it has been banned for several years, but I see 2/3 drivers doing it every time I am out. It is the usual problem that until an accident happens to the person concerned, they simply don’t understand how dangerous it is and more importantly to those unfortunate enough to get hit.I agree the proposed Florida fines seem way too low.
Thomas – All it does is make those stupid enough to text and drive make sure they hide what they are doing while texting. If they are willing to text and drive in the first place, I doubt laws are really going to stop them. Look at how many people still talk on a phone while driving even though there are laws against that as well.
Suzi – A law is only as good as its enforcement. We have a no texting while driving here in CA but I see texting all too often when law enforcement vehicles are nearby and enforcement is nonexistent. When they start to enforce this law, I do expect to see accident and death rates go down.
Kathryn – we’ve had that law in Australia for ages now! but the fines for being caught are much higher, don’t think there is any point making it illegal but giving such low fines as $30 or $60! its such a dangerous practice and needs to be stamped out especially for new young drivers realise from the start its not acceptable and they will be caught and get a big fine would hopefully deter them.
Janet – Florida fines are much too low! I hope they are enforced. I read 125 convictions in the year it has been in effect in West Virginia. “Texting while behind the wheel is a primary offense. Drivers face fines of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second violation and $300 for subsequent offenses. Motorists also can get up to three points placed on their driving records for a third offense. Using a handheld cellphone to talk becomes a primary offense July 1. It will carry the same fines as texting.”
Walter – I think it is absurd. It should be a primary offense. It should have a hefty penalty. It costs more to illegally park at the beach. I drive over 100 miles a day visiting clients. I can tell you that i see at least a dozen instances where there is a person looking at their phone instead of on the road. Cell phone use should be completely banned while driving. With all the new advances in voice tech, there is no reason for anyone to have to hold their phone.
Cheryl – The penalty should be stiffer—-not a slap on the wrist! The Florida Legislature thinks they are “protecting our rights” (to text while driving). What about the rights of those who are killed or injured?
Kenneth – I totally agree with this law. they should really start getting down on people. I was in a severe car wreck 3 years ago. I was involved with somebody not paying attention and texting. we ended up hitting each other at 55 miles an hour in a t-bone accident. Rolled three times and ended upside down in a ditch. so yes please people let go of the phone. let’s set it down and ignore it. thank you.
Amy Lupold Bair, author of Raising Digital Families For Dummies
Rose in Fulton, Mississippi asked: “I have some old film that used to drop into a polaroid camera. it was the drop-in type, not the roll. I was wondering if I can get that developed anywhere and how. It’s from back in the 70s or 80s.”
From what you’re telling us, the type of film you’re referring to is film belonging to the SX-70 polaroid that was available on the market from 1972 to about 1981. If the film hasn’t expired and still able to be developed, the only place we could find that would be able to do it is The Impossible Project, which specializes in the manufacture and development of old polaroid films.
We do have to ask though, since many Polaroid cameras used self-developing film cartridges, do you know that this film has been exposed? Typically, the Polaroid cameras would eject the picture, which would self-develop because of chemicals in the binder. So if you have a “cartridge” of Polaroid film, it is entirely possible that it’s just that…film, not pictures.
And if it is pictures, you need to prepare yourself for the chance that they can’t be developed. After 30 plus years, there’s no telling if the film is still good. It may be just fine, but you’ve gotta think about how long it’s been sitting around.
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
This Week’s Prizes for Our Listeners
HDRadio: FM/HD Insignia Table Top Radios with 10 presets
Covington Creations: Earbud yo-yo — Now with Dave’s face on them! — A clever solution to tangled earbuds.
iolo: Copies of: Drive Scrubber – Erase data so it can NEVER be recovered.
Magix: Music Maker 2013 Premium – Make Music Now! With More Sounds. More Possibilities.