Nearly all of us have their holy ritual, their bulwark against the world or the perennial fluctuations that affect our society. For some, it's a model railroad, others have their phonograph record collection. For me, it's books, the ever-lasting constant. Some have been with me for decades, traveled with me on every relocation and are full of tattered and yellowed pages. Others are still in mint condition and awaiting their first read. All that is supposed to change now thanks to technology - at least on a trial basis.
The wonderful thing about the internet is that it provides us with a steady stream of information, knowledge and entertainment. Unfortunately, not every bit of it is reasonable and there are many loony ideas out there. Normally, no one gets hurt, beliefs in healing earth, lizard people or Bigfoot won't motivate anyone to roam the streets at night with a huge hammer and an unhealthy dose of blood lust. Yet, this dumb idea is different and tells us a lot about the internet, its effects - and Ronald McDonald.
Whenever you're looking for a new job you expect some stress. Job applications have to demonstrate a certain degree of correctness and professionalism, initial talks are highly taxing and assessment centers that feature role plays and other tests are enough to break your nerve.All that's missing is a computer that assesses your psyche! What I didn't know: That's already become a reality.
Recently, while I was happily browsing through my photo collection by means of the new Ashampoo Photo Commander, checking out its latest new features and reviewing the 812 photos from my trip to England, I noticed that I had taken way too many shots. I began to ponder over the age old question of where I had taken each photo. Was it Southampton? And what was the name of that quaint spot in Wales with the beautiful church again? Did I ever know that? Finally, I was helped by something I had ignored for years - the Exif data contained in my photos.
When I was young, there was a TV show called "That's your life". A more or less famous person stat in a studio while the host held a book and read out details about various stages of his or her life. Every now and then, an old companion would come rushing in, hug the guest and start chatting about past events. Google has something similar to offer to all of us - and I'm still vacillating between fascination and trepidation.
