Gongol.com Archives: 2014 Weekly Archives
Brian Gongol



Weather and Disasters Just a little windy in Iowa today
Peak gust: 57 mph in Stanhope. Des Moines had 49 miles an hour.

Computers and the Internet How Kansas City got Google Fiber

Broadcasting Cadillac and Ford show signs of fight
Ford's out with an ad that spoofs a Cadillac ad. A good rivalry can bevery good for sharpening businesses.

Computers and the Internet Stock market reacted badly to Facebook's latest acquisition
The people who should really be upset are the ones who were suckered into crowdfunding Oculus in the first place. The tech-company acquisition spree shows no sign of petering out. Facebook may just be trying to diversify in anticipation of troubles ahead monetizing their classic marketing options.

Computers and the Internet Backup cameras in all US cars by 2018

News Montreal sure seems to want its baseball back



Business and Finance High-frequency trading gets the spotlight
High-frequency traders aren't doing anything of net value to society. It doesn't mean their activity should be illegal, but it does mean they're parasites. And when challenged, watch how emotions escalate.

The United States of America Where to find the nation's baseball allegiances
Facebook has been collecting and analyzing the data

Computers and the Internet COO Sheryl Sandberg cuts her stake in Facebook
Conventional executive pay at Facebook dropped last year, but the real concern is how they've been launching enormous bags of cash at acquisitions. One gets the sense that some of the shine has worn off as the company has tried to remain both socially relevant and profitable.

Computers and the Internet How Google celebrated April Fool's Day
Seems like it's pretty much a company holiday

Humor and Good News How to lose a wing-eating contest
(Video) If you're up against a ringer, you probably don't have a chance



News Poland is asking for troops
Russian activity of late is making them nervous, and they want NATO's help

Broadcasting Ron Howard and Discovery are spinning up a production company focused on online products

Business and Finance Google stock is splitting in a way that forces the S&P index to have 501


Computers and the Internet Microsoft announces a new Windows Phone
One that appears to take some cues from Apple's Siri

Aviation News Malaysian investigators say airline passengers have been cleared
They say that none of the passengers are suspects in any foul play

Business and Finance Can the President really be used as an advertising prop?
Certainly not in good taste. Poor form, David Ortiz and Samsung.

News Book review: "Impatient Optimist: Bill Gates in His Own Words"



News NATO looks to protect Ukraine
It's being said that Russia could invade at any moment, and there's no question that the mainstream of Europe would be opposed to an invasion on their doorstep. Meanwhile, the former president of Ukraine is backtracking on his embrace of the Russian incursion into Crimea. This whole affair is turning into a real test of just what "Western" values really are and how much those values are capable of overcoming the enticements of power.

News Newspapers continue struggling -- hard -- with the transition to a post-paper era

Computers and the Internet What's changing under Microsoft's new CEO

Health When humans become computer-enhanced, it'll be because of DARPA

Broadcasting David Letterman announces retirement (coming in 2015)



The United States of America What Americans think are the biggest threats

The United States of America Is it hard for international students to make friends on American college campuses?

Computers and the Internet Amazon rolls out "Fire TV"

News Skydiver and meteorite nearly collide
(Video)

Iowa Iowans land in middle of state/local tax rankings
9.3% of income goes to state and local taxes, says the Tax Foundation

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Computers and the Internet Studies nobody needed to perform
Researchers conclude that users of Twitter are more narcissistic than users of Facebook

Broadcasting WHO Radio show notes: Wise Guys - April 5, 2014