NYPD still uses typewriters for data entry, has no plans to stop
The City of New York is plonking down at least $1 million in typewriter-based expenditures, according to a New York Post article. The city is using the typewriters for good old-fashioned data entry, and the machines are replaced and repaired at great expense to keep them entering property and evidence vouchers. Police officers seem to think that typewriters are hampering the speed and productivity in the office, with officers saying "the search for a working machine turns into a scene right of the '70s sitcom 'Barney Miller.'"
While the officers want a change, the city has no immediate plans to do anything with how business is done. Even if it leads to huge paper pile-ups and headaches.
America’s CIO unveils federal IT dashboard
President Obama's recently appointed CIO, Vivek Kundra, announced a federal IT dashboard which takes the same federal data lawmakers make decisions with, and putting it into the public's hands. The dashboard primarily covers information technology spending, but the premise could be extended to other government oversight. Video story coming later today.
Social media in Iran: Be careful what you read
We've been hearing and extolling the perks of social media in Iran, and rightly so. Despite the government kicking journalists out of the country, news is still spreading about the protests and unrest following the country's disputed presidential election. Social media services, like Twitter and YouTube, are playing a big role in helping the world watch the events, but how do we know exactly what's happening, how can we trust the reports, and how can we help? To talk about those three topics, we turn to Jonathan Strickland from HowStuffWorks.com, and illustrious freelance journalist Cyrus Farivar about the subject.
Cyrus, who has been covering the topic for numerous outlets, says he's found it's important to remain critical of the words of social media. While it's easy to get wrapped up in the story, protesters and governments might have ulterior motives for using social media. And while journalists might have been booted from the country, more traditional sources of news can help filter through some of the information and at least put a stamp of approval on some of the info. (Hear his story on PRI's The World)
Jonathan gives us a pointer for a way we can help that's beyond turning a twitter icon green, he points to people using anonymous proxy servers to get info out of Iran. There are a few options, including Psiphon, which turn regular users' computers into proxy servers for oppressed users around the world.
Obama’s super-berry on the way
The texter-in-chief will be using a BlackBerry 8830 made with custom software for staying connected; software that likely forgoes RIM's Canadian servers.