Hide your credit cards: here are a few things going on in the tech world.
Heartbleed
“It is the most serious security issue the connected world has ever seen and we will be discussing it for years to come,” says Thomas Hart, Web Application Developer at Terakeet.
If you haven’t heard, back in 2012, a developer’s oversight into open-source security software used by almost everyone basically left a window open to hackers everywhere, and it’s just now being addressed.
“It was interesting to hear that the NSA has known about the bug and has been using it to spy on people for two years now,” said Matt Wagner, Programmer Analyst at D&W Diesel in Auburn, NY.
A full story from the Syracuse New Times tech column is underway.
2048
No, it’s not a new futuristic novel that will be proven wrong; it’s the new “Candy Crush” for the inner numbers OCD in everyone. Spawned from a website that drew 33 million plays last month, the new app is taking the smartphone game market by storm. Get ready to match numbers with a vengeance! [Sheer excitement follows.]
Hitman Board Game
The hit video game series turned “everyone knew it would flop because video game movies always do” movie just became a board game, well, not really. It’s a board game for your smartphone. In case you had to get the Dexter in you out during a long day at work. Or if your mom grounded you from your game system. And you’re 35 and living at home.
People to Follow on Twitter
Because Facebook is getting boring.
Barney Stinson (@BarneyStinsonHI)
Not to be confused with @ActuallyNPH who is much less “Legend-wait for it-Dairy!” than the classic womanizer. This is for all the fans of the early “How I Met Your Mother” that miss their best character in his most hilarious “I’m an asshole” moments. Often makes my day. #TY whoever comes up with this stuff. Tweets are a welcome comic relief. Shout out to @Adillon626 for the tip on this one. Probably my favorite follow.
Anne Messenger (@AnneMessenger)
For everyone trying to get a job or advance in their career. Anne is the CNY’s top career coach and “named a favorite on Top 100 Twitter Accounts Job Seekers MUST Follow.” Tweets are free job coaching.
Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes)
For all of you who didn’t know, RT is the popular website that pools both critic and fan reviews of movies and has been “protecting you from bad movies since 1999.” I’m a movie buff and always check out whether films are “fresh” or “rotten” before spending $10 and two hours going to see them. They are usually spot on. Tweets are updates on new films.
Modern Seinfeld (@SeinfeldToday)
Everybody loves Seinfeld. But “what if Seinfeld were still on the air?” This fun Twitter handle explores just that. From internet woes to juice cleanses, these 140 character snippets capsulize plots of what we can imagine would be the hit show today.
Marcus Luttrell (@MarcusLuttrell)
Because he’s a badass. US Navy SEAL. If you haven’t read or seen the film “Lone Survivor” you have to. Enough said.
Original Gentleman (@HumbleGentlemen)
For those guys that actually care about being a true classy #gentleman. There is also @ArtofManliness but the site is richer than the Twitter feed.
The Syracuse New Times (@SyrNewTimes)
Because I would lose my job if I didn’t add that one. #LOL (Editor’s Note: Damn straight)
Great Tech Movies Coming Out
Not “Transcendence” – Johnny Depp’s AI sci-fi “thriller” is notoriously “rotten” at 19%. That’s like record-breaking rotten. Don’t waste your time. Stick to “Scissorhands,” the first “Pirates” movie, and “Sweeny Todd.” #fearandloathing
X-Men: Days of Future Past
Bringing together “the best of both worlds” from the franchise in terms of actors, filmmakers, and old and young characters, this flic has the potential to do some damage on a real mutant level. Release date is May 23rd of this year. (What does this have to do with tech? Watch the films.)
Star Wars VII
The J.J. Abrams “reboot” after Lucas signed the rights over to Disney. Looking forward to some fresh air after the disappointing Episodes I-III and after being awed by Abrams’s Trek prequel home runs. Set after the original series (of course) everyone’s favorite cast returns: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and (the great) Harrison Ford (are rumored to) reunite for perhaps the most anticipated film coming up in 2015. #peeingmypants
Superman II/Batman vs. Superman
Pushed back to a 2016 release, it’s the Zach Snyder (director) and Christopher Nolan (producer, of “The Dark Knight Trilogy” fame) sequel to the “Man of Steel” re-release of the Superman franchise. Amid some internet controversy, Ben Affleck is confirmed as the new “Caped Crusader.” Jessie Eisenberg (The Social Network, in a Best Actor Oscar nominated role) is confirmed as the new Lex Luthor.
What does that have to do with tech? Please? Batman is a rich ripped badass with amazing tech. #favoritesuperhero
Local Movers n’ Shakers & Their Favorite Tech
I continuously tweet local movers and shakers (some might say local celebrities) to find out what their favorite piece of tech was and why.
“Any manner of back up hard drives: cloud or physical. After learning the hard way when I was younger, I back up EVERYTHING now.” – Craig Laughlin, Founder & CEO of Kinani Blue
I asked what he uses: “Any combination of iCloud, Dropbox, and [this hardware].
Ben Ingber, a local blogger and tech expert: “My iPhone because I can do anything and everything with it. It has replaced my laptop (for a lot of things) my iPod, my point-and-shoot camera. It keeps me connected and informed.”
New Times Food writer, Margaret McCormick, agreed: “KitchenAid mixer [smiles]. I’m a latecomer to the iPhone and LOVE it. I take most of my food blog photos with it. I don’t being to use half the bells and whistles on it but it’s like a mini computer in my purse.”
A former Internet Marketing Manager, Joe Cunningham is a screenwriter, playwright and all-around adventurer. He blogs for Kinani Blue, charms Google at Terakeet and enjoys running through the city. You can follow him on Twitter at @IndianaJoe77 or he can be reached at [email protected].