Category Archives: Technology

Who Better Hammers Out The Story? Human or Machine?

Posted on June 8, 2015 by laura

Stacy Stanek Smith of NPR recently wrote a short account of a contest between a seasoned NPR correspondent and Wordsmith, the robot journalist created by Automatic Insights. The rules for the race: Both contenders waited for Denny’s, the diner company, … Continue reading →

Posted in Computing, Journalism, Technology | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Swiss Watch Industry Enjoying The Spotlight

Posted on September 10, 2014 by laura

The reaction of the Swiss Watch Industry to the Apple watch was on the evening news today. I saw the segment with subtitles for the hearing impaired on the overhead television at the gym. The video showed Nick Hayek, CEO … Continue reading →

Posted in Apple, Switzerland, Technology | Tagged | 1 Comment

Turkey Twitter Ban? Ankara Is Hot!

Posted on March 23, 2014 by laura

According to the Washington Post, Turkey has strengthened its Twitter ban by blocking Twitter at the IP level. The Web 3.0 Lab has an interesting app called Happan.in that shows Twitter activity levels at any location around the world. According … Continue reading →

Posted in Internet, Social Media, Technology, Transformation, Twitter, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Tech Takes Backseat To Cars At The Geneva Motor Show

Posted on March 13, 2014 by laura

Last weekend I spent a few hours at the Geneva Motor Show. For a number of years, it was an annual pilgrimage for me, but it’s been a year or two since the last time I went. I hadn’t planned … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Powerful Connections

Posted on March 10, 2014 by laura

My schedule has become almost impossible, but despite my lack of time, there’s no escaping news of the ominous situation unfolding in Ukraine. The story so far in 100 words or less: Ukrainians take to the streets to protest President … Continue reading →

Posted in Internet, Society, Technology, Transformation | Tagged | 1 Comment

Taking Pictures With A Tablet In Ethiopia

Posted on February 10, 2014 by laura

We don’t need photographs documenting how people take pictures and videos with tablets anymore, but I liked this one so much I asked for a copy. It was taken at the Timkat celebration of Epiphany in Addis Ababa, and I … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Death Of The Letter

Posted on December 19, 2013 by laura

I enjoy the website Letters of Note, which is full of gems such as this letter from Albert Camus to his school teacher, written just after Camus had been awarded the Nobel Prize. French speakers can find the original in … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Technology | Tagged | 5 Comments

Event Report: EPFL Congress On Privacy And Surveillance

Posted on October 11, 2013 by laura

I went to the Congress on Privacy and Surveillance at the EPFL last week. The day-long conference was a rare opportunity to listen to some of the most renowned technical and legal experts in the field. When Pamela Jones closed … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil Liberties, Internet, Privacy, Society, Technology, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Transparency About Use Of Photos For Facial Recognition Technology

Posted on September 16, 2013 by laura

So you thought facial recognition data only came from law enforcement records? Why Can’t You Smile At The DMV? How Your Photo Is Used Without Your Knowledge “So what is the truth to be found here about cars? If you … Continue reading →

Posted in Privacy, Society, Technology | Tagged , | 1 Comment

All The Hype For Hyperloop, But They Forgot Swissmetro

Posted on July 23, 2013 by laura

In addition to business networking, LinkedIn is becoming more and more like a social network for news sharing. Yesterday, I was intrigued enough to click on a link to a post from Esther Dyson discussing the business model behind Elon … Continue reading →

Posted in Innovation, Switzerland, Technology | Tagged , | 2 Comments