New YouTube Custom Blurring Feature works on moving people.

Google launches Custom Blurring feature on YouTube; users can draw box around object or person they wish to keep from being seen; YouTube blurs out boxed item, even if it moves in the frame; feature can be found in Blurring Effects tab of enhancements tool. via LAUNCH


Image: Choose automatic or custom


Image: In custom mode, choose what you want to blur, and for how long.

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34 Ways to Get The Most From a Conference by Andy Crestodina

Andy Crestodina does a great job of compiling 34 Ways to Get The Most From a Conference:

The difference between a good and bad event is partly up to you, the attendee. Two people can go to the same conference and have a completely different experience. Some people are just better at maximizing the value.

This is a guide to squeezing all the value you can out of your next conference. The tips here are based on our experience attending 100+ conferences, trade shows, expos and networking events over the last 15 years.

Plus, I'm in it!

Steve and Carol at Northeast Craft Beer Fest

Northeast Craft Beer Fest

BROOKLYN Movie Trailer (Saoirse Ronan - 2015)

'American Idol' 2016: Top 14 Contestants Revealed! My Top 4.

'American Idol' 2016: Top 14 Contestants Revealed!

Here are my TOP 4 pics.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – Season 2 Teaser – Netflix [HD]

Note: Photos shot with Samsung #NX1 in AUTO mode.Buy on Amazon.com (affiliate link):Disclosure:Samsung supplied the Samsung NX1 28.2 MP Wireless SMART Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm f/2.0-2.8 "S" Lens to me on loan to play with and requested a short write-up and/or photos shared with the #NX1 hashtag.

[Video] “The Art of the Deal” starring Johnny Depp as Donald Trump.

Funny or Die released an hour-long film version of “The Art of the Deal” starring Johnny Depp as Donald Trump. 

The film - shot and edited in secrecy - was directed by Adam McKay of “Anchorman” and “The Big Short,” and also stars Ron Howard, Michaela Watkins, Alfred Molina, Patton Oswalt and Kristen Schaal and is shot to look as if it was made in the 1980s. – FOD

via INSIDE

The Death of Juicing via @inside

Super Bowl ads, New Hampshire updates and MORE are in today’s #InsideDailyBrief. Get the latest news here! http://bit.ly/20k6ENT

This was my favorite item:

Amanda Chantal Bacon founded the Los Angeles boutique juicery Moon Juice, which serves “cold-pressed, 100% organic juice and nut milk” in two locations around the city.

 

Bacon described for Elle.com her daily food routine and it’s intensely obscure, full of odd, unrecognizable ingredients. Things like silver needle and calendula tea, reishi, ho shou wu and activated cashews.

 

Here’s some of our favorite responses from around the Web:

 

Jarrett Sleeper added up the cost of Amanda’s grocery trip to buy all of her foodstuffs and it comes to over $1,200. The Frisky did the math and figured it at about $710 a day.

 

Julieanne Smolinski posted this note-perfect parody on Medium. Sample: “Dinner was a bouquet of tulips with my husband. We flash-boiled those in a marble cylinder full of rose quartz schmaltz and iron filings salvaged from the deck of the sunken French battleship Richelieu."

 

The Everywhereist attempted to recreate Bacon’s typical menu with the food she already had in her house.

 

New York Magazine said the article marks the “death of juicing."

 

Racked LA, however, jumped to Bacon’s defense, accusing the rest of the Web of “health-shaming” her. 

My American Idol Top 4

Grease: LIVE set the bar for live tv broadcasts integrating social media

Image: Kevin Estrada/Fox

Grease: Live was the best of the recent live broadcasts. Comparing this one to those others, they were snoozefests.

What worked here for me:

1. Integration of a live audience. Helped the show come alive.

2. Self-awareness of being a live show in 2016, not 1956. Instead of re-creating the stage play, we got nods to the movie and current pop culture. The behind the scenes opening with Jesse J and a selfie was inspired.

3. Social media integration. Facebook Live just overtook Twitter as the way to follow social media, during a live broadcast. I started following the hashtag on Twitter, then a lower thirds graphic directed me to Facebook to watch live during the breaks. Watching the show on TiVo made this easier, being able to pause the live broadcast. Facebook Live video showing behind the scenes and Mario Lopez talking with us was groundbreaking. 

Facebook still needs to work on the sports stadium live tv watching interface. I don't know why they didn't integrate that for this.

Future live shows like this now have a new standard to live up to.

Learning about Malibu safety features at ‪#‎bostonautoshow‬

Learning about Malibu safety features. #bostonautoshow

Posted by Steve Garfield on Thursday, January 14, 2016

Image courtesy Chevrolet.

Have teenagers, they are going to hate the Malibu safety features:

Malibu is the first vehicle in the industry to offer a built-in system to help encourage safe driving habits and let parents know how their teenager drove the vehicle. By inputting a PIN into your Chevrolet MyLink† display, available Teen Driver technology† can enable a whole host of features including:
• Muting audio when front seat occupants aren’t wearing their safety belts
• Giving audible and visual warnings when the vehicle is traveling over predetermined speeds
• Set limits on music volume
• Informing you if safety features like available Forward Collision Alert or Lane Departure Warning were triggered.

Big brother is here!

Learning about Jeep and seeing the Jeep Overland reveal at #bostonautoshow

Jeep Overland reveal at #bostonautoshow

Posted by Steve Garfield on Thursday, January 14, 2016

It was interesting to learn about the Jeep lineup, especially how good they are in the snow, which we have none of right now. ;-)

Bill Griffith of the Boston Globe talked about what we saw during the press preview in his article, Insider’s guide: What to look for at the New England Auto Show:

Manufacturers love to see us purchase well-optioned versions of our favorite vehicles.

And, in years between redesigns, nothing freshens up a model lineup like a fancy new trim level.

Jeep is bringing one by offering a premium Overland version of the 2016 Cherokee midsize SUV, a vehicle that saw a 23 percent sales jump in 2015.

“The new Cherokee Overland model is a direct response to consumers looking for benchmark 4x4 capability that only Jeep can offer, in a stunning, more luxurious package loaded with premium amenities,” said Mike Manley, head of Jeep brand for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

In case you need a reminder, the Cherokee also comes in Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk models. Features? Call this new one loaded. An optional Technology Group offers pre-collision braking and lane-keeping assist.

Learning about the new Chrysler Pacifica at #bostonautoshow

Image: Pacifica

Chrysler Pacifica at #bostonautoshow

Posted by Steve Garfield on Thursday, January 14, 2016

Watch video on Facebook.

I'm not in the market for a minivan, but this 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has some very cool features including:

- Redesigned Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, which is easier than ever to use with the innovative Stow ‘n Go Assist
- New Stow ‘n Vac system offers most powerful vacuum in segment for quick and easy cleaning

I was very impressed with how the back seat folded into the floor.





Also, a vacuum! Cool. No AWD though.

Images courtesy Chrysler.

Learning about the Ford Fund at #bostonautoshow with Gerry Miles

Learning about the Ford Fund at #bostonautoshow with Gerry Miles

Posted by Steve Garfield on Thursday, January 14, 2016

Ford Press release:

FORD MOTOR COMPANY EXPANDS HUNGER-RELIEF PROGRAMS IN NEW ENGLAND AS PART OF BROADER COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
Ford Motor Company and its dealers are investing $2 million over five years to address hunger in New England

Ford contributions include a new Transit van for The Greater Boston Food Bank, and Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) teen driving programs in Boston and Hartford, Connecticut

Innovative community outreach programs are part of Ford’s growing community presence across the U.S.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass., Oct. 15, 2015 – Ford Motor Company is expanding its commitment in New England by launching a new philanthropic initiative with local dealers that will include $2 million to fight hunger across the region.

Ford Motor Company Fund, the charitable arm of Ford Motor Company, will provide support, including vehicles, to 10 food banks in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont over five years. Ford is working with Feeding America®, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief organization, in connection with its outreach in New England.

“More than 12 percent of those living in the New England area lack reliable access to the food and nutrition needed to thrive,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “As part of our commitment to the communities we serve, we are stepping up our efforts in the fight against hunger.”*

Vella made the announcement at an event with local dealers, community leaders, and food bank representatives where Ford delivered the keys to a new Ford Transit van to The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB). GBFB will use the van to help deliver food to individuals facing hunger in eastern Massachusetts, becoming part of a national network of Ford Transits the company launched six years ago to meet hunger needs.

Over the last decade, Ford has helped provide more than 100 additional vehicles to Feeding America member food banks. These vehicles enable food banks to collect food and grocery donations received from retail stores, farmers and manufacturers and get it to people facing hunger.

“The support from Feeding America and Ford Motor Company Fund is extremely valuable to The Greater Boston Food Bank and our mission, which is to ‘End Hunger Here,’” said Cheryl Schondek, vice president of Food Acquisition and Supply Chain at GBFB. “As we enter the busiest time of year, this partnership will help us distribute more nutritious food and fresh produce throughout eastern Massachusetts.”

Last year, GBFB distributed 54 million pounds of healthy food. This year it plans to distribute even more to help the one in nine residents of eastern Massachusetts who struggle to have enough to eat. Other recipients of the new hunger-relief grants include the following Feeding America member food banks:

Connecticut: Connecticut Food Bank, East Haven; Foodshare, Bloomfield;
Maine: Good Shepherd Food Bank, Auburn;
Massachusetts: The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Hatfield; Worcester County Food Bank, Inc., Shrewsbury;
New Hampshire: New Hampshire Food Bank, Manchester;
New York: Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, Latham;
Vermont: Vermont Foodbank, Barre;
Rhode Island: Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Providence

Ford announced the latest philanthropic collaboration with its dealers at an event that also brought the award-winning Ford DSFL program to New England. Hundreds of teen drivers from the area will experience a safe driving course that puts them behind the wheel with professional instructors. Including today’s new programs, Ford and the Ford Fund have invested more than $12 million in hunger-relief, education and other New England community service programs over the past 10 years.

Ford’s expanded investments in the New England region are part of Ford Fund’s Operation Better World initiative. Launched in 2008, the Operation Better World framework enables the Ford Fund, Ford dealers and other groups to collaborate on a strategic approach to philanthropy and more effectively meet community needs. Including New England, the Ford Fund has launched Operation Better World programs in 25 cities and regions around the U.S.

Looking at the new Prius with Toyota at ‪#‎BostonAutoShow‬

Live with Toyota at #BostonAutoShow

Posted by Steve Garfield on Thursday, January 14, 2016

Images courtesy Toyota.



Watch video on Facebook.

From Toyota Press Release:

After selling more than 3.5 million hybrids worldwide and helping steer the industry toward hybridization, the fourth-generation 2016 Prius serves as a new disruptor. The fresh version of this global green icon takes the hybrid concept further than ever with a striking design, greater ride comfort and improved fuel economy. Fuel economy ratings have risen to 58 mpg city / 53 mpg highway / 56 mpg combined, thanks to lighter weight and further optimized aerodynamics.

New to the RAV4 family for 2016, the Higher levels of driving satisfaction and refinement will reward the Prius faithful and surprise those new to the move

Boston Auto Show 2016 Photo Album

Click through to look at all the photos.


New England International Auto Show
JANUARY 14-18, 2016
BOSTON CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTER

Photos taken with Samsung #NX1

What's the Best Webcam to Get for a Laptop Computer

I’d get the newer (2013) one below…

Logitech C920 has been the best and it has a tripod mount.

NEW
Looks like Logitech have a new one, the Pro Webcam: The Logitech Webcam C930e.



Here are the specs:

PRO WEBCAM
Ultra Wide Angle HD Webcam
For desktop video meetings, live feeds, webinars and more

LIST PRICE: $ 129.99
The Ultra Wide Angle webcam that brings pro-quality HD video and stereo audio to desktop video meetings.

• Full HD 1080p video calling (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels) 720p HD video calling (up to 1280 x 720 pixels) with supported clients
• 90 degree field of view
• H.264/SVC video compression
• Supports H.264 1080p for Skype® for Business, along with optimizations for best call performance in single or multiparty HD video.
• Zoom to 4X in 1080p
• Optional light application for control of pan, tilt and zoom
• ZEISS® lens certification
• Autofocus
• External privacy shutter
• Rightlight™ 2 Technology for clear image in various lighting environments, even low light
• Built-in dual stereo mics
• Automatic low-light correction
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0 certified (USB 3.0 ready)
• Tripod-ready universal clip fits laptops, LCD or CRT monitors

From Amazon.com, The Logitech Webcam C930e:

The latest technology for fluid full HD video calls
First 1080p HD webcam with on-camera video processing

Make a professional impression in vivid full HD video at up to a smooth 30 frames per second—without taxing your PC processing power. UVC H.264 encoding technology frees up bandwidth by putting video processing within the camera.

Easily focus in on details
Pan, tilt and zoom

With the ability to digitally pan, tilt and zoom, you can easily focus on visuals and presentations with the highest level of HD video detail. (To control experience, downloadable software application may be required.)

Extended 90-degree field of view
Widest-view business webcam

Now your video meetings can easily include whiteboard presentations or product demos. With an extended 90-degree field of view your clients and colleagues can clearly see you and whatever you’re presenting. And when the webcam is not in use, a convenient privacy screen covers the lens for added privacy and security.

Certified for Lync and Skype
Compatible with most video conferencing apps
Plug-and-play deployment

Enjoy easy USB connectivity to PCs or Macs and seamless compatibility with your familiar video apps—certified for Microsoft Lync 2013 and Skype, compatible with most UC and web conferencing applications, and supports H.264 1080p for Lync 2013.

Automatically adjusts for poor lighting
Autofocus. Auto light correction.

Smooth autofocus keeps your video image razor sharp, even in close ups. Logitech RightLight 2 technology automatically adjusts for low light or backlit situations so you’re always seen in just the right light.

Buy it at Amazon.com (affiliate link)


Logitech C930e 960-000971 USB 2.0 1920 x 1080 Video Webcam

Stay tuned for a hands on review. Here's PCMAG a review from 2013.

REVIEW: XShot Deluxe Selfie Kit With Remote

Image: XShot Deluxe Selfie Kit with Remote

I got an XShot Deluxe Selfie Kit with Remote for review. I've been a fan of XShot Camera Extenders for a long time and wondered why they didn't jump on the Selfie Stick craze. Well now they have, and just in time sine all the promo selfie sticks that I've gotten for free have broken. All of them. They were all cheaply made.

Now that XShot has a Selfie Stick with Remote, I've got one that looks a lot sturdier than the cheap imports.

XShot Deluxe Selfie Kit with Remote has some impressive specs:

Six brilliant colors in fully anodized aluminum construction.
Incredibly light and compact design perfect to take anywhere.
Quickly opens and stays in position at any length.
Includes Bluetooth®-compatible remote shutter.
Includes XShot premium phone holder for iPhone® or Android.™
Extends reach by 31” / 79 cm & closes to 8” / 20cm.

You can also get the Basic 2-Button Bluetooth remote and XShot Basic Phone Holder separately.

SETUP
My iPhone fit the holder very easily and the holder attached the the XSHot camera extender. The dial that you use to tighten the holder is plastic. The complete package is $29.95.





BLUETOOTH CONNECTION
You turn the route power on, then turn Bluetooth on in the iPhone settings. The iPhone finds the remote and adds it as a keyboard. This allows it to take photos using the large CAMERA IOS button. The other button is labeled Android.



TAKING PHOTOS
Press the CAMERA IOS button. Simple.



SHARING VIA SOCIAL MEDIA
After taking the photo, you can share as usual with social media. I shared on Flickr, I know old school, and when I tried to enter a title, my iPhone keyboard didn't pop up. I figured that it's because the Selfie Stick button took over the keyboard. So I turned Bluetooth off and was able to enter text with the iPhone keyboard.

CONCLUSION
If you've already got an XSHOT camera extender, the Bluetooth remote and phone holder would be a nice addition to your kit. If you want the whole package, this is a reasonable way to go without the fear of having it break in a week. The phone holder and attachment hardware looks very well made.

It seems like selfies and selfie sticks will be with us for a while, except for certain museums that have a well placed fear of people damaging fine art. If you want to experiment with a selfie stick, the XShot Deluxe Selfie Kit With Remote is a good way to go.

Buy on Amazon.com (Affiliate Link)


XShot Deluxe Selfie Kit, Blue Color (with Remote)

View the full XShot product line on Amazon.com