Take your blinders off, protect your privacy

Personal privacy in a 24-7 digital world may sound quaint, and I'm certainly aware of the tradeoffs each of us makes as personal information becomes  a form of currency. 

But knowing that personal information is currency one should actively and tightly control isn't something the average person is aware of, let alone cares about.

Therein lies a big problem as more and more entities get their hooks into personal data via our computers, smartphones and smart TVs. It's one thing to hand over your name, email address and ZIP code in exchange for free access to a service. But it's much more serious when you're unaware that digital service is also tapping into your personal contact list, following your browsing history, even tracking your location. 

The growth of free smartphone apps has increased the prevalence of these privacy threats. Too often we're too focused on firing up a cool app instead of first reading the fine print that may raise eyebrows.

Case in point: I recently got a notice to upgrade the Android app from a local TV station.* Since my company had just released a new Android app for our 661411 brand, I dived in to the fine print to see what had changed with this TV station app. Good thing I did.

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My stint hosting Californian Radio

I did my first gig co-hosting Californian Radio on Monday, talking local and national motorsports with Californian reporter Mike Griffith. 

One thing becomes clear quickly: I have a voice made for print. 

Spotify finally hits the States -- thankfully

Updated on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 2:22 PM by Logan Molen

It seems like it was a few years ago that I first heard of Spotify, the streaming music service that was breathlessly taking Europe by storm at the time. The service only just arrived in the States in the last week, courtesy of labored negotiations with the four big American music labels. 

So the wait is over and Spotify is slowly handing out accounts to people who reserved spots, people willing to buy a subscription and move to the head of the line, and people who gain access through seats sponsored by major corporations. 

I've been playing with Spotify for a few days and have found it to be a joy, with a few exceptions. 

 Things I like:

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