Do Baby Boomers Influence Technology?
Yes — according to technology industry analyst Tim Bajarin.
Admittedly, boomers aren’t the most tech-savvy group — that would be the 14-to-24-year-old set. But Boomers have a great deal of purchasing power (more purchasing power than any other demographic, in fact) and this is the source of their influence.
And what are they most interested in? Living long and healthy lives. Boomers are especially concerned about the cost of health care. Indeed, “they are three times more worried about a major illness, their ability to pay for health care, or winding up in a nursing home, than they are about dying.”
Hence, they will be spending large amounts of money on health care-related technology. For instance, they will be interested in buying personal health care devices such as defibrillators and heart monitors.
In anticipation of this demand, several tech companies have already started re-structuring to make health care technology a bigger part of their businesses.
And, though health is the major issue on their minds, boomers will also use technology in other ways, such as: to stay in touch with their loved ones, to learn more about their pastimes (e.g., quilting, fishing), and maybe even to do a bit of shopping.
[Source: PC Mag]
Plug Us In
There seems to be a certain myth that baby boomers especially those over 50 or 60 years old can’t even find the on button of a computer. More to the myth is that they hate technology and don’t play video games or use much email.
The truth is studies have shown that more and more baby boomers are using products mostly associated with the younger generation such as iPods, computers, and even drinking red bull and other energy drinks.
So don’t think getting them a crocheted blanket is going to get you off the hook when they are really eyeing that plasma screen tv.
This Ad’s For You
A new report shows that Canadian radio advertisers are beginning to focus more on the baby boomer market than the younger adults and teens who have long been the focus of radio advertising.
The demographics don’t quite have the boomer generation pegged, as the most advertising is directed at the 25 to 54 market. The first boomers turn 60 this year.
Still, this is a not completely unexpexted turn away from youngsters, who are probably listening to the radio far less than ever before thanks to iPods and other downloaded digital music. Older people are probably more likely to be listening to the radio than their kids or grandkids are. I’m sure this is a trend you’d see all over the world.
Alaska Airlines in Denver and Seattle
Filed under: General, Technology, Vacations, Working
Alaska Airlines
Seatac Airport (Seattle, WA) - Denver International Airport (Denver, Colorado)
1-800-ALASKAAIR
Alaskaairlines.com
A trip to Seattle and back from Denver, Colorado provided a very pleasant and easy flying experience. While I’m a big fan of Northwest Airlines, I think I’m becoming a big fan for this smaller partner airlines. Never were the check-ins consisting of long lines or any waits - smooth and streamlined … and very pleasant helpful staff at both airports and on the flight. Service was A plus. No delays in either flight, in fact, they were early on arrival in all courses. I was very pleased. No problems with luggage either. 5 stars out of 5.
Budget Car Rental - Seatac Airport, Seattle
Filed under: General, Technology, Vacations, Working
Budget Car Rental - Seatac Airport, Seattle
www.budget.com
800-527-0700
A week rental through usaa.com for $144 total price for 8 days. Sweet. Small economy car, the journey went well with it already waiting for me at the airport, and an easy check-out. However the lady at the service counter kept trying to sell me insurance and an upgrade. Hello? I reserved the car (no credit card necessary) through my insurance company. I ordered an economy car, I don’t need to pay more for a full-size (though truthfully would have been helpful with some of my move). Outside of the pushy agent, it was a very pleasant experience. The tire was low on the car, I was disappointed with that. But air-up and it was fine. Feared it might of been a flat. But it held the whole eight days so obviously not. Checkin was good, speedy, easy, and quick receipt. Rated 4 stars out of 5.
Tulalip Casino and Buffet (Tulalip, WA)
Tulalip Casino and Buffet
10200 Quil Ceda Blvd.
Tulalip, WA 98271
(888) 272-1111
http://www.tulalipcasino.com/
Conveniently located off I-5 inbetween Mt. Vernon and Everett, a great stop-off for Vancouver - Seattle travellers … Tulalip Casino is an enormous palace of slot machines, game tables, bars, and fine entertainment. Usually very notable for their buffet, I stopped by on Monday, Dec 12th, 2005, to find not only did they raise their prices, but the food wasn’t as expansive as usual, nor as good. It also took the waittress quite a while to get back to me with refills which is odd, because they used to be right on top of everything, quality food, and great service. Not today. Usually I rate this a 4 1/2 stars, but this time, gonna have to give the buffet a 2. Rated 2 stars out of 5.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
http://www.alaskaair.com/
One of my new favorite Airlines … Alaska Air with its sister carrier, Horizon Air, together provide passenger and cargo air service to 80+ cities in Alaska, the lower 48 states, Canada, and Mexico. They’ve been in operation more than 70 years. They claim attribution to their connection to spirit - born of the Alaskan spirit, a place where “can-do” and “neighbor-helping-neighbor” are facts of life. In my flight with them via partner Northwest Airlines - flying from Denver to Seattle - the checkin could not be smoother, flight was early and on-time, seats were confortable, hosts were helpful and welcoming, good storage space on flight, and after landing, which was very smooth, we not only got to Seattle early, but our luggage came out on time. I’m very satisfied. 5 stars out of 5. Thank you Alaska Air!
Super 8 Hotel, Denver, CO
Super 8 Hotel
18600 E 63rd Ave, Denver, CO 80249
http://www.metrotravelguide.com/hotelinfo/Denver/CO/USA/58374/
Decent hotel, a little higher price than normal, that would be expected I suppose being close to the Airport and trapped in by toll roads. No wireless internet, though they say they are working on it. I grabbed their great Airport parking and free shuttle service … so the room cost me $72 which included the parking deal. If I didn’t do the parking, it would have been about $15 less. Cable TV with HBO. I was able to do dialup. Room was small, but had all the amenities I required for this travel. They also post they have:
AM/FM Alarm Clock, 24 Hour Front Desk, Express Checkout, Golf, Modem Lines in Room, No Smoking Rooms/Facilities, Parking, Restaurant (I suppose its the Moonlight Diner?), Room Service (very extensive offerings), Safe Deposit Box, Skiing (alot of skiers were lodged here tonight), Fitness Center or Spa, Television with Cable, Laundry/Valet Services. Overall I rate it a 3 3/4 stars out of 5.
Today or Tomorrow? Atlantic Current shifts
From Daily Grist Magazine, 01 Dec 2005
A Current Despair
Waning of Atlantic currents could chill Europe
Remember that movie The Day After Tomorrow? With the shifting ocean currents that cause sudden, catastrophic climate changes? Crazy stuff! Michael Moore territory! Well … funny story. Turns out the Atlantic Ocean currents that move warm tropical waters northward and cooler waters south have in fact slowed dramatically — by about 30 percent in the past 50 years, according to a new study in the journal Nature. The likely culprit? Disruption in the salinity and density of Atlantic waters brought about by increased “freshening” with more rain and melting glaciers, thanks to global warming. This could be bad news for northwestern Europe, which depends on that hit of tropical heat for its mild climate. A total shutdown of the Atlantic current system — still deemed unlikely so far — could cool the region by several degrees over 10 to 20 years. Hello, ice age! Researchers say a lot more study is needed, but most seem alarmed by the findings. And alarmed researchers make us nervous.
straight to the source: Nature.com News, Quirin Schiermeier, 30 Nov 2005
Deconstructing Hurricane
Intense 2005 hurricane season may be harbinger of things to come
This year’s Atlantic hurricane season officially ended yesterday (at which point we emerged from basement bunker, blinking), having racked up a record-breaking 26 named storms. Thirteen of these became hurricanes, and three reached Category 5 strength, including Katrina. And over half the past two seasons’ storms have made landfall, compared to an average of 9 percent from 1995 to 2003. “It was incredibly out of the ordinary,” said federal hurricane specialist Jack Beven. Some researchers say we may see more such destructive storms in years to come, thanks in part to warmer sea-surface temperatures in the tropics. A natural-cycle variation or global warming? Most experts are unwilling to come down on one side or the other. “This season was such an extreme event that it’s a little difficult to believe it could repeat itself on a regular basis,” said Beven. “But it’s too early to tell what the next season will bring.”
straight to the source: Reuters, Erwin Seba, 30 Nov 2005
straight to the source: The New York Times, Amy Goodnough, 30 Nov 2005
straight to the source: The Christian Science Monitor, Peter N. Spotts, 30 Nov 2005
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (Hollywood, Florida)
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Address: 4150 North State Road 7
Hollywood, Florida 33024
Phone: 866-2-Casino
Directions: Take I-95 to Stirling Road. Go West to State Road 7 (441). On the South West Corner of the intersection.
http://www.seminoletribe.com/enterprises/hollywood/casino.shtml
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is run by the Seminole Tribe of Florida with the famous “Hard Rock Cafe” blended into the resort. Hotel, massive swimming pool and tiki bar, casino with Bingo, over 48 tables, what looks like hundreds of slots, restaurants, a shopping walk, a museum, Indian Village, concert hall and stage, this unique complex offers 24 hours/day entertainment, partying, and hospitality. A definite happening place in Hollywood. Rating: 5 stars.
Computer-On-A-Stick
If you’re into computers, check out the new technology gadget called, “Computer-On-A-Stick”. It is a complete operating system and office suite, so you can pretty much take your whole desktop environment wherever you go. It sounds intriguing. Has anyone heard of it or tried it? I know that one company makes it; I think the web site is www.fingergear.com
Where’s My TV?
Your television may go digital in 2006. This was decided upon by Congress in 1996. What does this mean for you? It would mean that those who rely on television sets with antennaes and no cable would be faced with a blank screen or pay the price for a converter. This may all sound confusing to you, especially if you haven’t heard of it before. Check out the link and you can read all about it!
Preserving Home Videos: Which DVD Format is Best?
I wrote this article a few months ago, after my dad retired and declared that his first post-retirement project would be re-recording and preserving our old VHS home videos…
Preserving Home Videos: Which DVD Format is Best?
The first thing my father wanted to do upon retirement was transfer our countless VHS home videos onto digital media–to better preserve the memories, clear up some shelf space, and maybe even reminisce a little. But he didn’t know which of the various DVD formats would be best suited to this task.
He knew he wanted a long-lasting, affordable format that offered high compatibility with standalone DVD players. Conversely, he knew he didn’t want a format with complex rewriting or editing functionality. With these priorities in mind, he narrowed down his options:
–DVD-ROM and its permutations he ruled out right away; they were read-only formats containing pre-recorded content like videos and games.
–DVD-RAM was a high-performance rewritable format used primarily for storing computer data. It could be used for video, but was not compatible with most DVD players–and was far too advanced for Dad’s purposes.
–DVD-RW and DVD+RW were also rewritable formats (similar to CD-RW) used for both data and audio/visual applications. They were closer to what Dad sought – they were more affordable, slightly more compatible, and had a 30-year storage life – but still incorporated technology he didn’t need.
–DVD-R and DVD+R were write-once recordable formats (similar to CD-R) onto which either computer data or audio/visual information could be permanently burned using a laser. Both were inexpensive, had broad compatibility, and had a 100-year storage life. One of these would be perfect for archiving our home videos – but which?
DVD-R, introduced in 1997, had a slightly higher compatibility with standalone DVD players than DVD+R, which wasn’t introduced until 2001. Because DVD+R was newer, it had some added versatility–but it was also a bit more expensive than DVD-R (though the price would probably come down as more discs were produced).
The most important difference between DVD-R and DVD+R was that manufacturing companies tended to adhere to either one standard or the other: DVD-R was supported by a “Forum” that included Panasonic, Pioneer, Toshiba, and Apple Computer; DVD+R was supported by an “Alliance” that included Philips, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, and Thomson Multimedia (RCA).
Realizing that the DVD format he’d ultimately need would depend upon the brand of hardware he used, Dad concentrated on shopping for a DVD recorder. Finally, he purchased one made by Broksonic–one which required DVD-Rs.
Since beginning the Great Home Video Conversion, Dad has been pleased both with the DVD recorder and with the DVD-R format. He’s been working very diligently; as of right now, he’s nearly done with the first shelf of videos. (Just seven more shelves to go…)
Welcome to Boomer 2.0 - News for the Baby Boomer Generation
Filed under: General, Health, Politics, Relationships, Retirement, Technology, Vacations, Working
Welcome to Boomer 2.0 - News for the Baby Boomer Generation.
In this blog we’ll be covering issues important to you — your health, vacation, retirement, politics, technology, relationships and more.