tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21191259255839300552024-03-13T10:16:19.364-07:00From IBM Selectrics to social mediaDo you remember how cool it was to have our own IBM Selectric typewriter? Or what about editing a newspaper with a blueline pen? I remember the good old days, but I now embrace the future of communication. This blog is a diary of sorts of my thoughts and impressions about communications strategy, the growth of technology in "Austantonio" and other things that interest me.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.comBlogger449125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-61846017220147482882023-07-09T12:38:00.001-07:002023-07-09T12:38:37.692-07:00Wembanyama mania abounds in San Antonio<p> I feel sorry for Victor Wembanyama and the media microscope surrounding him.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLRxyTW9LmQRsj_yX9pphuutwT4_4hNfw5lUR4Etg2g7Ww9Y0sTHzV4EbfV9JGORjBm-mw00Xnx6lich8kr4Iq4aBg9cgtPpUtJ_7Y5OhjqWggu49_oU1iBR0gJtQQRPuiiW1XUoQU4zJnDma6M1wvtrxVuE86vwkdpuL1N8VDId4wK6vgbhoCcJaJr_6r" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLRxyTW9LmQRsj_yX9pphuutwT4_4hNfw5lUR4Etg2g7Ww9Y0sTHzV4EbfV9JGORjBm-mw00Xnx6lich8kr4Iq4aBg9cgtPpUtJ_7Y5OhjqWggu49_oU1iBR0gJtQQRPuiiW1XUoQU4zJnDma6M1wvtrxVuE86vwkdpuL1N8VDId4wK6vgbhoCcJaJr_6r" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Like others, I watch his Friday NBA Rookie League debut to see why he was worth the number one pick. He showed a great ability to block shots. His shooting wasn't that good, but then everyone has first-game jitters.</p><p>Since he selection in New York, our local newspaper must have assigned their NBA beat writers, their columnist and now a lifestyle/features section writer.</p><p>I love my adopted hometown of San Antonio. I have become a Spurs fan, although the Denver Nuggets, my second favorite team, won the NBA channel. Still, the media coverage has been over the top in its coverage of the number one draft pick.</p><p>Today, Greg Popovich announced that he has signed a 5-year contract with the Spurs. Wembanyama will probably become his last project before he heads off to his favorite vineyard.</p><p>Still, how crazy will San Antonio become over Victor's arrival?</p><p>There will be an influx of babies named Victor or Victoria. The media will cover the arrival of the first boy or girl wearing a #1 Spurs jersey.</p><p>Dogs will also have that name, but some owners will call their canine Wemby.</p><p>Someone will try to franchise French-based cuisine and either call it Victor W or Wemby.</p><p>A enterprising type will create a "Where's Wemby" book where children can find the nearly 7-foot, 4-inch around city locations.</p><p>I know I'm missing something about our new draft pick. If you have thoughts on what is missing in this article, please let me know.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-44280608774598632942023-07-07T04:55:00.003-07:002023-07-07T04:55:49.228-07:00A prayer to add more fathers at Sunday services<p> As a Catholic, my favorite saint has become St. Joseph, Jesus' earthly father. Catholics all know the story of the Immaculate Conception and how Joseph could have divorced Mary, his wife.</p><p>Instead, he served as Jesus' step father through his formative years.</p><p>I think of him when I see some families go to Sunday Mass without their father.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHYPDgKAgkJlE0kkcui2BHfC_Zs9G75Jjw0VQ5F-yRD1kd6NmOtOVLbFrTMMeIihWDaxO-KybDjGdP5ddC8wx1PLzRDg9NcH0W-HugTWYNM09lt1NsfmSBfJtI72dAgcoQ_wbi_bGY2OAM7j8SxA9BDmnqKOwbUsBwqJdrFtk_-gwu71Kj5lyIHw_vu0NF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHYPDgKAgkJlE0kkcui2BHfC_Zs9G75Jjw0VQ5F-yRD1kd6NmOtOVLbFrTMMeIihWDaxO-KybDjGdP5ddC8wx1PLzRDg9NcH0W-HugTWYNM09lt1NsfmSBfJtI72dAgcoQ_wbi_bGY2OAM7j8SxA9BDmnqKOwbUsBwqJdrFtk_-gwu71Kj5lyIHw_vu0NF" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>To me, it sets the stage for spiritual growth. I was fortunate to have my father attend most Masses with me. When he had to work at Sears on a Sunday, we changed our regularly slated 11:30 service for Saturday night so we could attend Mass together.</p><p>I'm going to work on a personal prayer for families like the one that has a son who just had his First Communion a month ago. His father was there for that event, but he has never come back to attend Mass with his son.</p><p>Catholics pray for a lot of things, especially when people get seriously sick or when somebody dies. Couldn't we find time to also pray that more fathers come to Mass with their families on Sundays as well as during the week?</p><p>I'd love your thoughts on this, so please respond with your comments on how we can add more fathers to our spiritual mix, not only for the Catholic faith but for others as well.</p><p><br /></p>Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-55311138816310045532023-07-02T11:46:00.001-07:002023-07-02T11:46:24.394-07:00Christian values should abound when tipping at a restaurant<p> Tipping at restaurants is something I wish some church-going types might think about after attending services on Sunday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ya0zk8BqEvKdxW0Dj8baVCjT5eqz6t039bVhR_UXLdpkeJEE67gZisF-G4yQLSBYSBWy2VVnROPeHaac8jFBPGZ2xjpw8dKIZJUhrdZOdUM66R6vZpWYs_mBp2-qBtCpOEF113dO_s3OCkZDwPu6vumflTI7qZok5Bc8UjQVkjjixsSZjky63uGv_6gI/s429/prayer.tract.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="429" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ya0zk8BqEvKdxW0Dj8baVCjT5eqz6t039bVhR_UXLdpkeJEE67gZisF-G4yQLSBYSBWy2VVnROPeHaac8jFBPGZ2xjpw8dKIZJUhrdZOdUM66R6vZpWYs_mBp2-qBtCpOEF113dO_s3OCkZDwPu6vumflTI7qZok5Bc8UjQVkjjixsSZjky63uGv_6gI/s320/prayer.tract.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>My son, a retired restaurant professional, noted how some openly religious types would leave small change for a large party. Instead, they would leave religious tracts and tell Peter they would pray for him.</p><p>Some restaurants have an 18-percent addendum for parties of six or more. Even better to the server is that an 18-percent flat fee is added in some Fort Lauderdale restaurants.</p><p>I ate at one of them, and the service was exceptional. It reminded me of German restaurants where the surcharge was already factored into the bill.</p><p>While overseas in German restaurants, I would add a one or two deutsche mark for exceptional service.</p><p>While many would question the additional costs of service in their meal costs, I would suggest they talk to those who work in the profession for a significant amount of time. The cost of a meal for people who get your meals, fill your drinks and coffee should never be questioned.</p><p>If you have been to restaurants overseas or in places like Fort Lauderdale, you wouldn't question the quality of service. If it was terrible, you have alternatives to go somewhere else.</p><p>Regardless of the service, here is some exceptional advice from Jared Wilson, a Christian writer when he posted this advice <a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/fake-money-gospel-tracts/">in his blog.</a></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #272727; font-family: Charter; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">Best way to “witness” to a waiter/waitress I’ve ever seen is this:</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #272727; font-family: Charter; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">1. Be friendly. Tell them you will be praying before your meal, Ask if you can pray for them. If body language, tone of voice and time permits, ask if there is anything specific.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #272727; font-family: Charter; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">2. Pray for them.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #272727; font-family: Charter; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">3. Leave a good tip.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #272727; font-family: Charter; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">And that’s it. The Holy Spirit will do the rest. You’ll be amazed at how many actual opportunities to minister to people in Jesus’ name comes from this.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-68288618536463586152023-07-01T01:38:00.001-07:002023-07-01T01:39:10.616-07:00The Catfish Hunter poker hand<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir24W4YgtstdoXz7vM709Wyxe3Cndd4pQRRIY0UVVSiDWwiJvVeGAr_0u_w8OWu_fmDN7gOVB8eE5cUQzR4c6_OjEoG5wG_j8KEqsBf3glmi4cR0OuoowNsz3TawT2qR-lgtNLjkbN02H763jD1fn4nxsP3cKILoLx402cU1ODHwMBhbO7zjn4tc7kiejs/s1049/catfish.hunter.stache.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1049" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir24W4YgtstdoXz7vM709Wyxe3Cndd4pQRRIY0UVVSiDWwiJvVeGAr_0u_w8OWu_fmDN7gOVB8eE5cUQzR4c6_OjEoG5wG_j8KEqsBf3glmi4cR0OuoowNsz3TawT2qR-lgtNLjkbN02H763jD1fn4nxsP3cKILoLx402cU1ODHwMBhbO7zjn4tc7kiejs/s320/catfish.hunter.stache.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />My two leisure passions in life? Poker and Major League Baseball.<p></p><p>I recently combined the two with Catfish Hunter and his number 27.</p><p>In one of my poker leagues, some of us try to win with a two and seven card in the hole.</p><p>When we win with either a strong bluff or with more twos and sevens on the flop, the winner gets a $100 chip. Others in the league have to contribute this chip from our pot of money.<br /></p><p>Like all elements of a game, this combo needed a nickname, so I went to www.baseball-reference.com to find a player with the number 27.</p><p>Of all the 27s listed, Catfish stood out, especially for the World Series, where his Oakland As appeared in post season play from 1971 to 1974.</p><p>NBC broadcaster Curt Gowdy would always share how Jim became known as the Catfish to his viewers at least every other inning.</p><p>So, if you're playing poker with me, be wary of how I term a 2-7 in the hole. If the flop comes up with three 7s, then my "Catfish Hunter" hand will beat you.</p><p>Here is Catfish's official page from <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hunteca01.shtml">Baseball Reference.</a><br /></p>Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-23075874239424037922010-05-17T09:38:00.000-07:002010-05-17T09:38:35.860-07:00Congressional leaders should focus on IT issue without packaging punishment for government works who stray onto porn sitesIf you read <a href="http://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2010/05/14/competes-act-derailed-by-federal-employee-measure.aspx?s=wtdaily_170510">"Porn provision stalls House IT bill" article in today's Washington Technology,</a> you wonder who is representing our technology interests in Washington, D.C.<br />
<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/alice-lipowicz/1/6b0/220">Alice Lipowicz,</a> a longtime beat writer for this magazine, details how Democratic leaders pulled the America Completes ReAuthorization Act pulled this important legislation over language concerning punishment of federal employees who view porn on government computers. Republican leaders added this federal porn punishment clause as part of the bill that would funding for science, engineering, technology and math education.<br />
Lipowicz noted in her article that "...that no federal funding could be used to pay the salaries of federal employees disciplined for accessing pornography from government computers. The motion also directs lawmakers to reduce funds for Energy Department research and other programs."<br />
It's time for those of us who are concerned about the growth of technology in our community to take the time to call, write, tweet or use other methods of communication to let our legislative leadership know that it's time to forgo the porn clause of this important legislation.<br />
Don't get me wrong. I am all for punishing those who work in the "gov" who want to use their work station to watch porn. Yet, the question also arises about how the government IT can't make it darn difficult to even access those sites to begin with....<br />
If you feel like I do, here's a listing of our local elected officials in the House of Representatives:<br />
<strong>Lamar Smith (R) </strong>-- http://lamarsmith.house.gov/<br />
<strong>Ciro Rodriguez (D</strong>) -- http://www.rodriguez.house.gov/<br />
<strong>Henry Cuellar (D) </strong>-- http://cuellar.house.gov/<br />
I would list <a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/%E2%80%8BCharlie-Gonzales/%20%E2%80%8B583302577">Charlie Gonzales' </a>official page, but it's not working. Here's hoping that our Congressman will get someone to help him fix the problem.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-59079051923814637832010-04-17T15:42:00.000-07:002010-04-17T15:42:08.426-07:00Cyber Security Summit shows the good and the quiet aspects of San AntonioAfter attending part of the first Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce's Cyber Security Summit, I have to admire Howard Schmidt, the White House Cyber Coordinator, for helping me understand the national need to change the way things are being done with protecting my computers.<br />
In time, the best way to secure a computer is through the use of additional protection processes. I agree with him that in the near future, computers will have a card slot that will allow what industry experts terms a common access card to provide secure access for non-military uses. The military already has a long-standing policy on using these cards, but I would guess that most businesses will soon embrace this policy as well.<br />
The rest of this morning's event was such that I was asked not to blog about it. I heard an Air Force senior officer talk about the information warfare capability of my former service, but the greater chamber asked me not to take notes or blog about it. It seems the Air Force didn't want media coverage on this.<br />
Bummer!!!<br />
And, I could imagine what Brig. Gen. (Retired) Harry Dalton, my favorite Air Force Director of Public Affairs, would say about not allowing media or even a blogger like me into the room to take some notes. The general's talk was a rehash of efforts that have already been well reported. I believe that General Dalton would say having media on hand would only strengthen the Air Force's reputation in a community which supports the military.<br />
Yet, the biggest highlight of this event was talking to the college kids competing in The National Collegiate CyberDefense competion held as part of the conference. These college students seemed truly jazzed to compete in the simulated cyber attacks designed by firms like the Denim Group.<br />
If San Antonio is going to prosper as the center of cyber defense, it's these competitions and the willingness of senior Air Force officials to explain the basics of their mission.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-59616471909264247282010-03-25T05:21:00.000-07:002010-03-25T05:23:29.068-07:00Social media efforts need integration with traditional marketing effortsAs more and more of us add social media tools to our communications efforts, it's important that we look at ways to integrate them into more traditional forms of marketing.<br /> For example, a client of mine is running for a judicial position. I began to work with her after she had ordered her signs. Had we started our efforts earlier, she could have added her Twitter campaign site to her signage. I believe that if we had added this to her signs, she could have increased her base of followers.<br /> Another easy update is to add your Twitter profile to your business cards.When I updated my cards last year, I added the <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Matt_scherer">@Matt_scherer</a> below my email and phone information I believe that adding the Twitter profile has increased my exposure among business associates. More importantly, it made some traditional business types think about adding Twitter to their communication mix.<br /> Just as important as updating your business cards is adding key social media data below your name on your email signature. If you get an email from me, my signature includes name, phone, email, Twitter profile, the link to my Express-News blog and my Linked-In profile.<br /> There are more ways to integrate your social media tools into traditional advertising and communication platforms. A savvy social media professional can help your business and organization integrate them into your communication efforts. So, please call them to have them work with you on your integration efforts to add your new tools into processes that get full exposure.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-80358142265619926892010-03-08T10:14:00.001-08:002010-03-08T10:14:00.196-08:00Why San Antonio needs more Internet fiber in its diet<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
When <a href="http://www.google.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: underline;">Google </a>offered to install a test version of its new high speed fiber network for a town of 50,000 to half a million residents, <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2361038,00.asp" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: underline;">Don Ness, the mayor of Duluth, took a winter dip in Lake Superior in the middle of February</a> to garner publicity for his city's effort to get the quicker network. Meanwhile, Rancho Cucamonga offered to change the second part of its name by calling themselves Rancho Googlemonga.<br />
You can't fault these and other mayors for trying to get this test project. Having the higher speeds within their civic borders will attract future business, most notably in animation services and other multimedia outlets.<br />
Because of our size, San Antonio can't qualify for this Internet bakeoff. Yet, as the opportunity for a larger beta project from Google arises, I wonder what our civic leadership is doing to embrace these types of efforts.<br />
Our city has done a great job with attracting computer security organizations, most notably the 24th Air Force and expanded NSA operations. Yet, we need to diversify our technical efforts so that when opportunities like Google arises that we have the components to make it happen.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-76417954790358343332010-03-02T06:09:00.000-08:002010-03-02T06:09:51.875-08:00Alvarado deserves your vote for 285th District Court<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrSNvXFNIwWwyP-KHgweP-9TI4h66Lkqdl7lX7r0W0XkDSfUr6-BKd7m1h9YXpLRm6rRrO2FknkzAQJ2sGQn9_oX3qyrrUzesSfxBwt3mzwvUD0fC6IQqi0EyGMkNWPF1-b9HB7JTeWoP/s1600-h/rosieblockwalking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrSNvXFNIwWwyP-KHgweP-9TI4h66Lkqdl7lX7r0W0XkDSfUr6-BKd7m1h9YXpLRm6rRrO2FknkzAQJ2sGQn9_oX3qyrrUzesSfxBwt3mzwvUD0fC6IQqi0EyGMkNWPF1-b9HB7JTeWoP/s320/rosieblockwalking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Until this year, I had never been actively involved in the campaign of someone seeking office. However, when I met Rosie Alvarado last year, I met someone who made me want to get involved.<br />
Alvarado is seeking office as the judge for the 285 District Court. She is one of four running for office.<br />
Of the four running for this position, Alvarado is the youngest candidate at 33. Some have questioned her age and experience.<br />
However, she has gotten the endorsement of San Antonio Express-News and Leticia Van De Putte for her campaign.<br />
Alvarado truly impresses me with her leadership and her vision. She's been involved in some major cases in Bexar County, and she will represent our community on the bench. If you are voting at lunch or after work today, she clearly deserves your vote.<br />
Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-40192074317701548962010-02-17T06:35:00.001-08:002010-02-19T11:39:57.203-08:00Cook and Associates to hold social media tweetup<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Cook and Associates </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> will hold a social media tweetup from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 24 at Sean Patrick's, 202 E. San Antonio in San Marcos. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #500050;"><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> Steve Cook, the owner of Cook and Associates, said his San Marcos and San Antonio firm is sponsoring the event as a way to help San Marcos based businesses connect with others in the central Texas region. "We are hoping to attract small business and social media professionals from Austin to San Antonio at this event," he said. "We're thankful to the chamber for their help and support to alert their membership about the powerful tools behind social media and blogging."</span></span></span></span></div></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Reservations for the event can be made by going to <a href="http://www.twtvite.com/zl2mc6" style="color: #7799bb;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #551a8b;"><span style="color: #551a8b;">http://www.twtvite.com/<wbr></wbr>zl2mc6</span></span></a>.</span></span></span></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></span>Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-73307685249058255322010-01-29T22:16:00.001-08:002010-01-29T22:16:26.439-08:00Congressman Gonzalez should call upon local security talent to protect his web siteWhen Representative Charlie Gonzalez' web site was hacked by the Red Eye Crew, his staff said that he would request help from his tech support team.<br />
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While that is a good idea, Congressman Gonzalez should turn to the leaders in infosecurity for help. As San Antonio is a well recognized center for cybersecurity, it would seem that his staff should be on the phone now to get their advice and help.<br />
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Knowing many of the leaders in this field, I am sure that they would gladly give the Congressman some excellent advice on how to prevent these hackers from issuing a F-bomb about President Obama.<br />
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With the Texas Lyceum set for next Friday, I am hoping that the experts in this program can talk about some of the methods and processes needed to prevent hackers from taking over a public web site. If I get to this conference, I am going to ask Howard Schmitt, our Cybarczar on what the "gov" can do to prevent these hacks.<br />
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Here's hoping that Congressman Gonzalez' legislative team meanwhile takes the time to reach out to people like John Dickson of the Denim Group and others like him to get their advice on how to protect his web site.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-67402549983711613912009-12-25T03:57:00.000-08:002009-12-25T03:57:59.685-08:00Reaching out to others will help those depressed about missing family members cope with the holidays It's been 32 years since I first spent a Christmas away from home. I was a young airman stationed in Guam, and I never forgot that my holiday weekend was filled with playing on the beach as well as spending some time with friends from the Catholic chapel community.<br />
Today, as I write this, I am in Miami with my wife and my son to visit my 84-year-old father-in-law, who is in a nursing home after a recent trip to the hospital for internal bleeding. My oldest step daughter is in Utah and my youngest is in Wyoming.<br />
For many of us, the separation from our family is a difficult thing. So, for those of you who are feeling a little depressed about missing family members this Christmas, I have a simple suggestion or two.<br />
First, if you are hosting a dinner or party today, reach out to those without family. It could be the single mother next door with the two children or the office worker who has a family in Nebraska. Having some extra people around to share in a holiday dinner will make you forget that your daughter is a time zone away.<br />
Second, volunteer to help those in need. If you have a beautiful voice like my wife, you can visit a local nursing home to sing Christmas carols. If your voice is not well suited for music, just taking the time to visit people is something that's appreciated. Shelters and food kitchens can also use the help of volunteers, especially during the holidays.<br />
To me, Christmas is like that classic Crosby, Nash and Young song "Love the One You're With." As the famed Woodstock crooners wrote: "And if you can't be with the one you love...Love the one you're with...Love the one you're with..." <br />
Here's hoping that everyone finds a little love and some family this holidays.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-91488042596847614812009-12-25T03:40:00.001-08:002009-12-25T03:40:39.078-08:00Spotted: random acts of holiday spirit at the Baytown Waffle HouseDo you remember that scene in the movie "Elf," when Santa Claus can't get his sled off the ground because of the lack of holiday spirit? It wasn't until Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel started singing carols that Santa escaped the Central Park Park Police.<br />
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I was thinking about that holiday spirit when my family stopped in Baytown at a Waffle House to have breakfast yesterday. Two elderly woman, named Mary and Kathy gave home made angels to some of the staff and I overheard one of the waitresses say that their gift made their day.<br />
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It's these random acts of holiday spirit that make the holidays special. Yet, I am wondering why we have to stop afterwards. I would think that we south Texans would want to continue in the spirit of generosity through out the year.<br />
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Here's hoping that more of us can spend the holidays and the year in the joy of giving. I want to thank my new friends, Kathy and Mary for showing me that Christmas holiday spirit comes even at a Waffle House.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-33640869385202997452009-12-25T03:39:00.000-08:002009-12-25T03:39:26.966-08:00Yes, Virginia, you can learn a little geography while waiting in line at Walt Disney World....Walt Disney makes a vacation seem like a dream trip, but what those ads with the princesses and Tinker Bell doesn't show you are those long lines for rides.<br />
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However, I have developed a new game to help keep children and others from getting bored while winding their way through long lines to spend 90 seconds on Space Mountain.<br />
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Several years ago, my wife and I invented a road game featuring unique car models and license plates. For example, if my daughter saw a Hummer and a Iowa license plate on a drive north to grandma's house, she would be given points for it.<br />
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So, in the midst of all those lines, I came up with a new game that combines geography and sports. It's a simple game. All you have to do is to observe those Red Sox and Yankee fans and write it down in a little notebook. And, of course there are rules that give extra points to those rare sightings of New Jersey Nets and LA Clipper hats.<br />
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While professional sports provide an obvious starting spot to the game, I think that a good game could also embrace colleges as well. For some reason, I saw a lot of Florida apparel and some Texas.<br />
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With some friends who develop I-phone apps, I am going to ask them to help me develop it. I believe like the license plate game, it will help parents teach their children about geography and economy.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-86198447206802144592009-12-07T05:37:00.001-08:002009-12-07T05:37:52.294-08:00Is a $75 security fee from my merchant processing service really needed?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">Imagine my surprise when I got my latest statement from my merchant processing service with a $75 fee for security services. I am used to paying for monthly administrative fees and the two to three-percent for each transaction. But, the security fee was an unexpected cost.<br />
After a phone call to my provider, I was told that the major credit card companies were updating their security features. They then required the merchant processing services to pay for it. Thus, the annual $75 fee in my last statement<br />
Having done some recent marketing and public relations work for one merchant processing service company and reading the standard contract from them, I wondered how they could require me to pay for their upgrades. After reading the SEC 10-K filings for both VISA and MasterCard and noting their high amount of profitability, I am wondering how my credit card providers need my $75 to upgrade their security systems.<br />
After this latest incident, I believe that it's time for the federal government to regulate the credit card processing industry. Yet, I also know that this would never happen either. With millions if not billions in profitability at stake, the credit card companies will do everything they can to not create change within their operations.<br />
I know that some folks who read this will tell me that it's the cost of doing busine<br />
ss. As I already pay monthly administrative fees and processing fees, I think I am doing more than enough to offset the major credit card companies' need to upgrade their security system. So, I am using this blog to open a dialog with other small business types who want to see some changes within their credit card processing.</span>Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-20013467305547718332009-12-05T12:37:00.000-08:002009-12-05T12:37:26.107-08:00Newspaper reports on Virginia Tech tragedy show a need for administrators to develop a better emergency response planIf a crazed gunman was holding students hostage in a lecture hall, doesn't it make sense that university employees would try to reach their children who were students? And, certainly, I would make sure that garbage collectors would want to know now to come on campus to collect our trash.<br />
Today's <a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_VIRGINIA_TECH_SHOOTINGS?SITE=TXSAE&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT">Express-News article</a> on the <a href="http://www.vt.edu/">Virginia Tech</a> tragedy shows how most of us who are parents would react. Yet, it also shows that college administrators don't really think through their emergency communications programs here.<br />
If I was a president of an educational institution who read the published report of this article, I would want to gather my security forces, my communications professionals and my public affairs team to have them create a way to communicate to students on an assortment of emergncies such as crazed gunmen or if there's a blizzard that could shut down the roads near college.<br />
For those educational administrators who want some unsolicited advice, I would first ask my public affairs professionals to create a Twitter site that addresses emergency responses. For inspiration, I would look at the <a href="http://twitter.com/CDCemergency">Center for Disease Control Emergnecy Twitter site</a> as a source of inspiration.<br />
I would also invest in a phone texting service that can also alert all students of pending emergencies. And, after both are in place, I would instruct professors and staff to make sure to spend a couple of minutes every semester to remind their students of all emergency communication methods.<br />
After all of those tools are in place, I would gather my security chief, my head computer person in charge of computers and phones along with my public affairs team to hold emergency simulation exercises at least three to four times a year. As an Air Force professional who planned these training exercises, I can tell you that practice of these emergency principles helps an executive team improve their response if needed.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-28948031190837399542009-12-05T04:21:00.000-08:002009-12-05T04:21:22.529-08:00Technical haiku can help with password protection<div class="asset-content entry-content"> <div class="asset-body"> The other day, I was working with my client, Brian Guinn, the chief executive officer of <a href="http://www.prismtex.com/">Prism Technology</a>, to respond to a query from a freelance writer concerning Internet security. From this writer's perspective, it seems a lot of women use something like "password" as their security log on. Others leave their children's full name as a password.<br />
Bryan who helps a lot of his clients develop security practices, came up with some really good ideas for the article. For example, a password should not be a personal name or a state name. <br />
Many years ago, when I was working for the folks at <a href="http://www.secureinfo.com/">SecureInfo</a>, <a href="http://www.ksat.com/station/109810/detail.html"> Steve Spriester</a> came to our company to do a story. With the cameras rolling, we challenged him that we could pick his one word password in under 60 seconds. Sure enough, we found that the KSAT reporter, now anchor, has selected "<a href="http://www.rivaljokes.com/team/Colorado">Nebraska</a>" in honor of his alma mater.<br />
Passwords today, work best with a combination of capital letters, numbers and symbols. Bryan had suggested in our response to the author that customers can take a common phrase like "Mary had a little lamb. Her fleece was white as snow" and convert it to "Mhall.hfwwas" To add a different character, Bryan suggested you would substitute the first L in the phrase to the number one to represent little.<br />
This got me to thinking that computer users could have a little fun with their passwords, especially as they should change them at about the rate of 30 to 45 days or so. And somehow, it got me thinking to sixth grade English with Sister Mary Antonio and haiku. So, for those out there still using password or computer as security phrases, here's a few inspirational if not hilarious thoughts to make some needed changes in those passwords.<br />
<em><strong> SCW%ndnarticoid.bphdylcf?</strong></em>: Sorry <a href="http://voices.mysanantonio.com/matt_scherer/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Weis">Charlie Weiss</a> <a href="http://www.und.com/">Notre Dame</a> needs a real tuna in charge of its destiny. Bill Parcells how do you like college football? (Note: the "%" is a good way to put an emphasis in these password haikus.)<br />
<em><strong>Wtmmwh?rtottsyiuud2:</strong></em> Want to make my wife happy. Remember to put the toilet seat up or is it down? (Note: instead of the question mark, I substituted a number for the question mark.)<br />
<em><strong>Tymjc!ytfmwaetisa2</strong></em>: Thank you<a href="http://www.sanantonio.gov/mayor/"> Mayor Julian Castro</a>! You're the first mayor who actually embraces technology in San Antonio.<br />
<em><strong>Iybiteb,ttfasc,tyrftcctwtwsty!</strong></em>: If you believe in the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus, then you root for the <a href="http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> to win the World Series this year!<br />
</div></div><div class="asset-footer"></div>Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-23141934260674786762009-12-04T06:26:00.000-08:002009-12-04T06:26:51.348-08:00Dear Mr President, here's some advice on job stimulationFor President Barack Obama, job creation has became the major focus of his administration.<br />
For now.<br />
After reading the <a href="http://www.mysa.com/">Express-News </a>article on "Obama seeks advice on creation of jobs," I have some advice.<br />
First, Mr. President, it's time to focus on programs that fast track those underemployed find new careers. The <a href="http://www.rizertech.net/">Rizer School of Technology</a><br />
, one of my clients, has started a new program for biomedical equipment repair professionals. Bill Bassuk, who also is a chief technology officer for a hospital in east Texas, has built a program that reminds me of the Air Force training programs at Lowry AFB, Colo.<br />
For six years, I worked as the base's media and community affairs manager. In those years, I became impressed with how the Air Force created competent technical professionals from munition loaders to precision measurement equipment lab technicians. Bassuk's program is built on the same principles. Unlike a two-year community college program, there aren't requirements for history, English or physical education. With a focus on the needed career skills to get a job in the industry, Rizer will soon place professionals within medical facilities.<br />
Just as important, Mr. President is the need to help these graduates find a network of influencers who can help people with new skills find jobs. <a href="http://jobcannon.com/">Jobcannon.com</a>, my client in Austin, has done a great job of helping unemployed people there build a base of industry professionals who can find those "hidden" opportunities within a specific industry.<br />
Here, Mr. President, we need to encourage those who are successful in their specific industry reach out to those "newbs" who need advice and guidance on how to find a career that inspires them and helps them advance to higher paying positions. I am sure, Mr. President that you have a lot of talented people working with you on job creation, but please feel free to call me anytime on this issue.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-61570957378331648312009-11-28T04:48:00.001-08:002009-11-28T04:48:56.173-08:00Giving thanks for the network of ESDsWhen I gathered my family for Thanksgiving, I gave a quiet prayer for that network of evil step fathers.<br />This year, I am celebrating nearly 13 years as an "ESD." When I remarried, I knew my step daughter would be a challenge. And, I was right.<br />In retrospect, I learned that when a child becomes a teen, they don't care for their natural parents. Somehow, having a new parent in the mix only intensifies the experience.<br />I am not going to embarrass my daughter with some of her escapades. Just know that there were times that I questioned my decision to marry her mother. And, the network of evil step fathers stepped in to help.<br />Through the years, my friends at church and in the Catholic ACTS community shared their stories as ESDs. Their simple message was to wait and pray. Step children will grow out of their rebellious teen years and become adults.<br />My oldest graduates from law school in six months. The guys in the San Antonio chapter of ESDs were right. After she turned 21, she became a normal human being again.<br />So, to all evil step dads out there, I would say it's hard to parent a step daughter or son. Only time, love, patience and prayer will help.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-20883744369655798522009-11-26T05:34:00.001-08:002009-11-26T05:34:42.929-08:00Jobcannon offering holiday gift alternative for those who are underemployed.... For those with family or friends who are facing difficulties in their career endeavors, an Austin company is offering an alternative holiday gift idea.<br />
<a href="http://www.jobcannon.com/">Jobcannon.com,</a> an Austin-based firm, is offering a "Black Friday" special for those who retweet their special holiday offer before Monday. By retransmitting their holiday special via Twitter, the firm is offering a 50-percent discount to everyone who helps promote their services.<br />
Here's what I like about jobcannon.com's product. To me, it's the first online job search tool to help their clients understand that internal change is needed as part of their career retransformation. For most of the unemployed or underemployed, they take the role of a job seeker, taking anything that puts money into their pockets. However, jobcannon.com helps people realize they should focus their employment efforts as a "skill holder."<br />
A retiring military noncommissioned officer, who spent his career as an <a href="http://www.af.mil/">Air Force</a> munitions loader, knows there isn't a lot of opportunities to continue loading munitions. However, a program like jobcannon.com can help that sergeant realize he has considerable skills as a inventory management professional. Once he or she realizes that she has those skills, it's easier to focus a career search on companies that value those talents.<br />
Jobcannon.com also helps those facing career changes to find their job champions. For someone like the munitions loader, a job champion can advise them on how to tailor their resume or who to contact within the organization. Job champions help those seeking a job get the inside track within those companies by helping them uncover those unlisted positions before they are formally posted.<br />
A year's subscription to jobcannon.com is a perfect gift as well for those who have a job. In these turbulent times, a skill holder can begin the process to transition from a current position into something that has more openings.<br />
For example, a copy repairman knows that more job cuts are possible in his industry. He or she knows they have the skills to move into biomedical equipment repair, an industry that has considerable job prospects. With the help of jobcannon.com, he or she could find someone to mentor them and start the transition to one within that new industry sector.<br />
So, this Black Friday, avoid the long lines at <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/">Best Bu</a>y or the <a href="http://www.primeoutlets.com/locations/san-marcos.aspx">San Marcos Outlet Mal</a>l. Instead, take a visit to the jobcannon web site to purchase a gift that will truly help those in need of career change.<br />
(I<strong>mportant disclosure</strong>: <em>While I work as a publicist for jobcannon.com, I believe its Black Friday offer is something every person who knows of someone in need of career transition should consider as a gift.)</em>Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-39759064884291434892009-11-25T16:34:00.001-08:002009-11-25T16:34:40.192-08:00Wanting to give thanks for the growth of technology within San AntonioWith Thanksgiving fast approaching, I wanted to take this time to reflect on the changes within the San Antonio tech community. Thanks to the unheralded work of a lot of people, our city is quickly attracting more and more technology firms and talent.<br />
I think it's best to thank Mayor Julian Castro for his support of technology. Just over a month ago, he was featured in an article on information security in the New York Times. Thanks to that article, the rest of the United States and the world now knows how our city is one of the leaders in this area.<br />
Yet, I am also thankful to those in the emerging medical technology as well. With Brooke Army Medical Center and the University of Texas Health Science Center, we have two groups who discover and develop wonderful life-saving processes. At the upcoming San Antonio Innotech trade show, some of the leaders within both the military and civilian sector will gather for a special half-day conference prior to the main event March 4.<br />
Lastly, I want to thank the growing social media community within our city. Thanks to organizations like #bmpr and others, we now bring some of the best and brightest together to share best practices. I have learned more about social media tactics in San Antonio than I have in a more advanced community like Austin. And, as I spend enough time in Austin, I know that there are some more advanced technical firms up there.<br />
So, San Antonio technical types, as you sit down to a dinner with friends, please know that folks like me appreciate what you are doing to improve the growth of the tech sector within our community.<br />
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(Important disclosure: I am the contract publicist for the San Antonio Innotech trade show. I also serve on the board of advisors for the Innotech and the Emerging Medical Technology programs.)Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-83738250506040453212009-11-19T05:33:00.000-08:002009-11-19T05:33:11.598-08:00With a correct employee handbook, teachers should be able to text studetns and parents<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">Hidden in today's Express-News "<a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/Texting_incident_leads_to_teacher_resignation.html" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: underline;">Texting incident leads to teacher resignation"</a> was the fact that several major school districts have not addressed this form of communication in their employee handbook.<br />
If you are a school board member or a district administrator, I would like to give some insight into texting.<br />
First, it's hard to text with my big fingers, but it's an effective way to reach people. There are several clients who I can only communicate by text or a Twitter direct message. Somehow, a text message via cell phone or Twitter reaches a growing number of my clients and friends.<br />
Second, as the article does note, it leaves a message trail. That way, when school teachers need to reach out to a parent on a matter it documents the call. And, if you are trying to reach someone and leave a message, they either don't get the voice mail right away or their receptionist often doesn't bother to give the message to them.<br />
Thirdly, students could also text their teachers before school to confirm an appointment for a makeup exam or tutoring.<br />
So, I believe the best policy is to clearly document that if a district can prove that a teacher sent risque photos of themselves to students or allegedly said "You suck" in a text missive that those are grounds for immediate firing.<br />
For many who don't use texting as a communication tool, the early assumption is to eliminate it entirely. Yet, for many, it's the best way to reach people. The 99.99999999999 of teachers who use texting responsibly will help open communication channels to parents and students.</span>Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-3351404194040686342009-11-16T07:49:00.000-08:002009-11-16T08:00:31.345-08:00Here's hoping that my military public affairs colleagues learn how to use social media tools to help them respond quickerOne of the things which military public affairs people do very well is adapt and learn from disasters. After reading a <a href="http://defensesystems.com/articles/2009/11/06/fort-hood-social-media.aspx?s=ds_161109">Defense Systems article online</a>, I had to chuckle that the Army media relations folks were using Facebook to tell the media that they were inundated with calls from them.<div> In 1994, I worked as a media relations supervisor in Allied Forces Southern Europe during the Bosnian crisis. After Air Force jets shot down three Serbian planes, our telephones were swamped so badly that one of the telephone operators had a runner come to our office to tell us that the <a href="http://www.nyt.com">New York Times</a> reporter was frustrated that they couldn't reach us.</div><div> With my boss' help, I was able to get extra lines installed within four hours.</div><div> Now, Twitter and other social media tools allow crisis public affairs professionals to quickly open up new communication channels. I don't want to become a "Monday Morning Quarterback" with my public affairs colleagues, but I am hoping that when they hold their next conferences that they look at the lessons learned from the Fort Hood tragedy to better the process.</div><div> I believe that public affairs professionals can easily master social media channels and learn how to quickly respond to crisis issues like the one at Fort Hood. Here's hoping that the military public affairs senior leadership understand that social media tools allow them to manage the communication process when the next crisis arises.</div><div> </div>Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-26460441688815206352009-11-16T07:47:00.000-08:002009-11-16T07:48:04.723-08:00Why cyber attacks could become the ultimate disasterIf you love disaster films, John Cusack's latest offering, <a href="http://www.movies.com/2012/movietimes/114792/">2012</a>, is a film that should create a lot of nightmares. However, Hollywood still hasn't addressed a bigger disaster -- the loss of cyber communications.<br /> A <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/">Washington Post</a> article, published on the front page of the Express News, documented the potential by Chinese hackers to attack our system.<br />"I believe that the security industry overall needs to evolve. For years we've had a system based on they knock our wall down, we build a bigger (or more complicated) wall to replace it. Advances in preemptive technologies, and real-time analytics are prerequisites for solving some of the issues we face in cyber-security," said <a href="http://www.twitter.com/whurley">William Hurley, a security and tech analyst .</a><br /> The move of the Air Force's <a href="http://www.24af.af.mil/">24th Air Force </a>demonstrates our government's commitment to protect our information resources and consolidate most of the executive resources to protect our computer systems. And, if you hear a Rotary Club or chamber of commerce speech from the senior leadership at 24th Air Force, I would bet they would mention the threat of cyber attacks from China as a strong possibility.<br />Yet, cyber attacks will continue to evolve and improve, according to Hurley, a technology leader, who has hacked into a lot of businesses to test their security capabilities.<br />To test a leading casino in Las Vegas, Hurley, who is known as "whurley" in Austin and online, bought a polo shirt and pants that matched the uniform of the information security department. Noting that the computer protection staff had badges, whurley told one of his client's employees that he lost his badge to get access to the computer hub. With the borrowed ID, whurley was able to gain full access to all the data and the systems.<br /> Bryan Guinn, the president of <a href="http://www.prismtex.com/">Prism Technology</a> as well as a client of mine, said he has been able to get into areas storing computer data just by giving the appearance that he was fixing a computer. Guinn said it's rare when someone challenges him when he or one of his repair professionals report to a customer's location to fix a technical issue.<br />To offset a cyber attack, Guinn said he recommends backing up data every day. He also suggests that businesses adopt policies. For example, a business should tell employees to order products online from a trusted site that uses a Secure Sockets Layer. In many cases,hackers will create a web site that looks like a legitimate site and steal computer card data. As well, hackers will host viruses that will infect their computers as well as spreading them to other systems.<br />Successful businesses will follow good security practices to mitigate the potential of disaster from a cyber attack. Having excellent training and processes in place can help a firm lower their losses in the event of an attack on their computers.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2119125925583930055.post-8445328764531064192009-11-16T07:46:00.000-08:002009-11-16T07:47:11.844-08:00Selecting the right room can help a person sleep better<strong> </strong>For those of us who are considering a new home or apartment, it's time to consider the location of their next bedroom.<br /> I am working as the public relations manager for the first Brain Wave Expo. My client, Bruce Meleski, the owner of <a href="http://www.intellibedtexas.com/">IntellliBED Texas</a>, brought in several experts on how to improve a person's sleep performance.<br />In the course of meeting some of the Austin sleep experts, we discussed the prospect of moving to a new home. Several days before the event, Meleski recalled how one of his customers had moved from a large home to a condo in downtown Austin. The couple's children had all left the nest, and there was no need to have a large domicile. So, they picked a smaller condo in Austin's downtown area.<br />With their bedroom facing east, they were awaken with the sun, and it took a considerable amount of adjustment to their new location.<br /> So, here are some things to consider when looking at a prospective home.<br />First, if you an early riser, having a room that faces towards sunrise is an ideal place to put a bedroom. However, for those who are night owls, it's best to have a room that faces north. If that's not possible, there are other ways to address the issue. The first is to have the rooms tinted with a dark screen. Secondly, dark curtains might help.<br />Secondly, I would suggest the best thing is to contact someone like Meleski to do a sleep audit of a new domicile, especially before signing a contract to move into a new home. Meleski or one of his associates can make recommendations on interior design and location of bedrooms. In some cases, the buyer could stipulate some specific changes as the condition of a home. In short, a realtor can make specific requests as part of the contract or even the loan. In some cases, the seller can provide specific changes to a bedroom environment as part of the sale. In other cases, a realtor can work with a loan officer to have the sleep improvements amortized within the course of a 30-year loan.<br />Having a sleep audit will cost a few dollars, but elderly people should especially consider this as a restful night's sleep can help them stay healthy. Until now, most of us overlooked the sleep quality of a new home. Professional sleep transition can help ease the transition for people purchasing a new home.Matt Scherer baseball nerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10931492271543853862noreply@blogger.com0