By Gilbert Falso :: 12:30 PM
Unlike last night, where false news of Penn State’s longtime football coach Joe Paterno’s death spread across social media like wildfire, the story today is much more sobering. Paterno has died due to complications from lung cancer.
Around 8:45 yesterday evening, false news from Onward State, a student run news blog covering Penn State, was catapulted through Twitter and Facebook, saying Paterno had died. CBS jumped on, and it took off from there. About 20 minutes later, the news was proved to be false, and in the aftermath, Onward State’s managing editor, Devon Edwards, resigned.
News about Paterno’s death:
By Cynthia Herbert :: 9:36 PM
No, he’s not dead.
At least not according to a family spokesperson, who went on the record just before 9:00 PM tonight to say that ex-Penn State football coach Joe Paterno was not dead.
Paterno, who is in the hospital for complications from lung cancer, is the latest victim in the quick spread of false death news via social media. Last month it was Jon Bon Jovi, who had to send out a picture of himself holding a sign that read, “Heaven looks a lot like New Jersey” before fans would believe the truth.
Some outlets are still showing headline of Paterno’s death on Google news – see the Allentown Morning Call below:
Beginning around 8:35 PM, Twitter became, well, all atwitter with news of his death. Popular news outlets, including several right in State College reported on the news. The AP appeared to be the first to correct the news, and tweet out that the death was false, and they did so around 9:15.
Cynthia Herbert :: 10:04 PM
Did you get a new iPhone for the holidays, or just pick one up after your old contract expired? You’re not alone – many are finding themselves with a new piece of technology in their hands these days, and in a quandary when they look at all of the case choices available. We’ve talked to many iPhone 4 users, and put together this list of our top 5 finds.
1) SmallWorks BrickCase – $19.99
This cute iPhone case actually doubles as a base for building with LEGO® bricks! Build, modify, play, then take your own creations with you. In addition to being a fun conversation piece, the case provides protection against bumps, scratches, chips and dirt.
2) Etch A Sketch Hard Case – $24.00
LEGOs not your thing? Here’s another fun case that takes you back to your childhood days – Etch A Sketch! Made of impact resistant plastic, this iPhone case is durable and strong. No, the buttons aren’t real, they don’t do anything, but it will be the envy of your co-workers and friends. And a bonus, it’s available for iPad, too!
3) Geometric Facets Case – $7.95
This funky-looking case is constructed from smooth, treated plastic, and resists dirt, stains and it is also anti-static. Triangles connect to form linear patterns, which adds depth and dimension to the urban case. The slim fit ensures the iPhone won’t feel bulky in your pocket. Available as shown in white, or red and black, too.
4) Otterbox Defender Series- $27.99
This rugged tough case provides heavy duty protection from harsh treatment in the worst environments. Otterbox is well known for their quality electronics cases, and the series for iPhone 4S is no different.
5) CaseMate’s Quartet Case – $24.99
Connect four different, interchangeable colored pieces for a contemporary look for your iPhone. The multiple color combinations groove together for unique customization from bright to dark hues. Slide the pieces together to interlock and ensure protection.
By Gilbert Falso :: 5:46 PM
Now we’ve been as guilty as any blog or press outlet to jump on the hype and rumors behind Apple’s third-generation tablet – but this time, we might just be right on.
Bloomberg news is reporting that three sources familiar with the new iPad say that Apple is getting its supply chain into high gear for a March delivery. Foxconn, Apple’s main assembler is said to be operating its factories 24 hours per day to reach the shipping deadline. Bloomberg’s sources are also providing credibility to the long-standing claim that the iPad 3 will boast a quad-core chip under the hood.
As for the display, back in November, Digitimes, reported that iPad display manufacturing partners, including Samsung, LG, and Sharp, were set to ship three million high-res panels in the fall – two million of those in November alone. Shortly after the Digitimes news, CNET weighed in with a prediction of a screen resolution of 1600 x 1200. More recent leaks point to something even better – perhaps even 2048×1536.
Connectivity-wise, the new iPad will likely be the first Apple product to launch with support for both the 3G and the LTE network. Apple is obviously looking to provide a fast data pipeline to its users, and this move will allow them to take advantage of both Verizon’s and AT&T’s LTE networks.
By Cynthia Herbert :: 11:46 AM
A newly released application for the Android mobile platform provides a quick way to check whether that product you’re about to buy is made by a company that supports SOPA, the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act.
The app, called Boycott SOPA, can scan bar codes to help identify if products are either created by or intimately related to SOPA supporting companies. There are currently over 800 brands/companies in the free app’s database.
According to the developers’ website, the app is written by “two college kids that are unimpressed with the current SOPA bill and want to discourage it from getting passed in any way possible.”
Although the app is free, the authors are asking for donations, to be used towards “webhosting, pizza, and beer.” It is available in the Android Marketplace.