SIXTY-SECONDS BLOG: Fred Showker blogs about the realms of publishing, graphics, computing, social networking, marketing, promotions, and media-- with an eye to entertaining, amazing information that will possibly make you think! Published since 1988 as syndicated articles for user group newsletters, these are vital tidbits for busy computer users that you can read in 60-seconds! Join me on DTG FACEBOOK FaceBook and follow along on DTG TWITTER Twitter RSS

What happens to your digital estate and online holdings when you die?

Have you planned your online estate? While nobody wants to talk or think about their own death, you owe it to the ones left behind to do some serious planning. My estate planning attorney says treat that just about like any other property you own. That's the starting point. Although your digital estate carries its own set of rules, it needs careful, accurate estate planning just like your real-life estate. April 21, 2013

The 100 Most Influential People in the World

Today you can pick up copies of the new Time Magazine : 100 Most Influential People in the World. I always love it when this comes out -- so have permission here to share with you, some of the top quotations from some of the most influential people in the world. April 18, 2013

Blacklisting, Whitelisting and the Way Forward: Comments on the Schneier-Ranum Face-Off

In this 60-Second Window, I step aside for George Tubin, Trusteer's Senior Security Strategist on the matter of how we face the looming storm of cyber security and the coming spector of cyber war. Nobody wants it, but there seems to be an ever increasing debate over how to avoid it. These figures figure heavily into the debate, and the future of our digital infrastructure. March 27, 2013

New opportunities for designers in Stereoscopic 3D design

As with all the medias, gaming is now moving toward a 3D world. This represents some fresh new opportunities for graphic designers, illustrators, writers and others in the visual arts. The qualities of visual talents are essential to the 3D gaming industry, where there's an ever growing demand. DTG Magazine friend Dr. Andrew Hogue, Assistant Professor, University of Ontario Institute of Technology tells you more March 12, 2013

Printing Code: Programming and the Visual Arts, Rune Madsen at Heroku's Waza 2013

A lot of people think there's a brick wall between creative designers and web coders. This remarkable video featuring Rune Madsen at Heroku's Waza 2013 is proof that there is no barrier between code and art, so long as the practitioner has vision and creativity ... please enjoy this hugely enjoyable video! March 11, 2013

Unlocking Cell Phones : Statement from the Library of Congress and the White House

I don't know if any of you have been following this ruling, and the resulting national petition, but it's a rather interesting step toward the future. Back in October 2012, the Librarian of Congress decided that unlocking of cell phones would be removed from the exceptions to the DMCA. As of January 26, consumers are no longer able to unlock their phones for use on a different network without carrier permission, even after their contract has expired. But now read this from the White House . . . March 5, 2013

March on: Designing Women

March is probably one of my favorite months simply because it usually marks the end of winter and begins to see the beginnings of spring. I know that summer isn't too far away! I also love preparing for March, because 18 years ago we decided to begin featuring women in the design, graphics, illustration, photography and other visual arts fields as an adjunct celebration to Women's History Month. So let me share just a few of the "official" links for March ... March 1, 2013

Organic book nominated for the Designs of the Year award 2013!

Kapitza's Organic book has been nominated for the London Design Museum's Designs of the Year award 2013! -- 'The Oscars of the design world' showcases the most innovative and imaginative designs from around the world, over the past year, spanning seven categories: Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Transport and Product. February 25, 2013

False Advertising ???

True or False: Designers have disappeared from the web advertising world because they're no longer needed -- who needs a designer when you can blatantly use false advertising to entrap your audience to click. Good question? Have you fallen prey to this ploy? February 23, 2013

Spectacular Vertical Gardens

I find inspiration in all sorts of places . . . even some you may not consider. How about graphic design as it is applied to a vertical landscape of color, shape and texture . . . these vertical gardens are actually paintings that affect the spaces they occupy. Is this 'design' ... you bet! Truly creative, and truly inspiring. Enjoy! February 7, 2013