My Refrigerator Is Squealing on Me!

The following is a MediaNote Classic. It was originally presented to MC101 classes in March 2018.

Your Humble Blogger recently purchased a GPS device for his bicycle. With it, he can not only record data and maps of his rides, he can also download data and maps of other people's rides. However, he began getting emails stating that he has turned in the 26th fastest climb on this hill or the 105th quickest trip along this route. This was a little unsettling since Your Humble Blogger never entered these competitions... but his bike computer did.

This NPR story looks at the privacy implications of smart devices. In light of this, would anyone want a smart bathroom?

Questions...

•Do you want to live in a smart house? Why or why not?

•What could a smart TV do for you? What could it do to you?

•How about a smart refrigerator?

•What smart devices would a life insurance company or a medical insurance company like to get data from?

•What would you like to automate in your house? What things in your house would you like to operate remotely?

Price is Right, Feb. 5

Details are still coming for the "Price Is Right" field trip on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Here is what is known so far:

•The taping will be at CBS Television City, Beverly and Fairfax, Los Angeles.

•We will meet at the Fairfax side of the facility at 8:30 am. Parking is on street. Expect it to be a little difficult to find.

•Try to dress a little upscale. No tshirts or torn jeans. No athletic or other logos. Wear a bright, solid-color shirt or blouse.

•Everyone must have an ID and be 18 years or older. You can bring guests.

•We will be done by 1:30. This field trip will have double extra credit. As with all field trips, you must be there on time and stay for the whole thing to receive credit.

•Class will not be held on campus on Feb. 5.

No Pants, No Problem

Publicity stunts are nothing new. P.T. Barnum organized circus parades in the 1800s to make sure locals knew the circus was in town. Monopoly celebrated the 75th anniversary of the iconic board game by having real investment bankers play Monopoly for real money. And this Sunday transit riders in cities around the world will ride the subway pantless.

International No Pants Subway Day started as a joke, but it also has the beneficial side effect of publicizing subways and streetcars as a youthful, fun and efficient form of transportation.

L.A.'s no pants day is being promoted on various social media platforms. Videos promoting the event are on YouTube.

Questions...

•Other than not being alarmed when large numbers of (mostly young) people suddenly show up without pants, how much should Metro promote this event?

•Why might Metro NOT want to promote the event? What could go wrong? Does it matter that pantsless riders are encouraged to meet at designated locations and be part of a group with a ride captain?

•Is this a good publicity stunt? What types of media attention could you imagine the pantsless riders getting?

•From a publicity perspective, why is it a good idea to do this on a Sunday?