Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Holiday News from TRI

Strong storms come on the 8's. How many remember the blizzard of 78? No? Well, most remember the ice storm of 2008 - five years ago almost to the day. It was pretty devastating. Even after 5 years, the scars still show on the tops of trees that just couldn't take the weight. The picture above was taken the moment the skies cleared. It was spectacularly beautiful and tragic as well. Nature has a way of showing off its worst and as if to apologize, its very best.

In This Issue
December 2013

Happy Holidays!

Thank You For Your Service

Communicating With The World

Welcome to News from trif.com! First time readers, I am glad you're here! Returning readers, welcome back!

Greetings. Happy Holidays and Welcome to our Newsletter! We wanted to share the many photos we have taken of places, people and things throughout the country and beyond. Each month our headline photo will be something new and different. The caption will present a small explanation. We hope you enjoy. Keep in mind, we don't want to waste your time. Articles will contain generally less than 250 words. Please have a look and give us your feedback. By all means, forward to a friend using the link at the bottom of the Newsletter. Thanks. Questions? Send me an email!

Technology solutions are a part of doing business just like sales and marketing, It is an important component in servicing customers, managing costs and controlling operations. Our capabilities bridge database design and development, Internet services, network and computer sales and support, document imaging, bar code scanning, corporate communications, fax and email programs, mobile applications, cloud computing and help desk services. Interested in taking a step forward with technology? Looking to take advantage of the latest advances? Or just want to take advantage of your new computer?

Email me at rmj@trif.com The first consultation is always without charge.

Thank You for Your Service

I recently read Thank You For Your Service as a result of an interview with the Author, David Finkel. I was so moved and literally brought to tears in the first two chapters that I needed to share it with you. Yes, sadly, I admit, I have been one of the millions of Americans that tend to ignore the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. That doesn't mean that I don't appreciate the troops, respect their bravery and honor their service, I certainly do. I recognize that getting sent back a 3rd, 4th or 5th time to serve yet another tour of duty is beyond comprehension and more than any man or woman deserves.

But it never hit me - I mean really hit me, until I read this book. The impact these wars have had on the 2 million men and women who have been sent in harms way, the toll they take, the innocence they lose, it is unforgivable. Nearly 500,000 have returned with post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD) an invisible disease that destroys men, woman and families.

There is no bright light at the end of this tunnel. There won't be until all our men and women return home and begin to heal. A process which is so excruciating that it is difficult to imagine. The guilt that these brave men and women live with upon returning home is unbearable. The delays our system has created in providing support is unforgivable. I think about what we are doing, why we are doing it and when we might stop the cycle.

I urge you to take the time to read this book. At a minimum, spend some time with Warrior Writers and see what some of these brave warriors have written. Warrior Writers is an opportunity for veterans to communicate their feelings, not just for their own healing process but for us as well. Order a book or support an author on this site to support their efforts.

If there is something you can do over the Holidays, make a contribution to one of these organizations.:

Social

Communicating With The World

Software is no longer stand alone. The ease of connectivity, the standardization of communication methods and the requirement for just-in-time everything demands that our software allow for the sending and receiving of data to and from your customer, partner or your vendor. Much of this is done automatically behind the scenes. There are data transfers that fire in the middle of the night. Often times data is exchanged in real time. Sometimes decisions need to be made in the middle of the exchange. Sometimes forms need to be completed, documents need to be parsed, PDF's need to be created, XLS files need to be built, Invoices need to be emailed. And it doesn't stop there.

We have government agencies that report valuable information like fuel costs. Our systems retrieve current fuel costs so as to allow rating systems to properly charge for fuel usage. Information on containers coming in the ports is automatically retrieved and logged. Rail car movement is tracked by bar codes as they pass a signal or station. Equipment availability is retrieved and mapped to analyze inbound and outbound transportation. Banking ACH transactions are sent for automatic deposits. Payments are accepted for items purchased. Emails are automatically sent. Email messages are received and attachments are extracted and stored automatically. Interactive voice response systems provide real time information over the phone. Web forms are completed, responded to and logged.

The possibilities for communication between systems is powerful. Review how you are required to communicate with your customers, vendors and partners and consider more productive options.

TRI is a

Specializing in deploying

Robert McKay Jones
TRI
50 Leominster Road
Suite #3
Sterling, Massachusetts 01564

978-422-7770
rmj@trif.com


Copyright 2013
All Rights Reserved
All Photographs Copyright 2013 by Robert McKay Jones unless otherwise credited
Artists Sketch by Bruce Davidson
This document is provided for informational purposes only.
The information contained in this document represents the views of Robert McKay Jones and Transportation Resources, Inc.
All information provided in this document is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied.
The reader assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document.
Permission to use the words in this document for commercial purposes usually is granted. However, commercial use requires advance authorization.

Forward email

This email was sent to robertmckayjones.stager52@blogger.com by rmj@trif.com |  

Transportation Resources, Inc. | 50 Leominster Road | Suite #3 | Post Office Box 452 | Sterling | MA | 01564

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

It's News from TRI

I never tire of the colors of fall. Somehow they are inspirational and bring us all closer to nature and ease us into the blandness of winter. I always hope that it is enough to get us through. The photo above, taken the fall of 2013 in Sterling, Massachusetts, is hypnotic and beautiful all at the same time.

In This Issue
November 2013

RFID

I AM

Windows 8.1

Welcome to News from trif.com! First time readers, I am glad you're here! Returning readers, welcome back!

Greetings. Happy Fall and Welcome to our Newsletter! We wanted to share the many photos we have taken of places, people and things throughout the country and beyond. Each month our headline photo will be something new and different. The caption will present a small explanation. We hope you enjoy. Keep in mind, we don't want to waste your time. Articles will contain generally less than 250 words. Please have a look and give us your feedback. By all means, forward to a friend using the link at the bottom of the Newsletter. Thanks. Questions? Send me an email!

Technology solutions are a part of doing business just like sales and marketing, It is an important component in servicing customers, managing costs and controlling operations. TRI has an uncanny ability to find affordable technology solutions for a wide variety of situations. Our capabilities bridge database design and development, Internet services, network and computer sales and support, document imaging, bar code scanning, corporate communications, fax and email programs, mobile applications, cloud computing and help desk services. Interested in taking a step forward with technology? Looking to take advantage of the latest advances? Or just want to take advantage of your new computer?

Email me at rmj@trif.com The first consultation is always without charge.

RFID (radio frequency identification) has come of age

I recently traveled to Disney World to research and evaluate Radio Frequency Identification bands and rfidcards now in use in the most popular vacation destination in the world. I wanted to learn certain things about the use, functionality, benefit, drawback, privacy implications and security.

Disney has armed these bracelets with RFID transmitters. The bracelets are waterproof, heat resistant and reasonable comfortable. They can be read by touching a sensor found everywhere around the parks and resorts providing access to your room, priority access to rides and attractions and authorization to purchase goods at stores and restaurants (a pin code is required for financial transactions). I found them to be a very convenient way to validate your identity.

What I soon realized is the RFID bracelets would be nothing without the software that creates a unique experience for every guest. It is the software and associated encrypted database that manages all users, their purchase power, room access, restaurant reservations, ride and attraction reservations and over-all experience. This massive software application is available on the web or in Apps available for iPhones and other mobile devices. Linked with the excellent Disney Wi-Fi which is now available free of charge throughout all resorts, rooms and parks, the App is a handy tool to help you schedule your time. It can be used to reserve "fast-pass" access to up to 3 rides and attractions in any park on any day of your stay. It can be used to check your meal reservations. It can schedule your time for you and your entire party. It is the software that makes this little device so helpful. All-in-all, I found the RFID bracelet and software to be a home run on a grand scale. It helped make our time at Disney more rewarding and relaxing than ever before.

Does it sound like Big-Brother to you? It does and it is. MagicBands can also be read by long-range readers located throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. So, yes, Mickey knows where you are at all times. Of course this can be used to better serve you and it can be used to provide better security as well. I would also guess that Disney analyzes the use, both generally and specifically, of stores, restrooms, seating areas, transportation, attractions and rides. It is for you to decide whether this is at all disconcerting. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

I Am

I felt fortunate to have seen a documentary by Tom Shadyac a few weeks ago. I am always on the lookout for good news, I AMinspiring information and new science to support it.

I first came across his name as the Executive Producer of a 2011 documentary called Happy which highlighted the fact that Happiness stems not from possessions, wealth or success but rather from people, families, friends, camaraderie and love that makes us truly happy. Tom Shadyac, born in 1958 was the Producer and Director of such movies as Bruce Almighty, Patch Adams, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Liar Liar and more.

The documentary I AM (available free on Netflix or for $3.99 on Amazon Instant Video) explains that our society has been operating under the wrong pretense for quite a long time. Although we have been molded for economic competition and success, success does not bequeath to us happiness. In fact, and supported by some scientific evidence, our DNA predisposes us to compassion, community, cooperation and collaboration. It is in our nature. (photo courtesy of IMDB)

Social

Windows 8.1

Although this is generally a fix release, it does provide some important improvements:

  • Variable, Continuous Size of Snap Views; You have more ways to see multiple Apps on the screen at once. When displaying multiple Apps at once, you can easily resize the width of the App window to suit your needs. Depending on screen size and resolution, you can even share the screen with three, or four Apps on each monitor.
  • Boot to Desktop; You can now configure Windows 8.1 to boot directly to the desktop after login.
  • Desktop and Start Screen; Improvements have been made to better support users who prefer a mouse and keyboard experience to access applications.
  • Improved Internet Explorer; Internet Explorer 11 improvements include faster page load times, side-by-side browsing of your sites, enhanced pinned site notifications, and App settings like favorites, tabs and settings sync across all your Windows 8.1 PCs. Internet Explorer 11 now includes capability that enables an antimalware solution to scan the input for a binary extension before it's passed onto the extension for execution
  • Broadband Tethering; Turn your Windows 8.1 mobile broadband-enabled PC or tablet into a personal Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing other devices to connect and access the internet.
  • Wi-Fi Direct Printing; Connect to Wi-Fi Direct printers without adding additional drivers or software on your Windows 8.1 device, forming a peer-to-peer network between your device and the printer.
  • Automatic Apps updating

Note that there are differences between Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro. If at all possible, stay with Windows 8.1 Pro.

TRI is a

Specializing in deploying



Robert McKay Jones
TRI
50 Leominster Road
Suite #3
Sterling, Massachusetts 01564

978-422-7770
rmj@trif.com


Copyright 2013
All Rights Reserved
All Photographs Copyright 2013 by Robert McKay Jones unless otherwise credited
Artists Sketch by Bruce Davidson
This document is provided for informational purposes only.
The information contained in this document represents the views of Robert McKay Jones and Transportation Resources, Inc.
All information provided in this document is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied.
The reader assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document.
Permission to use the words in this document for commercial purposes usually is granted. However, commercial use requires advance authorization.

Forward email

This email was sent to robertmckayjones.stager52@blogger.com by rmj@trif.com |  

Transportation Resources, Inc. | 50 Leominster Road | Suite #3 | Post Office Box 452 | Sterling | MA | 01564

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

It's News from TRI

Threads of lights. Hold your shutter open long enough and a distant light becomes a thread of light captured forever by your lens. This picture is actually a distant cruise ship sailing the ocean at night. At ISO 250, f/5.6 and an exposure time of 1.6 seconds, I gently moved the camera. It captured beautiful threads of light each in their own dimension. Try this pointed at the sky at night and you might create an incredible result like this.

In This Issue
October 2013

Sunrise and Sunset

Internet Music

Bad Roads

Welcome to News from trif.com! First time readers, I am glad you're here! Returning readers, welcome back!

Greetings. Welcome to our Newsletter! We wanted to share the many photos we have taken of places, people and things throughout the country and beyond. Each month, our headline photo will be something new and different. The caption will present a small explanation. We hope you enjoy. We do not want to waste your time. Articles will contain generally less than 250 words. Please have a look and give us your feedback. By all means, forward to a friend using the link at the bottom of the Newsletter. Thanks. Questions? Send me an email!

Technology solutions are a part of doing business just like sales and marketing, It is an important component in servicing customers, managing costs and controlling operations. TRI has an uncanny ability to find affordable technology solutions for a wide variety of situations. Our capabilities bridge database design and development, Internet services, network and computer sales and support, document imaging, bar code scanning, corporate communications, fax and email programs, mobile applications, cloud computing and help desk services. Interested in taking a step forward with technology? Looking to take advantage of the latest advances? Or just want to take advantage of your new computer?

Email me at rmj@trif.com The first consultation is always without charge.

Sunrise and Sunset

I have for whatever reason fallen in love with sunrises and sunsets. I am not sure if it is the fact that it is fleeting or it is because it is a sign that Sunsetsthe day is ending. Like the love we have for fall. Maybe it is the colors and the drama. To the left are some that I shot in various places and times.

Click on the picture and you will see these full size. Take a look at sunset images on Google and you can't help but get that wow sensation. You will even find categories of sunsets including city, beach, mountain, country and even dolphin. Look at Flickr and the quality improves greatly. For even higher quality, look to istockphoto or shutterstock for those you can purchase.

Putting sunsets in motion can be breathtaking. Take a look at this Vimeo compilation of sunsets taken over a couple of weeks in Norway. Or watch the midnight sun during the summer in Iceland.

But in my mind, nothing replaces your own photos of the sunrises and sunsets you have witnessed with your own eyes. Looking back at them, they will probably remind you of a time and a place dear to your heart. Like a smell in the air, a picture of a sunrise or sunset will transport you almost instantly. It will change the way you breath and how you feel.

Try it for yourself, pull out a picture that you have taken of a sunrise or a sunset and I bet you will remember when and where it was taken.

Internet Music

How many ways can we listen to music? Besides listening to your own collection, here are a few options providing easy listening on smart-phones, tablets, portable Internet radios and now most cars. Pandora, Live365, Spotify, Grooveshark, SiriusXM, Jango, Slacker, Shoutcast, Soundcloud, LastFM and dozens more. Don't stop there, there is also Fringu, Mufin, Console.fm, AudioBox.fm, VodPod, Muziic, Beatlab, Musicovery, AudioSauna, Mog and still many more.

In evaluating these services you need to consider what it is you want to accomplish:

  • Intuitive music selection
  • On demand music
  • Unlimited skips
  • Lyrics provided
  • Can you share your selections
  • Can you rewind a track
  • Publish your likes to Facebook
  • Purchase the current selection
  • Intuitive discovery of new music
  • Upload your own music
  • Create play-lists

Whichever suits your taste, be prepared to sign up for a subscription to avoid hearing the advertisements. Free music isn't really free.

  • Pandora $3.99 per month
  • Slacker $10 per month
  • Spotify $4.99 - $9.99 per month
  • Live365 is $5.95 - $7.95 per month
  • Grooveshark is $9 per month
  • SiriusXM is $14.49 - $18.99 per month
  • Soundcloud #3 - #9(pounds) per month
  • Jango is FREE

Social

Bad Roads

Ever wonder what toll bad roads takes out on you? Well a recent study by TRIP, a national transportation research group Roadsuggests the costs are considerable costing the nation $80 billion. In areas where roads are very bad, it can cost motorists up to $800 per year but averages about $377 per year for urban drivers.

Boston, Springfield and Worcester were sited as having around 40% of roads in poor condition which closely matches Providence, RI and Hartford, CT. The study estimated Worcester drivers spend nearly $600 annually due to bad road conditions.

In a US PIRG study, here is a list of the top 10 worst States for roads and bridges showing in parenthesis is the percentage of roads in bad condition and bridges which are structurally deficient and the average additional operating cost.

Rhode Island (34, 22, $473)

Alaska (35,11, $324)

California (28,13,$590)

Hawaii (26,13, $503)

Pennsylvania (10,27,$346)

Oklahoma (12,22, $457)

New York (16,12, $405)

Mississippi (17, 17, $394)

New Jersey (33,11, $596)

Louisiana (23,13, $388)

All-in-all, Over 90,000 miles of roads and 71,000 bridges are in dangerous disrepair in the United States. This is after spending $9.5 billion in 2009 and $9.5 billion again in 2010 and $9.5 billion again in 2011, we are losing ground.. To see a complete list of the worst roads in the country according to Money, click state by state.

TRI is a

Specializing in deploying



Robert McKay Jones
TRI
50 Leominster Road
Suite #3
Sterling, Massachusetts 01564

978-422-7770
rmj@trif.com


Copyright 2013
All Rights Reserved
All Photographs Copyright 2013 by Robert McKay Jones
Artists Sketch by Bruce Davidson
This document is provided for informational purposes only.
The information contained in this document represents the views of Robert McKay Jones and Transportation Resources, Inc.
All information provided in this document is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied.
The reader assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document.
Permission to use the words in this document for commercial purposes usually is granted. However, commercial use requires advance authorization.

Forward email

This email was sent to robertmckayjones.stager52@blogger.com by rmj@trif.com |  

Transportation Resources, Inc. | 50 Leominster Road | Suite #3 | Post Office Box 452 | Sterling | MA | 01564

Sunday, September 29, 2013

It's News from TRI

As many of you know, I returned from Alaska mid-September. It has taken me this long to try and find the words to describe what I saw, how I felt, and how it has changed me. Above, see for yourself, what appears to be giant blue sapphires are really chunks of glacier ice. Forged over countless millennium and more beautiful than any diamond. I will never forget these jewels, these drifting giants. In total quiet they ride the current until another explosion is heard in the distance echoing throughout the fjord. Another blue gem has been born.

In This Issue
September 2013

Alaska

Microsoft Update

Stop Procrastinating

Welcome to News from trif.com! First time readers, I am glad you're here! Returning readers, welcome back!

Greetings. Welcome to our Newsletter! We wanted to share the many photos we have taken of places, people and things throughout the country and beyond. Each month, our headline photo will be something new and different. The caption will present a small explanation. We hope you enjoy. We do not want to waste your time. Articles will contain generally less than 250 words. Please have a look and give us your feedback. By all means, forward to a friend using the link at the bottom of the Newsletter. Thanks. Questions? Send me an email!

Technology solutions are a part of doing business just like sales and marketing, It is an important component in servicing customers, managing costs and controlling operations. TRI has an uncanny ability to find affordable technology solutions for a wide variety of situations. Our capabilities bridge database design and development, Internet services, network and computer sales and support, document imaging, bar code scanning, corporate communications, fax and email programs, mobile applications, cloud computing and help desk services. Interested in taking a step forward with technology? Looking to take advantage of the latest advances? Or just want to take advantage of your new computer?

Email me at rmj@trif.com The first consultation is always without charge.

Alaska, Sweet Alaska

This brief article only begins to speak to the grandeur, the unending natural beauty, the seemingly untouched coastline, the Foggygrand scale of Alaska. There are 33,000 miles of coast line in southeast Alaska much of which is untouched. It was a rare gift to have been able to be a momentary visitor.

Our voyage included stops in Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau, Tracy Arms, Misty Fjords and more. I am hard-pressed to come up with the words to describe the scope and depth of the natural beauty I had the privilege of seeing. With my camera in hand, I attempted to record my experience. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. You can see more of my pictures to Vancouver and Alaska by clicking the photo. I quickly conceded that I would never be able to capture the 360 degree beauty mile after mile, day after day.

It wasn't the exciting things we did, the zip-lining nor the float plane at 6,000 feet. It wasn't even the dozen whales we saw breathing and diving, breathing and diving. It wasn't the island chock full of sea lions for their annual mating season gathering. It was the sheer and utter peace and serenity that seemed to go on forever. Whether we were basking in sunshine or bathed by the dense fog, the beauty was always breathtaking. The quiet. The whisper of nature. It makes me well up. I reconciled myself to knowing the experience would have to live on forever in my mind's eye.

Microsoft Update

As a Microsoft Cloud Partner and member of the Microsoft SMB Champions Club, I was invited to Microsoft in Cambridge for a day-long session on what is coming. Here are just a few notable items I wanted to report:

    • Office 365 Exchange Online mailboxes have been increased from 25gb to 50gb.
    • Office Pro Plus is now the standard for small businesses
    • SkyDrive Pro increased to 25gb
    • A new push for Office Anywhere including Office Mobile for iPhone
    • yammer.com is getting integrated as THE business social media connection
    • Lync Voice is getting better and better. Stay tuned!
    • Skype (now owned by Microsoft) Business Services are being introduced
    • Introducing Microsoft Power BI (Business Intelligence) for Office 365.
    • Microsoft BI is getting integrated into all Office and SharePoint applications.
    • New tag line; Bring Your Data To Life!
    • Power Map integrates with Office. Create awesome geographic data maps using your data

There is a lot to learn hear which is why TRI is moving fast to become certified in the new Office 365 applications including the new Microsoft BI. We really like the pricing models, flexibility, product offerings and power of Office365. For more information or to start your own free trial, go to http:/www.trif.com/office365. For a free trial, click here.

Social

I Know What To Do, I'm Just Not Doing It

Does this resonate? My friend, colleague, and awesome life and business coach, Dr. Sarah Reiff-Hekking is offering a free educational call / teleconference on Procrastinationbusting through procrastination. I work with Sarah as a coach and have participated in many of Sarah's programs. I think I am like a lot of people. I sometimes get stuck in a rut and don't know I am stuck until something or someone pry's me loose. Speaking from first hand knowledge, Sarah can help you out of a rut with grace, patience and unending focus.

This program is designed for everyone; artist, professional, entrepreneur or parent – no matter what part of the life cycle you're in. This program might just be what you need and now might just be the perfect time. I Know What to Do, I'm Just Not Doing It: 5 Steps to Bust Through Procrastination is a perfect investment of your time! I know this mini-course has enabled overly-busy people to go from being stressed-out and worn-down to learning how to become happier, more productive, and more successful.

Learning how to enjoy abundant time and balanced living can be a real struggle. Sarah is a master at helping smart creative people do more of what they want by helping them gain control of their time and their tasks. I know that this call will be informative, but if you let it, it just might be inspirational and life-changing. I'll 'see' you there!

Click here to find out more

If any of the information here is of interest to you, please drop us a note. If you would like to see specific information on technology issues that affect you and your business, please let us know.

Robert McKay Jones
TRI
50 Leominster Road
Suite #3
Sterling, Massachusetts 01564

978-422-7770
rmj@trif.com


Copyright 2013
All Rights Reserved
All Photographs Copyright 2013 by Robert McKay Jones
Artists Sketch by Bruce Davidson
This document is provided for informational purposes only.
The information contained in this document represents the views of Robert McKay Jones and Transportation Resources, Inc.
All information provided in this document is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied.
The reader assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document.
Permission to use the words in this document for commercial purposes usually is granted. However, commercial use requires advance authorization.

Forward email

This email was sent to robertmckayjones.stager52@blogger.com by rmj@trif.com |  

Transportation Resources, Inc. | 50 Leominster Road | Suite #3 | Post Office Box 452 | Sterling | MA | 01564