Little-known Twitter applications we use

We use Twitter to monitor news and investing accounts. The service's web site has improved over over the years, but we prefer two seeming little-known applications.

For Windows, Mac and Linux, DestroyTwitter is a stand-alone client that quietly runs on the desktop in the background. Unburdened by multiple accounts and multiple social connections, the interface is uncluttered. On our Windows computer, the latest tweet pops up in a separate small dialog box for two seconds or so before automatically closing. The dialog box does not take focus; there is no disruption with any application or browser window in use. If you find the popular third-party Twitter applications are overkill, DestroyTwitter may be an interesting alternative client. We like it.

For the Android and IOS smartphone, The Social Radio is a marvelous Twitter client that allows you to listen to the the tweets from those accounts you follow. The client runs in the background, allowing one to use other applications. Rather than waking up the phone, reading the screen, and swiping to read the latest tweets, just listen to the speaker or use your corded or Bluetooth earpiece. A hands-free application, while driving a vehicle I can listen to both the tweets and the voice GPS navigation instructions simultaneously... or make and receive phone calls. The Social Radio is, in my opinion, a must-have application.

What unique Twitter clients do you use?

Cell phone ban suggested by NTSB - Noooo....

In early December the federal NTSB published a statement that was picked up by news broadcasters (e.g., CNN and FoxNews).The NTSB would like to see a nationwide ban of cell phone use by drivers of cars, trucks, trains. Telephone conversations, texting, and whatever else they can think of are included.

My opinion?

We don't need federal or state bans on cell phone usage or on any questionable activities in cars.

Laws will never keep pace with technology. There are "careless" or "reckless" or "distracted" driving statutes on the books of all states; use 'em. These statutes already cover a multitude of driving sins. Whether talking, texting, drinking hot coffee, eating a greasy hamburger or discipling children, this stuff is already covered. Stop trying to spell out every possible movement or activity in the car.

Consider the extension of the ban mentality. How about banning GPSs, iPods or external satellite receivers? Add the business, private and amateur transceivers to the mix. Where does it all stop?

Whatever happened to personal responsibility? Heck, I would have to worry more about what my parents would have to say or do than anything the policeman might do. We don't need the states or feds involved. The states should simplify, not complicate, driving regulations.

So what say you?__________________

Casey Anthony verdict

In my opinion, most media correspondents had Casey Anthony convicted on emotion. The burden of proof is on the prosecution, not the defendant. I heard no definitive evidence, only circumstantial. There was no cause of death, and there was conflicting expert testimony. What is reasonable or expected behavior? Yes, Casey was convicted of lying, but that's not murder. In my opinion, the parents et al called were at the minimum not telling the truth. The family's strange behaviors may be a sign of mental states, or outcomes of apparently dysfunctional family. That is not for me to say. If there were to be any charges filed, in my opinion those would have been child negligence and the improper disposal of a body. One or more persons may be guilty of these charges (which were not filed), but it is impossible to say who those persons may be.

Weiner, Rangel and the Media

For three weeks in June, the media obsessed with the sexual miscues and alleged lying of Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY). While I have no sympathy for Weiner, and his actions were stupid or dumb at worst, the Democratic leadership and the media have in my opinion badly misfired.

It was not so long ago that Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY) was found guilty of cheating on his income taxes. The censure amounted to a minor slap on the wrist. Unlike Weiner's case, there was no persistent howl from the President, leaders of Congress and the electorate calling for the resignation of Rangel.

Who has done more damage to the citizens of this country? Is a mostly-private act between individuals more damaging than one who cheats on income taxes? I think not. How soon we forget.