Welcome to The Explanation Age

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The age-old question of “who gets to decide?” has recently been answered as “the group” as social media plays a bigger role in everything from what movie to watch, to which politician to elect. The focus is now on the tools and terminology that go into “collaborative” decision making, and the knowledge systems that present the “outcomes” of those decisions. The timing is critical for this next wave of technology, as concerns rise over decision transparency, brain-drain, accountability, business innovation, and education reform.

John Lewis holds a doctoral degree in educational psychology from the University of Southern California, with a dissertation focus on mental models and decision making. John is a knowledge management business consultant and speaker, and a member of The George Washington University Institute for Knowledge and Innovation. John is the author of the book “The Explanation Age,” which provides tools for the coming age of knowledge and decision transparency, with implications for business, education, and governments.

Week In Review Links

1. Mayor Bloomberg Announces the Winners of NYC BigApps 3.0
2. Mayor Bloomberg Angry Over NYC311 App
3. Manhattan Center Undergoes HD Facelift
4. Space Shuttle Discovery Enters Smithsonian for Museum Display
5. Draw Something Finally Gets Facebook and Twitter Support, ‘Save’ Feature

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Thorium: Energy Cheaper Than Coal

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Electricity produced by a liquid fluoride thorium reactor promises to be cheaper than electricity produced by burning coal. Replacing coal burning power stations is the fastest way to slow atmospheric CO2 emissions and to stop particulate soot that kills millions of people.

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Few nations will adopt carbon taxes or energy policies against their economic self-interests to reduce collective CO2 emissions. Energy cheaper than coal will dissuade all nations from burning coal. Innovative, less expensive energy technology relies on economic persuasion to end the pollution, to provide energy and prosperity to impoverished peoples, and to create energy security for all for all time.

Robert Hargraves graduated from Dartmouth, then got a PhD in physics at Brown, then taught math and computer science at Dartmouth and contributed to development of the time sharing system there. He pursued a career in software development, information technology consulting and management. Retired from Boston Scientific where he managed information technology.

Week In Review Links

1. Mayor Bloomberg Announces the Winners of NYC BigApps 3.0
2. Mayor Bloomberg Angry Over NYC311 App
3. Manhattan Center Undergoes HD Facelift
4. Space Shuttle Discovery Enters Smithsonian for Museum Display
5. Draw Something Finally Gets Facebook and Twitter Support, ‘Save’ Feature

What Will Windows 8 Bring?

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This week Tom D’Auria and Mike Meikle of the Hawkthorne Group will discuss the upcoming release of Windows 8 and what it means for the consumer and corporate market. They will cover how Windows 8 fits into Microsoft’s cloud strategy, how it will help or hurt Microsoft’s fortunes in the tablet market and of course all the new bells and whistles that it will sport. Finally, Tom and Mike will weigh in on how they believe the marketplace will treat Windows 8, steps Microsoft can take to avoid another Vista boondoggle and wrap up with some final thoughts.

Week In Review Links

1. NY Museums Participate in Google Art Project
2. Wall Street Traders Embracing Bitcoin
3. NY electronic waste recycling gets mixed grades
4. NYC Launches a Better Map App for Tourists
5. More than 600,000 Macs infected with Flashback botnet
6. A Rose-Colored View May Come Standard

Upgrades to the Apple Ecosystem: The new iPad, AppleTV, and the upcoming OS X 10.8

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The new iPad is here, along with an upgraded AppleTV. So what do they have to offer and how are they going to mesh with the upcoming OS X update? This week joining us on the show to discuss the Apple Ecosystem is Gabe Gagliano.

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Gabe Gagliano writes Tech of the Hub. Tech of the Hub is a blog dedicated to getting the best audio and video experience in the home without busting the bank. The blog covers topics such as HD, surround sound, Netflix, home theater gear, video-streaming services, gadgets and of course, Apple.

Gabe is also the creator of the web site TV and Movies NOW.com. The site allows you to search for streaming TV shows and movies on both Netflix and Amazon. You can discover titles in High definition, surround sound or ones that are expiring. Check out TVandMoviesNOW.com
While he’s not blogging, Gabe provides IT consulting services to companies. Most of his career, Gabe has successfully led IT teams to create value for businesses. Gabe has experience in both B2B and B2C with specific experience in consumer goods, software, government and political campaigns. You can follow Gabe on twitter at @TechOfTheHub or on Facebook at facebook.com/techofthehub.

Week In Review Links

1. Verizon Raises Prices for NY FiOS TV Subscribers
2. Sen. Schumer Questions Employers Seeking Facebook Data
3. Gartner Group Finds NY 911 System Improvements $1 Billion Over Budget
4. Apple’s iPad hits snag over 4G claims overseas
5. OnStar Family Link service launched