Gizmodo: alerts

New York Testing Emergency Alerts Over Gaming Networks

Rosa Golijan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST

I've seen "extreme weather warning" alerts beep-beep-beep across my TV during a show, but someone playing a video game might not. That's why NY state officials are intending to also send those Emergency Management Office issued alerts over gaming networks.

According to officials, the idea is to "reach younger residents who spend more time on the Xbox, PlayStation, or Wii than with television or radio" and it's actually part of a bigger program called Empire 2.0. Other things happening under the Empire 2.0 project include:

[T]he Department of Mental Health is monitoring some Facebook posts in an effort to spot suicidal behavior, the Office of Homeland Security is using Second Life to train 700,000 first responders, and senior members of the state CIO's office are using Twitter to disseminate information about technology initiatives to the public.

Basically, it feels like a good blend between the services and technology we use every day and important government programs. Now we just need a way to get emergency alerts to those of us who no longer watch live TV, listen to regular radio, and or play video games much. Or am I the only one? [Information Week via Slashdot]

Tinking Is Digital Messaging Wind Chime For The Digital Age

Kit Eaton — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Combining the delightful play of wind with a tinkly mobile sculpture and wireless messaging datalinks for the 21st century: that's the mission of designers Lufdesign with Tinkling. Whenever you get a voicemail, email or text message Tinkling chimes to let you know about it, and switches the color of its glowing tail. Seems that relaxation even has to be digitzied nowadays. [Yanko Design]

Disaster Alert Map Shows Where the World is Ending

Mark Wilson — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EDT

Until I loaded up this realtime Global Disaster Alert Map operated by the International Disaster and Risk Conference, which tracks biological hazards, chemical spills, fires, volcanoes, earthquakes and epidemics, I earnestly thought that it had been a pretty good day. I was wrong, and I will not be so naive as to drop my constant cynicism again. [IDRC via bookofjoe]

FCC Prepping Nationwide Text Message Alert System

Sean Fallon — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:25:00 EDT

According to both CNN and USA Today, the FCC is expected to announce a nationwide system that sends major alerts to cellphones via text message. Rumor has it that these messages will initially be limited to the English language in 90 words or less and would warn users about events like terrorist attacks, major weather situations and Amber alerts. Participation is voluntary on the part of wireless carriers, but it is unlikely that any of the national providers will opt out. [CNN and USA Today via Mobileburn]

Windows XP Sounds On the Piano

Jason Chen — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 20:10:08 EST

If you thought that half hour you spent digging stuff out of various parts of your body was a waste of time, check out what this guy figured out how to play on his synth piano. Yeah, it's Windows noises. His professors at Juilliard are so proud. Money well spent, Mom! – Jason Chen

How to play Windows XP alerts on the piano [MusicThing]