TechTeach, Issue Fourteen

Now that we’ve looked at the parts of the computer, let’s take a look at some of the things you can do with them.

With the fires lately, I find that local news doesn’t cover them as much as I’d like. So I have found that KCBS/KCAL from Los Angeles have live streaming video of their feeds from the helicopters. Shows lots of video of stuff you don’t always see on TV.

They can be found at: http://cbs2.com/

There will be more TV and radio stations on the TechTeach site.

If you like music, you can pull up sounds from all over the planet, really, the whole planet. Download and install Winamp, and you can pull in audio from 10,000 stations using Shoutcast, a free streaming service. This does come with the notice that there are people streaming rather “adult” video, so if you click on Shoutcast Video, you will be asked to set the “parental” controls.

Winamp: http://www.winamp.com/player, choose the Free Version. Uncheck the box if you don’t want to give them your email.

You can listen to radio from the BBC, and some videos. One that I like is “The Shy at Night” with Sir Patrick Moore. It’s been running for years and you can watch previous episode. However, you will need RealPlayer (http://www.real.com/ free download) to view it. You can also listen to the BBC World Service. Some broadcasts will work with Windows Media Player, but it seems sort of hit or miss.

BBC Home Page: http://www.bbc.co.uk/

BBC Radio: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/

Note: Most, if not all, BBC video is blocked to be viewed only inside the UK.

I do like to listen to Dave Congleton on KVEC in the afternoons, from 3PM to 7PM Pacific time. They also stream their morning show from 6AM to 9AM Pacific time. That is an AM station from San Luis Obispo. http://www.920kvec.com/

Same with KINF from Santa Maria: http://www.am1440.com/index.html

I also like to listen to Leo Laporte on the weekends when I’m home on KFI 640 from Los Angeles, http://www.kfi640.com/main.html . He talks about computer, and technology. On from 11AM to 2PM, Pacific time. And, like the BBC, I believe they block connections outside the US.

NASA also streams live video. Launches, from orbit, other events. http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/ Uses Windows Media Player.

Computer America is a computer and tech show that has been running for 16 years. I’ve been listening since before I even owned a computer. Sign up for the giveaway on the left side of the screen, and join the chat. Show runs 7PM to 9PM weekenights, Pacific time. http://www.computeramerica.com/

Also, you can use Google to find radio and TV stations online. Just type in the call letters, such as “KTLA,” or type “ktla.com” into the address bar of your browser. Keep in mind that not all stations stream programming, and some only stream in during emergencies or important events.

BBC

Radio and TV from the UK. If you are outside the UK, the TV shows are blocked. But the radio is worth a listen for something different. World Service and BBC Radio 5 are a good place to start.

KCOY 12 TV Santa Maria

KSBY 6 TV San Luis ObispoKEYT TV Santa Barbara

KCBS 2/ KCAL9 TV Los Angeles

KINF 1440AM Santa Maria

KFI 640 AM Los Angeles

KVEC 920AM San Luis Obispo

“Hometown Radio” for San Luis Obispo County, 3PM to 7PM is the Dave Congalton Show. Entertaining and informative, he’s worth a listen for that little slice of the Central Coast.