Dear Evan Hansen, How Do You Do!

Posted on by
1

Oops, I forgot you are not allowed to take photos inside the theatre.

Oops, I did it again.

Dear Evan Hansen is a sensational new Broadway Musical that tells the story of just how terrifying social media can be for a teenager with severe social anxiety.  I don’t think other folks would quite describe the musical that way, but that’s exactly how it resonated with me. 

I personally believe that social media has done way more good, than harm, in our society. It has given every American a chance to be heard on every possible issue, and it has opened a line of communications between many people who have never spoken before.

However, no one could have ever predicted the dilemma Evan Hansen got himself into when he told a little fib that got exploded on social media. It makes us all aware that we have to be accountable for what we post and, unfortunately, for what gets posted about us.

I may have just done Dear Even Hansen a major injustice by describing the show this way, because it is one of the best I have ever seen on Broadway. Theatergoers must feel the same way because every seat is sold out for months, and people are paying big bucks to stand in the back of the theatre for both acts.

From the minute Dear Evan Hansen starts, to the last bow the cast takes, the audience is applauding non-stop. The topic may be a little unsettling, but the show will still captivate you in ways that you have never explored before.

My Thoughts About Uber 

Posted on by
2

I’m still not convinced that Travis Kalanick, CEO, of Uber, truly understands why a growing number of his customers switched to Lyft. It’s not only that he was on President Donald Trump’s business advisory group, but that he lowered Uber’s prices in an effort to gain new customers when the yellow taxis went on strike for a few hours to protest the administration’s immigration policies. 

Kalanick probably thought it was a cool PR move. Several hundred thousand Americans plus Uber drivers, many of whom are immigrants themselves, did not. They were horrified. Everyone was spreading his or her dismay by posting #DeleteUber on of their social media accounts. Uber has been emailing customers who deleted their accounts to say “the company shares their concerns and will compensate drivers affected by the ban.”

In other words. it was an apology. Read about it in Reuters. Here is an excerpt. “Joining the group was not meant to be an endorsement of the president or his agenda but unfortunately it has been misinterpreted to be exactly that,” Kalanick said he told the president he would not join the economic council.

There is no question about it, Kalanick is running scared. One wrong move may have distroyed the genius of a company he worked so brilliantly to build. I loved Uber. I used it several times a day whether I’m in Miami, New York, or Los Angeles. Many of the drivers know me. 

I can’t help it. I switched to Lyft. I may never go back to Uber. There is very little difference between the two. Many of the drivers are the same. Kalanick opened the way for me to try Lyft. He may regret that for the rest of his life.

Controlling Netflix With Your Mind     

Posted on by
2

Netflix engineers demonstrate Mindflix.

Netflix likes their employees to have fun. I just found out that the company conducts “hack days” where employees are given 24 hours to develop crazy and wacky gadgets for the movie company.

Two engineers just invented Mindflix, a special headband that helps you surf Netflix using your mind. All you have to do is move your head to the side to scroll, and then think “play” when you see a title you want to watch. This gadget could replace the remote control.

The Netflix’s engineers achieved this task by customizing a brain-reading headband made by Muse, which is usually used for guiding meditation. Muse measures whether your mind is calm or active. The headband is sensing brain activity and using the feedback to control certain pre-established actions.

Watch the video for a better explanation.

No word if Netflix plans to pursue this idea, but they told the press about it. That always means something. 

Rare Opportunity To Own One-Of-Kind Warhol Style Portrait Of Yourself, Or Someone You Love

Posted on by
2

  

Artists Debbie Carfagno and Michael Enns, both former master printers for pop-art icon Andy Warhol, will be demonstrating the Warhol innovative silkscreen process at the Williams McCall Gallery @ Frameworks, 3196 Commodore Plaza, Second Floor, Coconut Grove, Fl, 33133, 786-359-4321, Saturday, February 4th, 6pm.

I will be happy to get all DigiDame readers their own personalized portrait. Not sure of final price. If you are interested, contact me directly in the comment section of DigiDame.

Carfagno and Enns worked for Warhol in the late 1970’s until his death in 1987. The artists will be offering audiences the opportunity to get “Warholed.” They will also be discussing the silk-screening process, as well as many of their experiences at The Factory. 

Warhol was an American artist who was a leading figure in pop art. His works explore the relationship between artistic expression, celebrity culture, and advertising that flourished by the 1960s.

West 56th Between 8th and 9th

Posted on by
2

I have lived in New York City my entire life and I have never seen anything like this. There is one block on the westside of Manhattan that is  decorated with strands of lights that make  you feel like you are in the middle of a storybook. It’s truly a beautiful sight. 

I’m not sure what the celebration was all about, but whoever decorated that street certainly knew how to use tree tops, lamp posts, and electric poles to create a winter wonderland. Fifty-sixth street between eighth and ninth avenues is not to be missed.

Photos by Eliot Hess 

Can You Identify These Benches? 

Posted on by
3

My girl friend Barbara O’Connell often sends me the most interesting things to post. I love “Just Benches.” If you can identify anyone of these, let me know. We want to know the location and installer.


For Those Who Miss Typewriters

Posted on by
2

I know this sounds silly, but there are days that I miss the sounds of a typewriter. I imagine myself writing a book and listening to the keys click away. 

My dreams may have come true. There is a new mechanical keyboard out there that feels like an old typewriter but still has the modern features we have come to love.

The new Lofree keyboard can work wired or wireless. You can use it with your PC or Mac as well as your iOS and Android devices.  

The Lofree will be available in several different colors and it will feature different backlights.

If you want more information about Lofree, click here. Pricing was not mentioned. 

Thank you Mashable for the lead.