How Jamaican can watch GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships Live on 1spotmedia

It's that time of year again when friends become bitter rivals as they support their schools during the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships!

The action starts March 20 -24, 2018 and you can catch it all on 1Spotmedia, the RJR-Gleaner Communication Group's streaming platform. Over this five (5) day period, 1Spotmedia will stream live the most anticipated high school track and field event showcasing the best of Jamaica’s athletic talent.

This Pay-Per-view access will allow you to watch live one of the most enjoyable events on the athletics calendar and experience the camaraderie of high school athletics!

So how do you get in on the action?

1spotmedia portal - Free viewing for Jamaican but diaspora must pay

The 1Spotmedia portal delivers thousands of hours of engaging video on demand content and live streaming of the Group’s four television brands:

1.      TVJ

2.      TVJSN

3.      JNN

4.      RETV

They also have five (5) radios stations that the website streams as well:

1.      RJR 94FM

2.      FAME 95FM

3.      Hitz 92FM

4.      Power 106FM

5.      Music 99FM

Good to note most of them have their own streaming services, which you can find listed in my MICO Wars Blog article entitled “How to get Streaming Jamaican Radio Stations”..

Viewers in Jamaica can watch the event “on the go” via TVJ and TVJSN for free on http://www.1spotmedia.com or on the 1spotmedia app.

All you have to do is register on http://www.1spotmedia.com for the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships Pay Per View. The prices are as follows:

1.      US$25.99 for ‘Early Early Bird’ season pass

2.      US$27.99 for the ‘Early Bird’ season pass

Good to note you can access this early bird passes on March 10 and March 17, a good amount of time before the action begins.  For the rest of the normal folk abroad, regular and Day Passes are as follows:

1.      US$34.99 for Regular season pass

2.      US$10.99 for Day 1 Pass

3.      US$10.99 for Day 2 Pass

4.      US$10.99 for Day 3 Pass     

5.      US$15.99 for Day 4 Pass

6.      US$20.99 for Day 5 Pass       

Something tells me that this is really more for Jamaicans living outside of Jamaica, as no Jamaican is willing to use their credit card to purchase items online. They can register for the Pay-Per-View experience and then download the 1spotmedia App from the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store on any mobile device.        

Last year the team from Calabar High captured their sixth consecutive Boys Championships title and Edwin Allen captured their fifth Girls title, when both teams eliminated their rivals. Who will win this year?

Here's the link:

1spotmedia website

1spotmedia App on the Google Play Store

1spotmedia App on the Apple Itunes Store

How Motorola and Harvard University study reveal that Nomophobia is getting worse

It’s no secret that smartphones take up a large part of our time and attention spans. Smartphones are talking up a large part of our time and attention. Heck, just writing this sentence, I glanced at my smartphones about 5 times!!

In an effort to understand people’s “phone-life balance" Motorola has released results from a new survey that examines smartphone habits and its impact relationships as reported in the article “Motorola’s survey confirms we’re addicted to our smartphones” published 21 February 2018 by Brenda Stolyar, Digitaltrends.

Motorola developed a global study in partnership Dr. Nancy Etcoff from Harvard University and the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry. Independent research company Ipsos undertook the survey on their behalf to look at behaviors and phone use habits across generations.

This was in an effort to understand how smartphones impact our relationships with ourselves as well as others. So what did the study uncover that we didn’t already know?

Motorola and Harvard University – Problems in smartphone-land

The study found that:

1.      33% of respondents prioritize their smartphone over interacting with other people, like friends and family

2.      53% of Gen Z respondents described their phone as their best friend

3.      33% admit to panicking when they have lost their smartphones

4.      29% of participants also agreed they are already thinking about the next time they will be able to use it

5.      50% of the participants agreed they compulsively checked phone and felt the need to do it constantly

Clearly many who took this survey suffer from Nomophobia, which literally means a fear of being without your smartphone as pointed out in my blog article entitled “How to deal with Smartphone Addiction as Wearables trend indicates it is getting worse”.

Good to note here are those of us hose born from the 1990s to the early 2000s, effectively the so-called Millennial group!!

The study also identified three key problematic smartphone behaviors:

1.      Compulsive checking

2.      Excessive phone time

3.      Emotional over-dependence

Also, many recognize that this was a problem and are actively trying to quit or at least want to find a balance as the survey further revealed:

1.      61% of participants who agreed they want to use the phone more efficiently yet not miss moments in their life

2.      30% also agreed they spend too much time on their smartphones and said they'd be happier if they cut back

3.      60% said it was important to have a life separate from their phones

So how and why did Motorola conduct this survey?

Motorola and Harvard University - Smartphone Survey reveals Nomophobia is a real problem

This research was very similar to one done by Antivirus maker Kaspersky Lab who suggested that it is not only killing our relationships, but our ability to think as well as our actions under the sheets as well as noted in my blog article entitled “Kaspersky Lab Smartphone Dependency Study suggests smartphones are killing Reasoning and Sex”.

Motorola recognizes that smartphone users are in need of a better phone-life balance. With this knowledge, in an effort to help others, the company has put together a simple 10-question survey that allows you to:

1.      Understand how you compare to other phone users

2.      Provide tips to improve your smartphone habits

In the end, self-control and quitting cold turkey may be necessary, especially if you are planning to study for exams as pointed out in my MICO Wars blog article entitled

“How Jamaicans can stay awake all night while studying for Exams”.

Sharing is caring so share this with your friends who are trying to quit!!!!

How to connect your PlayStation 4 to a smartphone or tablet

Sony has developed the PlayStation mobile app in order to bring your smartphone and PlayStation 4 together. The PlayStation mobile app allows you to browse PlayStation profiles, compare trophies, and purchase content from within the app.

This will then automatically download to your console as long as it’s active or in standby mode. The app lacks some functionality but it remains a worthwhile companion for PS4 owners.

Messaging is no longer supported on the app, so contacting a friend on the PSN (PlayStation Network) or checking your PlayStation account from your phone requires that you use Sony’s new My PlayStation social portal in your web browser.

Introduced in February 2018, the My PlayStation lets you message friends, view trophies, and update your profile on the go. Only the app, however, allows you to connect directly to your console

Steps to connecting your PlayStation 4 to a smartphone or tablet

Before downloading the PlayStation application for iOS or Android, update your smartphone or tablet to the latest version of the operating system. For iOS users, you’ll want at least version 6.0, while Android users will need version 4.0 at the very least.

Once updated, enter “PlayStation” in the search field in iTunes or Google Play. Then do the following once installed:

1.      Sign in to your PSN account

2.      Tap the Connect to PS4 button in the bottom-left corner of the PlayStation application

3.      Select the Second Screen option

4.      Type the code that should appear on your TV screen in the text field on your smartphone or tablet

5.      Select Register

At this point your device should start synching, giving you access to most of the app’s features such as:

1.      Events

2.      Live-streams

3.      The PlayStation Store

The biggest difference you’ll notice once your phone and console is that PS4 games, such as Metal Gear Solid V and Watch Dogs, feature companion functionality you can use while gaming.

Sharing is caring so share this interesting gaming tip with your friends.

How Digicel Data Doctor prevents Jamaican smartphones users from losing credit

“We made a commitment to listen. We made a commitment to change. Our dynamic team of tech-savvy Data Doctors knows the ins and outs of smartphones and how mobile data works, so our customers can feel confident that they will get all the help they need with even the most complex issues, always with a friendly greeting and a warm conversation”

CEO of Digicel Jamaica., Justin Morin, on the reintroduction of the Digicel Data Doctor 101 toll-free hotline

Is there a Data Doctor in the House?

Digicel has been on a roll, of late, having launched Destination Data and Free Data Nights as noted in my Geezam blog article entitled “Digicel gives all Prepaid Customers in Jamaica a Christmas Gift”.

Now they're decided that they need to reintroduce their Data Doctors to provide 12-hour call support each day as reported in the article “Digicel ‘Data Doctors’ Back On Call”, Published Friday February 9, 2018, The Jamaica Gleaner.

Customer can now dial 101 toll-free for a Data Doctor.

So what are the Digicel Data Doctors?

Digicel Data Doctors - Digicel ups the Ante with Better Customer Service

The Digicel Data Doctors are a team of customer care agents dedicated to answering questions on the following.

1.      Understanding the features of their smart-phone or Internet-enabled device

2.      Getting the right settings for their device to operate at peak performance while using data

3.      Selecting the best mobile data plan that suits their lifestyle and budget

The 101 toll-free lines will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and is dedicated to dealing exclusively with for data matters. This is in addition to their 24/7 Customer Care Call Center, which is also located at their Headquarters on the waterfront!!

This is great as many Jamaicans need help with using their smartphones, being as they are mainly gifts from friends and family abroad but come with no instruction manuals. Worse, accessing Digicel Website requires that you have internet at home or you log on at an internet cafe, something very few Jamaicans actually do.

Interestingly they're already placed some helpful information on their Digicel YouTube Channel. Here are a few very helpful videos!

First, How to Activate & Renew a Data Plan.....

Next, How to Activate the International Calling Plan

Also, how to Ensure Your Phone Can Browse the Internet

And my personal favourite, how to Prevent Your Phone From Losing Credit...

Despite these videos, Digicel created this line based on customer feedback to offer simplified offerings, transparent charging and ways to prevent unwanted data usage as described in my blog article entitled “How to stop FLOW Jamaica or Digicel smartphone using your Mobile Data and Credit”.

Best of all, you can win smartphones such as the Samsung J5 Prime ever since Free Data Nights have become a permanent part of Digicel Data plans since January 2018 as I'd pointed out in my blog article entitled “How to get Digicel’s Free Data Nights and win a Samsung J5 Prime”.

So I guess this idea might soon put Digicel back in the No. 1 Spot, as they're the only telecom Providers providing this information instead. Sharing is caring so share this video with your friends!!!

How a Ban on Styrofoam, Plastics needs Recycling Initiative to save the Jamaican Environment

“One thing is certain, the paralysis of how we have approached items of our environmental protection throughout our history ... is at an end.”

Government senator Matthew Samuda commenting on changes coming from the Jamaican Government on a potential ban of Styrofoam and plastic bags

Justice is coming for the Jamaican Environment.

This as the Jamaican Government will be taking measure to limit the use of Styrofoam and single-use plastic bags as reported in the article “Gov't To Take Action On Styrofoam And Plastic Bags - Senator Samuda”, published Friday February 9, 2018 by Edmond Campbell, The Jamaica Gleaner. 

This action is the result of the work of Government senator Matthew Samuda, who had championed the idea for the ban of Styrofoam and plastic bags when a motion was finally passed in the Senate on Friday October 7^th 2016 as reported on my blog article entitled “How Plastic Bottles and Styrofoam may soon be banned in Jamaica”.

A working group, chaired by the Director, Mona GeoInformatics Institute, University of the West Indies, Dr Parris Lyew-Ayee, completed their task in October 2017. Dr Parris Lyew-Ayee canvassed the opinions of several Jamaicans via an online petition as reported back in August 25 as reported in the article “Last Day For Feedback On Proposal To Ban Plastic Bags”, Published Friday August 25, 2017, The Jamaica Gleaner.

The working group will now submit their recommendations within 100 days of Wednesday February 7^th 2018 as reported in the article “Recommendations On Reducing Plastic And Styrofoam Use In Jamaica Within 100 Days”, published Tuesday February 7, 2017, The Jamaica Gleaner.

This will be centered on how to reduce and eventually remove Styrofoam and single-use plastics bags but needs to be expanded to include 500ml plastic bottles. 

Ban on Styrofoam coming - Recycling Initiative needed to tackle plastics already in the environment

My personal recommendation is to pay Jamaicans JA$100 to return 500ml bottles and other types of plastic such as Styrofoam.

This a JA$100 is the overall equivalent cost the NSWMA pays per plastic item to have it removed from the environment as noted in my blog article entitled “How JA$100 for recycling 500ml Plastic bottles and Styrofoam Ban will save Jamaica's Environment”.

Also the legislation on the collection of Garbage needs to be put in place to force large companies and householders to sort their garbage by type into different bins as follows:

1.      Plastics

2.      Electronics

3.      Organic Waste

4.      Cardboard and Paper

5.      Metals

6.      Glass

A more realistic fine of JA$100,000 would also help to deter the usage of Styrofoam and other plastics as well, including single-use plastics bags and 500ml plastic bottles.

Hoping to hear what this announcement will entail, as albeit a ban is good, we need to tackle the current problem that my recommendations would solve; getting Jamaicans to care about the environment by paying them to keep plastics from getting into the environment.

How UWI Lecturer's Fourth Industrial Revolution AI doom will usher in UBI for Jamaica

“For a country like ours, that poses a huge challenge because what are our universities going to be teaching people to do when a lot of the things that you previously would hire people to do will be done cheaper, better, faster, and more reliably by robots and AI systems....”

Professor of sustain-able development at the University of the West Indies Anthony Clayton commenting on the coming of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and its effect on Jamaica.

In the next 5 to 10 years, artificially intelligent robots will usher in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, taking way jobs from Jamaicans.

So says Professor of sustain-able development at the University of the West Indies Anthony Clayton, l who says it'll have a really bad effect on Jamaica as noted in the article “Replaced By Robots - University Professor Warns Of Massive Job Losses When The Fourth Industrial Revolution Takes Place”, Published Sunday January 21, 2018 by Jason Cross, The Jamaica Gleaner.

Currently robotic systems powered by AI are restricted in what they can learn and do as pointed out by Dr. Clayton, quote: “There are actually a few things that the new robotic and AI systems cannot do faster, more accurately, and cheaper than humans. This includes a lot of service sector activities. Even in medicine, an area you would think could not be automated, there are AI systems now that are more accurate at diagnosing illness than any human being”.

But when they do, cheaper mass produced items will be coming from the First World Nations, who will use AI to wean themselves off a dependence on cheap Chinese products. But in the process, it'll push Developing World Countries like Jamaica into poverty, as we cannot compete with machines that can do the job of a human at a high quality level and at such a low cost.

AI will mainly disrupt jobs that are repetitive and dangerous such as fast food workers as noted in my blog article entitled “Fast Food Robot taking over by 2017 - How Drones like Amazon and PrimeAir and not Humanoid Robots will be the first Robots by 2015”.

Vehicular transportation might also be affected, as Taxis may be driven by AI, who may be deemed more efficient than humans to quote Dr Clayton: “Look at vehicles and the move to driverless vehicles and how many millions of jobs are going to be displaced, and it has already started. A number of countries, including the USA, the United Kingdom, and others are changing their laws to allow driverless vehicles on the roads. Countries are preparing for this new technological revolution”.

So what can we do to prepare for this coming Fourth Industrial Revolution powered by AI?

Fourth Industrial Revolution powered by AI - Dr. Clayton predicts Job losses as Degrees become pointless

Many will question the relevance of a University education, as AI can do the work better as pointed out by Dr. Clayton:  “What are we going to educate people for? People go to school to learn basic reading and numeracy skills, but after that, what are people getting an education for? Getting an education is, basically, for them to be absorbed into the employment market”.

This video below explains it all and makes the coming reality even more stark.

Already, we are in the early part of the AI revolution, with many working in Jobs that have already been made obsolete; it's really just a matter of time, Dr. Clayton asserts, quote: “It is a profound revolution. We are, potentially, going into a world where most existing forms of work will disappear. I do not doubt that we will invent new and worthwhile things to do. I am sure that people will be getting paid for doing jobs that do not currently exist”.

When AI becomes fully sentient, they may need to have rights just like humans as well.

As such, they'll have the right to work and earn a living. No job will be spared, especially as with the proliferation of the Internet and so many interconnected databases, the stage is set for AI to really dominate the world as predicted by Dr. Clayton, quote: “AI systems are taking over banking, medicine, and accounting, and we are only at the edge of what these things can do.

Jobs losses will be in millions, making many question the value of a University education, to quote Dr. Clayton: When you come to university, we try to fill your head with knowledge and understanding, but let's say that you have access to an AI system that gives you instant access to outstanding data analytic services to all of the world's libraries, what will you still need to know at university when you can ask your AI system any question and get an instant answer and get analysis behind it as well? There will be the question of why anybody would go to university when the jobs we used to train people for will cease to exist”.

Jobs that require a combination of skills that will include analytic skills and social intelligence maybe the only way to have employment as Dr. Clayton. argues: “You will need a combination of networking skills, social intelligence, the ability to manage complex logistics, to analyse problems and the ability to come with creative solutions because the full impact of it all will be felt in 20 to 30 years”.

Hopefully that doesn’t include teaching, as it may dissuade many from entering the field thinking that machines will take their work!

Jamaican and AI - UBI may become the norm once AI takes over

But all is not doom and gloom as Dr. Clayton claims.

Jamaica will easily adjust, by simply switching to UBI (Universal Basic Income), effectively paying Jamaicans simply to be humans and Jamaican.

This would be possible thanks to the NIDS (National Identifications that will usher in a cashless society as predicted in my blog article entitled “How NIDS coming in January 2018 means Electronic Transactions with GOJ to become standard”.

Giving a UBI of say, JA$100000 per month to each and every NIDS card carrying Jamaican, would become necessary and could be funded via scrapping all of the previous poverty alleviation programs and unnecessary Ministries of Government, which no doubt would also become automated.

Here' a video making the case for UBI

Additionally, sources of funding could come from Oil Mining, which the Private Sector Companies already have a future stake in as pointed out in my blog article entitled “Why Jamaican Private Sector funding Oil Exploration by Tullow Oil for US$300 per barrel in 2020”.

Addition all source of funding for UBI could also come from selling Hydrogen Gas produced via offshore windfarms as predicted in my Geezam blog article entitled “How PCJ Offshore Windfarm may be used to export Hydrogen and Uranium”.

Truly, AI taking away jobs is really a good thing; more time to spend with family and friends, as cheaper AI labour means money shifting back to government to be spend on UBI so that we can afford to live in a world without work.