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2008 “Homies” nominations? UStream in the running

By WDavidStephenson | December 7, 2007

I’m compiling my annual predictions for the next year’s hot applications and devices with potential use in a “networked homeland security” program.

For the first time, these much-sought-after awards will have a name: the “Homies,” with a nod to homeland security and homage to Homer J. Simpson, who was himself honored as the October 1990 Toxic Waste Handler of the Month at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant.

Let me know ASAP if you’ve got a cool app or device that merits consideration!

Here’s one I just found out about that definitely has potential: UStream, which allows you to do real-time streaming of events on your own site as well as on UStream’s as they happen. As with Twitter, much of the day-to-day content is forgettable (there are only so many times you can watch the view from the cab of a Japanese bullet train…) , but an interview with Gordon Moore has legs, not to mention live coverage from the Bali Earth Summit.

You can imagine that in a disaster, live footage from a citizen journalist via UStream could provide invaluable information!

So Ustream’s in the running, but hasn’t locked up a top 10 listing: get me YOUR suggestions for Homies as soon as possible (I’ll give credit to you if you’d like).


BTW: We had an event in Boston this week that proves citizens can provide invaluable information to officials: a teenager used her cameraphone to photograph a guy who is alleged to have groped her and other girls during the past year:

“‘I decided it was time to do this,’ she said. ‘When I saw him, this thing kicked in me and said ‘Do it, you have to do it.’

“Yesterday the MBTA released the photo of the man, who has not been identified, and said he was wanted for indecent assault and battery.

“Sergeant Michael Rutledge, the lead investigator on the case, praised the girl’s quick thinking.

“‘Very brave,’ Rutledge said. ‘She’s very smart.’”

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