
Tech Town's New CEO Sees Chance To Grow
by: Pat BatchellerMidtown business incubator's next project involves new engineering ventures.
Midtown business incubator's next project involves new engineering ventures.
This week state officials in Michigan made a startling announcement. They said the state’s massive computer network faces about 730,000 cyberattacks -- every day. So many, in fact, that the state is creating a so-called Michigan cyber civilian corporation to help respond to ongoing attacks and prevent new ones.
Mayor Duggan’s new open government initiative let's residents look at crime maps, building permits and city contracts online.
Detroit officials are pledging to post crime statistics and financial transactions online in an effort to make the city’s government more transparent.
A report released by Automation Alley and the Anderson Economic Group says Metro Detroit should be considered a high-tech, industrial city along with Boston, Seattle, and Chicago.
The most common passwords? "123456" and "password." Laura and Stephen speak with Cyber Security Specialist and University of Detroit-Mercy Professor Jeff Ingalsbe about the serious concern of security on the web, on the personal, national and international stages.
Vanity Fair's Auto Reporter Brett Berk sits down with WDET’s Amy Miller to discuss the coolest concept cars at the 2015 North American International Auto Show.
Local Motors is using its space at the Auto Show to print and build a car. They're hoping to sell 100 of the vehicles this year.
Sandra speaks with the head of Uconnect Systems at Fiat Chrysler Joni Christensen about the latest technology in cars.
A new dashboard infotainment system to replace the touchy "MyFordTouch" system is coming to a Ford near you in two years.
Laura speaks with auto analyst and Publisher of The Detroit Bureau Paul Eisenstein about the future of driverless cars and cars that talk to the driver and other cars.
GM says it will install car-to-car communication on some Cadillacs in 2017. The technology may help prevent crashes. But it may not work on snowy roads.
WDET's Sandra Svoboda discusses Detroit's lagging information technology.
Tech Town President and CEO joins Craig in studio to discuss the latest in technology, business and development.
The idea is to direct people to someplace other than emergency rooms, which are swamped with non-emergencies.
Superintendent of the Sebewaing Light and Water Department Melanie McCoy, President and CEO of the Michigan-based university fiber internet connection system Merit Network Don Welch and Attorney Mike Watza join Craig to recap and discuss the FCC's vote to restructure E-rate funding.
Shira Lee Katz, senior director of education content for Common Sense Media speaks with Craig Fahle about different types of applications designed for children and ways for parents to have better oversight of kids internet use.
A company called Tollgrade for working with DTE Energy to predict when and where an outage is going to occur in the Metro region – and stop it before it becomes widespread.
The media landscape is evolving quickly, and radio often finds it difficult to keep up.
Craig talks about the technological shift that's reshaping the cultural and economic landscape of countries in the Middle East and around the world. He speaks with Christopher Schroeder, the author of "Startup Rising: The Entrepreneurial Revolution Remaking the Middle East"
Will the much-anticipated new Amazon phone propel the online retailer to new heights? Or is this a risky experiment? Craig speaks with Senior Technology Writer for NBC News Digital Julianne Pepitone about the potential impact the phone could have on the tech world.
The Motor City Mapping survey revealed almost a quarter of the properties in Detroit are in need of intervention. Here to explain what the data collected in this survey mean for addressing blight is Data Driven Detroit director Erica Raleigh.
DNR and a state parks group offer "tech timeouts" during two special camping weekends.
Will online education be the great equalizer, or is a campus based college experience still necessary?
An outbreak of tornadoes in Michigan and 12 other states (and one twister in Windsor) led to changes in the way we study and forecast severe weather.
Automation Alley released its annual Technology Industry Report this morning. Kelly Kozlowski breaks down the findings for us.
The Big Data & Business Analytics Symposium takes place tonight, where experts are coming together to share ideas and insights on how to make use of a colossal collection of data.
With the rise of social media, people must be mindful of what they post online.
Today is the 25th anniversary of the World Wide Web, one of the most all-encompassing inventions ever. The Craig Fahle Show looks at how the internet has evolved over the past quarter-century.
Focus:Hope is one of a number of organizations that will help run the project that some are saying could bring 10,000 jobs to Michigan.
Is this web-based currency the future of e-commerce? Discovery News' Eric Niiler breaks it down.
Detroit officials are starting a massive mapping project to establish just how many blighted properties and abandoned homes should be demolished. (photo by Dawn Uhl-Zifilippo)
Pilar Montoya is the Chief Executive of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. She spoke to WDET’s Martina Guzman about the thousands of Latinos already prepared to fill the demand for STEM and IT jobs.
A member of the Obama Administration says too much technology may not be a good thing – for business or consumers.
Washington Post Reporter Haley Tsukayama reports live from the Annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas with curved televisions and smart-everything.
Mobile application complements redesigned Compass web site. County Exec says taxpayer cost is minimal.
NPR host Michel Martin speaks with WDET'S Laura Weber-Davis about using Twitter--and #NPRBlacksinTech"--to carry the conversation online, share ideas, experiences and stories.
Some experts state that Detroit's old infrastructure could struggle to adapt to climate change and extreme weather.
NHTSA to investigate battery fires in two of the expensive electric cars.
Do you think it is important to keep the infrastructure for telephone land lines viable in the future?
New data suggest existence of several planets like our own in Milky Way and beyond.
Listener's Choice Call-In: Callers discuss privacy, America's brand abroad regarding NSA phone snooping; and a recent survey asking "Do you trust the NSA more than your trust Google; and whether we know more than we need to know about how the government is monitoring citizens around the world?
The 2013 Michigan Cyber Summit comes to the Suburban Collection Showplace.
Detroit's Grand Circus among seven GOOGLE tech hubs.
Les Gold of "Hardcore Pawn" is a hardcore Detroit fan. He and others share their big ideas at Cobo this week.
WDET’s Laura Weber-Davis spoke with Dave Egner about what OpenCo is, and why networking in person is still important in the digital age.
Today on the Craig Fahle Show: Saul Green and David Kennedy talk to the show about Ceasefire Detroit, and listeners weigh in on military action in Syria.
National Science Foundation delivers $200K for new nanoengineering program
What is branding and what does it take to positively define and manage your brand on Social Media?
A new White House report finds the nation’s electricity power grid is highly vulnerable to blackouts because of increasingly severe weather conditions.
Kids want to Rock! The Michigan Science Center's new Exhibit.
Author of The Great American Jet Pack: The Quest for the Ultimate Individual Lift Device, Steve Lehto informs readers about the history of jet packs and why the device is not a common household item. Craig speaks with Lehto on what he discovered from writing the book.
State officials say students could report threats by phone, text, e-mail, or app. Anonymously. AG Bill Schuette explains how.
How is technology impacting local volunteers and students? Craig hears from tutor Nancy Baron, VP, Learning Manager at Comerica Bank and volunteer organizer Patricia A. McCann, VP National Civic Dan Weisberg, about a new virtual program that allows professionals to make a difference from their desk.
Craig starts Monday off with the Issues of the Day: Do you support or oppose sending troops to Syria? How much do you care about the radio in your car? Is Chris Christie's bipartisan approach good for Republicans? What's your opinion on these? Callers weigh in on today's topics
Kevin Hayes; Lead Systems Security Specialist for Wayne State University just returned from a week-long security conference in St. Louis. He discusses with Craig the most prevalent and recent security problems for computer users and networks, how bad the hacking is from China and the best new consumer apps.
Verizon's Director of Business Sales Eric Spadafora discusses the Emerging Technology Expo and how mobile technology is changing the way we conduct business.
Did you recently receive an Amber Alert via your mobile device, even though you didn't sign up for any program? This is because of a new Wireless Emergency Alert system which was implemented by CTIA-The Wireless Association in conjunction with the FCC and FEMA. Craig speaks with David Diggs, Vice President of Wireless Internet Development for CTIA-The Wireless Association, about the Wireless Emergency Alert system, who gets these alerts, and what mobile device users can expect in the future.
Remote and developing regions could hugely benefit from new solar technology developed by the University of Windsor. Craig talks with Anas Labak, Doctoral Student Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Windsor, about the Mobile Solar Energy Machine.
How do Facebook messages and text messages affect the way that we communicate? How does that communication affect our relationships? Dr. Stephanie Tong, Assistant Professor of Communications at Wayne State University, discusses her studies regarding how people initiate, maintain and terminate relationships using computer-mediated communication.
UDM cyber security expert explains challenges state faces in keeping up with hackers.
Craig talks with Leslie Smith, President and CEO of Tech Town, about plans to solve challenges in the ecosystem through the collaborative project, Detroit Technology Exchange.
WDET's Amy Miller speaks with Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times Journalist and best-selling author Matt Richtell about his new novel, "The Cloud", which explores the influence of technology on our minds.
A film featuring the work of 25 directors is getting another screening in Detroit before it’s released on video later this week. The feature is called “The Owner” and was developed by Detroit filmmaker Marty Shea. He spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary.
ATS named North American Car of the Year, Ram 1500 wins Truck of the Year.
North American International Auto Show begins with media previews at Cobo Center.
Craig speaks with Lieutenant Michael A. Shaw of the Michigan State Police Metro Post in Oak Park. Shaw and Craig discuss the training and new technology that State Police are receiving and what it means for Michigan residents.
Craig sits down with Shawn Musgrave, the Projects Editor at the watchdog journalism organization Muckrock. The organization aims to make the power of public records and the Freedom of Information Act accessible to all. Musgrave and Craig discuss issues relating to privacy and technology, including MuckRock's Drone Census project in partnership with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which is mapping the use of drones throughout the United States.
Craig speaks with Paul Jacobs, General Manager at Jacobs Media, about how the "connected car" could change the way we listen to radio and what could mean for the future of radio stations.
Facebook is taking heat for a policy they announced this week that essentially said any photo's posted on Instagram would be owned by them. The company quickly backtracked once FB/Instragram users outrage began. Craig speaks with Mark Smith, Senior Manager for Social media marketing at USA Today... But you’ll remember him as the Tech writer at the Detroit Free Press.
State version of C-SPAN is going all-digital in 2013.
Museum is expected to reopen after Christmas.
A recent poll by the University of Michigan finds a majority of adults surveyed believe children under age 13 should not be allowed to use the internet alone.
A recent poll by the University of Michigan finds a majority of adults surveyed believe children under age 13 should not be allowed to use the internet alone.
Very popular social media book author, Scott Stratten came to town this week to give a talk at Motor City Casino Hotel. Craig speaks with him about how he used Twitter in the early days to build relationships and grow his business. In his latest book he focuses on stories about business successes and epic fails in social media.
The man in charge of computer security for Wayne State University says it’s nearly impossible to keep any email private if the government wants it…
Craig speaks with James Bell, Head of Consumer Affairs at General Motors about the future of the electric car.
Craig speaks with Dr. Faye Mishna, Dean and Professor at the Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, about the controversies surrounding the topic of cyberbullying.
Hurricane Sandy created strong winds as far west as Michigan and Ontario. Ontario is home to thousands of wind turbines. It stands to reason that with strong winds from the storm, those wind turbines would be producing huge amounts of electricity. So to find out if that’s true, WDET’s Amy Miller spoke with Kim Warren, COO of Independent Electricity System Operator: an Ontario-based organization that balances the supply of and demand for electricity in Ontario and then directs its flow across the province's transmission lines.
Shelly Palmer, host of Fox Television's monthly program, Shelly Palmers Digital Living, and the radio program, Shelly Palmer Digital Living Daily, joins Craig to discuss what consumers need to know about the future of their digital devices.
Craig speaks with Kimberly Bryant, the founder of Black Girls Code, to discuss her unique organization and an upcoming programming and technology workshop taking place this Saturday (Sept. 29) at Wayne State University.
Several of the nation’s biggest proponents of technology have come to Detroit to network, to teach and inspire business leaders, and to champion technology as a way to make cities like Detroit work better.
On September 12th, the Detroit Economic Club is bringing Techonomy, the prestigious series of one-day tech conferences, to Detroit. Craig speaks with the Detroit Economic Club's Beth Chappell
and Founder and CEO of Techonomy, David Kirkpatrick about bringing Techonomy to Detroit and the role of technology for the future of America and its cities.
Kayaking is kind of a cross between canoeing and rowing. Michigan’s inland lakes and the Detroit River make this state one of the fastest growing places for the sport. Recently, the city of Wyandotte built a kayak launch to accommodate the growing demand. WDET’s Martina Guzman went down-river to report on what is known to be the first solar-powered, hydraulic kayak launch in the state of Michigan.
Craig speaks with Michelle Krebs, Senior Analyst at Edmunds.com, about the launch of inter-car communication testing in Ann Arbor, the progress of this new technology and what it may mean for the future of cars.
The federal government is launching a year-long safety test in Ann Arbor of cars that communicate with each other to avoid accidents.
Guest Host Neal Rubin speaks with Wayne State University's Lead Systems Security Specialist Kevin Hayes about the recent hacking of email accounts and why some accounts are easier targets than others.
Kathe Koja’s first book, “The Cipher”, was released by Dell in 1991 as a paperback. 21 years later, the horror story comes to e-readers worldwide.
WDET's Rob St. Mary sat down with Koja last week for for coffee and conversation of the state of publishing, the future of print, e-books and her latest works.
Wall Street Journal Science Writer Lee Hotz discusses his recent article about how bragging makes your brain happy!
Director of the Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield, David Techner joins Arthur to discuss new end-of-life trends.
Craig speaks with Lead Systems Security Specialist for Wayne State University Kevin Hayes about recent computer security issues.
In a new Wall Street Journal article, the web-based travel company Orbitz said that they found that Mac users tend to book more expensive hotel rooms than PC users. Craig discusses and takes calls from listeners.
Craig speaks with Shel Holtz, Partner with Holtz Communication and Technology, about social media policies in business.
Sam Whitehorn, Executive Director of Download Fairness Coalition, speaks about the ‘Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act’.
As City of Detroit officials consider options to improve targeted neighborhoods under the Detroit Works Project… private citizens are considering new ways of using technology to help residents activate redevelopment on their block. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Jerry Paffendorf of Loveland Technologies – a Detroit based internet firm – about his latest concepts in mapping and information sharing around vacant properties for sale.
Ann Arbor startup whatwasthere.com allows visitors to view and upload historic photos of locations through a Google Maps interface. The effect is a virtual photo collection that spans the globe and the ages to show viewers “what was there” once upon a time. WDET’s Laura Weber speaks with Laurel Erickson, a senior digital strategist involved with the project.
The National Weather Service is rolling out a Wireless Emergency Alert system to warn people via text about dangerous weather.
New web site features links and original news content by local journalists.
A Detroit artist and teacher is working with area foundation grants and a new art center to offer a special opportunity to kids in the city. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Steve Coy – half of the street art collective known as the “Hygienic Dress League” – about his latest effort called “Swagon”.
Craig is joined by Kate Rosevear, the owner of Plymouth Travel Leaders location which focuses largely on leisure travel and Pam Edwartoski, owner of Troy Travel Leaders location focusing on business travel.
A recent news story highlighted a lawsuit by a company against a former employee over ownership of his twitter feed because it contained thousands of contacts & customers.
What kind of work rules are imposed on your social media feeds?
WDET needs your insight to help tell this story.
It's common knowledge that employers have been known to troll the internet for websites and social media feeds created by job candidates. Also, in one recent story, a candidate says they were asked to open up their facebook page for view during a job interview. Other job hunters have gone so far as changing their names to conceal their identities during job hunting.
Are you one of them?
WDET wants to know about your experiences.
Pixo Entertainment CEO Sean Hurwitz talks about his thriving Southfield firm and the future of the film industry with fewer the incentives for Hollywood but increased incentive for businesses like Pixo.
Craig speaks with Senior Analyst for Edmunds.com Michelle Krebs about the Chevy Volt at the Geneva Auto Show.
This year marks the fourth year for Grand Rapids’ international art competition known as Art Prize. Brian Burch is one of the organizers. He spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about some of the changes planned for this year’s event.
Amy Miller discusses Google's new privacy policy that will track users' surfing histories.
"Social Media is a Party!" holds its next event about how to use social media to find your next job or hire your next employee.
At a time when even the president's campaign manager is catching heat for a perceived Twitter faux pas, one's social media reputation can be careering-making or career-breaking. Craig speaks with social media expert, Matt Ivester, about strategies for managing an online presence and reputation.
Craig talks with Vice President and General Manager of Automotive Software for Elektrobit Automotive Inc., Dr. Rainer Holve, about the new direction of automated navigation and what it means for consumers.
Craig speaks with Smarterphone President Tony Merlo about utilizing the technology in your smart phone.
A Metro Detroit writer is celebrating the release of his first novel. Saladin Ahmed is the author of “Throne of the Crescent Moon” – a story that blends Arab myths with fantasy elements. Ahmed spoke recently to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about the book and the business and art of writing.
WDET Digital Manager Michelle Srbinovich and Detroit Free Press Web Editor Mark Smith join Craig for a technology segment on the essential apps for every smart device. Craig then opens-up the phone lines to let listeners add their own favorite apps.
Craig speaks with iRule app creator and business owner, Itai Bengal, about what went into the decision to move his company operations from Farmington Hills to downtown Detroit.
Craig welcomes the host and producer of Graceful Aging, Gregory Bator, to discuss the role technology plays in the lives of baby boomers.
The Chrysler Group is unveiling a new car was a familiar name it hopes will make a big dent in the compact car market.
Julia Elliott Stops by The Craig Fahle Show for our regular segment with Metro Parent Magazine. There's a lot of buzz about the Entertainment Software Rating Board targeting the smart phone companies to have universal ratings for apps. That will be part of the discussion as well as the other ratings for movies, games, music. Plus, when is it time for your child to have their own facebook page?
After much national coverage on the Waldorf School approach to learning, Craig talks about the possible benefits and draw-backs of a computer-free primary education with local education-instruction experts from Wayne State University and Eastern Michigan University.
New CEO of Tech Town, Leslie Smith, stops by to talk with Craig about what's new at Midtown's technological center. Smith has stepped-up to fill the shoes formerly worn by Randal Charlton. Their discussion also branches out into what this all means for Detroit. TechTown supports 250 companies, has trained more than 2,200 entrepreneurs and has helped its client companies raise $14 million in funding.
On Friday night November 11th about 40 people gathered at Detroit Comics in Ferndale for chance to ask questions of "On the Media" host Brooke Gladstone about her new non-fiction graphic novel, "The Influencing Machine".
You can listen in here!
A medical facility in Grosse Pointe Park is luring researchers not only from across Metro Detroit’s municipal boundaries but also bringing them from outside the nation’s borders as well.
Saturday night at the art space Public Pool in Hamtramck, several Detroit area artists and fashion designers are coming together for a group show called “Un-Dress Re-Dress”. One of the artists is designer Sarah Lapinski of Motor City Sewing and Wound Menswear. She spoke to WDET’s Rob St. Mary about the show and her thoughts on fashion.
Secretary Ruth Johnson says expressSOS.com should alleviate long lines and make it easier to do business with the state.
Stephen Clark of Channel 7, Huel Perkins of Channel 2, and Devin Scillian of Channel 4 all join Craig in studio to discuss how technology has changed the TV news business and what they do. The panel also discusses the future of Detroit
Craig talks to Detroit Aircraft Corporation (DAC) PR/Communications Director, Rich Rice about why the idea to re-purpose portions of Detroit's industrial base toward manufacturing flying cars is not as crazy as it sounds.
“It’s like a trip to Disneyland for your mind, except the rides come to you!” - Ron Arnold, TEDx Detroit attendee.
My look at TEDx Detroit 2011 by Rob St. Mary
Craig talks with guest Mark W. Smith
This is Detroit Gallery Week. Over the next several days art institutions will welcome the public with special programing. One of the larger community events is called “Memory Cloud”. The art piece features input from the community thanks to the web and will premiere in front of the Detroit Institute of Arts on Friday evening. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke to Theo Spyropoulos, one of the creators of the work.
This past weekend, the Detroit Fanfare, a comic book and pop culture convention took place at Cobo Center. One of the guests was actor/director Peter Weller. The star of “Robocop” met up with some of the people responsible for raising the money to build a statue in Detroit in honor of the character. WDET’s Rob St. Mary met up with Weller Saturday night at the Lager House in Corktown where supporters of the Robocop statue were holding a party to support local food pantry “Forgotten Harvest”. Weller talked about his thoughts on Detroit, the Detroit Tigers, Robocop - the film and the statue effort, his current work directing the show "Sons of Anarchy" and working on his PhD in Art History at UCLA.
A former Detroiter is working on getting area residents to see the beauty growing in the vacant spaces and parks around the City of Detroit and then share it worldwide using mobile technology. WDET’s Rob St. Mary spoke recently to Gwen McKay – one of the coordinators of the Wildflowers of Detroit project.
Lawrence Technical Institute will offer one of the first degree programs in Robotics beginning this fall.
Lockheed Martin demonstrates an F-35 fighter jet at the Futuramic Tool and Engineering Company in Warren, Michigan.
A preview of this week's Selfridge Air Show and a discussion on the Michigan Air National Guard's role in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Pacific Rim.
Ford Motor Company has partnered with TechShop, Inc. to bring the technical fabrication studio to Michigan.
The entrepreneurial program launches an innovative resource to enhance convenience for users.
A big name from the basketball and business world is returning to his home state with an appetite to grow new ideas. WDET’s Rob St. Mary reports.
It might sound boring, but this new program that's slated to come to Detroit has got serious potential.
The space shuttle Atlantis blasted off from Cape Canaveral for the last time Friday. But is it the end of the U-S space program as we know it?