Skype in the US

Skype and Job Hunting: Webcam Interviews on the Rise

2009-11-12T19:25:49Z

If you're in the market looking for a new job, knowing how to use Skype can give you an edge.

More and more companies are using Skype to interview prospective candidates to save on travel costs and time.

Check out this great article from TIME Magazine and accompany video on Time.com providing tips for making your job interview via Skype picture perfect.

LA therapist relieves pain with Skype video

2009-09-23T04:02:52Z

Frank Titus, a Los Angeles based exercise therapist is an expert in kinesiology, or the science of movement, and founder of Titus Motion Therapy.

Over many years he has provided his therapy through an exchange of videos with his patients, who typically suffer from chronic pain.

Patients would record themselves standing in four positions and walking in front of the camera and mail the videos to Frank. Then, he would evaluate their posture and movement patterns and send videos back showing them ways to correct posture to
relieve chronic back pain, rotator cuff injuries, herniated discs, arthritis and a host of other painful conditions.

But because the therapy relied on the mail and people making recordings, eight sessions could easily stretch out over six months.

But now Frank has taken the pain out of the technology.

He is using Skype video calling, which enables his clients to be
evaluated and to receive instructions in real time.

"For the first time, they can ask me questions in real time," he said.

Frank said this has sped up the process, enabling clients to finish the regimen in a matter of eight weeks.

Skype also has made it possible for Frank to expand his horizons. He¹s taking care of patients as far away as New Zealand and Australia.

Fla. teacher keeps traveling 'round the world via Skype

2009-09-15T04:08:39Z

Silvia Tolisano, the tech "langwitches" teacher from Jacksonville, Fla.,
took her classes around the globe this school year in a project known as
"Around the World with 80 Schools."

They didn't make it to 80 schools but they did visit 17 schools on six
continents. Every continent was represented except Antarctica.

But Silvia said the kids learned a lot as they spoke to their
counterparts around the world.

And some fourth graders had adopted Skype to speak with their classmates
on their own time.

In fact, minutes before I spoke with Silvia on Skype video calling, she
had been Skype chatting with a student back home.

As it happens, Silvia is in Argentina visiting her mom. As Evita said in
the musical, "Hello Buenos Aires."

She told me Skype is in effect her traveling companion. She has used
Skype to stay in touch wherever she goes. She has been keeping up with
her own children who are back in the USA while she's in Buenos Aires.

Silvia is changing schools in the fall, from San Jose Episcopal Day
School to Martin J. Gottlieb Day School in Jacksonville.

But she plans to continue the Skype journey, starting her count with 18
countries with a goal of 80 schools.

While in Argentina, she hopes to make a connection for her students by
Skyping with scientists in Antarctica during the coming school year.
Buena suerte, mi amiga.

Skype Gets You Into the Front Row at NYC Fashion Week

2009-09-09T14:43:28Z

NYC Fashion Week: the glitz, the glamour, the Skype video calls?! That's right; this Fashion Week, Skype will be in the mix.

Fashion designer Norma Kamali, a big Skype fan, has teamed up with us to offer one lucky fan the opportunity to view her OMO (On My Own) collection Fashion Week presentation on September 17 via Skype video call. The contest winner will also be able to ask Norma a question about the collection and win one of her coveted "all-in-one" garments.

Feeling lucky? Get into the front row by entering the contest. Rules and entry instructions can be found here.

This contest is just the latest move by Norma to give access to the often exclusive world of fashion via technology.

She told us, "I believe in the democratization of fashion and technology is accelerating this process. I am grateful that I can utilize Skype, the Internet communications software that connects millions of people around the world, to bring one fan into my show and let them experience the excitement that is Fashion Week in NYC."

We're excited, too, that we can partner with Norma to allow a Skype user an insider's view into a world that most fashion lovers don't get to experience.

For those fans who don't win the contest, but still want to view Norma's Fashion Week presentation and will be in NYC on September 17, they can stop by the Apple store in Soho (located at 103 Prince Street) and see the show live. A podcast of the presentation will also be available for download via the iTunes store in the weeks following the show.

Harp player spreads good vibes via Skype

2009-09-06T03:41:35Z

While harpist, Christine Grace Magnussen, of Bellingham, Wash. was presenting to a large group at a motorcoach conference in Oregon, she announced her wish to continue their connection via video. She was thrilled to come home and discover it could be possible via Skype.

This opened up global possibilities for people to connect with her and this heart-opening instrument. Currently, Christine is connected with harp students in much of the US as well as the UK and Portugal.

"Playing the harp helps inspire peace and well-being in my students. Skype makes it possible to reach people who cannot access local harp teachers, or who have challenges that make it difficult to travel outside their homes," said Christine. "With Skype video calls, I can help anyone worldwide not only learn how to play the harp, but also suggest harps that suit them -- all from the comfort of their own home."

For this interview, she squeezed me in between lessons with students in England and Pennsylvania.

How's the sound quality? Christine said: "The sound quality is very good! I can hear the resonance of the harp and the student's expression. With my headset mic, students can hear up close the strings plucked from my harp. We can both adjust sound to hear well and zoom in for close-ups on finger position. I just finished a Skype lesson with a woman who lugged her desktop computer into an RV park laundry room for her Skype harp lesson. We had a great lesson while interested onlookers folded their laundry."

Christine explains that the sound of the harp helps soothe and relax patients undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments. "I will begin supporting one of my students with Skype harp as she recovers from hip surgery, and another who is a cancer patient. This would not be possible without the Skype technology! My previous work was as a therapeutic harpist in cancer centers, hospitals and hospice, and the music I recorded was in tribute to these patients," she said.

She added that harp playing is therapeutic for the harper as well: "The instrument brings a gentle distraction from the stresses of life, and creates an immediate satisfying sound that is physical and emotionally calming. Harp therapy also extends to those who hear the harper play. I guide those who wish to learn more about the field of harp therapy in specific types of music, mentor them on how to interact with patients, and customize each lesson to each person based on their goals, strengths, challenges, musical background and favorite genres."

Christine noted: "Learning the harp is not about perfecting an instrument, but rather accessing those parts of ourselves that elicit joy, express feeling and release tension. I can see the joy people have on their faces when they hear and touch the harp. It's a very satisfying experience and I enjoy making the personal connection virtually through Skype video calls."

Check out Christine online at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtzkfaeGilY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFcB2On5NLM

You can listen to her music and read more at: www.HarpSpirit.com or www.peacecalm.com

Skype video calls, next best thing to being there for remote worker

2009-08-30T04:20:01Z

Jonathon Wilson, who works with a team of software developers, tells
LifeHacker how he maintains virtual presence in his office with Skype so
he can work at home.

He told Gina Trapani: "I still have my computer at work, in my office
cube (right in the middle of things). I set up a webcam there along with
speakers. I have second cam at home, and I simply Skype in to my own
cube at work. Skype can be configured to auto-answer, if desired, so my
'cube' Skype simply picks up when I dial in...for hours at a time."

Jonathon says that people walk into his office cube and talk with him.
Since he puts his home monitor onto his office monitor, developers can
see what he's doing and work out issues.

He said: "I can 'overhear' the dev conversations in the cubes around me
(just like when I'm in the office), and even pipe in. My coworkers and
managers are quite used to it and it's become completely natural."

So Skype is virtually the next-best-thing to being there.

We're a TIME.com top 50 website of 2009

2009-08-25T13:57:55Z

At Skype, we think we do a pretty good job of helping connect people all over the world. It's one thing to give ourselves a pat on the back - it's another when someone else does it. That's why we're thrilled that Skype was included in the TIME.com's list of the 50 Best Websites of 2009.

Described as a list of the 50 top websites that are 'indispensable', the write-up states that 'VoIP has the power to turn an Internet connection into a videophone. For the average user, Skype is the best VoIP.'

And we're inclined to agree

LA therapist relieves pain with Skype video

2009-08-22T16:49:44Z

Frank Titus, a Los Angeles based exercise therapist is an expert in
kinesiology, or the science of movement, and founder of Titus Motion
Therapy.

Over many years he has provided his therapy through an exchange of
videos with his patients, who typically suffer from chronic pain.

Patients would record themselves standing in four positions and
walking in front of the camera and mail the videos to Frank. Then, he
would evaluate their posture and movement
patterns and send videos back showing them ways to correct posture to
relieve chronic back pain, rotator cuff injuries, herniated discs,
arthritis
and a host of other painful conditions.

But because the therapy relied on the mail and people making
recordings, eight sessions could easily stretch out over six months.

But now Frank has taken the pain out of the technology.

He is using Skype video calling, which enables his clients to be
evaluated and to receive instructions in real time.

"For the first time, they can ask me questions in real time," he said.

Frank said this has sped up the process, enabling clients to finish
the regimen in a matter of eight weeks.

Skype also has made it possible for Frank to expand his horizons. He¹s
taking care of patients as far away as New Zealand and Australia.

Suburban Chicago school district interviews job candidates via Skype video calling

2009-08-16T21:33:15Z

When Avoca School District 37 in Wilmette, Ill., on Chicago's North Shore, has a job opening, hundreds of teachers apply. It's a highly ranked school whose students feed into the prestigious New Trier Township High School.

Chris Brown, chair of professional development and district technology coordinator at Avoca, said applicants come not only from around the Chicago area, but from around the country and world.

To even the playing field for out-of-town applicants, the hiring committee, including Dr. Deanna Reed, interview them via Skype video calling, he said. Applicants can see the committee and the committee sees a projection of the applicant.

Chris jokingly referred to the "Skype test" these teachers must pass--they need to set up and use Skype and then show up for the interview. He said most teachers can jump over that hurdle because Skype is so easy to set up.

A recent interview round included Skype interviews with teachers from Japan and the Virgin Islands. Neither got the job.

But Chris said it's only a matter of time for Avoca's first "Skype hire."

Get ready for your next job with Skype interviews

2009-08-14T11:43:36Z

Our friends at personal finance blog, WalletPop, did a Skype video interview to demonstrate what not to do in a job interview with Skype users 360JobInterview. They have some great tips on what you should do in an interview as part of the full story (with video captured via a Skype video call).

Are you interviewing for jobs through Skype? We want to hear about it. Send an e-mail to skypestories@KaplowPR.com or post a comment about it below.

Also, when interviewing via Skype, here are a few simple tips to look your best and feel confident when you make a video call.

1. Smile and Focus
One of the easiest rules to remember when interacting with anyone face to face is simply to smile. Also the person with whom you are speaking deserves your full attention so make sure to stay focused and make direct eye contact showing that you are engaged in the conversation.

2. Choose your Colors Wisely
Certain colors like many shades of blue--royal, navy, sky--look great on video while others like reds and hot colors like magenta can be too bright. Patterns with small dots or stripes can be less attractive and more distracting than solids so think about wearing a color that is easy on the eye.

3. Lighting and Background Check
While you are the focus of the video call, remember to think about how your webcam is set up and consider what can be viewed in the background behind you. Are you sitting so that a blank kitchen wall is behind you or is there a cluttered book shelf or large paining behind you? Also, check to be sure you have proper lighting to eliminate shadows as well as avoid harsh lighting conditions that may not look good on screen.

Mass. teacher takes kids island hopping 'round the world on Skype

2009-08-10T18:28:24Z

Valerie Becker, tech teacher at West Tisbury School on Martha's
Vineyard, remembers a youngster whose parents had gone "off island"
and the child not having any idea what that meant.

Valerie, an Apple Distinguished Educator, over the past two years has
taken her students off island: No ferry or boat needed for the journey,
just Skype software, an internet connection and a webcam and microphone.

Her students, aged 6 through 8, recently finished the "Islands Around
the World" project in which they studied other islands, including, Hong
Kong, Japan, the Orkneys off Scotland and New Zealand, and then Skype
video called children in these faraway places.

There were some sacrifices. The Kiwi kids had to come into school an
hour early-the next day-and the West Tisbury kids had to stay after
school an hour.

Valerie said Skype video calling brings the contact with students in
other countries alive.

She said her students found they had much in common with the other
students, including enjoying "rabbit ears." (Watch for Valerie doing
rabbit ears on the video.)

Her 7th grade students worked on their school paper with mentor/editors
from the University of Regina in Saskatchewan via Skype video.

Last year, the Martha's Vineyard students met via Skype video calling
with students whose schools were in other states or countries. This
project included Skype calls to Alaska and Hawaii as well as Argentina,
Iceland, Japan and New Zealand.

What's up for next year? Valerie and her students will be visiting farm
communities around the world.

'Skype An Author' puts writers into schools virtually

2009-08-03T18:38:12Z

Last year, Mona Kerby, author of "Owney, the Mail-Pouch Pooch," spoke to second-graders in Sarah Chauncey's library at Grand Elementary School in Rockland County outside New York City.

It was a big hit. But the school didn't have the funds this year to sponsor a return engagement.

So Sarah proposed that Mona visit via Skype video calling. Sarah said it was a hit. She said there is a certain mystery surrounding a visitor from outside the school appearing on the whiteboard in the library.
Students cheered when Mona appeared on the board. They interviewed Mona about the process of writing and publishing a book.
Thus was born an idea: Skype An Author, a Wiki to connect authors with schools and libraries.

In a matter of months, 30 authors have signed up.
"Our goal is to set up a network of authors who would be willing to participate in short Skype conversations with students in classrooms and libraries. This Wiki provides a page for each author who joins the network," said Sarah. "A template has been designed to ensure consistency of content among authors and to keep things simple for authors, teachers, and librarians. The author pages provide procedural and contact information."
Here's an example.

Author visits are arranged via email and/or phone between the author and the teacher and/or librarian. Authors appear free in 10- to 15-minute "meet" sessions. Authors set the rate for 30- to 60-minute visits.

Mona is spreading the word among other authors. And Sarah, who helps authors prepare for Skype, plans to make publishers aware.

California vineyard uses 'virtual tastings' to build relations with distributors

2009-07-30T18:48:53Z

Americans have become increasingly interested in wines. Accordingly, the number of vineyards has been exploding.

Bonny Doon Vineyard, the Santa Cruz, Calif.-maker of wines from rare grape varieties, has remained competitive in part by using Skype to hold virtual tastings with distributors around the country, noted Burke Owens, the vineyard's communications director.

Virtual tasting? The distributors actually taste the wine. The live connections via Skype video calling is the virtual part.

Burke said Skype makes it possible for the vineyard to reach out to more distributors than it could otherwise, saving on travel time and expense.

Randall Grahm, founder and "president for life" of Bonny Doon, explained this in June on Oprah Winfrey's "Where in the Skype Are you?" program devoted to Skype.
Randall broke new ground on Oprah, taking wine tasting to new levels. Literally.

Randall conducted a tasting of three wines with Oprah here in Chicago, Skype CEO Josh Silverman in London and couple on board a Virgin America flight above San Francisco.

It worked great. ml

Could virtual tastings be in the offing for consumers? Maybe, Burke said, though he advised using official Bonny Doon spit cups to protect computers. Plastic covers on the keyboard might be in order as well.

Skype is 'Big App' for Big Apple's 311

2009-07-22T19:43:35Z

The Big Apple's 311 service now is linked with the Big Apps, including Skype.

NYC Mayor Michael gave the 411 on 311 via Skype video calling on a Big Screen projection at the Personal Democracy Forum.

Joe Pompeo reported in Bloomberg News that among the Big Apps were enhancements to NYC's 311, New York's municipal information service, "which many consider to be the mayor's most significant technological achievement."

311 now can be reached via its Skype name (nyc311) or via Twitter (@311NYC).

Big Apple Mayor Michael announced a series of "Big Apps" to help New Yorkers, and one of them is Skype.

Hizzoner made the announcement of the city's new Skype No. via Skype video calling.

The mayor, who couldn't make the announcement in person, spoke to a press conference via Skype video projected on a large screen.

"We've always thought of [311] as a customer service, and what we're trying to do is treat our citizens as customers," said the mayor.

Bloomerg added: "Through NYC Big Apps, 311 Online and services offered by Skype, Twitter and Google, we're working to provide public information to New Yorkers in as many ways as possible."

"We applaud New York City's leadership on delivering a more open and innovative government," said federal Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra. He added that the announcements "align well to President Obama's Open Government Initiative and reflect best practices worthy of replication to achieve excellence in public sector performance."

'Watchmen and Philosophy' author shares philosophy on virtual book signings

2009-07-22T12:43:12Z

Mark D. White, editor of "Watchmen and Philosophy: A Rorschach Test" from John Wiley & Sons, has held what may have been the first virtual book signings via video calling with Skype.

The book introduces readers to philosophical ideas touched on in the Watchmen graphic novel, which has been on best-seller lists since it came out in the '80s. Watchmen, recently released as a movie, is based in an alternative world in which super-heroes actually lived.

White was pleased that his first stop was at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, where he attended graduate school. His image was projected on a screen in the author event space.

He said he could easily see the fans and they could see him as he called via Skype from the kitchen in his New Jersey home.

White, an associate professor in the Department of Political Science, Economics and Philosophy at the College of Staten Island/CUNY, said he had a good turnout. Pre-signed books were available at the signing.

"We were very happy with the event and the level of discourse between the author and the audience. While the event was in progress, curiosity got the better of people who stopped by to join in," said Michael Link, publisher relations and events manager for Joseph-Beth Booksellers.

White, who also had a virtual signing at Schuler Books & Music in Lansing, Mich., said virtual touring saves time for authors. "An actual in-person book tour would be a significant burden. I have young children and lots of responsibilities," he said. "This way I could tour--and sleep in my own bed."