BANICMANIC :: The Result Of My Prattling

Online Backup

2012-01-24T11:33:00.002+08:00

No matter what your business or the size of your company, your computer data is valuable and your back up data should be stored in a location that is remote and secure. Online backup services work by monitoring your company's computers and making an encrypted off-site copy when new files are created.

The difference between online backup and other forms of back up, such as backing up to CD or flash drive, is that if you have a disaster, your onsite backup product may be destroyed or stolen also. Online backup provides security for your important data.

Backing up important data on your computer is urgent due to risk of loss. Sudden power surges, fire, vandalism or theft may destroy your computer and if so, the data files are lost unless they are backed up. Backing up conventionally, such as to a CD or external hard drive, runs the risk of losing that medium also, since most people keep this backup in the same location. Another issue is remembering to make the backup. Online backup is automatic. Once you purchase online backup service, you simply set it up to automatically back up the files you choose at the time of day you choose. The remote location backs up your files automatically for future retrieval.

The top online backup offers the best of both worlds. In a time when people only had a memory stick storing their whole life, online backup did not seem to be an option, but now everyone is enjoying the benefits of securing files up in the cloud.

Get the free "Ip Locator" widget for your website, blog, Wordpress, Blogger, or iGoogle.

2012-01-16T09:45:00.002+08:00

I guess I'm just in a widget kind of mood lately!

Whenever anyone visits a website, that website identifies the visitor's Internet connection by a code known as an IP address. Every computer has a unique IP address. What most people don't know is that the IP address itself contains all sorts of information about the visitor such as the physical location of that person's Internet provider (which is usually the same city as the visitor).

copy and paste the code below:

Widgets

Join at Walgreens Prescription Savings Club Now!

2012-01-13T05:00:00.001+08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am upset to hear that many of Walgreen’s normal customers that refill their monthly prescriptions are going to have to look for a new pharmacist to refill their medications. I guess for the last year, Walgreens and Express Script have tried to negotiate a new contract and have been unsuccessful. That means people using Express Scripts as their pharmacy benefits manager can pay for their prescriptions with cash at Walgreen pharmacies, but your prescription plan will not be recognized there.

So, if you get your prescriptions filled at Walgreen Co.'s stores, and your prescription plan uses Express Scripts, you likely know by now that you're facing a big change: Walgreen's won't take your Express Scripts card.

Are you or anyone you know affected by this? I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Many customers, especially those that have established a close relationship with their Walgreen's pharmacist, are being forced to drive farther to get their medications as well as pay more and worry about "banker's hours". Walgreens has more drive-thru and 24hour locations than anyone else. And it is this care for their customers that have prompted Walgreens to offer a significant discount on their Walgreens Prescription Savings Club for the month of January. You can join during their special promotion for only $5. If you have a family, you can sign up the family for only $10. With this membership, you have access to savings on more than 8,000 brand name and all generic medications. Normal yearly fees for the savings club cost $25 per person or $35 per family.

Keep up with the latest news and updates; you can follow Walgreens on Twitter and Walgreens on Facebook.

Ceramic Tiles

2012-01-10T09:55:00.000+08:00

Are you looking for an inexpensive way to add a new look to your kitchen? Are you tired of seeing stains on your kitchen walls from food and grease? Installing a ceramic tile backsplash will spruce up walls. It can also easily be cleaned with a little soap and water.

No matter how vigilante you are in your home; moisture from your kitchen and bathrooms will get in to your wallpaper and consequently will cause problems. It is for this reason that most interior designers will recommend Ceramic Tiles, a practical, easy-to-clean alternative which will last the tests of time and still allow for an equally attractive appearance.

Café Well: The Social Network to get Well and Stay Well

2012-01-07T16:00:00.001+08:00

This post brought to you by Cafe Well. All opinions are 100% mine.

I believe that today we live in a social networking world. That being said, I recently became aware of Cafe Well, a social network that offers wellness programs.

When signing up at Cafe Well, you can signify specific health problems you are trying to address and/or various topics you are interested in. I was actually happy to see “Alternative Medicine” as one of the options. You can join “Challenges,” “Groups and “Communities” once in the system. You can check out the latest health news. You can use a “Symptom Checker” or “Health Encyclopedia” (I’m thinking I might actually use these for some Eat Drink Better articles). And, of course, you can invite friends!

They have a program called Race to the Moon that aims to get members more fit and active by walking or running through offering FREE wireless pedometers which tracks their steps and rewards them for milestones and total steps. You have to be a member of Health America to be eligible to win the HUGE prizes and score your free pedometer.

Here’s what participants are saying:

“This race has opened my eyes to my second chance. This is where we turn things around. This is where we get off the couch, go outside, and enjoy life. I always say we do puzzles and board games as a family because it's cheap, but taking a walk with my daughter is free. So, starting tomorrow we are going to take a walk after dinner. Then the next day, and the next day, and the next.”

“Because of the Actiped, I walk up and down all the steps at work. Elevator? What is that now?”

“The program has finally gotten me on the treadmill to attempt running; I’m trying!”

It would be fun to participate in a challenge geared toward improving eating habits and I must be more consistent about my walking.

I hope you join and look for me.

I am not a failure, are you?

2012-01-02T14:13:00.001+08:00

I am amazed getting this message from one of my apps in Facebook. This message is very timely with the current situation I am facing. I don't know whether this is just a coincidence or it was trying to relay an important message. This is the message that pops up:

Sure some things may not have worked out and there have been some disappointments. But all these things helped guide you in a direction that was meant for you. Your life has purpose and significance. Try to be patient if it isn't all crystal clear just yet. For now, just know that you weren't created to fail.

Such nice message that I would love to believe. I do hope, even if I consider it a coincidence -- that it will help me hold on to something important and put a lot of effort in being patient again.

Still blogging after all these years

2012-01-02T13:08:00.003+08:00

What is your opinion on blogging these days?? Do you think the market for blogging is reached its peak or do you think it is still a good idea to start a blog and try to use it to make money these days??

I have a blog which is right now active. I started it about 3 years back. I also went out of action for nearly a year and managed to revive it. To be honest, I am also exploring how to monetize the blog and therefore am aware of the pains!

I know that there is no limit for the number of blogs that could have been there. And even if one were simply overwhelmed by the number [could be millions of them on the web], as some one who has heard from many people, quite a large number of blogs are not really active.

It takes a lot of passion, continuous involvement, constant caring and cultivation to keep the blogs interesting for visitors. Regular up dating of content is a must.

The money making aspect. Again, I have heard more people saying they never made good money from blogs than there are the others. And no one ever really knows how those people claim to be making sizable money from blogging actually do. May be there are exceptional super pros who are like gurus with total mastery who may be successful.

Are you active with your blog?? Do you use a blog to make money??....or do you follow blogs??

Pimp My Cube Contest

2011-12-23T15:00:00.001+08:00

This post brought to you by Contest Factory. All opinions are 100% mine.

Messy, unorganized, noisy, and dirty cubicle or office creates a stressful atmosphere. For many people, a messy work area or cubicle can minimize their productivity. Subsequently, you need have to look into this contest called Pimp My Cube Contest! If you think that you have the worst, most pathetic and messy cubicle or have a noisy and dirty office with bad furniture, old technology, or anything that makes it such a bad space to work in, and then read on for you might just win $1200 worth of prizes because of that “bad” predicament.

All you have to do to win is upload a video showing your office/cube and while explaining why it is horrible and why the Contest Factory, sponsors of the contest, should improve and ‘pimp’ your cube. It is important that you invite your friends, family and coworkers to vote for your video once the video is entered to enhance your chances of winning. Plus, you also get sweepstakes entry points for registering, voting, commenting and inviting others to register for the contest.

The sample video below will help and guide you in creating your own video for the contest.

The winner of the Pimp My Cube Contest will get their office cubicle “Pimped” by Contest Factory. There will also be a second sweepstakes prize of $200 gift card and it will be given to one lucky registered user which will be randomly drawn at the end of the contest period.

Contest period is from December 5, 2011 to January 31, 2011, therefore acquire your videos almost immediately and boast your friends launch their votes!

Parker Ingenuity collection: A smooth writing instrument

2011-12-16T17:01:00.001+08:00

This post brought to you by Parker Pens. All opinions are 100% mine.

I'm always writing. I like a smooth writing instrument that flows nicely. I've found that Parker Pen does just what I ask of it. I found it to be a fine writing instrument. I use my computer every day, and I need to use a computer a fair amount of the time for the work I do. I still never get tired of writing using a pen. I keep a written planner and I'm a big list maker. This pen has made the process of writing more enjoyable. The pen glides over paper when I write with it and isn't scratchy at all (something I can't tolerate in a pen). It fits in my hand well and is just fun to use. In my work, I mark corrections using a pen, so I may need to get a red colored ink refill so that I can use the pen for that purpose.

This is what you get with the Parker Ingenuity collection; you get a pen featuring 5th technology that combines all the best writing modes that exist. You get the beauty of a fountain pen blended with the smoothness of a roller ball and ease of writing found with a ball point pen.

With the Parker Ingenuity collection you are getting an innovative pen that includes a cutting-edge refill tip and an engraved metallic hood that make for the newest technology in pens. The Parker Ingenuity collection comes in 6 beautiful finishes so you have the right style to match your business or personal needs.

You should know that Parker Ingenuity was featured on LXTV's 1st Look as the perfect accessory to one's your look.

To find out more about the Parker Ingenuity collection, visit Parker on Facebook and like their page. Also be on the lookout for 2 upcoming Parker Pen Twitter parties. It is a great way to win some amazing prizes like pens that value up to $200.

If you could have any pen from Parker which would you choose and why? Let me know in the comments below

dealfun.com scam!

2011-12-13T10:05:00.001+08:00

You have probably seen blog posts about consumers winning items like the iPad, TV, and gift cards for up to 98% off on what are called penny auction sites. Sites like dealfun.com have become very popular because you can buy bid packs which allow you to bid on hot technology items. There are also watch lists available so that customers can keep a track of their biddings for special articles. dealfun.com scam is one place where all can happen at a once. Try logging and enjoy bidding to win the best articles with absolutely free of cost for shipping.

Multitasking and Texting with the LG Doubleplay

2011-12-08T16:00:00.001+08:00

This post brought to you by LG DoublePlay™. All opinions are 100% mine.

Mobile phones are becoming the number one way to be in touch with friends and family. I don’t use Twitter as much as I probably should, but I’m always checking up on friends using the Facebook app on my smartphone. When it comes to more personal relationships, texting is usually the way to go.

If you are looking for something unique this might be the phone for you. The new LG DoublePlay™ – It comes with not one, but two customizable touch screens that can work independently or together, with constant connection to social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook and super easy access to group texting. Plus, to make typing a lot easier, it features a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard and Swype for easy text input.

It seems that, the LG Double Play wouldn't be worth writing a review about if it didn't have a dual-screen setup. So let's talk about that, then.

The LG Double Play works amazingly while watching YouTube on the bigger screen and texting on the smaller, or blogging and Facebooking, or watching and surfing the web. And if you want to switch which screen shows which app, no problem! There's a little upwards-pointing triangle that, when pressed, will switch apps and screens. It works really well, and it's a great idea.

The complete specs for the Doubleplay includes a 3.5-inch (480 x 320) main display, 2-inch (320 x 240) secondary display, four-row QWERTY keyboard, 1GHz single-core Snapdragon processor, 512MB of RAM, 2GB internal storage with 2GB provided via microSD (upgradable to 32gb), 5MP rear camera with 720p video recording, 1500mAh battery, Bluetooth, WiFi, and Android 2.3.4,

This phone is available exclusively at T-Mobile.

Just out of curiosity, how many hours do you spend texting or on Social Networks each day? And how do you think the Double Play could change the way you text and socialize? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

The Postcrossing Website

2011-12-08T09:09:00.001+08:00

If you like travel, learning about other cultures, seeing unique stamps, or collecting postcards, postcrossing is a great hobby for you!I've been on the site for a few months, and I have gotten postcards from many different countries, and all I had to do was send postcards out to other countries.If you are in the USA, postcrossing is cheap; an international stamp only costs you 94 cents, plus, in many places you can get postcards fairly economically. The site even supports a green movement if you're worried about the effect such a paper-filled hobby will have on the environment.Not only will the casual postcard sender have a great time on this site, the people who are looking for long-term post friends can enjoy it, too. There is a very community-oriented forum which works well for looking for pen pals or playing tag through the mail (you can learn more about tag in the forums).Essentially what you do is request an address of a random user and send them a postcard. On the postcard, you write whatever you wish to, and also a little code. When the recipient gets the postcard in the mail, they type in this little code on the postcrossing website. This releases your address to a random user so you will soon recieve a postcard in return (though not from the same person you sent a card to).Tips:Use a PO Box; you don't want to collect any stalkers. Even though you most likely won't, anytime you are giving your address out to someone you don't know, it is a good idea to use a PO Box!Set a spending limit if you decide to venture into the forums. My first month playing tag I got tag crazy and spent a little excessively on postage to send some of my larger tags to other countries; after setting a budget, I haven't had this problem.

Get 30% off Norton Small Business Products now!

2011-12-08T05:00:00.001+08:00

This post brought to you by Norton Small Business by Symantec. All opinions are 100% mine.

When it comes to businesses, Internet security is even more important than it is for the individual. According to a recent survey of small business owners, it is crucial in today's business world for a company to be connected to the Internet. That Internet connection, however, will expose your company to hackers, viruses and other malware (malicious software). Luckily, with Norton Small Business by Symantec, you can ensure the online portions of your business stay as safe as possible.

Norton Small Business by Symantec is the answer to a Small Business need for Internet Security; don’t settle for a false sense of cyber security. I tried going with FREE protection. I ended up losing some of my files.

Norton 360 and Norton Internet Security 2012 both just launched this September. They are constantly being updated to keep up with the security threats that are out there.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Symantec Norton since I have installed it on my computer. It is very easy to install, just make sure you do not throw away the case with the product key number in it. I definitely feel like my computers are kept free from malware and spyware. It has a firewall protection that one can easily adjust to their needs. It can be run in the background without slowing down one's computer. If your computer is also on idle it runs automatically which is a plus. You can either do a full scan or a quick scan, I personally recommend a full scan even though it takes quite a while to go through all the files but it will definitely catch everything. For the most part, I have not had anything bad get into my system under then the occasional tracking cookie which it removes.

Right now, Norton is offering a special promotion to help businesses. You can get 30% off Norton Small Business Products now!

Check out the deals from Norton. Also, you may share your opinion on which product would best benefit you through your comments on this post.

5 Twitter resources "to Get Free More Twitter Followers"

2011-12-06T08:29:00.006+08:00

Do you have a TWITTER and want to gain TWITTER followers? If so this is the article for you to read.

Twitter is a social-networking platform that lets users share up to 140 characters at a time in a "Tweet." To get your Tweets to more people, you need more users to follow you on Twitter.

You can easily get more followers on Twitter HERE:

http://newfollow.info
http://plusfollower.info
http://letgetmorefollowers.info
http://hitfollow.info
http://followback.info

Twitter followers are like oxygen, in that you should never have to pay for either. Still, scourging up a decent Twitter following isn't easy, and breaking out the credit card may seem tempting at times. It could take weeks, or possibly months, to reach your target number of followers, and it requires careful planning, ample patience and persistence.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1

2011-12-06T08:12:00.000+08:00

I just happen to be a huge Twilight fan, and of course seeing this movie the other day in the theater was amazing!!!! Of course the director did a wonderful job making, directing this film, not to mention that the fact was that Kristen, Robert and Taylor and the rest of the cast did great in this movie. The Story is great, and the visuals are incredible also the 4th saga in the Twilight movie series is quite intense, exciting, and very oscar worthy of any scene that took place in the mnvie as well. As soon as the movie itself is released on DVD and Blue-ray then i am going to definitely buy it!!!

Free Online Games and More

2011-12-05T11:29:00.000+08:00

I visit Shockwave.com on a monthly basis to check out what new Free games they have as well as to download Free trials. Shockwave is a great site to play various types of games with categories such as Puzzles, Arcade, Sports, Strategy and Word Games, there is something for everyone!

How it works is quite simple, go to the site and find a game to play! The truth is, I always go straight to the "online games" link because those games are free to play and don't need to be downloaded. After I get bored with those games, I go ahead to the Download section and download some free trials. Free trials can be played for an hour which is usually enough for me to have fun.

You can then purchase the games if you want to play them longer or get to higher levels. You can also get a subscription plan to play all the games unlimited. I, however, choose not to do this. Although I've been tempted many times to start paying for the games, I always talk myself out of it since there are enough free games to keep me busy. Plus, I have this trick where I download the free trial on my computer and my husbands computer so I get to play them all twice :) Maybe if I had more time on my hands, I'd talk myself into a subscription.

The games are fun for all ages and really help you use your brain! You'll see racing games, old arcade games, and more, but my favorite games are usually the strategy or adventure ones that really make you think. Most games only take a few minutes to learn and after that you can come back whenever you are bored to play them again. Visit Shockwave.com any time you have even 30 minutes of boredom because it can keep you busy and keep your mind going. Enjoy!!

Answerlogy:: Get real answers to your most intimate relationship questions!

2011-12-04T09:35:00.000+08:00

I stumbled upon Answerlogy quite by accident. While online doing some research, I must have clicked on to one of those links or ads in the corner and it took me to this website where one can ask any question about anything as well as answer any one you chose to. It's unique in that you can view your membership as almost a game because you end up racking up points based on your responses to other people's questions. Those asking the questions give out points based on whether the response was witty, answered what they were looking for, whether they agree with you, etc. There are also community points that can be earned since those reading your responses can also hand out points to the answer that they most agree with or identify best with. Personal messages can be sent to those that you wish to strike up a conversation with, which most likely can either lead to a nice friendship you end up looking forward to responding to or on the other hand, an obnoxious person who doesn't agree with you. Luckily, you have the ability to ban those who may give you a difficult time from contacting you. I've been a member for almost 2 years and can admit that it can be quite addicting at times. I've met some very interesting people and have learned a great deal about myself and how others think. Most importantly, I've learned that my way of thinking isn't always the best and that just because others may view life much more differently from me, doesn't mean one way is better than another, just different. And being different is okay in my book.I haven't been there in such a long time and miss it terribly, especially the friendships that I have grown accustomed to. I may never go back (due to personal conflicts) but I will always remember and never forget a select few, especially one, who has made such a huge difference in my life and has changed it completely.So, if you're into getting any personal question you may have about the opposite sex or whatever answered, responding to other people's questions, and making a friend or two and maybe even meeting a future significant other, then Answerology.com is the place you should be visiting right after reading this. :) You'll be glad you did. I know I am.

What I like about Youtube.com

2011-12-02T09:11:00.002+08:00

I thought that Youtube.com was simply for posting your "home movies" for lack of a better term to show off and have a laugh until a client asked that I used the videos there within some other work I was doing for them. Include a video in an online article from Youtube I asked? Yes, it is fun, it is easy and when they say a picture is worth a thousand words they can also say a video is work 100,000.

What I like about Youtube.com

easy to use search engine
offers alternatives if it can't find what you want
offers suggestions to other videos on your topic
allows you to leave and read comments
both personal and professional videos are available
can find something on just about every topic from DIY home improvement to homebrewing and everything in between
find out about latest trends, trouble that kids get into and even watch portions of the news using Youtube
fun stuff, love stuff, just lots of stuff
and it's free to include those videos in your webpage, blog or post to your facebook account to share. Did I mention I can choose the size and color of video I want to include
easy to share embedd and email link

I have even heard some people say they were watching Youtube.com for date night. It's free and it's easy and you can find things about just about anything you have an interest in or just wonder about the wackiness of the world.

Sure, Youtube may have some inappropriate content, and yes if my 14 year old was online I would be carefully monitoring her. You also have to sort through the chaff to get to the wheat, but she was able to share her talent show video with friends and family. Our neighborhood watch even shared a video of a teen trying to break into cars in our neighborhood to help warn neighbors.

Overall, free and easy, as well as fun and informative, Youtube is a website use just about every day.

Snopes!

2011-12-02T08:59:00.004+08:00

Did you get an e-mail offer that sounds too good to be true? A heart-rending cry for help that just begs for you to tell ALL your friends about it? An amazing story/photo/rumor that you just HAVE to share?

DON'T!!

Check with Snopes.com first and see if it's really true! Most of the stories floating around the internet are totally made up. And the ones that aren't are usually embellished or so old that they are no longer relevant.

Don't embarrass yourself by being part of the problem. Don't forward an e-mail till you have checked it with Snopes.

It is very rare that they don't have the scoop on whatever just landed in your mailbox. So why doesn't EVERYONE use it? Beats me...

Tassimo Professional - Same great drinks at home, now in the office!

2011-11-20T11:00:00.001+08:00

This post brought to you by Tassimo. All opinions are 100% mine.

The Tassimo Pro brewer is a wonderful product. The machine was purchased thru my agency a few months back. After usage of one month, the coffee maker is still going strong. It has a very sleek design and a unique double-bar brew codes to ensure precise brewing. The discs’ allow us to each have our own 'favorite' type of coffee at the same sitting! My managers also use it to get a great cup of hot chocolate.

I love having special coffee drinks in addition to a regular brewed cup of coffee. As far as its ability to make a tasty cup of cappuccino, espresso, latte, tea, or hot chocolate, you can hardly beat it. The clean-up is easy (nearly non-existent) and the water tank doesn't need to be refilled very often at all. You do have to pay attention to what size cup each disk makes. Some make only a very small teacup sized cup. Others that indicate that they make a large cup will fill a large coffee mug, so you have to make sure it doesn't overflow. The coffee and tea disks that I tried varied in quality, but that doesn't reflect on the brewer; it's the maker of the different coffees.

What a great idea this brewer is!

Another great feature is that the drinks are made instantly – It has a one-touch activation that creates specialty beverages in less than two minutes.

There is no warm up time needed in order to get a great drink - you simply select the drink you want, insert the disc and push the brew button. It is nice to be able to make a great cup of coffee or tea for unexpected guests at a minutes notice. This product was a little pricey - but worth every penny. You can have all different flavors of coffee AND/OR tea. It makes it great to enjoy. Especially when there is company over or company reps in the office.

Tassimo is offering a free demo of their professional single-cup hot beverage system in your office now! To sign up for the demo, just go to the Tassimo Professional free demo site.

What are you waiting for? Go sign up right this second for your free office demo of the Tassimo Professional single-cup specialty hot beverage system, and start enjoying delicious cappuccinos & lattes at work!

BEST OPINION: Pacquiao Vs Marquez 3 Fight

2011-11-15T12:22:00.003+08:00

It was a very close fight and if they would have scored it a draw i would have been okay with it. However, for those who are crying that Marquez won the fight cry me a river. Go build a bridge and get over it. From the first round to the last round Marquez was backpedaling. Clearly Manny was the aggressor throughout the whole fight. Yes Marquez got in more power punches than Manny but Manny threw more and connected on more punches than Marquez.. Neither fighter was in danger of going down throughout the fight. Marquez has got to come forward and apply pressure.

When you're an underdog and you're fighting the best fighter in the world. You have to win the fight convincingly! Backpedaling and counter-punching isn't going to do it. You have to bring the fight to him. None of the power punches that Marquez connected with hurt Manny. In addition, Marquez corner is a bunch of idiots. Why in a close fight would you tell the man he is winning. In a close fight! Against a favored fighter. They should've told him he is losing and to force the action.

Apple iPad 3G with wifi

2011-11-09T13:54:00.003+08:00

This is a very nice item to have. It works great to moving from room to room in your house while allowing you easy access to your email and browser. In addition, it is fantastic for traveling, especially as a way to keep your kids quiet on the plane or airport...nice availability of games and educational programs for them to use.

I don't know how it connects to the web, but somehow it is so much faster than my desktop or laptop. The colors are very bright and the images are always very crisp.

Processing Speed
I love how fast it can connect to the web.

Weight
It's not heavy, but it is not light either.

App Availability
I can always find something new to try for free or 99 cents on the app store.

So far, so good.

Google Tasks Making Tasks Easier!

2011-11-09T13:34:00.003+08:00

For years I have had a list building ritual. Each day I would sit down and make a list of what I desired to get done. Through out the day I would cross off what I got done and add new items. Then the next day I would use that old list to create a new list. And now after years of repeating this process I have found a better tool that is a marriage of the web and a mobile app that suits me perfectly. That tool is Google Tasks.

Google Tasks is a very simple list making tool that is part of Gmail and also works perfectly with the iPhone. I keep a small window open on my desktop all day with my list of to dos and I keep the Google Tasks button on my main iPhone screen. They synch automatically and have made it possible for me to have one electronic version of my task list that is always with me and easy to add to whenever I remember a new task I need to complete. I also like how it allows you to create several custom lists, clear completed tasks and look at a history of completed tasks.

Book Review: Call Me Ted by Ted Turner

2011-11-07T14:08:00.002+08:00

I just finished reading "Call Me Ted" which is an autobiography of Ted Turner, the iconoclastic business man who brought the world CNN, The Cartoon Channel, and Ted's Montana Grill among many other business and charitable contributions.

As a reader I found the book engaging and easy to read, well written, informative and thought provoking. As an entrepreneur I found the book inspiring. However as father, I found myself disappointed that Turner threw himself into time consuming and life threatening sailing competitions at the expense of spending time with his children.

By reading "Call Me Ted" I gained a better appreciation for the trials and tribulations that Ted Turner went through to transform a sleepy billboard company founded by his father into an owner of television stations, creator of the first "SuperStations" and then the innovator of the 24 hour news channel with CNN. His vision, confidence, persistence, passion and incredible work ethic come through in many of the stories that he tells or are told by his family and colleagues throughout the book.

Turners transformation into an aware and concerned citizen of the world is also quite fascinating. His strict and abusive father combined with military school training helped to raise him with some very traditional and not so progressive views of women and the world. However it does seem that as his life progressed he became involved, aware and increasingly engaged in tackling some large and looming issues such as population control, nuclear disarmament and global warming. He brings an admirable and unique brand of bravado, generosity, and tough minded creativity to some of the world's biggest problems.

The story of the Goodwill Games, his meetings with Michael Gorbachev, and the ups and downs of his many charitable efforts are absolutely fascinating. I also found it interesting to hear the different accounts of exactly how Turner decided to vote in favor the merger with AOL. I appreciated the fact that he re-counted the events in one way and then let his friends submit completely different accounts. I like the transparency evident in that approach.

While I feel sorry for his kids that he was not more present as a father, I ultimately have to admire his incredible energy, vision, persistence and evolution as a person. It is for this reason that I recommend "Call Me Ted" to anyone interested in the story of a great entrepreneur and now philanthropist.
I have always admired entrepreneurs who have built their companies from scratch into great companies that helped to change the world.

DISCLOSURE: "Call Me Ted" was written with Bill Burke someone I worked with briefly with several years ago when he was CEO of The Weather Channel and I was the CEO of Q Interactive, both owned by Landmark Communications. Bill is a first class guy and it was fun to read this book knowing that he was so intimately involved in bringing it to life.

Let Me Google That for You

2011-11-05T14:18:00.000+08:00

Have you ever been frustrated with a friend or co-worker who constantly asks dumb questions? (These are the kinds of questions that could easily have been answered with a quick search on the computer.) I have.

I have also found myself grumbling, "Why couldn't they have gone to google? Who do they think I am- their secretary?" Many times I don't know the answer but feeling friendship pressure I google the question myself so that I can answer.

My brother, brian told me about the perfect solution for friends with dumb questions. It is called **"Let Me Google That for You". **After typing in the question the site will give you an url. Copy the url and send that to your friend.

When they click on the url it will take them to the "Let Me Google That for You" page. They will see their original question automatically being typed into the google search box. Once the question is typed an arrow will automatically click on the google search button and chances are they will then notice the message box that reads, ""Was that so hard?"

The google search results appear and they can research to their hearts' delight. Hopefully, in the process you have educated your friend. No more dumb questions.

If you don't think your friend will get the message that way there is a less subtle way to get your point across. It is called "I Google that for You" at http://igtfy.com/