Blog Exchange

This video, by Dr. Eldon Taylor, tells one of my favorite stories, much better then I could ever explain it. I orginally heard the story from another person, but I was glad to have found this youtube video. It shows us much important our expectations and our perceptions affect our reality.

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I've had the oppertuninty to use both Salesforce.com and Google Apps. In this new york times article, you can read more about google and salesforce joining forces to implement customer relationship managment software linked to existing google applications. From a programmers perspective, Both Google apps and salesforce, have nice, easy to use API's, so I see a lot of promise here. No word that this will be *free* though, but someday maybe. Salesforce.com licenses can be a bit pricey.

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Many people don’t know how easy it is for people to connect to their wifi and steal their internet and bandwidth. Why sharing your home internet with everyone that is near your house if you don’t want them to? Now, don't get me wrong, it is nice to want to be able to share your Wifi, or perhaps you and a few of your neighbours want to get together and share your high speed bill. Wifi can be an excellent way to makes this happen. But even in this case, it might not be advisible to just let anyone come in, snoop your traffic, steal your information and move on. This is the risk you present yourself with if you are not using proper Wifi security. Well it is quite easy to prevent this from happening and this article from TheComputerMaster walks you through the necessary steps. The basic idea is you define a wirless key using a security known as WPA-PSK. Then only give the key to those you trust to access your machine. Choose a long key to prevent brute force attacks. Don't think you are safe using the old, outdated WAP security, or trying to configure mac address filtering. Neither of these give you any real security. Always go WPA-PSK as a minimum for your WiFi needs.

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We'll begin with box, and the plural is boxes;
But the plural of ox should be oxen, not oxes.
Then one fowl is goose, but two are called geese,
Yet the plural of moose should never be meese.
You may find a lone mouse or a whole lot of mice,
But the plural of house is houses, not hice.
If the plural of man is always called men,
Why shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen?
The cow in the plural may be cows or kine,
But the plural of vow is vows, not vine.
And I speak of a foot, and you show me your feet,
But I give a boot -- would a pair be called beet?
If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth,
Why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth?
Then one may be that, and three may be those,
Yet the plural of hat would never be hose.
We speak of a brother, and also of brethren,
But though we say mother, we never say methren.
The masculine pronouns are he, his and him,
But imagine the feminine she, shis, and shim!
So our English, I think you will all agree,
Is the trickiest language you ever did see.


When the English tongue we speak
Why is break not rhymed with freak?
We say sew but likewise few;
And the maker of a verse
Cannot cap his horse with worse?
Beard sounds not the same as heard;
Cord is different from word.
Cow is cow, but low is low;
Shoe is never rhymed with foe.
Think of hose and dose and lose;
And of goose and yet of choose.
Think of tomb and comb and bomb,
Doll and roll and home and some,
And since pay is rhymed with say,
Why not paid with said, I pray?
We have blood and food and good,
Mould is not rhymed with could,
Wherefore done but gone and lone.
Is there any reason known?
So in short it seems to me
Sounds and letters disagree.

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A very cool video on controlling the Second Life video game with just a thought!

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If you're like me, you've probably played the old mario brothers Nintendo game, here's a funny video of all the lessons about mario brothers that you have never been told. Hope you enjoy it !

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In this weeks podlets, I rant about my opinions of "common law". I've had very strong opinions on this matter. Way back, when I was first staring my first job. I was chatting with a collegue about university, taxes, etc. The collegue was also very opinionated (or at just trying to yank my chain) about how important it was that I filled my taxes out as common law. Anyway, in this audio podlet, and the article below you can read about my thoughts on the subject, and application of necessary and sufficient conditions for common law status. Hope you enjoy it. One of the debates, I often find myself involved in is the idea of "Common Law" Marriage. First of all, let me clear up the first misconception. Being 'common law' and being 'married' are not the same thing from a legal point of view. There are similarities. In Canada, many couples who have declared themselves as common law are guaranteed similar rights and privileges under the law as married couples. Although specific local laws can vary. The basic premise is the same. If you're in a loving committed relationship with another individual, live in the same household, you should get the same rights as those who sign a piece of paper and pay for a 'marriage license'.

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Here's a little quiz to start your day. Warm up your brain. Are you an "out of the box" thinker? I first learned of this brain teaser many years ago, and it wasn't until I reached adulthood, that I figured out the solution. Sometimes, we can be so convinced there is no solution, that the most obvious one never enters our mind. Give it a try, and see if you can figure it out !

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Welcome to this mornings brain teaser. Some folks wake up every morning, turn there TV to one of those fitness channels, do some running on the spot to get their hearts pumping, the blood flowing, in hopes of a good start to their day. Why don't we do this for our minds as well? Why not try out this weeks quiz, instead of coffee (or perhaps with it). Try it out and see how you do. Good Luck !

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Are you a road warrior? Do you take your cell phone whereever you go? Has your phone 'mysteriously' ended up in the toilet? Here's a few tips to help you get the most of your cell phone, if you don't feel your getting enough of it already.

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I've been trying out Sandy, an interesting little (somewhat intelligent) virtual assistant. The account setup is free, and then you get a special email that you can send to Sandy and she will email you reminders and other items that your prompt her to do when you send emails to her or cc her on emails to someone else. Sandy also connects to Twitter and SMS (phone). I'm a big fan of AI like things so I'm interested in how this app works out. If you are the kind of person who likes to have their own personal assistant..but can't afford to pay for it, why not give it a try? I do wonder, if it works well, can I nominate her for an award?

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I'm pretty much all thumbs when it comes to using any tool. Even a hammer, I hit my fingers, but I'm a pretty good programmer, and I think I write pretty good applications. Here is an interesting article from secretgeek.net about Workflow software. This is the kind of software that lets the business analyst, designer understand process flows within an organization. It allows us technical folks the ability to design or customize a software solution to meet a particular set of business needs. Just like a hammer, if used properly, workflow software can be a very valuable tool. Combined with good knowledge and training it can help a business be more efficient and effective. To often, however, the software may get billed as a magical solution. At the bottom of this article is a funny parady . The 'IF' server, an excellent example of how a sales pitch can potentially sell thousands of copies of a software product, to the 'wrong' individuals and end up causing more problems then it is worth.

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Here is an article you might find worth sharing. Have you ever been in conversations with groups of people complaining about "the system", why the system doesn't work, and what should be done to make it better? These are not necessarily bad conversations, though you might want to ask youself, am I actually talking to the right people who an create the necessary change? Either way, here are some thoughts to consider when you find yourself in such a situation, some food for thought on designing the perfect flawless system.

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Sorry, I haven't sent out any audio podlets in a while. I have several recorded just haven't had the time to get them out there. In this one you can hear me rant about problem solving and why it is important to understand that any problem can have multiple solutions Once we see this we can hope ourselves up to many new possibilities that we may have had tunnel vision on before.

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DataWrangling.com has put together an awesome collection of university level free coursewhere from all around the web. So if you are looking to brush up on your ecomonics, engineering, or physics, this is the article to check out. Unlike, other sites, all of these videos are free [while available]. Many of which seem to go over my head, but nonetheless, if you are looking for online training and have the right discipline you may find these very usefull.

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Do you remember back in school, having to take those IQ tests? Perhaps you're still taking them :-) Many years ago, I came across this very interesting Reading Comprehension Test down at my uncles. I'm not exactly sure who it came from orginally, and I've been meaning to make a web version of the test for some time. Well, I've done it, when you click the link below you will only have 4 MINUTES to complete it. This is a fun test will give you feedback on your reading skills. So give it a try and let me know how you do. Your score is not made public, the test is anonymous. It's just for fun. If you like it, feel free to forward it on to a friend. Enjoy !

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[Editos Notee: Here is one of my favorite articles about spelling. It was orginally credited to Mark Twain, but there is some debate that it should be attributed to M.J. Yilz] ... For example, in Year 1 that useless letter "c" would be dropped to be replased either by "k" or "s", and likewise "x" would no longer be part of the alphabet. The only kase in which "c" would be retained would be the "ch" formation, which will be dealt with later. Year 2 might reform "w" spelling, so that "which" and "one" would take the same konsonant, wile Year 3 might well abolish "y" replasing it with "i" and iear 4 might fiks the "g/j" anomali wonse and for all. Jenerally, then, the improvement would kontinue iear bai iear with iear 5 doing awai with useless double konsonants, and iears 6-12 or so modifaiing vowlz and the rimeining voist and unvoist konsonants. Bai iear 15 or sou, it wud fainali bi posibl tu meik ius ov thi ridandant letez "c", "y" and "x" -- bai now jast a memori in the maindz ov ould doderez -- tu riplais "ch", "sh", and "th" rispektivli. Fainali, xen, aafte sam 20 iers ov orxogrefkl riform, wi wud hev a lojikl, kohirnt speling in ius xrewawt xe Ingliy-spiking werld. ... The link below is to a more serious document from Mark Twain regarding the simplificaiton of our alpha bet

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"The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few..or the one" - Spock (Star Trek II)

Do you consider yourself a social person? Today we have social networking tools, blogging, instant messaging, emails, cell phones. Everyone no matter where in the world is literally a click away. We are social beings, we enjoy the comfort of others.

But what does it mean to be 'social'. Is it simply being friendly?. Does he/she with the most friends on facebook win?..I don't think so.

Consider the case of my aunt Mary, who is using attempting to raise $5,000 to fight cancer. Here we have, I believe, what it truly means to be social. It is the power of society, to use social networking, and related tools to spread a message, a message to help others, to understand that we live within a complex structure of people.

People, who are just as deserving as you or I, but, who have been dealt a different set of cards in life. When we take time to consider the needs of others, yes that is a start to being social..and when we take action to help others, to help society. When we realize that we are all individuals interdependent upon one another..the world we live within, and the creatures we live with...it is only then that we can truly consider our selves "social".

So my challenge is this, instead of trying to have more friends then your neighbor on facebook, or more people in your 'group'. Take a lesson from my aunt, find a way to use the technology we have today to help fulfill the needs of the many.

Please give, we are all social beings, in a social world, and thus the benefits of giving will return to you tenfold. - The law of Tenfold return

Spread the Message -> Join Mary's facebook group

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Are you the master of information or a slave to it. Today we live in a world where money doesn't really exist. How man of us really look at cold hard cash? If you like most people today, you probably use a credit card and debit card and are hit with interest or user fees. The fees increase, but what can you do, you are addicted to the convenience, and you put up with the fees. So in today's world, money is nothing more then information and is subject to the same vulnerabilities all information is. So what does it mean when you money literally flows through the airwaves around you?

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I've never been to Vegas yet myself (maybe someday). But it's nice to know they rely on good ol reliable windows software to run the myriad of technologies, lights, and displays they have running throughout the city :-) For more information on the blue screen of death (aka bsod) check out this article from uncyclopedia

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Do you want to play a Light Hearted, Nasty or Gross Prank on a
friend or foe that you need to "EVEN THE SCORE" ?

If the answer is YES, read on

Below are some sample listing of great practical jokes

DISCLAIMER: I cannot take responsibility for any
actions taken as described in this text. Some of
these schemes may be illegal to perform and most of
them will make your victim suffer in some way or
another. Others are just plain gross, disgusting, yuck.
I advise you to look at this text as a source
for reading enjoyment only. If you do consider an action,
also consider it's consequence, both for the victim and
for yourself !

OK. Let's have some fun..

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Mothers day is just around the corner (at least it is as I write this entry).

Now, in today's day and age, we have no excuse for not giving gifts to our moms..you know those women that gave us life, and clothed and fed us, and taught us right from wrong, all while managing a household, and perhaps a full time job?

Today, with the internet and great sites like 1800flowers. If you do nothing else, you can use this service and very easily order some pretty spring flowers. Don't forget to include a nice little poem and thank-you as well. Literally you are spending 10 minutes of your time at most. 10 minutes of your time to remember you mom for a lifetime of effort. Here, add a mother day reminder to your calendar right now, so you don't forget !

Like most others, I also have to admit, I probably never truely appreciated all the work mothers do, until I had kids myself. I dare you ! Just spend a day alone with your kids and a list of things that 'mom' normally does, and you will quickly gain a large appreciation for all the work they do on a daily basis.

A day, a single day? that's all they get as 'pay' for all the work. Even if you ordered flowers for them every day of the week. It still would not be enough.

You Let Me Know You Love Me
By Joanna Fuchs

You let me know you love me
In so many different ways.
You make me feel important
With encouragement and praise.

You're always there when I need you
To comfort and to care.
I know I'm in your thoughts;
Your love follows me everywhere.

Thank you for all you've done
And given so generously.
I love you, my wonderful mother,
You're a heaven-sent blessing to me.

Happy Mothers Day -

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Here's a short video from the history.com explaining St Patricks day, who he was, what it means, and why it is celebrated

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Discovery Health produced 4 part series called 28 Days in Rehab.

In this series they follow a group of individuals and their attempts at Drug Rehabilitation.

Many people don't see addiction as an illness. They don't understand the compulsion and why it tears down lives and breaks down relationships, leaving you at rock bottom.

The truth is we are all addicts to something, and just any addicts we may not even realize we have an addiction.

When you think about it, our minds are conditioned for addication. Chemical dependance is part of our survival mechanism. We all seek rewards, we are motiviated by that 'good feeling' we get when we do something. We seek out getting a 'rush' or a 'high'

Those in Drug Rehabilitation are the real winners. They have (hopefully) recognized they have a problem, and trying to find a solution. The sad truth is, often these folks don't get to rehab until they have reached rock bottom. There jobs, relationships, lives have been torn apart and they are grasping to regain some control of life, only to have an obsession, quick fix high continue to take it away.

The irony is this same drive can be used in a positive way. If we can learn our passion or drive, to direct that same addiction in a healthy way. Replace the old bad habits such as drinking, drugs, gambling, with good habits. We can literally have our cake and eat it too.

This is a 4 part video series presenented in Windows Media format and takes place at the CARE addiction recovery center in Florida .You will need windows media player to watch the series, I found it quite fascinating myself.

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I just love these types of mind reading videos. Do you read the daily horoscopes? Do you find yours to be quite accurate, does this proove there really are psychics out there? Here's a cool video mind reading test. You might want a pencil and piece of paper. When you play the video you will be presented with a series of statements about yourself. Put an check for every statement that is true about you, and an X for every one that is false. Then ask youself, how well did this video read your mind? If you are impressed, pass this video on the a few of your friends and see how they score. Then you will know the true secret of horoscopes in the newspaper. Have fun !

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Here's a great article by Brad Bollenbach about simplicity. I especially like his comment that "simple is not easy". I love the philosophy, but it takes a lot of pratice to simplify, to make things easily understood. Especially as we grow older and learn more about the world around us or specialize in certain areas, we may loose touch with the simple things in life. I have often found myself doing things the 'hard way', but sometimes this is the only way, after I have finished a project, that I truely learn. Very enjoyable indeed.

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This is one of those times, when you just come across something funny and you just have to share it. Read this story about a guys first day at the office and see if it tickles your funny bone. I can safely say this has never happened to me, but you know you company might be getting a bit too big if...

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Here's some interesting remenecing from David Ledoux from his blog. When I think of the past internet, and I was in university, I sure wish I had the fore thought to buy up some of the .COM domain names. Back in the 90's it was over 100 for a domain name (now they can be as little as $6..but can you find a good one). If I had bought say cars.com in 1999, I may have been able to sell if for millions today. Oh well, hindsight is always 20/20 right?

I have recently had the chance to review David's free 16 page Small Business Death Sentence. He has some interesting ideas, that I am looking forward to trying out.

One tip, when you subscribe to his blog, the first page you go to is HTML version of the story. I didn't realize this, after you sign up you can quickly find the link to the PDF version. Once subscribed, he also sends you some interesting videos and freebies that might be of interest to marketeers new and old.

Whenever, I feel trying to remember the olddays, I simply fire up the Internet Archive's Way Back Machine. The archive shows todays BIG websites used to look back in the old days. Isn't it funny how much things have changed in such little time, yet we all call it the old days?

Special thanks to BigMoneyFreeTime for the providing me an opportunity to publish this post

Enjoy !

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For those who haven't heard the news. Yes I did it. We bought a dog. She is a cute 5mo old parsons russell. So the pet count now is 2 cats and 1 dog. A regular zoo at our household. They say dogs look like their owners. I'm not so sure, but here's a funny dog joke anyway that I hope you enjoy !

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There has been large debate on the web, a fight over which is better Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer? Most people who use Internet Explorer, do not do so as a "choice". It is shipped automatically with most computers, and most computers shp with Windows. People get on, can do there web browsing, it functions, and they never try anythinng different. Some people like to switch things around and try new things while others will maintain the status quo until there is a 'pain' to change. If you are still using Internet Explorer, and have never tried Firefox. Might i suggest giving it a try?

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