Reviews and Previews

Police CD Double Disc

2007-07-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

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I'm a bit behind the times, but perhaps you know about The Police. They're going on a huge tour, and they released a great Police CD on June 5th. Tickets for their concerts are going like crazy, but maybe you've been able to snag some. I think some of my friends have been able to get tickets.

The CD release is a two-CD compilation of hits. You're getting a heck of a lot in this set. You get tons of great songs. AND you get a great vintage poster. This poster of The Police will look awesome on your wall! If you're at all a fan of The Police, don't overlook this CD set. Sales are undoubtedly going through the roof, due to the great content of this compilation.

Here are the songs you'll get on the CD set. Can you really do without these?

Disc: 1
1. Fallout
2. Can't Stand Losing You
3. Next to You
4. Roxanne
5. Truth Hits Everybody
6. Hole in My Life
7. So Lonely
8. Message in a Bottle
9. Reggatta de Blanc
10. Bring on the Night
11. Walking on the Moon
12. Don't Stand So Close to Me
13. Driven to Tears
14. Canary in a Coalmine

Disc: 2
1. Do Do Do de da da Da
2. Voices Inside My Head
3. Invisible Sun
4. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
5. Spirits in the Material World
6. Demolition Man
7. Every Breath You Take
8. Synchronicity I
9. Wrapped Around Your Finger
10. Walking in Your Footsteps
11. Synchronicity II
12. King of Pain
13. Murder by Numbers
14. Tea in the Sahara

Now you can watch the UK commercial for The Police. See it below!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with The Police, they're a three-piece band that formed in the early 1980s. It's composed of Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland. They're doing a huge international world tour until the middle of 2008, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Roxanne, a hit single. There is definitely a lot of information on the internet about them, from blogs and fan sites to great articles on Wikipedia.

VLC Media Player is Free

2007-06-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

I removed Dell's MediaDirect player from my Inspiron e1405. But that left me without a media player. So I had to find a new one.

VLC media player is a great free option. It has a ton of features, but it also works well as a basic media player.

After downloading and installing it, I just set it as my AutoPlay default for DVDs. Now DVDs automatically play in VLC on my laptop. Pretty cool.

I haven't figured out how to make the media buttons on my machine to control VLC, but I hope to soon.

PayPerPost Obtains $7 Million in Funding

2007-06-12T11:45:00.001-07:00

Sponsored Post

PayPerPost provides a great way to advertise on blogs. They've been running strong for a while now, and they just got a new infusion of capital - $7 million!

The coolest part about this company is that it truly pays out money to its publishers. One postie has already earned over $10,000! Several posties earn over $500 per month, and many more earn several hundred every month. They're running a great business!

This new round of capital could be really interesting for PayPerPost. They've just launched a new website, and I'm sure that's just the first of many great changes we'll see in the coming weeks.

One great thing they could do is keep working on PayPerPost Direct. This service allows advertisers to pick individual blogs on which to advertise. It's definitely a great method, and PayPerPost only takes a 10% cut in the review price. That's the lowest cut in the industry!

A change that I would love to see is some better visual design for their websites, including the postie back-end pages. The pages function pretty well, but the design style is pretty outdated, in my opinion. Maybe they could hire a couple new designers and get a more updated, Web 2.0 look. Where's the cool AJAX and transparent elements?

For more info on this funding, check out the official press release:

The PayPerPost Revolution Accelerates, Sponsored
Blogging Marketplace Secures $7 Million Series B

Draper Fisher Jurvetson leads round and joins Board of Directors

ORLANDO, FL – (June 12, 2007) – PayPerPost, the leading marketplace for advertisers to reach bloggers and other consumer content creators, today announced it has completed a $7 million second round investment led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson, an investor in the company's Series A and one of the world’s leading high-technology venture capital firms. The financing brings the total amount of capital raised by PayPerPost to over $10 million, giving the company considerable resources for further development as the industry’s leading Consumer Generated Advertising marketplace. Additional participants in the round include existing investors Inflexion Partners and Village Ventures as well as new investor DFJ Gotham. With this investment, DFJ Managing Director Josh Stein also joins PayPerPost’s Board of Directors.

“PayPerPost created this exciting new advertising space and has established itself as the industry leader,” said Ted Murphy, chief executive officer of PayPerPost. “Although we’ve only used a portion of our first round capital, this added support from investors unlocks significant growth potential. Our content creator and advertiser ROI metrics clearly demonstrate the upside for PayPerPost’s model. We intend to use this capital to build the infrastructure, visibility and professional expertise necessary to reach and retain a greater network of advertisers and content creators than ever before.”

Since its founding in June of 2006, PayPerPost has signed more than 6,500 advertisers to its groundbreaking service, which has enabled Consumer Content Creators to be compensated for their efforts discussing specific companies, products or services via blogs, videos or other media. The content creators are required to disclose relationships with advertisers on their blog, providing transparency for the end reader. Over 125,000 Internet postings, most in the form of blogs, have already earned money for their creators through PayPerPost’s innovative marketplace. PayPerPost recently released PayPerPost Direct, a disruptive new service that allows advertisers to contract and negotiate directly with individual bloggers they identify through a safe, managed system.

“PayPerPost has laid a strong foundation for the future,” noted Tim Draper, founder and managing director of Draper Fisher Jurvetson. “It continues to attract a critical mass of participants from both the advertising and blogging communities. Analogous to Overture’s sponsored search model, we believe PayPerPost’s business model holds disruptive potential and will enable the company to thrive in the evolving paid-content arena.”

To mark the $7 million dollar funding, PayPerPost has launched a new website detailing the company’s service offering at http://www.payperpost.com. Bloggers and advertisers can easily sign up at the site and begin leveraging the self service marketplace.

Don't Overlook Generic Soft Drinks

2007-06-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

I'm definitely a caffeine addict. Are you?

The bad thing is that soft drinks are pretty pricey. My beloved Dr. Pepper costs over $1 for a 20-ounce bottle. I'm willing to shell out some cash for my fix, but I do try to save money when I can.

That's why I'm drinking a generic soda right now. I got it from the local grocery store for much cheaper than Dr. Pepper. It's definitely not quite as good, but it's pretty tasty. You might need to try a few different flavors to find one you like, but you'll save some money in the end. And you can still get your caffeine fix!

Find a Cool Night Vision Scope

2007-06-09T14:17:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Post

I don't know about you, but I've always been fascinated with night vision scopes. Anything that lets me see in the dark is definitely a cool thing.

The best part about night vision is how affordable scopes and goggles have become. Optics Planet has a cool set of night vision goggles for only $205. If I spent much time outdoors at night, I would definitely consider getting these. They're just too darn neat.

This site also has a full line of regular binoculars, scopes, radar guns, cameras, and other similar equipment. It's definitely a comprehensive site for this kind of technology. And it looks like many of the products have free shipping. That's always a good thing!

Consider an Exam Preparation Class

2007-06-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Standardized tests are intimidating. A lot hinges upon them, and it's definitely a stressful experience.

But because the tests are standardized, you can easily find an exam preparation class to help you get ready. There are several companies which specialize in this type of program.

Exam preparation is generally recommended for people who need a little extra self-discipline to study. It helps you focus on the important things for the exam. You'll be all set for the big day, and hopefully a little more relaxed.

Good luck!

Get Educational Help from Score

2007-06-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Post

Many children benefit from having personal tutors. There's definitely something useful in having one-on-one instruction, in addition to regular classroom learning.

Score! Educational Centers have a wide range of tutors, including math tutors. They also have people available to help with every grade level.

If you're looking for a tutor for your child, this could be a great option. Definitely check out Score!

Watch Your Favorite TV Shows Online

2007-06-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

Do you enjoy TV? Of course you do! If you're not watching TV online, you're really missing out.

All of the major networks have the latest episodes of their popular shows online. Simply go to the network's site (like ABC) and click on the video option. The video players all differ, but they provide streaming full episodes of great shows.

Now you don't even need Tivo to catch up on the episodes you lost. And these episodes are available for free!

Decide Who Gets Cool Prizes Online

2007-06-09T11:53:00.002-07:00

Sponsored Post

There are plenty of prize websites out there. But now there's a cool new one: whogets.com.

To win a prize at WhoGets, you simply register for a free account. Then you sign up for each contest in which you're interested.

After a certain number of days, a few contestants are randomly picked for a given prize. Each person gets to explain why they want it, and you get to vote on who will receive it. Isn't that fun?

This is definitely a new and refreshing way to win prizes online. Check it out!

Save Money by Making Coffee at Home

2007-06-09T11:53:00.001-07:00

We're all well aware of the latte factor these days. Some people don't care, and others never buy a cup of coffee. Personally, I think balance is important.

I love a good latte, and I drink at least one a day. But I only buy one at Starbucks on occassion. It's been a good compromise for me.

I was able to get a great little home espresso machine, and I use it to make my daily fix. I've even gotten to where I can make a latte that rivals anything you can buy at a coffee shop.

But I still enjoy a latte that somebody else made. There's no work involved on my end, and I don't have to clean up. Plus, I don't have some of the syrups that I can get at a coffee shop.

Life is all about balance and moderation. Save money, but don't deny yourself every little luxury.

Build Links with ViralTags

2007-06-08T04:43:00.000-07:00

I posted the other day about Viralink. Now it's time for the second generation: ViralTags.

Simply copy and paste the text below, and add it to your site. Follow the instructions, and you can be on your way to building links!

Thanks Andy!

============= Copy and Paste below this line ===============

Instructions:

1.) Copy and paste the matrix of “ViralTags” below courtesy of Founders Cafe (to support Jimmy’s quest of launching his own Internet Startup with a shoestring budget, please consider subscribing to his Full RSS Feed to see his triumps and struggles in real time).

2.) Substitute the Host Tag and one of the “Viral Tags” in the matrix with your anchor text of choice with your blog’s URL. Please keep anchor text to a max of 3 words to keep the matrix size manageable.

3.) When you get a ping back from someone that has your link in one of their “Viral Tags”, practice good karma by copying his/her Host Tag’s anchor text (automatically the associated link will also be copied) and paste it over one of your “Viral Tags” below.

4.) Encourage and invite your readers to do the same and soon this can grow virally.

Host Tag: Reviews and Previews

Important: Once I get a ping back from you (I promise to do the best I can), I will add your anchor text and the associated link you designate as “Host Tag” here, replacing one of the “ViralTags” from the matrix above. As more and more bloggers copy and paste this matrix, the more backlinks you will have with your anchor text. If everybody who copy and paste from your blog does the same, pretty soon this will spread and go viral. So, the sooner you participate, the more links with anchor text you will receive.

=============== Copy and Paste from Above this line =========

Check Out a New Astronomy Gadget

2007-06-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Post

I've always been a bit fascinated by astronomy, have you? My biggest problem is that I stink at identifying things in the night sky. I'm finally able to see the Big Dipper, but that's about it.

But there's hope for me. Meade now has a gadget called MySky that will identify over 30,000 celestial objects. All you do is point at the object and click a button. That's darn cool!

There are also tons of great telescopes available, if you're more astronomically-adept than myself. I'm just pretty challenged in that respect. Maybe some day I'll be able to study up on my constellations. Surely I can get a few more down. Orion might not be hard to spot. :)

Car Rentals Become Cheap at 25

2007-06-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

If you've ever tried to rent a car before age 25, you know what a pain it is. You'll have to pay an underage driver fee. Depending upon the car rental company, this is anywhere from $10-25 per day. Some companies won't even rent cars to people under 25, and you definitely can't rent a car if you're not 18. Yep, it really sucks to be young.

But once you turn 25, you can rent a car from any company without any worries. You can truly get a good deal on some cool cars. Awesome, right?

I've got to travel this weekend, so I reserved a car through Enterprise. It's only $41.07 for a day. That might seem steep, but it sounds cheap to me, since I've been paying an extra $25 per day for years. It's great to be 25!!

Paris Might Get a Staph Infection

2007-06-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Post

There's apparently some buzz going around that the jail where Paris Hilton is serving her time has a big staph infection problem. Honestly, I think that's hilarious!

Fortunately, there are good products out there to help prevent staph infections, or MRSA. One product is called StaphAseptic. It's an antiseptic and pain relieving gel that also helps prevent staph infections. That's a pretty cool trio of uses, if you ask me.

I didn't even realize this, but StaphAseptic is available at major pharmacy chains all around. You can pick it up at CVS, Walgreens, and Eckerd, just to name a few. Very handy.

I wish my mom would've had something for "soothing" wound care, not that hydrogen peroxide junk that burns like crazy. I still hate that stuff!

What Your Preference? - Cross or Parker?

2007-06-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I've always been a fan of Cross ink pens. I have one on my desk right now that I've owned for 6 or 7 years. I've temporarily lost it several times, but it always comes back.

But for my recent graduation, a good friend gave me a really nice Parker ink pen, engraved with my name and everything. It's too cool to not use. But I don't think I'll carry it much, since I definitely don't want to lose it.

But now is when I ask you guys about your pen pleasure. Cross? Parker? Bic? What do you think?

Win Prizes with the Lowest Bid

2007-05-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Post

I've previously written about a really cool prize site. It's called Bid4Prizes, and it uses a unique bidding system to award prizes.

You must have the lowest bid to win the prize in question. But you really need to have the lowest unique bid. The bid keeps moving as other people under-bid you, so you have to keep re-bidding. Neat, right?

I found a cool bike at Bid4Prizes that I'd love to win. It's called the Paratrooper. It's a collapsible mountain bike. You should definitely go check it out.

The final thing to mention is that you can bid via TXT message on your cell phone. The auctions count down in time like a typical auction, so you can stay on top of it during the last few minutes, no matter where you are.

Now, go bid for some prizes!

lowest bid

Exercise in the Morning for Best Results

2007-05-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

I have trouble getting motivated to exercise. There are so many other things in the world to do. If I wait until the evening, exercise gets put off.

This is why I'm trying to exercise in the morning. My goal is to get up at 6:00 AM and go on a 12-mile bike ride. If I do it first thing in the morning, I can't put it off. Nothing else will get in the way.

Plus, exercising in the morning should give me more energy for the rest of the morning. I won't be sluggish, and hopefully I can concentrate better on working and studying. We'll see how it goes. :)

A Spiffy Credit Card - MINT

2007-05-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Post

I'm sure you don't have a shortage of credit card offers. If you're like me, they come via email, regular mail, and even the phone. But here's one you might want to check out.

MINT offers a neat system to apply for a credit card. It's got a slew of standard credit card features and promotions. There are actually some decent rates on this one:

14.9% APR (variable)
0% on purchases - until Jan 1, 2008
0% on balance transfers - until Aug 1, 2008

The coolest feature that stand out in my mind is the ability to manage your account via TXT messages. Automated phone services are handy, but TXT is the current way to communicate, especially for young people. That's a cool feature for your credit card.

If you're in need of a new credit card, give MINT a try.

Build Links with Viralink

2007-05-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

It's a fact of internet life that we need links to our sites, to help with search engine rankings. Andy Coates came up with a cool way to easily share some links. The result is Viralink. Here's everything you need to know, courtesy of Andy himself:

———copy and paste the Viralink and instructions below this line———

Below is a matrix of 120 stars, I have already added a link to my blog onto one of the stars, all you need to do is copy and paste the grid into your blog and add your own link to one of the other spare stars, and tell others to do the same!

Viralink

********************
********************
********************
********************
********************
********************

New Addition: When I receive a ping back once you have added the Viralink to your site I will add your link to this grid, and each person who copies the grid from here will also link to your site!

———copy and paste the Viralink and instructions above this line———

Honestly, I'm not sure how well this will work for people later in the game (like myself). But I might as well give it a shot!

Get Your Site Reviewed by PayPerPost Direct

2007-05-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Post

PayPerPost did it again! This leader in blog marketing has just launched a new service that allows advertisers to select blogs to advertise directly to consumers. The new program is called PayPerPost Direct.

The process is really simple, but the PPP guys have made a great video to explain it. Bloggers will place badges on their sites, offering to review products or sites for advertisers. An advertiser simply clicks on the badge to create a new opportunity for that blogger. The parties can negotiate on price, the advertiser approves the post, and the blogger gets paid immediately upon approval. It just couldn't be easier.

Notably, PPP only takes a 10% cut of the total post price. Other services such as ReviewMe take 50% of the total price paid for the review. Thus, PPP looks to be leveraging their strong market position to undercut some of the competition. I'm sure bloggers will love that. And it will provide lower-cost reviews for advertisers. This service looks to be a win-win for everyone involved.

So keep your eye out for the PPP Direct badge. It'll probably be on a blog near you very soon. And if you don't the see badge, you might ask the blogger personally whether they're a PPP member. Most of us are. :)

Schedule Quick Breaks for Yourself

2007-05-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

One of the quickest ways to burn yourself out is to work nonstop. To prevent this, schedule small breaks for yourself.

A great method is to work for 55 minutes, then take a 5 minute break. This gives you a steady pace of work to keep up throughout the day, but it also gives you a fun couple of minutes to relax. Also, by working for 50-55 minutes at a time, you won't be chopping your day up into bits that are too small to be productive.

Here are some great things to do in your 5 minute breaks:

Take a brisk walk around the office
Use the restroom
Grab a drink (preferably juice)
Read your favorite websites
Go get some fresh air

Taking frequent breaks will keep you refreshed and rejuvenated throughout the day. You won't regret it!

Calling all People who Need Calling Cards

2007-05-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Post

Do you use calling cards? You've no doubt figure out how expensive they area. Thankfully, Pingo has your back.

Pingo is a leading prepaid calling card provider. Among many other deals, Pingo has the cheapest prepaid phone card to call India.

If you sign up today for at least $20, you will receive $5 in free international calls, as well as a $25 gift card for several online merchants. That sounds like a sweet deal to me!

Finally, Pingo offers rates for calls within the United States as low as 1.8 cents per minute. Here is more information about United States calling card rates.

If you do any amount of traveling, you really should consider purchasing an emergency phone card. You never know when it could come in handy.

Find Exercise Equipment on Craigslist

2007-05-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever needed some exercise equipment? I'll bet you were surprised at the cost in sports stores. There's a better option: craigslist.

I've been looking for a new road bike for several weeks now. Prices for a brand new one are just prohibitive on my budget. So I started perusing the internet and craigslist. I've found several good options in my area. In fact, I'll be going down in the morning to take a test ride on one. I think it will be perfect!

One thing not to overlook is actually posting a "wanted" ad on craigslist. Just because the perfect item isn't posted does not mean that you can't find it. I found the bike I'm looking to buy through a "wanted" ad that I posted. Don't assume that everything people want to sell is actually posted on the site itself.

What are you waiting for? Go find the perfect sports equipment!

Blog for Cash and Cool Products

2007-05-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Post

PayPerPost has done it again. They're already a premier company that lets you blog for cash. Now they're also giving away cool prizes too.

Every Tuesday will now by HDTV Tuesday at PayPerPost. Specially marked opportunities will have a prize reward, instead of actual cash. This is all thanks to Bid4Prizes.

You're probably wondering what kind of things you can win. I'll bet that you'll be impressed. People have already earned Apple TVs, a PS3, and other cool electronics. On May 15, they'll feature a Slingbox, a Wii, a Yamaha surround sound system, and Logitech universal remote.

Heck, at the end of the month, they're giving away a brand new HDTV. That's a darn cool prize, just for blogging.

PayPerPost has definitely gotten its share of criticism in the blogging community. But it does one thing really well: please its posties. The people behind the scenes are continually coming up with new ways to reward the grunts who do the real work: us posties. They know that the company would fall to pieces if bloggers would not write for them. So they keep us all happy. It works well.

This latest announcement just proves that PPP is not going to let us be bored any time soon. In fact, I bet they'll have something even cooler in the future. Who knows what it will be?

Try a Fruit and Walnut Salad

2007-05-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a decent snack at a fast food restaurant, try the fruit and walnut salad at McDonald's. It costs about $2, and it provides a decent healthy snack.

You get a small dish of apple slices, grapes, candied walnuts, and vanilla yogurt. The total calories are 330, with 8g of fat and 25g of sugar.

Honestly, I've tried many of the "healthy" options at other fast food restaurants, and this is one of my favorites. It's not as healthy as you can get, but it's a great snack when you're on-the-go.

Win Prizes with Simple Auction Bidding System

2007-05-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Post

Would you like a new plasma TV? Maybe a free vacation? Would you take one if somebody gave it to you?

At Bid4Prizes, all you need is the lowest bid, and you win the prize. You play by deciding a prize you'd like to win - like a plasma TV. Then you must pick a number that is lower than the current lowest bid. But to win, your number must be the lowest unique bid. Yep, it's confusing.

But they have a pretty good explanation page on their site, as well as a video to help you understand. You'll get it, if you just think about it for a second.

The coolest prize, in my opinion, is a $500 Starbucks gift card. That would buy a lot of coffee or a nice espresso machine. Or maybe a bunch of coffee and a decent espresso machine. Heck, I might go bid on it right now.

The key here is that you don't actually pay anything. You really win the prizes. The bidding is just how you play to win.

Go try it out! You just might walk away a winner.

I'm Going to Try Crest Whitening Strips

2007-05-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

I finally had a much-needed visit to the dentist today. The hygienist told me not to wait 4 years to come back. Everything was generally OK, but it is time to get my wisdom teeth removed. Fun times that will be!

But the point of this post is that they recommended Crest Whitening Strips to whiten teeth. I even got a couple samples, to see if I can stand the process. A box is only about $30.

According to the hygienist, they actually work. She suggested that I do the top teeth separately from the bottom, so I can see the difference in shade.

I'm definitely going to give this a try. My teeth aren't nastily yellow, but they do have a coffee / tea /soda shade to them. And if $30 will really make a difference, I'm game.

Check out PayPerPost to Make Money Online

2007-05-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Post

I've loved working with PayPerPost. I think it's a great way to get paid to blog.

One of the coolest things is that they've started to get some great-paying opportunities. I've seen jobs on the site for as much as $200 or more. There are regularly opportunities for $30-50. I've even been lucky enough to snag a couple of those. :)

All together, I've made over $300 from PayPerPost alone, just this year. That's not a huge amount, but I don't spend a ton of time on it. I check the site when I have a few minutes, grab a couple interesting opportunities, and post away. 20 minutes is all it takes, usually not even that.

If you're looking to make some money online, you've got to check out PayPerPost.

Use Rechargeable Batteries for Your Electronics

2007-05-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

If I had a penny for every battery I've used in my short lifetime, I'd be a wealthy man.

Unfortunately, there's no way to get a penny back for all those used batteries. In fact, they're probably in a land-fill somewhere, polluting the ground. I should probably be paying the Earth a penny per day, just to compensate for all my used batteries.

A much better solution is rechargeable batteries. I've been loving for them my digital camera and wireless bluetooth mouse. My wife's digital camera takes four AA batteries, so rechargeables are definitely the way to go there.

To maximize your investment, here's a great article on getting more life out of your batteries.

Now go out and buy some nice batteries. You'll save money and the environment. Does it get any better?

Awesome Bookkeeping Help for Small Businesses

2007-05-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Post

Small business owners have to do it all. They're marketing, tech support, sales, and accounting. But other small businesses are now cropping up to help outsource some of these services. This helps you focus on your actual service or product, instead of payroll.

One great example is Accounting Paradise, which has very low bookkeeping fees. They can help with QuickBooks, accounting, and payroll. It's really a pretty nifty system they have set up.

Fees are pretty inexpensive. It looks like accounting help starts at $10 per month. Payroll is done on a flat rate of $6 per employee per month. This can add up to a bit, but it can also relieve you of the headaches involved in these money matters.

If you're looking for some relief in your business venture, check into outsourcing like this.

Invigorate Your Day With Exercise

2007-05-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

I went on a 12-mile bike ride this evening. My legs are a bit sore right now, but I feel fantastic!

We know that exercise releases endorphines into your body. These chemicals help you feel happier and give you more energy. So even though exercise takes a substantial amount of energy, your body actually feels better afterward. Fascinating, right?

The coolest part is that it's kind-of addictive. After all, you're causing more chemicals to be produced into your body. Once you start exercising, your body wants more of it. So your body naturally helps get you into better shape.

The only downside is that exercise does make you more awake and alert. Thus, if you exercise in the evening, your increased energy might keep you from getting to sleep when you would like. But I suppose that's the price we must pay.

Great Site for Online Coupon Codes

2007-05-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

Sponsored Post

I'm a sucker for saving money. But I guess that's not a bad thing. Coupon Chief is a great source for online coupon codes. They have coupons for over 1,000 different stores, so there's bound to be something up your alley.

I did a quick search and found a page of Starbucks coupons. They're for reduced shipping on orders from the online store, but that alone is pretty cool, especially if you buy supplies for making coffee at home.

There are also Dicks Sporting Goods coupons. One of these might come in handy, since I'm looking to buy a new bike and get some equipment for it. We'll just have to see.

Do Some Spring Cleaning

2007-05-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

Now that May is here in full force, it's time to really think about spring cleaning. Yeah, it's almost summer, but it's never too late to clean!

My personal view is not to keep much clutter around. I don't live by that too closely, but I want to start. Thus, I plan to go through everything in and around my desk and dresser to see what can be done away with. But I'm not just going to throw it away. There will likely be three piles:

Give - I like to give away things that I no longer have a use for. GoodWill is right down the street, so it's a shame to throw away decent things that somebody else might be able to use.

Sell - We've had a decent bit of luck selling some things on eBay. A couple things that we tried didn't sell at all, but others went for much more than we originally hoped. If you think something might be worth a bit of cash, give it a try.

Trash - If an item doesn't fit in either the Give or Sell pile, it goes in the trash (if I'm getting rid of it, that is).

What do you do for spring cleaning?

The Best Prank is the Simplest

2007-05-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

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.Com Marketing Interactive Ad Agency wants to know about our best pranks. My best prank is one of the simplest: a whoopee cushion. Yes, I'm a kid at heart. And most other people probably think this is lame. But if done well, a whoopee cushion can generate some good laughs.

If you have an office with guest chairs in it, try putting it underneath the chair's cushion. When an unsuspecting coworker sits down, he'll probably jump from surprise. It'll be a good chuckle. The only problem might be if your boss happens to be the next person to sit in the chair. Hopefully she's got a sense of humor, though.

Here's my favorite prank, in video form:

Don't Forget Your Sunglasses This Summer

2007-05-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

One thing that people always forget about is protecting themselves from the sun. When your family has a history of skin cancer, you think about these things a bit more.

So when I'm going to be outside for a while, I definitely remember the sun block. But you've also got to think about your eyes.

It's so incredibly easy to wear sunglasses, so why don't you? If you forget them, try getting a couple of cheap pairs. You can leave one at home, one at the office, and one in your car. Then you'll always have one, no matter where the sun happens to be.

Don't forget about protecting your eyes - sunglasses are cheap, but eyes aren't.

My Favorite Shrimp Recipe

2007-05-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

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Do you love shrimp? I know I do. There's a cool site out that has some great Seafood Recipes.

My favorite shrimp recipe is pretty simple: fried shrimp. Just beat some eggs, soak your peeled & deviened shrimp in it. Then dip the shrimp in cracker meal. Now you just have to deep fry them until they're golden brown. Can it get any easier?

To make it a little easier, get yourself a deep fryer. It works better than just using a skillet, and you can fry more shrimp at a time. You've got to make plenty, since everyone will want some.

For a video explanation, check this out:

Gotta Love Panera's Free Wi-Fi

2007-05-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

You've got a great thing going, when you combine good food with free wi-fi. That's one reason I love Panera some much.

This afternoon I was out and I wanted a drink. I could've stopped at a drug store and gotten a soda, but I went to Panera. Why? They have free wi-fi. I can relax, have a drink, and check my email.

And plus, I bought a muffin. So they got $3.15, and I got a glass of tea, a muffin, and a few minutes of free internet. You can't beat that deal!

Website for Forex and Global Futures

2007-04-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

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There's a handy site for you to check out, if you're interested in global futures. You can find out more about futures, options, and foreign currency exchanges, all from this Global Futures Exchange & Trading Co. Of course, you can also do your actual trading through their site. Very cool, indeed.

If you're interested in an opening an account, you should check out the Global Futures website. You can open an account with as little as $250. That really lowers the bar for people getting into different investment options.

From what I understand, forex can be great investment opportunities, but they're also fairly risky. I wouldn't use this as a primary investment strategy, but it could play a key role. It also might be fun to see what you could do with a little cash.

Get Out and Enjoy the Beautiful Weather

2007-04-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Now that winter has ended, it's time to enjoy the beautiful spring and early summer weather. I know that I'm trying to get out and exercise at least a few times and week. You should too!

Here are some ideas to try:

Go on a bike ride
Take a walk
Go to a local park and watch the birds or squirrels
Have a light jog
Find a comfortable patio chair and relax with a good book

There are tons more things you can to enjoy the weather, but this is a handy start. Just do it! We're too reserved as a society, especially when it comes to relaxing and exercising. We focus too much on work and pounding away at the keyboard. Go outside!

PayPerPost Acquisition - Drum Roll Please...

2007-04-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

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PayPerPost, an advertising company for blogs, has done one of their typical marketing strategies. They have created a post opportunity to blog that they've acquired a company. But they didn't tell us what company.

What do you think PayPerPost is up to? They provide a pretty wide base for companies to get the word out about products and services, and for websites to get links. What more do they need?

One idea I had was a possible statistics company. There was the hubbub a while back about Performancing and PayPerPost. That deal went South, but who's to say PayPerPost won't try something similar? Or maybe they've worked something out with Performancing.

Another likely company might be some kind-of social networking site. PPP's cadre of users, deemed "posties," are a fairly tight-knit group. Maybe the company is looking for a way to leverage that network that they've built in a new form. PayPerPost meets Digg.

Finally, maybe they're going into the blog hosting business. PPP could provide free blogs to people, in exchange for letting advertisers have a spot in the sidebar. Users could even earn a small portion of the revenue, to help lure users away from options like Blogger and WordPress.

I'm just guessing here. What do you think?

Great Vegan Chili Recipe

2007-04-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

I've been experimenting with vegan and vegetarian eating for the past few months. In fact, I went throughout Lent without eating any red meat or poultry (only seafood, and very little of that even). Thus, I'm on the continual lookout for good vegan recipes.

Leo has a great vegan chili recipe over at Zen Habits. It's really simple; even I made it!

You're going to need some cans of beans, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and corn. Dice some onion and bell pepper. Throw in some chili powder and pepper. Cook. There's a tad bit more to it, but that's the gist. And it turns out delicious. You've got to give it a try.

An Interesting New Multi-Vitamin

2007-04-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

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Do you take a daily multi-vitamin? If not, you're risking your own health.

There's a new 12-in-One MultiVitamin that you can take. This vitamin comes as softgels, which are easy to swallow. And there's even a special men's and women's version.

The company offers some kind of risk-free trial, but I don't quite understand the precise details. If you're interested in finding a new multi-vitamin, you should check out this option.

April's Snow

2007-04-16T11:56:00.001-07:00

Trees full of blooms,
Flowers with colors bright.
You've pushed through the cold,
And colored up our life.
As your blooms blow away,
They land upon the ground.
And on this sunny morning,
April's snow is seen today.

Check Out the Gamma Knife for Brain Tumors

2007-04-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

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Have you heard about the newest form of brain tumor treatment? It's called the gamma knife. I've seen it mentioned on TV, but I didn't really understand the benefits, until now.

There's a great site that explains the use and benefits of the Gamma Knife. To my understanding, it's a method of radiating brain tumors, to eliminate them from the brain. It's noninvasive, and the procedure takes place in one session.

The process holds the head stationary and then focuses radiation at the tumor from all angles simultaneously. This helps prevent excess radiation to the rest of the body and puts the radiation where it is needed: the tumor itself.

Save Money by Riding the Bus

2007-04-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

I'm a big believer in public transportation. What a great way to get around town, while saving the environment and your wallet.

For three years now, I've been riding the bus to and from law school every day. It's a bit of a hassel sometimes, but overall it's been pretty convenient.

The best part of all is that our city buses are now going to be free for all university employees, faculty, and students. This means that we don't have to pay a single cent to ride anywhere the buses go. Awesome!

If you haven't checked into your locality's transportation system, you're missing out. It might not go everywhere you need to be, but maybe you can have cheap trips some of the time.

Find a New Home in Las Vegas

2007-04-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

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Looking for a new house really stinks. I'm in the middle of that process myself. Fortunately, there are several websites out there to help.

One such site focuses on Las Vegas New homes. If you're looking for some real estate in Las Vegas, Nevada, this is a good site to check out. It's a pretty comprehensive Las Vegas real estate site.

The site has a handy link that enables you to search for new homes. There are also phone numbers for agents, so you can actually talk to a live person. This is a good place to start for your Las Vegas new home.

Be Creative - Take a Picture a Day

2007-04-16T09:53:00.001-07:00

I've always wanted to be more creative. How about you?

One thing I've found to help with this is my new digital camera. It's not incredibly fancy, but it does take nice pictures. With it, I've been trying to do something creative every day:

Take a picture

This may sound like a tiny thing, and in the greater scheme of life, it is. But taking a picture every day forces your mind to think in creative and artistic terms. I find myself thinking like a camera, trying to figure out how to capture different moments. It's especially cool right now, since the trees and flowers are in bloom.

Unfortunately, I've fallen down on this plan a little bit lately. One thing or another has gotten in the way. But I do plan to get back on the horse soon. Hopefully my creativity and my writing will benefit.

Distributor for Obsolete Electronics Components

2007-03-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

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Are you into electronics? What about repairing older electronics? If so, you'll likely need to get your hands on components and parts for those devices. Luckily for you, there are discontinued electronics distributors that specialize in precisely this field. 4-Star Electronics happens to be one of those distributors.

The concept of 4-Star is really quite simple. They market discontinued and obsolete semiconductors, diodes, military components, and other electronics parts. While this may seem like an odd business model, it actually makes perfect sense.

As I mentioned above, people with electronics often need parts to make older things work. 4-Star is your source for those needs.

Based on their website, they have a pretty extensive line of inventory. The odds are high that if you need a discontinued electronic component, they will have it ready to ship out to you.

With all of the desire in today's world to have the latest and greatest gadget, it's good to know that some companies still try to help out people who use other technology. It's doesn't have to be cutting edge to get the job done.

Be sure to check out 4-Star Electronics for your obsolete electronics components. I'll bet they have what you need.

Find Alternate Sources for Goods to Save Money

2007-03-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

I'm always on the lookout for easy ways to save money. One handy way to save is to find the cheapest place to buy something. Here's a great example:

I'm addicted to Lipton's bottled sweetened ice tea. A bottle of the stuff costs $1.59 at our local grocer. But I found out that our school bookstore sells it for $1.25. Isn't that a steal?

The ironic thing is that you'd normally assume goods to be cheaper at the grocery store. In this case, that's not true.

The moral of the story is clear: shop around for the lowest price.

PayDay Loan Site Also Helps with Student Loans

2007-03-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

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I just ran across a great site for a Payday Loan. This can be a decent way to get yourself through a money crunch, although personal finance bloggers might kill me for saying that. These kind of loans aren't necessarily ideal, but it's better than getting evicted from your house.

This site can help you get a Maryland payday loan as well as a Washington cash advance. The company can also help with student loan consolidation, mortgage refinancing, and other credit needs. It's kind-of a one-stop loan shop.

Smart Start Bars Provide a Healthy Snack

2007-03-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

Our modern lives demand that we be on the go for much of the day. This makes it hard to get adequate nutrition. If you're like me, you end up eating really unhealthy food, especially for quick snacks.

One thing I've found to help change that are Smart Start Healthy Heart Bars from Kellogg's. My favorite flavor is strawberry vanilla, but the cinnamon ones are pretty good too.

These bars are sort-of like a bowl of cereal in a handy package. They satisfy your sweet tooth, and also provide some good nutrition. They even have some carbs and protein to help give your body fuel.

I'm lovin' them. In fact, I just ate one. :)

Show Off Art, Meet People, and Share Places

2007-03-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

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With all the socially oriented sites out there, you'd think the market would be flooded. I guess not.

There's a new site now that allows Artists Set Up a Portfolio of Your Work. It's called The Whole 9, and it's based on the idea that existing sites are too impersonal and not inter-connected enough.

The Whole 9 is divided into three areas that all mingle together: people, profiles, and places. This lets members get to know each other, highlight their portfolios & experience, and share recommendations for bars & restaurants.

While this site might not take off for the mainstream internet user, it's aimed toward a more selective demographic in the first place. It's got a neat design, and I'll bet a lot of people will like it. Go check it out!

Windows Vista Automatically Switches From Aero

2007-03-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across an interesting Vista "feature" today. If you're working along and the OS can't handle showing the flashy Aero interface with the programs you're running, Vista will automatically switch to a less system-intensive theme.

The first time this happened, I thought my computer was massively wigging out on me. But after it happened a couple times, I realized it's the way it's "supposed" to work.

The ironic thing is that a website caused this mess. I was browsing along in Firefox, it froze, and Vista changed the theme. Once I closed Firefox, everything popped back to normal. Odd.

I guess I'd much rather have Vista switch up the way the computer looks than crash altogether. I can sacrifice flashy graphics for a few minutes, if it means I don't have to restart or something.

Find Answers to Questions About Home Mortgages

2007-03-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

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Have you ever tried to get a mortgage? The mere thought is daunting. Luckily, there's a handy site with information on Home Loan Mortgages.

This site provides information, statistics, rates, and help for your mortgage search process. You can find information on Connecticut mortgages, New Jersey mortgages, and even mortgages in Virginia.

Right now I'm trying to sort out all the ins and outs of mortgages, and I might find some helpful information on this site. If you're in a similar boat, check it out.

Getting Back to Basics with Shaving

2007-03-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

Shaving is the bane of my existence. Men are expected to be cleanly shaven in public, but it's such a pain.

For a while I've been looking at getting a fancy electric razor (a step up from my disposable ones), but I might go the opposite direction. I'm now looking at classic shaving.

That's right, I'm looking to buy a quality, old fashioned, safety razor. Just one double-sided blade. I might go the whole nine yards and get a cool shaving brush too.

I'm still reading up on this and seeing what it will cost. But I'm about ready to take the plunge (or cut). We'll see what I end up getting.

Find a Car with this Neat Classifieds Site

2007-03-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

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Are you in the market for a used car? If so, you should check out these Used Car Dealerships.

AutoCity101 is a new online car classifieds directory that aims to make the world a better place. The owners of the site are devoting their profits to help start a network of orphanages, beginning with one in Mexico City.

You've got to admire ambition like this! If you're already looking for a car, why not give them a quick peek?

Save Your Notes Online with Stikkit

2007-03-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I talked about Twitter, which is a newly popular web 2.0 service.

Today's topic is Stikkit. While Twitter focuses on communication, Stikkit is all about housing your information. It does this with digital post-it notes called "stikkits."

When you register for a free account, you can post stikkits to your page. Stikkit can recognize things you're typing, adding events to your calendar, to-do list, bookmarks, and contacts on the fly. It does this by "thinking" for you; that is, it recognizes key words and symbols such as knowing that "Bob Smith" is a new contact.

If you're looking for a new way to manage information online, you should give Stikkit a try. It's fun!

Check Out These Verizon Phones

2007-03-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

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Are you in the market for a new cell phone or carrier? I know that I am. Actually, I don't have a cell phone right now, so I'm hoping to get one in the near future.

You should check out these Verizon cell phone deals. If you sign up for a new plan with Verizon, you can get a free phone. These aren't any old cheapo phones either; you can get the LG Chocolate or even a RAZR. That's definitely a really sweet deal.

Some of these deals come with a spiffy phone, along with a bluetooth headset. You'll be fully ready for mobile communication, once you get a great Verizon cellular plan, a nice phone, and hands free headset. You can keep up with friends, colleagues, and clients, anywhere you go.

The only caveat here is that Verizon must obviously offer service in your area. Sadly, they don't in my neck of the woods. But that doesn't mean that you'll be out of luck. Just go to the page linked above, enter your zip code next to the phone you want, and you'll immediately see what options you have. Easy, right?

Now, maybe I'll do some phone shopping myself...

Are You a Twitter?

2007-03-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

I've finally gotten into the Twitter scene. Do you tweet?

So far, I've found two decent uses for this service. First, it's been a handy way to get more connected with other bloggers. Instead of just emailing and blogging back and forth, we can now tweet ocassionally, and keep up more with each other's lives.

Second, Twitter has been a handy way to ask a quick question of people. I haven't had a ton of luck with this one, but I'm hoping it will be better as I get more friends.

Have you found Twitter useful? Or is it just extra noise in your already busy life?

Portable, Reliable Home Security System

2007-03-16T16:51:00.002-07:00

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Does your current house or apartment have a built in security system? If not, you can still have a reliable security system.

LaserShield produces an alarm system that consists of a simple base unit combined with any number of transceiver units. The units plug into a standard wall outlet and telephone jack. You get all this for only $199.99.

The system also comes with a keychain remote that has a panic button. This could be very useful if you came home to find intruders in your house.

Finally, you can easily expand the system by adding extra sensors around your home or office. This should make it possible to use LaserShield for your entire space. That's quite handy.

Initial Impressions of Windows Vista - Slick

2007-03-16T16:51:00.001-07:00

I've now been running Windows Vista for about 48 hours. While the upgrade took a while to complete, my initial feeling is that I love Vista.

I'm running this puppy on my Dell Inspiron E1405, so it's got the juice and power to run the Aero interface. Several things are changed, but I'm adjusting well.

With that said, one thing that does bug me is the sidebar. I just don't get how it can be useful. Maybe I'm missing something, but the gadgets are little more than eye candy. They look spiffy, but they just take up space. Is there a way to make them smaller? If they were half the size, I might like it. Otherwise, I won't be using this thing long.

Interesting Website for Handcrafted Jewelry and Gifts

2007-03-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

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There's a really neat website I just ran across for buying artisan jewelry and other handmade gifts. They have lots of earrings, necklaces, and the like. The prices are very reasonable as well.

This site provides a great way for artisans to market their work. Artisans even keep 80% of the sale price. That's not a bad deal at all. The site does the work of marketing and selling goods, while the artisans get to keep most of the profits.

Finally, the market has some neat gift ideas arranged by occasion and recipient. I just checked out the gift ideas page, and I saw a neat votive candle holder.

If you're looking for some handcrafted art, you should definitely check out this site.

Use AVG for Free Anti-Virus Protection

2007-03-15T19:04:00.001-07:00

Do you have a good anti-virus program on your computer? Perhaps you're paying a monthly or yearly fee subscription. If so, you're getting ripped off.

You should check out the free version of AVG anti-virus. This program is completely free to download, install, and get automatic software & virus updates. Definitely a good deal.

But is it effective? I've been using AVG for 5-6 months, and I haven't had a single virus. It's been incredibly effective. And it doesn't get better than being FREE, right?

Learn the Secrets Behind Magic Tricks

2007-03-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

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Have you ever wanted to know the secrets behind magic tricks? I'm personally a fan of illusions and the like. They're definitely fascinating.

There's a great site where you can see David Copperfield magic revealed, along with other secrets behind magic tricks. You do have to make a "small donation" to access the members only area. However, if you're really interested in illusions, this isn't much.

So go check it out and see if this site is for you. It might be a good deal, if you're into magic.

Increase Online Security With a PayPal Security Key

2007-03-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

If you're not cautious regarding your online security, you're practically asking for identity theft. I'm always on the lookout for better ways to keep confidential info safe.

That's why I got a PayPal security key. This little gizmo fits on your key chain, and it adds an extra level of protection to your PayPal account.

When you get your key ($5 each), simply activate it on your account. Whenever you login, you will enter your email address and password. But then you'll be prompted to enter the six digit number that shows up on your key.

Basically, this gadget generates a new six digit number every 30 seconds. The number only works to open your PayPal account during those 30 seconds. So even if a thief got your email and password, they'd still need the key to get into your account. Cool, right?

Indian Version of YouTube

2007-03-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

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I'm definitely a fan of online television. Why pay for TV, when you can view videos and TV shows online for free?

I just ran across a South Asian (INDIAN) Video Distribution Website that seems to be similar to YouTube. You can upload videos, view others have uploaded, etc.

The neat thing about Konkan TV is that you can also view videos on your cell phone. This definitely takes online video to a new level.

I'm honestly not sure how an American audience will like the content at Konkan, but it does provide an alternative to other video sites. If you're looking for some different online video, you might give it a try.

Consider Buying Generic Substitutes

2007-03-14T12:41:00.001-07:00

When it's time to buy groceries, don't overlook generics. Buying the "off-brand" item can save you significant money, without really sacrificing quality.

One great example is canned goods. What's the difference between "Old El Paso" refried beans and the store brand? Price. I'm willing to bet that you couldn't tell the difference between the two in a blind taste test. If there is some noticeable taste difference, you can probably remedy that by adding a little spice (or salsa) of your own. Why pay $1.25 for a can of beans, when you get basically the same thing for 70 cents?!

Another critical time to think about generics is with medicine. Prescriptions will likely be dispensed with generics, since they are FDA-proven to be the same as the name brand pill. Your insurance company wants to save money, so they'll make you get the generic version, unless your doctor specifically says otherwise.

You can definitely control which over-the-counter medicine you buy. Don't opt for Robitussin cough syrup, when you can save several dollars by getting the store brand. If you read the labels, they have exactly the same active ingredients, which is what you really care about.

Do yourself and your wallet a favor: think generic.

Secret PayPerPost Announcement on the Horizon

2007-03-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

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The good fellas over at PayPerPost (PPP) have something up their sleeve. Unfortunately, they're not telling anyone for a few weeks.

If you're unfamiliar with this company, it provides a novel way for website owners to increase site traffic by purchasing paid reviews of their site. Bloggers sign up to write these reviews, and the advertisers decide how much they're willing to pay and what types of sites they want reviewing them.

The last big change PPP made was to offer segmented advertising. In the beginning, advertisers just set the price for reviews, and bloggers could pick anything they wanted to write about. Now advertisers can set the PageRank and Alexa ranking for their target blogs, as well as specific categories the blogs should fit within.

Now the question is what big news PPP is going to announce. I think they'll have some new features to entice advertisers. I'm not sure what this would entail, but maybe they've come up with something interesting.

On a related note, I'm hoping they'll come up with an affiliate program for bloggers to bring in advertisers. Currently, bloggers only get money for bringing in other bloggers (to my knowledge). The PPP market would grow if bloggers had a direct incentive to bring in advertisers.

Only time will tell what the news really is. Stay tuned right here, and I'll let you know.

Dole Fruit Cups Rock

2007-03-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

And now, for something completely different...

I just finished having a Dole fruit cup with my lunch. These little things are a great way to have some nutritious food, even while on-the-go.

If you're unfamiliar with this product, go to your local supermarket. Find the canned fruit section. You'll see packs of little cups with diced fruit in them. They will have all sorts of varieties, from tropical fruit to peaches to pears (my favorite!).

Stick these cups in the fridge, then you have instant, healthy snacks at hand. It just doesn't get much easier than this.

Find Your New Sunglasses at Optics Planet

2007-03-12T19:53:00.000-07:00

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I just ran across a nifty site for sunglasses. It's called Optics Planet, and they have just about any kind of sunglasses you could ever want.

For the astronomers out there, they also have a page of Telescopes. As you can see, this place carries all things optical-related. Very cool.

Optics Planet also has a directory full of prescription sunglasses. Some are made to accept your current glasses or a prescription add-on; others are made with lenses for your prescription. These are really cool.

Finally, Optics Planet offers free UPS shipping for any order over $29.95. Thus, most decent pairs of sunglasses will ship to your door for free. Handy, right?

Vista Is On The Way!!

2007-03-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

I just got an email today that my upgrade to Windows Vista is on the way. It should be here in a day or two.

Upgrading to a new operating system definitely brings about mixed feelings. I'm excited about the features that Vista offers, particularly the nifty new GUI, but also some things that should help with productivity.

But at the same time, I'm worried that the upgrade won't go smoothly. I'm fairly dependent on a number of programs, so I've got to make sure they are all Vista compatible. Most importantly, all my hardware and drivers have to work.

Fortunately, I got my new laptop in January, and it bears the happy "Windows Vista Compatible" sticker. I'll definitely backup my data and do some research before I attempt the upgrade. But it should be fairly smooth sailing. Hopefully...

More People are Buying Smart Phones These Days

2007-03-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

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I think I'm the only person in my law school that doesn't own a cell phone. According to a recent press release, a lot of people are now moving past regular cell phones to smart phones.

That's right, smartphone sales (according to Wirefly) have increased 70% from 2006 to the first quarter of 2007. That's a pretty big jump.

As the article explains, these phones aren't just for nerds these days. In fact, I know several people who I wouldn't consider very tech-savvy, but they've opted for the smart phone route.

One reason might be that this gives people easy access to email, internet, and other rudimentary applications. If you're a light tech user, you might be able to forgo a computer and internet at home. That's not for me, but it might work for some of you.

Social Security Statement

2007-03-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

My social security statement arrived today's mail. I've been working since age 16, paying taxes all the while. But the government finally saw fit to send me a nice little statement, detailing how much money I'll have when I retire:

$625 a month!

My wife wasn't quite as excited as I was. True, $625 won't buy much. Plus, I'll have to continually work until I'm 67 to even get that much. And I'm only 24 now.

Then there's the fact that social security will most likely be completely bankrupt in the next few years, unless there's a massive overall.

That gets me back to my retirement savings without social security: $0. Man, I've got to start saving.

Good Site for Hotel Reservations

2007-03-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

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It's already the middle of March. While most people are focusing on Spring Break trips, it's time to start planning your summer vacation too!

If you're looking for a good site to book your hotels, check out Hotel Reservations. As advertised by the site's header, you can save up to 70% off on your vacation accommodations. That definitely makes the site worth checking out.

One cool thing about this site is that it has all sort of different lodging options. You can book a regular hotel, get a vacation rental, or even find a vacation package. This makes HotelReservations.com a one-stop travel agent for your next vacation.

In addition to lodging, you can also find flights and car rentals through this site. What more can a person need?!

The prices from Hotel Reservations are also pretty competitive with prices you might find elsewhere. I did a quick search for hotels in my town, and the prices looked pretty good. I definitely don't stay in hotels here much, but from what I can tell, they're at least on a nice competitive level with other sites.

If you're interested in traveling overseas, Hotel Reservations also has some good deals on world wide travel. I did a quick search for hotels in Milan, and I found several nice listings for about $90 a night. That's cheaper than many hotels here in the U.S.!

There are also some good looking deals on vacation packages, as I mentioned above. I found a seven day trip to St. Lucia for $1400/person. That includes airfare and accommodations. I'm honestly not up on current prices for this kind of trip, but that sounds like a really good deal to me. I just might book something like this.

What are you waiting for, check out Hotel Reservations today!

Standard iPod Earphones Are Missing a Lot

2007-03-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

I'm definitely not a fan of the standard white iPod earphones. Perhaps my ears are oddly shaped, but the earbuds hurt when I put them in. They just don't fit nicely at all.

Moreover, I have to crank my iPod up all the way to hear my music when I'm riding on the bus. Talk about damaging hearing.

The only good thing about the standard-issue earphones is that they're small and lightweight. I do commend Apple for that. But I just don't see how anyone can use them for long-term listening.

Get Help Selecting a Cell Phone Plan from Wirefly

2007-03-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

Sponsored Post

Ever since I first stumbled upon Wirefly, I've been increasingly amazed at the services and deals it offers. You can get great deals on cell phone plans, phones, and accessories. But their service doesn't stop there.

If you want to save money off your current cellular plan, Wirefly can help you out with their plan wizard. It's a really simple concept. First, enter your zip code. Then enter your current carrier, phone number, and typical usage information.

Wirefly will then tell you what other plan or carrier might save you money. Their advertising claims that you can actually save up to 40% off your current phone plan. To me, that's some serious money. It's even bigger money, when you realize that a lot of people are paying $75-100 monthly for their cell phone service.

The concept behind this service really makes sense. It's in your best interest to have a cellular plan tailored to your actual calling needs. Wirefly is using their database of calling plans and a simple computer program to determine if they can do better for you. That's pretty cool.

The difficult part, in my opinion, is that most people's cell phone usage varies over time. Thus, one plan might be great for you this month, but it might be really bad for you two months from now. Since we all know you can't just switch carriers every two months, you really have to stick with a plan for a while.

In the end, I suppose you could see calling trends over a few months and then use Wirefly's plan wizard. This would give you a better view of your needs and hopefully save yourself some money.

I don't know about you, but when it's time for my next cell phone, I'm probably heading to Wirefly. It's at least a great place to research plans and prices.

Great Plugin to Leverage Digg on WordPress

2007-03-10T19:59:00.000-08:00

I like Digg, but I don't want a Digg badge on every post on my blogs. My articles just don't get dugg enough to warrant that.

However, I promote some articles, and others get dugg on their own. So it's nice to add a Digg button to these posts. Now I've found the perfect method to do that, on WordPress.

There's a handy Digg button plugin that you can install in WordPress. To show the Digg button, all you do is click a special button on your post editor. Once an article is dugg, you can easily associate the badge with the article's Digg page. It's really simple, and quite handy.

I've only been using this plugin for a short time, but it's already paying off. Hopefully you'll have good results too.

Personal Time Management Software from Effexis

2007-03-09T19:46:00.002-08:00

Sponsored Post

I just ran across a new piece of software that might help your daily life. This is some cool time management software that can help organize your life and your time.

The program is called Achieve Planner. You can get the Standard version for $49 version, or go Pro for $79.

Achieve Planner gives you the ability to track to do's, prioritize, and schedule tasks. It looks like a pretty complete time management program.

Finally, there's a neat "weekly planning wizard" that helps you plan out your week. This might be handy for your weekly review, if you're a GTD follower.

I haven't used Achieve Planner myself, but if you're looking for a good time management program, you might give it a try. If you have experience with it, drop a comment here to let us know.

Find Inspiration in The Merlin Show

2007-03-09T19:46:00.001-08:00

If you haven't heard of Merlin Mann, you should check out his site. He's definitely a productivity guru, but also a guy with a unique look on life.

If you're looking for a bit of inspiration, you should definitely subscribe to Merlin's new video podcast. It's called "The Merlin Show." As he explains in the intro episode, the only thing that's set is that he's in it.

I'm definitely going to find some good kernels for writing in this podcast. I guarantee it's going to be good.

Great Site for Light Fixtures

2007-03-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

Sponsored Post

When you're thinking about building a house, you've got to plan on lots of things that we take for granted most days. For example, light fixtures are usually just there. But when you're building, you've got to put them there.

If you're in search of light fixtures, you should check out Premier Lighting. They have a large assortment of lamps and light fixtures for all budgets and decorating tastes. Check them out, and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Good Study Program for the MPRE

2007-03-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

If you're planning to be a lawyer, you'll need to take the Multi-state Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Since this is a test that determines if you will be a lawyer, you've got to study.

Fortunately, BAR/BRI has a good study program for this test. If you're already enrolled in their bar review program, you get the MPRE materials for free. You get a video lecture, an outline, practice tests, and a program called "Study Smart."

The software is the coolest part. It contains a mini-outline version, practice tests, and sample questions. It can even tell you which areas are your strengths and which you need to work on.

If you're trying to study for the MPRE, I highly recommend BAR/BRI's program.

Mammoth Collection of Online Coupons

2007-03-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

Sponsored Post

Are you up for some online coupon codes? If so, you've got to head on over to Coupon Chief. This site contains a massive directory of online coupons. It's a shopper's paradise!

In just two seconds, I pulled up a list of Dell coupons. They've got coupons for everything from digital cameras to headphones to MP3 players. If only I'd known about this site when I bought my new digital camera.

The listings show the coupon value, when it expires, and even simple instructions to use it. Handy, right? Even cooler, you can search the entire site for the product you want. Thus, you can compare coupons from different manufacturers. That's a real time saver.

Significant Changes for Microsoft Office 2007

2007-03-08T12:35:00.000-08:00

I finally received my upgrade for Microsoft Office 2007. It's now installed and running just fine on Vista.

The biggest change that I immediately noticed is the interface and menu bar. I couldn't even find the "File" command. Instead, there's a nifty "Office button" that does the standard "File" commands.

The toolbars are redesigned, and it looks like they might be a little more useful. I'm not sure these changes will enhance utility, but they definitely are different.

I honestly haven't gotten much time to check out the many features of Office 2007. They will definitely provide a lot of fodder for future writing, tips, and techniques.

AGLOCO Pays You to Surf the Web

2007-03-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

If you want to earn money online, check out AGLOCO. This is a new service that will pay you to surf the internet. Cool, right?

Basically, you just display a "viewbar" of ads at the bottom of your browser while surfing. Advertisers pay AGLOCO to show up in the viewbar. You get paid to be shown ads.

The coolest part is that you also get paid for referring people to the service. Plus, you get paid for their referrals, and so on.

If you're curious, go check it out. The viewbar is still in beta, but you can start building your network now. If you want to help me out, here's my referral link.

Alcoholism Treatment Center

2007-03-07T12:29:00.000-08:00

Sponsored Post

If you are looking for an alcoholism treatment center, Stone Hawk might be a good choice. They have an extensive alcoholism treatment program and a comprehensive website with lots of information.

The facility itself is located in south central Michigan, and boasts a +76% success rate for drug rehabilitation. It's even on a lake stocked with fish; the perfect place to have a serene start to a brand new life.

There are actually two different programs at two separate facilities. One is a 3-6 month program, while the other is only 28 days. These are intended to cater to the specific individual needs of each person. Very cool.

Whole Foods Was Full of Holes

2007-03-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

I made my first solo trip to Whole Foods today. I've been a couple times before, but with other people. Today I embarked on my first trip alone.

I set out to buy two simple things: Illy coffee and nutritional yeast. I knew Whole Foods carried both of these things. It should've been in & out.

I looked around for the nutritional yeast and wasn't finding it. That's my own problem, so I asked for some help. An associate took me to the bulk bins where we discovered that they were out of exactly what I needed. But she ended up finding a big can in another section of the store. I only need 1/2 cup, and the can was 16 oz. for $12.99.

So then I went to get coffee. I found the coffee section with ease, and then I found the Illy shelf pretty quickly. But then I saw a starkly empty spot right where my kind should've been. Poop!

In the end, I wasn't impressed with Whole Foods. In fact, I will probably never go there again. They donate money to Planned Parenthood, so I'm definitely not a supporter there. But I'm never happy when a store is out of the 1 or 2 things I go to buy.

Great Site for Free Images

2007-03-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

Do you do any web design work? If you're a blogger, you might design your own templates. Perhaps you design websites for other people.

Whatever the reason for designing, you'll need images. That's where Bittbox helps out.

This is a great site full of image-related goodies. The coolest part is that they're free, along with advice and tips on how to do vector-based web design. Very cool stuff.

Honestly, these freebies are so cool that I'm thinking of redesigning some of my blogs.

Get a Keyboard Cover to Preserve Your Investment

2007-03-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

I've been using my spiffy Inspiron E1405 for several weeks now. I LOVE this machine. To protect my investment, I purchased a keyboard cover for it.

If you haven't thought of a keyboard cover, you're overlooking an important piece of equipment. Here are just a few benefits:

safeguard your keyboard from liquids and crumbs
prevent keyboard marks on your screen
make keyboard cleanup a snap

Before I bought my cover, I was worried that it would interfere with my typing or be a nuisance. However, I've been using it for about a week now with great success. It took about a day to get used to it. Now I'm typing at my usual speed, and I don't even really notice the cover any longer. The only thing I really notice now is a quieter keyboard. Nifty, right?

View a DVD for Free!

2007-03-03T08:18:00.000-08:00

I'm definitely a fan of free things. That's why I love redbox.

Surely you've seen the big red machines in grocery stores, drug stores, and some McDonald's locations. They vend DVDs. You can get just about any new release for $1 per day.

Pick your title, swipe a credit card, and get your DVD. Keep it as long as you want and then return it to any redbox. That's handy, right?

So how are they free? Promo codes! Redbox gives out promo codes good for a day's rental when you enter your email address on their website. Thanks to awesome community sites like Inside Redbox, we can ALL benefit from these codes. Users input their codes, along with their success or failure and location. Then it's a piece of cake to view the latest valid promo codes for your region.

I think I might go "rent" a movie this afternoon. You can't beat a free DVD.

Awesome Headphones - Shure E2c

2007-03-02T19:14:00.000-08:00

I'm the proud owner of a pair of Shure E2c sound isolating earphones. You might laugh when I tell you that I paid $108.24 for these puppies ($99.99 + tax), but they're worth every penny.

Instead of the cheapo Apple earbuds that came with my iPod, I use my Shure earphones all the time. Since they isolate sound, I don't have to crank the volume over ambient noise around me. Instead, the Shure earphones literally block out the sound.

Sound isolating headphones work kind-of like an earplug with a headphone attached. Even without music playing, you can't hear much of anything that's going on around you. This means that you only have to turn your volume up a little bit to hear the music. This saves your hearing from unneeded stress.

Be sure not to confuse these earphones with the type that use an electronic device to neutralize sound. Those type produce a whitenoisey sound that tries to deaden ambient noise. It never makes sense to battle noise with ... more noise!

Unfortunately, my earphones have a short in the cord. Sound in the right ear is fuzzy and it comes in and out. Luckily, I discovered that Shure has a 2-year warranty on these puppies. With any luck, I'll have a fixed pair in my hands in a couple weeks. That's a great investment in my book!

Interesting Site to Stir Social Change

2007-02-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out Change.org? It's a new kind-of social networking site. Instead of just connecting people with their friends, it connects people with "changes."

In a nutshell, a change is any cause you want to promote. Most of the ones on Change.org are social changes, such as ending abortion or solving world hunger. You can join existing changes or even setup your own. It's as simple as typing what you're trying to do.

Change.org also connects people with existing non-profit organizations. You can search for non-profits and then add data about them. You can review non-profits, add photos, events, and other things.

Interestingly, Change.org also promotes easy donating to non-profits. This is great for social causes!

There are a lot more features, but you'll just have to check out the site to see them. Be sure to surf around and see what appeals to you. You can make a change!

Get Affordable Glasses Online

2007-02-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

I'm always for saving a little money. When my glasses broke a few days ago, I set out to find an affordable lens-replacement option.

LensCrafters wanted $290 to put lens in the frames I already had. I couldn't believe their price. Plus, it would take two weeks to get them done. I figured there had to be a better option.

Then I found 39DollarGlasses. As the name says, they sell complete glasses for $39. That's a bargain in anyone's book. The only problem was that I want to use my old frames (they're the cool Flexon kind that you can bend & they spring back into shape). Luckily, these guys can put new lenses in your old frames as well.

In the end, I'm paying 39DollarGlasses about $70 for new lenses. They're more than $39 because I opted for the anti-reflective coating and my frames are semi-rimless (extra labor, I presume). I overnighted my old frames to them, and they're overnighting everything back when they're done. When it's all done, it will have cost about $100. That's much better than $290. I'll just have to remember to update this post and let you guys know if it works out. :)

UPDATE (Mar. 5) - My glasses came this afternoon. They are perfect! The prescription seems right (I can see now!), the frames are straightened out, and I got a nice microfiber bag and hard case for FREE. I highly recommend this company.

Awesome Website for Vegetarian, Vegan, and Meatless Diets

2007-02-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

It's odd for a life-long meat eater to ditch meat for a while, but that's what I'm doing. I don't think animals are sacred, but I do want to observe a Lenten fast. Thus, it's veggies for me until Easter.

While looking online for some veggie recipes, I stumbled across VegWeb. This is a fantastic site that has a community of vegetarians, vegans, and other meatless eaters. The feature I like the best is the recipes. You can add individual recipes to your own "recipe box," and even add them to a "grocery list." Then the site will tell you exactly what you need to buy at the store. Cool, right?

My first real vegetarian meal was Extra Good Black Bean Burritos. I'm not a great cook, but these turned out awesome! I ended up eating two tonight (definitely overkill) and freezing three. Thus, I've got some yummy food waiting for me!

If you're looking for a great resource for meatless diets, check out VegWeb.

Get a Free Game and a Free App Every Day

2007-02-15T17:51:00.000-08:00

Do you like free software? What about free games? If so, check out Giveaway of the Day.

This site offers a free software download every day of the week. Their subsidiary site gives away a free game every day as well.

All you have to do is check the site (or subscribe via RSS) and download the software each day. But be sure to install it that day as well, since the license system only lets you download and install for a single.

The coolest part is that you'd usually have to pay for all this software. And we're not talking about $5 software. Most of these apps are in the $20-50 range. That's not bad for a free giveaway.

So if you're in the mood for some free stuff, check it out. The best option is to subscribe, so you don't miss a good piece of software.

Get to Sticking with Stikkit

2007-02-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

Don't you love little yellow post-it notes? Who doesn't?

In case you were feeling deprived without having electronic post-it notes, you can relax. There's a new website that has you covered: stikkit.

When you create an account with stikkit, you can create an endless number of notes. Each one can be shared, commented on, and send out notifications when it is updated.

But the coolest part of stikkit is that these notes are smart. When you're typing along, stikkit recognizes certain "magic words" and does things. For instance, if you type "tag as X," stikkit gets that you want to apply X label to that stikkit. Cool, right? You can also add contacts (or "peeps"), to do items, calendar items, etc. It's pretty neat.

You should go get stikkin it with stikkit!

ReliOn Ultra Compact Ear Thermometer

2007-02-04T18:39:00.000-08:00

Last night I bought us a new thermometer. My wife has always wanted an ear thermometer, for their ease of use. So I bought the ReliOn Ultra Compact Ear Thermometer.

My initial thoughts of the product were great. It cost $20, but it's a tiny little gizmo that has its own little storage case. I thought it would be great for general use, but also when we have kids.

However, my wife has tried it several times, and it's very disappointing. We keep getting this weird error message that just reads "AA." According to the instruction manual, that means that the unit's temperature needs to stabilize and adjust to room temperature. However, no matter how long we let it sit (even overnight), we can still get that error. We've successfully used the gadget a couple times, but over half the time the "AA" error displays instead.

Opinion: This one's going back to the store. I guess that's one benefit of shopping at Wal-Mart. :)

CBS Innertube - Good, Free TV

2007-01-28T06:48:00.000-08:00

I you didn't know already, the major television networks put their latest shows online for free, streaming viewing. This applies to ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, and Fox (I believe).

Since we don't subscribe to cable and don't even have a regular TV antenna, I decided to check out these online TV viewers. Of the three biggest ones, CBS is far and away the winner.

First, CBS has shows that I actually like to watch. I'm definitely a CSI fan, and now I'm hooked on Jericho as well. Numb3rs is OK, but it is a bit of a stretch when the math genius always explains everything via some mathematical algorithm or law.

Second, CBS's "innertube" runs the quickest for me. We have cable internet, but we only subscribe the slowest version. Thus, our internet connection is moderately fast by today's standards. NBC and ABC's players run choppy, stopping every couple minutes to buffer the video. Plus, the quality I've experienced on NBC (even when it runs fast) is just pretty poor. For me, innertube hardly ever stops to buffer, and the quality is pretty darn good.

Third, CBS has several episodes of each show online. Most of the popular shows (at least the ones I watch) have several of the latest episodes online. This means you don't have to watch every week to keep up and not miss an episode. You can usually go back and catch up if you had a busy week or just didn't think about online TV.

Do you have an online TV preference? Let us know your thoughts!

Absolute Alibis - Fact or Fiction?

2007-01-26T13:34:00.000-08:00

I was just watching an episode of CSI: NY, and they showed a company that specialized in creating alibis for people. Is there something like this in the real world?

Essentially you would give out a special phone number to people for your "yoga salon" or whatever the company was posing to be. The alibi company then has operators who answer the phone, posing to be the fictitious company. Of course, the operator knows when to say that you were there, etc. They would even generate fake receipts to have "proof" that you used their "services."

This got me to thinking... I wonder if anything like this really exists. Sadly, I imagine there are a ton of people who could utilize something of this nature. It could actually be kind-of funny to play a prank of friends or something, but people might also use it to have a sick day from work (the alibi company would pretend to be your doctor).

Don't get me wrong: I'm not advocating this. I'm just wondering.

Laptop Bag ... Continued

2007-01-25T13:17:00.000-08:00

I just wrote about the awesomeness of my new Dell laptop bag. I'm still loving it, and I still highly recommend it. However, I have two caveats to add.

First, the style of the main compartment is going to take some getting used to. My old Targus bag was clam-shell style. The top zipped open on three sides. Thus, you could keep the machine sitting in the bag and use the computer (just zip the top off, flip it back, and open your screen). However, the Dell bag just zips open on the upper side of the bag. You slide the machine in and out. It's much better protection for the laptop, but a bit less inconvenient on the bus (like right now).

Second, the strap doesn't like to stay on my shoulder. I carry a backpack at school, and I used to put my laptop strap on my left shoulder. The Targus bag worked great like that. But this Dell bag slid off a couple times. I didn't drop the machine, but it was annoying. I'll probably have to put the strap over my should and head to prevent that.

Just wanted to keep you updated.

Dell Laptop Bag Rocks

2007-01-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

My Dell Inspiron E1405 came with the standard Dell laptop bag. I thought about upgrading it, but I decided to give it a try.

I'm glad I did!

This bag is awesome. It has plenty of room (and padding) for my laptop in the main compartment. Plus, I was able to put my travel documents and maps in the back zipper pouch. The front compartment actually held my jacket, ski cap, and gloves. That's pretty handy. If I had needed it, my laptop cord probably would've fit as well.

The bag seems very well built, which means it should last a good while. Also, the strap has a nice thick pad for your shoulder. That helps when it's loaded down for a long walk somewhere.

If you're getting a new Dell (or just need a new bag), don't overlook this one.