Teenagers’ Internet Socializing Not a Bad Thing

Growing up you heard your parents say that all that time playing video games is bad for you. You need to get some exercise by playing outside, now this same principle holds true with the Internet. Teens increased use of social networking and websites is troubling to many fitness experts. However a recent article in the New York Times says that teenagers’ Internet socializing is not a bad thing.

According to the article, “Their participation in social networking is giving them the technological skills and literacy they need to succeed in the contemporary world. They’re learning how to get along with others, how to manage a public identity, how to create a home page…” The article continues to site a a recent study by the MacArthur Foundation that the Internet is a good thing.

The Internet has good and bad neighborhoods just like the real world. Also it’s just like the real world that too much of something isn’t necessarily good for you. In my opinion, you need to find the right balance between the Internet and life to succeed.

Do you agree that teens spending excessive amounts of time on Facebook is a good thing?

New York Times’ Article

Cyber Monday Deals

If you didn’t get out for Black Friday, remember today is Cyber Monday.

Black Friday Ads

Today is Black Friday the day to physically go into stores and grab the door buster deals. The website Black Friday Ads does a good job of listing all the deals by store. For example, you can just look at what Best Buy has to offer. Our family still gets the traditional newspaper and yesterday was 80% ads, so if you don’t get the paper then this site is for you.

http://bfads.net/

Twitter Lists

What is all the noise about Twitter Lists? Recently Twitter launched the ability for you to better organize follows with “Lists”.

After you load up your Twitter account, you will see to the right of “Following” and “Followers” a column called “Listed”. If you click on this link, you will see a column that shows you who has “listed” your tweets on their account. You can think of lists as a way for users to bookmark another Twitter account.

How do create your own lists? Under the search panel on your homepage there is a link to create a new list. You have the option of creating a public and private list. After you name a list, search for people to add to your list. Once your list is created people can follow your lists, just like they can follow you.

I believe Twitter created “Lists” in response to Facebook giving the ability for their users to group their friends into categories. Now Twitter gives the same power of the same organization in a different form. What do you think of Twitter lists?

http://twitter.com/

Magic Mouse

I normally don’t get excited about day to day tech, but Apple’s new Magic Mouse has revolutionized the industry. I just ordered mine so I am only speaking from quick use.

Apple says, “This is the world’s first multi-touch mouse. Click anywhere, scroll in any direction, and swipe through images on its smooth, seamless top shell. It works wirelessly using Bluetooth, so you don’t have to worry about cables or adapters cluttering your workspace.”

The most surprising feature I noticed was how light the mouse feels in the palm of your hand. There has been some feedback that it’s sometimes challenging to fluidly move across the screen but all-in-all it is easy to use. I know it’s going to take some getting used to but it’s worth the price.

Do you own Apple’s Magic Mouse, do you recommend it for the beginner? Watch CNET review.
http://www.apple.com/magicmouse/

How To Videos Galore

A friend of mine wanted to discover some good how to videos online. There are thousands of websites that claim their tutorial videos are the best, but the reality is there are only a few that are worth your time. I recommend Commoncraft and Howcast as a resource for howto videos.

Commoncraft is unique because they teach you complex issues in three-minute videos. These segments are perfect for educators because the dialogue and imagery is fun and it doesn’t talk down to the audience. Each video on Commoncraft is illustrated and well thought-out.
http://commoncraft.com

Howcast is unique because the create their own in-house videos. I like the fact that Howcast keeps their presentations short and to the point. Another unique point is that the video website also solicits users to submit their own videos within strict guidelines. I have found that Howcast has a larger base of videos than Commoncraft on a wide array of subjects.
http://howcast.com

Do you have any howto video website to recommend?

App Store Like A Gremlin

iPhone users, how often do you clean out your apps? Is your phone being littered with applications all over your screen?

Spielberg’s movie “The Gremlins” to this day still sends a shiver down my spine every time I watch it. I am not sure if it’s watching the critters feed after midnight or multiply after being submerged into water, but it definitely causes me to cringe. I get the same feeling about my iPhone when it starts to get littered with too many apps. If you think about it, all you have to do is login to the app store and within in seconds your apps immediately multiply. The apps begin to litter your screen and suddenly you begin to page through screen after screen of apps.

With a recent release of iPhone firmware you can now search through your apps which helps with organization. I personally go through and delete apps I have only used once every three months. I don’t let the iPhone Gremlins multiple out of control.

A Tribute to Online Obituaries

Entrepreneurs are continually attempting to do whatever traditionally newspapers did well and translate it online. So why not Internet obituaries?

Tributes offers unlimited text, photos, videos, and music to pay respect online for the recently departed. Unlike a disposable newspaper listing, Tributes will remain online forever. You can continually add to and edit them to build a permanent memorial for the ones you love. You can choose from an Eternal Tribute or Military Tribute.

If you search their website it’s difficult to find pricing, but here’s the breakdown on Tributes’ costs. Eternal Tributes are for deaths that have occurred within the last year and will run a one-time price of $299. For deaths older than a year, it’s a bit less at $99. Military Tributes that have occurred within the last year are for a one-time price of $239. For military deaths that are older than a year, it costs $79.

Do you foresee more memorial services being conducted online? I know it’s morbid, but it seems as though this trend will continue to grow.

http://www.Tributes.com

Don’t Let That Domain Expire

Recently I decided to let one of my domains expire, then I changed my mind. Once a domain expires, it stays in an expired state for about 30 days and then a redemption period for about 30 days. Finally the URL goes to pending to be deleted for 5 days, in which it can not be saved. The renewal charge is generally $9.99 for the renewal and then ICANN has a $89 redemption fee to renew it. You can imagine if you have many domains, it could cost you a large chunk of change to get your names back. Thus sign-up for reminder emails at your domain dealer (i.e. Godaddy, Aplus.net, etc…) or at domain tools free domain monitor service.

http://www.domaintools.com/

Gift Finder

I saw this new application that prompts you though a series of questions to find the perfect gift for that special someone. Gift Finder connects to Amazon and virtually other retailers so you can make an instant purchase.

http://holiday.priceless.com/giftfinder