Chris Pirillo » Social Media

What do You Want for the Holidays?

Chris — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:46:05 +0000

What do You Want for the Holidays? is a post from Chris Pirillo

If you could choose any one Geeky gift this holiday season, what would it be? Money is no object. Let’s just close our eyes, and pretend that someone out there has very deep pockets, and wants to buy us each the gift of our dreams. How do you narrow down your list? Do you know what you’d want? Is it possible to choose just one thing?

For me, I honestly couldn’t choose. There are a lot of Geeky things I want. Many of them are expensive, which is why I don’t already own them! Even if I were rich, I still couldn’t afford to keep myself happy with all of the gadgets, gizmos, devices and toys that are out there for sale. Places like ThinkGeek taunt me with all of the cool stuff they have. How could I ever decide?!

It seems a lot of you are getting into the holiday spirit. I came across several posts on our sites today revolving around Thanksgiving and even Christmas. It put me in such a holiday mood that I turned on some Christmas music earlier, and let it play over my live stream. I listened to it and hummed along as I caught up on everything going on in our community.

Our downloads center is hopping right now with new and updated products. Check back daily for the best new deals we can find!

Social Media Updates for 2009-11-22

Chris — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:05:00 +0000

Social Media Updates for 2009-11-22 is a post from Chris Pirillo

RT @bsoler: "This is why pole dancing and weddings don’t mix." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1qDpQYMjqs #
Am I ambivalent? Yes and no. #
Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun. #
I got some new underwear yesterday. Well, it was new to me. #
There are two rules for success: (1) Don't share all you know. #
Light travels faster then sound… which is why most people appear brilliant until you hear them. #
Tom Mabe: Black Echo: http://bit.ly/7wpySM #
Déjà Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before. #
A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm and says: "A beer please – and one for the road." #
A dyslexic man walked into a bra. #
A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, "I'll serve you, but don't start anything." #
Sunday's child is full of __________. #
Oh, and… if anybody is promoting one thing or another ANYWHERE, they're advertising (for themselves or another party, @Scobleizer). #
I can't sell a sponsorship without disclosing #ad, @Scobleizer. Of course, that doesn't make my personality or tweets any less annoying. :) #
You have your bills covered by one company. Moreover, if your contention is disclosure, @Scobleizer, what do you think #ad is there for? ;) #
Wait a second. @Scobleizer – you're a walking billboard for Rackspace. Your way of #ad is superior to everyone else's? I don't buy it. #
Having fun with the Sony WX1: http://bit.ly/4TJJ5r [This is an amazing indoor / low-light point-and-shoot camera.] #
I coughed. Something flew out of my mouth, and I'll be damned if I know where it went. #
Now accepting your funny submissions: http://blaugh.com/submit-a-funny/ #
Retooling http://blaugh.com/ #
If I could be anywhere in the world right now, I'd wanna be at #mindcamp (I'm still a bit sick, not anti-social). #
My unfriend @GMA is asking what I'm thankful for: http://bit.ly/5PGJSy – so I responded with: http://bit.ly/7QrxZ8 #
There are Star Wars fans, and then there's this guy… http://bit.ly/QrOQL [I bet he smells bad on the outside, too.] #
RT @rizzn: Living in a browser – http://riz.gd/enrrks [Could you do it?] #
I wish I knew someone at LEGO. I've sold at least five AT-ATs with this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVBas_-3pYI #
Oops. I misread the label and took twice the amount of codeine. If I'm not up by Monday, please contact the authorities. #
Is it against the law to have a midnight snack at 10:33pm? #
Chumby One Review – http://bit.ly/4wpU4i #
LEGO AT-AT Fun – http://bit.ly/4Jc8tP #
How to Make an iPhone App – http://bit.ly/8YT717 #
After I die, I'm gonna come back as a ghost and follow the people who didn't follow me on Twitter. That'll teach 'em. #
This iPhone knows me better than I know myself. It autocorrected "I am home" to "I am joke." #
New Moon? Actually, it's Waxing Crescent tonight. Silly #Trends. #
Terminix (itself) is full of bugs. Their service, customer relations, and billing department are deplorable. #
Apparently, I need to beef up the amount of followers from India. Er, chicken up? #
Eating Indian food is a "naan event." #
This Saag Paneer is so spicy, I think I just saw God. #
What kind of gas are brain farts made of? #
The Electric Company… 2009? http://bit.ly/53xaN1 [Hey, you guys!] #
Every time I take a number and wait, I'm look around for Beetlejuice. #
I wonder what kind of flu swines are afraid of? #
Is IE9 worth getting excited about? http://bit.ly/8XzDSp #
UT’s Kraken named world’s third fastest computer, ORNL’s Jaguar is #1. http://bit.ly/586JTh [Oh, those ORNL guys think they're so superior!] #
Volunteer to leave, or be fired! http://bit.ly/6T0yzF [Thanks for the options. Glad I don't work for AOL.] #
Did you vote for higher credit card debt? http://bit.ly/92zYN5 [The answer may surprise you.] #
RT @JDLasica: "People upload equivalent of 86,000 full-length Hollywood motion pictures to YouTube every week." http://bit.ly/7NH1WV #
Tiny bubbles clean oil from water. http://bit.ly/5QF96p [Don Ho not available for comment.] #
The health bill: 2,074 pages. http://bit.ly/5syr6T [Keep it simple, stupid!] #
http://www.hoaxcall.com/ – build your own prank calls. Try it on a friend! Evil genius. :) #ad #
Everybody needs to be watching #CrunchUp today: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/crunchup [Thanks, @Ustream, @TechCrunch!] #
A slow audience is still a good audience. http://bit.ly/6SElBd [Especially if it's a molasses convention.] #
RT @HeidiMiller: Dilbert comments on news aggregation: http://is.gd/4ZMJE [Funny or sad?] #
Our maps are filled with hidden treasures: http://www.publicearth.com/ #
Warmer means windier on world’s biggest lake. http://bit.ly/4A26uf [That's Lake Superior, in case you weren't up on your trivia.] #
Is Microsoft willing to cede netbooks to Chrome OS? http://bit.ly/8jldw5 #
Researchers find potential treatment for Huntington’s Disease. http://bit.ly/4XsrgW [Sorry, Woody Guthrie. We're a few decades late.] #
California passes first standards for energy thirsty televisions. http://bit.ly/7uUCbF [Glug, glug, glug.] #
I've hereby decided to begin watching @Oprah – starting October 2011. #
___________ is the spice of life. #
The coughing doesn't bother me half as much as the intense head pain I feel WHEN I cough. #
Are you hangoutable? http://bit.ly/4nYsyT [Sponty may help.] #
As Microsoft moves to MinWin, servers gain, desktops may lose. http://bit.ly/1JT4z5 #
Transcendental meditation helped heart disease patients lower cardiac disease risks by 50%. http://bit.ly/250Qh8 [Sounds transcendent!] #
How to Optimize Network Management – http://bit.ly/tjsR3 #
Whoa! Rob Scallon is skilled: http://bit.ly/2Y6KBm [Now, there's a REAL guitar hero.] #
PlayStation 3s make excellent code crackers, it turns out. http://bit.ly/4y3L1k [A government agency using its intelligence, for a change!] #
So there is a Chrome OS, after all. http://bit.ly/3BWndJ [It's just a little undercooked. Patience, patience!] #
Imagine a future where there will be no Eggos left to leggo! http://bit.ly/1h0ykB [At least we'll always have toast?] #
Witness! Check out my voice recording: http://voicesapp.com/7j7k7l (make one yourself!) #
Ever needed to convert .docx files to .doc? Here's how. http://bit.ly/JUkf2 [Making Word documents backwards-compatible] #
Chrome OS Revealed, but Hibernating for Winter: http://bit.ly/2btpFS [Watch this, too: http://bit.ly/HIntm #
Merlin Mann's "Best of SEO" Twitter list doesn't follow any users: http://twitter.com/hotdogsladies/best-of-seo [Ironic?] #
Allen Iverson has been waived by the Memphis Grizzlies. http://bit.ly/2kGFe9 [Can't hibernate for more than one month at a time.] #
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/10-star-trek-technologies.htm – Top 10 Star Trek Technologies that Actually Came True #
AMD (ATi) HD 5970 the new undisputed champion? http://bit.ly/kKQBE [Or do you dispute it?] #
Don't become a victim of Web loyalty or coupon saving scams. http://bit.ly/1MdNgb ["Fine print is the (biggest) scam of all time."] #
Diskeeper 2010 launched with revolutionary new feature. http://bit.ly/2ue2kr [It knits quilts for winter?] #
Free training, a $25 JUMP rewards card, and a full copy of Expression Studio 3. http://bit.ly/226coJ #
If you had an extra hour today, what would you do with it? #
“Advice after injury is like medicine after death.” {Danish Proverb} #
"You have a cough? Go home tonight, eat a whole box of Ex-Lax. Tomorrow, you'll be afraid to cough." (Pearl Williams) #
"My doctor gave me two weeks to live. I hope they're in August." (Ronnie Shakes) #
Why do we pay more attention to wisdom when it's quoted than we do when it's originally presented? #
Twitter adds a stalking feature? http://bit.ly/3g46TB [I'd ask how you feel about that, but I'm sure this'll help me find out!] #
Which Seattle Startups are missing from this: http://twitter.com/chrispirillo/seattle-startups [My new "Seattle Startups" list] #
How does it feel to hang out with a Droid? http://bit.ly/eZ5In [Sorry. The preferred nomenclature is "Artificial American."] #
Optical Illusion: http://i.imgur.com/CLvcc.gif #
Verizon To AT&T: Our 3G coverage is better than yours! http://bit.ly/KqViB ["There's a map for that."] #
Watching "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" on Fancast: http://bit.ly/4Xe9d [Free!] #
How Can Companies Hire Social Media Directors? – http://bit.ly/4etepQ #
Sarah Palin: Could she be the second Internet President? http://bit.ly/4hkWTG [One nation, under odd.] #
How to Have a Chris Pirillo Live Gadget on your Windows Desktop – http://bit.ly/1Mtepq #
LeapFish Sponsors Tweet-a-Cause: Tweet to Send Ill Child to Disneyland – http://bit.ly/2A53Md #
Is Super Mario Bros. for the Wii worth $49.99? http://bit.ly/3g9OMK [This reviewer says yes!] #
Create Your Own WordPress Themes – http://bit.ly/qY2tN #
Microsoft has begun selling computers without shovelware and free trials. http://bit.ly/1aXfWw [The only cost is your soul! I kid. I kid.] #
Be Still My Beating Geek Heart – http://bit.ly/jZco8 #
How to Retrieve a Windows XP Product Key: http://bit.ly/3qoyzo [Or, I suppose you could drive to Redmond for it?] #
Disneyland Memories – http://bit.ly/14PHc8 #
Alt fuel hot rods rule the world. http://bit.ly/3FHQ8m [More so than alt fuel rickshaws, anyway.] #
Tweeting to grant a child's wish. #leapfish donates to #makeawish foundation for each tweet: http://bit.ly/3KgyQX #
“It's no longer a question of staying healthy. It's a question of finding a sickness you like.” (Jackie Mason) #
http://tweetslounge.com/ #
Notebook reliability: Asus the best and HP the worst – what do you think? http://bit.ly/4fJIuk [Yes, Apple's somewhere in the spectrum.] #
Good news for builders: memory pricing will go down. http://bit.ly/1CaYNI [I just hope I remember to buy some before I forget.] #
Minimalism, perfectionism, audience reaction, and the artist. http://bit.ly/3EXofc [Aesthetics, shmathetics!] #
"You were born an original. Don't die a copy." (John Mason) #
Retrevo bills itself as "the ultimate electronics marketplace." http://bit.ly/3zcWd9 [Sounds like a tall order. Anyone use this?] #
"Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon." (Doug Larson) #
“I'm sick of following my dreams. I'm just going to ask them where they're going and hook up with them later.” (Mitch Hedberg) #
What is the best tutorial, manual, or book for Windows 7 users? http://bit.ly/GrzYk [Grover's "The Monster at the End of This Book?"] #
“If you treat a sick child like an adult and a sick adult like a child, everything usually works out pretty well." (Ruth Carlisle) #
Cray returns to top dog status. http://bit.ly/2CfNdT [Crayfish, however, still served as tasty snacks.] #
What Drives Your Productivity? – http://bit.ly/3yAUy1 #
Parallels Review – http://bit.ly/gvZgG #
When Twitter goes offline, does that mean the Internet becomes useless again? #
Word of the Year: Unfriend – http://bit.ly/1l9vJR #
Every time I hear someone mention Horchow, I wonder: "They make special food for prostitutes?" #
Control your Mac with your voice. http://bit.ly/2PLS6f (you can even use your Darth Vader impression) #
What is an Eye-Fi? – http://bit.ly/2OgU6X #
Is there a word for when a squeeze bottle makes a wet farting sound when pressed? #
Why can't phlegm taste like strawberries? Or coconut? Or _________? #
"The future isn't what it used to be." #
“One good reason why computers can do more work than people is that they never have to stop and answer the phone.” #
To make memories, new neurons must erase older ones. http://bit.ly/1xAWBV [Older ones tell young, whippersnapper neurons to "watch it."] #
"Computers have lots of memory but no imagination." #
“A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kickboxing.” (@emophilips) #
Researchers turn algae into high-temperature hydrogen source. http://bit.ly/2gkSuS [Running cars on crap from your fish tank?] #
“That’s the thing about people who think they hate computers. What they really hate is lousy programmers.” (Larry Niven) #
“There are only two industries that refer to their customers as ‘users’.” (Edward Tufte) #
48% would pay for online news while 80% would not. http://bit.ly/32RflA [Wait... I'm no math genius, but...] #
“There are two major products that come out of Berkeley: LSD and UNIX. We don’t believe this to be a coincidence.” (Jeremy S. Anderson) #
“Never trust a computer you can’t throw out a window.” (Steve Wozniak) #
Want to know a little more about who's following you on Twitter? Topify. http://bit.ly/UFleE #
“Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.” (Pablo Picasso) #
Reminder for Seattle: Next #ColdPavement Tweetup is tomorrow (November 18th) at 6pm at Cyclops – http://twtvite.com/ia0itx #
AOL set to go it alone. http://bit.ly/1FnVOU [I think, in the old country, they say "put out to pasture."] #
No! Droid does not need iTunes. http://bit.ly/4AcolD [That must be some smart phone.] #
Russia bans Modern Warfare 2. http://bit.ly/1g77Gq ["Wasn't done with the first one yet," country says.] #
http://www.konamicodesites.com/ #
A Final Line on Malware Protection – http://bit.ly/1iEgxg #
The DRAM landscape has changed quickly. http://bit.ly/1IC0FD [Unlike Iowa, where the landscape goes on and on and on...] #
Using the equalizer in iTunes. http://bit.ly/2Ol1d3 [Because not all mp3s are created equal?] #
If you're still using XP, you can get a feel for Windows 7 by checking out this theme. http://bit.ly/4i6X1T #
Graphics cards coming on strong. http://bit.ly/1BpQly [Like Axe body spray?] #
Will Sezmi replace your cable or satellite company? http://bit.ly/17A5Rm [Sezwho?] #
Network Mapping Deal – 50% off SolarWinds LanSurveyor: http://tinyurl.com/yjlep8k #ad [Use promo code PLS504QC, offer ends Nov. 20th] #
http://twitpic.com/pv7s0 – Why did @GMA use this photo of me to illustrate "Unfriend" this morning? :P #
Deep Discount Coupons – http://bit.ly/2OArVf #
Target.com Coupons – http://bit.ly/1zCKQl #
RT @roibert: "50% of all doctors finished in the bottom half of their class." #
I'm convinced that countless doctors are nothing more than idiots with very expensive degrees. #
Just demonstrated http://go.tagjag.com/artisteer – killer desktop tool to generate random blog themes! #
Gotta do some YouTube video recordings: 0schttp://live.pirillo.com/ [Eye-Fi, Rubik's TouchCube, Magic Mouse, etc.] #
I'm drinking green tea. Thing is… it's not supposed to be green. Ewwwwww! #
Doctor says I've gone viral. Antibiotics won't help. Suggested taking honey. I'm all like… "Is this 1840? Bust out the leeches, too!" #
"Honesty is the best policy" is still the rule for some! http://bit.ly/4G9JKU [Lesson: Avoid 50-year-old overdue library charges.] #
Asus And Toshiba could merge and become the #3 PC maker. http://bit.ly/2JnclA [But wouldn't Fisher-Price and LEGO make something funner?] #
Starting to refollow people again. Did I miss you? Sorry. #
To the pedestrian waiting at the crosswalk I didn't stop for: I'm sorry. #
Xubuntu 9.10 after a few machines. http://bit.ly/4eCua3 [Xubuntu? You buntu?] #
What's the hottest gadget for this holiday season? http://bit.ly/23fhE2 [Swatches are pretty cool if you're spending your holidays in 1985.] #
RT @kk: 100+ Examples of Brilliant Tilt-Shift Photography – http://bit.ly/18xAG6 [Holy shift!] #
How does "news" make you feel? http://bit.ly/huSqM [I know it's harder to line birdcages with Web pages than old-fashioned newspaper.] #
Geek Art: The Mona Lisa recreated using a bunch of discarded ASUS motherboards – http://bit.ly/2Cserj [via @amalucky] #
Google wants to make the Internet more SP(ee)DY. http://bit.ly/1jhgr5 [Or more SP(ud)DY. "What's 'taters?"] #
The Open Source Community at Microsoft: http://port25.technet.com/ #
FTC to BlueHippo: :You've duped 35,000 consumers and that's enough! http://bit.ly/3627sO [ScrewHippo?] #
"Yes, risk-taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise it would be called sure-thing-taking." ~ Tim McMahon #
Apple wins in court; Psystar left twisting in the wind. http://bit.ly/3OpxlO [Don't worry, Psystar, that's where the answer's blowin'.] #
Others top out @ 20MB down, but Charter is rolling out 60MB & faster: http://bit.ly/1PNz7w #ad [New speed tiers are called "Phatband."] #
Goodbye Microsoft, Hello Google: http://bit.ly/26iqgy [@DonDodge is making the switch.] #
Do modern GUIs make for clueless users? http://bit.ly/15T5g2 [If things are going too smoothly, try typing with your toes.] #
White House vlog in the air. http://bit.ly/2tqEST [Wave your vlog in the air like you just don't care!] #
Google vs. Murdoch: Once again, the plot thickens. http://bit.ly/kvl8Y [Like Mr. Murdoch's skull.] #
Good things come to those who wait. http://bit.ly/bWZOL [Bad things do, too, but the line's shorter!] #
Wrapables Coupons – http://bit.ly/18tUFP #
Origins Coupons – http://bit.ly/zp8AF #
"If there ever is a service called Twitter, I hope people never quote me on there." ~ Albert Einstein #
Via @TechFlash: http://bit.ly/21hjB8 [Kid sings "Windows 7" parody.] #
Keep Your Computer in Tip-Top Shape – http://bit.ly/2VsasP #
Remix My Burps! – http://bit.ly/1QyNpf #
How to Convert Cassettes to MP3 – http://bit.ly/3shRuM #
RT @TerriNakamura: OMG! 76 WTF pictures: http://bit.ly/175VV8 [Half of these can't be real.] #
Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser (for geeks): http://bit.ly/1Ed8ut [Get an awesome @jinx t-shirt for helping!] #
Social Media Updates for 2009-11-15 – http://bit.ly/3gpFU2 #
Converting cassette tapes into MP3s: http://bit.ly/2sOZyE [How's that for a trip down memory lane?] #

L’eggo My Eggo!!

Chris — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:09:05 +0000

L’eggo My Eggo!! is a post from Chris Pirillo

Wait. Back up. Hold the phone. Rewind a moment. PAUSE! STOP!!!! What the hell is going on?! No more Eggos?! Someone has lost their freaking minds!!

Kellog’s has had to close their Atlanta plant – the second such closure in recent days due to operational issues. They claim to be working hard to re-stock all of the stores that carry their famous waffles. But for now… there is actually a shortage. Many thousands of people are going to have to go through painful withdrawals every morning! This, folks, is a crisis of epic proportions!

Breakfast without Eggos is like… macaroni without cheese… peanut butter without jelly… Bert without Ernie! It just doesn’t work. It’s not cool. It should be illegal!!! I think I need a paper bag. So this is what hyperventilating feels like!

How are you going to survive your Eggo withdrawal? Will you replace your old standby with something new, or simply starve every morning until they return to your grocer’s shelves?

Losing out on Eggo’s isn’t even the only newsworthy event that has been written about in our community today. People are talking about all kinds of things. I hope you haven’t missed any of them!

Even the downloads center has been busy today! We have a few excellent new Apps for you to check out!

How Can Companies Hire Social Media Directors?

Chris — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:59:02 +0000

How Can Companies Hire Social Media Directors? is a post from Chris Pirillo

I came across an interesting link today while browsing Twitter. The author writes about how companies who are new to social media are failing miserably when it comes to writing job descriptions for their newly-created social media positions. He goes on to say he used to blame the companies themselves for writing poorly-constructed ads. Then, he realized that it isn’t the company’s fault at all. They don’t know what they’re doing, remember? They are new to this whole social media scene, and may not even know what it is they are looking FOR, exactly.

How would you suggest a company create a position for this, and market it? What should they look for? How should their ads be worded to be the most effective? I think that the social media experts in our community are the perfect place to get ideas flowing, and help these companies out!

What have you read today that sparked your imagination and interest, or made you stop and think? Make sure you share the links with the rest of us, so we don’t miss out!

Don’t miss our downloads center today! There are some excellent deals for both Windows and Mac people!

What Drives Your Productivity?

Chris — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:08:57 +0000

What Drives Your Productivity? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Being sick has its advantages – ones I never knew about! I have had some sort of crazy virus for several days now. I admit to spending one entire day sleeping it off as best I could. I stayed out of my office for the most part, and knocked myself out with the medicines the doctor gave me. Since that day, I’ve spent as much time as possible doing nothing other than sitting in my office. Since that happens to be where I work… I’ve actually accomplished quite a lot! I haven’t felt like going anywhere really, or “doing” anything much.

I’ve managed to catch up on some reading I felt I was behind on. I have come up with some ideas for upcoming projects. And, I’ve even managed to croak out some geeky new videos for the YouTube channel. I’m ahead of myself on those, which is kind of cool. Usually, the things I record are uploaded immediately the next day. Now I have a bit of a “buffer”, in case there’s a day I am too busy with other things to record.

As backwards as it seems, being sick has made me more productive. What helps boost your “get things done” levels? Also – what do you spend the most time doing when you’re sick? Do you curl up in front of the tv, or read a book? Do you spend all of your time sleeping? Or, are you like me and plant yourself in front of the computer monitors?

Don’t forget to check out all of the hot new apps we have for you in our downloads center. Today you’ll find several things for Windows, as well as mobile devices!

Word of the Year: Unfriend

Chris — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:23:50 +0000

Word of the Year: Unfriend is a post from Chris Pirillo

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Apparently, I was on Good Morning America today – and I didn’t even know it! They decided that the word of the year is “unfriend”. And, they decided to use a picture of me to demonstrate it!

The folks on the show didn’t even bother to give my name, or ask people to follow me on Twitter! How rude is that?! Why am I the mascot for the word unfriend?! I may have unfollowed everyone at one point, but that was only so I could start over! If you look – I’m again following a truckload of people!

I’m sick right now, yes. But this… this is just twisted!

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code:

Social Media Updates for 2009-11-15

Chris — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:05:00 +0000

Social Media Updates for 2009-11-15 is a post from Chris Pirillo

Another Solution For Endless Reboot Loops After Attempting To Upgrade To Windows 7 From Windows Vista: http://bit.ly/256znJ @MSWindows #
Everything tastes better with phlegm. Not. #
Remix My Burps: http://bit.ly/4nOFEq [I wonder what kind of music would go well with them?] #
RT @ShaunaCausey: "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?" – Satchel Paige #
Sick. #
Are You Ready for the Holidays? – http://bit.ly/2LhBf7 #
How to Surf – http://bit.ly/4048oH #
OhMiBod! A wireless music vibrator: #ad http://bit.ly/12orhz [Massages to the beat of the music on your iPod, iPhone, or MP3 player.] #
10 Things to Do in Florida – http://bit.ly/PtsFI #
Downtown Hawaii Skyline – http://bit.ly/2daP4x #
Steve Madden Coupons – http://bit.ly/13XlU1 #
What's that blue thing doing here? #
Calvin Klein Jeans Coupons – http://bit.ly/26R1RC #
2/3 of Spinal Tap is on Twitter: @MJMcKean & @letwits. Quite exciting, this computer magic! #
Dolly Parton is endorsing IE8. Isn't that like me endorsing breast enlargement? #
Started playing with a Casio WK-200: http://go.tagjag.com/wk200 [Electronic Keyboard with sampler - needs a working mic.] #
"In a world of Linux bi-planes, Open SuSE is a supersonic jet!" http://bit.ly/2EItY4 [Or a penguin with a rocket pack?] #
Five tech shopping "gotchas" to watch out for. http://bit.ly/2haLnl [Don't give away your wallet for Christmas!] #
Mockingbird makes winging it easy. http://bit.ly/1QUrra [Simplify the planning process so you can get to work, pronto!] #
RT @HipsforHire: "Wonder what Scooby and Shaggy would do on a ghost hunt if they had an iPhone and a Twitter account?" #
How long does it take to upgrade Windows 7 from one version to another? http://bit.ly/4wev5I [How about 10 minutes?] #
RT @krystynchong: "I would not waste my life in friction when it could be turned into momentum." ~ Frances Willard #
TheNerds Coupons – http://bit.ly/4oWwbS #
Windows Patch Tuesday leaves 0-day flaw on Wednesday. http://bit.ly/3UO5ge [Well, at least it didn't ruin Friday.] #
All of my favorite podcasters are getting their own iPhone apps: http://go.tagjag.com/1indienation [Congrats, @rachael!] #
I scream, you scream, we all scream for… ice cream of nutritional substance! http://bit.ly/2Vazql [Is that so much to ask?] #
Enjoying the Windows 7 dog and steer show. http://bit.ly/IH0cZ [Free steak to take free Windows 7? Seems fair.] #
Thinking of buying a Blu-ray player? Read this first. http://bit.ly/J2oum [Video streaming may suit your needs better.] #
How to spread Christmas cheer during wartime. http://bit.ly/1umWRh ['tis almost the season! May as well start spreading cheer early.] #
AMD set to innovate and amaze. http://bit.ly/2oGX8L [I'll bet the Intel settlement cash will help.] #
Even Bronze Age Canaan had its art scene poseurs. http://bit.ly/4paEi4 [It's all Minoan to me.] #
Paranoia can be fun! http://bit.ly/sqSi5 [Mmm, pizza.] #
X #
Blockbuster finally catching up to RedBox? http://bit.ly/4xulio [I haven't been in a video rental store for YEARS.] #
Now, for PC dysfunction: http://bit.ly/3Tbieh ["Make your browser feel young and virile again..."] #
Windows 8 Wish List: http://bit.ly/vUEga [Already?!] #
Picked up supplies for my Thanksgiving meal: Jelly Beans, Toast, Popcorn, and Pretzels. It'll be quite a spread! Jealous? #
Mitto is a free online service that helps you keep your passwords neatly sorted. http://bit.ly/4sYwcW [Like a virtual key ring!] #
AMD and Intel kiss and make up. http://bit.ly/4vdJpC [And it only took a little over a billion dollars to make it happen.] #
Sometimes you've got to reset your Twitter following and start from zero. http://bit.ly/34DjFA [Sound familiar?] #
Google kicks up online storage to 20 GB for $5 a year. http://bit.ly/3ExElx [Only slightly more than the giggle per gig pricing plan.] #
If you're using Google's free airport Wi-Fi over the holidays, don't forget about security! http://bit.ly/1xJLZE [Google's got some tips.] #
Verizon's early termination fee draws congressional ire. http://bit.ly/1xCILL [And you can't have fire without the ire.] #
Microsoft Patents "sudo" with the USPTO: http://bit.ly/3ZgIsa [This isn't a joke.] #
Now anybody can stream live video to the iPhone: http://bit.ly/1nCz3g [No app to install on the device!] #
@mobilephone2003 – Dump Filezilla. *BARF* Grab WinSCP instead: http://winscp.net/ – I've yet to find an impressive S/FTP client for OS X. in reply to mobilephone2003 #
Abes of Maine Coupons – http://bit.ly/On3lS #
WestMarine Coupons – http://bit.ly/eJA8k #
A Children's Guide to Splattered Bugs: http://bit.ly/49qzq4 [Ewwwwww!] #
I can't stop playing with the http://phartephant.com/ on my desk. #
Now that http://go.tagjag.com/bump for the iPhone has been funded, can someone PLEASE HIRE A DESIGNER? It's a fugly app, yo. #
Why Artists Don't Use SEO Tools and Google AdSense: http://bit.ly/4br5Xj [It's not easy, nor intuitive.] #
Top Five Things to Do in Hong Kong – http://bit.ly/32BlsT #
Do You Welcome Conversation from Rude People? – http://bit.ly/1oPypt #
The Best Email Flame I Ever Received – http://bit.ly/4c8hWK #
http://www.301works.org/ is being directed by @StoweBoyd [via @SteveRubel] #
Speedo Coupons – http://bit.ly/16flcx #
The New Influence Factor in Social Media – http://bit.ly/3wbzxS
[@BrianSolis] #
Next #ColdPavement is Nov 18 at 6pm at Cyclops – http://coldpavement.com (or http://twtvite.com/ia0itx to RSVP) #
How to Remove Vocals from Songs Using Audacity – http://bit.ly/3C0i8n #
Get a free copy of a-squared anti-malware http://bit.ly/22mObZ [Only for 24 hours! Hurry!] #
Hawaii Travel Tips – http://bit.ly/13K78 #
Credit Karma does more than just give you a free credit report. http://bit.ly/3IrgDQ [It even grades you!] #
Vipre Protects Your Computer From Malware – http://bit.ly/UXns0 #
Adobe lays off 10% of its work force. http://bit.ly/cIqdx #
YouTube as a crime fighting tool? http://bit.ly/3vrxYC #
When it comes to the Afghanistan conundrum, ask someone who knows. http://bit.ly/3T9T9W [Learn from mistakes that have already been made.] #
Is FinallyFast.com a trustworthy site? You decide. http://bit.ly/4bTMha #
Microsoft continues to "encourage" the use of Bing. http://bit.ly/3zsRwu [Use Bing for free Wi-Fi!] #
Own a Nokia phone? Check the charger. http://bit.ly/1a9v2L [Possible shock hazard.] #
Jules Verne would be proud. http://bit.ly/4G5Ppm [Though we still have yet to build submarines as cool as the Nautilus!] #
Disney Store Coupons – http://bit.ly/3jwr9r #
Others here for TMBG: @wajeremy @sailortweek @office_gnome @jaddes_green @daveilers @Mickeleh @inkslinger @_Danicia_ @erevrav @Llyw #
Can Online Discussions Always Be Positive? – http://bit.ly/1Mxh7w #
Here for TMBG: @batatonic @shadsbat @fool @mjcino @bangfalse @EricJOlson @GMikulsky @zannah @mzsanford @xenotrope @lalaranel @hipsforhire #
Do You Want a Google Car? – http://bit.ly/1uXDMm #
Ubuntu 9.10 Screencast – http://bit.ly/Q3OEi #
Any TMBG fans out there? Headed Into the live Flood show in Seattle now! #
How much will you spend on heat this winter? http://bit.ly/4cHkYn [Somewhere between the cost of a blanket and a nuclear power plant.] #
Why do I feel like the deck is stacked against me when I'm dealing with "Financial Services?" #
TubeRadio.fm is like "YouTube for music." http://bit.ly/3vuVrp [Not like the tube radio your grandpa used for listening to Buck Rogers.] #
SMC Seattle: The Greatest Geeks You'll Ever Meet – http://bit.ly/mWCP5 #smcsea @smcseattle [via @Jaremy] #
Google offering free Wi-Fi at 47 airports this holiday season. http://bit.ly/3cRpIM [Stuff that in your stocking!] #
"I went to the Fall Philly Guitar Show and all I got was this lousy t-shirt." http://bit.ly/lbBgH #
"Free to Try" is not free. #
Twitter didn't help Larry Johnson. http://bit.ly/4m0glI [Perhaps now he knows the value of a discreet tweet?] #
GE & Comcast agree on NBC-Universal value. http://bit.ly/2Jrjd7 ["Billions and billions of dollars," as Carl Sagan might say.] #
Are you joining me for @leweb in Paris, France? http://bit.ly/t3U2E [There's a discount for my followers.] #
Micro Center sells new computers as refurbs because they're loaded with Vista. http://bit.ly/4pxn1L [But you get a free Windows 7 upgrade!] #
All-encompassing program grumbles. http://bit.ly/2ophnh [Some software developers forget to KISS (keep it simple, stupid).] #
From his behavior, you'd think Rupert Murdoch was a spoiled 8-year-old throwing tantrums on the playground. http://bit.ly/388TK4 [He's 78.] #
30% off VMware Fusion: http://bit.ly/32TIOW [If you're on a Mac and still need to use Windows.] #
Where were you when the Berlin Wall fell? http://bit.ly/2NT6n8 [I'll bet some of you weren't even born yet!] #
Are you ready to catch the Wavee? http://bit.ly/27DvMC #ad [It's a different kind of shopping / auction service.] #
MSN Messenger is the largest occupier of online time. http://bit.ly/1WzURW [14.5%?] #
Back to Basics Toys Coupons – http://bit.ly/2hyZju #
Crocs Coupons – http://bit.ly/15HtOW #
Best List on Twitter: http://bit.ly/EneXD [You know you wanna look.] #
The funny from @JimGaffigan is non-stop. I think he just made my browser pee a little. #
Why did it take me so long to recognize that @jimmyfallon was a Snork (according to his bio)? #
Alloy Coupons – http://bit.ly/3oGaHp #
YouTube's comment search is actually somewhat useful: http://www.youtube.com/comment_search #
15 Most Unfortunate Town Names: http://www.masalatime.com/?p=831 [via @feeniks] #
I appreciated the video response from @revilInk: http://bit.ly/1CNTfk [Is Twitter GOOD for conversations?] #
Jail-broken iPhones vulnerable to Rick-Rolls. http://bit.ly/2VWRPl [How very 2007 of them.] #
Google Car: http://bit.ly/2GEliX [This video has plenty of gas, too.] #
Some people (and companies) never seem to learn. http://bit.ly/16YEkJ [And turtles. I've never seen a turtle do algebra.] #
Do you Pogo? http://bit.ly/3njy5g [And if so, is it dirty?] #
A reminder about the Do Not Call list. http://bit.ly/GWSbJ [I'd say "wait for the beep," but it's off covering up expletives at the moment.] #
Mac OS X 10.6.2 is out. #
Wouldn't a Windows 7 Plus Pack be nice? http://bit.ly/4dH798 [What features would you include?] #
Some Windows Vista to Windows 7 upgrade installation attempts are failing. http://bit.ly/1yJMWr [Happening to you? This should help.] #
When is Your Birthday? – http://bit.ly/37Z16S #
Are you a student? Get Windows 7 Pro for $29.99! http://bit.ly/3szbpN [Until January 2010 - it's sooner than you think!] #
Why don't single-piece iPhone cases have LED lights built-in? #
RT @ignitesea: Announcing Ignite Seattle 8 Speakers – http://bit.ly/YZWTz [Now with more @Shih_Wei!] #
RT @copyblogger: 13 Little Rules for Taking Action – http://bit.ly/1cemSO [but first you have to click] #
Gathering Coke Rewards points is easy when you know where to look… http://bit.ly/BIFVs [But if you're dumpster diving, wear a wet suit.] #
Gnomedex 9 Photo Awards with Kris Krug – http://bit.ly/4tz50M #
Paint.NET 3.5 release arrives. http://bit.ly/2pXL1e [Free is hundreds and hundreds of dollars less than Photoshop.] #
Microsoft Office 2010 Comparison Screencast – http://bit.ly/kpnJ1 #
Lavasoft warns of a new Trojan in the wild. http://bit.ly/oTSAy [At least it's not a new Spartan. Those guys are full of madness!] #
CNN Blogger Bunch: Windows 7 and Hulu Subscriptions – http://bit.ly/TeWrr #
Here are a few ways to lower your heating bill. http://bit.ly/1j94NY [Happy Winter!] #
Kaspersky drops the ball, but McAfee comes to the rescue. http://bit.ly/11V5a5 #
What is Twitter Good For? – http://bit.ly/16bxR3 #
Aloha, Hawaii! – http://bit.ly/2GPGzt #
Bird is the Word – http://bit.ly/2Z5QYH #
According to @Klout, my Twitter Klout score is 89. How influential are you? http://bit.ly/4yNrwX #
Ono-Nom-Nom! http://bit.ly/yf4Sx [Via @AlohaBruce at http://bit.ly/465FQ #
RT @MacHeist: Spread the word on Facebook and protect your Mac with VirusBarrier ($70) for FREE! http://macheist.com/FB #
Social Media Updates for 2009-11-08 – http://bit.ly/1BNols #

Are You Ready for the Holidays?

Chris — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:28:33 +0000

Are You Ready for the Holidays? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Christmas is but a few weeks away? I was aghast yesterday when I walked into a store that was playing Christmas carols… until I realized what the date was. Holy crap where did the year go? I haven’t even started to think about holiday shopping yet, never mind actually DOING any shopping.

After I had my little panic attack, I sat down to check out what was going on around out community. Low and behold… people are talking about the upcoming festivities. They’re figuring out what to cook with their turkeys, and what the hottest new gifts are for this year. Geez I’m way behind, aren’t I?

I was happy as hell to see that the holidays aren’t the only thing that people are chattering about. Thankfully, I found many interesting and informative blogs and threads on a huge variety of topics to keep me busy… and to get my mind back OFF of the holiday season. I’m just not ready quite yet!

Every day we bring you the newest and hottest software deals that we can find. Make sure you check back every day so that you don’t miss a single deal!

How to Surf

Chris — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:35:05 +0000

How to Surf is a post from Chris Pirillo

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Most of you know that I am an experienced surfer. I’ve been at it since about 1994, through various platforms and browsers. Yes, I’m an Internet surfer! I’ve never gotten on a physical surfboard, or been on one in the water. However, I did get my own custom surfboard today, courtesy of LeapFish! How cool is this thing?! The folks at leapfish just recently re-launched their site, dedicated to bringing you a single, connected, multi-media experience for both searching and sharing traditional and real-time content.

Of course, since I am talking about surfing, I headed over to LeapFish to do a real-time search to attempt to learn something about it. The first thing I noticed was how amazingly well the results are laid out. Instead of one large and continuous listing of mish-mashed results… everything is broken down into categories right there in front of me. I don’t have to fumble around and click to the “video” tab, or the “shopping” tab. It’s all there.

So I’m seeing news and wiki results first – that’s cool. But I think I want something a bit different. Scrolling down, there are video results next… wait. What the heck is this? Twitter results – in my search engine?! There’s blog results, too!

Yes, you read that right. No, I didn’t typo it or dream it up. LeapFish not only gives you results based on current news stories and dry articles. You’ll also find real-time results based on Twitter and the millions of blogs across the Internet. We already know that those are two of the best, fastest and most reliable ways to get information. Now we can actually find what we need, simply by starting on LeapFish.

There are still tabs across the top of the page, like you are probably used to from other search engines. These tabs can help you narrow down the types of results you’ll see. Do you want only video? Great… they have that. Need some pictures or something from Twitter and Digg? Yep… they have that, as well!

I honestly think you are going to need to try out LeapFish for yourself. Once you do, I think you’re going to want to keep trying it… day after day after day.

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Do You Welcome Conversation from Rude People?

Chris — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:14:37 +0000

Do You Welcome Conversation from Rude People? is a post from Chris Pirillo

Last night, I wrote here on my blog about people interrupting conversations, and asked for comments as to how to filter out “noise”. I’ve received several follow-up comments and emails today, and I appreciate them. I want to use some of them to facilitate even more discussion, so keep your eyes open for that in the coming days.

Kevin was one person who wrote in, talking about his disgust with people who are rude, and who try to force their opinions on him. He makes several very good points, and I wanted to share them with the community.

I read your recent article on how people often get involved in flaming other people’s online discussions, and thought about that for awhile.
On one hand, I am on your side totally because I like healthy debate and I respect that any other person has a right to an opinion. What I object to is when a person is influential in some way, and figures they can command changes that many of us mere mortals do not support or like.
When this happens, who is right… and who is wrong? The answer is that both camps are, because whatever they are discussing and supporting matters to them. One is not “wrong” because of something they believe in. Just because it is different than what I think or believe, does not mean that I feel a person is wrong.
People who add to discussions online often need to remember that much of what they say is a matter of personal opinion. So often, I don’t even see people bother to try and back up what they claim with any type of cold, hard facts or evidence. Unfortunately a lot of modern day computing is personal taste and I resent someone else trying to force their idea of what works for them down my throat.
I have made significant effort to try and work with Windows 7. I don’t like it very well, but I expect I will have little choice going forward. Sadly, the Windows 7 lovers are too busy trying to shove the product down my throat to stop and listen to what I have to say about the operating system. I am 58 years old, and have worked in IT for more than 30 years. I may be a plodder, but am also a survivor. I value the views and opinions I make through proper testing, solid analysis and a bit of “personal taste” thrown in for good measure.
The fact is that I don’t really like Windows 7. I find a few very large flaws with it for people who are used to XP. There is a problem with not properly upgrading from XP to Windows 7 that is not being addressed as far as I can see. There is no classic start bar feature as we would expect. There is also no repair/restore feature like XP had. These things are killer omissions for die-hard XP users.
When I attempt to talk to people who are touting Windows 7 as the next great product of all time, they don’t want to hear what I have to say. They don’t want any opinion that differs from their own. I get flamed for daring to speak out against the o/s in any way. It’s very annoying to have made an informed opinion, based on facts and evidence, only to be told to basically shut up and go away. My opinion doesn’t count to many people, simply because they feel they are right.
When will people wake up, and remember to respect other people’s views, and take the time to learn more themselves by welcoming opinions that are different than theirs?

Kevin is right. Too often these days, people don’t like to listen to things that are outside of their comfort zone. They don’t want to hear anything that goes against what they think is “right”.

What are your thoughts on this? Are you finding yourself up against a seemingly endless stream of negativity at every turn, or are there only a handful of us experiencing this?

The Best Email Flame I Ever Received

Chris — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:51:01 +0000

The Best Email Flame I Ever Received is a post from Chris Pirillo

When you are subjected to public scrutiny as closely as I am, you have to develop a thick skin. Not everyone is going to like – or agree with – what I do. I’m okay with that. I welcome differing opinions, and even encourage people regularly to post rebuttals to something I’ve said. I’ve received my share of complaints, put-downs, and outright hostile messages over the years. Most of the time, I simply hit the reply button and add nothing other than a smiley face in the response.

I do actually pay attention to these critiques. Some of them, over the years, have helped me to strengthen myself and make changes to the way I do things. I don’t ignore criticism. When someone takes the time to write to (or about) you to suggest you what you did wrong, you should always try to turn that into a positive for yourself. How can you use what they’ve written to make yourself a better person / tech / geek / whatever-you-may-be? How can it enrich what you’re already doing?

Today, I received what has to be the best flame of all time (via email). I’m not going to take the time to respond to each of the points made, because I honestly feel I don’t have anything to prove. This person obviously doesn’t like me. That’s okay. I’m fine with that. The world will not end. Some days I don’t always like me, either! He believes I know absolutely nothing about computers. I believe the work I’ve done over the years speaks for itself.

I do find it humorous that I am apparently single-handedly responsible for nearly everything that is wrong with the entire technology industry today! Who knew I had that kind of power? Go me!

Here is the email, unedited (other than to add proper paragraph breaks and random punctuation marks). I didn’t even correct his incorrect spelling of my name.

Mr. Parillo:
I have seen you a few times, on television and online, and have come to the conclusion that you should find alternative employment. Perhaps re-stocking straws and napkins at McDonald’s… or something else that does not require you to come into contact with sharp objects… or anything more technical than Play-Doh.
I have seen your trite review of the original iPhone, which seems to be nothing more than regurgitating the exact same complaints that everybody else had, weeks before your lame video came out. I have also seen the video of you on TechTV laughing at a man for seeming to have Parkinson’s, when his condition led him to accidentally break a priceless, and irreplaceable, antique wax recording. I have reviewed the video a few times, and found your behaviour and actions to be not just improper, but completely reprehensible and unforgivable. I, fortunately, have never felt the desire to watch TechTV, nor its successor, G4, and have been spared from the bulk of your asinine antics.
The few videos I have seen of you, seem to show you to be less computer-literate than my great-uncle. Granted, my great-uncle was one of pioneers in the advent of the personal computer. My mother herself worked in the Research and Development division of IBM when I was young. Those of us who are old enough to remember punch-card programming, and have been fortunate enough to have started our learning on such machines, have the privilege of calling ourselves true computer “geeks”.
Lame, talentless hacks who seem to know little more about computers than to figure out how to adjust print settings, such as yourself, really have no place at the big-kid’s table. There are, unfortunately, too many of you walking around and trying to pass yourselves off as being knowledgeable, and as sources to trust. It is people like you that hold the industry back and make it seem as if someone who does not posses your startlingly limited understanding of computers are somehow novel, and pitiful.
You are the reason that three years after the launch of the PlayStation 3 all of its games are just tired remakes of older games, with absolutely no innovation, or creativity. You are the sequel-set, dumbing-down the market to make it easier for people to accept cheap imitations of games they played a decade ago.
You, and your ilk, are the reason that so many people have become so complacent with technology, demanding nothing more from the creators of their operating-systems than margin ally better graphics, and a few new sounds. Since the advent of a “graphical user interface” was first developed by Xerox in 1973, and refined by Apple beginning in 1979, there have been no real advances in the personal computer operating-system. The mouse alone has remained largely unchanged since Douglas Engelbart invented it at Stanford Research Institute in 1963 (in addition to his inventing the first GUI at roughly the same time), despite the fact the prototype was invented in 1959, as a track-ball, by Kenyon Taylor, Tom Cranston and Fred Longstaff at the Royal Canadian Navy’s DATAR project. Both the OS and mouse have only seen slight refinements in the almost fifty years the respective technologies have been around.
It is people like you who just bitch and moan, and make insipid and lame attempts at sarcasm, about modern consumer technology, that hold it back. You are not intelligent, nor knowledgeable, enough to offer true criticism of the respective industries. You, instead, rely heavily on their advertising, and other bribes, and offer people nothing more than their own gripes sold right back to them. What this does is support a false sense of empowerment for the average user, and gives them no incentive to become better educated, or demand more from from the companies that sell them this out-dated schlock as though it was something new.
The plasma display alone was invented in 1964, but everyone believed the hype that it was something new, and exotic, when they were re-introduced a few years ago. LCD technology alone is over a hundred years old, with the first, viable, displays being created in 1964 at RCA. The simple fact that you don’t offer serious critiques of out-dated technology being constantly re-packaged and regurgitated on an unsuspecting public, the fact that you have nothing serious or meaningful, the fact that you offer nothing insightful is just further proof you are, at best, completely pointless, and at worst are actively working to aid companies to continue this kind of nonsense.
This says nothing of my earlier example of your being a hateful, callous, spiteful, and selfish person. I suppose there might be something to be said for karma, since it is fortunate you are not on television anymore, and that nobody of any import considers you an expert on anything. Why don’t you do yourself, and your misguided viewers, a favour and be honest about your limited knowledge, that fact that you offer nothing new to anyone. Why don’t you just come out and admit that you are nothing more than an enabler of the bland and senseless discussions in which you engage. Get honest, or give it up and go home. Turn off your computer and try something more your speed, like a Lite-Brite. Maybe you could hone your skills enough to “programme” a smiley-face or something.

Wow! It’s all my fault that PlayStation games suck, that there have supposedly been no “real” advancement in computers since the GUI was introduced, AND that large companies are making their products better and then selling them as something “new.” Cool.

Todd Friesen – Confessions of a Reformed Spammer

Chris — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:53:29 +0000

Todd Friesen – Confessions of a Reformed Spammer is a post from Chris Pirillo

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Todd Friesen is a former blog spammer. Who knows? He may have visited your blog in the past. Hear his tales of the “old” days, why and how he did what he did… and why he no longer does it.

Todd Friesen is considered by many to be an SEO pioneer. He entered the SEO world in 1998 and has since worked with top-name clients like Sharper Image, Nike, Neiman Marcus and Accor Hotels North America on natural search optimization. He is an expert in search engine marketing, a former administrator at Webmasterworld, and former moderator for Search Engine Watch. He co-hosted the popular SEO Rockstars on WebmasterRadio.FM, as well as a regular speaker at Search Engine Strategies, WebmasterWorld Pubcon, SMX and other conferences including Shop.org. He has also a regular contributor to OMMA Magazine and regularly posts on his own blog at www.oilman.ca.

Todd is the VP of Search at Position Technologies and works with new and established companies to optimize existing sites and help architect new ones to achieve optimal natural search engine rankings. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary and currently resides in Gig Harbor WA.

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Hawaii Travel Tips

Chris — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:46:46 +0000

Hawaii Travel Tips is a post from Chris Pirillo

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People always say that Hawaii is best known and loved for the gorgeous scenery and weather. I have to disagree. My favorite thing about the Islands is the food. Bruce took me to a “hole-in-the-wall” (for lack of a better word) restaurant recently. It was hands-down the best food I’ve eaten in a very long time. I had to ask Bruce to share with us the best places to eat in Hawaii, and where to find the best food.

Bruce says that there are over 2500 restaurants just on Oahu alone! Many Hawaii natives eat out quite often… it’s just something they do. In fact, Bruce says that most people eat out more than they do at home. They enjoy the whole social aspect of dining out with friends and family, being able to relax and hang out with loved ones. That is very important to them, and something that I have witnessed on every trip I’ve made there. Bruce specifically mentions two Foodie Bloggers that you should check out: Melissa and Melanie.

Bruce and his team at Hawaii-Aloha are an amazing group of people. They work hard, and it shows. They actually truly care about the people they help, and go completely out of their way to make sure each and every customer is satisfied. They were the travel sponsors for my recent trip to Hawaii so that I could attend the [re]Think Hawaii conference, and I am definitely MORE than happy. My accommodations at the Outrigger Waikiki were fantastic. Every aspect of my trip was comfortable… and enjoyable.

I can’t thank Bruce and the gang enough for all of their help, and for their friendship. Aloha!

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Can Online Discussions Always Be Positive?

Chris — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:27:45 +0000

Can Online Discussions Always Be Positive? is a post from Chris Pirillo

I noticed a thread today on Geeks that is talking about how discussions always end up turning negative in some way. This got me to thinking about conversations I have all over the web – on Geeks, over at Lockergnome, here in my blog, and even on sites like Twitter. It seems no matter what you’re trying to talk about, someone is going to be negative in some way. The people in this particular thread are right – it truly is annoying.

I’m not talking about differing opinions. Those are great, and I welcome them. Hopefully, you like hearing them as well. Having different viewpoints on things allows us to stretch our minds in directions they may not have otherwise gone. It can make us look at things in a whole new way, from a completely different perspective.

The negativity I’m referring to is exactly as it sounds – negativity, for no reason other than to be rude/demeaning. You’ll be having a conversation that’s going along nicely, and some person pops their nose in and starts going off on a tangent about something that may or may not relate to your discussion. They may even be completely rude about it, or directly “attack” someone involved in the thread/post. I really hate that. What’s the point of it? Why must Internet trolls even exist? Can’t we just like shoot them out of a cannon or something?

Seriously, though, why does it seem so difficult these days to have a completely intelligent conversation with others without the fear of someone taking it down a road it should never go? What are your thoughts? Are you seeing more and more of this lately, and how do you get past it to continue your discussion? What else are you reading and/or participating in online that has your mind stretching?

We have several excellent new Apps and Programs available today in our downloads center for Windows Mobile operating systems, as well as for OS X!

When is Your Birthday?

Chris — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:41:45 +0000

When is Your Birthday? is a post from Chris Pirillo

I noticed around the web that we have three community members celebrating birthdays today! Traci Toguchi, Frank Eliason and Drew Olanoff will all be blowing out candles today. Now, normally I’d say a simple “Happy Birthday!” and be done with it. However, realizing today is Drew’s birthday gave me pause, and made me think…

Six months ago, Drew completely sure what his future held. He was diagnosed with cancer back in May, and the fight began. He finished up his last Chemo treatment a week ago, and the doctors have given him the awesome news that his tumors are gone. He is free of that stupid disease, hopefully forever. He continues his fight against Cancer, with the support of many thousands of people… including Drew Carey. In order to help raise money for the Livestrong foundation, all you have to do is click that little “Follow” button on Drew Carey’s Twitter page. For every follower – up to one million – that Drew gets prior to midnight on New Year’s Eve, he will donate one more dollar. How cool is that?

Thinking about all of this, and Drew O’s birthday, kind of puts life into perspective a little, eh? It makes one remember to stop and be thankful for what we have… right here, right now. It makes us want to push ourselves a little harder to do the things we promised ourselves we would do. It makes us want to reach out and tell those we care about that we do, in fact, love them.

Cancer touches everyone. EVERYONE. In some way or another, your life will be affected by Cancer at some point. Even though Drew’s personal fight may have come to an end, the war has only begun. Keep doing your part in kicking Cancer’s ass, everyone. We won’t rest until we eradicate it for good.

Birthdays aren’t the only thing going on in our community today, as you know. All of you are busy posting and writing, sharing your thoughts and dreams. What have you read that was interesting or thought-provoking? If I missed something, please leave a follow-up comment and share it with the rest of us!

Today in our downloads center, we have several excellent apps for Windows. Be sure to check them out!

How to Handle Remote Tech Support

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:30:00 GMT

Using GoToAssist is the easiest way to view and control another person's computer online. Use it to provide instant technical support to family, friends and customers. Start a session with just one click, and instantly connect with the other party.

Network Tools for Windows

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

You need these network tools, no matter which operating systems and networks you have to support. SolarWinds ipMonitor: Affordable Network Monitoring for SMBs. Get turnkey network, server and application availability monitoring with SolarWinds ipMonitor v9.0. This easy-to-use, reliable solution for SMBs delivers out-of-the-box availability monitoring so you always know exactly what's up with Active Directory, DNS, Exchange, FTP, Web, IMAP, MS SQL Server, and SMTP. Download your free trial today. Or, try their totally free tools! And, through 2/29, save 20% when you purchase ipMonitor 9.0.

Get Your Own Web Site

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

Starting at just $3.99/month, web hosting from GoDaddy includes 99.9% uptime, 24/7 support and free access to GoDaddy Hosting Connection, THE place to install over 30 FREE applications sure to help you get the most from your hosting plan and Web site. Enter code CP2 at checkout, and save an additional 10% on any order.

Plus, as a friend of Chris Pirillo, enter code CHRIS7, that's C-H-R-I-S and the number 7, when you check out, and save an additional 10% on any order. Get your piece of the internet at GoDaddy.com.

VMware and Parallels for Virtual Machines

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

It doesn't matter if you're running on Windows or Mac OS X - every power user needs either Parallels or VMware (or both). There's never been an easier way to test software without destroying your primary operating system's stability. Think of how many times you wish you could press a 'reverse' button on your computer. Plus, there's no easier way to try new Linux distributions - see what all the fuss is about. Run Windows in OS X, run Linux in Windows, but the best way to do either is with VMware and/or Parallels.

Coupons for Online Shopping

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:56:13 GMT

This feed is fueled by Lockergnome Online Shopping and Coupon Codes

Before you shop next time, see if we have a coupon first.