"Laser Engraving, Cutting, Design and Fabrication"

Summary: New page: '''Nook Color''' is a fully capable Android tablet. Nook Color’s library section is organized by books, magazines, and newspapers, but also gives options for creating your own sets of co...

'''Nook Color''' is a fully capable Android tablet. Nook Color’s library section is organized by books, magazines, and newspapers, but also gives options for creating your own sets of content (“my shelves”), working with PDFs and other docs, music, images, and video (MP4/M4V only) in “my files,” and allows you to dive into the company’s much-touted lending program.

http://img1.imagesbn.com/pimages/nook/encore/overview/nookcolor/encore_product_feature_1.jpg

So we couldn’t get anything besides MP4/M4V to play, and even then we had trouble with some DVD Videos.

Don’t worry. The following guide to learn how to put DVD movies on your NOOKcolor quickly and easily.

The things you need:

(1) NOOKcolor

(2) A Movie or a TV Show DVD

(3) The charger cable that came with your NOOKcolor

(4) '''Foxreal [http://www.foxreal.com/blu-ray-ripper/ ''Blu-ray Ripper'']''' ('''DVD to NOOKcolor Ripper''').

'''Tip:''' If you are Mac user, you can select '''Foxreal [http://www.foxreal.com/blu-ray-ripper-mac/ ''Blu-ray Ripper for Mac'']'''.

'''Step 1:''' Free Download Foxreal Blu-ray Ripper and installing and running it on your computer. For Mac Users, you need to Download Mac version.

'''Step 2:''' Connecting the NOOkcolor to your computer.
After DVD to NOOKcolor Converter installed on your computer, the next step is connect the cable that came with your NOOKcolor to its connection at the bottom of the Nook.

'''Tips:''' When you connect your NOOKcolor to your computer, your NOOK should display a big message on-screen regarding USB Mode. If your Nook was in standby when you connected, slide your finger across the screen to unlock it after you connected it. After a while, it will turn off its screen, but as long as you did see the USB Mode message, things should be good.

'''Step 3:''' Select MP4 as output format for NOOKcolor. As I know, NOOKcolor only can play MP4 video format. You can choose other formats(MPEG 4) to try it.

'''Step 4:''' Starting DVD to MP4 conversion. Only click “Convert” button to convert DVD to MP4 format.

Once the conversion is done, you can '''[http://www.blurayvideotips.com/dvd-to-nookcolor-converterplay-dvd-movies-on-your-nookcolor/ ''enjoy your DVD movies on NOOKcolor'']'''.

Summary: New page: [[Image:Smartphones.jpg|630px|thumb|left|Decisions decisions... Photo by [http://www.flickr.com/photos/athomeinscottsdale/ Dru Bloomfield]/[http://www.flickr.com/photos/athomeinscottsdale/...

[[Image:Smartphones.jpg|630px|thumb|left|Decisions decisions... Photo by [http://www.flickr.com/photos/athomeinscottsdale/ Dru Bloomfield]/[http://www.flickr.com/photos/athomeinscottsdale/5171125430/ Flickr]/CC]]

{{#shtml:Template:BestBuy}}
When picking out a serious phone for yourself, smart is the only way to go. It may seem overwhelming, as the smartphone industry is a veritable melee of specs, software, and form factors. But fear not: Here are a few tips to help you find your next feature-filled handset.

'This article is part of '''a wiki anyone can edit.''' If you have ever used the term or been referred to as "biphonal," please log in and contribute.''

==Consider Your Carrier==
If you’re already chained to a carrier via contract/blood oath, this step should be fairly straight-forward: Size up your carrier’s smartphone selection, weed out the obvious duds, and move on to Step 2.

For everyone else, the world is your oyster. Each carrier has its own strengths, weaknesses, and coverage quirks, so be sure to find the right fit for your needs.

'''PRO TIP:''' Our advice? When sizing up carriers, rank data coverage highest, followed by voice coverage, and then consider pricing and network speed. After all, a smartphone without connectivity isn’t really smart at all. Likewise, prohibitively slow or expensive service can be hefty dealbreakers too. Try to strike a balance.

==Whittle Down Your OS Choices==
The smartphones of yesteryear were defined almost entirely by their form factors. In today’s software-centric market, the focus is now on operating systems. Though their core feature sets are largely the same (email, web, text, apps, etc.), each approaches tasks in a different fashion:

===iOS===
The lifeblood of the iPhone (and iPad) excels at providing rich apps, gaming, and multimedia playback.

===Android===
As a Google-backed OS, it’s the go-to for device customization and cloud services.

===Windows Phone 7===
Though slowly growing in prominence, WP7 is surprisingly polished and offers solid productivity and multimedia support.

===WebOS===
The industry’s dark horse is great for multitasking and offers an innovative approach to contact management.

'''PRO TIP:''' No matter how good an OS sounds on paper, it’s always worthwhile to tinker with it before making a buying decision. An easy way to do this is to think about your ideal top three smartphone tasks (eg: emailing, texting, and web), and then trek out to a demo-rich environment like an electronics store. After tackling these mission-critical tasks with the demo phones, you should have a general idea of which OS is best suited for your everyday use.

==Shop for Muscle (And Looks)==
With your carrier and OS chosen, it’s time to delve under the hood. Processor speed is quickly becoming a key metric for manufacturers, and it’s worth your attention as well--at least, if longevity and consistent speed is a concern.

The strategy here is to explore phones with a processors that are fast enough to smoothly execute the important tasks, while also leaving a little horsepower to grow into. For simplicity’s sake, we suggest starting at the 1 GHz benchmark, while also being mindful of the future. After all, the next generation of dual core smartphones are slated to hit the market later this year.

'''PRO TIP:''' Okay, so looks are important too. Once you’ve decided on an ‘engine’ for your new smartphone, consider what form factor works best for your usage patterns. Are you a power texter? Then a device with a slide-out keyboard is probably for you. Like gaming and video on the go? A larger handset with a slate-like setup is probably more your speed.

==Don’t Panic==
Moore’s Law (and Murphy’s Law) pretty much ensures that a newer, more powerful competitor to your phone will pop up not too long after your purchase. DO NOT PANIC.

If you’ve followed our advice by choosing a well-suited (if slightly overpowered) smartphone, then you’ll ultimately be fine. The goal is to find a handset that works in concert with your digital lifestyle for the duration of your contract.

Of course, if you still have doubts...

'''PRO TIP:''' Each carrier sports its own return policy. So, if you’re particularly antsy about making decisions you can almost always escape your new handset/carrier within the return window.. At best, this will allow you to ease some fears and take everything for a test drive. At worst, you’re out a modest restock fee and a pro-rated bill. Either way, it’s better than being stuck with a sub-optimal device for two years.

''Modified from an original post by Terrence Russell.''

Summary: [[Indian Slap bass]] moved to [[Play an Indian Slap bass]]

'''Slap Bass'''

Slapping the bass is considered to have begun in the 1920s on the Double Bass. On double bass it refers to the technique which is a more vigorous version of pizzicato, where the strings are plucked so hard that when released it bounces off the finger board, making a distinctive sound. A percussive sound is also made by smacking the strings with all four fingers of the right hand.

'''On electric bass guitar'''

“Slap bass” is referred to percussive playing technique in electric bass as well, that the style sounds and looks percussive rather than the usual fingering of notes. Slap bass is more technically called “slaps” and “pops”. In the slaps, the bassist uses the bone of the thumb joint to strike the lower strings near the base of the guitar’s neck. In the pops, the bassist uses the index and middle fingers of the plucking hand to snap the higher-pitched strings away from the body of the bass, causing them to bounce off the fret board; this produces a prominent buzzing tone with a sharp attack and more high-frequency vibrations than in plucked bass.

'''Innovations'''

Double Bass player, Bill Johnson is considered by many as the father of slap bass. The methods developed by Larry Graham followed by Louis Johnson are nowadays practiced by a majority of electric bass players around the globe. Some bassists use fingers instead of the thumb to do slapping. Abraham Laboriel, Sr. developed a technique of using the thumb to pop the strings while his other four fingers slap the strings. Bassist Victor Wooten uses a double thumb technique, where he slaps the string when the thumb goes downward and pops when it goes upward. This gives him extra speed to play to sound it like a drum roll on the bass guitar. Tony Levin created a similar drumming sound by using a hard surface on the fingers to strike the strings which was named Funk Fingers. Funk Fingers are kind of small drum sticks strapped to fingers. Doug Wimbish also plays slaps with his fingers other than thumb. Left handed bass players like Stan Sargeant who do not reverse the strings usually avoid thumb to play the slap. To get a metal slap tone, some bassists use their nails to hit the strings.

Some of the double and electric bass players who are notable in slapping the bass are Bill Johnson, Pops Foster, Wellman Braud, Chester Zardis. Milt Hinton, Kim Nekroman, Scott Owen, Alcide Pavageau, Lee Rocker, Amy LaVere, Bootsy Collins, Stanley Clarke, Jonas Hellborg, Marcus Miller, Stuart Hamn, Les Claypool, Mark King, Kai Eckhardt, Mike Gordon, Flea, Fieldy, Juan Nelson, Alain Caron, Brian Bromberg, Gustavo Dal Farra and the list goes on and on. A close watch of these bass players reveals that each and everyone has very distinctive styles. Similarly, every musician whether he is professional or amateur has his distinctive methods and techniques hidden inside. What matters is to develop it with proper training and self motivation.

'''Applications'''

Since the acceptance of electric bass guitar in Jazz Music and subsequent revised applications of the technique since 1940′s, slap bass has been increasingly attracting music lovers all over the World. When funk music became more popular, slap bass has been subjected to various experimental playing techniques. Slapping is applied in most of the music genres since the 1960’s especially in funk, disco, jazz, pop and world music fusion

During the changes in the music of the West, fusion music was silently having its own innovations. One of the inevitable instruments of India for fusion music has been Tabla. Bass players succeeded in blending the slap bass with Indian percussion instruments due to the similarity in the slap tones and sound of tabla. Jonas Hellborg and Kai Eckhardt adapted a different approach to the slap to blend it with Indian Classical music.

'''Tabla style finger slap technique'''

Jayen Varma is the Innovator of Indian Slap Bass. Because of his knowledge in the Indian percussion instrument Mridangam, he started applying the percussive technique on the bass in the 1980s. In the early 1990s, when he could not get a slap tone due to inefficient pick ups and guitars available at that time, he used hard plastic pipe pieces on the fore finger and middle finger to get the slap tone while playing like a tabla. For his innovative method, in the 2000s he was encouraged by some of the greatest names in the bass world like Bootsy Collins, Jeff Berlin, Victor Wooten, Stuvart Hamn, James LoMenzo, Marcus Miller, Michael Henderson, Regi Wooten, David Pastorius, Kai Eckhardt, Phil Powell and many known and unknown bass players.

'''How to play'''

“Indian Slap Bass” is playing the Bass Guitar just like the Indian classical percussion instruments Tabla, Mridangam or Kanjira. This is a very simple method because strings are hit like two drum sticks: The index finger acts like one stick and the middle and ring fingers held close together form the other stick. The exercise to begin is hitting the last string with fore finger (F) first and then with the other two fingers, middle and ring (MR). To be precise, the right hand fingering is F-MR-F-MR | F-MR-F-MR for 1-2-3-4 | 1-2-3-4. Later the playing is reversed to MR-F-MR-F | MR-F-MR-F. Subsequently it is practiced on other strings. The same exercise is also practiced on more than one string by slapping alternately. The player can choose his/her convenient position of left hand fingers on the fretboard. In the beginning it is always better to hold the strings half muted with left hand fingers. The sound created when the string is hit with MR fingers is slightly different from the sound created by F finger. The strings which are not aimed to hit may also ring in the beginning. But when it is practiced for few months, the hitting will be controlled. It is therefore better to begin this on a four string bass, because the gap between the strings is higher than other bass guitars having more strings. Many different methods/exercises can be worked out to get playability and to avoid the problems caused by crossing the strings, fingers and notes.

'''The Future'''

Indian Slap Bass blends perfectly not only with funk, jazz or rock, but with many other genres including heavy metal. Since the right hand fingers can distinctly produce clear 16th notes on the same string, it goes well with metal music. It can also be blended beautifully with Indian classical music. The next generation of musicians will find the potential in its application in future music to come.

Jayen has been experimenting and promoting this method single handedly for years. It has many fans across the World now and many bassists are playing this.

Courtesy: Jayen Varma @ http://www.jayenvarma.net

Summary: Living Everyday like Valentine's Day

[[Image:Valentine's-day.jpg]]

'''Valentine's Day'''

The sweet Valentine's Day of 2011 has past though, there's a Valentine's day every month, right? Or everyday is Valentine's day for the lovers. Valentine's day, which is the most beautiful and wort of memorying for lovers. Buy a special gift will give a surprise to your her or him, and may let her or him become yours just because your particular gift. You can make a music box with her or him favorite songs in it by yourself, send her or him an MP3 or mp4 to her or him with the favorite songs and Valentine's movies. Or just buy this music and movies DRM removal tool, and enjoy it with your her or him, and more...

You can live everyday like a Valentine's day by sending a little gift for your her or him, give her or him a little surprise, and just like two little naive kids, living in the music and movies word... And Noteburner will make your everyday like a Valentine's day.

'''Big Discount for your Valentine's Day'''

For this special and sweet Valentine's Day, Noteburner music and movies [http://www.noteburner.com '''DRM removal tool'''] will have 40%off, which will last for one month, amaizing?

'''Noteburner m4v converter for Windows''', which is a professional [http://www.noteburner.com/noteburner-m4v-converter.html '''DRM M4V Converter'''] for Windows OS to remove DRM protection of purchased iTunes M4V movies, music videos and TV shows, and convert to common video formats, namely no DRM, which can be played back by different non-Apple portable devices, such as MP4 players, Tablets, samrtphones.

Buy this powerful videos converter, you will get a new key for '''Noteburner audio converter''' for Windows for free, this audio converter introduces a smart virtual CD-RW burner, which simulates CD burning and CD ripping process, it is easy to convert iTunes DRM protected M4P, M4B, AA, RA, OMA, WMA to any unprotected formats such as MP3 and AAC etc.

'''Noteburner m4v converter plus for Mac''', which was recommended by '''Lifehacker''', is an ultimate [http://www.noteburner.com/mac-m4v-converter-plus.html '''Mac DRM M4V Converter'''] which helps you to remove DRM protection of both purchased and rental M4V movies from iTunes Store and convert to unprotected video formats for all kinds of portable media players and cell phones.

Buy this excellent program, and only add $10, you will get a key for '''Noteburner audio converter for Mac''', which is a powerful M4P to MP3 music converting tool for Mac OS X. It can convert DRM protected M4A, M4B, M4P, AAC, WMA to plain MP3, WMA, WAV formats for playing iTunes musics on various kinds of players including iPod, iPhone, PSP, Zune, Creative Zen, Walkman, Xbox, Cellphones, Blackberry, Nokia etc.

You can get this [http://www.noteburner.com/noteburner-bundle-christmas.html '''m4p and m4v converter'''] bundle.

Act now, it's very better off!

Summary: Soundproofing an outdoor air conditioning unit

A noisy outdoor air conditioner can be a nuisance and a headache. As air conditioning units get older, they often begin to rattle, hum and vibrate years before they are due for replacement. Fortunately, controlling the noise generated by a bothersome air conditioning unit is a fairly simple yet highly effective soundproofing endeavor. Implementing a partial enclosure sound reduction treatment can help control the noise produced by your air conditioner, creating a more peaceful environment inside and outside your home.

Controlling the noise generated by an outdoor air conditioning unit involves enclosing the unit within a frame and affixing outdoor sound blankets designed to prevent airborne noise from bleeding through. The frame may be constructed using a number of materials, including wood, steel or iron, as long as the structure is capable of supporting the heavyweight sound blankets that will be affixed to it. Ideally, the frame should protrude two to three feet above the height of the unit for maximum effectiveness. It is important to note that sound reduction for air conditioning units requires taking into consideration the functionality of the air conditioning equipment. Since the units need ventilation, construction of the frame must allow for 18 to 24 inches of open space around the unit. A slanted roof applied angling away from the area to be protected will increase the effectiveness of this treatment.

Once the frame has been constructed, outdoor sound blankets can be customized in the size you need to cover the appropriate sides of the frame. A reputable soundproofing company will offer the service of custom cutting noise control blankets to fit your frame and will provide the necessary hardware to attach them. Sound blankets should be applied to the sides of the frame that separate the sound source from the area that is to be protected from the noise. For instance, if you are treating the unit to reduce the sound audible from inside your home, treat only the sides of the frame which face in the direction of your home, leaving other sides exposed to ensure proper ventilation.

Since air conditioning units cannot be completely enclosed, sound reduction treatments will not result in a 100% deadening of the noise. However, such partial enclosure treatments are extremely effective at preventing transmission of a majority of the noise produced by an air conditioning unit. Results will vary depending upon the extent of the enclosure, but such treatments can affect an average 10-12 dB reduction in noise transmission caused by a loud air conditioner. It is important to contact an experienced soundproofing supplier prior to attempting any sound reduction treatment to ensure that all variables affecting the outcome of your project are considered.

Summary: New page: After spending a week experimenting with different video conversion programs, I’ve finally found a solution that works well on the [http://icamcorder.net/the-perfect-way-to-play-videos-o...

After spending a week experimenting with different video conversion programs, I’ve finally found a solution that works well on the [http://icamcorder.net/the-perfect-way-to-play-videos-on-nook-color/ '''Nook Color'''](NC)! Hopefully the time and effort will benefit others.

The steps that I outline here were developed to help me deal with a particular situation, which was to convert HD-video (720p) into a format that plays well on the Nook Color. Of course you can starting with a different video source (e.g., a DVD, Blu-ray rip ), and your options.

http://icamcorder.net/images/201101/nook-color.jpg

'''Download Links'''
[http://www.foxreal.com/video-converter/ '''Video to Nook Color Converter''']: Play video on iPad, Nook Color, iPhone 4, iPod Touch 4, Droid X, Galaxy S, Nexus S, HTC phones. Support rich video formats like TiVo, VP6, MXF, MTS, M2TS, MOD, etc. Perfect audio and video sync technology and [http://www.foxreal.com/nvidia-cuda/ NVIDIA CUDA] technology. If you are Mac User, you Click [http://www.foxreal.com/video-converter-mac/ Nook Color Converter for mac] to Get Mac Vesion
[http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ '''VLC''']: If you want the option to preview video before converting, download VLC, a versatile and easy-to-use video player: VideoLAN – VLC media player – Open Source Multimedia Framework and Player You can also use Quicktime.

(1) Download and install Video to [http://www.foxreal.com/video-converter/ '''Nook Color Converter''']
(2) Drag/Drop video file(s) into the Nook Color Converter program
From the drop-down list “Format”, you are able to select your desired output video/audio format with ease. Even you can choose the output format according to your device’s name, like iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone 4, Apple TV, etc. You can choose Common Video —> H.264 Video(*.mp4), click “Settings” you can set video Codec, Size(pix), Bitrate(kbps), Frame rate(fps) to optimize video quality. set audio Codec, Sample rate(hz), Bitrate(bps), channels to optimize audio quality.
(3) Convert video to Nook Color
After all the settings, you can click “Convert” to start video to Nook Color conversion. For its perfect video and audio sync technology, it will never meet video/audio sync problems.

And its NVIDIA CUDA technology allows you to get the videos within a short time. Then, you can transfer and play videos on Nook Color anywhere anytime.

Want to play Blu-ray/DVD movies on Nook Color, you can try [http://www.foxreal.com/blu-ray-ripper/ '''Blu-ray/DVD to Nook Color Ripper''']

Summary: This article is a guide to teach you how to rip your favorite DVD movies to Motorola Xoom for watching in no time.

[[Image:Xoom.jpg]]

Owning a super-fast dual-core processor and Android 3.0, the Motorola Xoom becomes a powerful rival to Apple iPad and HP TouchPad. Xoom features both front and rear-facing cameras, a camcorder and Adobe Flash Player in 10.1-inch widescreen with 1280 x 800 pixels resolution.

Since Xoom tablet supports 1080P HD video playback, it will bring us the exciting watching experience for movies. Here we are talking about converting your favorite DVD movies to Xoom supported video formats for playback using a DVD to Xoom converter software.

One of the best DVD to Xoom converter is called [http://www.tune4mac.com/mac-dvd-converter/index.html '''Tune4mac DVD Converter Pro'''], which is a powerful yet easy-to-use DVD ripper software which is professional in ripping DVD to MP4 compatible with Motorola Xoom. The following is a step-by-step tutorial of how to convert DVD movies to Xoom by using Tune4mac DVD Converter Pro.

'''How to Rip DVD Movies to Xoom'''

Tools Required:

* DVD Movies

* Tune4mac DVD Converter


Step 1. Launch Tune4mac DVD to Xoom Converter and click "Load DVD" button.

[[Image:DVD-Converter.jpg]]

Step 2. Select output format for Xoom.

Choose profile as "Customized MP4" format for Xoom. You can also adjust your video and audio parameters to customize your video settings for Xoom.

Step 3. Start to rip DVD to Xoom by clicking "Encode" button.

Once the conversion is finished, you can mount your Xoom onto your computer via USB and copy the converted MP4 movie file to your Xoom to enjoy it with high resolution.

'''Tips:''' Any DVD Cloner--[http://www.remove-drm-software.com/any-dvd-cloner/copy-twilight-saga-to-dvd.html '''How to Copy DVD Movies to DVD for Backup''']

'''Free Code Offer!'''

We offer free register code for users who wrote related reviews or articles about any program of ours. You can visit our website: http://www.tune4mac.com or [http://www.tune4win.com http://www.tune4win.com] to get more information of those programs. Please remember to send us the article's url if you are interested. We will check it and send you a free life-long code asap. Contact email: support@tune4mac.com. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Summary: software,video

[http://www.flipconvertermac.com Flip Converter Mac]

http://www.flipconvertermac.com/flip-converter-mac/aiseesoft-flip-converter.jpg

Flip Converter Mac is a great mac flip converte mac and is often used on mac os x. This flip converter for mac is a newly-designed for Flip uses to convert flip video on mac os and convert flip hd video to mainstream video and audio formats supported by various portable players on mac. Therefore, it is a qualified flip hd video converter mac.

[http://www.flipvideoconverter.org/ Flip Video Converter]

http://www.flipvideoconverter.org/images/flip-video-converter.gif

Flip Video Converter is definitely the best choice for you to convert Flip video to other formats and edit the video as you like. The output formats it can support are like, 3GP, AVI, DV, FLV, MKV, MPG, MOV, RM, RMVB, SWF, WMV, etc. So you can use this advanced Flip Video Converter to convert your recorded video to many popular players, including, Apple TV, BlackBerry, Creative Zen, Gphone, Mobile Phone, PSP, Zune, iPhone, iPod, and iRiver.

Summary: /* Fifth */

'''== This is how you make Cheesy Tator Tot Hot Dish =='''

There are different steps that I will Take you through in order to make Cheesy Tator Tot Hot Dish.


== Things you need: ==

----

1 Pound of 80/20 Ground beef

2 cups of cheddar cheese

1 can of cream of chicken soup

1/4 cup chopped unions

2 tsp of salt

2 tsp of pepper

1 bag of tator tots

Glass cooking dish


== First==

The first thing you want to do is preheat the oven to 375 degrees.


== Second ==

The second thing you will want to do is have your one pound of ground beef thawed. After it is thawed cook it in a pan until the meat in completely cooked. After the meat is cook drain the grease.
[[Image:Beef.jpg]]


== Third ==

Take a bowl and put the meat into the bowl. Add the one can of cream of chicken, the tsp of salt and pepper, 1/4 cup of onions, and 2 cups of cheese and mix it together.

[[Image:Cream_of_chix.jpg]]

== Fourth ==

After everything is mixed together put it all into the glass pan. Spread it evenly. Once spread, take the tator tots and put them on top of the mixture in lines. Tator tots should be frozen.

[[Image:TaterTots-b.jpg]]

== Fifth ==

After you have every thing ready, put the dish in the oven and set the timer for 45 minutes. Take tator tot hot dish out of the oven and let it set for 5-10 minutes. Use a spatula to dish it on to your plate and ENJOY the '''Cheese tator tot hot dish'''

[[Image:Tator_tot_hot_dish.jpg]]

Summary: New page: sadfsafsdf

sadfsafsdf

Summary: /* What are the problems you've been having? And can they be solved with a simpler upgrade? */

[[Image:Upgrade.jpg|630px|thumb|left|If you see this screen on the regular, it's definitely time to upgrade. Photo by mikebaird/[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/4342842582/ flickr]/CC]]

{{#shtml:Template:BestBuy}}
You're sitting at a coffee shop, reading the latest Percy Jackson on your Kindle, when you notice someone sitting at a table with the newest MacBook Air. Suddenly, your old laptop seems as clunky as Fred Flintstone's car. But is a new computer something you need, or just want...very, very badly? Here are a few questions to help you figure that out.

''This article is part of '''a wiki anyone can edit.''' If you've successfully convinced friends to trash their dinosaur devices, please log in and contribute.''

===Is your computer over four years old?===

Planned obsolescence is an unfortunate fact of life. Some newer operating systems—and all their attendant devices—simply don't work on older laptops. Many Macs need an Intel processor to update to Snow Leopard or, shortly, Lion. Upgrading your processor would cost as much as buying a new computer, so in this case, you may simply have to bite the bullet.

===What are the problems you've been having? And can they be solved with a simpler upgrade?===
Perhaps you've realized that your netbook is making your fingers feel cramped while you type. In that case, a new keyboard is probably a wiser purchase than a new computer. And if your computer is running slowly, that's less a problem for your CPU than a lack of adequate memory—something that can be easily fixed by installing more memory.

===What are your needs?===
And be honest. Surfing the internet, keeping track of bills and pecking out your next article doesn't actually require that much memory or a dazzlingly fast CPU. Some specialized needs that would necessitate a purchase include: If you just got into college or became a business traveler; if you're a newly minted digital photographer, or a gamer trying to switch from a desktop PC. In the first two cases, you might want to look for light, sturdy laptops with built-in WiMax to access the Internet in coffee shops or in the backs of taxis. In the second, you'd need massive hard drives with lots of RAM, and probably a big screen with high resolution. A gamer might also look for a laptop with an integrated graphics processing unit.

===Will you sprinkle everything you read with salt?===
While new chipsets seem breathlessly exciting, even people who build computer architectures for a living don't really care about them. And why buy a computer with a Blu-Ray player when physical format media is about as cool as smoking in movies? Even Bill Gates [http://arstechnica.com/old/content/2005/10/5445.ars said] that in the future, “Everything's going to be streamed directly or on a hard disk.”

===Why don't you upgrade your phone instead?===
A [http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/21/will-apple-put-the-iphone-on-other-carriers/ study] by CTIA: The Wireless Association shows that nearly everyone in the United States doesn't yet have a smartphone. How about upgrading that, instead?

''Based on an original entry by Adrienne So.'''

Summary:

Let’s face it. These days, not all insurance companies are outstanding. In fact, report too many claims or the wrong kind of claim, and you face the risk of having your premiums raised or your policy cancelled altogether. No one really wants that to happen to them, so when an accident occurs, people are usually at the crossroads whether to call their insurance company, or to just pay out of pocket. While there is really no clear cut formula on when to do one or the other, most people will agree that it would be better to pay out of pocket in the following situations.

1. If the damage is below $1,000- The basic truth about [http://www.safeauto.com]auto insurance is that it’s really meant to help you out in big, costly accidents that could really cripple you financially. Insurance premiums are sure to raise after an accident report. More often than not, the amount that is raised can start from $1,000 and go up from there. If you’ve been in a car accident and feel as though the damage is much less than that, it may be better to dig into your emergency fund than raise your premium.

2. There are no injuries, or there isn’t even another party- If you happen to hit a fence, or a car with no one in it, then it may be better to pay for the damage out of your own pocket than bothering to call the insurance company, especially if you can afford to pay the tab now. If you let insurance take care of it, then you may again run the risk of raising that premium rate that you pay, especially if you may have had other minor accidents, or tickets in the last years that you’ve been driving. However, there is also risk involved if you choose to not tell your insurance company about it. If a police report is filed, or the other party makes an insurance claim, and your insurance company finds out, they can also use your failure to report the accident as a reason to raise your premium, or not pay your defense costs if ever you are sued.

In all other situations, use your common sense. Weigh carefully if you would save more money by paying out of your own pocket, or letting your insurance company take care of it. Always choose wisely, and examine all possible effects before making the decision.


Sam Briones writes for SafeAuto, covering an array of topics from finding [http://playitsafeblog.com]cheap auto insurance to safety tips.

Summary: New page: Anyone who has ever been in a car accident can immediately tell you that they are extremely scary, stressful and of course, unexpected. No one knows when a car accident might happen, but i...

Anyone who has ever been in a car accident can immediately tell you that they are extremely scary, stressful and of course, unexpected. No one knows when a car accident might happen, but it is always good to be prepared. Many advise to prepare your car for an accident by always having warning cones in your trunk, as well as a pen, and a medical card with your emergency contact information. Most people are usually in a daze as soon as the car accident occurs, so here is how to know if it is necessary to call the police after an accident.
It is usually standard procedure to call the police after a car accident occurs. It doesn’t matter if the accident is big or small. The police are there to sort everything out, and to determine which parties are responsible.
If you’ve just gotten into a car accident, remember to stay calm. Immediately check if everyone is ok. If someone is injured, call 911 and the police immediately.
When talking to the police on the phone, keep calm. Clearly state your name and say you’ve been in a car accident. It is also important to give the police your exact location so they can send someone out to you immediately. After calling the police, call your insurance agency right away.
While waiting for the police to arrive, make immediate notes about the accident. Include specific details about the accident- what part the car was hit, the extent of the damage and other details like that. It would also be good to note down the name of the other driver, the name in the auto registration, and the car insurance[http://www.safeauto.com] policy holder’s name. If the insurance policy holder’s name is different from the driver, then note down the relationship of the 2 parties. This is also the time to get witness information, should there be any other people who actually witnessed the accident.
When the police arrive, be polite but do not tell the police that the accident was your fault, even if you may think so. It is also not advised to blame the other party, and say the accident was their fault. Stick to the facts. Tell the police what you remember, even if it involves embarrassing details. It is so important for you to be truthful during this time.
Wait for the police, as well as the other drivers to leave before leaving the scene of the accident.

**************
Sam Briones writes for SafeAuto, covering an array of topics from finding cheap auto insurance[http://playitsafeblog.com] to safety tips.

Summary:

===Materials Needed===

1 box flavored Jello

1 Cup Vodka or your choice alcohol

small cups

===Directions===

'''Step 1:''' Boil 1 cup water, disolve jello mix

'''Step 2:''' Add 1 cup vodka

'''Step 3:''' Pour in cups, chill to set

===For additional fun===
Add gummy bears, whipped cream, fruit, fresh mint or any other fun and creative accents.

It is also possible to layer the jello by filling cups half way and chill. After first layer is set, add a second layer of a different color/flavor and let it chill and set.

Summary: /* Can You Do It? Think So */

== Can You Do It? Think So ==

http://i52.tinypic.com/2hdz88z.jpg

Most people think there is no chance for a long distance relationship to work. But there's so many things that you can do in order to survive and potentially enhance the quality of your distant love. The first thing you're gonna have to do is want it to work.

===Make the most of technology===

http://i52.tinypic.com/2ymvt4n.jpg

Most people think because their lover is moving across the world or because they're going away for a couple of months that is it the end of the world. Just because they're gone and you can't see to them as much or at all, it's not going to fail. We live in a world where technology is right at our fingertips. Skype. Your lover is just a video call away at no cost. You get the opportunity to not only talk to them but see them. And don't be shy, skyping can be used for more than just looking at each other's face.

===But don't be afraid to use older means of contact===

http://i56.tinypic.com/167tvg5.jpg

A skype call is nice and cheap, but a nice postcard or a gift package carefully put together for that special someone gives them something to hold. A birthday gift, a valentine card or just a random nice gesture can mean a lot.

===Be jealous without voicing it===
It's hard to think that being jealous may be a good thing. Many partners like when they know their mate cares so much. So instead of always of pretending like you're okay with everything, make it be known. Express your emotions. If you're afraid to lose them say, "Hey, I love you and I don't want to lose you." A little truth and emotion goes a long way.

===Be honest===

http://i51.tinypic.com/292pq0z.jpg

Don't hide things from each other just because you think you can get away with things. If you really love that person the way you say and think you do (why else would you be in a long distance relationship?) then don't start hiding things.

===Live your life===
You may want to sit around and wait until they come back but that's not going to help you at all. Get out there. Experience things. Don't think just because you not with your sweetheart that you both can't go off and have fun. Live a little and have stories to share with your partner.

It's hard, and you ARE going to fight but if you think you can handle it and if you think they're worth it, there's no reason it should fail.




--[[User:chkori|chkori]] 04:41, 14 February 2011 (UTC)Ch'kori Brown

Summary:

'''you could have this'''[[Image:WillYouBeMyValentine.jpg]]......For some people Valentine’s Day is the loneliest day of the year. They hate it; they look down on it because they their selves have no one to spend the joyful day with. They talk about the people who look forward to and celebrate this day. Why? You may ask, not because it is some horrible day that just should not be celebrated, but usually because they themselves don’t have valentines and they want to make the people who do have them feel as though the day is not worth celebrating. If everyone had a special somebody or at least someone at all to spend their Valentine’s Day with, the world would be remotely a better place, but that’s just my opinion. For one, you cannot be bitter; it more or so pushes people away, and what you want is for someone to want to spend time with you. Also depending on how you want your Valentine to be, makes how early you should start working on your Valentines. For example, if you want to go to some fancy little place in the city, with boat rides and fireworks etc. DO NOT get a Valentine a week before the day and expect that. There are really many ways to get Valentines, such as be yourself, unless you’re a grouch, in that case be a sweetie pie. These are just some helpful hints, because anyone could be your Valentine, I could be your Valentine.

Summary:

'''How to make Smores'''

'''Ingredients:'''
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'''Steps:'''
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'''Finished Product:'''
(pictures here)

Summary:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d56/rsjrocks109/z38952908.gif

When it comes to playing guitar and improving your skills, nothing takes the place of practice. It's like anything else, you can not get better at it unless you practice. Also, preference is another key contribution to improvement, meaning you need to try out different guitars and find out which is best for you. The type of music you are interested in will help determine this as well .If you like rock music, you might use th electric guitar and amplifier. If you like blues or softer music, you might prefer an acoustic guitar. Practice the same tunes over and over before you improvise.

Summary:

To many of us have such busy schedules that when we finally get home or have a weekend off, we don't know how to take time out for ourselves and do something just for us. I learned how to create my own spa environment. I don't do it as often as I probably should. We should all make it a point to have a day or a time slot planned, at least once a week, that's just for us. I got the idea to create my own spa environment when I walked into Bath and Body Works. I had been in that store before, but on this occassion, I guess I had had a really hard week and I finally said to myself that I was going to by all kinds of products and set up my bathroom like a spa. Then I did some research on Google and found this web link, http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/How_to_Make_Your_Own_Spa_at_Home_28952.html

Summary:

'''Tap GRE – learning just a tap away'''

'''Preparing for a standardized test such as the GRE or SAT?''' Version 1.0 Carries the list of 1500+ words with its type and meanings wherever you go. The use of each word is illustrated with a sentence.

Tap GRE can help you ace the verbal section by allowing you to review and memorize the meanings of commonly tested words. Tap GRE is a paid application for the Apple iPad device that offer an easier way to access and memorize GRE words. Tap GRE is a canny and mere way to memorize and review GRE words using flashcards. You can learn words by difficulty level, or even shuffle the attire toquiz your memory.

'''Features'''

• Set the difficulty level of each word and reuse later

• Quick search for any word and mark its difficulty. This feature is handy when you encounter a word you
don’t understand.

• Quiz mode allows the user to test his/her memory on each word.

• Review test results and adjust the difficulty of those words accordingly.

'''Category:'''
• Category Educational Software
• Subcategory Reference Software

'''System requirements:'''
• Operating systems iPhone OS 2.x, iPhone
• Compatible with iPhone and iPad.
• Requires iPhone 2.0 Software update.

'''Pricing:'''
• License model Purchase
• Limitations Not available
• Price $1.99
• Special discount for educational institutes




'''Developer:''' Ahmad Iftikhar

'''Developer's web:''' www.creativebugs.net

'''Purchase link:''' http://itunes.apple.com/app/tap-gre/id417616661?mt=8