tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83602260673358719982024-03-12T18:55:20.353-07:00Philip's Blog HomeThis is a blog dedicated to discussions and personal views on living and finances. In particular, we will talk about money, taxes, investing, trusts, insurance, credit, debts, loans/mortages, real estate, college savings and financial aids.Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-58693948005546547112015-10-29T15:19:00.000-07:002016-06-12T20:38:30.164-07:00Wealthfront vs. Hedgeable: YTD PerformanceWe have been comparing Wealthfront to Hedgeable: for a hypothetical deposit of $5000 at the beginning of this year (2015), the performance of both portfolios were observed from month to month: thus far Hedgeable seems to be outperforming Wealthfront--here are the end of month balances for the most aggressive investment profile available on both platforms:<br />
<br />
<table class="tableizer-table">
<tbody>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow"><th></th><th><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jan/2015</span></th><th><span style="font-size: x-small;">Feb/2015</span></th><th><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mar/2015</span></th><th><span style="font-size: x-small;">Apr/2015</span></th><th><span style="font-size: x-small;">May/2015</span></th><th><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jun/2015</span></th><th><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jul/2015</span></th><th><span style="font-size: x-small;">Aug/2015</span></th><th><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sep/2015</span></th><th><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oct/2015</span></th></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wealthfront</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,000</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,148</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,097</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,256</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,181</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,031</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,038</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$4,729</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$4,570</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$4,926</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hedgeable</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,000</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,322</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,202</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,255</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,300</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,261</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,655</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,274</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,223</span></td><td><span style="font-size: x-small;">$5,566</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNhiJqPaC8w/VjKpjBLzZ-I/AAAAAAAAA7g/_HN1RDzwf4I/s1600/Robo-Advisors.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNhiJqPaC8w/VjKpjBLzZ-I/AAAAAAAAA7g/_HN1RDzwf4I/s400/Robo-Advisors.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
Note that during the July to August drop, Hedgeable may drop a little bit more, but due to their active (or reactive) rebalance into bonds, the subsequent drop in September was much less than that of Wealthfront.</div>
Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-28630931370459349632015-01-04T22:07:00.001-08:002015-01-04T22:42:22.663-08:00Show Your Support: United In Orange ShirtsLet's support the United In Orange campaign with these shirts:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://teespring.com/united-in-orange-now">http://teespring.com/united-in-orange-now</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://teespring.com/football-is-like-life">http://teespring.com/football-is-like-life</a>Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-56778013570860479732015-01-03T20:52:00.002-08:002015-01-03T20:55:07.426-08:00Package Delivery Security Tips (FedEx/UPS)<br />
<br />
<b>Fedex Package Security Tips:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.van.fedex.com/blog/keep-holidays-happy-and-bright-%E2%80%94-tips-keeping-packages-safe">http://blog.van.fedex.com/blog/keep-holidays-happy-and-bright-%E2%80%94-tips-keeping-packages-safe</a><b> </b><br />
<ul>
<li>FedEx delivers joy with each package, connecting customers to loved
ones around the world every day. But while FedEx team members do their
utmost to ensure the safety and security of every package they deliver,
there are steps all our customers can take for added peace of mind.</li>
<li>Customize your deliveries. Use FedEx Delivery Manager® to customize
your residential deliveries. You can change the time and location of
delivery, request a signature upon delivery and even ask FedEx to hold
your package if you know you’ll be out of the house when we try to
deliver. <a href="http://fedex.com/delivery" target="_blank">Sign up for free online</a> and avoid the risk of unattended packages sitting out on your doorstep.</li>
<li>Consider an alternate destination. When you order something online,
consider sending the package to your workplace or to a family member,
friend or neighbor who is home during the day to accept delivery. When
you know someone will be available to receive your delivery, you
eliminate the possibility of your specially ordered gift being left
unattended.</li>
<li>Send it to your nearest FedEx Office location. You can have your
deliveries sent to the nearest FedEx Office location and we’ll hold it
for you for up to five business days. FedEx provides this service at no
added cost. If it’s a FedEx Express® package, you can also send have
your package sent to one of our FedEx Express stations. Find the
location nearest you at fedex.com/locate.</li>
<li>Request a signature. Many packages today are sent without requiring a
signature for delivery. If you’re shipping something of high value — or
you just want to be sure items aren’t left unattended — you can require
a signature for packages to be released. Either the shipper or the
recipient can make this request.</li>
<li>Request a vacation hold. Taking a holiday trip to visit family or
friends? You can request a vacation hold on all shipments for up to 14
days.</li>
<li>Redirect your packages even when they’re already on the way. With FedEx Delivery Manager, you’ll be alerted to every FedEx®
package headed to your home, even if you don’t have the tracking
number. If you know you won’t be home and want to send the delivery
somewhere else, just redirect it to where you’ll be, or another secure
location.</li>
<li>Ask for a ring. Use FedEx Delivery Manager to let your driver know
you want a ring—or a knock. You can leave instructions for drivers to
always ring your doorbell or knock on your door when a package is being
left. Do you like your packages left behind the big planter, or tucked
behind the grill beside the back door? Use FedEx Delivery Manager to
leave one-time-only or standing instructions for where you want FedEx to
leave your deliveries. You can also let your driver know your
instructions by calling 1.800.GoFedEx (1.800.463.3339).</li>
</ul>
<b>UPS Package Security Tips:</b><br />
<b> </b>
<br />
If customers have concerns about the security of their deliveries they have options:<br />
<ul>
<li>They can have the shipment sent to where they are – not where they
aren’t. In other words, if they are at work during the day they can have
packages delivered to where they work. They can also choose to have
things sent to a relative or neighbor who is home during the day.</li>
<li>They can tell our driver where they would like packages left, for
example, in the shed in the back yard, or behind the garage, etc. Our
drivers can enter that information into their handheld computers for
future deliveries.</li>
<li>They can sign up for a free service called UPS My Choice, which
sends a proactive email alert to the customer letting them know when
their package is going to be delivered.</li>
<li>As far as what to do if a shipment is stolen, UPS will instruct the
individual to file a police report. The customer may also wish to call
the shipper to get a replacement item shipped.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-51236939651860275322014-12-24T16:56:00.002-08:002015-01-03T21:21:48.157-08:00TeeSpring AlternativesEveryone knows about <a href="http://www.teespring.com/">TeeSpring</a>, but there are alternatives. Here are some of them--check them out:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.teezily.com/">TeeZily</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fabrily.com/">Fabrily</a> (based in UK)<br />
<a href="http://www.tfund.com/">TFund</a> (based off <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/">CafePress</a>)<br />
<a href="https://printaura.com/">PrintAura</a><br />
<a href="http://spreadshirt.com/">SpreadShirt</a><br />
<a href="http://zazzle.com/">Zazzle</a><br />
<a href="https://teechip.com/">TeeChip</a><br />
<a href="https://www.teeleap.com/">TeeLeap</a>Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-64144179129398375512014-12-21T15:20:00.001-08:002014-12-21T15:26:37.660-08:00Typical Eye Exam ChartsSome common eye exam charts--notice the patterns:<br />
----------------------------------- <br />
ZFTPE TPECL CFEFD<br />
FTPEO OZFTF ZFTPE<br />
ZBDEF CPEFD TPEOL<br />
DZFTP ZFTPE FTPEO <br />
TPEOL FTPEO DZFTP<br />
-----------------------------------<br />
COFEP OBPTL FDOBC<br />
ZFPDE ZBDEF ZBEFD<br />
OBPTL PTFLE COFEP<br />
PTFLE ECPFD ZBDEF<br />
ZBDEF ZBEFD OPFED<br />
-----------------------------------<br />
PTFLE EPTFL FLEPT<br />
EPTFL FLEPT LEPTF<br />
LEPTF TFLEP PTFLE<br />
FLEPT PTFLE TFLEP<br />
TFLEP LEPTF PTFLE <br />
----------------------------------- <br />
<br />
<br />Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-63408856416402976342014-12-20T17:40:00.000-08:002014-12-30T22:42:29.417-08:00Sony Hack Isn't Really About "The Interview" Movie At All--Or Is It?There is more to just a hack into Sony: the latest PR fiasco involves various inconsistencies between what Sony and the White House are saying from their respective points of view--something that has become quite ridiculous and absurd:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/sony-hack/white-house-sony-never-told-us-it-planned-pull-interview-n272381">http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/sony-hack/white-house-sony-never-told-us-it-planned-pull-interview-n272381</a><br />
<br />
First of all, clearly there is a lack of communication between Sony and the US government (i.e., did CEO Michael Lynton even talk to the FBI or President Obama at all after discussing with the theaters and making the decision about whether to proceed with the movie showing?). If anything, this not only exposes Sony's lack of judgement and poor decision making, but also erodes the company's credibility as to whether this whole thing is really about "The Interview" movie and North Korea, or there is something else dark and sinister that the company is trying to hide? The fact that the company is hiring David Bois to deal with the media seems to show that there is more to it than meets the eye:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/15/business/sony-pictures-demands-that-news-organizations-delete-stolen-data.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/15/business/sony-pictures-demands-that-news-organizations-delete-stolen-data.html</a><br />
<br />
Let's be clear: Sony as a company is the victim here. However, the way the executives, board, and PR are handling this case only makes matters worse and calls attention as to whether the executive team is really honest or they are more worry about protecting their personal interests and jobs.<br />
<br />
Secondly, all signs seem to point to the fact that this is an inside job: clearly there is a mole (or ex-mole) in the company for this to even happen. How else can that much data leak without IT noticing? Either IT team is clearly incompetent, or they don't care--in either case, it points to poor judgement on the executive team's part: didn't they learn from the previous Sony hack? What investments have the company made to protect their IT infrastructure and secure the company's data? What on earth were the company's priorities to start with?<br />
<br />
The person (or persons) who did the hack is clearly targeting Sony--not the movie itself (nor the moviegoers for that matter). "The Interview" is simply an opportunistic excuse that plays into the timing of it all. The hacker's motivation here is not about money, but ideology. But why? To answer that the investigation should focus on the question of who might Sony have offended in the past--perhaps a disgruntled (former) employee, contractor, or otherwise person of interest who might want to see Sony destroyed--whether North Korea is involved or not is really a side question at this point:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-mh-these-experts-still-dont-buy-20141221-column.html">http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-mh-these-experts-still-dont-buy-20141221-column.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-sony-hack-inside-job-not-north-korea-20141231-story.html">http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-sony-hack-inside-job-not-north-korea-20141231-story.html</a> <br />
<br />
The best thing that Sony can do now at this point is not to play the PR game and confuse the matter further, but to come clean and face the matter with courage and honor: the company owes its employees--and the rest of the world--at least that much. As to whether the executive team can truly put their personal interests aside and face the truth, only time will tell.Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-20918804267499907112014-12-17T00:08:00.001-08:002014-12-17T00:10:29.417-08:00TI-83 and TI-83+ Calculator TutorialsHere are some TI-83 and TI-83+ tutorials on solving cash flow problems and other equations: <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=48461049"><b>http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=48461049</b></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=46765698"><b>http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=46765698</b></a><br />
<br />
Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-30352056928814578532014-12-14T23:12:00.003-08:002014-12-15T21:17:21.762-08:00SAT Redesigned for 2016According to the College Board, the SAT will be redesigned for 2016:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.collegeboard.org/delivering-opportunity/sat/redesign">https://www.collegeboard.org/delivering-opportunity/sat/redesign</a><br />
<br />
It will be going back to two sections instead of the current three, and the essay will be optional. There will be 8 key changes:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Relevant Words in Context - no more memorizing esoteric SAT word lists</li>
<li>Command of Evidence - a common theme across reading, writing, and essay </li>
<li>Essay Analyzing a Source - read a passage, analyze and explain how the author builds an argument (similar/along the line of essays in AP English)</li>
<li>Focus on Math that Matters Most - focus on 3 areas: problem solving/data analysis, linear algebra, and advanced math</li>
<li>Problems Grounded in Real-World Contexts - more real world based questions</li>
<li>Analysis in Science and in History/Social Studies - applying reading, writing, language, and math skills to answer questions in science, history, and social studies</li>
<li>Founding Documents and Great Global Conversation - more reading passages from US founding documents (such as Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, Federalist Papers, etc.) as well as texts from so-called Great Global Conversations (words from the likes of Edmund Burke, Henry David Thoreau, Gandhi, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Barbara Jordan, and Martin Luther King Jr)</li>
<li>No Penalty for Wrong Answers - guessing is OK</li>
</ol>
Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-54242978150200232682014-04-27T22:36:00.000-07:002014-04-27T22:36:04.148-07:00Stock Market Trends*January Effect: 1/2 - 2/3 up<br />
3/10 - 3/31 up or down<br />
* 4/10 - 4/15 down<br />
4/15 - 4/21 up<br />
5/15 - 6/15 up<br />
* 6/21 - 7/21 drift down<br />
8/1 - 9/15 side-way then up<br />
* 9/15 - 10/21 drift down<br />
*Santa Claus 11/1 - 12/20 up<br />
Tax /Dressing 12/26 - 12/30Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-60059780159659455152014-04-18T23:53:00.001-07:002014-04-18T23:53:07.290-07:00Google Glass Selling Price: $4800 in China Taobao sellers selling Google Glass for 30,000 Yuan:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/us/2014-04/18/content_17444123.htm?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_content=909325&utm_campaign=0">http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/us/2014-04/18/content_17444123.htm?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_content=909325&utm_campaign=0</a>Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-67184162067389799182014-04-17T11:14:00.000-07:002014-04-17T11:14:19.520-07:00Children's Hospital Patients Visit Zoo-Google Glass Explorer ProgramNice use of Google Glass:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG9oN4hJUQ0#t=126">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG9oN4hJUQ0#t=126</a>Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-88459083008508962412014-04-13T02:52:00.000-07:002014-04-13T10:07:27.225-07:00Spend Your Tax Refund on Google GlassLooks like Google is encouraging you to spend your tax refund on a pair of Google Glass--<br />
the company is opening up the Glass Explorer Program on April 15th:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://glassmorgasbord.blogspot.com/2014/04/google-glass-explorer-program-limited.html?view=classic">http://glassmorgasbord.blogspot.com/2014/04/google-glass-explorer-program-limited.html?view=classic</a>Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-5635810244121220372014-04-10T09:04:00.002-07:002014-04-10T09:05:16.377-07:00Saving For Kid's College TuitionNice article on saving for kid's college:<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_654939166"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/story/parents-youre-saving-for-college-all-wrong-2014-04-10?siteid=yhoof2">http://www.marketwatch.com/story/parents-youre-saving-for-college-all-wrong-2014-04-10?siteid=yhoof2</a><br />
<br />
Some tips:<br />
1) When a kid is born, estimate college cost by multiplying current cost by a factor of 3., then shoot to save 1/3 of that (currently that amounts to about $250-$500 per month).<br />
2) Use 529s, state prepaid tuition plans, and <a href="http://www.upromise.com/">Upromise</a>.<br />
<br />
Also tone town expectations about where your kid might attend college (most likely your kid will not make it into a top college):<br />
<br />
<a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/the-exchange/parents-and-their-kids-need-to-chill-out-about-college-174506880.html">http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/the-exchange/parents-and-their-kids-need-to-chill-out-about-college-174506880.html</a>Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-6589191729583224342014-04-04T16:48:00.000-07:002014-04-13T20:54:43.313-07:00Google Glass DevelopmentHow to sideload apps:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.gosphero.com/how-to-load-apps-on-google-glass/">http://www.gosphero.com/how-to-load-apps-on-google-glass/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.glassappsource.com/google-glass-how-to/easy-way-install-apk-google-glass.html">http://www.glassappsource.com/google-glass-how-to/easy-way-install-apk-google-glass.html</a><br />
<a href="http://glassappz.com/ten-easy-steps-to-side-load-an-app-to-google-glass/">http://glassappz.com/ten-easy-steps-to-side-load-an-app-to-google-glass/</a><br />
<a href="http://leetinsider.com/2014/01/26/how-to-sideload-and-uninstall-apps-to-glass/">http://leetinsider.com/2014/01/26/how-to-sideload-and-uninstall-apps-to-glass/</a><br />
<br />
Screencast to PC via ADB:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://neatocode.tumblr.com/post/49566072064/mirroring-google-glass">http://neatocode.tumblr.com/post/49566072064/mirroring-google-glass</a> <br />
<br />
<br />Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-69023624189144520822014-03-30T23:57:00.002-07:002014-04-13T10:08:01.350-07:00WhatsApp AlternativesHere are some WhatsApp alternatives to consider: <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mod-gadget.com/10-whatsapp-alternatives-messaging-apps-protect-privacy/">http://www.mod-gadget.com/10-whatsapp-alternatives-messaging-apps-protect-privacy/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://readwrite.com/2014/02/25/facebook-whatsapp-5-alternative-messaging-services#awesm=~ozBzkx4Aj2K1Xd">http://readwrite.com/2014/02/25/facebook-whatsapp-5-alternative-messaging-services#awesm=~ozBzkx4Aj2K1Xd</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2099700/whatsapp-users-should-switch-to-a-more-secure-service-german-privacy-regulator-urges.html">http://www.pcworld.com/article/2099700/whatsapp-users-should-switch-to-a-more-secure-service-german-privacy-regulator-urges.html</a>Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-86261360216003647632013-05-12T18:12:00.002-07:002014-03-31T00:00:57.344-07:007-step extreme sea survival guide<br />
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/11/sport/ultimate-survival-guide/index.html?hpt=hp_c3">http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/11/sport/ultimate-survival-guide/index.html?hpt=hp_c3</a><br />
<br />
<i>Below is an extract from the newly released <a href="http://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/the-ultimate-survival-manual-9781408192511" target="_blank">Ultimate Survival Manual</a>.
Rich Johnson is a former paratrooper and demolition officer, who once
survived in the desert wilderness for a year, living in a cave and
eating insects. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph2">
<b>Find drinking water at sea</b></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph3">
Water, water, everywhere
-- and not a drop to drink? Not if you're prepared, resourceful, and
willing to put effort into collecting drinkable water. And you should
be: It will save your life.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph3">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph4">
<i>Trap moisture</i></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph5">
Outfit your vessel with a
plastic tarpaulin to catch rainwater and drain it into containers,
allowing the first drops of rain to wash the salt off the tarpaulin. If
you don't have a tarpaulin, use fabric to absorb moisture, then wring it
out into containers. Never drink saltwater—it will make you ill and
speed dehydration and death.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph6">
<i>Pull a "</i><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacGyver" target="_blank">MacGyver</a></i><i>"</i></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph7">
When you've been adrift
at sea for a period of time, all your clothes end up encrusted with salt
crystals. At the first sign of rain, give all your clothes and other
fabric a seawater bath. Yes, it's salty, but not as salty as the salt
residue, which will make any water it contacts undrinkable.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph8">
If you have sails, make a
bowl out of them to capture the water. Tarps, shirts, plastic sheets,
and even the raft itself can all collect water. Any can, bottle, or
other container can store it. The first water you collect will have a
high salt content, so store it separately, and use it to clean wounds or
to wash food before eating.</div>
<div class="cnn_strylftcntnt cnn_strylftcexpbxnv" id="expand111">
<div class="cnnStoryElementBox">
<div class="cnnArticlePhotoContainer" id="photoContainer1112" style="cursor: pointer;">
<div class="cnnStoryElementBox">
</div>
<div class="cnnStoryElementBox">
<cite class="expCaption"><b>Orient yourself by the stars</b> </cite></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph11">
<i>Seek the North Pole</i></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph11">
<i> </i>To find Polaris, the
prominent star that's close to the north celestial pole, look for the
famous pattern of stars called the Big Dipper or the Plough in the
constellation Ursa Major. Mentally draw a line connecting the stars at
the end of the Big Dipper's "bowl," then extend that line out five times
its length to arrive at Polaris. It's hard to miss, since it's the
brightest star in Ursa Minor, or the Little Dipper.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph12">
<i>Seek the South Pole</i></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph13">
Traveling below the
equator? Find the Southern Cross's long axis and extend a line down four
and a half times the axis length. Then locate the bright stars Rigil
Kent and Hadar to the left of the Southern Cross. Figure the midpoint
between these two stars, then imagine a perpendicular line from that
point to the end of the line drawn from the Southern Cross. That
intersection marks the South Pole.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph13">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph14">
<b>Catch fish in open waters</b></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph15">
If you're in a life
raft, small fish often gather beneath the raft, either out of curiosity
or because they feel sheltered there. Who knows? But catching those fish
might satisfy your need for nourishment. Troll a hand-line with a hook
and anything flashy to serve as a lure. Jig the lure up and down a few
meters below the surface, being careful not to snag the life raft with
the hook. After catching a fish, use the guts as bait to catch more.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph15">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph17">
<b>Avoid shark bites</b></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph18">
Sharks don't usually
hunt people as a food source, which is why most shark bites stop there:
Once the shark realizes you're not a nice blubbery seal, it leaves you
alone. Unfortunately, that little "mistake" isn't all that little for
the human on the receiving end of those chompers. Here's how to avoid
those nasty bites:</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph19">
<i>Cede the sea</i></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph20">
While there certainly
are open-ocean predators, most shark threats are in the shallows and
near food sources. Coral reefs are popular hangouts -- and happen to be
the most desirable dive sites. If you're diving in these areas, be aware
of the shark risk before you enter the water, and dive with at least
one partner, as sharks are less likely to mess with a group.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph21">
<i>Get away</i></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph22">
If you do suddenly find
yourself in close quarters with one of these beasts, your best bet is to
get out of the water, swimming away with smooth, even strokes that
won't attract its attention.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph23">
<i>Face your foe</i></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph24">
When a shark wants to
eat you, you'll know in advance: It will hunch its back, lower its fins,
and rush at you in a zigzag. Thrust your spear gun, camera housing,
knife, or whatever else you're packing to discourage it. If you can,
punch its super-sensitive nose or stab at its eyes or gills.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph25">
<i>Submerge</i></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph26">
Divers report successful
evasion by descending to the seafloor and waiting for the sharks to
leave. But that only works if you've got an air tank.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph15">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph27">
<b>Right a capsized boat</b></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph28">
Small sailboats capsize
easily, but luckily, they're easy to right. Crawl up onto the overturned
hull, grab the centerboard (keel), and lean back, using your weight
against the centerboard as a lever to flip the boat over.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph29">
When it's upright, crawl
aboard and bail out the water. If your capsized boat is a motorboat
without a centerboard, righting it will take a bit more doing. Tie one
end of a rope to something secure in the middle of the boat, like an
oarlock. Toss the free end of the rope up onto the hull.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph30">
Crawl onto the hull to
grab the free end of the rope, facing the side where the rope is tied.
Back up toward the water and lean back, using your weight against the
rope to pull the boat over. Once it's upright, scramble on and start
bailing.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph30">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph31">
<b>Put out a boat fire</b></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph32">
A fire on a boat is a life-threatening catastrophe, so it's wise to have a plan in place before you leave shore.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph33">
<i>Step one:</i><i> </i>Store fresh fire extinguishers in locations near the galley and the engine compartment, the two most likely locations for fire.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph34">
<i>Step two:</i><i> </i>If
fire breaks out, move everyone out of the cabin and get them into life
vests. Call VHF channel 16 to report the emergency. Prepare to abandon
ship.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph35">
<i>Step three:</i><i> </i>Fight
the fire with extinguishers, keeping a clear escape route behind you at
all times. Always extinguish fires from the bottom up.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph36">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph37">
<b>Plug a leak</b></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph38">
Water is supposed to
stay on the outside of a boat, but inevitably some gets inside due to
rain or waves coming over the bow. That's not a big problem. However,
when water invades because of a leak, the problem becomes quite real.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph39">
<i>Find the trouble spot</i></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph40">
Your top priority is to
locate the leak. If you can't find it, head for dry land fast. Check to
see that the boat's drain plug is closed -- if it's open, that's your
culprit.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph41">
<i>Heal your hull</i></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph42">
If the leak is caused by
a failed through-hull fitting, stop it with a conical soft-wood plug
that should be tethered to the hull.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph43">
<i>Protect with plastic</i></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph44">
If the hull is fractured
due to impact, place a large plastic sheet across the leak on the
outside of the hull. Secure the plastic with ropes. Water pressure will
help hold it in place as you carefully head for land.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph45">
<i>Use old faithful</i></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph46">
If all else fails, you can repair small cracks with duct tape.</div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph30">
<br /></div>
<div class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph3">
<br /></div>
Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-56049171716100795882013-05-11T23:53:00.003-07:002014-03-31T00:01:44.840-07:00Startups founded by moms/women<br />
<b><a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-silicon-beach-women-20130512,0,6956094.story?page=2">http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-silicon-beach-women-20130512,0,6956094.story?page=2</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Technology investors say they have seen a sharp jump in the number of
Los Angeles-area start-ups founded by women. Here are a few:<br />
<br />
<b>Big Frame: </b>Digital media company that helps grow
YouTube audiences and connect them with advertisers. Co-founder: Sarah
Penna. Culver City; 30 employees.<br />
<b>DogVacay: </b>Online community where members post
openings in their homes for pet-sitting and book pet-sitters.
Co-founder: Karine Nissim Hirschhorn. Santa Monica; 33 employees.<br />
<b>Maker Studios: </b>Digital media company and
multi-channel network of online content. Co-founder: Lisa Donovan.
Culver City; more than 300 employees.<br />
<b>Moonfrye: </b>Online community for families; developing a
do-it-yourself parenting app. Co-founders: Soleil Moon Frye and Kara
Nortman. Looking for L.A. office space; eight employees.<br />
<b>Nasty Gal: </b>Online retailer of edgy clothing for young women. Founder: Sophia Amoruso. Downtown Los Angeles; 300 employees.<br />
<b>NuOrder: </b>Online wholesale platform for the fashion
industry that streamlines the buying process. Co-founder: Olivia Skuza.
West Hollywood; 40 employees.<br />
<b>Pose: </b>Mobile app that enables users to browse and
shop for the latest fashion and beauty trends. Co-founder: Alisa
Gould-Simon. Santa Monica; 13 employees.<br />
<b>PromoJam: </b>Social marketing platform that helps users
create customized online promotions. Co-founder: Amanda MacNaughton.
Venice; 10 employees.<br />
<b>Shop Hers: </b>Online marketplace where users can sell
and buy pre-owned luxury items. Co-founders: Jaclyn Shanfeld and Jenna
Stahl. Santa Monica; five employees.<br />
<b>Tradesy: </b>Fashion resale website and app to sell and buy pre-owned women's clothing. Founder: Tracy DiNunzio. Santa Monica; 22 employees.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/leaning-10-fastest-growing-women-220000832.html">http://finance.yahoo.com/news/leaning-10-fastest-growing-women-220000832.html</a><br />
<br />
Here's a snapshot of the top 10 fastest-growing businesses and their leaders from the list:<br />
<br />
<b>No. 1: Shazi Visram, <a href="http://happyfamilybrands.com/" target="_blank">Happy Family</a> in New York, N.Y.</b><br />
Launched
in 2006, Happy Family makes packaged organic meals and snacks for all
age groups. It reported gross revenues of $63 million last year.<br />
<b>No. 2: Kathy Mills, <a href="http://www.yourstrategic.com/" target="_blank">Strategic Communications</a> in Louisville, Ky.</b><br />
Strategic
Communications provides communication and IT services to business and
government clients. Between 2010 and 2012, its gross revenues grew 80
percent to $42 million.<br />
<b>No. 3: Shelly Sun, <a href="http://www.brightstarcare.com/" target="_blank">BrightStar Franchising</a> LLC in Gurnee, Ill.</b><br />
The
health-care staffing franchisor was founded in 2002 and now counts over
250 locations across the U.S. and $212 million in gross revenues.<br />
<b>Related: <a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/220574#">How to Find Funds to Launch a Franchise</a></b><br />
<b>No. 4: Tiffany Crenshaw, <a href="http://www.intellectresources.com/" target="_blank">Intellect Resources</a> in Greensboro, N.C.</b><br />
Intellect
Resources provides consulting, recruiting and hiring solutions for
businesses in the health-care IT market. Its gross revenues climbed from
$1.5 million in 2010 to $30 million last year.<br />
<b>No. 5: June Ressler, <a href="http://www.cenergyintl.com/" target="_blank">Cenergy International Services LLC</a> in Houston, Texas </b><br />
Founded
by Ressler in 1996, Cenergy provides workforce solutions such as
consulting and logistics management to clients in the oil and gas
industry. It reported nearly $250 million in gross revenues in 2012.<br />
<b>No. 6: Sue Bhatia, <a href="http://www.roseint.com/" target="_blank">Rose International Inc.</a> in Chesterfield, Mo.</b><br />
Rose
International, an IT professional services and consulting firm, was
founded in 1993. Between 2010 and 2012, its gross revenues grew more
than 50 percent to $360 million.<br />
<b>No. 7: Anita Emoff, <a href="http://www.boosttechnologiesllc.com/?page_id=832" target="_blank">Boost Technologies</a> in Dayton, Ohio</b><br />
Specializing
in employee wellness, recognition and awards, Boost Technologies
reported $17 million in gross revenues last year, up from less than $1
million in 2008.<br />
<b>No. 8: Kathleen Croddick, <a href="http://www.suite-k.com/" target="_blank">Suite K</a> of South Brunswick, N.J. </b><br />
Founded
and run by Croddick, Suite K Value Added Services LLC manufactures
beauty products such as fragrances, creams and lotions. Its gross
revenues grew more than 150 percent between 2010 and 2012 to $13
million.<br />
<b>No. 9: Lani Hay, <a href="http://www.lmt-inc.com/" target="_blank">Lanmark Technology</a> in Vienna, Va.</b><br />
Lanmark
Technology provides professional services such as IT and administrative
support to clients in the government and commercial sectors. It
reported gross revenues of $35 million in 2012.<br />
<b>No. 10: Ranjini Poddar, <a href="http://www.artechinfo.com/" target="_blank">Artech Information Systems LLC</a> in Cedar Knolls, N.J. </b><br />
With gross revenues of nearly $350 million, Artech is the largest women-owned IT staffing company in the U.S., according to WPO.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225219">http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225219</a><br />
<br />
<div class="artsidebar" style="width: 260px;">
Woman entrepreneurs to watch in 2013: </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<ul class="cont h12">
<li><a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225219#sophia">Sophia Amoruso, Tastemaker</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225219-2">Linda Rottenberg, Entrepreneurship Advocate</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225219-3">Olga Koper, Nanotechnologist</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225219-4">Yael Cohen, Philanthropist</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225219-5">Maria Flynn, Biotechnology Executive</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225219-6">Tara Hunt, Social Marketing Authority</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225219-7">Jane McGonigal, Game Developer</a> </li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_23219120/moms-driving-family-tech-boom">http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_23219120/moms-driving-family-tech-boom</a><br />
<br />
<b>Disney Story App:</b> photo story<br />
<b>UrbanSitter:</b> baby-sitter finder<br />
<b>BabyJunk:</b> used baby goods<br />
<b>ActivityHero:</b> camps, classes, and activities for kids<br />
<b>Timbuktu:</b> iPad magazine for children<br />
<b>TinkerLab:</b> creative projects for kids<br />
<b>KitchenKid:</b> culinary school for children<br />
<b>CitrusLane:</b> care packages<br />
<b>ToyTalk:</b> family entertainmentPhilip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-73809808038047661032012-10-07T18:49:00.002-07:002014-03-31T00:01:58.103-07:00Selling eBooks<br />
Selling eBooks:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.websitemagazine.com/content/blogs/posts/pages/selling-ebooks.aspx">http://www.websitemagazine.com/content/blogs/posts/pages/selling-ebooks.aspx</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_8273981_doityourself-publish-religious-book-online.html">http://www.ehow.com/how_8273981_doityourself-publish-religious-book-online.html</a><br />
<br />
Publish your ebook on one of the many ebook platforms available. These include Amazon's Kindle, BN's Nook, Apple's iPad and Sony's Reader. Submit your ebook to each of them
yourself. Or use a service that converts your book into the proper
format for each reader, and submits them for you. One such service is
Smashwords, which takes a percentage of your profit and also allows you
to offer your ebook for free. Lulu has a similar service. You have to
use a service like Smashwords or Lulu to get into Apple's iBookstore.
Sell ebooks as PDFs or Word documents from your own website, or through a
third-party site such as Clickbank or Scribd.<br />
<br />
POD publishers handle all the details for you such as editing, book
cover, ISBN and typesetting, with packages ranging from $500 to more
than $5000. You can purchase your own International Standard Book
Number, a 13-digit commercial book identifier, for about $125 from R.R.
Bowker. Publishers will make your book available at Amazon and other
online stores. Such companies include CreateSpace, Lulu, iUniverse, AuthorHouse, Issuu, Yudu.com, and Edocr. Other POD companies aimed at the Christian and religious
markets include ACW Press, Bethany Press and Xulon Press. Lulu and
CreateSpace allow you to upload your book for no upfront fees. Both take
a percentage of each book sold.<br />
<br />
Form a publishing company for maximum control, using POD only to print
the book. You make more money if you go this route, though it involves
more work. Lulu and CreateSpace are printer options. Some
self-publishers opt to go directly to Lightning Source. You'll have a
learning curve and some upfront fees, including buying your own block of
ISBNs. Many authors find that it's worth it. Working directly with
Lightning Source results in a lower print price per book. The company
also provides ebook formats.<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-63057759225778779902012-09-24T00:58:00.003-07:002014-04-13T10:06:31.618-07:00Yet Another 10 Free Tools for System Administrators <h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
[Originally by John Bagley (john_bagley@sbcglobal.net) from March 2010 edition of Redmondmag.com]<br />
<br />
Audit Active Directory and file servers, detect inactive users, block USB devices, and more - for free<br />
The following freeware tools by Windows IT Pro Community Choice Awards
finalist NetWrix Corporation can save you a lot of time and make your
network more efficient - at absolutely no cost. Some of these tools have
advanced commercial versions with additional features, but none of them
will expire and stop working when you urgently need them.<br />
<br />
1.
Active Directory Change Reporter (Windows IT Pro Sep'09: InstantDoc ID
102446, Windows IT Pro Jan'09: InstantDoc ID 100593, TechTarget <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/Kf9kn3s">www.tinyurl.com/Kf9kn3s</a>) - This
is a simple auditing tool to keep tabs on what's going on inside Active
Directory. The tool tracks changes to users, groups, OUs, and other types of AD objects, and sends summary reports with full
lists of what was changed and how it was changed. In addition, it has a nice "rollback" feature that helps rollback unwanted changes (including deletions) very quickly. <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/Ge2gzb5">www.tinyurl.com/Ge2gzb5</a><br />
<br />
2. USB Blocker (Windows IT Pro Nov'09: InstantDoc ID 102860) - Users bring tons of consumer devices: flash drives, MP3 players, cell phones, etc., into the office and this aptly-named
tool can block them with a couple of mouse clicks to prevent the spread
of a virus and to restrict the take-out of confidential information. The
product is integrated with Active Directory and is very easy to use. <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/Zh5a8w8">www.tinyurl.com/Zh5a8w8</a><br />
<br />
3. Password Expiration Notifier (Redmond Magazine Feb'09, 4sysops <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/TYe7ak">www.tinyurl.com/TYe7ak</a>) -
This tool will automatically remind users to change passwords before
they expire to keep you safe from password reset calls. It works nicely
for users who don't log on interactively and, thus, never receive standard password change reminders at log on time (e.g., VPN and OWA users). <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/Fk3tqr7">www.tinyurl.com/Fk3tqr7</a><br />
<br />
4. Inactive Users Tracker (MS TechNet Magazine May'08 <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/N56p4n5">www.tinyurl.com/N56p4n5</a>) - This feature
tracks down inactive user accounts (e.g., terminated employees) so you
can easily disable them, or even remove them entirely, to eliminate
potential security holes. The tool sends reports on a regular schedule,
showing what accounts have been inactive for a configurable period of
time (e.g., 2 months). <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/yk5A873">www.tinyurl.com/yk5A873</a><br />
<br />
5. File Server Change Reporter (4sysops.com <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ih55n2d">www.tinyurl.com/ih55n2d</a>) - This tool enhances the
line of auditing tools; this one for file servers. File Server Change
Reporter detects changes in files, folders, permissions, tracks deleted,
and newly-created files, and sends daily summary reports. This is a
very useful tool to detect mistakenly-deleted files and recover from
backup or to see if someone changes some important files. <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/yh9y3e8">www.tinyurl.com/yh9y3e8</a><br />
<br />
6.
Active Directory Object Restore Wizard (4sysops.com <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/BRces62">www.tinyurl.com/BRces62</a>) - This tool can
save the day if someone accidentally (or intentionally) deleted a bunch
of Active Directory objects. It provides granular object-level and even
attribute-level restore capabilities to quickly rollback unwanted
changes (e.g., mistakenly deleted users, modified group memberships,
etc). <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ygjr34b">www.tinyurl.com/ygjr34b</a><br />
<br />
7. VMware Change Reporter
(TechTarget/SearchVirtualDesktop <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/Kzpc4s3">www.tinyurl.com/Kzpc4s3</a>) - If you don't know what is being
changed by your colleagues in the VMware infrastructure, it's very easy
to get lost and miss changes that can affect the things for which you
are responsible. This tool tracks and reports configuration changes in
VMware Virtual Center settings and permissions. <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/yjjh3j3">www.tinyurl.com/yjjh3j3</a><br />
<br />
8. Windows
Service Monitor (WindowsReference.com <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/Qzh9fog">www.tinyurl.com/Qzh9fog</a>) - This very simple monitoring
tool alerts you when some Windows service accidentally stops on one of
your servers. The tool also detects services that fail to start at boot
time, which sometimes happens, for example, with Exchange Server. <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/yh5gfvs">www.tinyurl.com/yh5gfvs</a><br />
<br />
9. Bulk Password Reset (reviewed by SoftPedia <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/Lgntax2">www.tinyurl.com/Lgntax2</a>) - While most companies
have strong password policies for their employees, one critical issue is
still neglected: local Administrator passwords on all servers are
usually managed in a "set and forget" fashion,
sometimes using some "well-known" passwords, opening a major surface
for security attacks. The Bulk Password Reset tool quickly resets local
account passwords on all servers at once, making them more secure. <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/yhpequw">www.tinyurl.com/yhpequw</a><br />
<br />
10. Disk Space Monitor (MS TechNet Magazine Sep'09 <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/Rzrvm77">www.tinyurl.com/Rzrvm77</a>) - Even with today's terabyte-large hard drives, server disk space tends to run out quickly and unexpectedly. This
simple monitoring tool will send you daily reports regarding all servers
that are running low on disk space, below the configurable threshold. <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/y29k38j">www.tinyurl.com/y29k38j</a><br />
<br />
(More tools: <a href="http://www.windowsitpro.com/article/utilities/yet-another-8-absolutely-cool-totally-free-utilities">http://www.windowsitpro.com/article/utilities/yet-another-8-absolutely-cool-totally-free-utilities</a>) Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-85588215032518583532010-08-08T15:27:00.001-07:002014-04-07T00:18:02.358-07:00PHP Scripts With Cron<span style="background-color: white;">You will need to find out the answer to the following question, “Is my <b>PHP</b> installed as CGI or as an Apache module?”. To find out do the following: Create a new file, name it info.<b>php</b> (just an example), and put in the following code:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">< ? phpinfo(); ? ></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Upload to your webserver and go to it with your browser.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Now check for Server API (4th item from the top), if it says “CGI”, you have <b>PHP</b> compiled as CGI, if it reads “Apache”, you have it running as an Apache module.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="background-color: white;">Compiled CGI<span></span></span></h2>
<span style="background-color: white;">If the answer to the question above is “CGI” then you need to add a line to your <b>PHP</b> <b>script</b>. It has to be the first line of your <b>script</b> and must contain your server’s <b>PHP</b> executable location:</span><br />
<pre><span style="background-color: white;"><code>#!/usr/local/bin/<b>php</b> -q</code></span></pre>
<span style="background-color: white;">That looks a lot like PERL now, doesn’t it? After that let’s add the necessary command to our crontab. Edit /etc/crontab and add the following line:</span><br />
<pre><span style="background-color: white;"><code>* * * * * <b>php</b> /path/to/your/<b>cron</b>.<b>php</b></code></span></pre>
<span style="background-color: white;">Execute the following from the command line:</span><br />
<pre><span style="background-color: white;"><code>Shell> crontab crontab</code></span></pre>
<span style="background-color: white;">Be sure your “<b>script</b>.<b>php</b>” has the necessary permissions to be executable (“chmod 755 <b>script</b>.<b>php</b>”).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Now you are all set!</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="background-color: white;">Apache module</span></h2>
<span style="background-color: white;">If your <b>PHP</b> is installed using the Apache module, the approach is a little different. First, you need access to Lynx (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://lynx.isc.org/lynx2.8.5/index.html">Lynx Browser</a> for more information). Lynx is a small <a class="iAs" classname="iAs" href="http://www.htmlcenter.com/blog/running-php-scripts-with-cron/#" itxtdid="6666357" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0.2em dotted rgb(43, 101, 176) ! important; font-size: 100% ! important; font-weight: normal ! important; padding-bottom: 0px ! important; padding-left: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; text-decoration: none ! important;" target="_blank">web <nobr id="itxt_nobr_54_0" style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal;">browser<img src="http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif" name="itxt-icon-0" style="border: 0pt none; display: inline ! important; float: none; height: 10px; left: 1px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; position: relative; top: 1px; width: 10px;" /></nobr></a>, generally available on Unix and Linux.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Running your <b>PHP</b> <b>script</b> will not require you to add any additional lines. You simply have to edit your /etc/crontab file and add the following line:</span><br />
<pre><span style="background-color: white;"><code>* * * * * lynx -dump http://www.somedomain.com/<b>cron</b>.<b>php</b></code></span></pre>
<span style="background-color: white;">(or if email notification is not needed:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;">*/15 * * * * </span><code>lynx -dump http://www.somedomain.com/<b>cron</b>.<b>php</b></code><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%;"> >/dev/null 2>&1 )</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Please note that in general, you have to specify the entire URL (with “http://” and so on). But depending on your Lynx’s configuration, the URL might be relative; I suggest always using the absolute reference as in my example above – it always works.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Again execute the following from the command line:</span><br />
<pre><span style="background-color: white;"><code>Shell> crontab crontab</code></span></pre>
Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-66220354138898265122010-06-28T17:36:00.000-07:002014-04-15T18:46:55.122-07:00Behavioral InterviewingThe following is a description of what behavioral interviewing is all about:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.brockport.edu/career/behave.htm">http://www.brockport.edu/career/behave.htm</a><br />
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20100529172317/https://www.brockport.edu/career/behave.htm">https://web.archive.org/web/20100529172317/https://www.brockport.edu/career/behave.htm</a><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<b>BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWING</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Behavioral interviewing is a style of interviewing that was developed in the 1970's by industrial psychologists. Behavioral interviewing asserts that "the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in a similar situation." Currently, most organizations are using behavioral interviewing to some degree.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unlike traditional interviews, which include such questions as:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Tell me about yourself.<br />2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?<br />3. Why are you interested in working for us?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Behavioral interviewing emphasizes past performance and behaviors. As a consequence, candidates unprepared for the rigor of behavioral interviewing have not fared well. Simply practicing the list of common interview questions no longer works.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Why should you prepare for behavioral interview?</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">· Candidates who prepare for behavioral interviews are better prepared - even for traditional interviews.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">· Using behavioral answers works well with inexperienced interviewers.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">· Companies that invest the time and energy in developing behavioral interviews often attract top candidates. Top candidates make the company a more desirable place to work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How do I prepare for a behavioral interview?</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Companies that employ behavioral interviewing have predetermined the skill sets they require for a particular position. These skill sets could include: decision making and problem solving, leadership, motivation, communication, interpersonal skills, planning and organization, critical thinking skills, team building and the ability to influence others. The company determines the skill sets by doing a detailed analysis of the position they are seeking to fill. Job seekers also must go through this same process. To conduct a job analysis the job seeker should ask questions such as:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />1. What are the necessary skills to do this job?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. What makes a successful candidate?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. What would make an unsuccessful candidate?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Why have people left this position previously?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. What is the most difficult part of this job?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you have landed the interview, keep in mind the following points.<br />· Be detailed and specific. You should have developed three stories that illustrate your past performance. Remember that the interviewer will be operating under the premise that "past performance in a similar setting is the best predictor of future performance."</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best way to accomplish this is to use the three-step STAR process or<br />1. Situation or Task<br />2. Action<br />3. Result or outcome</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For example, you might recount a time when communication within your work group had broken down (situation). To resolve the problem, you organized informal lunch meetings for people to discuss relevant issues (action). Morale then improved, as did the lines of communication (result). Using this three step STAR process is a powerful way for you to frame your experiences and accomplishments for the interviewer.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">· Limit rambling and tangents. While you can't control what is asked, you can control what you say.<br />· Listen carefully to each question. If you are unsure, rephrase the question and ask for clarification. When you respond, be sure to recall your past accomplishments in detail.<br />· Practice your behavioral stories using real-life examples. It is very difficult to make up behavioral stories, which is why behavioral interviewing is becoming more popular. By practicing, you will be able to recall with confidence your past accomplishments.</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sample Behavioral Interview Questions</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Decision Making and Problem Solving</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give me an example of a time when you had to keep from speaking or making a decision because you did not have enough information.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give me an example of a time when you had to be quick in coming to a decision.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Leadership</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is the toughest group that you have had to get cooperation from?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever had difficulty getting others to accept your ideas? What was your approach? Did it work?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Motivation</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Describe a situation when you were able to have a positive influence on the action of others.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Communication</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tell me about a situation when you had to speak up (be assertive) in order to get a point across that was important to you.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever had to "sell" an idea to your co-workers or group? How did you do it? Did they "buy" it?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Interpersonal Skills</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What have you done in the past to contribute toward a teamwork environment?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Describe a recent unpopular decision you made and what the result was.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Planning and Organization</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do you decide what gets top priority when scheduling your time?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you do when your schedule is suddenly interrupted? Give an example.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Other Behavioral Questions</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give a specific example of a policy you conformed to with which you did not agree.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give me an example of an important goal which you had set in the past and tell me about your success in reaching it.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet to extricate yourself from a difficult situation.</span></div>
Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-4224791071240305482010-06-05T18:02:00.000-07:002010-06-05T18:07:57.598-07:00Long-Term Jobless Face Tough OddsAccording to Yahoo/AP News, one who is jobless should scramble to find a new job as soon as possible because it is becoming increasingly difficult for someone who is out of a job for more than six months to find a new job:<br /><br /><a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Growing-ranks-of-longterm-apf-1793753012.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=main&asset=&ccode">http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Growing-ranks-of-longterm-apf-1793753012.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=main&asset=&ccode</a>=Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-40987049779254031412010-04-15T23:19:00.001-07:002010-06-05T18:09:16.434-07:00The Super-Awesome-Mega-Optimal Guide to Links - Website Magazine - Website Magazine<a href="http://www.websitemagazine.com/content/blogs/posts/pages/the-super-awesome-mega-optimal-guide-to-links.aspx">THE SUPER-AWESOME-MEGA-OPTIMAL GUIDE to Links - Website Magazine - Website Magazine</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com/">ShareThis</a>Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-10117583567753672102010-04-15T23:18:00.001-07:002010-04-15T23:18:07.222-07:00Top 50: Resources for Design Inspiration - Website Magazine - Website Magazine<a href=http://www.websitemagazine.com/content/blogs/posts/archive/2010/03/23/top-50-resources-for-design-inspiration.aspx>Top 50: Resources for Design Inspiration - Website Magazine - Website Magazine</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360226067335871998.post-82189745236724160722009-01-17T18:35:00.000-08:002009-01-17T18:38:27.597-08:00Circuit City Closing All StoresHere are the Bay Area Circuit City Stores to be closed:<br /><br />Circuit City - Sunnyvale - 111 East El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA - (408) 720-1043<br />Circuit City - San Jose - 4080 Stevens Creek Boulevard, San Jose, CA - (408) 296-5522<br />Circuit City - 1731 E Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto, CA - (650) 321-2920<br />Circuit City - 1825 Hillsdale Ave, San Jose, CA - (408) 723-2753<br />Circuit City - San Jose - 5353 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA - (408) 266-1215<br />Circuit City - Fremont - 43706 Christy Street, Fremont, CA - (510) 661-0267<br />Circuit City - San Jose - 2217 Quimby Road, San Jose, CA - (408) 223-1390<br />Circuit City - Hayward - 2480 Whipple Road, Hayward, CA - (510) 477-0643<br />Circuit City - San Mateo - 1880 South Grant Street, San Mateo, CA - (650) 578-1400<br />Circuit City - Santa Cruz - 1664 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, CA - (831) 464-0119<br />Circuit City - Dublin - 7153 Amador Plaza Road, Dublin, CA - (925) 833-2525<br />Circuit City - 1007 Cochrane Rd, Morgan Hill, CA - (408) 779-1246<br />Circuit City - 400 Longfellow St, Livermore, CA - (925) 454-5331<br />Circuit City - Daly City - 303 Gellert Boulevard, Daly City, CA - (650) 755-0101<br />Circuit City - 1200 Van Ness Ave # 1, San Francisco, CA - (415) 441-1033Philip C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07123692547009114914noreply@blogger.com