meebo chat client

Committed to using a web based IM client (chat history included) - instead of using a messaging client. And so far - I dont think Ill be going back... (more and more services should be moving to web based services/apps)
BENEFITS:
-no installed app on my pc
-does many chat clients
-able to record chat history
CONS:
-indication of new chat message is not super clear, but you do get a sound, and it does have an optional plugin for firefox to aid in this

cheaper cell service/market shakeup eminent?

3 times I have used Amazon to get a decent cellphone - that they payed me to take! Those days are now over. A search on their website comes up mostly with phones that cost a penny - and much more. What happened?

Now rumors are abound about the shakeup in the industry. With the big battle just heating up BTWN Apples iPhone and Googles Android, the other carriers are (and need to be) pulling out all the stops. Hence my research begins for what is to come...

>> ClarkHoward
>> PCmag

>> Engadget

In another boon for cheap cellular service, we're beginning to hear word about something from T-Mobile called Project Black. This cryptically named market thrust will reportedly usher in much lower price points for unlimited service starting at $50/month. But for now, this is just a rumor until it goes public.

"Also, expect MetroPCS and myCricket to merge if Project Black is real."

my local Walmart is already carrying Straight Talk Phones:
4004 Lawrenceville Hwy Nw, Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 921-9224

Now the question is, does anyone know how/where to get a smartphone flashed to work on the ST(Straight Talk) network? Cuz I want a decent smart phone to use on their network.

On Tracfones with SIM cards, the carrier can be identified in the same manner as any other SIM-based phone, by interpreting the SIM number. On T-Mobile phones, the first line of the SIM number will end in "SIMT5", on Cingular/AT&T, the first line will end in "SIMC4".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TracFone_Wireless

Verizon is CDMA. No special sim cards, you just have to flash the PRL. The only other thing is, most CDMA providers require that your ESN (phone's serial number) be in their database and attached to your account. This would be the difficult part. Requires either someone on the inside, or a company-approved program (or clever social engineering).

Straight Talk is one of TracFone's newest brands and as of July 30, 2009 provides customers with two different value based 30-day rate plans. Straight Talk is an MVNO that uses Verizon's CDMA 1XRTT wireless network which was introduced in 2001 and is said to deliver between 40 and 60 kbs (kilobits per second) to customers[7]. Straight Talk's coverage is limited in certain areas (most of Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Mississippi and western Texas)[8] but provides good coverage in the major metro areas

Looks like Page Plus has a comparable deal.

WARNING: Buzzirk Mobile, Global Verge, Zero1 Mobile, are scams.

And beware - there are probably many more to come. Be smart, do the research.

>> Use Google Voice with your existing number
>> The quest for a truly open smartphone: can it be done?
>> Nokia N900
>> Maemo
>> OKI 900 (old school)
>> Free AT&T phones (w/new service/contract)

Thanks to my friend Paul Sibley [f] for getting me started on the research.

times, they are a changin...

Be aware, that the market has changed/is changing - not just for designers - but for everyone. Maybe leverage these tools for projects that are assigned to you? Or for you to make a career decision? At the very least, look around and test one or two out just to see the possibilities - or maybe earn some extra cash. Or maybe someone could create a business(team?) around this "crowd sourced" model?

From websites, logos, business cards, and more... (and if your jobs not listed - it may be soon).
>> http://www.crowdspring.com
>> http://zooppa.com
>> http://www.designbay.com
>> http://99designs.com
>> http://www.designcrowd.com
>> http://www.logodesignguru.com
>> http://www.mistersoft.org
>> http://www.getafreelancer.com

>> the video that inspired this post (apologies - its only on facebook)
>> and the Zooppa video that I saw a week before that made me think

ps. my only question is, why is facebook, information week, and others - seemingly restricting the direct sharing of their videos? Funny that there is still some huge limitations in all this interconnectedness.

time to buy some new tires

I was dissapointed to find out that the tire site Ive been using for the past 2 years upped their pricing (by $20 on the tire I used to buy from them). So I went looking...

Things to think about while you are looking around is: installation price, taxes, shipping, free rotation?, and more.

https://www.tiresavings.com
$50 ($131 total)($32 shipping for 2) Federal Triangle TR918 205/55ZR16

https://www.tirerack.com
$56 ($144 total)($22 shipping for 2) BFGoodrich Traction T/A T 205/55R16

http://www.unsertire.com
$74 (free shipping) 205/55HR16 NEXEN N5000/89H/BSW

I then called my trusted local shop to get a quote.
They only had the NEXEN N5000 for $79(99 installed).

Once you find the cheapest tire you want, do a search on that tire brand and model (ex: Federal Triangle TR918). I clicked on images in Google, then looked at the sites with images, and checked the prices quickly on those sites. I actually found a tire I liked better for just a little more money.

http://tires-easy.com
$54 ($33 shipping for 2) Federal Triangle TR968 215/50 R17 91V

So I went from: $60 Hankook k106 205/55R-16 to a $70 Federal Triangle TR968 215/50 R17 91V (including shipping)

>> FYI - nice tire review site

Borrow from Kiva for U.S. Entrepreneurs

Kiva.org, a great concept has finally come home (on a limited basis - areas of New York, San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta and Miami). One of the reasons we are here is to help each other. Kiva enables you to help others by lending them money. If you've got $25 or more in your bank account, why not try lending it?
>> Another take on the move to the U.S.
>> News originally from TechCrunch
>> 2 sites for P2P Lending(Microfinance) - in CHINA

qajack?

Qajack. A social networking, video based, question and answer site (with some reward?). Not sure exactly what will drive this, but it is interesting. And for this society, it gives you another opportunity to show your ego - and therefore - could be popular - just for that. Im curious to hear the variety of answers to the questions I post. And Im sure you've got some questions - now all you need is a web cam.

a New Era o' Beers

So whilst I was with the boys on the annual Hopfest snowboarding trip, we accidentally stumbled across a surprisingly tasty beer - Giddy Up. This reminded me of a recent beer experience that I had at the Decatur beer festival. It stood out, as the best beer that I have had in some time. So much so - I had to take a photo - so that I wouldnt forget (pictured above). Then last night, I was introduced to the Goosinator - which finally sparked this blog post.

Old Heathen (by Weyerbacher, Easton, PA)
http://www.weyerbacher.com/cwo.php?id=7&page_id=24

Giddy Up (by New Belgium, Fort Collins, Colorado)
http://justbeer.wordpress.com/2008/11/10/new-belgium-giddy-up/

Goosinator Doppelbock (by Left Hand Brewing Co., Longmont, Colorado)
http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/1144737