Web 2.0

As I scour the Internet for new applications I am amazed by all of the new Web 2.0 developments and can only imagine what the future holds. A lot of venture capital is now being invested in some of these new companies looking for the next Google. In my travels I came across this wonderfully crafted site that has aggregated new and upcoming Web 2.0 companies. Take a look at www.go2web20.net to get a sense of what is happening on the Web 2.0 front.If you haven't already used it Google has integrated Writely and their Spreadsheet application on the web. This is just a glimpse of what is possible-just imagine access to a word processor and spreadsheet wherever you are. Just add a text to speech and their you have it a talking word processor over the web. Better yet, you can collaborate on your...

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Posted in: Gliffy,Web 2.0,Writely

[TIPS] another great pumpkin carving site

http://tinyurl.com/wg2jr   I almost forgot about this one. ANother truly amazing collection of pumpkin carvin...

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[TIPS] Halloween sites 2 C

BOO!   Oh... sorry. Didn't really mean to scare you. :-) But hey.. 'tis the season, no?   Speaking of the season, this tip is a reminder about an oldie but a goodie for Halloween clipart. http://www.halloween-clipart.com has to be the BEST clipart site for this kind of stuff EVER. Great little animations, backgrounds, signs... much more. When viewing them, but sure to notice the Next button under the table containing the images or you'll miss most of them.   Then there's this site: http://www.villafanestudios.com/pumpkins.htm  I've sent out sites before that had great pumpkin carvings, but I think this one tops them all. Amazing! What talented people there are in the world.   - - - http://k12onlineconference.org/ update - - - Today's topics include: "Not Just...

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[TIPS] Back to school with WEb 2.0- - Part 3

http://www.solutionwatch.com/519/back-to-school-with-the-class-of-web-20-part-3/   This is the third in the series of "don't-miss" articles about how the new web 2.0 tools are impacting - or COULD BE impacting - our schools. If you missed the previous two parts, the links to those are along the right side.   Consider this professional development and read all three parts.   - - k12OnlineConference Update - - - The two threads this week are "Professional Development" and "Overcoming Obstacles". Check out this week's offereings at http://k12onlineconference.org &nb...

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What Should You Seek Out in Contact Management Systems?

Contact management systems can help you manage the effectiveness of the marketing strategies you use. Why put together a haphazard spreadsheet to track contacts when you can use contact management systems that can do more complex fork for you?Your first job when starting a business is development of the business, not software development. Don’t spend time custom-designing contact management systems when you could be getting more contacts.WHAT TYPE OF CONTACT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS DO YOU NEED?You can spend over $25,000 on a complex contact management system if you want to, but what you spend it not as critical as the amount of time you spend using the system. Most products work well off the shelf, but there are two that stand out – ACT and Goldmine. What’s the difference?1. ACT is just over...

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Sales Calls Are More Than Just Selling

Sales calls can be exciting, but extremely stressful. While as a new business owner you may be tempted to focus on the sales angle of the sales calls, you need to focus just as much on the information you’re getting.Prior to a sales call, you should have done your homework about the prospect’s business. Find out how many computer users the company has, the number of computer systems, software applications, types of operating systems and their general problems.How can you make the most of a sales call?LISTEN, DON’T TALKThe sales call is about the prospect, and not you. Let them speak, vent and reveal information that will help you make the sale.TAKE DILIGENT NOTESYou can’t rely on your memory in a sales call. If you have a pen or pencil and paper, you will appear professional, interested...

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Other Blogs of Interest

One of the highlights of going to conferences like Closing the Gap is having a chance to sit down with your colleagues and find out how they are using various technologies to meet the needs of students with disabilities. At closing the Gap I had a chance to chat with Lucy, Brian, Nora, Kirk, and David and was just amazed at how they are using technology.Some of my colleagues have some wonderful blogs which should be of interest to use.Lucy Gray is an Apple Distinguished Educator from Chicago and has some wonderful ideas about using technology with students. Lucy's blog can be found at: http://elemenous.typepad.com/weblog/2006/10/friday_5_found_.htmlBrian W. Wojcik, Nora Bardi, Kirk Behnke, and Dave Hohulin did a presentation aboutBlogs, Wiki's, Webcasts, Etc. - New Tools for Students with...

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Very new, very active, very impressive!...

A quick note to make a reference to a new IBM Informix dedicated site.It's called Informix Zone ( http://informix-zone.com/ ) and it's maintained by Eric Herber, but it's a cooperative site. You can sign in and give him an hand.The site is very active, and this seems to reflect all the excitement surrounding IDS technology that keeps increasing, fuelled by IBM investment it this technology.Keep an open eye on th...

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When 'Exclusive' is not really exclusive...

One situation that can really annoy an IBM Informix DBA happens when you're trying to ALTER TABLE [...] and you get the error "Non exclusive access when executing a DDL...". You then think... "Oh... I'll lock it in exclusive mode"... And after killling some sessions, setting the lock mode to WAIT and opening a transaction you get the desired 'exclusive' lock. Then you try the ALTER TABLE again and what happens? The same error! How can it be you ask?! Read on...First let me say that this same subject is referenced in one of the many technical support articles. The link is here. Why am I writing this then? Well, because I think there's a bit more than what the article says... But please understand that everyhing in that article is correct, and that it solves the problem in most cases.Let's...

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A Good Experience

Just yesterday I had the opportunity to try out video conferencing over Skype with my graduate class in assistive technology. Deb Barrows from Crick Software was gracious enough to come on-line using the video feature found in Skype. For the most part it worked out great-we are having some bandwidth issues on the campus which should be remedied shortly but every once in awhile Deb's voice would break up and go in and out. This was partially fixed by turning off the video stream. Everyone in the class was able to see her as we spoke about Clicker 5 and the just announced Clicker Paint programs. After a short introduction, Deb set up a GotoMeeting session and we were able to share Deb's computer desktop. Deb walked us through creating a Clicker 5 ebook which went extremely well and then she...

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Posted in: assistive technology,clicker 5,clicker paint,Skype,video conferencing,webcam

[TIPS] more k12onlineconference sessions today

I was under the mistaken impression that there were no more new sessions today. Turns out that there are, and there are some more good titles. Basic/Advanced Training - “Wiki While You Work (Basic)”, “Globally Literate”, “Hardy’s Wessex:video editing and learning online”, and “Moodling Around: A Virtual Tour (Basic)”. YES!!! One on Moodle!!Check 'em ...

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[TIPS] CamStudio - Desktop Screen Recorder

http://sourceforge.net/projects/camstudio/http://sourceforge.net/projects/camstudio/"CamStudio records activity from your screen and audio from a microphoneinto AVI video files and can also convert the AVIs into Streaming Flashvideos (SWFs) using its built-in SWF Producer."Did you see the SourceForge name in the URL? That means Open Source.Free. Gotta love that, eh?- - - K12 update - - -Have you been catching any of the k12online conference? More coming nextweek. If you missed the presentations don't worry. They'll be archivedfor you to watch later on. Is that a great idea, or wh...

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Are Children Suffering from "Nature Deficit Disorder"?

Clearly, the more time children spend indoors with technology like video games and television, the less time they're spending outside, getting in touch with nature. Now, studies are suggesting that children are beginning to suffer from "nature deficit disorder," leading to hyperactivity, obesity and attention deficit. These studies point to this as a growing health threat... yet recommend that kids spend more time outdoors to foster their creativity and challenge their intellect.Source: World Future Soci...

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[TIPS] What happened on YOUR birthday?

Here's a fun thing to get started with your students. Get a list of their birthdays. On the given day send that student to a computer in the library and have him or her visit this site: http://www.paulsadowski.org/BirthDay.asp. (Thanks Barry) There they will enter the date of their birthday and get back all sorts of things that happened on that day. Try it yourself - unless you don't want to be reminded that Eisenhour was President, that is. :-)- - - k12 update - -On the agenda today:“Listening to the voices: student empowerment through collaborative learning projects beyond the school walls”, "RSS for Educators (Advanced)", "Getting to Know FLickr", and this one with the great title, "iPods- iSpeak- iSing- iListen- iLearn”If you do the RSS one, don't forget to watch the 4 part series from...

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Mixing and Matching

Today I was working with a middle school student trying to put together a system of tools that could work for him at home. As much I would like to find tools that give students the most coverage for what they need, it often comes down to looking at several different pieces of software to do the trick. Working with the middle school student who has difficulty getting started with writing book reports and essays, it was apparent that looking at programs like Inspiration and Draft:Builder would be great starting points. I showed the student the programs and had him try it out so that I could get his feedback. After using the programs he thought that Draft:Builder could do the trick for him. We next took a look how Dragon Naturally Speaking could integrate with Draft:Builder and I had the student...

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Posted in: assistive technology,Draft:Builder,inspiration. Dragon Naturally Speaking

bits n Bytes online

The latest issue of Bits n Bytes, the newsletter for Tech Services of the CAIU, is now online. I encourage you to check it out. The article on Internet2 is especially good, I think. And then there's my column, of course. :-)   http://www.caiu.org/43833812384423/lib/43833812384423/_files/Oct_06PQ-issue.pdf &nb...

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[TIPS] 180 Tech Tips - and the K12Online Conference

http://www.180techtips.com/1.htm   That link is to a page that was created by one of PA's Keystones teachers. A tip a day, all archived and easily accessible. Check it out. He did an excellent job, and the tips are easy to follow.   - - k12onlineconference.org update - - I hope you had a chance to view the presentation yesterday on using a wiki with first graders. Catch her excitement and enthusiasm. Don't forget, wikispaces.com is still giving away free wikis to educators. You should grab one now before too many other teachers catch on to this wiki idea and the free wikis are gone.   What's on today's agenda? "RSS - A Four Part Series" (by some guys you might know), "Publish Your Podcast in Less Than 5 Minutes using Taking It Global.", "Two Way Teaching: An Overview of the...

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IDS@IIUG

IIUG - International Informix Users Group has made available a version of IDS - Informix Dynamic Server version 10.00xC5.This version is limited to 5 concurrent sessions, has no "timebomb" and has some legal limitations. It's mainly for educational purposes and can't be used in production environments.To have access to the download area one has to become an IIUG member. This is free, easy, and you'll have access to some other resources.If you need to study or want to find out more about IDS, then you shouldn't miss this opportunity.You're just about 130MB away before you can install, test and learn anything you want about IDS. This is the newest version available and you can download it for several OS (AIX, Solaris and HPUX in 64 bit versions, Linux [x86] and Windows in 32 bit versio...

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[TIPS] Using a Wiki in your classroom

I've been talking about wikis for ... a long time.. but I don't hear of many/any teachers in the area who are using them. Perhaps the reason is that they don't feel comfortable enough with the process of wiki'ing (look THAT one up in your Funk and Wagnall!).  Well, this may be just what you need in order to get you started. http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=38   This is one of the four presentations from yesterday's k12onlineconference in which Vicki Davis tells how she uses a wiki (a Free wiki from wikispaces) with her classes. Give this a listen and see if it doesn't get you interested in starting one of your own. I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed in the results.   Today's agenda includes the following topics: "Blog if You Love Learning", "Who's Teaching Who?...

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Getting New Clients During IT Business Start-Up

Starting a fresh IT business can be very challenging. Customers rarely come calling without effort, and you will most likely not get first clients that will become long-term, sweet spot clients.When you start a new business, you won’t have a complete business foundation, and your clientele will be made up of stepping-stone clients. These people will bring in early revenue and help you get your first positive business testimonials.Six months after IT business start-up, you need to be selective about the clients you get. Earlier, accounts will be smaller than you might like, but you still need to be confident that these early stepping-stone clients will eventually give way to ideal sweet spot clients.Expect to work with the following items during IT business start-up: LAN audits; MCSC tutoring;...

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Wicked Weather May Be in Our Future

Droughts... floods... heat waves... bugs! That's some of what many regions in the world will have more of in the years to come, thanks to global warming.A study by the National Center for Atmospheric Research has found that the western US, the Mediterranean region and Brazil are especially vulnerable to changing weather patterns brought on by a warmer atmosphere. The results could be longer dry spells followed by torrential rains, as well as deadly heat waves caused by warmer nights that do not allow daytime heat to dissipate. Also, more rain combined with more days with above-freezing temperatures could lead to more insect infestations.The news, however, is not entirely grim. Many regions of the world will see a longer growing season from a milder climate.Source: AP (via Breitbart.c...

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[TIPS] k12onlineconference starts today

A reminder that the k12 Online Conference begins today at 8:00 AM. Today's topics include two in the category of, "A Week in the Classroom", and two training sessions. I'm especially looking forward to the one entitled, "I didn't know you could Could Do THAT With Free Web Tools." The home page is here: http://k12onlineconference.org/. Why not check it out and then check out the wiki here: http://k12online06.wikispaces.com/   - - - Never too late to sign up - - - Just an FYI... if someone mentions that they didn't sign up for the new tips list, it's never too late. They can do so at any time. I'm just not going to be reminding you any more. :-) &nb...

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CTG 2006 Comments

I am exhausted just getting in from Newark Airport and having spent the week at Closing the Gap. Having a chance to walk the Exhibit Hall and spending lots of time talking to other assistive technology specialists is invigorating. If anything, everyone pushes themselves to the limit and tries to squeeze out every minute learning and talking about our experiences in the field. Having walked the Exhibit Hall, there was lots of new assistive technologies displayed but there were no really big announcements to speak of. Crick Software showed Clicker Paint which I am sure that you will enjoy using with your students, it integrates with Clicker 5 and is truly accessible by mouse, switch or any other access method. Clicker Paint can also be used as a stand alone paint application, It will be a great...

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Referral Programs: How to Build Incentives in Order to Improve Quality and Quantity of Referrals

Referral programs can help grow your network consulting company. Referral programs offer service credits to special clients that bring new business to you. A good referral program will encourage your clients to pass your name along to their acquaintances and business partners by providing them with unparalleled benefits. Referral programs, such as the following can typically improve your business response rate:1. Give satisfied customers fliers describing referral programs you have, such as the following programs:a. Explain to them you are eager to help friends of theirs with computer problems. Tell the clients that they can earn service credits by referring friends, family members and business associates to your firm.b. Tell clients that part of your referral program involves sending...

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[TIPS] - web 2.0 for school - part 2

http://www.solutionwatch.com/515/back-to-school-with-the-class-of-web-20-part-2/ This is part 2 of the series from yesterday. Very cool tools.   - - - last reminder - - - This is the last reminder. After today you may still sign up, it's just that I won't be telling you how in these messages.   Send an email to: listserv@mailinglist.caiu.org   In the BODY of the email, type:   subscribe tips firstname lastname   EX: subscribe tips James Gates   That's all. No more. no less. If you subscribe to my blog then you don't have to do anything. (I met two subscribers at yesterday's conference. Hi!)  :-)   Oh, and I don't think the emails will be coming from me. I th...

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Space as a Battlefield

Through Star Wars and other works of science fiction, we have become so accustomed to thinking about space-based warfare that the Bush Administration's recently revised National Space Policy comes as little surprise.Aside from encouraging research and free enterprise in space, the policy declares America's right to defend space against anyone "hostile to US interests." It also rejects US participation in future arms control agreements that would attempt to limit or ban space weaponry.Despite the concerns of critics, the Bush Administration denies that the purpose of the new National Space Policy is to develop space weapons. Rather, according to National Security Council spokesman Frederick Jones, the policy merely "reflect[s] the fact that space has become an even more important component...

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[TIPS] - web 2.0 for school

http://www.solutionwatch.com/512/back-to-school-with-the-class-of-web-20-part-1/Want to see what this web 2.0 stuff can do for your classroom? Check outpart 1 of this two part series. Part two tomorrow. How can you not lovethis stuff? I heard that! WHO SAID, "WE'RE NOT ALL GEEKS LIKE YOU?" :-)(I'm sending this from home Wednesday night since I'm out all dayThursday and can't do the usual delay from home.)- - - one more day of reminders - - -Tomorrow is the last day when I'll be sending these tips out viagroupwise. After that, if you want to get the tips you'll either have tosubscribe to my blog (http://tipline.blogspot.com) or SEND AN EMAIL tolistserv@mailinglist.caiu.org. It doesn't matter what the subject says,but the body must say:subscribe tips firstname lastnameExample: subscribe tips...

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[TIPS] - PDF Pad

http://www.pdfpad.com/- - - snip - - -What is PDF Pad? PDF Pad is a comprehensive online destination where you can download and print the high quality documents you need for work, school and play, free of charge or registration hassles.- - - snip - - - You can print calendars, flags, graph paper, staff paper, storyboards, and sudoku puzzles.   ------ Reminder: After Friday the only way to receive these tips is by either following the blog (http://tipline.blogspot.com/) or by being subscribed to the official tiplist. To subscribe, send an EMAIL to:listserv@mailinglist.caiu.org and put: subscribe tips firstname lastname in the  body. Example: Subscribe tips James Gates When you receive the confirmation email, you must click the link it provides in order to complete the proce...

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Closing the Gap Day 2

I'm sitting here checking my email and waiting for the festivities to start this evening. From 5pm - 8 pm the Exhibit Hall opens for a preview of the latest hardware and software. It is very exciting to be able to catch up with my colleagues in the field to find out what they are up to. I'll let you know what happens and keep you post...

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Closing the Gap 2006

It is that time of year again when I make the annual pilgrimage to the Minneapolis , MN for the 2006 Closing the Gap Conference. If you have never been to this conference it is a lot of fun. It is a chance to connect with other educators in the field of assistive technology and to share our stories of working with students, teachers, and families. With hundreds of lectures, workshops and presentation it can be a little overwhelming but for seasoned Closing the Gappers we have a good handle on how to pace ourselves. Tomorrow night the Exhibit Hall opens for us to preview what is new and soon to be released products. I am always on the prowl for the next great assistive technology tool or software application. I know that Don Johnston will be showing their newly released videos called Incite...

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[TIPS] - Free English teaching materials for ESL

http://www.eslgold.com/   If you teach the ESL kids then this is a MUST-SEE site. (I wish I could remember where I found it. Did one of you send it to me?) Tons of resources, from audio files to help with listening, speaking, reading, and more. It truly is GOLD!   - - - K12 Online Conference Kickoff - - - Last night was the Elluminate broadcast of David Warlick's introduction to the K12Online Conference (http://k12onlineconference.org/). I think I saw almost 50 people there, but I had to leave early. The actual conference workshops will be made available beginning next week. Remember, all workshops are online, and asynchronous. They are being made available beginning at 8:00 AM EDT on the days listed here: http://k12onlineconference.org/docs/k12online06-agenda.html. Our presentation...

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Laser TV

Just when you got used to the idea that plasma and LCD were television's state-of-the-art technologies, an entirely new approach is emerging. Earlier this month, Mitsubishi unveiled a prototype for a 50-inch laser TV.By using laser technology, the TVs can display more colors than plasma or LCD sets. What's more, wide-screen laser TVs use less energy than other technologies, and may sell for less than $1,000 when available.Speaking of which, don't expect laser TVs to be on Santa's sleigh this year. At the earliest, laser TVs won't reach the consumer market until next year's holiday season.Source: Red Herr...

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Disease Database

When fighting diseases, physicians, pharmacists and geneticists don't always speak the same languages. Even when they do, finding treatments is a painstaking trial-and-error process. Now, a new database promises to match drug compounds with disease symptoms, helping researchers identify potential treatments much more quickly than before.The Connectivity Map, a database being developed by the Cambridge, Mass.-based Broad Institute, uses gene-expression signatures as a common meta-language to link the behavior of certain compounds with their effects on cells. Already, the Connectivity Map is credited with helping to identify treatments for prostate cancer and leukemia. The ultimate goal of the Broad Institute development team is to include all 1,400 drugs that are currently approved by the...

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The Best Way to Use Your Time During Sales Calls

Making sales calls is a challenging process and requires specific techniques and procedures. Many IT consultants are not well-versed in the sales process, and uninitiated sales calls can be scary. As an IT consultant, you need to see sales calls in the right light and fully understand the range of outcomes you might receive. When you properly analyze these factors, you can start to develop the tools you need to be an expert on sales calls.SALES CALLS ARE NOT ABOUT SELLINGDuring the process of a sales call, you need to guide the prospect’s decisions. Your questions should entice them into hiring you rather than push them into using your services. If you are successful during a sales call, the client will be pushing you to take them.THE FOUR OUTCOMES OF SALES CALLSEvery sales call will...

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[TIPS] - Stonehenge solved? - and k12onlineconference kickoff

I know that you know Stonehenge. Ever wonder how those rocks got there? This site is an excellent resource on the subject. But, at the bottom of the first page, click the ReadOn... link and on the second page you'll find a link to a movie that just may explain how those rocks got there and how they were set on their ends. Watch as this man moves and sets upright a 19+ ton pillar of his own. Amazing. For those of you studying simple machines this is a great movie.   http://discoverychannel.ca/adventure/mysticplaces/nazcalines/shpart1/ - - - -   It's here. http://k12onlineconference.org/ Tonight (6:00pm edt) is the Elluminate kickoff featuring David Warlick, author of, among other things, his 2 cents blog. Tune in to hear his kickoff to this first-of-its-kind conference. Then,...

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Business Income: What You Can Expect to Make

Your business inputs establish your business income. A lot of times those starting out in the computer consulting business want to be able to gauge what they will make in the first year. They base their business decisions on income.The truth is, you can’t know exactly how much you’re going to make because your business income depends on many different and unpredictable variables. However, you can control these variables. The following questions can help you plan to maximize your business income: 1. What is your schooling and work experience?2. Are you selective when you choose clients? If you just take anyone on as a client, you might end up working with people that have huge problems and can make your job very difficult. The business income in this case becomes too much trouble. 3....

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[TIPS] - Dates That Matter

Thanks to CS for sharing this one.   http://www.teachersfirst.com/dtm/   Click the "Click to learn more" link under the title to see a clue about something that happened on this date in history. Not only can you get hints to the answer, but when you do get the answer you can find out why it matters. I like that!! I think  you will, too.   - - - - mailing list reminder - - - Once again, the reminder about the mailinglist. If you want to receive the tips after next Friday then you'll have to signed up on the tips mailinglist. Failure to take action will result in NO tips.   Send an email to: listserv@mailinglist.caiu.org with the following in the body of the message:   subscribe tips firstname lastname   EX: subscribe tips James Gates   &nb...

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[TIPS] - bonus - the Royal Deluxe Parade in Nantes

Did you watch the Sultans Elephant movie that I sent out the other day? That's the one that had that haunting music with it.   Several people emailed me back to tell me about the music and one thing led to another and I found this site with some amazing still images AND movies of that event. http://www.laughingsquid.com/2005/06/03/royal-de-luxe-parade-in-nantes/   Under the image of that 42 ton elephant is a link that says "amazing photos". Check it out. http://www.nantes.fr/ext/royal_de_luxe_2005/ There was a lot more going on that day than just what that first movie showed us. What a show that must have be...

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[TIPS] - Excel - Prevent duplicate entries

Are you ever in need of a spreadsheet where you don't want duplicate entries in a column? Recently, I was asked how that could be done and I didn't know. But, I was able to find the answer online here: http://www.mrexcel.com/tip008.shtml It's certainly not something that I would have guessed how to do, that's for sure. - -...

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[TIPS] - Copyscape - Website Plagiarism Search

So you've had your students create web pages and you warned them against plagiarizing, yet you suspect that a couple of them still don't quite understand the concept of plagiarism. ;-) Enter Copyscape. Just fill in the student's website address and the site will go out to see if they can find a match. It's not perfect, but it's pretty darned good. http://www.copyscape.com/...

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[TIPS] - The Literacy Project

http://www.google.com/literacy/ "A resource for teachers, literacy organisations and anyone interested in reading and education, created in collaboration with LitCam, Google, and UNESCO's Institute for Lifelong Learning." " Find books, articles and videos about literacy, or start your own literacy or reading group!" Does anyone else think it's funny that they would use the British spelling of "organizations" on that site? :-) It wouldn't be so bad but it's not consistent throughout the si...

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Using Credit Terms to Manage Receivables

Using credit terms and credit extension policies with customers is a delicate operation. You need to be careful about managing money and make sure your cash flow isn’t interrupted by the process, but you also want to make sure your clients will want to buy your services. The following rules can help you maintain good credit terms and keep clients happy:First Rule For Good Credit Terms: Get paid as you work, and you will not get stuck with major bills. Don’t give credit terms until after the first bill has been paid. Second Rule For Good Credit Terms: Get credit card authorizations if you can. You can ask for a credit card or do a check before you leave the site. Third Rule For Good Credit Terms: Demand a credit check and an application and make no exceptions.Fourth Rule For Good Credit...

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What Promotion Tools Are Most Effective?

There are many different types of promotion tools and each has its own price and effectiveness rate. No matter how different the promotion tools are, they all are designed to promote your business and make your name known. There are varying degrees of effectiveness for promotion tools; some work really well, some work most of the time and some just don’t work at all. Before you choose a promotion tool for your business, you need to analyze each one carefully.ANALYSIS OF PROMOTION TOOLSThe following questions will help you figure out which promotion tools are viable:1. Where will you be promoting and adverising?2. How will the promotion tool you use get to the market? Will you use e-mails, postcards, organizational membership or something else?3. Can the promotion tool showcase how unique...

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[TIPS] - Google Gadgets For Your Webpage - and the mailing

http://www.google.com/ig/directory?synd=open Do you have a web page of your own for your classes? How would you like some really cool gadgets to put on your page? From games to weather or horoscopes to calculators to quotes and even crossword puzzles or Sudokus are all here - for free. I even added a Sudoku puzzle to my Moodle class. Check it out. - - - Mailing List - It's here! - - - The mailing list from Listserv is finally working the way I want it, and it's now officially open to subscribers. Beginning in about two weeks I'll no longer be sending the tips to you UNLESS you have subscribed to the official mailing list. Send the subscription information to anyone you think may want to subscribe. Please note that during the period from when you subscribe until I end the current list...

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The New News?

Could Jon Stewart's The Daily Show be the model for news programming of the future? Why not?, says a study by the University of Indiana that has found that The Daily Show is as substantive as any conventional news program -- perhaps more so.Political heavy-hitters such as Sen. John McCain and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf have made recent appearances that have become newsworthy themselves, and Stewart's humor helps make important issues relevant in a way a "straight" delivery can't. Moreover, the show often picks up significant stories that the mainstream media miss. Add to that the Daily Show's popularity among college students and other highly educated, highly informed young viewers, and all the makings of a new wave in newscasting are in place. If the "Big Three" news ratings...

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Study Says US Rich in Renewable Energy

Oil prices are coming down for the moment, but that's hardly reducing exploration into wind, solar, geothermal and other renewable energy sources. And the US has great potential to harness such energy, according to a recent report the the Worldwatch Institute.The American land mass ideal for generating wind power, and solar cell and biodiesel production has increased exponentially since 2000. Currently, the state of California gets over 30% of its energy through renewable sources (though renewable energy in the US overall is only 6% of total consumptions).Worldwide, investment in renewable energy has reached nearly $180 billion since 1995. In addition to being clean and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, renewable energy also boosts economies. In Germany, which has a campaign to achieve...

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Teleportation Moves Closer to Reality

Long a staple of science fiction, teleportation is rapidly becoming a reality, if only on a small scale.In the past, scientists have managed to transport atoms and light short distances. Now, researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute at Copenhagen University in Denmark have conducted experiments that use light as a transmitter of information between matter.The Copenhagen experiments have teleported information only a few feet, but the researchers are confident that the distances can be expanded. Although teleporting large objects and individuals a la Star Trek is a very long way off at best, the transmission of quantum information has applications in transmitting digital information in new and powerful ways.Source: News.com...

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Harnessing PlayStations to Fight Disease

Sony's PlayStation 3 is expected to be one of the hot must-have items this holiday season... and it might have an unexpected benefit for public health.The Internet-ready game device contains a powerful Cell processor -- the same model used in IBM's supercomputers -- as well as ample hard drive space (up to 60GB), inspiring a project by Stanford University to harness the power of all these online PlayStations.The project, Folding@home, is similar to the seti@home initiative that utilized the processing cycles of idle PCs to search for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence. In this case, the project has created a distributed computing system out of idle computers to run complex calculations and simulations so that scientists can analyze proteins related to Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cystic...

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Temperatures in Northeast Could Rise by 12 Degrees by 2100

Cool, crisp New England weather could become a thing of the past if climate warming trends continue unchecked. A two-year study by the Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment has found that, by 2100, the average temperature in the Northeastern US could rise by 12 degrees F (nearly 7 degrees C).Typically, cities in the Northeast have only a couple of days each year when temperatures reach 100 degrees F. If the warming trends continue, days of triple-digit temperatures could increase to anywhere between 9 and 28 days... making New England weather feel more like that of the Deep South. And imagine what the South will feel like!The good news in the report, however, is that a reduction of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases by only 3% could reduce this warming trend. In one low-emission...

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[TIPS] - xyAlgebra and a writing resource

http://www.xyalgebra.org/- - - snip - - - The student programs (xyAlgebra and xySolver) feature: Explanations of principles of basic algebra (320 instructional items). Step-by-step sample problems that the student can consult later. Practice problems randomly generated until student shows mastery. All solutions are entered step-by-step. All legitimate solution methods supported. Any incorrect step is flagged as soon as it is typed. A hint or suggested next step can always be requested. Intelligent help at every step, including instant prerequisite review. Solution strategy changes intelligently in response to the student's steps. 700 practice problem forms generating 100,000+ distinct problems. - - - bonus - - - http://writing.whatcom.ctc.edu/ - Looks like some very nice writing resources....

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At Georgia Church, ATM Means "Automatic Tithing Machine"

Anyone who attends church knows the embarrassment of not having cash on hand when the collection plate is being passed. If you're one of those, Pastor Marty Baker of the Stevens Creek Community Church in Augusta, Georgia, feels your pain. That's why he has installed "giving kiosks" that allow any of the congregation's 1,100 members to make an offering via credit or debit card. The kiosks allow members to donate to specific church funds, and print out a receipt as well as send a confirmation via e-mail.Baker debuted what he calls his "ATMs for Jesus" in early 2005, and is now marketing them to churches across the country through a firm called SecureGive. With an eye toward future trends, Baker sees the kiosks as a solution for a "post-cash society," for members who are willing to give,...

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[TIPS] - Podcast Free America - and book covers

http://www.podcastfreeamerica.com/index.php?/features/entry/10-podcasting-movers-and-shakers Thinking of trying your hand at podcasting? Here's another site to check out. Who can podcast? Foreign language teachers - definately. Math teachers - certainly. English teachers - easily. Science teachers - effectively. You - absolutely!!   - - - Bonus - - - Wanna make some fun book covers for your students? POC!! (Piece Of Cake!) Check this one: http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/bookcover/   &nb...

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[TIPS] - Tabblo and a very cool puppet

http://www.tabblo.com/studio/ Got digital pictures? Upload them to this site, arrange them as easily as dragging and dropping and resizing. Then add your text. Share them - or not. Then print them into posters, magazine, or 4x6 prints. If you're taking pictures of your students this year, keep this one handy. Wouldn't it be fun to turn it into a poster some time in May with little narrations about the things your group has done? - - - Bonus - - - This little movie haunts me. It was filmed in New Orleans, I believe. Nothing unusual about a puppet, right? Well, not unless it's 40 feet tall. The music here is maybe what haunts me the most. If anyone knows where it comes from I'd appreciate hearing from you. http://electricpig.net Click the Photography link at the top, then the link for the Sultans'...

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Business Expenses and What to Incorporate into Your Budget

Business expenses are a part of any professional endeavor, and you need to create a budget listing your main business expenses and what each will run you per year before you even start any business. The best way to track business expenses is with a cash flow planner. This item will help you plan for business expenses and the leftover cash one quarter, 13 weeks at a time. The following is a list of common business expenses:SALARY: Six to nine months after you’ve started your business you should be earning enough income to take some out for yourself. At the beginning salary is a great business expense even if you’re only getting $400 - $500 weekly.EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: Benefits are yet more significant business expenses. You should investigate to see what the competitive benefits rates are...

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Capping Greenhouse Gases Could Cost $1 Trillion

The continued emission of harmful gases by industrialized countries, combined with the growth of emissions by developing economies, will double the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by 2050. Reducing these emissions and their environmental consequences is possible, but it would come with a price: $1 trillion over the next several decades.The estimate, by PricewaterhouseCoopers, considers the cost of helping to convert world economies to cleaner fuels, as well as aggressive overall energy reduction, without inhibiting the growth of emerging economies. One trillion dollars is a lot of money... but it is minimal compared with the environmental catastrophe that would ensue if carbon emissions were left unchecked. "It is implicit from our findings that a trillion dollars certainly...

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[TIPS] - Interactive Periodic Table - and an article

http://www.touchspin.com/chem/DisplayTable.html Pass this one along to your science teachers. Looks like a good one. An interactive periodic table.   - - - article - - - A couple weeks ago I went on about the state of education. I mentioned China and India as being powerful and serious competition, and if you read "The World is Flat" then you've heard it before. Well, this article brings home that point some more. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060929/tc_nm/life_education_india_dc_1   - - - bonus - - - And here's an article that just makes you wonder just exactly when the lunatics began running the asylum. http://www.10news.com/education/9936513/detail.html    &nb...

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