Earth View in Google Maps

Internet

I continue to be amazing by Google, and I love it. The newest feature in Google Maps (maps.google.com) is their Earth View. The next time you go to Google Maps, click on the Earth View button to download a plugin for your browser and scan the world in 3-D. There is a nice YouTube video from Google on the Earth View page that shows great examples of what you can see, like the old city of Florence, Niagra Falls, and the like. Above is a screen shot I took while looking at dowtown Dallas. You can even see things like the new Dallas Cowboy’s stadium. Click on the picture above to go to Google Maps, and have fun discovering your world!

TobyLaura.com

Absentee Voting

Politics

Today, May 3rd, is voting day here in Ohio. Do you exercise your right to vote? I hope you do because too many soldiers fought and died for your right to do so. Too many men laid face down on the shores of Normandy, froze to death on the plains of Europe, and burned on the decks of ships in the Pacific for us to shirk our responsibility to vote!
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United + Continental = Unental?

Aviation

It’s happened. Another airline merger that will create the largest airline in the world. Just a few years ago when the merger frenzy started, American took over TWA, chopped it up, spat it out, decimated St. Louis, and came out the other side as the largest airline in the world. Then, the shambles we all called USAirways was taken over by America West and even though it didn’t make the new largest airline in the world, smart management saved both airlines from going under. Then Delta and Northworst merged, and, you guessed it, we had a new world’s largest airline! Not to be left out and out done, United and Continental merged today. Do they now form the largest airline in the world? Yes, dear readers they do. “No way!” you say. The trend continues.
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iPad 3G is here

Computing, Internet

Do you have yours yet? Click on the picture of the iPad to go to the Apple store to check out pricing and options.

The two models are the Wifi model, and the Wifi + 3G model. The 3G model uses iPhone mobile technology to access the internet anywhere there is AT&T; service, whereas the Wifi only model needs a wifi network to access the internet. The 3G model also comes with a built in GPS for added functionality with apps and helping you find where you are and where you are going.
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Keeping files safe on the Mac

Computing, Internet

Do you have files on your Mac that you want to keep safe from prying eyes, or from someone who steals your laptop? I keep a spreadsheet file with all my online passwords written in it, and I don’t want that file accessed by someone who steals my laptop, or looks at my computer without my knowledge. There are two ways to keep files safe on your Mac: a simple way, and more secure but complicated way.

The safer but more of a hassle solution is to use the built in application called FileVault, that can encrypt your entire Home folder. It is serious encryption so if you forget your password, you’re files are gone forever. It can be turned on in System Preferences. Sometimes though, this extra secure method can cause problems with other computer applications needing access to files inside your home folder, or if you share files in your home folder with other computers on your network. Maybe you are like me and don’t want the entire home folder protected, just a few files. If so, there is an easier way to keep files safe on the Mac.
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Apple vs. Adobe’s Flash

Computing, Internet

If you’re not a geek, you probably won’t know much about this, but a battle rages between Apple and Adobe, once partners, now pitted against one another in a fight for the future. A lot of the hokey stuff you see on the internet, with things popping up, dancing around, and menus opening when you hover your mouse over a link, is all Flash, an Adobe creation. With moderation, Flash can look good, but it usually gets to be annoying when it’s used too much (you just want to get to the info, and not watch a bunch of stuff fly all over the screen).

The alternative is HTML5. It runs things from within your internet browser without the need of an Adobe plugin for Flash. Especially because Apple has lots of mobile devices that work with fingers instead of using a mouse, they are moving forward with HTML5, not Flash, which tends to work better when using a mouse. Adobe wants in on all the Apple goodness and has criticized Apple for not allowing Flash to run on their mobile devices. Apple’s Steve Jobs just fired back, and boy was it a resounding WHACK. Adobe needs to enter the future and join Apple, not pester Apple about using dated software.

Read the whole smack down by Steve Jobs here.
If that link gets removed, read the smack down here.

TobyLaura.com

Financial Roadmap

Financial

Laura and I recently had dinner with a good friend and the topic of finances came up. Our friend is being really smart with her money and doing a lot of the right things to be responsible. However, after Laura and I got home, I got the sense that our friend just wanted someone to tell her what to do with her income, because starting out on a financial plan can seem so daunting and confusing.

I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be either, and if we can do it, you can do it too. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, rich or poor, savvy or carefree. We don’t have all the answers, but the Dave Ramsey plan works for us. I want to layout some simple steps and good tips to get you to the end goal: debt free living and financial peace.
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