Sunday, August 31, 2014
10 Tips and Tricks for Using Google Docs
Everything at my workplace is using Google Docs! From editing documents collaboratively, to sharing documents with others. Here you will find 10 Tips and Tricks for Using Google Docs from HowToGeek.com.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Collaborative Story Writing
A neat tool, Story Wars allows you to write short stories together with others. There is voting on the best stories. Watch the stories take twists and turns into the unexpected.
When Life hands you lemons...4 Ways to Factory Reset Your Windows Computer
I have had to do this countless numbers of times.. a factory reset on my Windows Computer. If you find yourself in this situation, follow these instructions (Thanks to our good friends at makeuseof.com).
Play My Inbox — Play the music in your inbox
Are you receiving YouTube videos, songs, and other music media in your inbox? Here is an easy way to collect this material and stream it.
Here is a demo.
Play My Inbox — Play the music in your inbox
Here is a demo.
Play My Inbox — Play the music in your inbox
Thursday, August 14, 2014
7 Free Online PDF Tools That Could Save You A Lot of Work
PDF documents can be the bane of our existence. If you are not fortunate enough to have Adobe Acrobat Pro installed on your computer, you will find it almost impossible to edit or work with the pdf document. Now, there are online tools that can help you, thanks to our friends at makeuseof.com.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Wonder about your online privacy settings?
Privacy is a big topic in the online community, and now there is an easy way to check your settings to make sure that you are not posting something that you shouldn't. Check out AdjustYourPrivacy.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Friday, August 8, 2014
Free and Legal Sources for your Creative Commons Projects
Makeuseof.com has published sources on finding free music for your creative commons projects - whether you are using digital storytelling or something else, feel free to check it out.
Monday, August 4, 2014
15 World's Best Online Streaming Music Platforms
Head over to Lifehack.com and see the 15 World's Best Online Streaming Music Platforms that are available right now. There's something here for everyone!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Friday, August 1, 2014
Saturday, August 31, 2013
20 Web and/or Android apps to manage ADHD for yourself and/or your spouse
My husband and I have been together for over 17 years. He has the biggest heart you've ever seen, is very fun to be around and has a great sense of humor. He also has ADHD. Not just ADD - he's hyper. I can be having a conversation with him and he gets up and walks away. He gets crazy nuts. I admit that I, too, have ADHD tendencies like forgetting where things are, paperwork missing, etc. How do you manage family, church and ministry and two full-time jobs when you and your spouse can't pay attention or stay focused?
One way that we have coped with this is through organization. I have found that when we are more organized, my husband is more at ease and his attention span is greater. I feel calmer and able to accomplish more. Things like losing paper, forgotten appointments, cars that get lost in parking ramps, lost car keys, and overdrawn checking accounts put a strain on the ADHD brain. Strain on the brain = strain in your marriage. Just call these tools.. marriage savers.
1) Text Later (Android)
"I better text him tomorrow to remember to make a doctors appointment." Of course, then I forget.. managing my life and his is impossible. Either that, or I'm undiagnosed. Whatever. Either way, when I am thinking about reminding him, this app just allows me to pick up my Android and schedule a text to go to my husband at an opportune time, say, the same hour that the doctors office opens.
2) Google Calendar (Web and Android)
Many of us are familiar with Google Calendar. I have customized my husbands calendar to automatically and accept invitations that come from me. At opportune times, the meeting reminder goes off and instantly sends him an SMS message to remind him of what he is supposed to do. Before he commits to anything, he knows that he can merely pull up the calendar on his phone and he will be able to see his schedule for the day.
3) Evernote or Springpad (Android, Web)
I am addicted to Evernote and Springpad. I can't choose between the two, as they both have their equal benefits. Evernote is used more for note-taking capabilities. I share notes that I take at church services with my husband here, along with notes that I would take at the doctors office, or notes that involve our son.
Springpad I use to collect items and build bulletin boards. For example, shopping for a costume for my husband for vacation bible school involved me finding a few different costumes on Amazon.com and "springing" them onto a bulletin board that was shared with him. He was then able to look at each costume and determine the one he wanted. Springpad is also excellent for sharing recipes, task lists, grocery lists, etc.
4) Joint Checking for Android OR EEBA
My husband and I haven't gotten to this point yet. We have two separate checking accounts, but it's immensely helpful to keep track of expenses and who is doing what. Mint, another wonderful budget application that can be installed on your android, does this well; however, I need to see what he is spending NOW, not when it goes through and overdraws the checking account.
5) Tags on things so you can find your keys (Android)
SticknFind or Button-Trackr. My, my. The minutes that I have wasted by desperately looking around for my keys.. my phone.. my work keys.. the list goes on. My husband is the same with his wallet. These are the productivity hacks that make my heart swell with love :)
6) Boomerang for Gmail (Android, Web)
Ever send an email and not received a response? Forget to follow up? I send mass amounts of email each day, as I am part of the leadership team at my church and an administrator at a large university. This app will boomerang that email right back atcha if there is not a response. No need to keep that task sitting inside your head.. mind like water.
7) Food Planner (Android) or Pepperplate (web only)
Share the responsibility of meal planning with your spouse. No more guess work in what is going to be for dinner that night.
8) COL Reminder (Android)
This app has been a lifesaver for me. I grab my husbands' phone, write a reminder to call someone at a certain time, and wallah! He is reminded to call that person at a reasonable time. This app has been around for quite some time and is a classic.
9) Attention Exercise (Android)
Android App that is based on recommendations from Edward M. Hallowell, MD's book Delivered from Distraction: Getting the most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder. Has daily exercises that helps you improve your focus.
10) Routinely (Android)
Routines allow us to form good habits; and good habits allow us to achieve our goals. By setting habits, we can focus on improving our health or any other area in our life. Routinely allows you to track a set of habits and be reminded to walk, drink your water, etc.
11) Park Me Right Car Locator (Android)
I have lost my car in a parking ramp more times that I can keep track of. I forget too easily where I am parked, especially at some of these larger hospitals that we have here in Minnesota. Just save the car's location with your camera phone, and you will won't forget where you are!
12) White Noise (Android)
Ever had the experience where it's too quiet to study? When I was in graduate school, I couldn't possibly begin to study if it was too quiet.. I loved the sounds of coffee shops, background noise, or just nature. I also enjoy sleeping with a fan on because I love the whirl that it makes. I remember when I worked in a computer laboratory, I would nearly pass out at my desk from the constant hum of the computers around me. Install this app on your phone, put your headphones on.. you can listen to the sounds of a storm, nature, or even a casino. Never thought of slots being relaxing, but ok!
13) Pocket (Android or Web)
I run into articles while browsing the web that I would love to read later. I don't want to bookmark everything I see because I keep my bookmarks for those sites I visit often. Pocket allows you to bookmark articles or sites that you want to read later, and then you can pull them up on your cell phone on the go or read your saved articles on the web. The site also allows for sharing articles via email, Twitter, Facebook or Buffer. Pocket also has a chrome extension and other features that will keep you happy.
14) Smart Voice Recorder (Android)
For those with ADHD, paying attention in class can be a feat. This app allows for you to record the lecture and refer back to it later. In addition, it works great if you want to educate someone on the fact that they snore :)
15) TripIt (Android and Web)
When you travel, you need to be organized. When is your flight? Where do you rent a car? What is the address of the hotel you are staying at? TripIt will organize all of your information in one nicely laid-out webpage and will also keep the information on your Android. Simply forward your reservations and confirmations for the trip to plans@tripit.com and you will have an instant itinerary.
16) Dropbox (Android and Web)
Dropbox installs on every computer, iPhone and Android you have. When a change is made on a document, Dropbox will keep everything in sync across multiple devices. I use this for music, ebooks, documents for work, etc. It's truly invaluable.
17) SchematicMind Free Mind Map (Android)
Have ideas on the go? Don't bother with pen and paper, the paper gets lost! Instead, put them in a mind map that is fun and easy to use. Mind Maps have always been a favorite brainstorming technique of mine.
18) Stopwatch and Timer (Android)
My husband has a better time focusing when he knows he only needs to do it for a set amount of time. Setting the timer for 10 minutes for reading time with the incentive of getting a break after that will keep him motivated. Timers have helped me, too, with completing boring tasks that require a large amount of brain power. If I get through this last chapter... I can take a break and have a Frappe :)
19) Screen Dimmer (Android)
Do you lay in bed with your phone at night? The glare of using your phone in the dark can actually hurt your eyes. This app will allow you to use your phone in a "night mode" that dims the the screen, eliminating the glare and pain to your eyes. Why does this help ADHD? People with ADHD sometimes have a difficult time with winding down before bed; playing on your phone with the bright light actually keeps you awake. Taking away the bright light is calming and prepares you for bed.
20) Sign-Up Genius (Web)
We use sign-up genius for church now faithfully. This has been chosen as our tool of choice because we are able to manage multiple areas of church functioning seamlessly. Let's say we have meals, childcare, preaching, etc. Someone has to be responsible for these every other Sunday. So, we have people sign up, and then we have a schedule put together. I can then print the schedule and hand out a paper copy; in addition, the people who are signed up will receive an email 2 days before their scheduled shift to remind them of their upcoming duties. I am also able to print out a list of everything and every role so I can make sure people are not overlapping.
One way that we have coped with this is through organization. I have found that when we are more organized, my husband is more at ease and his attention span is greater. I feel calmer and able to accomplish more. Things like losing paper, forgotten appointments, cars that get lost in parking ramps, lost car keys, and overdrawn checking accounts put a strain on the ADHD brain. Strain on the brain = strain in your marriage. Just call these tools.. marriage savers.
1) Text Later (Android)
"I better text him tomorrow to remember to make a doctors appointment." Of course, then I forget.. managing my life and his is impossible. Either that, or I'm undiagnosed. Whatever. Either way, when I am thinking about reminding him, this app just allows me to pick up my Android and schedule a text to go to my husband at an opportune time, say, the same hour that the doctors office opens.
2) Google Calendar (Web and Android)
Many of us are familiar with Google Calendar. I have customized my husbands calendar to automatically and accept invitations that come from me. At opportune times, the meeting reminder goes off and instantly sends him an SMS message to remind him of what he is supposed to do. Before he commits to anything, he knows that he can merely pull up the calendar on his phone and he will be able to see his schedule for the day.
3) Evernote or Springpad (Android, Web)
I am addicted to Evernote and Springpad. I can't choose between the two, as they both have their equal benefits. Evernote is used more for note-taking capabilities. I share notes that I take at church services with my husband here, along with notes that I would take at the doctors office, or notes that involve our son.
Springpad I use to collect items and build bulletin boards. For example, shopping for a costume for my husband for vacation bible school involved me finding a few different costumes on Amazon.com and "springing" them onto a bulletin board that was shared with him. He was then able to look at each costume and determine the one he wanted. Springpad is also excellent for sharing recipes, task lists, grocery lists, etc.
4) Joint Checking for Android OR EEBA
My husband and I haven't gotten to this point yet. We have two separate checking accounts, but it's immensely helpful to keep track of expenses and who is doing what. Mint, another wonderful budget application that can be installed on your android, does this well; however, I need to see what he is spending NOW, not when it goes through and overdraws the checking account.
5) Tags on things so you can find your keys (Android)
SticknFind or Button-Trackr. My, my. The minutes that I have wasted by desperately looking around for my keys.. my phone.. my work keys.. the list goes on. My husband is the same with his wallet. These are the productivity hacks that make my heart swell with love :)
6) Boomerang for Gmail (Android, Web)
Ever send an email and not received a response? Forget to follow up? I send mass amounts of email each day, as I am part of the leadership team at my church and an administrator at a large university. This app will boomerang that email right back atcha if there is not a response. No need to keep that task sitting inside your head.. mind like water.
7) Food Planner (Android) or Pepperplate (web only)
Share the responsibility of meal planning with your spouse. No more guess work in what is going to be for dinner that night.
8) COL Reminder (Android)
This app has been a lifesaver for me. I grab my husbands' phone, write a reminder to call someone at a certain time, and wallah! He is reminded to call that person at a reasonable time. This app has been around for quite some time and is a classic.
9) Attention Exercise (Android)
Android App that is based on recommendations from Edward M. Hallowell, MD's book Delivered from Distraction: Getting the most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder. Has daily exercises that helps you improve your focus.
10) Routinely (Android)
Routines allow us to form good habits; and good habits allow us to achieve our goals. By setting habits, we can focus on improving our health or any other area in our life. Routinely allows you to track a set of habits and be reminded to walk, drink your water, etc.
11) Park Me Right Car Locator (Android)
I have lost my car in a parking ramp more times that I can keep track of. I forget too easily where I am parked, especially at some of these larger hospitals that we have here in Minnesota. Just save the car's location with your camera phone, and you will won't forget where you are!
12) White Noise (Android)
Ever had the experience where it's too quiet to study? When I was in graduate school, I couldn't possibly begin to study if it was too quiet.. I loved the sounds of coffee shops, background noise, or just nature. I also enjoy sleeping with a fan on because I love the whirl that it makes. I remember when I worked in a computer laboratory, I would nearly pass out at my desk from the constant hum of the computers around me. Install this app on your phone, put your headphones on.. you can listen to the sounds of a storm, nature, or even a casino. Never thought of slots being relaxing, but ok!
13) Pocket (Android or Web)
I run into articles while browsing the web that I would love to read later. I don't want to bookmark everything I see because I keep my bookmarks for those sites I visit often. Pocket allows you to bookmark articles or sites that you want to read later, and then you can pull them up on your cell phone on the go or read your saved articles on the web. The site also allows for sharing articles via email, Twitter, Facebook or Buffer. Pocket also has a chrome extension and other features that will keep you happy.
14) Smart Voice Recorder (Android)
For those with ADHD, paying attention in class can be a feat. This app allows for you to record the lecture and refer back to it later. In addition, it works great if you want to educate someone on the fact that they snore :)
15) TripIt (Android and Web)
When you travel, you need to be organized. When is your flight? Where do you rent a car? What is the address of the hotel you are staying at? TripIt will organize all of your information in one nicely laid-out webpage and will also keep the information on your Android. Simply forward your reservations and confirmations for the trip to plans@tripit.com and you will have an instant itinerary.
16) Dropbox (Android and Web)
Dropbox installs on every computer, iPhone and Android you have. When a change is made on a document, Dropbox will keep everything in sync across multiple devices. I use this for music, ebooks, documents for work, etc. It's truly invaluable.
17) SchematicMind Free Mind Map (Android)
Have ideas on the go? Don't bother with pen and paper, the paper gets lost! Instead, put them in a mind map that is fun and easy to use. Mind Maps have always been a favorite brainstorming technique of mine.
18) Stopwatch and Timer (Android)
My husband has a better time focusing when he knows he only needs to do it for a set amount of time. Setting the timer for 10 minutes for reading time with the incentive of getting a break after that will keep him motivated. Timers have helped me, too, with completing boring tasks that require a large amount of brain power. If I get through this last chapter... I can take a break and have a Frappe :)
19) Screen Dimmer (Android)
Do you lay in bed with your phone at night? The glare of using your phone in the dark can actually hurt your eyes. This app will allow you to use your phone in a "night mode" that dims the the screen, eliminating the glare and pain to your eyes. Why does this help ADHD? People with ADHD sometimes have a difficult time with winding down before bed; playing on your phone with the bright light actually keeps you awake. Taking away the bright light is calming and prepares you for bed.
20) Sign-Up Genius (Web)
We use sign-up genius for church now faithfully. This has been chosen as our tool of choice because we are able to manage multiple areas of church functioning seamlessly. Let's say we have meals, childcare, preaching, etc. Someone has to be responsible for these every other Sunday. So, we have people sign up, and then we have a schedule put together. I can then print the schedule and hand out a paper copy; in addition, the people who are signed up will receive an email 2 days before their scheduled shift to remind them of their upcoming duties. I am also able to print out a list of everything and every role so I can make sure people are not overlapping.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
2 New Social Feed Aggregators
While I love social networking, I can't stand going to Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram.. I don't have time for all of these sites!
I have been shopping around for a new aggregator site. I want to see all of my feeds in one site. For a while, I used HelloTXT, which has recently shut down.
Here are the ones that I found for you to check out today instead of working away at a paycheck (ha ha):
1. Alternion.com
2. Kulisha.com
I am really digging Alternion.com because it brings Pinterest with your Facebook, with your Twitter, your LinkedIn... the list goes on. They are only in BETA, however they are really, really good.
Have fun wasting time away :)
I have been shopping around for a new aggregator site. I want to see all of my feeds in one site. For a while, I used HelloTXT, which has recently shut down.
Here are the ones that I found for you to check out today instead of working away at a paycheck (ha ha):
1. Alternion.com
2. Kulisha.com
I am really digging Alternion.com because it brings Pinterest with your Facebook, with your Twitter, your LinkedIn... the list goes on. They are only in BETA, however they are really, really good.
Have fun wasting time away :)
Friday, September 14, 2012
Top threes for 9/14/2012
Here are the top three amazing web-apps that I found this week:
1. Jumpshare Let me just say "wow" about Jumpshare. How many times have you tried to share a file with someone and lo and behold they do not have the proper software to view the file? This is especially prevalent nowadays with many people viewing their email on smartphones. Jumpshare can natively view 150 filetypes - that's right, 150. No registration required. I think that is pure genius. So let's say, for example, you send your powerpoint slides over to your client, pre-presentation. By just sending an email with a powerpoint attached, you run the risk of your client not having Microsoft Office installed on their computers. With Jumpshare, you merely share the link and they can view your powerpoint slides within their browser. Even slicker, you can then share the file on social sharing sites. Neat!
2. Branch I don't know much about Branch, but I'm so intrigued by what it is that I thought I would share it. I did request an invite. Since my area of interest has always been online collaboration and learning, Branch got my attention because of the user interface design of conversations. These conversations can then be "branched", to avoid getting off topic. I'm curious what happens next - once I receive an invite, I will be able to write about it then. Check out their video though: http://branch.com/, to see if this is something you may be interested in.
3. OpenCulture - Open Culture is repository of free online educational materials. Free movies, textbooks, language lessons, courses.. you name it, something is here for you. I am always interested in expanding my skill set; if you want a free way to do this online without cost, this website is a must-see.
1. Jumpshare Let me just say "wow" about Jumpshare. How many times have you tried to share a file with someone and lo and behold they do not have the proper software to view the file? This is especially prevalent nowadays with many people viewing their email on smartphones. Jumpshare can natively view 150 filetypes - that's right, 150. No registration required. I think that is pure genius. So let's say, for example, you send your powerpoint slides over to your client, pre-presentation. By just sending an email with a powerpoint attached, you run the risk of your client not having Microsoft Office installed on their computers. With Jumpshare, you merely share the link and they can view your powerpoint slides within their browser. Even slicker, you can then share the file on social sharing sites. Neat!
2. Branch I don't know much about Branch, but I'm so intrigued by what it is that I thought I would share it. I did request an invite. Since my area of interest has always been online collaboration and learning, Branch got my attention because of the user interface design of conversations. These conversations can then be "branched", to avoid getting off topic. I'm curious what happens next - once I receive an invite, I will be able to write about it then. Check out their video though: http://branch.com/, to see if this is something you may be interested in.
3. OpenCulture - Open Culture is repository of free online educational materials. Free movies, textbooks, language lessons, courses.. you name it, something is here for you. I am always interested in expanding my skill set; if you want a free way to do this online without cost, this website is a must-see.
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