Build a better Grocery store

CNN posted an article about a great new idea being tested for grocery stores using mobile checkout scanners.

Reinstall, Reinstall, Reinstall

It never hurts to have a backup plan. Maximum PC has posted a way to make a streamlined backup of Windows XP (called a slipstream copy) complete with all the necessary drivers to have you back up and running ASAP in the event of big problems.

The truth behind your Credit Score

A credit counselor at Credit Pro has posted the Top 7 Credit Score Secrets. Hey, knowing is half the battle...

MLS on your PDA

RULDS2? Shiblon Software has put together a great utility called MyWard to convert data from MLS onto a PDA. If these acronyms mean anything to you, you'll probably want to check it out.

Looking for a Digital Camera?

With all the options available on digital cameras these days, you need to consult an expert before you buy. DigitalCameraInfo.com has thorough reviews and testing along with useful guides to help weed through all the features.

Pandora Quick Mix

I've decided that I really like Pandora to discover new music. I built a little Quick Mix based on Jim Brickman, Jim Schmidt, and Lorie Line as my favorite artists. If you like new age piano music this is a great mix to start exploring new artists and songs.

Home computer protection

If you have little ones, Toddler Keys is a great way to both entertain your child and protect your home computer from curious fingers. It has a fairly intuititve interface and some fun options.

Holiday idea

CNN.com has posted an interesting article about learning about your family history during the holidays.

Photoshop Alternative

Would you love to learn Photoshop but can't afford the hefty price tag? Perhaps you've heard of the free GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Project) product. Well now there's the free GIMPShop a version of GIMP with a menu layout that is more in line with Photoshop.

Napster Redux

If you liked the ability to discover music that is similar to your old favorites on Napster, check out Pandora. Pandora allows you to build custom radio stations based on your favorite artists and songs. You can "train" it to tailor your tastes with a simple thumbs up/down on each song you listen to. It is a free service with minimal advertising and a decent privacy policy.

It made the Time magazine's list of 50 coolest websites.

DRM-free Music

I guess I'm a little slow on this, but eMusic is the only music download site to offer their music free of digital rights management (DRM) code. That means you will be able to transfer all the files you download to ANY .mp3 capable device with no problems. Every other site adds overhead code to prevent you from moving the music to other devices or kills the track after so many uses or after you cancel your subscription. These tracks really are yours to keep and use however you see fit!

This is the first subscription-based service that I've seen that seems even-handed for both the seller and the buyer.

Need a 2nd job? Try 2nd Life.

CNNMoney has a great article describing how some of the economics work in Linden Labs groundbreaking game "2nd Life". Currency exchanges between virutal "Linden dollars" and real world currencies help users move money into and out of the game. Virtual entrpreneurs are making anywhere from a few US$ to thousands of US$ per year selling virtual real estate, clothes and other services within the game.

You can create a character in the game and get oriented to the Linden world for free by downloading the 2nd Life software. However, just like the real world, you will want to be careful who you associate with and where you go.

How do I build a website?

I've been asked this by a couple of people before. I found a great in-depth look for beginners at buildwebsite4u.com. It covers resources for:

1) Planning
2) Building
3) Promotion
4) Making Money

Abandonware for everyone!!!

Commercially unavailable software (a.k.a. "abandonware") has been deemed legal. Check out this PCSIntel posting.

I found this from another blogger. He recommends Abandia and Dune.

Here's my favorite site if you'd like to try it out: Home of the Underdogs.

Fantasy Football Draft Spreadsheet

Swing on over to my sweet, free website where you can download the latest and greatest Excel 2003 spreadsheet for organizing your own fantasy football draft. If you'd like to use this for Baseball or Basketball, go ahead and tweak it, but let me know what you've done... please?

http://draftboard.20m.com/

Oh, and please keep your code clean. I don't like buggies!

Sweet Code

I came across this handy dandy code today for duding up an Excel spreadsheet. Conditional formatting... Hah! Try this candy out and you won't be limited to only 3 formats or logical tests. Enjoy!

http://www.vbaexpress.com/kb/getarticle.php?kb_id=90