StanShinn.com » Life Tips

ScrubIT

Stan Shinn — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:31:45 +0000

It’s about time. Want to protect your family against harmful web sites? Now comes this FREE tool to do just that — blocking unwanted sites at the DNS level. I recommend trying this service, and if possible, making this change at your home router level so that your children cannot hack this service.

ScrubIT is a FREE recursive DNS server that regulates what comes into your home or business. ScrubIT “scrubs” the internet so you don’t have to be concerned about what your family members or employees will be confronted with.

We currently profile several million websites and by default block out any pornographic, phishing, and many other potentially harmful sites.

Monarch Airlines

Stan Shinn — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:20:39 +0000

Looking for inexpensive airfare, especially to the UK? Monarch gives you low cost, convenient flights that you can book directly on their website, by telephone, or by travel agent.

Monarch’s scheduled services account for more than 60% of the Monarch operation and we were awarded ‘Best Airline to Mediterranean and Islands’ in the Short Breaks and Holidays Travel Awards 2005.

Raise Money Using FundRaising.Com

Stan Shinn — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 03:34:36 +0000

If you are involved in non-profit groups, you know how important fundraising is to your success.

Here are several free fundraising ideas for group large and small.

Lollipops – Tie 3 lollipops together with colorful ribbons to make fun lollipop bouquets — a unique idea that is fun and profitable for you, and so attractive to your supporters!
Hershey’s Chocolate — It comes in easy to handle carry cases and their easy to sell at the office and to co-workers. A sure favorite.
Online Magazine Fundraising — Don’t like to knock on doors? This technique is done entirely online through email.

Check out all the other options at http://www.fundraising.com.

I like it that it organizes the fundraisers by industry type (e.g. Churches, School, Sports, etc.), and that it has options like online fundraisers. This is the best site I’ve seen with this sort of information.

Razrs Form Factor — Is it worth it?

Stan Shinn — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 18:58:04 +0000

I’m using my second Razr mobile phone. I was disappointed when my first Razr had technical issues (I’d only had it for a year and a half) but I liked the form factor of the phone so much I decided to pay the premium fee to replace it with another Razr.

The Razr continues to be a best seller:

“Given the continuing popularity of that iconic, slim Motorola phone month after month, it should come as no surprise that the top selling cell phone in 2006 was once again the Motorola RAZR,” said Wirefly’s President Brian Westrick. (from Wirefly announces the Top 10 cell phones of 2006 )

Wirefly predicted 5 cell trends expected to become even more popular in 2006:

1. Music and mobile TV phones
2. Bigger selection of smartphones with more robust operating systems
3. Cell phones designed for children
4. Expanded GPS services

Of these features I have seen too many people watching video on their cell phones (maybe if I rode on a subway? Nah — the signal is too bad when you go underground). Smartphones? More robust operating systems? Sure the Blackberry has it’s following in business, but in the consumer space, the Razr (which is not a feature rich as a Blackberry by a long shot) is still the hands-down winner.

Why? The form factor. For guys, you’ve got a slim phone that fits nicely in your pocket with no antennae to jab you in the hip. For gals, you have slick looking phone that are appealing and colored for anyone’s taste.

Bottom line — most people just want to make a phone call, and don’t want a bulky device to do it. The Razr will continue to focus on design and aesthetics, and make the device easy to use.

Desktop Ergonomics: Screen Tips

Stan Shinn — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:41:52 +0000

I’ve used a ergonomic split keyboard for years. But what about monitor positioning? Here are some tips for the ideal monitor setup to help your eyes reduce eyestrain and undue stress on your neck and spine:

Eye-to-screen distance: at least 25?, preferably more.
Vertical location: viewing area of the monitor between 15° and 50° below horizontal eye level.
Monitor tilt: top of the monitor slightly farther from the eyes than the bottom of the monitor.
Lighting: ceiling suspended, indirect lighting. Use blinds and shades to control outside light.
Screen colors: dark letters on a light background.

Cna yuo raed tihs?

Stan Shinn — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 20:57:52 +0000

Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55% of plepoe can.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno’t mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Drawing lessons from Drawspace.com

Stan Shinn — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 17:45:09 +0000

Web site Drawspace.com has a large collection of drawing tutorials for those with skills ranging from the casual doodler to the expert artist.

Drawspace.com - Drawing lessons

Find Home Values with Zillow and Yahoo!

Stan Shinn — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 13:30:05 +0000

A nice service if you’re wanting to buy or sell a house:

Yahoo! Real Estate has integrated the previously-mentioned Zillow home valuation service into Yahoo! Maps.

That means you can look up the home values of your house, your friends’ and enemies’ houses on Yahoo! all mapped out with nearby homes for comparison.

More here: Find your bosses’ home value with Zillow and Yahoo!

Folk Cures That Work

Stan Shinn — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 19:09:52 +0000

Some great tips here for all manner of ailments. I was intrigued by the ’sleep on your left side to prevent acid reflux’ tip. They provide supporting medical reasons for the tips as well.

Other examples:

Soothe a burn, cure a toothache, clear a stuffed nose…

Read full article: 18 Tricks to Teach Your Body