Bill Gates' Microsoft Against Google Chrome

I recently finally joined the real world and said goodbye to Bill Gates' Microsoft Internet Explorer.  I switched over the Firefox.  Yes, I know a lot of people reading this are going to wonder what took me so long, but keeping up with web browsers is just not something I do very often.  The only reason I switched over to Firefox is because it was the only one I had experienced other than Explorer. 

I have also been told about Google Chrome.  There's no reason to think it's not good, as the reviews I have heard about have been positive.  Soon I'll try it out, but what have been your experiences with Google Chrome?

I'm just getting tired of getting the Bill Gates education when it comes to my computer.  Microsoft products are usually pretty good, but Explorer has gotten ridiculous.  It's way too slow and in general just doesn't look as good.  Bill Gates' Microsoft really needs to step up its game.

As an aside, since I'm on the topic of Google Chrome, how did I just now find out about Google Docs.  I'd be interested to hear all Google Docs does since I have never used it.

The Steve Jobs Death And The Mac

First off, condolences to Steve Jobs' family.  Anyone who has dealt with illness and death of a loved one (which is just about everyone) knows the pain that comes from watching them slowly pass away.  Steve Jobs' death was met with a lot of eulogies for the inventor of the Mac and Apple TV, but the most important thing is that Steve Jobs' family lost a father, husband, and son.

Steve Jobs' death left me thinking about his impact on my life.  I was in the sixth grade the first time I ever programmed a computer.  It was either 1991 or 1992 and we were using the old Apple 2E computer (at least I think that was the name of it).  The computer used the old floppy disks.  The ones that were actually floppy.  You turned the disk over to the "B" side and could create your own programs.  It was a lot of fun.  Back then the Dallas Mavericks were awful, and my classroom partner and I programmed a Maverick shooting an airball.  Good times.

But I never got to show off that work of art because within a couple of months Apple came out with the Mac.  It was a totally different way to look at computers, and it really ushered in a new era of technology.  Ever since I left high school I have not used a Mac, but I am extremely appreciative of the Mac and what it led to.

Other than an iPhone and iTunes, I haven't used many Apple products.  I'm still waiting to use Apple TV for the first time, but it probably won't be long.

Thinking About The Steve Jobs Speech

After the death of Steve Jobs, a lot of attention was paid to the Steve Jobs speech at Stanford.  It was very inspirational, especially in light of his health at the time.  The line that impacted me the most was when he said, "Your time is limited.  So don't waste it living someone else's life.  ...Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice."

It's such a great quote, and one that we should all follow.  How many people have wasted years worrying about what other people think about them.  How many people don't try new things because they are afraid of the ridicule that will follow if they fail.  The Steve Jobs Stanford speech implored people to break that line of thinking and I love that.

If the ideas in the Steve Jobs speech had not been followed by Steve Jobs himself, we wouldn't have things like the Apple Store and the iPad.  Two things that have revolutionized the way we all think and live.  Maybe something besides the Apple Store and iPad would have taken its place, but who knows. 

What were your favorite quotes of the Steve Jobs Stanford speech?

Do projectfreetv and tubeplus Work?

Have you ever tried the traditional methods of watching online television shows, like Hulu or the networks' website, only to find that the show is unavailable?  If you have, then you may have tried searching all over the Internet for other ways to watch the show.  I have done that before, and a couple of times I have ended up in a long trail of searches that end in downloading a virus.  Not fun.

So now I hear about projectfreetv and tubeplus.  My question is do they work?  I went to projectfreetv, tried to download an episode and it seemed like a virus was once again trying to worm its way onto my computer.  Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't.  But I know that I didn't trust what came up on my screen.  I haven't tried tubeplus, so I don't want to lump it in with anything else.  Before I try tubeplus, though, I want to know if it is legitimate.

I work in Human Resources and HR Management so I guess my radar is always up if I get burned by something or someone.  It's just something that happens in Human Resources.  However, I would like to know if projectfreetv or tubeplus work.

LA Fitness vs. Anytime Fitness

Yesterday I talked about an app I used to help me lose weight.  Another motivation I had to lose weight was stumbling across a picture of Jay Cutler.  No, not Jay Cutler, Bears quarterback.  I'm talking about the bodybuilder Jay Cutler.  For some reason, seeing him spurred me on to good health.  I don't know the first thing about him other than the fact that he's huge.

I already had a membership to LA Fitness.  I really enjoy it.  They are close to my home, they aren't all that expensive, and the location is nice.  Nearby, there also is an Anytime Fitness.  I always have been intrigued by Anytime Fitness.  It is located next to a dry cleaning store in a strip mall.  Doesn't seem like the ideal location for a gym.  But after talking with some employees, it seems like the model works really well.  I don't know if I'll move my membership from LA Fitness to Anytime Fitness, but I am intrigued enough to continue to think about it.

And yes, I'm aware that I'll never look like the bodybuilder Jay Cutler - or for that matter, throw like Jay Cutler, Bears quarterback - but I can keep a healthy lifestyle by working out.

Those of you that have experience with LA Fitness and Anytime Fitness, what are your thoughts when comparing the two?

Losing Weight Without A Points Calculator and Weight Watchers Meetings

A few months ago I stepped on the scale and found that I had reached a weight that I had never reached before.  I have never been a big guy, and in fact, in college I did all I could to get UP to 150 pounds.  But on this day a few months ago I found myself at 180 pounds and knew I needed to do something.  Like lose 25 pounds.

I had no interest in doing anything like going to Weight Watchers Meetings and using a points calculator.  However, I did get told about an app called myfitnesspal.  myfitnesspal is similar to the points calculator used by Weight Watchers, but instead of counting points you count calories.  There is a huge database of foods and you simply input the foods and number of servings into your phone or computer, and the program keeps track of the calories you ingest throughout the day.

Now, I'm not saying you'll end up in Cosmo someday, but this program is better than what you'll find with your Cosmopolitan magazine subscription.  Your Cosmopolitan magazine subscription will give you nice fad diets, but if you want something to lose weight and get healthy the correct way, myfitnesspal is a great option.

By the way, I was able to get down to 155 pounds in 6 months.  Woohoo!

What do you think?  Have you had success with weight loss apps?  Has Weight Watchers meetings and points calculators worked for you?

Career Salary of a Sole Proprietor

Have you ever had a job where you knew that your salary did not match the payscale and career salary of your job?  It is certainly not fun.  That's where a lot of people decide to take matters into their own hands and become a sole proprietor.  It isn't always easy and it isn't always a lot of fun, especially when dealing with sole proprietor tax, but it can be well worth it when you know the exact amount of money you're bringing in, and you know that you are making every penny that the company earns.  No more being a small cog in a large corporation.

I haven't quite made the leap to being a sole proprietor, and I still examine the payscale and my career salary.  Maybe one day I'll take the leap.

How has that gone for you?  Happy with the move to being a sole proprietor or wish you had never done it?

Chase Bank or Citibank Online: What's Better?

I have an account with Chase Bank and with Citibank online.  Chase Bank holds the second mortgage on my home and I use Citibank online for one of my credit cards.  The reason I have the Citibank online credit card is because of the Hilton Honors points.  But since I have had a good experience with both of them, I have been thinking about switching my bank accounts to one of them.  So which one is best?  If anyone has had experience banking with one or the other I would love to hear of your experience.

I just have a regular job with a regular salary.  It's not like I'm making the average NFL salary, and you don't need a crazy salary calculator to figure out what I owe in taxes each year.  But even without the average NFL salary and salary calculator, I still want good service at a place that will take care of my money.

So which one would you suggest, Chase Bank or Citibank Online, and which one do you trust more?  I would love to hear from you.

Ford Truck vs. Toyota Prius

From earlier posts about my Ford F150, I am thinking about trading in my (or selling) my Ford truck and looking for something new.  I'm not exactly sure what I want, but it would be great if I could manage to get a new car, with double the gas mileage of the Ford F150, and spay less per month than I do with my Ford truck, even with a payment.  I probably butchered the explanation of what I want, but it's late and it's not all that important.  There are some cars that fit my criteria.  Unfortunately, one of those is not the Toyota Prius.

After years of scoffing at the Toyota Prius, I have come to appreciate them.  I don't really like their look, but they are growing on me.  I do love the Toyota Prius MPG, which would be very welcome after a decade of 16 or 17 MPG.  I also enjoy how quiet the Prius is.  Have you ever been inside of one?  I think everyone, during the first ride inside of one, asks, "Did it just shut off?" the first time it stops at a stop sign.

But alas, I really don't like to spend a ton of money on cars, so the Toyota Prius is out, even with the vaunted Toyota Prius MPG.  I'll keep looking around for something to replace my sweet Ford truck.  As loud and gas guzzling as it is, it's still my baby.  Problem is, I have a real baby on the way, which will make #2 for my me and my wife.  The Ford F150 just won't fit me and the kids.

Any ideas on reliable and cheap cars available?

Reading Free Books about the Prohibition Era

After recently watching the Ken Burns PBS documentary Prohibition, I have been motivated to read all I can about the prohibition era.  The whole time period is fascinating to me as I still cannot wrap my head around what life must have been like.

I went to Google Books and found a lot of free books on the subject, but there was so many it got a little overwhelming.  Does anyone have a good idea of where to get started on reading about the prohibition era?  I also know that the Digital Book Index has some free books that you can download to your e-reader.  So I have some options.  Now I just need to find the time!

You know, Ken Burns can tell a story about as well as anyone, so maybe I'll just leave it at that.  But if I can find some free books on the subject, why not read them?

My Ford F150 and Looking For Used Cars on Edmunds

So like I mentioned yesterday, I am in the brainstorming process of what to do with my 2001 Ford F150.  It was my first new car to buy on my own.  Actually my first car period.  It was bright red and had less than 500 miles on it.  It now is dull red and has 170,000 miles on it.  It still runs pretty well but isn't long for this world I'm afraid.  So I want to make sure I trade it in before it gets too late.

As an aside, when I went to buy my truck in 2001, I was certain I wanted a Chevy.  For some reason, when I was in college, a Chevy was the cool thing to have.  But I eventually went with the Ford F150, and I am very glad I did.  The truck has served me well.

I went on Edmunds today and looked for used cars that might fit what I'm looking for.  There are several in my area that could get me to the less than $10,000 I'm in need of.  My biggest problem is that I'm always leery of used cars.  I realized used cars give you the best value and stuff, but after 6 or 7 years of having to pay out of pocket for repairs, a nice warranty on a nice new car would be a breath of fresh air.  I'll keep checking Edmunds to see if I find some used cars I like.

What has been your experience with using Edmunds?  I've never used them.  Anybody who wants to talk me into a Chevy?  I hate to get rid of my Ford F150, but it's getting to be about that time.

Hairstyles For Men With No Hair

Yes, I fall into that category.  It was inevitable that I would not need to be in search of hairstyles, as my dad and his brother both started going bald by the time they were in their early 20s.  Right on cue, that is about the time that I started losing the hair on the top of my head.  It's not completely gone, but there isn't much left.

I still have to go get my hair cut, though.  I have hair on the sides and back of my head, and the last thing I want is to have a giant pile of hair with nothing on top.  It looks much better when it's cropped.  So I gather up my Great Clips coupons and head down to one of the Great Clips locations nearby.  It can be hard to find the Great Clips coupons online so I have to search the sales pages in the newspaper.

Anyway, I remember long ago when the big question for my mom was whether or not for me to have a hairstyle with bangs.  A hairstyle with bangs was the way to go for little boys back then, and my mom made sure we had one of those hairstyles.  But I do not have much option nowadays.  I typically just have them take a 2 or 3 guard on the clippers, clip the sides and back of my head and trim the top.

Do you know of any good hairstyles for men that are lacking hair on top?  One of these days I'll just bite the bullet and shave it all off.

Walker Art Gallery & The Help

Two new experiences in the last couple of days.  First off, a friend of mine visited Minneapolis (a place I have never been) and told me all about his visit to the Walker Art Center.  The first public art gallery in the Upper Midwest, the Walker Art Center was very much worth the trip, I was told.  He did not get to spend much time there, but he was certainly glad he went, and suggested that I make my way there if I go to Minnesota for the first time.

Secondly, I finally saw The Help.  I liked it, although after hearing about the book from everyone else, I feel like I already knew what was going to happen in the film version of the Kathryn Stockett novel.  But overall, it was a good movie, but I don't know if I can look at chocolate pie again.  Gross.

So one good movie, and one good art gallery.  One thing I can cross off my list, and one thing that is now added.

Trade In Value of a Ford F150

I have a 2001 Ford F150 with about 175,000 miles.  It has never had any major damage and runs pretty well.  But it is getting close to its last legs, if it's not already on them.  Plus I have a second child on the way, and since the truck is just a regular cab, I'm going to have to get rid of it and get a car.

I rather enjoy going the last several years without a car payment so the thought of purchasing a new car doesn't exactly appeal to me.  However, since my truck does not get great gas mileage - 16 or 17 mpg - there are ways that I can get a new car and save money each month.  If I could find a way to get a car for less than $10,000, but double up on the gas mileage, I can actually spend less money per month, PLUS have a car that is under warranty.

Someone at work told me about the Ford Fiesta.  I don't know much about them, but after taking a look at them, a Ford Fiesta might be what I'm looking for.  They start around $13,000 for a standard, so if I could get a good trade in value for my pickup I might get under the $10,000 mark.  The Kelley Blue Book trade in value for my truck is about $1,500-$2,000, but I have heard that I could maybe get $3,000 for it. 

Has anyone had any experiences, good or bad, with the Ford Fiesta?  What do you think the trade in value for a Ford F150 like mine could get?  Do you think Kelley Blue Book is off or just about right?

Breaking Dawn and the New Kindle

So my wife the other day reminds me that the first installment of the Breaking Dawn movie, the latest in Stephanie Meyer's vampire saga, is set to open in November.  I've heard this before, and don't tell my friends, but I'm actually looking forward to seeing the movie too.  Not that I'm a huge fan, but I have seen the first three movies, and by now I just need to see how it ends.

But just when I think she cannot be anymore excited and anxious about something she then decides that she has to get her hands on the new Kindle.  I have had a Kindle for the last couple of years.  In fact, I do not even know what version Kindle I have, it's been that long since I got it.  But I love it.  I love the fact that I can read at the gym, while I'm getting my oil change, and with one hand in bed or on the couch.  I also love that I can get Amazon textbooks from it.  I still prefer actual textbooks, but maybe I'm just too old. 

My wife has never been interested in my Kindle.  Until, that is, a friend of hers got one and showed it off.  Now it's all the rage in my house.  But my wife loves to read (getting back to the Breaking Dawn movie), and if the Kindle is what she wants for her birthday or Christmas, then I'll put it on her list.

We must lead boring lives if a Stephanie Meyer vampire movie and a Kindle cause all this excitement.