Seems the biggest news stories of the week are centered around Facebook … Whether it’s the stock which is not performing as many had hoped (“biggest IPO flop of the decade”, according to Bloomberg), or the attraction so many companies have had with their applications that add to Facebook’s functionality. But, all the light shown on FB means other internet properties can release new things for trial and no one will object. So let me show you a few of the items I came across this week.

Still waiting on the final OK, Facebook purchased photo mega site Instagram, but wait … What’s this? Facebook Camera? Yep, there’s a new app that allows you to shoot, edit and upload to Facebook and see what your friends are up to. Here’s the what and why they released the app … http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/why-facebook-just-launched-its-own-instagram.php

Microsoft has made its new feature public … So.cl (pronounced social), this social search platform integrates with Facebook and allows users to build networks and visual collages. With the multitude of photo enhancers and fixers available to phone cameras, this seems like a great way to create your own group of friends and like-minded acquaintances. http://www.so.cl/

Something new just hit the Internet this week … Yahoo has come out with a browser. Axis is a unique search and show browser that relies on images and a multiplatform system so you can dig deeper into your searches faster. Something I noticed, tho’ … It seems to work best on tablets, rather than desktops and phones. Even though it’s integrated and can be used on all three simultaneously. Check out the sites’ video … http://axis.yahoo.com/

Other than Axis, I have been using a quick go-to source to find out what’s new in the tech world called Appy Geek. This app for Android and iPad tablets and phones gives an easy to follow system of images with direct links to full stories. Plus the app lets you create, personalize and prioritize your own news feeds and offers ample customization/sharing features.

===HuMoR===
The elevator in our building malfunctioned one day, leaving several of us stranded. Seeing a sign that listed two emergency phone numbers, I dialed the first and explained our situation.
After what seemed to be a very long silence, the voice on the other end said, “I don’t know what you expect me to do for you. I’m a psychologist.”
“A psychologist?” I replied. “Your phone is listed here as an emergency number. Can’t you help us?”
“Well,” he finally responded in a measured tone. “How do you feel about being stuck in an elevator?”
(thanks, Phil)
++++++++++++++++++++
Psychiatry students were in their Emotional Extremes class.
“Let’s set some parameters,” the professor said. “What’s the opposite of joy?” he asked one student.
“Sadness,” he replied.
“The opposite of depression?” he asked another student.
“Elation,” he replied.
“The opposite of woe?” the professor asked a young woman from Texas.
The Texan replied, “Sir, I believe that would be giddyup.”
(thanks, Tim)
====================
Looks like rain this weekend from a storm system in the Atlantic, so have a good one, remember Monday as we observe Memorial Day, and until next weekend, may God bless you and keep you safe.

c-ya!
Jim
Jim’s WebLetter
Discover the best of the Web

This weekend, I have some sites to show you which demonstrate the latest that’s happening on the Web. Trends show that more people are becoming comfortable using Cloud services. For those of you who are still a bit sketchy on the subject, I have a place that may help. Also, the “Jetson’s” dream of running your home appliances through the internet just took a giant leap forward. Google just got smarter, and an application I have begun using on my new iPad. This and more on Jim’s WebLetter …

First, a number of questions have come up from the idea of uploading content and saving it on Clouds. Specifically, I am asked how to do it, how safe is it, and what’s the best one to use. I am using two cloud services, one because it’s an extension of Google Documents called Google Drive, and Microsoft’s cloud Skydrive. I also have iCloud through the iPad, but only use it to back up my apps. The term “back up” is important here because if I didn’t do anything else, I am backing up every photo, document and video I do in case the computer crashes. But I came across an article from Lifehacker which explains in some detail the primary and most popular Clouds. Take a few moments to read this … http://lifehacker.com/5911022/what-cool-things-can-i-do-with-all-this-free-cloud-storage-space

Next, a company has been working to create a means of controlling appliances in the home through the Internet using a small, inexpensive chip. Electric Imp has come up with the “Imp Chip” that does exactly that. Using their software, the installed chip can be used to operate all sorts of appliances and electric-run gadgets. The implications are enormous and definitely something worth investigating … http://gizmodo.com/5910798/electric-imp-wants-to-connect-your-everything-to-the-internet

This week, Google made the news based on their signature feature. The search engine just became smarter. Using what is known as the “knowledge graph”, searches you make on certain names and words will open a window with more details based on what other people found when they searched for those same names and terms. The enhancement makes your research even more productive. http://mashable.com/2012/05/16/google-knowledge-graph/

And last but not least, I am using an app on the iPad called 123d Catch, an easy 3D photo app that takes your pictures of an image and stitches them together in their cloud. The result is an image in 3D you created simply and affordably. How simple and affordable? They show you how to do it, give you plenty of examples, and the app is free through the App Store. Simple enough? Get details from their website … http://www.123dapp.com/catch

===HuMoR===
The IAMS Pet Professionals, a team of 30 trained customer service representatives at The Iams Company, handle more than 300,000 inquiries a year from pet owners across the country. Although the majority of calls to the toll-free number are straightforward pet care and nutrition questions, some can be quite unconventional. Here are some of the team’s favorite calls this year:

“My cat just came in from the garage and I was wondering how many calories are in a mouse?”
“I have a neutered male cat. How old should he be before I can breed him?”
“What should I feed a borderline collie?”
“What size litter box do I need to keep my cat comfy?”
“How can I keep my cat from stealing my husband’s toothbrush?”
“How can I get the secret recipe for your Iams Chunks dog food?”
“How do I stop my cat from giving food to the dog?”
“Do you know how to toilet train a cat?”
“Will chewing pop cans remove enamel from my puppy’s teeth?”
“Where can I get a six-toed cat?”
(thanks, Brenda)
++++++++++++++++++++
John was never shy about reminding people that he played semi-pro baseball.
“My teammates used to call me James Bond,” he was telling his friends. “I had all sorts of tricks to confuse the opposition.”
“That and he batted .007,” his wife added.
(thanks, Ron)
====================
So, check out the sites, and if you come across a joke you think the readers would enjoy, pass it along. Til next weekend, may God bless you and keep you safe.

c-ya!
Jim
Jim’s WebLetter
Discover the best of the Web

I hope you had a good week. It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday (*don’t forget to call mom and maybe send some flowers, too*). So, let me show you some of the things I discovered while working on the Web this week.

As I continue to weed my way through the field of sites, I am sure that security is more important now than ever before. Because I have several passwords for emails and websites I manage, I need a way to protect my listing. I saw a video on CNET this week about LastPass, a free password manager. You can store all your passwords in one location, it’s easily available by mobile app or online through their website and an attachment to your web browser, and it’s secure. Did I mention that the basic service is free? http://lastpass.com/

This next site got my attention because they are doing television on the Internet. Revision3 creates programs for and about the Web that covers the latest innovations as well as how-to instructional videos. It’s well produced and is worth the time to learn what technology is doing today … http://revision3.com/

This Shell is a unique website created by Legwork Studios that promotes the group The new album “Parts” from Gramit in a rather fun and rewarding manner. The website presents fans with a video puzzle that if solved before the music ends, allows them access to a free mp3 download of the song. Here’s the kicker … This site is written in the new format HTML5 so it is available to every type of internet device, even cellphones and tablets. http://thisshell.com/

Last, here’s an app for iPad I have downloaded to create video stories using photos and narration, mixing them with music I can choose or import. I can create a soundtrack and use that, too. I just pick a story theme from the collection, import photos, record myself telling the story and, it’s done. It’s called Videolicious and it’s free in the App Store. http://www.videolicious.com

===HuMoR===
A lady took her dog to the groomer at pet store for a haircut and asked what it would cost.
The receptionist looked at her from behind the counter and told her that a bath and haircut started at around fifty dollars, but there were many options, so the price could vary.
Holding on to her dog’s leash, the potential customer was visibly outraged.
“I only pay $25 for my own haircut!” said the woman indignantly.
The groomer replied, “That may be true, but then you don’t bite, do you?”
(thanks, Beth)
++++++++++++++++++++
Arriving home from work at my usual hour of 5 p.m., I discovered that it had not been one of my wife’s better days. Nothing I said or did seemed to be right.
By 7 p.m. things had not changed, so I suggested I go outside, pretend I had just got home, and start all over again. My wife agreed.
I went outside, came back in and, with a big smile, announced, “Honey, I’m home!”
“And just where have you been?” she replied sharply. “It’s after seven o’clock!”
(thanks, Mary)
====================
And that’s this weeks look through the computer screen, friends. Have a great weekend, happy Mother’s Day, and may God bess you and keep you safe.

c-ya!
Jim
Jim’s WebLetter
Discover the best of the Web

It’s Shrimp Festival weekend here on the island. Yes, it’s that time of year when we host as many as 150,000 people who come for the fun. If you’re one of the folks coming to the Festival this weekend, I hope you have a good time. You can get information about parking and where everything is located when you visit the website at ShrimpFestival.com.

Here’s a few things I found fun and fascinating while on the Web this week …

I watched a video from the BBC on the subject of wireless battery charging. While the scientists are perfecting wireless charging of cellphones and as time progresses, electric cars, the report included household appliances as well. Check it out … http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/9708468.stm

I make an attempt each week to watch a video that is provided by TED, a non-profit that stands for Technology, Entertainment & Design. Their goal is “ideas worth spreading”. One of the videos I watched was of 11-year-old Birke Baehr. He presented his take on a major source of our food … industrial farms. Keeping farms out of sight promotes a rosy, unreal picture of big-box agriculture, he argues, as he outlines the case for green and localize food production. Matter of fact, he’s planning a career as an organic farmer. Watch his speech before the huge audience at the TED convention … http://www.ted.com/talks/birke_baehr_what_s_wrong_with_our_food_system.html

Next, there was a time when you might be considered suspect if you surfed the Web using a privacy feature to prevent others from knowing who you were, or what sites you were landing on. But today, with new rules now being considered by our government for spying on you, hacking devices that can infiltrate your computer and steal your personal information, and technology from such entities as Google that can track every site you visit just so they can inundate you with advertising, the idea of protecting oneself from prying eyes has taken on a new meaning. I discovered a story from Techland that shows eight tools to use to protect your privacy while on the web. Consider the story useful to protect yourself. You still have the right to be protected while using the public information highway. http://techland.time.com/2012/05/04/8-tools-for-the-online-privacy-paranoid/

Each week, I will give you a review on an App I am using on my new iPad. I regularly research and download apps to see how they work and if it’s something I can use. One of the reasons I purchased the Apple device was for musical apps that I could use to create soundtracks for videos I shoot. But it’s great to have an app that makes musical scores easy. So I purchased a program called Seline Ultimate for $6.99. I can choose from over 50 instruments, play on an ergo-friendly keyboard with intuitive background and drums. Here’s a YouTube video demonstrating its ability. This is the older version of the software which now has nicer graphics as well as even more features … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCDW3Q1kKvc&feature=related

Finally, tonight the moon will be the closest to us this year. They’re calling it a “supermoon” as it will become full at 11:35 pm and will be big to midnight. Hopefully it will be clear where you are so you can enjoy the sight.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/space/story/2012-05-02/supermoon-full-moon-may/54691328/1

===HuMoR===
After an enthusiastic recommendation from my wife, I began listening to the audio-book version of a novel.
“I love it, but his writing style is so disjointed,” I complained. “He refers to characters I don’t know and introduces them a half hour later.”
My wife was as confused as I was, but I soldiered on, disoriented by the jumpy story line. It wasn’t until the end of the book that my dilemma was explained: I had my iPod set on “Shuffle.”
(thanks, Doc)
++++++++++++++++++++
Taking my car to the mechanic, I was fearful that any needed repair might be too expensive. I was relieved when he told me all I needed was blinker fluid.
(thanks, Kathy)
====================
So, there you go, friends. Have a great weekend and may God bless you and keep you safe.

c-ya!
Jim
Jim’s WebLetter
Discover the best of the Web

Things are heating up with temps climbing into the 80′s through the weekend here on the island. It’s good to have a breeze, tho’. And this weekend there are a few cool places to visit online in care of the world wide Web.

This week, Google opened up its cloud service called Drive. For those of us with Gmail, it was a no-brainier as the new cloud service is actually integrated into the Google Docs system. Several features are included in addition to the 5 gigabytes of free space. Here’s more about it along with the Promotion video … http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/google-drive-official-cloud-storage-details-docs/

Of course, Drive is just another cloud to consider in the ever growing list of space providers. So which one is best for you? Good question answered by an article in Pocket Lint by Dan Sung in which he classifies the most popular clouds and gives you a synopsis at the end … http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/40364/icloud-google-music-dropbox-skydrive-amazon-cloud-player

Next, imagine being able to log in online as an avatar, go to a government office, ask questions of a representative, apply for a visa or an interview – instead of making a personal appearance. Virtual reality is not new, but what is happening today is best described as the next generation. The BBC reports of a company who is making strides in creating virtual places from real brick and mortar facilities that is a bit mind blowing. Check out the video on this link … http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/9714258.stm

Also this week, CNET began rolling out a new program that provides all the technology news up to the moment in a 3 minute video. Host Bridget Carey delivers a stand up job of covering the big news that’s fit to watch, with updates throughout the day. CNET says they will be rolling out new programming through the summer in an effort to give a facelift to what they have done in the past. I consider it a good place to go for product reviews and commentary on many of the Tech stuff coming out. http://news.cnet.com

Now that I have the new iPad, I’ve had a number of people ask me what Apps I have discovered and like to use. So in the coming weeks, I’ll let you know what I am using. This week, because I like reading local news, I like what the Florida Times Union has done in delivering the paper by download. Just think, no more ink on fingers and clothes. Hit up Jacksonville.com in your App store.

===HuMoR===
A surgeon examined a new patient most carefully. After studying the x-rays, he turned to the man and said, “Could you pay for an operation if I told you it was necessary?”
The patient thought for a moment, then said to the doctor, “Would you find one necessary if I told you I couldn’t pay for it?”
(thanks, Jen)
++++++++++++++++++++
My boss phoned me today. He said, “Is everything okay at the office?”
I said, “Yes, it’s all under control. It’s been a very busy day, I haven’t stopped for a minute.”
“Can you do me a favor?” he asked.
I said, “Of course, anything, what is it?”
He said, “Hurry up and take your shot, I’m right behind you on the 7th hole.”
(thanks, Howard)
====================
And that’s this weeks look through the computer screen, friends. Have a great weekend and may God bless you and keep you safe.

c-ya!
Jim
Jim’s WebLetter
Discover the best of the Web

I’m writing this a day early because my wife and I are getting out of town for a day and I can’t wait to tell you of some of the things I came across while on the Web.

First, there is a new computer system called Raspberry Pi which is small, runs Linux, has connections for HDMI, ethernet and USB and even though it runs a bit slow, can support Web surfing and run the graphic editing program Gimp. Best of all, this little computer is just $35. But before you think about ordering one, the preorders have now
reached 350,000 so, it may be awhile before you get it. http://m.geek.com/geekdotcom/#!/entry/4e692d58154c346a4b00012e

Next, my friend Dan sent a link about a man who has created a virtual choir for songs he has composed. Eric Whitacre composed the music and used YouTube to reach out for voices and give instruction for the different parts for the singers. They in return sent links to their videos for him to download. Couple that with audio mixing and a creative graphic/video artist, and you have something worth viewing … http://ericwhitacre.com/the-virtual-choir

Tuesday is the reported day when Google opens its new cloud service called Drive. In a time when everyone is offering their own cloud service, what makes Google Drive different? How about 5 gigs of free space compared to the typical 2 gigs offered by the likes of Apple and Amazon. Just have your Gmail address ready.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2131513/Google-Drive-Free-5GB-online-storage-service-launched-week.html

Finally, this week an American icon died. Dick Clark passed away as a result of a heart attack. He was 82. I was one of the kids who watched American Bandstand when it first hit network television because as so many others, I found it fascinating that the popular music of our time was being played and rated on TV. Many of the song’s artists appeared on the show. Dick was known for launching the careers of musicians like Aretha Franklin, Chubby Checker and Paul Revere and the Raiders. He later would create shows with his production company that are still shown in reruns. His company’s website has a video you should watch … http://dickclark.com/

===HuMoR===
A guy is going ice fishing (it is the winter in Minnesota) and he walks out onto the ice and begins drilling a hole. A loud voice – the voice of God – sounds around him. “There are no fish here!” “Hm,” the man thinks, and picks up his things to move to another place on the ice. As he begins drilling his second hole, again he hears, “There are
no fish here!” “Must be my lucky day,” he thinks. “Someone’s looking out for me.” And he moves again. As he begins drilling his third hole, the voice rings out, “This is the rink attendant! There are NO FISH HERE!”
(thanks, Ron)
+++++++++++++++++++++++
While cleaning the attic, Joan and Harry found an old stub for some shoes they left at the repair shop 10 years ago. They thought it would be funny to go to the shop and see if the shoes were still there. So they did. They handed the stub to the repair man who took it and looked in the back. He came out again and said, “They’ll be ready on
Wednesday.”
(thanks Donna)
=======================
And that’s this week’s look at the Web, folks. Have a great weekend and as always, I pray that God bless you and keep you safe.

c-ya!
Jim
Jim’s WebLetter
Discover the best of the Web
C-my-site at www.jimonline.com

What a week … So many things happened in the world of the Web, I will hit a few of them and show you a couple of great sites to enjoy too.

If you enjoy reading books online or downloaded to your reader, the one thing you may not enjoy is the price you pay for it. This week the federal government decided to go after Apple for the fixed pricing they have been charging. Apple fired back that they aren’t fixing the price any more others. As a result, You can expect prices on some of
your favorite books to fall. Three book publishers settled with the DOJ rather than fight the case. They are renegotiating deals with Amazon that could lead to a return of $9.99 best-sellers as part of the settlement.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-04-11/apple-ebooks-antitrust-lawsuit/54171390/1

Also this week, Facebook bought a relatively new company that millions of people have already been using – Instagram. They are a smartphone app company providing an easy way for you to take and send your photos to friends. Facebook is paying a cool billion bucks for it. What remains to be seen is how it will be integrated into the new owner.
http://mashable.com/2012/04/09/facebook-instagram-buy/

As I mentioned last week, the Flashback virus has been finding its way through Apple computers at an alarming rate. Now it seems Apple is working to get a handle on the problem. http://www.securitynewsdaily.com/1720-apple-flashback-trojan.html

Ok, so let’s take a moment for a little common sense for desktops. With all the projects I work on, each with it’s own folder group, I know how icons can become cluttered on a desktop screen. Rather than spend time trying to decide if you need to keep or disgard each of them, organize them with three easy icons. This may look a bit too simple, but it really does put everything in perspective … http://lifehacker.com/5901487/rid-your-desktop-of-clutter-with-this-simple-trio-of-icons

Next, imagine if you could go back in time and see what Google would have looked like if it had been invented circa 1986. The design, by Squirrel-Monkey.com, has been around for a few months, but an Austrian web design firm called Mass:Werk has created an actual working search engine that simulates the experience of “logging on” via a low-powered computer of the time. You would have to log in to DOS operating software and the speed it loads is slow, but it’s interesting to watch … http://www.masswerk.at/googleBBS/

===HuMoR===
The doorbell rang and the lady of the house discovered a workman, complete with tool chest, on the front porch.
“Madam,” he announced, “I’m the piano tuner.”
The lady exclaimed, “Why? I didn’t send for a piano tuner.”
The man replied, “I know you didn’t, but your neighbors did.”
(thanks, Dan)
+++++++++++++++++
Standing on the tee of a relatively long par three, a confident golfer said to his caddy, “Looks like a four-wood and a putt to me.”
The caddy argued with him a bit and suggested that he instead play it safe and hit a four-iron then a wedge. The golfer was insulted and proceeded to scream and yell at the caddy on the tee telling him that he was a better golfer than that and how dare the caddy under estimate his game.
So, giving in, the caddy handed the gentleman the four-wood he had asked for. He proceeded to top the ball and watched as it rolled about fifteen yards off the front of the tee.
Immediately the caddy handed him his putter and said, “And now for one long putt…
(thanks, Reg)
====================
That’s my highlights for the week. Thanks for your time. Have a great weekend and may God Bless you and keep you safe.

c-ya!
Jim
Jim’s WebLetter
Discover the best of the Web

Hi-ya Folks,

Hope you’re able to enjoy your Easter weekend. We will be on the beach Sunday at 6:30 for Sunrise service. If you’re here on the island, stop by Peters Point.

This week, Apple has been in the news for several things … Like the fact that thousands of their computers have become infected with the Flashback virus that steals personal information. Now here’s the real issue and why PC people like me will always stay with them … There is no antivirus program to protect Apple computers against such viruses. In fact, the process in which users must undergo just to determine if their systems are infected, and then repair them, is complex. PC users have several programs, many of them free, for protection. Why does Apple continue to hide its head in the sand over this? Hard to say, but I do know that my iPad is susceptible and that
doesn’t make me feel safe. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57409619-83/more-than-600000-macs-infected-with-flashback-botnet/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20&tag=nl.e703

Also in the news, and speaking about the new iPad, reports show that many have wi-fi reception issues. While my iPad doesn’t seem to have that issue, it’s good to know Apple is looking into the matter … http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-57409671-64/apple-looking-into-new-ipad-wi-fi-issues/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20&tag=nl.e703

Also this week, Google is showing off new glasses that use augmented reality. The idea of wearing lenses that show information of the things you’re looking at can be a bit weird, but is a glimpse of things to come in the future of technology. Whether these glasses will take off as the next big thing, or suffer the fate of so many concepts … Death and obscurity, one thing’s certain, Google is pushing for new and innovative and that’s a good thing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/google-glasses-dont-plan-on-buying-them-for-christmas/2012/04/06/gIQAf595zS_story.html?tid=pm_business_pop

It’s been awhile since I reported about YouTube. One notable improvement comes under the heading of video editing. If you have a less than optimal video to upload, YT will detect and fix your video. This self-improvement application is just part of the process. While the video is up loaded, you can classify and add tags and other information that is auto-saved on the page. Once the video has been processed, you can further edit and save the new file. YouTube has set up a page to practice working with the editor before using it on your own videos. http://www.youtube.com/editor

One reason for purchasing the new iPad was because of the apps. There are thousands and thousands of apps to access. One I have begun using is a magazine aggregator called Zite. Here you can select stories you want to read listed by categories called Sections. You can customize
the magazine by adding your own subjects and Zite will build the new section and keep it updated. Any story that lists in a category comes with a rating service so you can tell Zite whether you want to continue receiving articles from the writer or the subject matter. Zite is available for Android through Google Play and Apple iPhone and iPad through the Apple store.

===HuMoR===
My wife is a teacher; it’s really weird to live with a teacher. I’d be on the phone, doodling on a piece of paper, leave the house, come back in two hours and that same piece of paper is now on the refrigerator with the words “Good work!” and a big smiley face on it.
(thanks, Doc)
++++++++++++++++++++
Carl listened from the other room as his wife Holly patiently said to
their five-year-old, “Please pick up your toys, Mary.”
After a few minutes, Holly again reminded their daughter.
Finally Holly asked, “Why aren’t you picking your things up?”
Carl rolled his eyes when he heard Mary answer, “I’m playing house and I’m the dad, so I don’t know where anything goes.”
(thanks, Andrew)
====================
Thanks for your time, Webfriends. Have a great weekend and may God Bless you and keep you safe.

c-ya!
Jim
Jim’s WebLetter
Discover the best of the Web

It’s Saturday and time to check out some Web-oriented stuff I discovered this week in this issue of JWL.

This marks the first week I began using my new iPad to write this WebLetter and using Documents 2, a free writing and note taking app. This also gives me the chance to talk more about my purchase of the new iPad. I like it for the plentiful apps and the screen quality. Retinal display allows me to read the tiniest of print and enjoy HD quality videos, but I don’t like the fact that what I call the “standard” form of flash video doesn’t show on the device. As a result the world is adjusting to new coding to show flash movies on Apple devices. Just this week I found a plugin for my church’s website (www.fbfirst.com) so iPads and iPhones can watch the stream that is actually being broadcast in Adobe Flash. Was it necessary for Apple to demand a new form of coding for displaying video? The Mac doesn’t require it, so why the iPad and iPhone? In an article from 2010, Steve Jobs is quoted as saying that we no longer need flash. That it is unsecured and hard to work with. He proposed using a new format. The one they are using today. http://mashable.com/2010/04/29/steve-jobs-flash-is-no-longer-necessary/

So this week, we learned that Google has a new cloud system called “Drive” that’s coming April 16th. While most cloud services off 2 gigs of space for free, Drive will offer 5 free gigs of space. Techcrunch has the details … http://techcrunch.com/2012/03/30/new-google-drive-leak-points-to-5gb-of-free-storage-april-16-launch-date/

Here’s one of those “I wish I had this growing up” moments … The Web-based application now available for smartphones and tablets is Bankaroo, a simple and effective way for kids to manage their allowance and other money, while keeping track of their expenses, too. Designed for kids ages 5 to 13, Bankaroo is a free downloadable app from the Apple App Store, but the HTML5 Web application can also work on virtually any device that has access to the Internet. http://bankaroo.com/home/

Timeline has come to Facebook. You were warned that your account would get it. Frankly I don’t mind it. I did a little graphic work and added a couple of photos and I’m done. Remember that any images you add will be classified by date. There’s a good story on ZDNet about it … http://www.zdnet.com/blog/facebook/all-facebook-pages-get-timeline/11192?tag=content;selector-blogs

===HuMoR===
A mother gave her teenage daughter a car for her sixteenth birthday. As she handed over the keys, she explained that it was a magic car.
The girl, of course, was very excited, and asked what it did.
“Well,” said Mom, “Just get one ticket and you’ll see how quickly it will disappear.”
(thanks, Reggie)
++++++++++++++++++++
A Navy officer, serving on an aircraft carrier, was cutting through the crew’s quarters of his ship one day and happened upon a sailor reading a magazine with his feet up on the small table in front of him.
“Sailor! Do you put your feet up on the furniture at home?” the officer demanded.
“No, sir, but we don’t land airplanes on the roof either.”
(thanks, Rob)
====================
And that’s this weeks look through the computer screen, friends. Have a great weekend and may God bess you and keep you safe.

c-ya!
Jim
Jim’s WebLetter
Discover the best of the Web

Hope you’ve had a good week. Now it’s the weekend and I have things to show you as I continue to discover the best of the Web.

Everything will end up in the cloud. In case you haven’t noticed, people are learning to lean on the giant computer corporations like Google, Amazon, and Apple to store their music, data files and personal content in what we’re made to believe are secure systems. While I’m not going to spend any time and words about the latter, I am sure that the storing and easily retrieving of your content is important. But a newer cloud for music lovers has appeared and it’s name is MyMusicCloud.com. With this, you can easily sign up for an account, upload or download your music collection (depending where you have it stored already) and have access to it using almost any method and machine. There’s an app for it, so I can store my favorites and listen to it on my new iPad. Offering 2GB of free storage, MMC is upgradeable to 5GB for $10 annually and will further double as an online storefront. Users can buy songs for as little as $0.19 (hear that Google and Apple?), or purchase entire albums at prices around $7.99-$9.99, all ready for warehousing in their virtual “locker”. http://www.MyMusicCloud.com/

Here’s a good reason to visit Austin, Texas … they’re clocked at having the fastest download speeds of any city in Amercia. Pando Networks released a study showing which cities in the U.S. had the fastest average download speeds, and not surprisingly, major tech hotspots like San Francisco, Austin, Seattle and New York all led the pack. But Austin scored the fastest clocked speed. So, while you’re there watching video online … visit Lubi’s for great barbeque, County Line for ribs and stop by Bob Evans Texas Museum, you’ll love it. http://www.austintexas.org/visitors/plan_your_trip/

EarthCam has been around for years. I remember having an account when they first began, setting up a webcam and broadcasting it on the site and thinking that everyone is going to see what I’m seeing. So that was years ago and with the years, things have changed. Broadband is everywhere and the quality of webcams has improved, so the leading network of live webcams is showing the viewer what’s going on in every major city and if you see something you like, push it to Youtube, Facebook, and half a dozen other places for your friends to see. http://www.earthcam.com/

Finally, Tinkatolli.me is a virtual world for kids, created by parents to be a safe, fun and importantly a challenging place for young minds to start experiencing, exploring and getting social on the Web. Kids are encouraged to make a “Tinka”, meet friends, play games, build epic stuff and post. Parents, read the important message to you and then, sit your kids in front of the screen and show them how much fun it can be exploring the Web. https://www.tinkatolli.me/

===HuMoR===
As a court clerk, I am well-versed in the jury selection process. First a computer randomly selects a few hundred citizens from the entire county to report for jury duty on a particular day. Then another computer assigns 40 of those present to a courtroom. Then the 40 names are placed into a drum, and a dozen names are pulled.
During jury selection for one trial, the judge asked potential Juror No. 12 if there was any reason he could not be a fair and impartial juror.
“There may be,” he replied. “Juror No. 1 is my ex-wife, and if we were on the same jury, I guarantee we would not be able to agree on anything.”
Both were excused.
(thanks, Donald)
++++++++++++++++++++++
One morning I found a beautiful long-stemmed rose lying by the kitchen sink. Even though the flower was plastic, I was thinking how, after all the years we had been married, my husband could still make such a wonderful romantic gesture.
Then I noticed a love note lying next to it.
“Dear Sue,” it read. “Don’t touch the rose, I’m using the stem to unclog the drain.”
(thanks, Doc)
=======================
And that’s another week’s worth of Webgazing … have a great weekend and may God bless you and keep you safe.

c-ya!
Jim
Jim’s WebLetter
Discover the best of the Web