Get Dropbox

I've mentioned the stellar service Dropbox provides in the past.

If you aren't familiar with it, Dropbox puts a folder on your desktop and anything you put in that folder is automatically backed up online. You can also connect that folder to another computer and the files and folders placed in it will automatically sync between the computers. All your files are available through any web browser. You get 2 GB free.

It turns out they have a referral program where if you sign up by clicking HERE you get 10% extra space on the free version (and I get the same amount added to my account).

Give it a try. Install it on your work computer and your home computer and watch the magic happen. It works on Mac, Windows and Unix. Even if you don't need to sync files between computers, it's still a great, simple way to get 2 GB of easy-to-use, easy-to-access, always available (even when you're offline) online backups. It also includes a great online interface so you can access your files from any computer with Internet access.

Just sign up already, OK?

Vote on how we should spell "Sara(h)"

We're considering naming our girl Sara(h). While this is by no means set in stone, it's how we're leaning at the moment.

The question is, should we spell "Sarah(h)" with or without the "h"? The poll is in the upper corner of the site. If you want to give any additional justification for your vote/further argue your case, do so in the comments.

And....go.

Grumble, grumble

I'm sick, my head feels funny and my Internet connection is being very slow. I'm tired, but I can't fall asleep - a symptom of my illness which I do not relish. Also, what the heck is up with this "link" box below the title box on Blogger?:

That is all.

Idaho, it's a girl, and other updates from the last couple weeks

Sorry about the blogging drought. While I've been slacking in the blogging area, I've been more than picking up for it in all the other stuff I've got going on. Let me explain. No. There is too much. Let me sum up.

The Bun II

Most importantly, we're having a girl! We went to Fetal Foto last night (shudder) and had another ultrasound. It turns out the experience wasn't nearly as creepy as I thought it would be. And they sent us home with a DVD of the entire ultrasound set to music. So a bit cheesy perhaps, but not creepy.

Speaking Engagement

Last week I went and spoke at Brigham Young University Idaho on "social media and its impact on business and advertising". (Sounds boring doesn't it?) I was spending all my free time into the wee hours of the morning (literally) preparing the presentation. So no blogging for me.

Ironic since I was speaking on social media.

I presented a "one hour" version and a 15 minute version. I asked the students in the first presentation to fill out surveys afterward and overall the feedback was good.

My little family was able to come with me and the faculty members were very gracious hosts. Overall, I think it went pretty well and I really enjoyed hanging out for a bit up on my old stomping grounds.

If you're interested (or sadistic) you can view the Keynote slides by clicking the links in the sidebar. (Update: now removed. Email me if you want to see them.)

Brazil by way of Provo

Oh yeah. My sister in-law left for her mission to Brazil. Her visa didn't come through in time so instead of going straight to Brazil she had to make a slight detour to the Provo MTC. She just left today. Knowing that she'll be gone for 18 months doesn't seem like a HUGE deal until I think about it this way:

When she gets back my son will be twice as old as he is now.
Our little girl will be my son's age.

Crazy.

Txt me

Saturday we merged our cell phone plan with my in-law's. We now have more minutes and unlimited text messaging for less than we were paying before. Good deal.

As an aside, I had no idea how disciplined I was by limiting my texting to a paltry 1,000 messages per month. Being on an unlimited plan for a little over three days now I've already used over 300 texts. It feels good to not have to worry about that anymore.


TRANSITION...

Three random things I've noticed within the last two weeks:

1. We need more AA batteries in our place. I am at the point I'm pulling the rechargeable batteries out of the computer mouse to put in the remote to watch movies.

2. Singing multiple verses of "Old McDonad" is really funny when you start making up noises for non-barnyard animals. You should hear my bald eagle. Top notch.

3. If you see a house like this, and it's listed for $159,000, don't get your hopes up.

The last nail in MobileMe's coffin (MobileMe functionality, free)

Now that Google is providing free Exchange push synchronization of Google Contacts and Calendars to the iPhone and iPod Touch, it has effectively killed MobileMe's last unique selling point.

So instead of blowing $99 a year, here's a list of where you can get everything MobileMe offers (and then some) but free.

• Bookmark synchronization – Foxmarks (now available on Safari)
• Online storage (iDisk) – Dropox I've been using this for a while now and it works perfectly. Good UI too.
• Push Calendar – Google Calendar using CalDAV for iCal and Google Sync for iPhone/Touch.
• Push Email – Yahoo Mail (I suspect this will soon be available via Gmail as well).
• Online photo gallery – Picasa, Flickr, etc. Desktop clients/plugins are available for both Mac and PC as well as for the iPhone/Touch for easy uploading.
  

Of course, MobileMe isn't the be-all-end-all solution despite the fact they're charging for it. There are a couple of things MobileMe SHOULD do which are available through third parties:

• Note syncing – Notespark is a great little $2 app for the iPhone. It works when you don't have a data connection and all your notes sync to a decent-looking web interface. Includes excellent tag and search capabilities.
  
• To-Do List/Syncing – Remember the Milk provides a hard-core to-do application that works in Gmail, through their own website and (for $25/year) the iPhone/Touch. It, too, is available without a data connection. For something less robust (and free) try Toodledo.

There you have it. Everything MobileMe offers for $99 a year for free. I wonder how, or if, Apple will respond. Thoughts?

Someday, someone may make a movie of your life

Courtesy of here.