Mortgage companies getting battered on the stock exchanges, maybe looking into mortgage refinancing isn't a bad idea?
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
There's been a lot of talk on the loans and mortgage companies taking hits in the stock markets, which could be lower rates on your loans and mortgages. I'm not a homeowner yet, just barely looking into apartments for May. I don't have to worry about having a Mortgage yet since I don't have the dream house I'm looking for. I also wouldn't live in New York, it would have to be some place closeby like Connecticut, where you can find some deals on Connecticut Mortgage Refinancing with all the lowered rates.
Alright there's my 2 cents on financial news for the day, enjoy,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 10:06 PM 11 comments
Now this is cool, streaming live replays and stats to your PSP while watching Arsenal Play
If any of you love going to sport events, playing PSP, or love Arsenal (I fit into all 3 categories) then this bit of news from Pocket-Lint will interest you. The full article at Pocket-Lint states that Sony is beginning a plan to stream live football/soccer replays directly to your PSP. Now that's some great technology. Imagine missing a goal while you were getting a drink, or wanted to see if that penalty was really a foul or not, and see how many goals Thierry Henry has scored.
They're testing the technology at Emirates Stadium (the home of the London based Arsenal Football club) with about 4000 fans but I hope it gets around, and makes the jump across the pond into North America.
(Image taken from Pocket-Lint)
Check it out and post your thoughts,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 8:31 PM 0 comments
Labels: Digital Players, Soccer, Sony, Tech
Lead management software for your business
At my PT clinic, we have a full software suite to manage our patients, their billing, insurance, appointments, etc. It's pretty powerful since it can do pretty much most of the paperwork for us. Well for those looking for Lead Management or Sale software capable of being an all-in-one solution for your business now have an option. Aimpromote is a sales lead management program that has all the major features of the leading competitors, then surpasses them at a cheaper rate. Sounds like a great idea for anyone involved in sales or marketing products, since it can cut down on the work, which always saves you money. Check out all the features at http://www.aimpromote.com/features and let me know what you think.
Thanks,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 2:45 PM 0 comments
Midday roundup
Just got in from work, and quickly went to my favorite quick news site Digg, and found 2 articles for you guys to enjoy. Not much going on in life or electronics, tech or the web so I'll talk about Video Games and Guns.
The first link is the annoucement that Sonic and Mario, mascots for the longtime rivals Nintendo and Sega, are now teaming up to compete in a sports game for the 2008 Olympic games. Wiifanboy.com has all the details but hey, it's a start, now let's see them go head to head in a fighting game.
The second link is for a program setup in Mexico where you trade your handgun for an Xbox360. Pretty interesting concept, getting guns out of the streets and more consoles out there. It's starting in Mexico City but will spread to other cities in Mexico. I like the idea, imagine if they did that in the US?
Alright more news later,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 2:30 PM 0 comments
Labels: Microsoft, Nintendo, Random, Video Games
Need a dedicated server? RackNine has dedicated servers that don't lose out in the support aspects
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
I know many of you bloggers out there have your blog hosted by a company specializing in blog hosting or run through a free service like Blogger. However, many people who have their own sites, such as I, like to have their sites hosted on a good server. For those who have larger sites where a simple hosting company won't do, having a dedicated server that's fully customizable is the only way to go. For those who know what I'm talking about or have sites that are larger enough to warrant a dedicated server should really look into RackNine Dedicated Servers. They've updated their dedicated support to be as good as shared support, without the slowdowns or reductions in speed that having a shared server costs. They have a full press release detailing all the changes so take a look. I've added it to this post below:
RackNine Inc. http://www.racknine.com Toll-free: 1-866 GO RACK9 sales@racknine.com RackNine Cuts I.T. Overhead for Customers New Offering from RackNine Equals Expert Support & Great Value Edmonton, Alberta (March 27. 2007) – RackNine a leading provider of shared and dedicated web hosting services, is expanding options for its dedicated server customers by adding an Assisted Service Plan–a professional solution without the traditional costs. RackNine’s technical support will address needed patches, backups, monitoring and vulnerability assessments. Customers can get the power of a dedicated server without having to perform all of the administrative tasks associated with an unmanaged account such as server startup, patching and anti-virus protection. Add-on services, with the purchase of a service contract, include security scans, backup and recovery, monitoring and escalation management, at no additional fee. Custom engineering options are also available, billed at a flat hourly rate. The plan can be added to qualified dedicated hosting accounts during the purchase process. While users are provided with a basic startup environment, RackNine can also assist customers who have special needs. As with all dedicated servers accounts, customers can choose from a wide range of options including operating systems, RAM, hard drives, processors and firewalls. In addition, as with all RackNine services, the plan is backed by RackNine’s round the clock customer support. For more information on RackNine dedicated server plans, visit http://dedicated.rk9.net. About RackNine RackNine Inc. is the evolution of its former company, Couple Guys Consulting. Originally founded in February of 1997, Couple Guys Consulting grew as a leader in automated website management, developing the popular and widely-used SiteTools content-creation system. Couple Guys Consulting entered the web hosting arena in 1999 after being unable to find a reliable method to outsource its hosting arrangements. A subsidiary (CGC Network) was formed to handle hosting needs of both Couple Guys Consulting's web presence as well as needs of a quickly growing userbase who were also unhappy with their current hosts. Hardware solutions were heavily researched, technical staff was hired and trained, and CGCNetwork's experience in high quality dedicated - and shared - hosting began. CGC Network has since evolved to provide inexpensive and incredibly reliable consumer hosting services. New servers and infrastructure have been laid, our aggressive package pricing is implemented, the newest and most advanced user management system ever created has been installed, and our always-present commitment to providing high quality service has turned CGC Network into one of the fastest and most user-friendly systems available. - RackNine - © 2007 RackNine Inc. All Rights Reserved.
I've only got a small time site but for anything that requires a dedicated server RackNine seems like a great option for you to look at. Benefits of a shared server without the penalties of one is great news so go check them out.
Enjoy,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 11:53 PM 0 comments
Labels: Internet, Web Design
I'm soo tired
Sorry about the sporatic updating over the last couple of days, life has been crazy, and I don't think it'll calm down until the semester is over for me. I haven't been talking much about things going on in my life on all three blogs but hopefully I'll get some time tomorrow night to set things straight.
In the mean time, I'll set you guys up with some nice reading about how FreeConference.com, the site that offers free conference calling from it's 712 area code in Iowa, is Sueing ATT for blocking access to the number. This is impacting me as I used to use Futurephone.com before the ATT ban shut it down, so that'll be interesting to see.
Also in other news, well it may not be news to some, but a reader on the Payperpost Boards linked me to an article on how 77% of the blogs on Blogpost.com are spam and how this is broken down by provider or host HERE. Nice article if you're serious blogger.
Alright more news later,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 10:44 PM 1 comments
I want to be able to buy a house
My best friend back home has a house with his brother and his Mortgage Company gave him a pretty great rate, he only has a mortgage for 9 years, and it's been 4 already that he's been there. I wonder if a home loan would be about the same price for him or more, since he didn't pay too much for the house, around $100,000. If I could get a cheap mortgage like that in New York, there's no way I'd hesitate and instead I'm stuck looking for apartments on Craigslist. Home loans are so cheap in places like Maryland that getting a Maryland Mortgage I would move down there if I had a job like I have here. Well wish me luck, since I'm getting booted from LIU in 2 months.
More later,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 12:17 AM 1 comments
Labels: Finance, Saving Money
I love T-Mobile
Monday, March 26, 2007
Of all the phone companies, I think T-Mobile's my favorite company, by far. Especially at times like this when I don't have my usual dorm connection and it's 11pm and I want some internet. For those who haven't followed my blog I use the T-Mobile 5.99 internet for WAP sites and use it as an EDGE modem through the T-Mobile proxy. If you're looking for a guide I suggest trying the Howardforums T-Mobile section. I might put up a guide on my website sometime but right now I'm way too busy.
Back to T-Mobile, I like the direction they're going, their phones are getting better, prices are great, and service is improving. I just would like to see more phones released per quarter but I get all my phones by other means so it don't really matter to me. What's your thoughts on T-Mobile? They suck or are they good?
Ok more rambling tomorrow,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 11:13 PM 0 comments
Labels: Cell Phones, Internet, Tech
Black Singles dating site review
Friday, March 23, 2007
I cover most aspects of the internet, and something that is very popular is that people are trying to find love online. I've seen sites for single parents and for people looking for a sugar daddy (search Archives) but today I'm going to do a quick review of a new site called BlackScene. It's as you guessed by the name a Black Dating that's pretty new. I've reviewed the site with the help of a friend (who is black to get the views of the site from all angles) and while we think the quality of participants isn't up to par yet, the site has potential. The user interface is pretty nice and easy to use, along with being free to join. Seems like they really could do something with it. They just need to get the word out to more diverse people, as having 26yr old mothers with a long tongue isn't very attractive.
Anyways check out www.blackscene.com and tell me your thoughts.
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 1:57 AM 1 comments
Orb works now for Wii, PS3 and Xbox360
I love Engadget, since I can't get enough of gadgets, and today I've found out that a favorite program of mine, Orb, is now compatible with all the major next-gen consoles. For those who don't know what Orb is, it's a streaming application that allows you to stream or access pictures, music, videos from your home computer on your cell phone or another computer through a stream.
Now since it's been updated you can use Orb with the next gen consoles, that's right, your Wii, Xbox360 or PS3. Sure that may be trivial for most users but imagine just plugging in your xbox, and playing your videos at your friends house? Imagine the possibilities with that?
Alright more news tomrrow!
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 1:41 AM 0 comments
Labels: Movies, Music, Tech, Video Games
Want to get some US Savings Bonds just for shopping? Try BondRewards
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
I've heard of points or cash back programs but this is the first time I've seen a program which gives you US Savings bonds just for shopping with regular retailers. It's a pretty interesting concept since you save up while shopping, a bit of an oxy-moron isn't it. Sign up for BondRewards and check it out, they got some good retailers like eBay, CompUSA and Target, so it can't be that bad now?
Check it out and post your thoughts? You guys participate in cash back programs or points programs? Post away.
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 6:24 PM 0 comments
Labels: Free Stuff, Shopping
Pretty crazy pictures, furniture from weapons
I'm going to go a little off course today to a little gem I found on Digg, yes there's news there that people haven't seen that is pretty interesting. It's a link from the Freshome.com blog, and it shows pictures from Cambodia, a country torn by 30 years of civil war, but not just any pictures. The pictures featured here are furniture that are made out of old weapons, gun barrels, etc. Some very nice furniture and great ideas. Here's a pic of my favorite
You can find the rest of the pictures HERE.Pretty cool isn't it? I like this kind of thing, makes you think a bit. Alright there's my feel good message for the day.
Enjoy,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 6:11 PM 0 comments
Want to get your links higher than others in searches? Now you can
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Ever submitted your site to a web directory and ended up on Page 7 where no one reads it and there's no way to change it or move it up? Well with the new Big Web Links Directory you can contribute funds to improve the position of your site on any category it's published. The more you contribute, the more your links go up, which increases traffic and revenue. You don't have to worry about popularity, Page Rank, or having a name that starts high in the alphabet anymore. It's a great way to get your new site up and out into the forefront of things. The Big Web Links Directory may be new, but it's on the way up, and will have a nice Google PR soon so that it shows up on Google and is known around as one of the web directories of choice.
Check it out, and as per usual, post your thoughts.
Thanks,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 5:53 PM 0 comments
Labels: Internet, Search Engines, Web 2.0
New Black Xbox360 Announced!
Just hot off the presses at our favorite Tech blog Engadget is the announcement of a Black limited edition Xbox360. Without further adieu here's the pic.
Updated features include (quote from Engadget
* The Elite will be limited quantities only; that may be as much or as little as a couple hundred thousand.
* The case, controller, and Live headset will all be black. It will have all new packaging.
* Elite will cost $479, and will be a 3rd SKU; it will be sold alongside Premium and Core packs.
* Eventually Elite hardware (in white plastics) will take the role of the Xbox Premium. That is to say, after the Elite is launched and sold out, future Xbox Premiums will have 120GB / HDMI.
* We do not yet know exactly when 120GB / HDMI will become the standard for Premium, but it is loosely estimated to be late summer or fall.
* Elite models run cooler than normal 360s, but they are not yet confirmed to have 65nm chips.
* Prices may remain the same with the 120GB / HDMI hardware upgrade in the Premium Xbox, but we may still see a price cut on the line when 65nm chips start shipping.
* The HD DVD drive will not be internal or bundled -- Microsoft never did or nor does not currently have plans to put an HD DVD drive in the 360.
* There are no current plans to integrate WiFi into the Elite or future Premiums (although that can always change).
Pretty sweet deal, I wouldn't mind paying 479$ for that, which is still cheaper than any PS3. You can check out the full post at Engadget HERE and of course you're encouraged to post your thoughts.
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 5:35 PM 0 comments
Labels: Microsoft, Video Games
Verizon Wireless has been stepping up lately
Monday, March 19, 2007
I've been overlooking Verizon's lineup of phone lately, since I have quite a few friends on their service and being the knowledgeable tech guy around I get asked a lot of questions. Usually when they ask me about phone for Verizon, I shudder, since until recently most of verizon's phones have been either very business oriented or mom and pop oriented, with of course a black leather case to protect it. Now those things have changed with Verizon's new phones. After browsing Wirefly's wide selection of phones and plans, I'm actually liking the look of the Red Chocolate, almost as slick as the black, but since everyone has the Black it gets kind of old. Of course Verizon's also got the new KRZR, the enV (LG VX9900) and regular RAZR's in all colors so they have been stepping up their lineup.
I mean it has be great when you can get a Chocolate online for FREE after rebates and activation, right? Well look no further than Wirefly if you're trying to get on that deal. The rate plans are pretty reasonable, and pretty much on par with most other carriers. So if you're looking for a new phone or service, check them out, Verizon's changed, and you can get some decent phones from them now. I may disagree with the Verizon guy TV commercials, but I have to admit the enV is nice, and 3G with CDMA is nice, broadband speeds on your phone is awesome.
Enjoy,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 9:05 PM 0 comments
Labels: Cell Phones, Deals
I'm really liking the Cowon D2
I just saw on Engadget that the Cowon D2 has been released in the US. It's actually some nice Korean technology that if they could market it right can compete with the Zune or iPod for marketshare. Look at the pic below,
Isn't it beautiful? It's got really great features too
-2.5" Wide Touchscreen
-2gb/4gb flash with SD slots
-52 hours battery on MP3, 10 hours on Movie mode
-Support for all the major formats including Ogg, FLAC
Now I'm actually impressed by the specs and the price. It's only 40$ more than the 2gb iPod Nano, or 20$ more than the 4gb Nano, so it's really worth it for price/features compared to Apple. Here's the full Product Page, so take a look and tell me what you think,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 8:15 PM 1 comments
Labels: Digital Players, Music, Tech
Tower Defence Games - You guys try them out?
Thursday, March 15, 2007
I was browing around the internet earlier on my great connection here at the Ramada Inn and was looking at the different genres of games. A genre that I wasn't familiar with that's pretty popuplar amoung a specific subset of games is Online Tower Defence games. It's actually a good idea but I haven't tried it out really. They're a lot of sites with great Tower Defense Ideas and they are pretty interesting. I think I'm going to give them a shot when I get back to a REAL internet connection, aka my computer.
What you guys think? Played any of these games? Post your thoughts,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 11:48 PM 1 comments
Labels: Internet, Video Games
Facebook and March Madness
It's nice when major social networks do something for a change. Facebook has been really good at organizing March Madness brackets for it's users. They have it setup so that pretty much anyone can create a pool, setup their own bracket, and this year they set it up so that everyone participating has a chance to win it all again Facebook's thousands of users. I'm rank 135,000 so far, but in my brackets I'm 3, 5th and 6th, so I'm not doing too bad at all.
Yep I'm using the computer in the lobby, it's so much faster than my EDGE connection when I want to load more than just webpages.
Alright more later,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 11:40 PM 0 comments
Thinking of VoIP? Check out this Vonage forum
I know many of you guys have heard about Vonage before, it's been on TV, it's all over the internet and it's a based on a relatively new technology called Voice Over Internet Protocol. Vonage uses this to provide you phone service over your internet line for MUCH cheaper than regular phone companies. The guys at Vonage forum have tips, news, reviews and more for those who have Vonage, are interested in Vonage and can help you out. It's a great resource for Vonage and I suggest you check it out if you're in any of those categories.
Enjoy the free site,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 10:51 PM 0 comments
My wifi here sucks part 2
Yep the wifi here is so bad that the whole network is down. I'm reduced to blogging from my cell phone EDGE connection. Thank god for it. There's not much going on with me right now, just had practice, browsing facebook, watching the NCAA tournament and enjoying life in Miami.
Someone find me a hotspot or a decent connection in Hialeah, FL, and I'll love you.
Later,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 9:47 PM 1 comments
Labels: Cell Phones, Travel
