News
Free iPhone Software Upgrade Releases.
Free upgrade for iPhone 3GS users.
Starting on June 21, 2010 users who own iPhone 3GS devices can get the experience of the new iPhone 4 without having to purchase a new phone.
Simply plug your iPhone into your computer and do a Sync with your iTunes account. (note: you will need to go through the iTunes update before downloading the new iPhone software. See below for new iPhone software features from PC World.
Smart Folders
As simple as it sounds, this feature was missing on the iPhone. The folders feature in iOS 4 will help you declutter your home screen, letting you compile under a single location up to 12 applications.
To access folders, enter customize mode (tap on an icon until all icons start jiggling), slide any icon on to another and a new folder is created. You can rename the folder to your liking, but iOS 4 will also suggest a folder name if applications grouped in a folder belong to the same category (like games, utilities, travel).
Wallpapers everywhere
iOS 4 lets you set a wallpaper not only for the lock screen (as previously available), but also for the home screen. Like on the iPad, you will have the option to select a different image for the lock and home screen, or you can use the same image throughout. There is no way to set a wallpaper for each of your home screens, though.
E-mail improvements
The first thing you will notice in the Mail app in iOS 4 is the unified inbox. Users will multiple e-mail accounts have been longing for this feature for a while, and Apple finally delivered.
There is also support for threaded messages, so you can easily follow up on conversations (each discussion has a single entry that you can tap on and expand it). A big boon for business users will also be support for multiple Exchange account, as only one per device was available by now.
Spell-Checker
Alongside the predictive typing on the iPhone, spelling corrections were missing, but this issue is resolved with iOS 4. Misspelled words will be underlines with a jagged red line, and when tapped correction suggestions will be displayed. This feature works system-wide, including in Mail and Notes.
SMS search & Character Count
You can search through SMS messages in iOS 4, just like you do with e-mails in the Mail app. Just flick the top of the main messages screen and a search bar is revealed. A character count while typing a message is also displayed, so you can keep tabs on your SMS allowance.
iPod Playlist Creation & Editing
iOS 4 bring a few enhancement to the iPod app as well. You will be able to see a new music control bar at the bottom of the screen when listening to music in the background. There is also the capability to create and edit playlists on your iPhone with iOS 4, which get synced with iTunes when connected to your computer.
Orientation lock
The iPhone screen won’t annoyingly rotate any more when you are laying in bed reading on a side. The new OS brings a software orientation lock feature, which you can access by double-tapping the Home button and then swipe to the left (the same way you access the iPod controls).
See more at PC World: http://www.pcworld.com/article/199380/apple_iphone_ios_4_arrives_10_reasons_to_upgrade.html?tk=hp_blg
Free Flip HD Cam - Bank Promotion.
Bank promotions are back.
Open a checking account and get a Flip UltraTM camcorder, plus a whole lot more:
- A Visa® Debit Card – Get it on the spot
- Use any ATM – No withdrawal fee from us
- Online Banking – with FREE Bill Pay
How can you get your Flip Ultra?
• Use your Visa Debit Card for 8 purchases; and
• Make 2 payments with Online Bill Pay within 45 days of account opening
• Find out more about qualifying transactions and payments
Cash For Appliances
It’s true. The Federal Government passed a $300 million package to provide consumers rebates on energy efficient appliances.
This rebate program has already started in many states. You won’t need to turn in your older, less efficient models just purchase models that qualified for the Energy Star designation. So, if your dishwasher is acting up or you are thinking about adding a second refrigerator or freezer, now is the time to start your research. In most states the rebate program will cover washing machines too.
In addition to the cash for appliance rebates there are few other web sites that can help you enjoy the savings. Energystar.gov has a rebate locator. Simple type in your zip code to see if Energy Star partners are offering rebates, tax exemptions, or recycling programs in your area.
Remember, you can comparison shop brands at all of the major online retailers. This a great tool to help you decipher between manufacturers. Also check out our quick tips for purchasing specific appliances below.
Dishwashers
When you are buying a dishwasher, or any major appliance, before you do anything else sit down and make a list of the features or qualities that you must have, would like to have, and ones that you don’t care about. Next go measure what you have to make sure that the new appliance will fit.
For dishwashers there are a few items to keep in mind. If cleaning is your only concern, lower priced models clean just a well as more expensive ones. Dishwasher performance is determined by the number of water levels a machine has with 3 being the average. Therefore higher levels equal better performance.
Features that can influence price include child safety locks, electronic sensors for soap and water usage, quiet mode, adjustable shelves and convertible racks which allow you to customize the inside of the machine.
To stainless or not to stainless? On the interior, a stainless steal tub will not improve washing performance. It is stain resistant, but will cost more than a plastic tub. Some newer machines are now offering gray speckled plastic tubs which do not show stains as much as their white counterparts.
Check out Consumer Reports Dishwashing Buying Guide to learn more about specific brands. You don’t have join unless you want to view the rankings.
Cooking the perfect turkey.
How to cook a turkey. Quick, easy way to ensure a happy thanksgiving.
Watch the video below.
Do your homework before buying a new refrigerator.
Buying a new fridge? Here’s what to keep in mind.
If you are looking for a new refrigerator or thinking about adding a second one in the garage or basement check out our quick buying tips to help you make the right choice.
- Find the right size – Measure the height and width of your space to make sure that the new refrigerator will fit in your space. Check the cubic feet of your current refrigerator to help identify if you need a larger or smaller unit. Bigger families usually need bigger models to accommodate more food.
- Choose a style – There are six main styles of refrigerator. To help you determine which is best for you read through Consumer Reports refrigerator buying guide. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/kitchen-appliances/refrigerators/refrigerator-buying-advice/types-of-refrigerators/refrigerator-types.htm
Read reviews – Do your homework and read what other customers have to say about the models and brands that you are thinking of purchasing. Lowes.com, Homedepot.com, Sears.com and Bestbuy.com all have customer reviews posted.
Some other sites that might help you choose are:
http://www.consumersearch.com/refrigerators/review
http://www.refrigeratorpro.com/
http://www.greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=fridge&page=RightChoices
Save on cell phone plans. Watch video.
Are you paying too much?
When it comes to cell phone service most people think signing a 2 year agreement with one of the big wireless carriers is the only solution. The video below may have you think twice before signing your next cell phone contract.
Electricity rates going up?
The Waxman - Markey bill or better know as the Cap & Trade bill, is at this time working its way through the House of Representatives and Senate. This bill is designed to limit Americas carbon emissions and will end up being one of the largest Taxes ever levied. The bill will in fact levy financial penalties against companies that churn out carbon dioxide and other gases. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of burning wood, coal, gasoline, etc.
Who do you think is going to bear the brunt of these taxes? You guessed it you and I along with every energy intensive establishment in this country. Coal miners, especially those on the east coast will probably be put out of business. Coal power plants that produce more carbon dioxide than they’re allowed will have to buy the right to produce more. That additional cost will be passed on to consumers, you and I.
US steel makers are large carbon emitters and will probably get crushed by this legislation also. Foreign steel makers won’t be affected by this and steel imports will increase dramatically, which is just more bad news for our already fragile economy.
Then there’s the refiners they’re accountable for over 40% of carbon emissions and as such will be the biggest buyers of carbon credits. Many of the smaller and older refiners will go out of business and we’ll be importing more foreign gasoline. More bad news for the economy and the price of a gallon of gas.
This whole nightmare amounts to a molehill compared to how insignificant it’s going to affect ‘global warming’. Let’s all understand one thing right now, this 1,200-page bill isn’t about saving the ecosystem over the next few decades, its all about dollars - yours and mine - right now.
According to analysis by the Heritage Foundation (a conservative think-tank), the combined cost of the bill would be $3,000 per family in 2012 and $20,000 per household by 2035. How can you or your family be expected to handle the burden of an added $20,000/year. What’s that going to do for your standard of living?
The question you should be asking yourself is, can I profit from this fiasco? The answer is, I think you can.
Who stands to profit most? Probably the Green Energy companies. You can look for some green energy ETF’s, that way you’ll be more diversified than buying one or two of these small cap stocks. Nuclear power producers will probably be another winner, they don’t produce carbon dioxide. They just keep getting paid to do what they always done, but now they’ll have the added income from being able to sell their carbon credits.
Make no mistake selling credits will be big business. That brings to mind the brokers that sell these carbon credits, they’ll also get a good boost to their bottom line.
|
So if you think our politicians are living in a Fairy Tale world, then dispatch them a wake up call and tell them your fed up with their nonsense, you can tell them here: http://www.Americansolutions.Com/energytax Until they get the message it’s just going to be more of the same with you and I carrying the load. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Connolly |
Is Cash For Clunkers Right For You?
The Cash for Clunkers program is a strategic new incentive program, that Congress passed as part of Bill H.R. 2463. This stimulus plan allows for used car owners to trade in their current clunkers at an automobile dealer in exchange for a voucher savings towards a new more fuel-efficient vehicle. The incentive encourages individuals to get rid of their old cars in favor of more environmentally conscious vehicles, while also helping to boost car sales. The plan aims to help not just the environment, but also the consumer spending and the automotive industry all at once. Many car companies are also adding in other deals to sweeten the pot, such as extra savings that can be combined with the cash for clunkers voucher.
To qualify for the Cash for Clunkers stimulus voucher, it’s important to follow all requirements and rules. Your car must be under 25 years of age and drivable when you bring it to the dealership. The automobile also must be registered and insured under your name for at least the past year. Proof of registration and insurance will be necessary, and you will also need to be sure the title has no liens against it. If the title has liens or other issues, it’s important to clear those issues up prior to heading to the dealership. The clunker is defined as a car that gets 18 miles per gallon fuel efficiency. Customers will qualify for a voucher for $3,500 to $4,500 which will be applied to the purchase or lease of a new car. In the case of a leased vehicle, a five year lease is required.
To participate and receive the cash for clunkers voucher, all a customer needs to do is bring the appropriate information to the dealer such as the insurance, registration and title. Once the customer has signed off on the deal for the purchase or lease of their new vehicle, the dealer takes it from there. Paperwork is submitted to the appropriate agency by the dealer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) takes over from there, making sure all requirements have been properly met. Then, in about ten days, a finance credit voucher is sent to the dealership an applied towards the customer’s recent lease or purchase.
As you can see, Cash for Clunkers offers a pretty simple, yet nice stimulus program for both consumers and the economy. It may be just the boost that struggling automotive companies need to revive their businesses, and bring back jobs as well. And with just a few simple steps and rules to adhere to, new car buyers will receive a nice bit of savings off their new car, while becoming more environmentally-conscious as well!
The new Cash for Clunkers program will last from July 2009 until November 2009. For more information also refer to Cash for Clunkers program.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_C
Solar Electricity For Home Energy
For years, homeowners have been disturbed by the fact that while solar kits are available for home use, the cost of using them to offset any significant portion of a home’s energy use is more than the cost of using a standard electricity company. Why would we pay more for electricity than we do now?
The answer, of course, is that we should be converting to these forms of home energy in order to help the environment. It’s understandable that we don’t want to pay too much to do so. In today’s credit environment, it is likely most homeowners couldn’t afford a professional solar installation even if they wanted one.
The government has attempted to increase the use of solar and wind technology by homeowners through expansion of the energy efficiency tax credit, but there’s still the cost of being able to finance the purchase up front.
Fortunately, times are changing fairly quickly and solar panel manufacturers are striving to bring down the costs of making these panels. As these panels become more available, and less expensive, more and more homeowners will see the advantages of supplementing their home’s energy with solar electricity.
Today, consumers can buy solar panels themselves and with the right guide they can install a solar kit to grab some of the sun’s energy and convert it to electricity. Whole kits are available that can be used when camping or for those who travel in an RV. In the next few years, we’re sure to see increasing numbers of solar electricity kits being used in our homes.
As these events unfold, homeowners should study up on how these technologies can help them reduce energy consumption and lower their overall electricity bills. Being prepared can help you get in on the savings early.
Reducing electricity usage is great for the environment and since it can also reduce your electricity bill, it’s a win-win situation. There’s some math involved in getting into the nitty-gritty details of your electricity usage, however. Standard calculations applied monthly can guide your efforts to realize true cost savings in your electricity bill and help you reduce the amount of energy used in your home.
Make sure that you either keep your electric bills on file or have access to them online. These bills are filled with the information you need in order to find ways to save money. They establish the baseline of your current energy saving activities and can be used to help you monitor on-going improvements.
Compare electricity bills and keep track of the changes you’ve made. If you’re part of a family, all members need to know what the plan is for reducing electricity and need to help out. Family discussions and a rule sheet posted on the refrigerator are great reminders of the family goals and get children involved and aware of their impact on the environment.
Many new advancements have been made in the areas of wind and solar power, as well, making these options more affordable and cost efficient for homeowners. The expanded tax credit put in place by the economic stimulus package offsets 30% of the costs of these packages.
Spend some time really researching the methods you can use in your home to save electricity and you’ll be seeing lower bills in no time.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erica_L._Stone
Money saving lawn care.
Want to have a nice yard and save money?
We’ve all heard about serious gardeners who make their own compost and put up water barrels around their house to save the environment and money. Here are a few easy tips for the rest of us that just want to have a nice lawn.
• Keep the blades on your mower high. This encourages root growth for your lawn which will make your grass hardier and in turn prevent weeds.
• Use newspaper and mulch to prevent weeds in your flower beds instead of landscaping fabric or sprays. Place 20-24 sheets of newspaper over your bare bed area, soak with water and cover with mulch. The newspaper and mulch block weed growth and keep the soil moist for your flowers and plants.
• Check your local municipalities. Some areas offer free mulch and compost at local landfills.
• Ask an expert. Ask for help at your local nursery when choosing the right plants and flowers for your yard. Consider sun and water needs when choosing your plants. You don’t want to waist money on plants that are not going to thrive in your yard.
You can subscribe to Enjoy The Savings, Coupons, Deals, Save money. by e-mail address to receive news and upates directly in your inbox. Simply enter your e-mail below and click Sign Up!
More Posts
News Archive
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| « Jun | ||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |||