Labels for Apple Cables

I just learned about Buoy Tags from Patrick Rhone’s Minimal Mac blog and was immediately sold on this product just by the look.  I’m not sure if I would buy these but they look awesome and do serve a purpose.  They actually look like they were designed by Apple, IMHO.  Here’s the quick sales video.

On second thought… I would definitely get these to label my cables with my name and phone number – I tend to misplace things from time to time.  Buoy Tags gives you the templates to create your own labels too – if you wanted to add your name and phone number.

Check it out!  A stylish way to add a little flair to your Apple cables.

Oh yeah, they’re only $12 for 3 tags!

Image Source: http://www.buoytags.com/about.html

This is not my stuff... Photo Credit: Refracted Moments

This post is long overdue but here it is!  All of my favorite gadgets, gear, and services.

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Often times I get asked about the various gadgets I carry, what kind of bag is that, or what do you use for invoicing…  I also said in a blog post (long long time ago) that I would share with y’all my favorite gadgets, gear, and services.

Disclaimer! Some of the links below are affiliate links.  What does this mean?  If you click on a link and end up buying that product or service, I will get a piece of the action at no extra cost to you!

Disclaimer to the disclaimer!  Everything below is something that I’ve used and would recommend to others or is something that I continue to use.

Gadgets & Gear

• iPhone 4 / iPad 2
• Logitech Illuminated Keyboard
• Logitech MX 518 Mouse
• Canon 5D Mark II
• Apple 13″ MacBook Pro
• Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger
• Timbuk2 Messenger Bag
• Timbuk2 Snoop Camera Insert
• Moleskin Journals (Moleskine Square Notebook Soft Cover Large / Moleskine Squared Notebook Soft Cover Pocket)

Services

• Evernote - Note taking application for Mac, PC, iOS, and web that syncs across all of these platforms
• Dropbox - File syncing across multiple systems and platforms
• CrashPlan - System backups and restores.  I use the free version and it’s awesome and saved me a few times!
• DreamHost - Shared web hosting
• WordPress Theme Packages (StudioPress, Elegant Themes)
• MailChimp - Email newsletters – I use it for this blog too!
• NameCheap - Domain registration
• Amazon Prime – Online shopping with free two day shipping
• Gmail – I use this for personal and my small biz email

For a comprehensive and up-to-date list head on over to the Things I Use page.

Photo Credit:  Refracted Moments™

This has been bothering me for a while… We’ve been getting protein bars from the store for quick snacks and for some reason, I’m not always satisfied after eating one.  What I really mean is that I want to eat another one or four because I’m still hungry.  I then started thinking about how much more substance I could get if they would stop putting that silly layer of chocolate, chocolate chips, or other “sweet” layer of goodness.  Now you’re shaking your head at me because you’re going to tell me that’s the best part.  But how much more “bar” could you get if you got rid of the chocolate – 10% more?  Maybe 25% more…

1. Give me more substance in my protein bars
2. Starbucks coffee that’s 10-20 degrees cooler.  I swear that I burn my mouth every single time.  The blonde roast is great by the way… But Caribou is still better, sorry.
3. Yogurt lids that don’t fart yogurt on you.  It always happens when you least expect it and when you’re wearing nice clothes.  You get super hungry and don’t even think when you open the yogurt and then… it farts on you and you now have yogurt on your shirt.
4. Nail clippers that didn’t fling the nail across the room.
5. Urinals that eliminate splash back - first world male problem.
6. Locks on click pens to eliminate them from accidentally clicking open in your pocket to reduce the ink from ruining your pants/shirt.
7. Battery covers on remotes that don’t fall off when the remote is dropped.  It’s really annoying when the cover slides under the couch.  Out comes the duct tape…
8. The option to get cheaper airfare if you decline the meal or “complimentary” beverages.  This could potentially reduce the number of flight attendants too.  Seems like a great money saver.
9. Give your customers free wifi if they buy something.  Also, don’t make them sign up with a 3rd party service to do it.  Just give them the wifi password – you can change this everyday too.
10. For heavens sake, give me the ability to pay my student loans with my credit card.  I want to rewards.  If you think this is a bad idea just remember that it’s the card holder’s responsibility to be responsible.  If you’re stupid enough to use your credit card, which has a much higher interest rate, and you decide to not pay it off on time then that’s your fault.

Short and sweet!  I really think #8, #9, and #10 have some merit.  Go forth, make it happen, and I’ll use it!

What are some of your recommendations?

Image Source:  ladybugbkt

Back to your regularly scheduled programming!

• HG uses an obscure login URL and port number.  Great for security but bad for remember the login and also bad for networks that block such things.
• phpMyAdmin does allow you drop databases.
• If you create a database in phpMyAdmin you aren’t allowed to assign a user to that database.
• SFTP can’t be used out of the gate because you need to contact support to have SSH enabled.
• The wait period for tech support was greater than  10 minutes (today).

Today I’ve experience all of the above today and spent well over two hours chatting with tech support.  AND my issue was not resolved.  After this post is published I will be canceling my account.

I contacted tech support for the second time today to have a database dropped because I added it through phpMyAdmin and not through the visual editor.  For some reason and after an hour and a half the technician was not able to drop the database.  Also, he was very unresponsive and lacked detail.  The transcript is below.

[Initial Question]:
(2:22 pm) [System] Customer has entered chat and is waiting for an agent.
(2:42 pm) [Juan R.] Welcome to HostGator LiveChat. I’d be glad to assist you today.
(2:43 pm) [Juan R.]
(2:43 pm) [Juan R.] Please wait while I check. Thank you for your patience.
(2:43 pm) [Shea]: ok
(2:43 pm) [Juan R.] Thank you.
(2:50 pm) [Juan R.] Thank you for waiting, I appreciate your patience.
(2:50 pm) [Shea]: not a problem
(2:50 pm) [Juan R.] I suggest you create your databases using the cPanel icon named MySQL databases. It will give you the option to create them and create users for them also and link them together Shea.
(2:51 pm) [Juan R.] Can you try that please? Thank you.
(2:52 pm) [Shea]: That works but I need to do it from the phpMyAdmin panel.  I’m migrating a WordPress sites from MySQL backups.
(2:56 pm) [Shea]: Is there no way to create a database in phpmyadmin and have it show up in the mysql panel?
(2:57 pm) [Juan R.] Please wait while I check. Thank you for your patience.
(2:58 pm) [Juan R.] If you have the databases backed up, you can also restore them using the Backup Wizard icon in the cPanel.
(2:59 pm) [Shea]: i will try that
(2:59 pm) [Shea]: can you drop the existing database for me?
(2:59 pm) [Shea]: i can’t do that in phpmyadmin
(2:59 pm) [Shea]: and i can’t see it in the mysql panel :S
(3:00 pm) [Juan R.] Please wait while I check. Thank you for your patience.
(3:06 pm) [Juan R.] Thank you for waiting, I appreciate your patience.
(3:06 pm) [Juan R.] For security purposes, I will need you to verify your identity by providing the security PIN on the billing account please. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
(3:07 pm) [Shea]: ****
(3:11 pm) [Shea]: Hello?
(3:13 pm) [Juan R.] I apologize for the delay.
(3:13 pm) [Juan R.] Thank you for that information.
(3:13 pm) [Juan R.] One moment please. I apologize for any delay.
(3:13 pm) [Juan R.] That matches fine. Thanks Shea.
(3:13 pm) [Juan R.] Please wait while I check your databases. Thank you for your patience.
(3:20 pm) [Juan R.] I am working on this for you, thank you for your patience.
(3:21 pm) [Juan R.] Can you please confirm the name of the database please SHea?
(3:22 pm) [Shea]: dented_slwpblog
(3:22 pm) [Shea]: you can drop all of them if there’s more
(3:23 pm) [Shea]: i’m trying to method that you suggested and it just stays on the “restoring database” screen
(3:25 pm) [Shea]: are there more than one databases?
(3:26 pm) [Juan R.] Yes, let me check/
(3:26 pm) [Shea]: Yes as in there is more than one?
(3:27 pm) [Juan R.] Yes Shea. Sorry for the confusion.
(3:28 pm) [Shea]: what are the other ones?
(3:28 pm) [Juan R.] Actually I am incorrect. There is just one, the one that you mention earlier. Sorry about that Shjea.
(3:29 pm) [Shea]: so you’re going to drop that one?
(3:29 pm) [Juan R.] I am working on this for you, thank you for your patience.
(3:30 pm) [Shea]: ok, and how long should it take to import from a backup
(3:30 pm) [Shea]: it’s still on the loading screen – it’s been there for at least 10 minutes
(3:34 pm) [Shea]: Juan…
(3:34 pm) [System] Browser window has re-opened.
(3:35 pm) [System] Browser window has closed. Customer may return within 60 seconds.
(3:37 pm) [Shea]: Juan, are you still there?
(3:38 pm) [Shea]: Hello?
(3:39 pm) [Juan R.] I apologize for the delay.
(3:39 pm) [Juan R.] How big is this database Shea?
(3:40 pm) [Shea]: under 5gb
(3:40 pm) [Shea]: the script file is 4mb
(3:42 pm) [Shea]: have you dropped the other DB yet?
(3:44 pm) [Shea]: Juan, are you there?
(3:45 pm) [Juan R.] I am working on this for you, thank you for your patience.
(3:46 pm) [Juan R.] That database is pretty big and it will take awhile to load Shea.
(3:46 pm) [Shea]: can you please close my HostGator account and issue a full refund?  I’m under the 30 day mark
(3:46 pm) [Shea]: i will need this done in the next 5 minutes
(3:47 pm) [Shea]: please
(3:47 pm) [Shea]: and thank you
(3:47 pm) [Shea]: Did you get that message Juan?
(3:48 pm) [Shea]: Juan, how many customers are you helping at the same time?
(3:49 pm) [Shea]: JUAN!
(3:50 pm) [Juan R.] I apologize for the delay.
(3:50 pm) [Juan R.] Is there any reason why you want to cancel this account Shea?
(3:51 pm) [Shea]: Yes, it’s apparent that I can’t do what I need to do and we’ve been on this chat for 1 hour and 30 minutes to drop one database
(3:51 pm) [Shea]: Please close my account and issue a full refund
(3:52 pm) [Shea]: I need to log off in 5 minutes to leave.  Thus, I need this done immediately.
(3:52 pm) [Juan R.] Remember that you are trying to setup and created a database directly in phpMyAdmin and a longer process to have that removed for you Shea, but I can assure you it will be removed.
(3:52 pm) [Shea]: Please close my account and issue a full refund
(3:53 pm) [Shea]: Are you currently in the process of closing my account?
(3:54 pm) [Shea]: Juan…?
(3:56 pm) [Shea]: Seriously…?
(3:57 pm) [Shea]: Please close my account.
(3:59 pm) [Juan R.] Would it be possible to allow me to remove this database for you so you do not have to cancel Shea?
(4:05 pm) [Shea]: once again, cancel the account.
(4:06 pm) [Juan R.] To request cancellation of your account, please fill out our online form. Once the request has been processed you will be notified via email; however, if you do not get a response within 24 hours, we may not have received your cancellation request and you would be held responsible for any charges as a result…
https://secure.hostgator.com/cancel.php
(4:12 pm) [Juan R.] Was your issue resolved and is there anything else I can assist you with at this time?
(4:19 pm) [Juan R.] This chat will now be terminated due to inactivity. If you need further assistance, please start a new chat session so we can help. If you experienced any technical difficulties, please consider leaving a note in your comment so we may work to improve our service for you. Take care and have a great day!
(4:19 pm) [Juan R.] has closed the chat.

Image Source:  http://www.hostgatorvsdreamhost.com/HG-Logo.jpg

Here’s a great way to end your weekend or ease into Monday morning… Happy reading and viewing!

• ShelfX’s Vending Fridge nixes the cashier, uses QR codes, RFID to ‘know what you took’ [Video] – Could this work for big box retailers?
• 27 Creative Facebook Timeline Cover Photos [Article] – If you’re looking for some inspiration or if you have a biz account on Facebook then  this might be your ticket…
• Punch Top Can [Video] Good job Miller… Enabling guzzling, shot-gunning, and other college activities…  I bet it’s good for sales!
• Ikea cardboard digital camera: when Instagram isn’t authentic enough [Video] – Neat.  Simple.  This concept could work for a ton of other technology items…
• MACGYVER Original floating home used as Richard Dean Andersons home in TV series [Ebay] – How could I not put this on here!?!?  If I had the money I would totally buy this!!!
• Bodacious Longboarding Babes Dominate a Downhill [Video] – AMAZING! I would be scared out of my mind!

This week’s Follow Friday recipient is…

Lifehacker dispenses cutting edge digital productivity news for efficiency fans everywhere. Motivated business decision makers and at-home DIYers turn to Lifehacker to manage their workplaces, personal finances, and home computer setups. Built on a collection of ‘life hacks,’ Lifehacker is a regular addiction for millions and its editors are recognized as leading digital intellects.

I follow lifehacker pretty religiously because they actually have useful and informative stuff.  Back in the day… I used to follow Digg but then it got polluted with random garbage (IMHO),  Now, lifehacker has very useful DIY info, editorials, and videos.  I hope you give it a chance and become a follower as well.

Here are some of my favorite lifehacker posts!

• The Always Up-to-Date Guide to Building a Hackintosh
• Use Your Home Computer from Anywhere: A Comprehensive Guide to Remote Controlling Your PC
• Let Your Annoying Neighbors Know How You Feel with This Simple Complaint Form
• Create a Makeshift Wrench with a Bolt and Two Nuts
• Start Every Day as a Producer, Not a Consumer
• How to Sell Your Excess Crap for Cash in Just a Few Hours with Amazon’s Fulfillment Program
• Button the Top Button of a Collared Shirt Before Hanging It to Keep the Collar Crisp

Image Source:  http://advertising.gawker.com/logos/

Here’s a great way to end your weekend or ease into Monday morning.  Enjoy!

Behold the Crazy Monster Machine That Can Mow and Clean Everything

Indoor Fireworks and Other Insane Acts at 2500fps

If You Order 1,050 Slices of Bacon, Burger King Will Comply

The CAMCOPTER Is One Serious RC Chopper

Domino’s Pizza Safe Sound

FREE REMOTE CONTROL OF YOUR PC OR MAC. ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.

LogMeIn is a great web and mobile application that allows you to log into your computer from anywhere with an internet connection.

This is a great option for:

• small business owners that have a main computer but want to use their main computer while on the road
• logging into your home computer while at school, work, or at a hotel
• accessing that one file you forgot
• what would you use it for?

You might be asking yourself if it’s safe or how is this better than Remote Desktop, VNC, or some of the other options. Well… each option has its pros and cons. The reason I like it is that I just need a web browser or an internet connection for my iPad and I have full access!

Here’s a little more info about the features that LogMeIn has to offer:

• You can use the free option, like me, to access your computer from anywhere
• Use your mobile device – I use my iPhone or my iPad
• If your computer is asleep you can use the Wake on LAN option – I haven’t tried this one yet…
• It uses 256-bit SSL encryption

They also offer other great products for small business owners too – Himachi, join.me, and some others.

Image Sources: https://secure.logmein.com/

Top off your coffee and check out some of these interesting links from last week…

• How To Make Your Own Damn Hot Dog Stuffed Crust Pizza Right Now [Article] – In last week’s Weekly Review I showed you this awesome concept.  Now you can make it on your own with this tutorial!  Sounds like a good Sunday lunch to me!
• How I Got Ripped At 500 Startups [Article] – Count calories and do some weight lifting.  You too can be ripped?
• Let Your Annoying Neighbors Know How You Feel with This Simple Complaint Form [Article] – Does this work for cube neighbors too?  I’m not sure if any of my current ones read my blog but this isn’t pointed at you
• How to Get a Good Cup of Coffee From Starbucks [Article] – I normally don’t like Starbucks coffee but I just might need to try this.  Does anyone know how much this costs?
• Million Dollar Subterranean Garage Is Only Accessible Through an Aircraft Carrier Elevator [Video] – I guess money can make you happy? I’ll take the Jeep!
• A DRAMATIC SURPRISE ON A QUIET SQUARE [Video] – Don’t push the button!