My Technology Tips

Google Blogger New Features and Google Usability Study

2009-09-26T13:58:00.000-04:00

As a big fan of Google Blogger, one of the free blog hosting services and publishing technology for bloggers, where is published this blog, I'm very glad at any new feature implemented by Blogger development team. In the last weeks there were published many new enhancements as it was initially mentioned in "Blogger is turning 10".
Thank you Google for all new improvements!

Last new Blogger features now available in Setting / Layout menu:

- Label Cloud - in the "Label" gadget enhancement is now possible to set the display format as a "cloud" instead of as a list, and only "Selected labels" can be displayed;

- Jump Breaks - finally, the "Read more" functionality has been implemented in the Settings menu and there is not required now to edit HTML of the template manually.

(We don't have to forget all new third-party gadgets which are available in "Layout" menu - "Add a Gadget".)

Google Usability Study!

Just now, Google Blogger team is looking for participants willing to document their blogging practices - see more in Bloggers wanted! So, if you use Blogger.com and would like to help Google to improve Blogger and share your opinions about this service then you can fill the short form linked in the original post.

(The study will take place between September 28 and October 20, 2009 in Mountain View, CA or remotely from your location.)

I think it is a great idea and I will try to participate as well when I'm selected by the Blogger team of course :-)

List of Top VCs from Twitter on a Map

2009-08-15T14:28:00.000-04:00

Do you want to know what VCs are doing and thinking? What they’re actually looking for? You can see many of the startup world’s top funders on the World map below.

The list of Twitter accounts was published in "Are You Following the Funds?" on the Innovation 2.0 blog and there is used Yahoo! Pipe "Twitter Friends on a Map". Thanks for this great pipe!

Other excellent list of contacts: Global VC Blog Directory (Larry Cheng).

eBooks for Free Download

2009-04-09T14:11:00.000-04:00

Something for free download with many clever ideas about money, time management, personal development, "Getting Things Done" and Blogger settings.

Thriving on Less - Simplifying in a Tough Economy
(Leo Babauta):

"The recent economic recession has a lot of people worried, about their jobs, their businesses, their homes and their bills. When your income is dropping or in jeopardy and you still have a mountain of bills to pay, things can get pretty scary."

Who knows principles of GTD (Getting Things Done) then surely heard about ZTD (Zen To Done), you can found more on Zen Habits, which is one of the most popular Top 100 blogs on the Internet related to the personal development and work productivity with more then 100,000 subscribers. One free ebook is available for free download.

Next two links are for bloggers on Blogger.com, and in the interesting free eBooks below can be found anything related to the manual changes of Blogger.com templates:

The Cheats' Guide to Customizing Blogger templates
(Amanda Fazani):

"This eBook will offer you many options and examples to customize your existing Blogger template quickly and easily, whichever style of template you are using..."

This guide should be a mandatory manual for each blogger who has a need to correct or customize his / her blog, and would like to understand how works the template code on Blogger.com and how is it possible to manually correct the XHTML code and change the design of the blog in the template.

The Woork Handbook (Antonio Lupetti):

"The Woork Handbook is a free eBook about CSS, HTML, Ajax, Web Programming, Mootools, Scriptaculous and other topics about Web Design..."

There are many examples of the basic blog structure of blogs on Blogger.com in the first part of this guide, which is related to the CSS code, with detailed explanation of all main elements used in the blog templates. Really, worth reading!

Top 25 Technology News Sites and Journals

2009-03-27T08:45:00.000-04:00

Some time ago I was asked which Technology News sites I read regularly. Finally, here is my short list of selected Web sites I've been following for couple of years.

My whole list of Technology Blogs & Resources has now +500 sites including +200 personal blogs from other areas of my interest (Business, Marketing, Ideas, Creativity & Innovation, Personal Development, Productivity, Time Management, Entrepreneur Life).

My suggested Technology News Sites (in alphabetical order):

BBC Technology News - World and UK News, Business & Science, Feature Stories

Business Week - Technology News about Computers, Software, Electronics,...

DailyTech - Technology and Science News

DigiTimes - Daily News about Asia's IT industry

Discover Magazine - Science and Technology News, Science Articles

Channel Insider - Value-Added Reseller and Technology Channel Partners News

Information Week - Business Technology News, Reviews and Blogs

Insight for IT leaders - Business Technology News & Analysis

International Herald Tribune - Technology & Media Daily Newspaper

Mashable! - Social Networking and Social Media News Blog

Mass High Tech Business News - Massachusetts Technology & Business News

New York Times - Technology News

Read-Write Web - Technology News, Reviews and Analysis

Silicon Valley Watcher - Reporting on the Business of Technology and Media

Slashdot - News for nerds, stuff that matters

Smashing Magazine - Blog dedicated to Web Developers and Designers

Techcrunch - Startup & Tech News, Reviews of new products and companies

TechnoBuzz - Indias Technology News, Software Reviews, Blog Tips

TechRepublic - One of the Top Resources for IT Professionals

ValleyWag - Silicon Valley's Tech Gossip Rag

VNUnet - Technology News, HW & SW Reviews, Free downloads

Wall Street Journal - Technology & High Tech News, Online Media

WebGuild Silicon Valley - Forum for IT Professionals, Webmasters, Internet Marketers

Wired News - Trends in Technology, Business, Communications, Science

ZDNet News - Tech & Business News, Resources, White Papers for IT Professionals

In the "Technology News" section on the right side of this blog you can see links to the last posts published on those sites.

Poster Boy from New York City

2009-03-22T04:10:00.000-04:00

"Poster Boy is a New York City based street artist. By using a razor, Poster Boy slices up advertisements in the subway system to create completely original works of art. Due to the illegal nature of his work, Poster Boy remains anonymous."

Is this what we call "Art"? Really, I don't know because his "work" is still vandalism. Partially, I like it because this video makes you think... About what?

Spending Time With Poster Boy:

From the discussion on YouTube:

- "This clown is a vandal and he's being glorified. Whether you like subway advertising or not, this a-hole is defacing property that doesn't belong to him..."

- "But art is not vandalism just as much as vandalism is not art. Art is a creative statement that adds to the richness and cultivation of society. Vandalism is a destructive action that harms society..."

Note: The "Poster Boy" was arrested as I've seen in NYT, but then released on bail. You can find pictures of his work on Flickr.

Quick HTML code test on Blogger.com

2009-03-16T10:23:00.000-04:00

When I started this blog on Blogger.com (Blogspot), as described in the previous post - Free Blog Hosting Services, I have changed my default Web template from Google. If you have downloaded any Free Template for your blog then it's a good idea to test basic settings defined in the CSS section of your new template.

How to Test template design of various HTML tags?

The following quick HTML Test can be downloaded and you can create your own blog post on your blog to have displayed all main HTML tags. The HTML test file contains HTML code, so just copy all rows and insert to your new blog post as HTML (create New Post - don't use Compose mode but switch to Edit Html).

START of the test...

Some of selected HTML elements are tested in this post with current (default) CSS definition in the XHTML template on Blogger.com (it can be used on other platform or blogging systems as well):

<H1> header

<H2> header

<H3> header

<H4> header

<H5> header

<H6> header

<P>

Tested a short paragraph
aligned on the left side
of the blog page.

Tested a short paragraph
aligned on the right side
of the blog page.

<A>

Here's a test link to this blog My Technology Tips.

<BIG>

The text size is increasing :
+1 +2 +3 +4 +5 +6

<BLINK>

Text with a blinking part can be used.

<BLOCKQUOTE>

Start with Normal text.

Here can be included Quote inside the blockquote element, to
show you what this element actually does and how is configured.

Rest of the Normal text.

<CODE>

A "Hello, world" program in Pascal would be:


program Hello;
begin
write('Hello, world');
end.

<PRE>


Filename Size Date Description
------------------------------
FILE_ID.DIZ 470 15-03-08 01:00 The latest in software design.
README 1604 17-03-08 15:43
PROGRAM.ZIP 247531 15-03-08 01:00
INSTALL.EXE 19440 15-03-08 01:00

<DIV>

align="left"

This is just test text to see how the alignment of text inside a
DIV tag looks like. The "width" is 200px; defined in the tag.

<FONT>

Lets change
the
size
of
the font.

Or
give
the
font
a
nice
color.

<HR>

<MARQUEE>

My Technology Tips

<NOBR>

Cu²⁺ + 2 IO₃^- +
12 H⁺ + 12 I^-
-> CuI_(s) + 6.5 I₂ +
6 H₂O

<OL>

The first item of the list.
The second item of the list.

<SUB>

The element lets you specify glucose as C₆H₁₂O₆.

<SUP>

The element lets you specify a trademark ^(TM) correctly.

<UL>

Nested unordered lists with assigned types :

The first item of the list.
The second item of the list.
- The first item of the nested list.
- The second item of the nested list.

Special CHARs:

&
¶
™
©
®
€
£
∞

...END of the test.

Very Nice Project: Fifty People, One Question

2009-03-08T06:01:00.000-04:00

"We had an idea. Go to a place. Ask fifty people the same question. Film their responses. Brought to you by Crush & Lovely Moving Pictures in partnership with Deltree."

I like this kind of inspiring projects because it "opens eyes" and it's very interesting to see responses from people around the world.

Maybe they will visit other cities or countries as well and there will be more questions in the future :-)

What about to help them in other countries because anyone can send a short video response (10-20 sec.) to the same question, and then authors of this project can create a compilation of some selected responses from other cities in the world?

Fifty People, One Question in New York:

Fifty People, One Question in London:

Free Blog Hosting Services for bloggers

2009-03-05T04:11:00.000-05:00

Some friends have asked how I'm satisfied with the Free hosting of my blog on Blogger.com, where is hosted this blog and if there are available any other free sites for bloggers. Yes, there are hundreds of excellent services and here is the short list of portals I have tested some time ago.

Free Web Blog Publishing Sites:

Blogger.com - Create your Free Blog
"Blogger is a free blog publishing tool from Google for easily sharing your thoughts with the world. Blogger makes it simple to post text, photos and video onto your personal or team blog."

LiveJournal.com - Start a Free Blog
"LiveJournal.com is a free service for all your journaling and blogging needs, offering privacy controls, photo storage, publishing tools, style templates, and online communities for just about every interest imaginable."

TypePad.com - Blogging Software & Blog Services
"TypePad is the premier blogging service for professionals and small businesses. TypePad hosts many popular blogs and small business websites. The service is easy to use and enables you to create a blog in minutes."

WordPress.com - Get a Free WordPress Blog
"You’ll get your own WordPress.com address (like you.wordpress.com), a selection of great free and customizable designs for your blog, 3 gigabytes of file storage and all the other great features."

There are many other similar services for bloggers where a free blog can be created, e.g. Yahoo! 360, or Windows Live Spaces (MSN.com), and if you have your own Web hosting you can download and install some of the free publishing blog tools from B2Evolution.net, MovableType.org, or WordPress.org portals.

Why have I chosen Blogger.com for this blog? That's a question...

What is the best Blog technology for bloggers?

Really, I don't know because all sites mentioned above offer similar good services and it depends only on your specific needs why you need to create a blog, what are your priorities, if you need a personal blog or business blog for your company. Many professional blogs are based on WordPress publishing software, most of bloggers prefer their own hosting space with installation of any publishing software because it can be fully maintained and customized.

I don't seem to remember why I've started with Blogger.com but probably it was because many of my friends and favourite technology blogs I read every day are hosted on Blogger.com platform, some of them looks really good, with fully customized design and with a Custom Domain Name configured.

(By default your new blog on Blogger.com has a domain in format xyz.blogspot.com, but you can change it and forward the long name to your own specific domain. So, you need register and pay only the domain name but not any hosting fees.)

Free Web Templates for Blogger.com (Blogspot.com):

When I started this blog on Blogger.com portal I first registered my custom domain MyTechnologyTips.com and then have tried to find a new design template for this blog because the integrated list of templates seems to me very limited. Fortunately, there are many excellent Free Templates available for download and the integration with Blogger.com is very simple (menu Layout - Pick New Template).

See the examples below of some nice Free Web templates with links to external sites:

Blogger Buster - Free Blogger Templates

eBlog Templates - Free Blogger Templates

GeckoandFly - Template Free Blogspot Templates

Nice, isn't it? Is there a need to hire an external Web designer or are you able to customize the free Web templates yourself? Some tips how to improve the free templates on Blogger.com will follow...

How to download video from YouTube?

2009-02-15T04:29:00.000-05:00

Maybe the following description will be helpful to all readers who need to download video from YouTube portal and convert it to other formats, e.g. from .FLV format to .AVI, .AMV or .WMV formats, which can be used in MP4 players or other devices.

(Note: Don't forget you can download only your own videos or free public videos available for public download.)

How to download video from YouTube?

There are available many helpful freeware utilities or extensions for Firefox, but sometimes they doesn't work properly, so one of my favourites is VDownloader, which is able to download video as well as to convert it to .AVI or .MPG formats:

- VDownloader
"VDownloader can download and convert videos from Youtube, Google Video, Metacafe, MySpace, DailyMotion, Yuvutu, and many other similar sites, saving them in AVI or MPG."

If you don't want to download and install the local application then you can try one of the following Web services where the video from YouTube can be downloaded via Web portal. The only problem is that all Web services are overloaded and they don't have very good response time:

- Online FLV Converter
This online service allows you to convert a Flash Video file (.FLV) from YouTube to MPEG4 or other formats (AVI, MOV, MP4, MP3, 3GP).

- VideoDL.org - Download Online Video
"VideoDL is a quick AJAX application which allows you to download online video into your computer. It supports top 3 video sites - YouTube, Google Video, and Break.com."

How to convert YouTube video from .FLV format?

This step could be skipped if the previously mentioned online video downloaders & convertors would be functioning properly or wouldn't be overloaded every day. Otherwise we have only downloaded video file from YouTube in .FLV format, which can be used only by a FLV Player.

The following FLV Converter can be used if you want to convert .FLV video to .AVI or other formats:

- FLV Converter (BitComet)
"BitComet FLV Converter is a small tool to convert between FLV and other media format, such as AVI, WMV, MP4, iPod, PSP, Mobile."

How to Convert other Media Files?

If you are looking for a complex solution how to convert video or audio files, how to convert video files to FLV, AVI or WMV, create MP3 files from videos, how to rip and burn DVD discs, then my suggestion is to use Replay Converter which is the easiest way with the highest quality output.

World Wildlife Fund

2009-02-09T09:50:00.000-05:00

Very nice video! Don't forget we only have one planet Earth...

"The hand that can destroy
is the same hand that can help."

World Wildlife Fund:

"WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature."

Where to find Free photos or pictures?

2009-02-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for some Free Photos for your Web pages then you can find here couple of useful links with free photos or pictures. There are many other photo portals and directories where is possible to buy or sell your photos. So, if you have collection of your original pictures in Flickr or Picasa Web albums you can try to offer them to other users as well.

AMGmedia.com - Free Stock Photos, Pictures and Images
- Free photos from various categories Object Photos, Cool Object, Funky Stuff, Table Objects, Desktop Objects, Fruits Vegetables, Flowers, and alse free nature themed wallpapers.

BigFoto.com - Free Pictures, Free Download
- Free Download of all Pictures with a link or reference. Most photos from amateur photographers.

FreeFoto.com - Free Pictures and Photographs
- One of the largest collections of Free photographs for non-commercial use on the Internet.

GeekPhilosopher.com - Free Photos, Photography, Wallpapers
- Royalty free stock photography, wallpapers, and desktop backgrounds - sky, sunsets, clouds, landscape, stars and planets, water, flowers, animals, horses, everyday objects, events, children, people, sports, famous paintings, music, and textures.

Here is one free photo for example from GeekPhilosopher:

Remote Online Support and Web Conferencing

2009-02-01T13:14:00.000-05:00

Last week I signed a new interesting remote contract in USA and because my new customer had no any remote control software nor any secure VPN with online tools for Web conferencing, Remote meetings, Remote desktops sharing or Online meetings, my first task has been to find a new software or online service for remote support.

There are many tools available for Web Conferencing which can be used for discussion via IP phone, for online demonstration, for online education or training sessions, so maybe the following tips will be useful for others.

Anyway, someone could use the tools as a new bussiness opportunity because anyone with knowledge and experience in any area can offer online education or paid courses (technical, language, or personal) via Internet because those tools are not only for online support or business conferencing.

For me it is excellent opportunity how to improve my set of tools because it is better in comparison with my previous Instant Messaging and IP Phone conferencing technology.

Adobe ConnectNow:

Adobe Connect is one of the tools which can be use for online meetings together with functions such as screen sharing, file sharing, chatting, taking notes, and interacting with audio and video. This service is free for max. 3 users connected but a small fee is only needed for Acrobat Connect Pro.

Just create a new free account and you can start the online meeting for your invited users.

"Adobe ConnectNow is a great way to share ideas, discuss details, and complete work together — all online. Reduce travel costs, save time, and increase productivity with a web conferencing solution."

Dimdim - Free Web & Video conferencing software:

Dimdim is very useful open-source service because it is free with all online functions for 20 users connected at the same time. No download and no any installation required, but full desktop sharing available with audio and video conferencing.

"Dimdim provides easy Web conferencing, open collaboration. Use for online web meetings, eLearning, desktop sharing, online trainings, eLearning. Collaborate and share voice, video, slides, whiteboard. No downloads required to host or attend."

Yugma - Web Conferencing & Online Meetings:

Enterprise solution for online conferencing and desktop sharing is offered, Free version is available for 20 users of one conference, but they are able to solve video conferences for +1000 participants. Very useful for presentations, demo sessions, education and remote support as well.

They have certified Skype extension which can be used in your favourite application.

"Yugma provides Free, Pro and Enterprise web conferencing solutions to individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises regardless of operating system (Windows, Mac or Linux)."

Zoho Meeting:

Another one online tool for remote support is Zoho Meeting. The basic plan is free and a small fee is needed for more attendants of the Web conference. There is a nice possibility to insert a small code on you Web site and "embed online Zoho meeting" for online support and remote assistance.

"Try Zoho Meeting, online meetings, remote assistance, web conferencing, web meetings and desktop sharing solution for remote support, sales presentations, marketing demo, online training and online meetings."

Many similar online services?

I'm sure there are many other online services, so thank you for all your tips if you have found something useful and helpful for your specific needs.

Interesting Google Earth Videos

2009-01-02T09:28:00.000-05:00

I'm just testing the excellent Google Earth functionality and all possibilities how to use and integrate the API functions and all 3rd party extensions in some of my applications.

During the research and testing phase I have found some interresting Google Earth videos. Very nice work!

4D London Eye in Google Earth:

"This is a 4D animating view of the London Eye ferris wheel from within Google Earth. A very cool example of dynamic 3D models possible with the free Google Earth."

Source:
- Google Earth Blog: 4D London Eye in Google Earth

Google Earth Flight Simulator:

Related Links:
- Google Earth Blog: Google Earth Flight Simulator Tips
- Google Earth Blog: How to Get 3D Buildings in Google Earth 4.3 Flight Simulator

3D Layer of American Architecture:

(Note: Video was created using Google Earth Pro, 3D Connexion's SpaceNavigator, and Windows Movie Maker.)

Value of Time for everyone...

2009-01-01T04:01:00.000-05:00

I'll leave you with these parting thoughts...

To realize the value of a sister:
Ask someone who doesn't have one.

To realize the value of ten years:
Ask a newly divorced couple.

To realize the value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize the value of one year:
Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a still born.

To realize the value of one month:
Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one hour:
Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of one minute:
Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize the value of one second:
Ask a person who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of one millisecond:
Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.

To realize the value of a friend:
Lose one.

Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when
you can share it with someone special.

Peace, love and prosperity to all!

(Note: The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.)

Oracle Certification or Knowledge, Experience and Practical Skills?

2008-01-20T07:32:00.000-05:00

During my professional career I gained couple of certifications from various areas and one of them is Oracle database certification - OCP.

As Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) for Oracle 10g database I've got an offer to participate in Oracle Certification Program to test new Beta version certifications for the new version of Oracle Database 11g, it means for the certification Oracle Database 11g - OCA (Oracle Certified Associate) and OCP (Oracle Certified Professional).

Who is interested then the price of each exam is now available at a reduced price from $125 to $50 USD because it is a "Beta" version and all the exams have the same validity as the next "Gold" version of final exams.

Why is any certification useful for IT specialists?

"The true value of certifications really depends on who you ask. Those with certifications will usually argue that they are important; those without them will most likely turn up their noses at them. What most IT folks do agree upon is this - certifications do hold some amount of value, but they can never replace the relevance of good experience."

First of all, if you would like to gain the Oracle Certification you have to know the following steps required for the certification:

There are three levels of the Oracle certification - OCA (Oracle Certified Associate), OCP (Oracle Certified Professional), and OCM (Oracle Certified Master), and for the first OCA certification (Oracle Certified Associate) you have to pass two exams:

- Oracle Database 11g: SQL Fundamentals I
- Oracle Database 11g: Administration I

When you pass the exams then you have the first certification level Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) and you can use the logo of Oracle OCA officially on your business cards, Web pages, and in your CV.

If you have already passed the OCA certification you can continue in the path and gain the next level of the Oracle certification which is Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), when you have to attend one weekly "in-class" training and pass one exam:

- Oracle Database 11g: Administration II

When you pass OCA and OCP then you can continue to the last level Oracle Certified Master (OCM), which consists in two weekly "in-class" trainings and in one exam when you have to solve practical database problems on test Oracle databases:

- Oracle Database 11g: Certified Master Exam

There are couple of Oracle specialists only in the world with the OCM certification because it is time consuming certification based on a real technical experience but why not to test your knowledge in this high level certification?

"Oracle Master was nothing but proof that you attended so many classes and did not even involve passing any tests."

The power of Oracle certification?

"...a certification can never replace the value of good experience, nor can it measure one's ability to apply knowledge in the real world!"

It is true that the Oracle certification may help you to get an interview, but it will not necessarily help you to get a job. It is not a "certification" that you have knowledge nor experience to solve daily problems with Oracle database but it is true that if you are providing services, then customers might be more comfortable knowing that you are certified in the technologies you are supporting.

More about Oracle Certifications:
- Oracle University
- Oracle Certification Program
- The power of Oracle certification

More about Oracle Database:
- Oracle Database 9i
- Oracle Database 10g
- Oracle Database 11g
- Oracle 11g: The Top New Features for DBAs and Developers

Powerful Words Of Wisdom!

2008-01-18T05:06:00.000-05:00

Great ideas and motivation quotes in the following beautiful and inspiring videos. I'm persuaded if everyone watched the video once a day it would change their world.

Inspirational Video: The Law Of Attraction

"Be positive. What you think, is who you become. Live a great life and inspire! Live the life of your dreams! Dream. Dream big."

Employee Motivation: Elements of Greatness (Profiles International Inc.)

"It is not enough to be the best when you have the ability to be Great! What inspires you to action? What is your creative force?"

Everything is Miscellaneous

2008-01-11T10:18:00.000-05:00

David Weinberger: Everything is Miscellaneous

"David Weinberger's new book covers the breakdown of the established order of ordering. He explains how methods of categorization designed for physical objects fail when we can instead put things in multiple categoreis at once, and search them in many ways."

Popularity of all Video Sharing Services?

2008-01-09T02:27:00.000-05:00

When I saw the nice ad videos from Microsoft (see below) then one idea has struck me right away. Do you know how many "video sharing services" are on the Web or do you use Youtube.com only?

It looks like a very good business in the future because I think the "video on demand" services will follow the current boom and popularity of all those music sharing services. Isn't there the interactive video a new way how to educate and share information, have fun or enjoy the life? Why to listen to the music only when you can watch video music online on Web or on your mobile phone? Why to listen to the radio only when you can "listen and watch" video together?

There are many interesting video sharing services already on the Internet and it is not only Youtube, see some of the most popular video sharing sites where you can share free video clips and watch uploaded files from other users.

Video Sharing Services:

- Blip.tv
(The world's leading videoblogging and podcasting service)

- ClipShack
(Community for videophiles - one of the most fun sites!)

- Eyespot
(Share videos online and add special effects, edit, mix)

- Google Video
(Millions of videos indexed and available for viewing)

- Jumpcut
(Video sharing services and online editing tool)

- Kyte.tv
(TV out of the box)

- Metacafe
(Best Videos & Funny Movies)

- MSN Video
(Find, Watch, Rate, Upload and Share Videos)

- Ragtube
(Find and share the best of internet video)

- Stickam
(The Live Community - Video, photo slides, music on your blog)

- V:social
(Online Video and Social Media Tools)

- Viddler
(Upload and Share Video - Direct recording from browser)

- Vimeo
(Because everyone shouldn’t see everything!)

- Yahoo! Video
(Search millions of videos from across the Web)

- YouTube
(Share your videos with friends and family)

And here is a very useful Comparison of video services on Wikipedia.

Which place do you use for online video sharing? Do you use Youtube only or any other service? Really, I don't know what should I do when I have a personal video and would like to share it. Should I upload it on Youtube only or on any other possible video portal as well for better popularity? Or what about when I create a new video portal for my videos, my friends or for worldwide audience?

It's a good "new" idea, isn't it? The problem is only a proper "sexy" domain name. What about You2beee.com, Y2beee.com (you2be.com has already been registred as parked "MFA" site).

And now, very nice videos from Microsoft :-)

Context Matters - Microsoft Dance Video:
- Why context is so important when it comes to advertising

Video: Microsoft - context matters

Context Matters - Microsoft Funeral Video:

Video: Microsoft- context matters

How to find Job in Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, IBM, Oracle or in other top IT company?

2008-01-05T10:48:00.000-05:00

I have got an interesting email from Google Human Resources (HR) with a new job offer. Really, I would like to work for one of the best companies in the world but I don't like this kind of spam. Every day I have my mailbox full of job offers from various sources, personal agencies, spam robots, and now directly from Google HR Recruiters?

Only one quick check on Web and I have found that I was not the only one who was contacted by Google with a job offer, so it looks like a massive hiring campaign because "Google is spamming everyone these days". (See the related links below.)

Someone has already informed Google "to stop their non-targeted massive hiring campaign", and you can find very unsatisfied opinions on the Web. What do you think? Is it a good way how to hire IT specialists?

Would you like to work for Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, IBM, or Oracle?

The best way how to find a good job related to your interest and your experience is to check regularly job pages of your preferred company with current opportunities:

- Google Jobs

- Yahoo! HotJobs

- Careers at Yahoo!

- Microsoft Jobs

- IBM Jobs

- Oracle Opportunities

When you find something interesting and if you are up to 50% of the requirements then go for it and send them your professional CV. You know, many times the international companies have set their requirements very high and nobody is able to fulfill them.

So, it is better to try to send your CV and learn additional tools or languages subsequently when you have a good motivation as to wait and do nothing.

See for example "Top 10 Reasons to Work at Google".

FYI - Here is the copy of the Google Job email:

Related Links:

- Why Blog? Because Google Might Hire You
- Google Interview Howto
- Dear Google staffing team
- Google Spamming Mailing Lists!

Getting Things Done

2008-01-03T09:53:00.000-05:00

Great presentation and Great way to start the New Year! Learn how to make greater things with your life. Probably have to have read his book "Getting Things Done" to get the best from it.

David Allen: Getting Things Done

"David Allen speaks on Getting Things Done and the two keys to sustaining a healthy life and work style."

New Job or Contract in New York, Boston, San Francisco or Pompano Beach?

2008-01-02T04:15:00.000-05:00

We all have our dreams and for this year my preference is to find a new job or contract in New York City or in Boston (I love both cities). Another preferred location for a new job is sunny California or Florida.

So, there is a new priority for me because I would like to follow my dreams and find a new job or contract in one of my preferred cities and with the possibility to work with my favourite tools and technologies on some interesting projects.

My preferred locations:

1. Job / Contract in New York City or Boston
2. Job / Contract in Pompano Beach or Ft. Lauderdale (Florida)
3. Job / Contract in San Francisco or Los Angeles

I was born in Europe but I'm Newyorker in my heart and would like to work in one of the most exciting and famous cities of the world. I like Boston as well for its colonial, romantic atmosphere, historic buildings, and because of unique MIT, or Harvard communities of open and friendly people. And of course, Berklee where my daughter would like to study in the near future :-)

Florida or California are really different but beatiful location for me as well because of the weather, sunny beaches and the sea, so why not to work "on the beach"?

(The open question only is how to find an interesting technology company in Florida looking for dB developers, DBA or Web designers.)

Maybe to find a new job or contract in California will be more feasible because there are many technology companies and more open jobs. But I don't think it will be possible to be hired by companies like Google because they have subsidiaries in Europe or in low-cost countries and will not be interested in my relocation from Europe to US.

My favourite tools / technologies:

I have many tools in my "portfolio" and I'm interested in any technology area but I would prefer opportunities to work fully with some of the following main technologies and areas (others will be considered as well regarding the location):

- Clarion RAD (GUI development for TopSpeed or SQL databases)
- NetObject Fusion or Codecharge Studio (Web development)
- Oracle Application Express - APEX (Web development for Oracle)

- DBA & dB Development (Oracle, MS SQL, MySQL)
- SQL Programming (PL/SQL, T-SQL)
- Web Development (Static or Dynamic Web sites)

Relocation to US or Remote Telecommuting?

Now I live in Prague, in the "Heart of Europe", but able to relocate or work remotely from my home office in Prague with the initial on-site work (1-2 months) in the US. I don't need any relocation package and will pay everything on my own because I'm looking for an interesting position, exciting work and a new job challenge and not for any benefits.

If you are looking for an enthusiatic IT specialist able to learn quickly please check my LinkedIn profile where you can download my CV in .pdf format as well and thank you for any opportunity.

We all have our dreams...
- I want to succeed.
- I want to be challenged.
- I want to be interested in my work.
- I want to be recognized for my achievements.
- I want opportunities to grow.

Will I find my dreams?

Contact email: alfred.blaho AT gmail.com

The best Idea of the Year is to work on interesting projects only

2007-12-31T09:11:00.000-05:00

The last day of the year is the best time for a short summary of our business success stories of the year as well as a good opportunity to think over our failures in our business and personal lifes. It is good time to remember all good ideas and prepare a new plan for the next year.

One of the good ideas I've got this year was to attach more importance to projects what I like so I would suggest to follow this idea. It is really great to work on projects what you like in comparison with projects made for money only.

Business Ideas are not as important as we think!

I have many business ideas for the New year but I have to refuse many of them nevertheless they can be very good money-machine projects. I would like to be concentrated only on interesting projects irrespective of any money.

That's my top priority for the New year.

My suggestion is to start think not about any possible business ideas but about what do you like to do each day of the next year, and then follow your dreams! You know, money is not everything but our satisfaction is.

"Making a positive contribution to the world is a lot more important to me than money. Money can be useful in achieving this objective, but human relationships are far more important. The funny thing is that the less I rely on money, the more of it I seem to have."
(Steve Pavlina)

If you think about a new project and the only limitation is shortness of money please think about a possibility to start it without money as well. If it is a good project or it is what you want and like to do then go for it. The money is not important in the first instance and when you start you can find resources, partners or venture capital when needed.

What about this guy in New York City? Do you think he needs money to do what he likes?

New York City Subway Bucket Drummer New Year's Eve:

"This guy is truly amazing. I really think someone should just like, buy him a drumset and set him up somewhere where he could get a deal with a record company because talent like this should really be awarded."

Or what about this one? Another incredible man!

Bucket Drums in New York City:

Information R/evolution

2007-12-21T05:23:00.000-05:00

Today I have found a very inspiring video where the authors explore the changes in the way we find, store, create, critique, and share information. It was created as a conversation starter, and works especially well when brainstorming with people about the near future and the skills needed in order to harness, evaluate, and create information effectively.

"This is a useful video, making some very sophisticated points simple to understand."

From the discussion on YouTube: "Excellent video... I agree with you. My son starts year 8 next year and so far he has learned some basic: math, spelling and a whole lot of useless info which he will never use. Most of all he has learned to cut and paste. When he starts work in 5 years he will unemployable. I run a business and I would not employ him.... "

Information R/evolution:

- High Quality WMV download
- Quicktime format

Also check out David Weinberger's Everything is Miscellaneous.

LinkedIn - Be in touch with people!

2007-12-21T02:10:00.000-05:00

Some time ago I got one of the best tips required for personal and professional success - Be in touch with people! Irrespective of your knowledge or tools or your hard work there is a good "networking" and personal contacts required in each profession. Be connected with people, family, friends, colleagues and be active in various discussion groups on the Web.

"This isn’t networking — it’s what networking should be."

One of the way how to be in touch with others can be for example LinkedIn, one of the best Social Networks.

What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is an online network of more than 17 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing more as 150 industries.

After free registration on LinkedIn portal you can create your personal profile, add contacts from your address book, or send an invitation and reconnect with past colleagues or former classmates. What I like is the possibility to have there my professional resume (CV) which can be displayed in .pdf format as well, and I can use a direct link to my profile when I will be looking for a new job or contract.

I got invitation to join LinkedIn 3 months ago and my initial statistics looked interesting:

Then I have added more information to the LinkedIn profile about my education, current and past employers, described my previous experience, added additional information about websites and my interests. The reason was that I wanted to be found by my former colleagues and be in touch with friends as well as found in search results when headhunters are looking for a specialist with my specialization (dB Development and Web Design for Oracle, MS SQL, MySQL, Clarion, TopSpeed, SQL).

If you are interested or if you are looking for an enthusiastic database developer or Web designer you can view my public profile:

Really, it works! Every week I get at least one contract offer or job opportunity which I have to refuse now but who knows? Maybe I will be looking for a new opportunity in the next year and it's better to be prepared for change and have a network of friends able to help when there is a need.

See how looks my LinkedIn network today:

The number of Friends of friends and Their friends is great, isn't it?

The Machine is Us/ing Us

2007-12-18T15:01:00.000-05:00

Amazing and very impressive video with smart ideas how our behavior is changing due to our "connections".

"Its true though, we must redefine ourselves, our ideologies, our laws and way of life really...!"

The Machine is Us/ing Us (Michael Wesch):

"He's just telling us that the reason we need to rethink ways of doing things is because the internet has provided so many ways to use things, learn things, enjoy things... In otherwords the more we use these new ideas and concepts the more we 'teach' the machine to work for us and at the same time it will eventually 'sense' us, knowing what we will want before WE even know..."