HughesNet Satellite Internet

I can see it clearly, as if it were yesterday – my family and I struggling with dial-up. Thank goodness, I made the decision to ditch dial-up Internet in favor of high-speed broadband. Going back to slow connections now would be a nightmare.

Since writing, media, and technology are my business, I need the capability to work fast. Deadlines and I are close personal friends.

Gone are the days when I would lose a connection when I was right in the middle of a project. Also gone are the days when I waited forever to download a file. With high-speed connections, I can work smart and increase my productivity.

HughesNet Satellite Internet offers the latest in broadband technology – high-speed features for those of us who make our living on the World Wide Web. But don’t think for one minute that satellite Internet is just for business. Gamers and those of us who watch videos online also need the fast capabilities that HughesNet offers. With satellite broadband, you can work hard and play hard.

For years, rural areas have been on the short end of the stick when it comes to cable or DSL. Take North Carolina, for instance. In the rural areas, reliable cable or DSL just wasn’t available.

However, North Carolina Satellite Internet has changed all that. People living outside of the metropolitan areas can now access high-speed connections. To get the hook-up, all is takes is a quick phone call. It's simple to sign online and stay online, with speeds up to 50 times faster than dial-up. Surfing is a breeze.

No more waiting. That’s a promise we all can live with.


Sponsored Post - Original Content Created by Media by Sistrunk

Counting the clicks to Cyber Monday

Across the country, major retailers are pulling out all the stops in preparation for Cyber Monday, the big day for online shopping. Merchants, many of whom are a little disappointed at Black Friday sales, are hoping that Monday will be a boon for online business.

Big crowds showed up at the malls on Friday. However, across the board, sales were still lackluster, according to the Associated Press. However, online sales on Thursday and Friday, however, rose 11 percent, according to data released by comScore, an Internet research firm.

The National Federation of Retailers said that about 195 million people shopped in stores and online between Thanksgiving and Sunday, up from last year. However, average spending was down.

Meanwhile, the AP reports that merchants are augmenting their online pitches by using social media:

Major merchants including J.C. Penney Co. and Sears Holdings Corp., which operates Kmart and Sears, broke new ground this year by making many of their early morning Black Friday specials available on their Web sites at the same time.

Marketing gurus have started calling the season a "Twitter Christmas" as merchants have been tweeting deals and offering previews of discounts on Facebook pages.

On Thursday, American retailers are expected to report November figures, which will give a more complete sales picture.

Charter courts online shoppers with holiday deals

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Charter Communication. All opinions are 100% mine.


If you didn’t get all of your shopping done on Black Friday, then you’re probably gearing up for some great online deals on Cyber Monday. Monday kicks off the online shopping season.

If television is near and dear to your heart, then Charter Cable’s sweepstakes and end-of-the-year bargains could be up your alley. Charter's Daily Deal Web Site is full of Cyber Monday offerings -- deals on Charter Cable, Internet and phone services, and free gift cards for up to $200 with special online orders. In addition, there’s a chance to win cool prizes for the holidays. But the discounts don’t end there.

After Cyber Monday, Charter begins 38 days of specials. The cable company is advertising “great gifts, prizes and deals every day.”

Each day offers something different. Some of the deals include iPods, camcorders, TVs, GPS units, webcams, and photo frames.

If you’re someone who stays glued to original programming on HBO or Showtime, check out some of the available perks – such as box sets of HBO’s “Big Love” and “Entourage,” or “The Tudors” and “Dexter” on Showtime.

One way to stay on top of the daily deals is to become a fan of Charter on Facebook. The page is updated each day.

Remember the check out the assortment of gift cards. Dozens of retailers are represented, giving shoppers a chance to save big on electronics, clothing, home, accessories, and restaurants.

Cyber law resources available at Harvard

The Cyberlaw Clinic at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society engages Harvard Law students in a wide range of real-world litigation, licensing, client counseling, advocacy, and legislative projects and cases. The clinic, the first of its kind, covers a broad spectrum of Internet, new technology, and intellectual property legal issues.

The scope of the clinic's work includes counseling and legal guidance for complex open access, digital copyright and fair use issues; litigation, amicus filings; and other advocacy to protect online speech and anonymity. The clinic also provides legal resources and advice for citizen journalists. More information can be found here.

Deals for online shoppers

It might pay to sleep in this Black Friday. Retailers appear to be extending their bargains beyond the day after Thanksgiving. Online retailers are no different.

Dotrebates.com is a cash back shopping website that is currently giving $5 free cash just for signing up. The company is set up to give consumers additional cash back rewards for shopping through its website.

Dot Rebates can connect shoppers to over 450 retailers. By registering free at Dot Rebates and shopping through the site, consumers get a $5 bonus and other incentives, such as instant discount coupons. Bargain seekers who refer a friend earn a bonus on each purchase. It’s an opportunity for online shoppers to save even more with top stores.

For savvy shoppers, the attraction is the diversity of retailers. According to the website, shoppers “will be connected to rebates, coupons, coupon codes, deals, and always cash back on some of the world's most popular stores available online.”

When it comes to electronics, my family’s favorite store is Best Buy. My fashionista daughter can find all of her favorite trendy clothes at Charlotte Russe. New York & Company has what I need for career wear. My husband’s a home-and-garden guy. DotRebates lists some 30 stores that cater to his whims.

The website boasts “everyday stores, discount pricing, online convenience.” Currently, there is no end date for the promotion.



Sponsored Post - Original Content Created by Media by Sistrunk

New York Movers

My husband and I are alike in many ways, but when it comes to moving, we are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Before we married, he moved a gazillion times as he carved out his career. I, on the other hand, stayed in the same home for more than 10 years at a time. I simply hate moving.

HireAHelper probably had people like me in mind when they set up their website. This Internet service provider connects day laborers and service companies with people who need to get work done. HireAHelper has attracted over 4,000 registered helpers nationwide since 2007. This moving company offers services across the U.S. In the Big Apple, they're the New York Movers. The service is easy to use.

1. To search for moving helpers, start by entering your zip code on the site.

2. Read reviews about each helper and decide who fits your specific needs.

3. Compare prices. Find the fee that fits your budget.

4. Book online and save. You’re likely to save a few hundred dollars. Full-service New York moving companies tend to be pricey. If you rent your own truck and hire the movers, you could save a couple of hundred bucks.

It’s simple to get started. Enter your zip code and the date you plan to move at the top of the home page. The website will walk you through the rest. If you need someone to help clean your home before you move, HireAHelper can assist there, too. Welcome to stress-free moving.



Sponsored Post - Original Content by Media by Sistrunk

Online start-up blends education and business

A San Francisco firm that provides Internet-based tutoring for entrepreneurs has expanded its classes to include teachers and students. The online company, eduFire, offers low-cost live lessons via videoconferences and text chats on a variety of subjects.

EduFire also has launched its Business Channel, which features several courses in entrepreneurship. The online project boasts more than 50,000 registered users. Read more....

Dallas DriveTime

A free online resource is now available for drivers in Dallas. DriveTime has launched a new website for motorists in the market for used cars.

The Drive Time home page provides instant approval for applicants. Customers can even get preapproved online by visiting the company's website.

Prospective buyers can access information about all of of DriveTime's dealerships and the inventory at each lot. The website lists several locations in the Dallas area. All offer a wide selection of automobiles.

When it comes to used car sales, DriveTime offers several options to Dallas drivers. The company hopes that the expanded services will spell repeat business.



Sponsored Post - Original Content Created by Media by Sistrunk

A few thoughts about editors

“No passion in the world is equal to the passion to alter someone else’s draft.” —H.G. Wells

"The greatest drive is not love or hate. It is one person's need to change another's copy."

“Some editors are failed writers, but so are most writers.”—T.S. Eliot

"The writer who can't do his job looks to his editor to do it for him, though he won't dream of sharing his royalties with that editor." —Alfred Knopf

Wrapping your head around gold

When it comes to precious metals, gold seems to be getting all the press. Those who have invested in gold – particularly gold coins – have enjoyed a good run for several years.

When it comes to the gold coin, it’s a bull market, and the U.S. Mint is siding with the bulls. The Mint is set to resume selling certain types of gold coins Dec. 3. Meanwhile, the UK’s Royal Mint has dramatically increased production of gold coins as demand for the precious metal continues to surge.

Investing in gold is no longer the game of millionaires and big players on Wall Street. Over the past year, average Joes (and Janes) have taken an active interest in the precious metal.

When it comes to precious metals, the market never closes. Adding gold to your portfolio can give you a lot of flexibility. Should you decide to buy gold bullion, you’re bound to get a good return on your investment. Including gold bullion in a portfolio of stocks, bonds and cash can definitely offer strength and stability to that portfolio during market fluctuations.

Planning ahead – and securing your future with gold – is good business.

Do we need a national broadband plan?

Universal broadband access is a major technology goal of President Obama. As part of Congress’ agreement to include broadband grants and loans in its stimulus bill, it mandated the FCC to figure out what else it would take to hook up every home to the Web.

A Federal Communications Commission task force has begun to outline hurdles to universal access. FCC broadband planners have identified three of many hurdles:

1. There is not enough spectrum for mobile broadband.

2. A federal fund for phone service needs to be restructured to include broadband.

3. Consumers should be told the truth about the Internet access speeds they pay for.

The debate essentially boils down to one question: Should the FCC mandate “net neutrality” and regulate Internet fair play?

Some say the answer is yes. They cite service providers who can intentionally disrupt Internet traffic—selling fast service to favored sites and slowing or blocking others. Regulation would mean that a service provider could not favor certain forms of data traffic over others. "Net neutrality" advocates say that's wrong. They cite free speech and commerce.

In a recent story, the Washington Post summarized some of the challenges:

One hurdle for users is a lack of transparency by providers, he said. Internet network operators such as Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T will have to be a lot more transparent about the services, prices, and speeds they offer. And consumers should be able to get a clear sense of the options they have among those and other telecom, cable and satellite broadband providers before signing up for a service.

Still, critics insist that the government has no business meddling in the Internet market. They argue that rules would be a dangerous overreaction to a phenomenon that doesn't exist and that such regulations would stifle investment.

The economic stimulus package gives the FCC has until Feb. 17, 2010 to deliver its plan to Congress. Also included in that package is $7.2 billion for broadband grants. The FCC has teamed up with the Agriculture Department to solicit comments about the development of a separate rural broadband plan.

On the issue of technology, President Obama said, "To help build a new foundation for the 21st century, we need to reform our government so that it is more efficient, more transparent, and more creative."

To learn more about the White House's technology initiative, click here.

Staying safe on Facebook

Recently, the question of scams came up in association with some Facebook games and applications. The maker of one popular game, Farmville, has agreed to change its practices.

It pays to be safe when it comes to Facebook games and apps. As third-party applications are developed and downloaded—and as their popularity continues to increase—so do the chances that you'll be hit with malware. If you're not careful, your account could even be hacked. CIO offers four great tips for staying secure:

1. Limit the information in your profile.

2. Create a false profile.

3. Monitor your privacy settings.

4. Update your Web browser.


Related: Zynga harvests the cyberfarmer

Political humor

David Letterman: "You know, it's interesting what former presidents do when they leave office. George W. Bush is now working as a motivational speaker. ... And if you want to be motivated, who better to turn to than the guy who invaded the wrong country and started a depression?"

Jay Leno: "Lou Dobbs has quit CNN. And here's the weird part: He didn't want to quit, his work visa expired."

Stephen Colbert: "Harry Reid presented the Senate's version of the healthcare bill. It's 2,074 pages, in honor of the year in which they'll pass it."


Source: U.S. News & World Report

The eyes have it

I've finally dug my winter clothes out of the closet, and I'm quite aware that the holidays are not far away. I could use a little "something" to give me a fresh look -- something that's a little fun without putting a dent in my budget.

I've decided that a pair of red holiday fun eyeglasses could help me "glam" up my image. My daughter, the fashionista, can change frames in an instant and still keep that "Vogue" look. I might as well give it a try.

My timing couldn't be better in seeking a new look. Zenni Optical has a line of new arrivals. There's even an entire line of $8 prescription Zenni glasses.

Maybe there's room for two fashionistas in the family.

The downside of texting

College age students text the most. Many prefer texting to calls or e-mail. I should know. My kids fall in this category.

New research suggests that the large amounts of texting could lead to overuse injuries -- once only reserved for older adults who have spent years in front of a computer. The discomfort associated with repetitive text messaging gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "pain in the neck," as Science Daily reports.

Honoring our military women and men

Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France,

wait for the end of hostilities.

This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on Nov. 11, 1918,

two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect.

The history of Veterans Day

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.

President Dwight Eisenhower signed House Resolution 7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. An act approved in 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day."

Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history. After American forces had fought in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Today we honor America's military men and women for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

How important it is for us to recognize and

celebrate our heroes and she-roes!

~Maya Angelou~

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget

that the highest appreciation is not to utter words,

but to live by them.

~John Fitzgerald Kennedy~

Political humor

David Letterman: "The health-care reform bill has passed by the House. Well, that was easy. And you know what that means, it's just one step away to being defeated by the Senate."

Jay Leno: "Now it gets tricky because the bill goes to the Senate, where Senator Lindsey Graham vowed it would be dead on arrival. That's what he said. In fact, right now, Graham is leading a Southern white coalition against the bill called the Graham Crackers."

Jay Leno: "It was reported today 237 members of Congress are millionaires. Almost half of Congress are millionaires. Isn't that unbelievable? So, apparently, Congress is pretty good at managing their own money, it's just our money they suck at managing."

Source: U.S. News and World Report

Some Facebook games accused in Internet scams

Do you or your kids play FarmVille, Mafia Wars, or Restaurant City? Then you may well have some unpleasant surprises on your cellphone bill.

Zynga, the company that makes Mafia Wars, claims that it has more than 25 million players. According to a report in Time magazine, accusations have surfaced that the games can lead some more naïve players, including children, into Internet scams. It pays to read the fine print before playing any Internet game.

Related: The Odd Popularity of "Mafia Wars"

Best Buy to offer video on-demand

Best Buy, the world’s largest electronics retailer, will start an online store for movies and television shows that will compete with Apple Inc.’s iTunes, Netflix, and Amazon.com. The service will offer a variety of downloadable content. Consumers could buy, rent and download movies and television shows.

The system, based on Sonic Solutions' Roxio CinemaNow service, would be built into devices sold at Best Buy stores, including television sets, portable media players, computers, mobile phones and other devices from a variety of manufacturers.

DVR, once seen as TV's foe, boosts ratings

Network television executives apparently have fallen in love with the enemy -- the digital video recorder. TV execs long thought that the DVR would "kill" television. It seems that the device has done just the opposite.

According to a New York Times report, more viewers seem content sitting through commercials. About 33% of American households now own DVRs. According to the NYT, several factors are helping some marginal shows become hits and even boosting the ratings of popular programs. Read more.

DVRs, the perfect companion to satellite TV

I'm at a stage in my life when I can do more traveling, and I love it. While I'm no slave to TV, I do have a few favorite shows that I follow.

The digital video recorder that comes with my Direct TV is perfect for someone with my schedule. If I'm out of town or just away for a few hours, I still can keep up with "Monk," "Law and Order," and a couple of other favorites. With the push of a button, I can record two shows at the same time.

The DVR offered by DirectTV also allows me to pause and rewind live TV. That's a nifty feature for someone for this multi-tasker. When I'm watching "Monk", the beloved obsessive compulsive detective, I always vow to give my total attention to the episode. But, of course, something or someone always interrupts. Since I'm trying to solve the crime along with Monk, I don't want to miss any clues. I simply rewind the show to catch up.

When I want to get away from detectives, Direct Satellite TV gives me plenty of alternative programming from which to choose. "Mad Men" is a fantastic diversion. Thanks to my trusty DVR, I never miss a show.