Saturday, December 27, 2008

Getting more SuperBuddy icons

I was online with my brother tonight on instant messenger and he was telling me that he has a penguin SuperBuddy icon that talked. I never knew this because I mute my sound on instant messenger. So, he was showing me by typing certain words, his penguin would say what he typed. I never knew that! How cool! So, of course, I just HAD to share this with everyone! They are FREE, so get yours today!

Getting more SuperBuddy icons

A supply of SuperBuddy™ Icons is already available from AOL Expressions.

To get more SuperBuddy Icons


1. Click the Expressions icon on the AOL Toolbar.
2. In the AOL Expressions window that opens, click Change Buddy Icon.
3. Click the SuperBuddy tab and select a sub-category from the list in the middle.
4. Select a SuperBuddy from the SuperBuddy preview window.
5. Click Save.

More SuperBuddy icons are being developed, and AOL will make them available in AOL Expressions when they are ready.

Friday, December 26, 2008

How to activate a T-Mobile G1 from home - no contract required

How to activate a T-Mobile G1 from home - no contract required


T-Mobile has been turning several people away who are trying to purchase a G1 without signing a 2 year contract. T-Mobile stores have been instructed not to sell the G1 without at least getting a data plan contract signed because of the projected demand for the phone. Many people have approached us who would like to purchase a G1 without a contract, but T-Mobile simply would not sell it to them.

The guys over at Love For Biz were able to convince a T-Mobile store in their area to sell them one after sales were not so good for the area. They report that there is no need for a store activation, the phone can be activated from home if you wish. The hard part is persuading a T-Mobile employee to sell one to you without a contract. Here are the steps to activating a T-Mobile G1 without first having an activated SIM card. (Note you will need to borrow and activated SIM card for only a few minutes.)

1. Insert friends activated T-mobile SIM into G1 along with battery
2. Power on and wait for setup screen
3. Go through setup process to link any Gmail account
4. Go to Settings > Wireless Controls > Wi-Fi Settings > Enable Wi-Fi
5. Connect to nearby Wi-Fi network if one is available
6. Optional: Stop the phone from syncing with Gmail account by going to Data Synchronization and unchecking Auto-sync, Gmail, Calendar, and Contacts
7. Once done, take out friends SIM card and insert unactivated SIM that came with G1

You may also use a prepaid T-Mobile SIM card to activate the G1. We do not see T-Mobile taking any measures to prevent this process as customers are paying the full price for the phone. Another thing to note, if you would ever like to change the Gmail account that was used to setup the G1 a soft reset is required and the process must be followed again.

Our newly unlocked T-Mobile G1 Google Android phone


It was a piece of cake. We have unlocked our T-Mobile G1 thanks to the guys over at Unlock-TmobileG1.com.

The process was quite simple. I just opened up the back of the G1, removed the battery, swapped in an already active AT&T SIM card, closed the phone back up, and then restarted it. When the phone had finished booting, it prompted me for an unlock code, which I had received in an email last night.

Nothing complex - just 8 numbers. Each code is different and is linked to the IMEI number for your phone, which you can find by entering *#06# on your phone’s keypad.

5 seconds or so after I entered the code and hit the unlock button, I saw a brief message on the phone saying that it had been unlocked. And that, as they say, was that.

First thing I noticed was an improved signal. AT&T is stronger in my area than T-Mobile. You can see the photos in the gallery below showing the AT&T network name on the G1’s status screen. Note the lack of 3G data, though. The G1 doesn’t support the proper network frequency bands to work on AT&T’s 3G network, though it will work overseas on 2100MHz networks.

The only thing left to do was to see what worked. Unlike when you typically swap a SIM card, I didn’t get a message asking me to re-login to Gmail. I suppose that is because it had no access to data at all. Web browsing and email with WiFi disabled just didn’t work. Somebody is going to have to come up with a way to reconfigure the network APNs before networks other than T-Mobile’s can be properly used.

Update: Well now, aren’t I a moron? Seems there is an APN section in the Wireless Settings, and all one has to do it add an APN for AT&T. In my case, the APN was “isp.cingular”, the user name was “ISP@CINGULARGPRS.COM”, and the password was “CINGULAR1″

Everything still works fine with WiFi on, too, and SMS sending and receiving also worked just fine with the AT&T SIM.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

There's Still Time to Spread Some Joy with Dunkin Donuts



There's Still Time to Spread Some Joy.
What do you get for that person who has everything? A Dunkin' Donuts Card, of course. Get DD Cards at your nearest Dunkin' Donuts shop and your friends and family will thank you for mornings to come. With no expiration date and no fees, it's the best way to keep them on the go all year long. And don't forget to pick up some pounds of coffee at a special Holiday price through 12/30/08. As a gift or to brew at your own festive gathering, Dunkin' Coffee will warm up any celebration.

Reward yourself this holiday season. Receive a $2 bonus on your Dunkin' Donuts Card when you register your Card and recharge it for $15 or more between December 26, 2008 and January 23, 2009.*

Price and participation may vary.

*To be eligible for the $2 bonus, register your Dunkin' Donuts Card at DunkinDonuts.com and recharge your registered Dunkin' Donuts Card online or in store for $15 or more between Friday, December 26, 2008 12:00:01 AM ET - Friday, January 23, 2009 11:59:59 PM ET. Offer valid December 26, 2008 - January 23, 2009. If you already have a registered Dunkin' Donuts Card you are not eligible for this promotion. Offer valid for new Dunkin' Donuts Card registrations only. Limit of one $2 bonus per registered Dunkin' Donuts Card per email address for the promotion period. Recharge value of $15 or more is not cumulative and must be a one-time $15 or more recharge. Please allow TEN (10) business days from the time the $2 bonus is earned for it to be loaded on to your registered Dunkin' Donuts Card. Auto recharges of less than $15 will not be eligible for the $2 bonus. See https://www.dunkindonuts.com/card/FAQ.aspx. for additional information about the Dunkin' Recharge Program.

For more information, please visit, www.DunkinDonuts.com. Read our privacy statement.

© 2008 DD IP Holder LLC. All rights reserved. The Dunkin' Donuts trademarks, logos and designs are registered trademarks of DD IP Holder LLC.

Dunkin' Brands 130 Royall Street Canton, MA, 02021, USA

Life Just Got a Little More Fun. Buy a Season Pass and Get a $10 Amazon.com® Gift Card.

Life Just Got a Little More Fun.
Buy a Season Pass and Get a $10 Amazon.com® Gift Card.
When you buy one or more Season Passes online before December 31, 2008, you'll also get a $10 Amazon.com® Gift Card while supplies last!*
$10 Amazon.com®
Gift Card**
Buy one or more Six Flags Season Passes and get one $10 Amazon.com Gift Card per transaction as our gift to you. Hurry! This exclusive online offer is only good for a limited time while supplies last.
Click for details.

* Offer good for the first 4,000 respondents who respond before 12/31/2008. One Gift Card per transaction. The Gift Card is an electronic code that can be redeemed at Amazon.com, subject to the conditions below. If you choose to print your Season Pass voucher(s) yourself, the gift code will be printed on an additional page with the rest of your order. If you choose to have your voucher(s) shipped to you, you will receive the gift code in the mailer with your order.

** Amazon.com is not a sponsor of this promotion. Amazon, Amazon.com, and the Amazon.com logo are registered trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Amazon.com Gift Cards ("GCs") may be used only for purchases of eligible goods on Amazon.com. GCs cannot be redeemed for purchases of gift certificates or cards; from some third party sellers; or at Amazon.com auctions. GCs cannot be reloaded, resold, transferred for value, redeemed for cash or applied to any account. Amazon.com is not responsible if a GC is lost, stolen, destroyed or used without permission. See www.amazon.com/gc-legal for complete terms, restrictions and exceptions. GCs are issued and © 2008 by ACI Gift Cards, Inc., a Washington corporation.
SIX FLAGS and all related indicia are trademarks of Six Flags Theme Parks Inc. ®, TM and © 2008. LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
(s08)

Six Flags New England Route 159, 1623 Main St, PO Box 307 Agawam, MA 01001 USA

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Fallen officers honored in ceremony

The Springfield Police Department honored their fellow police officers who were killed in the line of duty with a ceremony Wednesday evening.

The annual "Blue Light Ceremony" is a time for solemn remembrance during the holiday season. An officer has not been killed while on duty in 23 years, but the force still takes time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their job.

Doris Beauregard-Shecrallah, a widow of a Springfield police officer, asked people to put a blue light in their windows to remind officers that their hard work is respected.

More than 50 people attended the ceremony.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Free Money, 0% APR Loaans, Grants; Bailout is for YOU Too!

Free Money, 0% APR Loaans, Grants; Bailout is for YOU Too!

New economic hardship grants for everyone. Our bailout is GRANTS! There is always help, you just have to know where to look! The government is bailing out corporations, and it's only FAIR to bail out YOU TOO!

Due to the extra money being invested by the United States Government, there is billions of dollars in grant money waiting for you to take. These are the deals of a lifetime for the next couple of years as they try to rebuild the economy. Things are about to change! It's already happening. Take a look around.

This is our form of bailout, amazing amounts of grants for anyone. Some people qualify for up to $750k depending on debt, and family size. Consider the economy to be a grant "Super Sale", so you should search multiple offers before committing to only one. No one ever takes the few seconds out of their day to search for what is really out there. The more grants you research the higher chances you'll succeed.

Out of ten surveyed, all ten were surprised at how much cheap or free money is out there in form of new grants after doing 5 minutes of research.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Introducing my soon to be new car:

2000 Subaru Forester S
2000 Subaru Forester Black Diamond Pearl / Slate

2000 Subaru Forester S
Engine H4 2.5L SOHC
Transmission Automatic
Exterior color Black Diamond Pearl / Slate
Mileage 143,365 mi
Trim S
ac, cc, Power Heated Mirrors, pl, pw, alloys, 4-Wheel ABS, Fog Lights ,AWD,
Options:
  • Two-Tone Paint
  • Tinted Glass
  • Tilt Steering Wheel
  • Air Conditioning
  • Roof Rack
  • Center Console
  • Cruise Control
  • Power Heated Mirrors
  • Power Door Locks
  • Power Windows
  • Tachometer
  • Overhead Console
  • Power Steering
  • Heavy Duty Suspension
  • Limited Slip Differential
  • Power Brakes
  • AM/FM/Cassette Audio System
  • 16 Inch Wheels
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Rear Window Wiper
  • Intermittent Windshield Wipers
  • Rear Window Defroster
  • 4-Wheel ABS
  • Fog Lights
  • Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
  • Cloth Seats
  • Bucket Seats
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Thankful to the resources that brought me to my next car

    Just some places I searched online to find a car and which, led me to my next car. I have to say, the internet has saved my @ss so many times and has helped me tremendously. It IS the greatest tool.

    Craigslist
    kijiji
    AutoTrader
    Mashable and also, Mashable
    AutoMart
    MySpace

    Get 5 FREE FrostWire Stickers all over the place

    Get 5 FREE FrostWire Stickers all over the place

    FrostWire T-Shirt - Front Only a few hundred left
    The Stickers are free
    (available only for US users)

    You can also get a
    FrostWire T-Shirt


    Get your 5 Free FrostWire Stickers

    National DeClutter Day; Are You A PackRat?



    Celebrate National Declutter Day



    garage





    Enter the National Declutter Day Contest and win a home visit from
    decluttering expert Tava Smiley, host of TLC's hit show "Clean Sweep."




    Tava Smiley Enter Here
    Nominate yourself, a family member or a friend! The person most in need of decluttering help will be visited by Tava who will whip their space into shape by putting un-needed items on Kijiji!

    Are you a packrat?

    Afraid to look in your closet? If so, you may have a condition known as "packratitis" – a problem causing people to collect miscellaneous items and have trouble getting rid of them. Find out just how bad your packratitis is, take the quiz to the right and get your diagnosis!

    If you’re a confirmed packrat, check out Tava’s tips on how to make the most out of your clutter by selling the items on Kijiji.

    Dotted line

    Take the Packrat quiz!


    edge * No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The Kijiji National Declutter Day Contest is sponsored by eBay, Inc. Open to legal residents of the 48 U.S. states & Washington, D.C., 18 & older. Begins 12:00:01 p.m. ET on November 14 & ends 11:59:59 p.m. ET on December 31, 2008. For official rules, click here. edge

    How To Book A Flight For $25

    Book Flights Online


    Everyone loves to vacation. Not everyone loves to pay full price for airline tickets. There are ways to get around paying full price for an airline ticket that most people don't know about. These are all legal ways too!

    The most widely known way to save money is to fly standby. This is somewhat of a hassle, and can leave you traveling all day and at unknown times. For those of us that like to know, there is a way.

    Times are tough right now, and the economy is generally sour. People aren't flying, buying, driving, etc. Companies are practically at their knees begging for business right now, and that includes the airline industry. Most airlines offer various rates, if the customer demands.

    When I go to book a flight, I never pay more than $100 for my family of four to fly from Florida to Washington. $25.00 per ticket? Yes that's right, with tax and all fees. This is how I do it.

    Look at all companies offers first, and record what each companies deal is for the flight you want. Record flight numbers, times, departures, and aircraft types if possible. Then start haggling. Tell them that you have a friend with a private plane and he will fly you for the price of fuel. Or tell them that the cost of gas is lower now and you'd rather drive. This is a good way to start negotiations. If you flew with them before, tell them it was unsatisfactory. Be creative in your haggling. Only tell them it was unsatisfactory based on actual observations. It's not that hard to find things to complain about.

    The most important thing to remember is to consider all offers, because you never know which one is going to have the lowest rate. Starting with the lowest rate is sometimes the best, however, I've found higher rates like Delta and others will haggle even more if you're willing to spend slightly more for first class seating. It is possible to get lower prices if you provide proper research in a ethical nice manor, never be rude or curt.

    Ticket Give Away Contest!!!

    Friday, Dec 12
    Springfield, MA - Concert Band
    7:30 PM - Springfield Symphony Hall

    I have 4 FREE tickets to see the United States Air Force Band of Liberty @ Springfield Symphony Hall on Friday, December 12, 2008 to give away to one lucky reader. Post your comments and a lucky winner will be chosen by 9 p.m. tonight. The tickets will be shipped out tomorrow when the mail gets picked up/dropped off.
    The winner will be announced on this blog and will be emailed for confirmation and address to ship to, as well.
    Happy Holidays, early!

    Child's Play leads to Changing State Gun Laws

    Changing State Gun Laws











    Child's Play leads to Changing State Gun Laws

    The recent death in Westfield is causing law makers to look at existing gun laws.

    Yep, and the Repub's were over-reacting and buying guns up like they were a penny a piece right after President Elect Obama got elected. Personally, I feel that NO child should use any guns. Fake or Real. They are too young to understand the dangers and really comprehend the consequences. And why let a child play with a gun if we can't even distinguish the fake and real ones? And all because of this unecessary "Child's Play", a child lost their life, at a shooting range, of all places.

    Toy For Joy Still Needs $145,140.00 by Xmas!

    By giving to Toy for Joy, this Ludlow mother is saying Christmas is for children - Won't you please help donate?

    SPRINGFIELD - Debby Miele of Ludlow said she and her husband Antonio decided to give $200 to Toy for Joy because "every child should have a Christmas."

    She said that in years past she used to give to organizations at her children's schools that buy toys for children.

    Now, she said, her children are out of college, but she still thinks about children at Christmas.


    "There are people who are unemployed," she said. "I wanted to help other children."

    She said she remembers a story her mother told her about a difficult year when her grandmother took $20 out of her mother's piggy bank so her mother could have a Christmas.

    "That story was in the back of my mind," Debby Miele said.

    This year's goal is to raise $150,000 by Christmas Eve to provide toys and gifts for an estimated 20,000 children across Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Counties.

    For more information on Toy for Joy, call the Salvation Army at (413) 733-1518.

    To make a contribution, write to Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield, MA 01102. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon at The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Contributions will be taken in person at the newspaper until noon on Dec. 24.

    Here's a list of the latest contributors:

    A friend: $50.00

    Anonymous: $10.00

    Miss you Ma, Lena: $10.00

    From Jacob, Jared and Jackson Coker: $100.00

    Al and Phyllis Murdock and sons: $100.00

    In memory of Judy Savos, Pat and Gloria: $50.00

    Tony and Debby Miele: $200.00

    In memory of Robert F. Meehan: $20.00

    In memory of Elsie Knodler, missed by all of her grandchildren: $20.00

    In memory of Michael Meehan: $20.00

    In loving memory of Mary E. Stephens: $50.00

    In memory of our grandson Joshua Bailey: $25.00

    In loving memory of Shirley and George Wrinkle and Susan Muller: $30.00

    Happy Holidays to all from Sandy Kane: $100.00

    In loving memory of Rita Normand, love Dori, Ed, Shannon and Courtney: $50.00

    Merry Christmas from the East Windsor Walkers: $50.00

    In memory of Charlotte Lacoste and Vivian Godek, love Paul and Debbie: $100.00

    Happy Holidays: $100.00

    In memory of Albert Bailey IV, Mom and Dad: $25.00

    In loving memory of our parents from Lloyd and Pat: $20.00

    In loving memory of Elva and Dwight Viggers: $25.00

    In memory of Chip Grimaldi from Anthony and Emily: $50.00

    In memory of Eileen M. O'Connor, Fred, Red and Molly: $10.00


    RECEIVED: $1,215.00
    TOTAL TO DATE: $4,860.00
    STILL NEEDED: 145,140.00

    Sunday, December 7, 2008

    2008 Budget Holiday Gift Guide - Great Gifts Under $25


    Introducing ThinkComputers.org, our first male Budget Babe! Welcome to the Budget Babe Brigade! Great, cool and modern gift ideas for reasonable prices.

    ThinkComputers 2008 Budget Holiday Gift Guide:
    2008 Budget Holiday Gift Guide - Great Gifts Under $25


    This holiday season is different from many that we have seen in the past. The main reason for that is because the economy is horrible right now. Most people are spending less than they ever have before on holiday gifts this year. Things are so bad that most stores do not even have those amazing deals that we are used to seeing this time of year. If you look at Black Friday's deals none were really earth-shattering. So with that said here are some things you can get for that computer enthusiast or yourself on the cheap.

    Wednesday, December 3, 2008

    30 and Wiser

    30 And Wiser


    I am turning 30 this year. I knew this, so I have been preparing myself for this moment for quite a while now. It's not as miserable as everyone made it seem when I was younger. I'm excited to turn 30. This is going to be a significant year for me, which goes perfectly with Obama's tagline: We need change!

    There are quite a few significant things that stick out in my memories while I sit here and write this and that led me to write this.
    • Like when my parents used to say that if we didn't like something, then when we turned 18 we could move out. I remember being 8 years old and my dad was on the side porch cooking something on the grill and my mom sitting in the lawn chair keeping him company when he had said that to me and thinking, in 10 more years I can.
    • And then I remember turning 10 years old and remembering that same moment and thinking how weird it was that the numbers were the same but flipped.
    Numbers have always been something almost too coincidental in my life. Not that I play the lottery because I can't afford that.
    • For instance, I was born in '78 and Tooheyworld was born in '68, that's 10. We were together for 10 years before we got married and my parents are 10 years apart.
    • Tooheyworld and I are both born in December, that's 12. I was 21 when I was pregnant, that's 12, reversed.
    • The TooheyBugs were born in March, so that's 3 and my dad passed away March 3.
    • My due date with Daniela was March 1 and she was born March 10 and Jacob was born on March 1.
    • And all four of our birthstones are the color blue.
    • My birthdate is December 3 translating to 123 and Tooheyworld's birthday is December 22, so that's 122. (Not that that one is significant, but still fits in with what I'm talking about.)
    Maybe I am reading too much into the whole number thing, but I know there are many of you who understand what I'm saying.

    I look back to how much I have grown and how much I have yet to grow. In my 30 years of life:
    • I love my family; I truly understand the meaning "blood is thicker than water"
    • Grieved the passing away of my dad
    • Graduated High School at 17 years old
    • Joined the military, U.S. Air Force shortly before graduating High School; I was in for 6 1/2 years
    • Got out with an Honorable Discharge
    • Got to fly on a plane before 9/11
    • Had many jobs; quit, got laid off and fired
    • Met Tooheyworld at 18 years old
    • Had 2 children at 21 years old and 23 years old
    • Got married at 28 years old
    • Have owned 3 cars; 2 of which were totalled and 1 bit the dust
    • Went to college
    • Made friends, lost friends, reconnected with old friends
    • Own my own business (which I should get back to, but just overwhelmed with everything else right now)
    • Became an Aunt 5 times to 2 nephews and 3 nieces and another niece on the way
    • Watched Tooheyworld's nieces, nephews and adopted brother grow up, too. They all ranged from the ages of 4 years old to 12 years old, now they are 15 years old to 23 years old.
    • Got a gray hair of two
    • Never got stitches
    • Finally, I know what I want to do with my life, career
    • Paid for my cars with cash
    • Finally know how to drink within my limits
    • Modeled while I was still had it going on
    • Did body art; I was a mermaid
    • Got body piercings; Never got a tatoo
    • Maintained my body weight; I am the same weight now as I was pre-childbearing
    • Rented a car
    • Voted 3 times for President
    • Never got a cavity; never got my wisdom teeth
    • Never broke a bone
    • Never had braces
    • Never drunk driving
    • Never been arrested; Never went to jail
    • Never went on a honeymoon
    • Been a fan of Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and N.K.O.T.B. and a few others when they first became popular and still am a fan of them.
    • Met a few celebrities; Davy Jones from The Monkees, Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione from The Dresden Dolls, Kurt Allison from Jason Aldean's band, 2 members from Abba's Band and Lynn Barry from 22 News.