 May 14th, 2011 | 
I LOVE Tickle Tap Apps! My little guys have been playing with them for over a year now. The Toddler Packs combined with a Bub Cap can make your iPhone/iPod/iPad the ultimate tool for calming cranky kids in a crowded waiting room. Take it from someone who knows…me! My favorite app…yes, I said **my** favorite app is Sound Shaker. I play with it several times a week. I’ve also gotten mobbed by a couple of little girls once at a public event when they saw me…I mean….my son…playing with the Sound Shaker app.
Just be careful who sees you playing with these apps as you might not get your phone back for a while!
 Toddler Pack
 Toddler Pack 2
Special thanks to both of these vendors for supplying me with review units.
May 14th, 2011 |  I’d like to give a special “shout-out” to Peter Upfold for helping me out last week with the migration of this blog. I could have spoken to our host provider’s customer service, but I doubt it would have been a more pleasant and educational experience.
I don’t know what it is about us “techie” or “geek” types that we all seem to be hard-wired to help one another. It’s truly a beautiful thing and in this constantly fast-paced, updated, upgraded, revised world of technology — I hope this is one feature that never changes.
I was tweaking this blog yet again because we changed host providers and because I love to tweak and learn what I can about WordPress. I ended up getting stuck and couldn’t get the site to load. So, like I normally do, I tweeted my thoughts about the process. Within a few tweets and a few minutes, several of my friends on Twitter had come to my aide and gave me suggestions about things to try and check out. (Also, many thanks, as always, to my good buddies @MarkDalton and @AnthonyGartner.)
After politely asking if it was ok to move the conversation to IM, Peter walked me through the process of backing up WordPress files and making changes in the c-panel editor. It’s like he knows c-panels like the back of his hand! Within a very short time, he had me back up and running again with the page loading and even the images showing up correctly. I was super impressed; not just with his knowledge but with his patience, kindness and professionalism.
Please have a look at Peter’s site. He’s working on some really great projects and he is super talented. I hope my sons grow up to be like Peter: helpful, smart, polite and super geeky!
Thanks again, Peter! I know you’re a grown man of 21, but you’re still Mother’s Little Helper to me ;)
May 12th, 2011 |
If you are looking to make a cool Water Bottle Launcher that can launch 2 liter pop bottles with some good force have a look at this one at Science Toy Maker.
Have a look here for full build instructions.
“2-liter soda bottles turned water rockets are as shrieking good a time as a water park and a lot easier to build! They streak into the air faster than the eye can track while dousing everyone in the launch area with water. Occasionally, my middle school students host and teach classes of elementary school kids from across the street to make a take-home science project, and we always finish off with a couple of launches. Years later, when I teach those now-middle school kids, they never remember me, but invariably remember the water rockets!”
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This looks like tons of fun!
May 11th, 2011 |
tools used for this post:
• Google Chrome
• Posterous Bookmarklet
• Skitch
May 10th, 2011 |  TUAW Talkcast Mother's Day Edition [ 56.39 MB ] Download (18)  For the fourth year in a row, it has been an honor and a privilege to participate as a guest on the Mother’s Day edition of The Unofficial Apple Weblog’s weekly Talkcast. Spending time geeking out with my friends on TUAW always completes my Mother’s Day as it’s now become a tradition.
If you enjoy gabbing about Apple stuff and would like to join fellow comrades in sipping the option-shift-K-oolaid, then this is a show for you.
At the 34:00 minute marker, take a listen to my advice on making it easier for your kids to call family members (if you want to allow that) on your iPhone by utilizing the “nickname” card field in the Contacts app.
Click here to listen to what was discussed on the TUAW Talkcast. Join TUAW each week for the live Talkcast over on Talkshoe Sunday nights at 10:00 pm EST.
May 1st, 2011 |
April 19th, 2011 | Don’t get scammed! Here is an example of one of the many phishing scams out there.
Checking my Spam folder I received what looked like an official message from my bank. There was good reason it was in the spam folder. Google is pretty good about flagging spam appropriately. Sadly, not everyone is lucky enough to spot these scams and they become a victim of fraud before they know it. Here is what the original message looks like. See if you can spot the tell-tale signs of a phishing scam. Then look at the next image down where I’ve highlighted the areas to look at.
 screen shot of the original message Take a look at these notes I put on a screen shot to learn how to spot an impostor email. Click on the screen shot image below to view it larger so you can read the text.
If you’re not sure what the term phishing means, move your pointer over the hyper-linked word phishing in this sentence and pause for a hover note to pop up revealing the website address. Click the link. (Tip: this is how you can tell where the link will take you before clicking on it.)
The real Chase site has a handy reference about Phishing Scams. Please take a look. Click the image to go directly to the site.
 This is a note about phishing directly from the real Chase Bank.
March 28th, 2011 | Just like creating a Mail rule or filter, this is a simple if/then equation.
IF you have any combination of the following:
baby
toddler
preschooler
iPhone
iPad
iPod Touch
THEN you *need* a BubCap.
 It’s a cover for your home button.
You can still press the home button, but little ones can not. They come in two thicknesses and feel kind of like a guitar pick. The regular thickness works best for me and my boys. I tried the Ultra version and my 4.5 yr old could not press the home button with both thumbs as hard as he tried!
I believe the Ultra would be suited for iPads in a classroom setting where preschoolers might require some additional supervision for those impatient little digits.
If you have a screen film on your device it will still work but your mileage may vary since there are so many film types out there and it’s impossible to test them all or know for sure. Mine works fine.
I tried the Ultra but even I had too hard of a time pressing the home button. Perhaps Dads might like that version better.
 I sometimes have difficulty with the double tap on my home button for multitasking or switching apps, but that’s mostly because my finger muscles aren’t as strong as they could be. It takes some getting used to as there is a slight delay. Personally, I believe it’s a worthy tradeoff I’m willing to keep because I love watching my little guy keep focused on the app I chose for him.
Please visit www.bubcap.com for more information. Their website is simple and to the point and the pricing is great!
Thanks to @PaperclipRobot for sending an intro pack for me to try out! This is a mom-must-have product!
We borrowed these images from: http://bubcap.com/gallery.html
March 24th, 2011 | If you enjoy journaling then you will love Momento
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/momento-diary-journal/id347019672?mt=8
Click the link above to download it in iTunes. 99¢ as of this posting.
March 14th, 2011 |
March 10, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IGG SOFTWARE RELEASES IBANK 4.2 FOR MORE POWERFUL, ADVANCED MAC MONEY MANAGEMENT
Free Update To iBank 4 Includes In-Line Editor Calculations, Improved Data Entry And More
(PUTNEY, VT) — IGG Software today announced the release of iBank 4.2, a major update to the leading Mac-only personal finance management application. The new version delivers multiple enhancements including in-line editor calculations, improved transaction entry and split editing, and enhanced rules for complex imports. The update is free to current users of iBank 4. “iBank 4 is already the most full-featured finance manager for Mac users,” says iBank’s developer, IGG president Ian Gillespie. “But the six months since its original release have given us enough time and customer feedback to focus on the changes that users want most.”
iBank 4.2 offers major improvements including:
- the default of the transaction entry date to the last date entered;
- enhanced control over automatic import rule creation;
- the ability to perform calculations within the in-line editor when entering amounts in numeric fields;
- changed statement labels to reflect their end dates;
- allowing the use of semicolons in CSV files;
- improved British localization;
- and the addition of a built-in crash reporter to aid in faster fixes for critical bugs.
iBank 4.2 also delivers more than two dozen fixes, including several related to reports, as well as QIF import, check printing and many more.
Among many new features included in September’s release of iBank 4 were faster transaction entry and dynamic editing options in an intuitive, innovative two-line register; an all-new reporting engine; envelope budgeting; a seamless set-up assistant for transferring data from Mac and PC versions of Quicken, MS Money, or other finance programs; and significant speed enhancements throughout. These improvements built upon longstanding iBank features such as direct downloads from online accounts, custom check printing, robust data export and iPhone sync.
IGG offers an unlimited 30-day free trial download, free support and a 30-day unconditional guarantee on direct purchases from the IGG web store. The retail price of iBank 4 is $59.99; licensed users of iBank 3 can upgrade for $29.99. iBank 4.2 requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher, and will run on Macs using either Intel or PowerPC processors. The latest version can be downloaded at http://www.iggsoftware.com/ibank, where there is also access to a growing library of iBank 4 video tutorials. Syncing iBank to iOS devices requires iBank Mobile 1.2 for iPhone and iPod touch, sold separately on the iTunes App Store. The app offers mobile transaction entry, QIF data export and full sync with iBank via Wi-Fi, MobileMe or any WebDAV server.
iBank 4 is also available from the Mac App Store, where the new 4.2 update is pending approval. iBank has been a number-one selling finance app, as well as the top-grossing finance app, since the launch of the Mac App Store in January.
IGG Software, Inc., was founded in 2003 by developer Ian Gillespie to offer intuitive, elegant and powerful applications for individuals and small businesses. Based in Putney, Vermont, its flagship products are iBank, for personal finance management, and iBiz, for time-tracking and billing. For further information, review licenses, or to schedule interviews with Ian Gillespie or Chief Architect James Gillespie, please contact IGG Marketing Director Scott Marc Becker: scott@iggsoftware.com.
January 31st, 2011 | Yes, It can be done.
Of course, you could always blame the intern.
Oh wait. Nevermind.
Little things matter to us geeks. We’re just detail-oriented that way.
Please make a note of it.
Thanks.
January 26th, 2011 |
I’m in the process of reviewing iBank and wanted to pass this press release along to readers in hopes that it might help you prepare for taxes this year. As you might already know, the kids have been sick, so I haven’t had the amount of screen time I’d like lately. Pretty soon, push is going to come to shove and I WILL be camping out in this back office crunching numbers for tax time while Hubby reassures the kids that mommy hasn’t run away from home. yet. I sure hope the kids will remember what I look like!
I know this sounds weird, but I’m actually looking forward to preparing for taxes this year! In the past, my tax preparer has always been impressed with how organized my information is because I’ve been using iWork Numbers to create custom spreadsheets. Just wait till he sees my fancy new iBank reports!
I can tell you already that iBank is fantastic and I’m not just saying that because I’ve been provided a review license. It is beautifully designed and well thought out unlike “Quicksand” (which is what I’d rather call it!) I’ve witnessed clients go through the painful process of trying to manage their finances using ‘product that shall remain nameless.’ It always amazes me the hoops some people are willing to jump through in order to remain a slave to that program. I’m glad I don’t have to do that because I’m using iBank. There is even a companion iPhone app so you can sync your data and manage on the go. This is a must-have for Moms who use a Mac and/or an iPhone. In our case, the Hubby also has it on his iPod Touch so he can help me fine tune the nitty gritty information like categories.
Check it out for yourself using the demo and let me know what you think! Take a look at the press release for more information and watch the tutorials. Then, check back here for a more personal review from yours truly!
January 26, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IBANK 4: PERSONAL FINANCE SOFTWARE THAT PAYS FOR ITSELF
New iBank Tutorial Video Showcases Tax-Season Tips For Saving Time And Money
(Putney, VT) — IGG Software has posted “Preparing For Taxes With iBank,” a timely tutorial for tax-paying Mac users. The latest in an online series of iBank 4 instructional videos, the new how-to emphasizes ways by which users can improve organization, track deductible expenses, and save time, trouble and accounting costs. And for do-it-yourself filers, data compiled in iBank 4 is also compatible with export to TurboTax. As tech writer Tim Johnson has noted:
“The real money saver in iBank comes around tax time,” Johnson wrote in Post magazine. “With data you’re able to compile in iBank, and with a reliable tax person, this $59 app will save you countless hours. If you’re like me, it will pay for itself four or five times over the first time you file your taxes.”
In just four minutes, the new tutorial guides iBank 4 users through the advantages of categorizing tax-related transactions, the use of tax codes, generating a Tax Report from iBank’s flexible report templates, the benefits of additional reports such as Category Detail, Payee Summary and Net Worth, transmitting files to a tax professional, and exporting data to tax preparation software such as TurboTax. The iBank 4 tutorial library is online at http://www.iggsoftware.com/ibank/tutorials.php
The leading Mac-only personal finance app, iBank offers users an elegant, intuitive means to track accounts, investments, loans and budgets. iBank 4, released in September 2010, has been called a “new standard” for managing money on a Mac. The full-featured application offers essential features like check printing, portfolio support, and easy transaction downloads from online accounts. iBank 4 also delivers beautiful, dynamic reports and fast, reliable iPhone sync.
Syncing iBank to iOS devices requires iBank Mobile 1.2 for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, sold separately via the App Store. The app offers mobile transaction entry, QIF data export and sync with iBank for Mac via Wi-Fi, MobileMe or any WebDAV server. Additionally, iBank 4 offers free, unlimited support and is available for $59.99, directly from the IGG website or from the Mac App Store. More information can be found at http://www.iggsoftware.com/ibank
IGG Software, Inc., was founded in 2003 by developer Ian Gillespie to offer intuitive, elegant and powerful applications for individuals and small businesses. Based in Putney, Vermont, its flagship products are iBank 4, for personal finance management, and iBiz 4, for time-tracking and billing. For further information, review licenses, or to schedule interviews with Ian Gillespie or Chief Architect James Gillespie, please contact IGG Marketing Director Scott Marc Becker: scott@iggsoftware.com.
January 25th, 2011 |  Remember how I said I collect Macs? Here is one of them. A good friend gave us this old “clamshell” Mac iBook. It’s running OS9 and has a few cute games installed on it, one of which is an old CD Rom application called Toy Land. The keyboard on it is broken, but I just happen to have an old G4 USB keyboard laying around, so I plugged it in and voila!
Lucian is home sick today with sniffles and a cough and his baby brother Keagan is napping. This is a wonderful way to spend some quiet time!
Right now, Lucian is playing a Fisher Price game which teaches him to focus and respond to verbal instructions. At 4 years old, this is something he really needs to practice. He’s really enjoying himself and it gives me a window of opportunity to get a little work done here in the office.
One person’s “trash” is another Mother’s treasure!!
December 28th, 2010 | Today TheMacMommy Melisa Davis celebrates another year on this most wonderful planet. The Moms Gone Geek team wishes her the happiest birthday ever!!!! We wish you a great day filled with love, laughter and hopefully a little lounging.. Enjoy your day…
If you haven’t noticed, Melissa and I (Naomi) are both capricorns, which means WE BOTH ROCK!
December 22nd, 2010 |
December 3rd, 2010 |  We have a question from a Mom who is a new Android phone owner:
How can she protect her phone from getting a virus? What is the best way to avoid things like Facebook viruses carried in games besides just not interacting with them?
Android Moms, what’s your answer or best advice?
Please lead a discussion in the comments so we can all share our knowledge! Thank you!
November 20th, 2010 |
After a long hiatus, Moms Gone Geek is making a come-back. We’ re now armed with new gadgets, new apps and even a new Mom! Listen to Moms Gone Geek catch up and talk about what’s been keeping all of us so busy over the past year. This first, post-maternity break show is packed with tips, reviews and information we hope you’ll find useful.
Show Notes for Episode 26: Welcome Back
Note: There are 2 versions of this podcast available. One is the enhanced version and the other is the regular MP3 version. Let us know if you really like the enhanced version. They take a bit more work to produce, but if they are well-received, we can keep producing them for you.
Click here for the enhanced version of this podcast. It includes images and links.
A Look at How Far We’ve Come
Melissa & Pat Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps
Melissa took these pictures of tools used by Marines in the past to compare to tools used presently, like her iPhone.
iPhone Repair Tips, Tricks & Advice: iPhones are not machine washable – sort of.
Ocarina iPhone app by Smule, Inc.
Balloonimals app for iPad or iPhone
Skype Beta is u-g-l-y
(but try it out for yourself)
ooVoo
GTalk
Skype & Bandwidth Troubleshooting
Droid 2 finally gets Naomi using an on-screen keyboard
Melissa’s new son, Keagan, turns 1 on Skype
Pat’s family is growing…again
Naomi is knee-deep in college admissions
Tech in Health News for Those with Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease
How Technology Helps Those with Parkinson’s, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease
Healthful Apps
iPads Are Great for the Young and Old
Apple iPad
IMDB app
Did you know about Indigo?
Wikipedia app
Tablet Talk
Reference Article:
It’s a Tablet. It’s Gorgeous. It’s Costly.
by DAVID POGUE
Google TV Gets No Love From Us…yet
Apple TV
 Skype vs iChat
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More on Troubleshooting Bandwidth Issues
Don’t do WEP! Just. Don’t. Do. It!
Router Preferences
HDD: Hard Drive Discussion
Newer Technology’s Voyager Dock
September 29th, 2010 | Doh!!
Forgot to switch email (from) address!
#end
Melissa Davis
TheMacMommy
Sent from my iPhone
Testing a Posterous post from my iPhone to MGG blog using just the Mail & Photos apps.
One of these days I want to learn how to format the text using code.
September 29th, 2010 | Testing tags vs categories. Sent from my iPhone.
September 29th, 2010 | Check out my favorite apps for the iPhone in this handy-dandy interactive widget. You can make your own and it’s fun!
Also, I’ve made this list of apps that keep my sons busy.
If you’re an Android user, check out AppBrain for something similar.
Share with us YOUR favorite apps! Leave us a comment.
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