Dedicated Servers

Black Friday 2009 Deals

November 17, 2009 – 5:00 am

Black Friday is one of the best moments for shopping. That’s because most shops and merchants have special deals for this day and for Cyber Monday. For readers who may not know what Black Friday is all about, I’ll tell you a bit of history:

Black Friday is the first Friday after Thanksgiving and it is the symbol of the Christmas shopping season opening. So, there’s not a fixed date for this event, but if you know that Thanksgiving always falls in the fourth Thursday of November, you can’t miss Black Friday. The celebration is very popular offline, in big retailer shops which have already instated the tradition of opening the shops very early in the morning and keeping them open until midnight.

The name of “Black Friday” has several possible origins. Some people say it comes from the fact that people were crowding so badly that day to take advantage of the shopping deals that many accidents happened. Others see it coming from the fact that all store employees have a hard time that day because of the long working hours and because of the clients’ assault. A small leap in history reveals the Black Friday was first used to define the day of 24th September 1869, when the stock market collapsed.

OK, let’s skip now the history and go back to our Black Friday specials. I tried to put together some of the best deals I could find, so you can take advantage of them, if you think you can save some money this way. If you buy from my links, I’ll also make some money, because those shops are giving me a small commission for each sale, but I hope you don’t mind that.

Camera Bags Black Friday 2009 Deals

Deal valid between: 11/26/2009 12/01/2009
Take an additional 5% off the already low prices (including our 40% off clearance items!) on top quality camera bags by shopping on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
Coupon code is 5Disc and expires 12/1/2009.
M-Rock Camera Bags Black Friday Deal

With the new line of bags, the older line is on clearance:
Close Outs on M-Rock Camera Bags – 40% off
M-Rock Camera Bags close out section has a selection of top quality camera bags at 40% off MSRP. We need to make room for our new line of camera bags and are selling these at rock bottom prices. Limited quantities, when they are gone, they are gone! Camera bags make great gifts for the photography enthusiast on your gift list.
Close Outs on M-Rock Camera Bags – 40% off

iPhone and Computer Accessories Deals

All the offers start on 11/18

1st coupon: Apple iPhone 3G S Groove Black Purple-Blue Silicone Skin Case for $0.99 w/ code cf37792 plus free shipping at CellularFactory.com Expires: 11/26/2009

2nd Coupon: $0.99 One Piece Apple iPhone 3GS Custom-Fit Screen Protector via coupon code CELfry054 [exp 11/25]

3rd coupon: VGA to DVI Adapter $1.97 at CellularFactory
VGA to DVI Adapter $5.97 – coupon code cf37744 [Exp 11/26] = $1.97 with free shipping. Expires: 11/26/2009

4th coupon: $19.99 Compaq NX Series Replacement 90W AC Power Adapter with coupon code CELfry053 [exp 11/25]

5th Coupon: 3.5mm Jack/Plug to USB A Data Cable for iPod / MP3 /PC at $1.29 shipped at CellularFactory.com
3.5mm Jack/Plug to USB A Data Cable for iPod / MP3 /PC for $3.19, now is $1.29 after coupon code cf31773 plus free shipping. Expires: 11/26/2009

6th Coupon: $13.99 Casio Z Series OEM Li-Ion Battery NP-20 via coupon code CELfry054 [exp 11/25]

Shoes Black Friday – Cyber Monday Sales

Starting November 27 to December 30 only, Robert Wayne Shoes are offering a generous 20% off most brands (except UGGs) on their site, plus FREE Shipping. This is an EXCLUSIVE offer which you won’t find unless you shop via their partners (like myself). Shoppers must use the coupon code “CYBER20” upon checkout. Here’s the link: Cyber Monday / Black Friday Sale

Blowout Sales At Slippers

Now it’s time to get new slippers for the whole family. Here are the deals:

Curious George Sleeper for Boys
Normally $17.99, on sale for $9.99
Curious George Sleeper for Boys for $9.99 at CrazyForBargains.com!

Pink Car Slippers for Women
On sale now for $7.99, blowout sale of $3.99
Pink Car Slippers for Women for $3.99 at CrazyForBargains.com!

Navy Cotton Velour Bath Robe for Men
Normally $39.99, on sale for $29.99
Navy Cotton Velour Bath Robe for Men for $29.99 at CrazyForBargains.com!

Gray Shower Wrap for Men
Normally $14.99, on sale for $9.99
Gray Shower Wrap for Men for $9.99 at CrazyForBargains.com!

Crocodile Slippers for Toddlers
On sale now for $4.99, blowout sale of $2.99
Crocodile Slippers for Toddlers for $2.99 at CrazyForBargains.com!

Leopard Slippers for Toddlers
On sale now for $4.99, blowout sale of $2.99
Leopard Slippers for Toddlers for $2.99 at CrazyForBargains.com!

Rocawear Black and Red Plaid Capri Pajama Pants for Juniors
On sale now for $9.99, blowout sale of $4.99
Rocawear Black and Red Plaid Capri Pajama Pants for Juniors $4.99 at CrazyForBargains.com!

Rocawear Cotton Rollover Pajama Pants for Juniors
On sale now for $9.99, blowout sale of $4.99
Rocawear Cotton Rollover Pajama Pants for Juniors for $4.99 at CrazyForBargains.com!

Nuts on the Net Black Friday 2009 Deal

Free Two Day Shipping during the Holidays at NutsOnTheNet.com! This is maybe not as good as you’ve expected, but still, free shipping is something to consider.

Discounts and Coupons for Laptop Batteries and Other Rechargeable Batteries

Details: Thanksgiving Sale. 20% Off All Batteries.com Merchandise
Code: THANKS09
Expires: November 19th, 2009

Details: Free Shipping on Laptop Batteries
Code: None
Expires: Never

The Black Friday coupon will be added on November 24th, so stay tuned!

Spices Deals for Black Friday 2009

Free spice sample with every order and Free Shipping on all Orders $40+ throughout holidays at MySpiceSage.com! This offer is valid from November 26th through January 1st, 2010! No Coupon Necessary. Here’s the link where you can order your spices: Free spice sample with every order and Free Shipping on all Orders $40+ at MySpiceSage.com!

Romantic Gifts Special Deal

Black Friday Special / Cyber Monday – 20% Off All Orders at RomanticGifts.com with the Coupon Code BF2009!

I receive such coupons from many of the shops I’ve got a partnership with, so I’ll be adding to this page all new coupons that I’m going to get. I hope you all get to save some money this Christmas shopping season ;)

Posted in Advertising, Marketing & Communication

Is a Joomla Template Setup Easier than a Wordpress One?

October 12, 2009 – 6:05 am

Since one month ago, I’ve developed a new passion which is growing bigger everyday: I like Joomla!, the free CMS system that seems to be driving a lot of high-traffic authority websites such as Linux.com. I still have most of my websites running on Wordpress, but the next web properties I’m going to develop are going to be Joomla-based.

Actually, there’s no difference between Wordpress and Joomla from the visitor’s point of view. It’s just the administrative stuff is different. Otherwise, I’m pretty sure that both CMS solutions are exposed to attacks, just like every other free script that any hacker can download, reverse-engineer, then use that knowledge to insert malicious code in nice people’s websites. Likewise, both systems can allow the building of a highly successful web property, because both of them are flexible and backed-up by teams of good developers. This is the reasoning behind my choice of switching to Joomla:

  • Joomla has built-in components that make handling communities much easier than Wordpress. It’s true that bbPress can be a good solution for developing a community of members on a website, but bbPress needs special attention in order to have it integrated in the overall look of an already established website. Joomla just takes new modules and dress them in the same layout, without the need of too much coding.
  • Joomla templates have a very stylish look and there are many of them which look fabulous even in their free version. Wordpress themes, on the other hand, are also beautiful, but it’s hard to find really good looking ones if you’re not willing to pay.
  • The freelancer developers community seems to be much bigger around Joomla than around Wordpress. For instance, the newest component for Joomla, K2, is supported by a dedicated and motivated team, so there’s an extra reason to use it on long-term web properties. I’ve never seen such a community around a Wordpress plugin.
  • Last, but also important, is that Joomla has the possibility to clone a site with all its functional features in as little as 10 minutes, so if you intend to build multiple sites, Joomla can help you be more efficient. Just setup your general frame with all add-ons, then have it cloned in almost no time.

Yet, the real challenge is keeping quality up, if you’re handling too many sites at once, be it you make them with Wordpress, Joomla or the good old html tables.

Posted in Tech & Internet, Wordpress

Freedom: Debt Management Is the First Step

October 8, 2009 – 7:38 am

Freedom Debt Management is a 501c3 community service organization, a non-profit that provides free and confidential solutions related to personal finance management. I haven’t used their services, as I live outside the USA, but I suppose that only the initial counseling session is free of charge, otherwise it’s hard for me to imagine how they manage to pay those professionally trained counselors and debt relief specialists. You’d probably have to pay a fee to access their debt management programs and plans, but if you want to know more, you can just visit their website and see for yourself.

The purpose of my article is not to advertise Freedom Debt Management, but to offer you a few tips that can help you manage your personal finances in a better way, so you can at least reduce your debt if not get rid of it for good.

1. Credit card debt is your biggest enemy

You’ll never earn your financial freedom if you keep on paying with your credit cards. Surely, it’s nice to have them for emergency situations, but buying a new pair of shoes isn’t an emergency, I hope we can agree on that. So, if you are already moving money from a credit card to another, trying hard to make ends meet, you’d better stop spending from the credit cards and let them slowly get balanced. Be careful with those credit cards, as they are not all alike. Some of them are more expensive than others, so make sure you repay the most expensive ones first, then get rid of the debt on the others. Then, after you’re done, either cut your cards in pieces or simply control your shopping impulses better and don’t use the cards unless you have a real emergency that needs immediate attention.

2. Assess how did you get into so much debt

Just sit down and think and put things on paper, so you can have a clear vision on where are you in the current stage of your life, in what your personal finances are concerned. Analyze your spending habits and see if you can track any patterns that may have dragged you into debt. If you came to read this article, most probably you are spending more money than you make, and that’s not started yesterday, but it’s a long-term, established habit already. You have to be conscious that you need to stop it and to reverse the trend as soon as possible, otherwise you’re never going to see your debt relief day.

3. Make your debt management plan

Don’t be afraid to put everything on paper. It’s better to have everything mapped on a chart, so you can set your goals and determine your priorities in repaying old debt. Make a list of all loans, mortgages, credit cards, payday loans or unsecured loans you may have, then write down the interest rate for each of them. Rank them accordingly. The most expensive one should be your top level priority for having it repaid. There are several ways to do this fast. For example, you can transfer the balance to cheaper credit cards. If this is possible for you, just do it as soon as you can. Another option could be a consolidation loan which would allow you to balance all your credit cards and get rid of that expensive debt for good. Make sure, though, to calculate if you can afford this consilidation loan, otherwise you’d make more harm than good on your path to financial freedom, debt management, personal finances controlling and smart budgeting.

4. Stick to your debt management plan

Plans are nothing if they are meant to remain only on paper. For a plan to give the desired results, you have to make it happen, you have to bring it into your life and follow it. This is a rule for all kind of plans, not only those which involve dealing with personal finance issues. If you’re a student, you may find it impossible to get rid of debt, but you should think that student debt is an incredibly heavy burden for a young person trying to start a life. Jobs for beginners aren’t that well-paid, so why not try to spend less during your college years and start your working life free of debt? I know this is easier said than done, but at least try not to get too deep in trouble.

Make more money

Now some of you are going to call me nuts. Who doesn’t want to make more money? Everybody does, but what are you willing to sacrifice for increasing your earnings? Some of your leisure time? Some of your sleep time? Watching your favorite TV shows? Do you see how many choices you have? However, if all you do after work is sitting in front of your TV set with a beer in your stomach, another one in your hand and countless others in the fridge, then you shouldn’t be surprised your income is always the same.
So, if you consider your actual job isn’t as rewarding as you’d like it to be, then go out there are find a better one. Or take another one. Or try to learn some alternative ways to make an additional income with only two-three hours of work per day, plus your weekends. Do something.

At least call a debt adviser like Freedom Debt Management and see how you can find a solution to your financial problems.

Posted in Debt Management, Money & Career

Skeletons, the Ugliest Halloween Decorations

October 1, 2009 – 9:33 am

Halloween is almost here again. Are you already checking out the skeletons from your closet? This is funny, it’s like a contest of the ugliest courtyard, the scariest costume or the most shocking hanging decoration or accessory. I’ve got these Halloween costumes stores I’m running and after two years, I came up with the conclusion that most people would dress their toddlers in gorgeous costumes, costume themselves like their favorite heroes and dress their lawn, doors and windows in the scariest possible way.

Here are a few samples, so you can understand what I mean by ugly skeleton Halloween props and costumes. I think I’m going to see those light-up eyes in my dreams tonight:


***Hanging Skeleton Pirate Captain

Ahoy matees! This hanging pirate is complete with authentic pirate hat, eye patch, bandana and colorful garments. Complete your themed party with thisgem today.

Skeleton Monk Costume

This Monk has seen his better days. Features a hanging monk over 3 feet tall with frightening skull and long robe with sash and flowing sleeves.

**Skeleton Earring

Complete the look of your pirate costume with these Skeleton Earrings. Features a pair of antique gold metal skeleton earrings with adjustable springclasp.

Skeleton Adult Plus Costume

This jumpsuit and gloves feature a full body of 3-D molded bones and a mask. It’s sure to be the creepiest at the party.

Light-Up Lawn Skeleton

You’ll light up the neighborhood and the eyes of all the neighborhood’s children with this with thisLight-Up Skeleton on your lawn.

Pop Out Eyes N Tongue Skeleton

Skeleton Gloves

These skeleton gloves will complete tons of Halloween costumes! A ghoul, a phantom, a zombie, a freak. You name it!

Best Costume Skeleton Trophy

Make no bones about it, the person with the best costume deserves to win a trophy. Our Best CostumeSkeleton Trophy features a gold statuette of a sk eleton holding it’s head on a black base and a plaque that reads Best Costume.

Inflatable Skeleton Cooler

Our Inflatable Skeleton Cooler is a novel and fun way to keep your beverages cold. Features a boat shaped inflatable cooler with an inflatable skeleton. Just fill it up with ice and plenty of drinks and you’ll have your guests toasting to you all n ight!

Tri Color Pallettes Skeleton

Grey, black and white makeup combine to create the scariest skeleton face and its as easy as following some simple instructions. The makeup and the applicator (included) are all you need.

Skeleton Zombie Adult Costume

You’ll be able to scare the bajeebers out of everyone in this Skeleton Zombie Costume. This Skeleton Costume features a skeleton mask with gauze, a shirt and pants with gauze and bones. Gloves are also included.

*Skeleton Hands

Complete your boney look with these skeleton gloves and scare the wits out of your younger siblings.

Black Skeleton Opaque Stockings

These Black Skeleton Opaque Stockings are a great way to accessorize your sexy pirate costume.

Skeleton Hand Prints Wall Grabbers

Help set the scene of your party with our bloody Skeleton Hand Prints Wall Grabbers. Also included is a Happy Halloween grabber. Decals cling to y our wall.

Hanging Skeletons

A great add-on to scene setters and/or room/border rolls. Features two giant hanging skeleton decorations that measure over 5′ tall.

**Dancing Skeleton Leggings

These Dancing Skeleton Leggings are an ideal accessory for many Pirate Costumes. Can also be worn with a long shirt or under a skirt as an everyday accessory. Features 3/4 Length Black Leggings with White Dancing Skeleton print.

Realistic Plastic Skeleton 36 Inch

Make no bones about it, this is one great skeleton. Our Realistic Plastic Skeleton is made of plastic and is 3′ tall.

Lifesize Light-Up Skeleton Sorceress

Our Life-size Light-Up Skeleton Sorceress is sure to be a great ideal for instilling trepidation into all those who cross its path. Features a skeleton sorceress that is over 5 feet tall, is wearing a black and burgundy hooded robe with robe tie and has eyes that light up.

10′ Rotten Light-Up Demon Skeleton

This is a whole lotta skeleton! Our Rotten Light-Up Demon Skeleton measure 10 feet tall and features light-up eyes.

Glass Skeleton Hand Flute

This Glass Skeleton Hand Flute is an ideal item for any Halloween party. Features a 10 tall Flute G lass with skeleton hand and gem stone. Flute is packaged in a Coffin Box with Acetate Top.

Lifesize Skeleton Sorcerer w/Ball

Our Life-size Skeleton Sorcerer w/Ball is sure to be a great ideal for instilling trepidation into all those who cross its path. Features a skeleton sorcerer that is over 5 feet tall with a black shroud and a ball that lights up.

Skeleton Torso w/Light-Up Brain

This skeleton doesn’t have a leg to stand on so it has to rely on it’s brain to get along. Our Skeleton Torso w/Light-Up Brain features a skeleton torso with an exposed brain that lights up.

Chained Skeleton Torso w/Light Up Heart

You’ve gotta have heart, all you really need is heart. And that’s just what our Chained Skeleton Torso w/ Light-up Heart has. Features a skeleton torso that hangs from faux chains and has a light-up heart.

38 inch Caged Cowboy Skeleton

This is a great prop to help set the scene for an outrageous Halloween party. A 38 Caged Cowboy Skeleton, with exquisite detail, is featured.

38 inch Caged Pirate Peg Leg Skeleton

This is a great prop to help set the scene for an outrageous Halloween party. A 38 Caged Peg Leg Pirate Skeleton, with exquisite detail, is featured.

Punk Skeleton Child Costume

This teenage skeleton is more menacing then she looks. The boney costume features a black shirt, gloves and pantyhose all with skeleton print. Also features a vinyl skirt, belt with attached pouch and choker.

Skeleton Zombie Child Costume

You’ll be able to scare the bajeebers out of everyone in this Skeleton Zombie Costume. This Skeleton Costume features a skeleton mask with gauze, a shirt with gauze and a chest piece and pants with gauze and bones. Glove are also included.

Deckhand Mask

DECKHAND MASK

Eva Skeleton

No bones about it, you will definitely be a sight in this EVA Skeleton costume. This costume features and EVA mask and jumpsuit with EVA bones and EVAgloves.

Skeleton Child Costume

This skeleton jumpsuit and gloves features a full body of 3-D molded bones and an Action Jaw mask that cowls.

Skeleton Prints

Where is it written that only walls and ceilings should be decorated? Decorate your floors with these bloody skeleton print stickers. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

Boys Skeleton Sweatshirt Hoodie

Our Boys Skeleton Sweatshirt Hoodie is ideal for the boy who doesn’t like complex costumes. With our hoodie all you have to do is put it on and zip it up! Make no bones about it, this was designed with you in mind.

Girls Skeleton Sweatshirt Hoodie

Our Girls’ Skeleton Sweatshirt Hoodie is ideal for the girl who doesn’t like complex costumes. With our hoodie all you have to do is put it on and zip it up! Make no bones about it, this was designed with you in mind.

Mens Skeleton Sweatshirt Hoodie

Our Mens Skeleton Sweatshirt Hoodie is ideal for the man who doesn’t like intricate costumes. With our hoodie all you have to do is put it on and zip it up! Make no bones about it, this was designed with you in mind.

Womens Skeleton Sweatshirt Hoodie

Our Womens’ Skeleton Sweatshirt Hoodie is ideal for the woman who doesn’t like intricate costumes. With our hoodie all you have to do is put it on and zip it up! Make no bones about it, this was designed with you in mind.

Skeleton in Iron Cage – Large

Some people have skeletons in their closets others have them in cages. Our Skeleton in a Cage is perfect for setting the mood for your Halloween Party. It features a skeleton that is over 3 feet tall in a hanging iron looking cage.

If any of you wants to buy those horrible things, just click on the photos to get the prices and shipping details. Then please, send me a picture so I can see how you’ve used the skeleton things.

Posted in Funnies

Free Computer Protection: Antivirus and Anti Malware

August 31, 2009 – 4:04 am

Free computer protection is one of the exceptions to the rule that everything that’s free or inexpensive offers lower quality. I’ve downloaded a lot of trial antivirus programs, I tested them all and I came to the conclusion that I can have my PC protected for free, maybe with less fancy features, but who needs fancy things anyway? All I want is to keep viruses and malware away from my PC. This is not an expert review, as I’m far from being an expert in computer security solutions. Read More »

Posted in Tech & Internet

Online Home Business Newcomers Tips

August 27, 2009 – 12:29 pm

Setting up an online home business is a perfectly viable option for those who don’t want to commit to a 9 to 5 job or for those who simply could use some extra cash aside from their day job salary.

Although it sounds cool, maybe less than 1% of the newcomers manage to go past the first year. I don’t know if this happens because their expectations are too high, but a big part of these failures has its roots in newcomers becoming victims of scams that promise they’d make money with all kind of tricks or wise findings for cutting corners.
Read More »

Posted in Money & Career

Perforated Metal, Modern and Beautiful

June 29, 2009 – 11:43 am

Perforated metal is the basic material for manufacturing building parts such as ceiling panels, sunscreens or exterior decorative elements for office buildings. A simple expanded metal aluminum sheet can easily become a sturdy store display or a test tubes holder, in case it’s used in the medical industry. Read More »

Posted in Site reviews

Top 10 Social Bookmarking Tools For Educators

June 4, 2009 – 12:48 am

This is a guest post by Julie-Ann Amos who is a freelance writer who covers topics such as online university ratings and reviews, elearning tools, and more.

Social bookmarking is a highly useful tool for educators since it allows specific categorization of websites for easy access and sharing. It works on the basis of the user creating tags or categories in which websites are then placed. Unlike standard search engines that are generated by computers and therefore often misclassify or categories websites, social bookmarking is done by people, usually people that are knowledgeable and informed on the particular subject.
Read More »

Posted in Tech & Internet

Cloud Computing And File Sharing Services For Small Businesses

May 30, 2009 – 2:22 pm

Since I’ve started working in the internet marketing field, I discovered the benefits of using a file sharing service in my small business. Actually, if you know how to do it, you can have all these in house. I’m not an IT knowledgeable person, so I’d rather outsource such services. I need file sharing because I’m outsourcing parts of my work to people that are located in other countries, so I had to use something to make us work as a team, as if we were meeting each other face to face in a real office. Read More »

Posted in Tech & Internet

Looking for a New Webhosting Provider

March 1, 2009 – 12:08 pm

Web hosting is a hot business nowadays. There are so many hosting companies that choice is most of the times at random. Even I own a hosting reseller account, so if I wanted I could have sold such services, but I’m keeping it only for my sites at the moment, because I’m sure there are details which are difficult to handle, especially customer service. Some of my customers would probably know more than I do. This is why I postponed this project until I get to know more about servers.
Read More »

Posted in Site reviews