I have moved all my blogs to http://jaworski.net. Please join me there for all blog activity going forward.

Thank you.

Dave

We rely on batteries for our phones, tablets, PC's and more. New research has found a way to make a battery that will last 10X as long as today's batteries. The new batteries use a combination of lithium and sulphur. (Any time I hear "sulphur" I recall the stink bombs that classmates used to bring to school as pranks... hence my thinking that these new batteries probably smell bad.)

The full article is here: http://www.futurity.org/science-technology/sulphur-gives-battery-10x-more-sto...

Thanks to Guy Kawasaki for posting the link to the original story in his daily postings.

http://photos.allthingsd.com/D5/Live-at-D5/Bill-Gates-and-Steve-Jobs/2928590_wgMxc#157981145_QoLtG

LOVE this! http://bit.ly/noHHc1 The $25 computer and its important role. 

Michael Sliwinski of Nozbe.com recently wrote a post that I agree with. In it he also linked to a great video by John Cleese. I highly recommend Michael's blog post and watching the Cleese video.

http://michaelnozbe.com/prepare-your-next-day-in-the-evening

I have long practiced the suggestion Michael makes of planning the top actions for tomorrow during the prior evening. And I agree that using good old fashioned paper (usually a 3 x 5 card) to focus on the top items is helpful. Our productivity systems have a way of getting over complicated and potentially distracting. A top priority list keeps us focused before we caught up in the busy-ness of the day.

I hope you enjoy Michael's blog and the video as much as I did.

It is nice to see some science applied to email usage. Ever since "Lookout for Outlook", later acquired by Microsoft and then built-in to Outlook, and since using Gmail and the power of Google's search engine built right into the company's email platform, my folder use has been limited. Search is where it is at. Today's search engines can find an email in a haystack faster than hunting through folders. And IBM has done a study and proved this.

Threaded conversations, available in Outlook, Gmail, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and almost every other available platform, let you deal with a string of messages as a unit. The same study by IBM concludes what many have known intuitively for some time... dealing with a threaded conversation is much more productive than dealing with an email conversation spread across multiple individual messages in your inbox. Finding a message furthers the benefit of using conversations. Don't believe me... check out the study: "Stop Organizing Your E-mail" http://zite.to/jVz56t 

Finally, the same search engine speed can be used to help you manage your paper files. Don't waste time filing in anything more complex than "put it in the next available folder"... Let me explain. A friend of mine, Joel Kanter, told me some years back that he had found a way to find anything in his paper files in a few seconds. What was Joel's secret? A filing method called "The Paper Tiger" by Monticello Corporation which used search and the words that came to your mind about anything you were filing. The Paper Tiger uses a simple and very logical file labeling system. Actions #1, 2, 3, 4... and Reference #1, 2, 3, 4, ... You file Action items in the next available folder and reference items in their next available folder. You enter a brief set of keywords or descriptors that could help you find the file in future into the Paper Tiger software. Then you get back to work. When you need to find the paper you type a word or two that comes to mind into the Paper Tiger search engine and there it is - you are immediately directed to the folder numbers that have any items referenced by the same keywords. After years of alphabetical and categorical and ... (insert your favorite filing method here), the Paper Tiger approach made everything very easy. They even give you a set of pre-printed labels to get you going.

If the Paper Tiger software doesn't support your system(s) of choice, you are still okay... Today's software, like my favorite digital file cabinet "Evernote", can be used with the Paper Tiger method, giving you easy reference to the paper in your life if you choose to file versus scan/digitize (and it works on Mac, PC, Android, iPhone, iPad, etc.)  

Every since Joel's Paper Tiger tip and "Lookout for Outlook" my use of folders has been greatly simplified. I hope IBM's study convinces you to let go of folders for email and to turn on threading... and Joel's tip benefits you as well if you still use paper. 

I have joined NetSteps as VP Sales. The press release is below. I am excited to join this great team. They have a solid product line, great customers, and a very bright future. I have known Kevin Vitale, their CEO, for 18 years. He is an outstanding leader. Ron Davis is leading the marketing charge. Ron and I worked together back at Microsoft when he was the mastermind/strategist and marketing programs leader for Microsoft's Corporate Account Marketing. Ron and I have maintained a friendship and compared sales, marketing and technology notes over many coffees over the years. It is great to join forces again! Derek Maxfield, the founder of NetSteps, has built a great company. Thank you for welcoming me to the team!

Over the past two years I have been CTO at Intero. I want to thank Charlie Lico and the entire Intero team and wish them the best. Building out the Intero Lifestyle Network, powering AvonVoices, working with Grammy-winning and emerging artists, and working with an amazing Live team that operates 27 Festivals and Tours including events with the PGA, NASCAR and more has been a great experience. Thank you!

Onward on life's journey!

NetSteps Announces Executive Team Expansion
Ex-Microsoft Executive Appointed Vice President of Sales 

Pleasant Grove, UT – May 3, 2011 – NetSteps, creator of world-class business applications for real-time direct sales company management, today announced the latest addition to its executive management team with the appointment of David Jaworski as Vice President of Sales.  Jaworski, who has over 25 years of sales, technology, and executive management experience, joins NetSteps as the company expands its position as the industry’s leader in single-source, cloud-ready technologies.  The third employee at Microsoft Canada, Jaworski was instrumental in launching Microsoft’s Canadian operation.  He was Microsoft’s National Sales Manager before being promoted to General Manager of U.S. Sales Operations.  After leaving Microsoft, Jaworski served as VP of Sales for Arabesque Software, founder and CEO of Provident Ventures, Inc., Senior VP and General Manager of Gaylord Digital, the Internet division of Gaylord Entertainment and founder and CEO of PassAlong Networks - providing Digital Media and Content Management for over 200 clients including eBay.  Since 2009, Jaworski has served as Chief Technology Officer for Intero Alliance building the Intero Lifestyle Network, a content management system and digital media store platform with extensive integration of global social media. Intero delivered a customized implementation of this technology to Avon Products, Inc., the world’s largest direct sales company.

“David brings extensive sales experience to NetSteps, with a deep understanding of technology solutions and their application across a variety of industries.  Throughout his career, David has succeeded in developing and executing global sales and marketing strategies,” said Kevin Vitale, NetSteps CEO.  “David’s technical and sales skills will expand the leadership position of NetSteps’ ENCORE™ platform with our direct sales customers.”

About NetSteps

Founded in 2003, NetSteps provides a complete end-to-end software solution for the global direct-selling industry.  ENCORE™ can be implemented Cloud-based, Software-as-a-Service, Hosted Solution or as an Enterprise license.   ENCORE provides instant access to the information required to grow direct sales businesses.  ENCORE powers real-time content delivery, Party Planning, commerce, compensation, social networking and brand management for globally distributed organizations of all sizes. NetSteps is a trusted strategic partner for companies with a broad range of go-to-market strategies, commission structures, products, and international markets and currencies. Representative clients include Natura, Scentsy, Close To My Heart, Synergy, and Rodan + Fields, among others.

For more information, visit www.netsteps.com

Media Contact:

T. Ron Davis
Intellect Marketing Group, Inc.
Tele: 425-898-9067
Email: rond@intellect.com

As many people are purchasing the iPad 2, it's time for an update to my list of favorite iPad applications! Where possible, select the iPad version when there is one available (versus iPod or iPhone version.)

First - The Top 10 List!

1) The Holy Bible - Search "YouVersion" - This program includes translations/versions of the Bible that you can read while you are offline.

2) Bible.is - Audio Bible with text as well

3) Evernote: Let's you take notes and sync them to any machine with Evernote. (Free; Paid "professional" version is approx $40 and gives you a few more capabilities.) A large benefit over other options is the ability to work offline. I love Evernote and use it on my phone, iPad and computer.

4) iThoughtsHD - MindMapping ($9.99)
Note: It can sync with XMind - an excellent PC and Mac mind mapping tool (Free at XMind.net) via DropBox. (DropBox info is noted above.)

5) Multi G - Access multiple Gmail accounts and quickly switch between them. (Free)

6) Reeder - If you track RSS feeds in Google you can sync and read them offline in Reeder. It is easier than ever to keep up with all my favorite blogs and web sites with Reeder. ($4.99)

7) Dropbox - Set this up on your iPad and on your computer. Then you can simply move a file to your Dropbox on your computer and it will be accessible on your iPad. (Free)

8) The Weather Channel - Great iPad app for accessing the weather forecast. And it includes weather warning alerts. (Free)

9) Dragon Dictation - Speak and your words are instantly typed out for you. Then you easily copy/paste to email, text message or other. (Free)

10) Jump Desktop - Remotely access your PC or Mac. I have tried almost all of the remote desktop applications and this is my favorite. Great mouse control. Fast service. And easy access to any/all of your computers with the install of Jump's free locator for your PC or Mac. ($19.99)

Those are my Top 10. Yet I have even more than 10 apps that I use regularly... Here is the list that rounds out my Top 50...

11) Kindle - Read your Kindle books on the iPad and sync to the latest place read from your Kindle Reader or your computer. (Free)

12) Air Display - Use your iPad as an external monitor for your laptop over wifi. ($9.99)

13) Google Voice - Gives you quick access to all Google apps. (Free)

14) Web Albums - View photos in your Picasa library, upload, edit and share with others and see all albums shared with you all in this great app ($2.99)

15) Twitter - The best Twitter client? Twitter by Twitter! Don't bother with any of the third party Twitter apps. Use the best one made by the folks at Twitter.com. The iPad application is better than their desktop application or any of the phone applications in my opinion. (Free)

15) Gist - If you work in sales and marketing or simply want to keep up with your personal and professional friends, Gist is an awesome tool. Note: Gist was recently acquired by RIM - Makers of the popular Blackberry devices. (Free)

16) Skype - Skype is great for talking and chatting with co-workers, clients, friends and family. And if you travel internationally, put a few dollars in your Skype account and use Skype as your international phone in any wifi area. (Free)

17) ReaddleDocs - Let's you access documents in Google Docs easily as well as DropBox, emails and much more. Includes PDF mark up capabilities. ($4.99)

18) Reunion - I use Reunion for working on our family tree. The iPad version syncs with the Mac desktop version. It is even easier to crop photos on your iPad in Reunion than it is on the Mac. ($14.99)

19) ESPN XL - ESPN Sports News in a great iPad application (Free)

20) SportsTap - Sports news (Free)

21) NPR - National Public Radio programs (Free)

22) New York Times Editor's Choice (Free)

23) USA Today (Free)

24) SkyGrid - Top news from around the world (Free)

25) Flipboard - News and more in a nice visual format (Free)

26) The Guardian Eyewitness - Great photos from around the world (Free)

27) Mashable! - Tech news (Free)

28) Pandora - Streaming Internet Radio - Provide a seed song or artist and they take it from there. (Free)

29) Flixster - Information including theatre times on the latest movies (Free)

30) Netflix - Watch movies on your iPad (Requires a Netflix subscription)

31) ABC Player - Streamed ABC Television Content on demand (Free)

32) GoToMeeting - Let's you sign into shared GoToMeeting sessions (we use GoToMeeting for shared screen presentations) (Free)

33) WebEx - Let's you sign into shared WebEx sessions (Like GoToMeeting, many companies use Webex for shared screen presentations) (Free)

34) Urbanspoon - Restaurant Guide (Free)

35) OpenTable - Restaurant Guide and Restaurant Booking (Free)

36) Epicurious - Recipes (Free)

37) AllRecipes (Free)

38) Betty Crocker Cookbook (Free)

39) iLanguageTranslator (Free)

40) Cultures - Tips on world cultures. (Free)

41) textPlus - Send text messages from your iPad. (Free)

42) Instapaper - Add Instapaper link to your browser on your Mac. Click it the Instapaper link when you are looking at a page you want to read later. Store it and Read it on your iPad. ($4.99)

43) TEDPlayer - TED Conference Talks on demand (Free)

44) Keynote - Apple's presentation software ($9.99)

45) Pages - Apple's word processing software ($9.99)

46) Numbers - Apple's spreadsheet software ($9.99)

47) XFINITY TV - Are you a Comcast XFINITY TV customer? The TV channel guide and built-in filtering (HD only, Sports only, etc.) makes your iPad the best remote for your TV. And on top of that, you can set your DVR right from your iPad, even if you are in another location. (Free)

48) Starbucks - Find any Starbucks location (Free)

49) Mobile Card for Starbucks - Manage your Starbucks card and check your balance (Free)

50) VEVO HD - Watch videos from your favorite bands (Free)

A long list with many great apps. Enjoy!

I will always treasure the time just enjoyed with Jonathon as we took our road trip from Nashville to Seattle and then up to Surrey, BC. He is exploring options for the next step in life's journey.

It was so good to have time with family and relatives - Sarah and John, and Amanda and Chris, and Janelle and Darrell and Temprance, and Michael and Mary Jane. Blessings to all of you and the friends visited along the way as well!

Jonathon and I are thankful to God for safe travels including safety through two snow storms. Including Susan andI traveling to Winnipeg, I logged over 5600 miles of road travel in the past month! Whew! That is probably the first month in many years where I did more road miles than air miles. No wonder I slept so soundly last night.

And now I am thankful to be home and working with Susan, Jennifer and David on our home (getting it ready for the market.)

Spoiler alert - You may not want to read this if you have not yet watched Inception.

I just watched Inception over the holidays with Susan. It is one fine ride of a movie! I enjoy movies that make you think. I was originally going to watch it a month ago. A friend suggested I not watch Inception as a way to unwind after a hectic week. He was right. It is a way to rev up your mind.

Wired magazine suggested Inception with Leonardo DiCaprio is all about Filmmaking. (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/07/the-neuroscience-of-inception/)

As a Technologist, I feel Inception is about software development. The developer creates from ideas in their mind and turns them into reality. A great developer needs to be able think multiple levels deep and must be a great problem solver. Developers also need to hold a lot of detail, sometimes including complex architectures, in their mind. They are bound only by the creativity of their mind.

I particularly enjoyed the idea of levels, going deeper, processing at different levels, and "kicking" up to higher levels. This recursive approach to life in Inception is a nice overview for Object-Oriented Programming. In fact, if I was back to my computer science teaching days from Winnipeg (I taught programming on PDP11's at Red River Community College for a term many years ago), I'd make this a required watch for an Intro to OOP.

I discussed Inception with my Tech genius friend, Kevin Benz, and he agreed on the Tech point of view. Two geeks watching the same movie came to the same conclusion. Not much of a surprise there. If you are a filmmaker, you probably saw Inception as Wired saw it. If code is your life, you may side with us. Regardless, Inception is a fun movie. Applause from this fan.