I have been in the Commercial Banking Industry for the past 20 years, educated with an MBA and well versed in computer applications. Given the magnitude of technological advancement, I have needed assistance from Elizabeth in numerous aspects of Information Technology; from PC installations, to software updates, to tutorials on Microsoft advancement, she has been instrumental in keeping me up to date with the latest innovations in the industry. Not only is she in tune with the newest applications, but her teaching skills and reliability are second to none.
– Ken F.
Commercial Banker
Declutter for a better LIFE!
DECLUTTER.
Extracting clutter is the first step to the organization of your life and your space. An environment that is purified, refined, and free of the disruptive chaos of overflowing “stuff” not only has a significant bearing on the aesthetics of your home, but it also affects you. There is nothing more unmotivating and hindering than a living space in which one cannot live. Clutter is in essence the cholestorol coursing through the body of your home. It is easy to obtain it in high amounts, hard to get rid of, and has negative long term affects. While this detrimental condition can be treated, the bad news is that is it contagious. Eventually we become the space in which we are living, or trying to live. A cluttered home yields a cluttered mind. Take care of your clutter before it starts to take you over.
REFRESH.
Living clean is an art. The mindset of many is that having a clean home is an attempt made every so often when the “dirty” is noticeable, or when guests will be soon be invited to socialize. That’s not clean, that’s stress. Clean is about maintenance, not an attempt at a colossal overhaul all at once. The masterpiece that your home then becomes is a fresh living space, one which you can actually enjoy, that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
ORGANIZE.
There are those who would say that to be organized is to have a place for everything. At the same time others would say that it means having a neat area in which they know where everything is. Whether you keep a filing cabinet of documents that are separated in folders and alphabetized by topic chrongologically, or simply utilize a free range filing cabinet (known to the rest of the world as a desk), organization is not about a strict method of rules. The outcome is finding what works best for you so that you will always be able to find what you need.
SIMPLIFY.
You become the things with which you associate. A messy, dirty, unorganized home will have such effects on your own mind and body leaving you overwhelmed and uninspired. You now have the option to order off of a menu that is tailored to the individual needs of your home. You decide what you want and your only worry then becomes what you are going to do with all of your new free time.
YOUR LIFE.
Some things last forever, but all you really have is a lifetime. I’ve yet to find a person who would rather spend their free time cleaning and organizing instead of entertaining friends, visiting with family, or partaking of leisure activities. Take the time to free your mind, start concentrating better, and learn how to declutter the people and things that hold you back. Don’t live the only lifetime you have a slave to the demands of housekeeping when you have the option to keep your house fresh.
2011 Class Schedule
The 2011 class schedule is now up! Click on Classes in the menu above. The Books and Handouts have been updated as well…..
All books required for any class can be purchased online. Some of the books are available at Books-a-million. If you mention my name Elizabeth Hammond and my Phone # 904-738-0471 you will receive a 15% discount on any purchase!
Don’t forget, Fletcher Community Education Sign Up is this coming Tuesday, Aug 23rd! I will be at the high school auditorium from 630-8pm that night to answer questions, sell ebooks, and set appointments.
SEE YOU THERE!
iPhone Apps for Filmmakers
One of the hottest commodities on the market today is the iPhone and iPod Touch. It is expected that Apple will have sold 80 million iPhones by 2012. The uses for this mini computer are growing everyday. Currently there is over 65,000 official applications available at iTunes for the iPhone. At the current growth rate this number could top 100,000 by the end of the year. This is not counting a vast amount of web based applications, over 1700 alone registered with Apple.
iPhone apps exist in many flavors, everything from simple games to complex software for professional task. Most apps are very affordable, if not dirt cheap or free. Filmmakers have not been left behind in the app frenzy. While searching the web for some tools to help us, I was astonished by the amount of software available. Here is a list of apps for the iPhone and iPod Touch apps I was able to dig up.
Hitchcock by Cinemek inc (Cost: $19.99)
(iPhone, OS: 3.0 or later) Screenshots 
Cinemek® Hitchcock for iPhone and iPod Touch is a mobile storyboard and pre-visualization composer designed for Directors, Directors of Photography, Producers, Writers, Animators, Art Directors, film students and anyone who wants to be able to visualize their story. More Info
iSlate by ibuiltthis (Cost: $2.99)
(iPhone/iPod Touch, OS: 2.1 or later) Screenshots
iSlate is an easy to use portable digital clapper board that can help video enthusiasts add a touch of hollywood magic to their videos. Possible uses include video blogs, online video postings, and various video projects. More Info
iSlate Lite by ibuiltthis (Cost: Free)
(iPhone/iPod Touch, OS: 2.1 or later) Screenshot
Free Lite version of iSlate the portable digital clapper board.
DOFMaster by Donald Fleming (Cost: $1.99)
(iPhone/iPod Touch, OS: 2.0 or later) Screenshot
Use DOFMaster to calculate the depth of field in your photographs. You’ll be able to select the lens and f/stop combination that provides the zone of sharpness you need. Use it to calculate the hyperfocal distance for landscape photography. More Info
HollywoodHelper by differential enterprises (Cost: $2.99)
(iPhone/iPod Touch, OS: 3.0 or later) Screenshots
For actors, Hollywood Helper / Broadway Buddy helps you learn the lines of your scripts without lugging around printed scripts, whether you aspire to screen or stage. More Info
LightMeter by Frank Bauer (Cost: $2.99)
(iPhone, OS: 3.0 or later) Screenshots
Turn your iPhone 3G-S into a exposure meter.More Info
FAQ: E-Disposal
Electronics Disposal!
I am always asked about how to dispose of electronics. Well, the answer is below.
Who: Recycling E-scrap
Web: http://www.scrapcomputers.com/
What: E-scrap Recyclers
When: M-F 8am-4pm
Where: ANYWHERE
HOW: They come to you and haul your escrap away! Its as easy as that! Visit their website or give them a call today!
1-888-292-3305
Happy SCRAPPING!
Textbook Rentals: Valore Books
I have used this service and absolutely love it! I Rented a book for my Fiance. It was originally $176.00. We rented it for 4 months (Semester) for $21.00 and shipping is Free Both Ways! Check it out!
To Upgrade Or Not To Upgrade….
That is the Question….
“I don’t need a new computer. Mine works just fine!”
I get this A LOT! Most computers last about 2-3 years depending on the use. If your computers last longer, it is best to upgrade every OTHER operating system. For example, if you are running Windows XP it is probably safe to say it is time for a new computer. Windows Vista has been replaced by Windows 7. (see the every other rule in play here?)
I know that $ can be an issue and some people might tell you “Just upgrade the guts (hard drive, ram, etc). However, I am not one of those people. What most budget savvy onlookers don’t realize is that technology changes so rapidly. There are many, many reasons to upgrade the whole machine rather than the parts.
For example, Lets say you are running XP. This means your machine itself was built between 2001 and 2007 (when vista was released). In the last 4-10 years technology has gained capacity and speed. Your processor is going to be running “hot” (literally and figuratively) if you are trying to access some of todays programs and webpages on a 2001 or 2002 machine. What about the hard drive? Is it on its last breath and ready to just GO any minute? Let’s look at your ram. I know that XP can support 4GB of ram. Most computers these days can support up to 8GB. But, are you running 4GB? Or are you running the more likely 1GB or heaven forbid, 512MB?!
All this to say, If your machine is over 4 years old or if it is running an operating system that is 3 versions back, It’s time to upgrade….. Like, Yesterday.
For the best deals on PC laptops check out Office Depot’s Sunday Ad. If you are having trouble deciding on one, or don’t quite know what to look for just give me a call. I’ll be happy to help! (Dekstop computers are rarely recommended.) HP Brand is my favorite!
PS: Don’t be scared of Windows Vista or 7. They both run beautifully and I actually love Windows 7. It is such a great transition from XP or Vista!
SQUARE up
If you are in business for yourself, you NEED one of these Accounts.
Squareup.com is the most amazing little startup in the history of the world!
From humble beginnings and literally overnight success, Square is quickly becoming apart of everyday life. This Credit Card Processing Company is the best thing since, well the first Credit Card Company.
This account is free and you get a card reader for your phone (andriod, iphone etc), an account that pays you next day and there are no monthly or membership fees. One Fee Per Transaction: 2.75%. THAT’S ALL FOLKS!
This App is amazing with the new features they have added. It is great even to get that $50 your sister owes you when all she has is her Plastic. ( NO MORE EXCUSES SIS!)
The Way of the Future! Embrace it now, It totally works!
Payvment Via Facebook
Payvment is a Facebook e-commerce solution. This company understands that Facebook users don’t like to leave Facebook when they are using the social networking site.
This application allows the user to purchase your goods without leaving their chat windows or notifications unattended.
Visit www.payvment.com to get started!
Digital Hoarding
Are you a Digital Hoarder?
Think about it… do you really need EVERY picture you EVER took?
Do you need all of those files you are never going to look at again…? If you really want that recipe, just print it out! Chances are when you cook you don’t go to your computer first. And if you do, its probably to look that exact same recipe by doing a search ONLINE.
I am going through a major life change soon. It has forced me to look at what I am keeping and why. I have two 1TB hard drives with RAID on my PC desktop computer. I am looking to UPGRADE my Mac to a 1TB Hard drive. Do I really need that Desktop PC?
My fiance (Soon-to-be- and reason for the life change) will probably be getting a new PC Laptop. Isn’t 2 iPhones, 1 PC and 1 MAC enough for a household of 2? On the other hand my parents and siblings (total of 5 people) have an internet connected WII, a Netbook, a Desktop and 3 17″ Laptops, not to mention 3 iPhones. How many more internet Devices does one need?!
Wow, just writing this has motivated me to CLEAN out my digital life! I saw a video on digital hoarding that mentions how knowing where to put ones files and what to keep and what to get rid of is a SKILL. If you think it is a skill comment below. If you think it isn’t a Skill tell me why in a comment below….
If you do think knowing how to organize your digital life is a skill and you don’t possess it, give me a call! I will come to your home or office and give you a lesson in the art of ZEN computing. 
Make your computer and Digital life happy again! 904-738-0471 Call Today! (Tues, Thurs, and Sat appointments available)