Nov

27

In an out-of-nowhere press conference today, Verizon announced they will open their cellular network to any device starting the middle of next year. Requirements for network access are expected to be low, however, devices must be submitted for testing and approved by Verizon (and presuming the FCC) before being granted access to Verizon’s network. While this requirement may sound limiting, Ars Technica points out, “one Verizon exec went so far as to say that if someone builds a device in their basement on a breadboard, Verizon will test it and activate it.”

Personally, I find this news very exciting. While Verizon has typically been viewed as the evil giant of the cellular industry, locking down phones and charging outrageous data usage fees, a change of heart appears in store. My new Motorola RIZR V6tv (review coming soon) is barely locked down, and Verizon is even adding functionality to existing phones. Verizon may not be evil after all.

Sure, someone could argue Verizon is pinned down with the 700 MHz spectrum auction, Google’s upcoming Android mobile platform, and Apple’s iPhone changing the cellular market, however if that’s the case, isn’t competition doing its job? Competition caused Verizon to open arguably the most reliable cellular network in the United States and only more competitors will follow. I look forward to seeing what this announcement will bring and hope this is the first of many open networks to come.

Nov

26

Keith Ikle

November 26, 2007 | 1 Comment

Keith Ikle 

Many people have the misconception that remodeling and construction work stops during the winter months. Nothing could be further from the truth! Just because Old Man Winter has arrived does not mean that outside construction work cannot continue. If you are contemplating a remodeling project that may involve outside work, such as an addition, don’t let the colder weather keep you from consulting with us about your project. Believe it or not, the winter months can be an attractive time to pursue your remodeling project.

Keith Ikle owner of Hansen Design Build

Remodeling in the winter can be a great way to beat the winter blahs and generate excitement around your home. Actually, a great deal of attention can be focused on your job in the winter by our tradesmen to provide you with a beautiful finished project ready to enjoy when warm weather arrives in the spring.

Nov

24

Purchasing a new domain name or switching web hosts can be frustrating. Typically, domain owners wait up to 48 hours for a domain’s name servers to propagate across the internet. During this time the domain is either inaccessible or resolving to the old web host. To make matters more frustrating, website visitors may receive the new domain information before the domain owner; creating situations where visitors may see a non-functioning website.

Thankfully, this annoying wait time is a thing of the past. OpenDNS, a free DNS provider, offers a service that allows users to clear OpenDNS’ cache on a particular domain name, thus eliminating the propagation time for all OpenDNS users. The directions that follow will explain how to use this service.


Step 1: Change Your DNS Servers to OpenDNS

The first step is to change your DNS servers to OpenDNS. OpenDNS provides directions for just about every internet connection, so I recommend following their setup directions. Keep in mind, if you’re behind a VPN or using free WiFi at a place like Panera, you may be unable to change your DNS settings. After following OpenDNS’ directions, visit their welcome page to verify you are utilizing OpenDNS’ servers.

Step 2: Use CacheCheck to View Current Cache Information

Once you’re on OpenDNS’ servers, you can now use OpenDNS to flush your domain’s cache. To do this, we need to first view your domain’s current cache information. Simply navigate over to OpenDNS’ CacheCheck page, enter in your domain name, fill out an annoying captcha, and click ‘Check this domain’.

OpenDNS CacheCheck

Step 3: Interpret Your Current Cache Information

You should now be presented with a page displaying OpenDNS’ cache information on your domain. If this is a new domain, most likely the server results are showing a red ‘NXDOMAIN’ message. This means OpenDNS has no information on your domain. If you’re switching web hosts, more than likely your old host’s name servers are listed here.

If OpenDNS’ cache information is showing name servers for a new domain, or your new name servers for a web host switch, you’re done! Although, performing the last step won’t hurt.

OpenDNS CacheCheck Results

Step 4: Refresh OpenDNS’ Cache

Now that you know the state of your domain name on OpenDNS, you can finally perform a cache refresh. This is the hardest step of all. Simply scroll down past the server information and click the ‘Refresh the cache’ button. The page should reload, and with a little luck, your new name server information should be displayed. If the ‘NXDOMAIN’ message remains or your old name servers are still displaying, just wait a few minutes and try again.

You should now be done. Just load your domain in your web browser of choice. If for some reason you’re still seeing your old web host, close your browser and restart it. You may still have the old name servers cached locally.

Other than that, enjoy, and be thankful you didn’t wait the typically 48 hours for your domain to propagate.

Nov

23

In the late 1920’s Louis Acker stood on Ellis Island and prepared for the American dream. In 1931 he opened his first mattress store.

In Brooklyn N.Y. a boy named Harry Acker worked in his father’s mattress store. Harry worked hard, tying knots, and stitching mattresses by hand. In 1957 two years after his father’s death, Harry made a decision to take the years of experience working with his father hand making mattresses and expand the well-known mattress store. Sleepy’s was born.

Harry worked day and night to make his dream a reality. He hired only the best salespeople and trained them not just how to sell, but how to listen to customers so they can focus on the customers’ needs. He called these salespeople “Mattress Professionals,” and they were. He filled his stores with the largest selection of brand-name mattresses because he wanted every Sleepy’s customer to find exactly what they needed for a healthy night’s rest. He followed his abiding belief that every customer deserved the lowest possible price with a guarantee that they would sleep comfortably and with peace of mind. And so, “Sleepy’s Incredible Price Guarantee” was born. And by delivering the “Same Day or Next Day” Sleepy’s had even more satisfied customers. Today, Sleepy’s is a household name in 13 states.

Harry knew then what every sleep expert is now saying that a good night’s sleep is important to one’s health and well-being, lack of sleep can affect your job performance, school grades, health, body and mind. Considering you spend one third of your life in bed, it makes sense that your mattress should be a significant part of your life.

By 1977 and with 8 stores, “The Mattress Professionals” was becoming such a household name and winning so many loyal sleepers, that headquarters needed to be expanded. The offices moved to a 20,000 square foot space in New Hyde Park. This was still not enough. So, in 1986 with 32 stores Sleepy’s built a 60,000 square foot building in Pt. Washington N.Y.

Growth was enormous. After acquiring Kleinsleep mattress chain in 1993 and opening their 75th store in 1994, Sleepy’s moved to their present home in Bethpage N.Y., a 230,000 square foot corporate headquarters.

1995 – 1998. Sleepy’s acquired Mattress Discounters in New York and New Jersey and launched 1-800-SLEEPYS, a convenient toll free service where people can consult with a mattress professional in the comfort of their home.

In 1999, www.sleepys.com was introduced, designed with the “customer on the go” in mind to help educate and research before going into one of Sleepy’s then 169 showrooms. Sleepy’s understands that your time is valuable and supplies invaluable information right in the comfort of your own home, on your time. Still growing, Sleepy’s opened another 90,000 square foot warehouse in Carteret, NJ.

In 2000 Sleepy’s acquired Sleep City mattress chain in Pennsylvania and now had 200 stores in 3 states.

In 2002 – 2003 Sleepy’s acquired Mattress Firm sleep chain in Connecticut and Massachusetts and built a new state-of-the-art 211,000 square foot warehouse in Robbinsville, New Jersey.

By the end of 2004, Sleepy’s had 300 stores in 6 states and built a new 120,000 square foot distribution center in East Windsor, Connecticut.

In 2007, Sleepy’s opened its 500th store and acquired the Rockaway Bedding chain and trade name, a bit later Sleepy’s bought OTB ( Off Track Bedding ) in Massachusetts expanding Sleepy’s total locations to over 600 in 13 states.

What started as a small mattress store in 1931, is now the largest mattress chain in America and 4 generations, Louis, Harry, David, AJ, Stuart and Julian carrying on the same values.

Today Sleepy’s employs over 2,000 employees in 11 states.

Why Sleepys?

14 REASONS TO BUY FROM SLEEPY’S

The First 8 Seconds
We welcome our customers warmly to Sleepy’s with a smile.

We Dress Professionally
At Sleepy’s you’ll find mattress professionals exemplifying professionalism at all times.

Sleepy’s Makes It Easy
We take the guesswork out of buying a mattress because we carry mattresses in every category.

We Have Them All!
We have the largest selection of name brand mattresses in the country!

Categories
Sleepy’s has a mattress in every price category. BRONZE/SILVER/GOLD/ SOLID GOLD/PLATINUM/PLATINUM PLUS

Platinum Plus
We give our customers the opportunity to choose the very best including BodyDiagnostics®, Tempur-Pedic, Vera Wang latex and many more

Guarantee
*Applies to same or comparable mattresses, prior to delivery. Excludes closeouts, special purchases, Internet, exchanges, floor samples, warranties, discontinued and one-of-a kinds. Must present current competitor’s ad or invoice.

The Sleepy’s Promise
Effort, Enthusiasm, Product Knowledge and Understanding the customers’ needs.

Financing Options
Available To meet all your needs.

Delivery
Sleepy’s Delivers Over 2,000 Mattresses Everywhere, Everyday - 7 Days-A-Week (Same day delivery arranged. Excluding holidays and store pick-ups. Available on in-stock models. Delivery fees apply)

Over 75 Years and Over 600 Convenient Locations
Sleepy’s has the experience to have earned the name “Mattress Professionals” with a store in your neighborhood.

Customer Satisfaction
Sleepy’s superior customer service department is open 7-days-a-week, 9am - 6pm EST for your convenience.

Training
Comprehensive training program to become a mattress professional.

Distribution Centers
Sleepy’s has 3 state-of-the-art Distribution Centers in NY, NJ and CT for convenient delivery.

Nov

21

A Video Update

November 21, 2007 | Leave a Comment

As you have probably guessed by now, I have not had much time for blogging lately. Therefore, instead of letting my site waste away until I could sit down and write something, I created this video. Contents of this video are listed below.

  1. Welcome
  2. Firefox 3 (0:24)
  3. Safari 3 (1:07)
  4. Xbox 360 Fall Update (1:43)
  5. New Phone Choices (2:55)

As I mentioned in the video, any and all feedback would be appreciated.

Nov

13

I have read ALOT of real estate related material. Everything from Robert G. Allen to Carlton Sheets. I have read all the Rich Dad, Poor Dad books as well. The most recent material was from Russ Whitney.

Russ Whitney is another genius in the world of real estate and creative financing. Every author has their own unique way of explaining the details of the subject in question and Russ was no exception to that. Very unique in deed and straight forward.

Russ seems to me to be more down to earth than the others. Less of a sales person, and more into the real estate knowledge.

Nov

12

Based on the Broadway play by Neil Simon, this tells the story of two
mismatched friends, Felix Unger and Oscar Madison. Felix is a neat,
tidy, and healthy nut, a photographer at a portrait studio, and a
connoisseur of classical music. Because of this, his wife divorced
Felix and threw him out of his apartment for good. Desperately in the
need of a place to live, he moves in with his longtime childhood
friend, Oscar Madison, a sports journalist for the New York Herald.
What he realizes is that Oscar is the exact opposite of him: sloppy,
messy, and doesn’t eat the right foods. Felix’s cleaning, hygienic
tips, and healthiness annoys Oscar while Oscar’s crazy world of living
like a pig upsets Felix. But in the process they’ll learn that
friendship is more important than living in different worlds.

Prior to Randall’s death, he and Klugman were the best of friends
which translated onto the screen in that the chemistry they had was
unsurpassed.

Not realized is that the show during its 5 year run was not a ratings
juggernaut. At its peak it was only in the top 50 even though the
list of 70’s celebrities that made appearances was impressive….

However, over the past 30 years while in syndication, The Odd Couple
has taken on a fan base and a popularity it never enjoyed in first run
episodes.

If not for the ABC executives being fans of the quality of the show,
it would have never made it past a season or two.

For television historians, the quality and writing rank in with
Seinfeld, Cheers, All in the Family, etc.

The Odd Couple will always go down in the annals of televison as one
of the best.

James Fontanetta

Nov

11

James Fontanetta, former Wit Capital Executive is now working to help animals in need.  Mr. Fontanetta spends all his weekends and evenings patroling the streets for sick, injured or just hungry animals.

“It is so disgusting to see the conditions that some of these animals are left in by owners that abonden them.  I have found plenty of spayed or netured cats who are very affectionate and like to be held, obviously belonged to someone who are skin and bones with broken bones, festering infections, lice, mange just to name ae  few…in some cases they are so bad that they have to have a tail or ear amputated”, said Fontanetta.

People think it’s okay to leave animals, especially cats, outside but they don’t realize there are many dangers.  Cats are often run over by cars, especially black cats at night.   Also, unneutered males get hit by cars often as they stray far from home looking for a female.  Their sex drive is strong and it makes them loose focus and they often end up injured or dead.   Many pet owners take in an adorable kitten or puppy but as soon as it grows up they tire of their new “toy” and throw it out. 

“People need to realized that it’s not like buying a shirt or tie in the store that you can return or discard when you are tired of it, these are living, breathing creatures with feelings who are very intelligent.  They feel pain just like we do.  They deserve to have food and water and have shelter.  They do not like to be outdoors as people often think, especially at housecat who has never been outside.  How cruel is it to throw out that house cat when it’s spend it’s entire young life indoors with a family.  It never developed survival instincts like cats that have been outside the whole time.  Usually, it’s these former indoor cats who are in the worst shape when I find them”, said Fontanetta.

One of the most common ailments that outoodrs cats get infected with is mange.  It causes their fur to fall out and leaves the skin very dry and crusty.  It is very uncomfortable and painful for the cat.  Many people are afraid to near a cat or dog with this skin disorder so they don’t help it.  The truth that as long as you wash your hands after handling the animal, you will be fine.  If you use common sense hygeine, you will not have a problem.  These animals need to be treated right away before this permanantly affects their flesh.  In advanced cases, some of the fur will not grow back even after treatment but mange is one hundred percent curable.

All it takes is a little bit of medicine and lots of love and you can transform a sick cat’s life for the better.

“I get tremendous joy feeling like I can help, especially when I see how bad they were and I get to watch them improve and be happy.  It takes so little to change their lives dramatically for the better.” said Fontanetta.

There is never an excuse to walk past a sick or injured cat and think “someone will take care of it”, that someone needs to be you.  If you can’t do it on your own, call a local animal rescue group.  Just look them up in your area in the phone book or on the internet.  You will be surprised at the wealth of resources you will find.  There are also several groups that will help you spay and neture pets in your neighborhood at a huge discount.  The Humane Society usually has programs for this.  If you are kind enough to feed outdoor cats on a regular basis, spaying or neutering is the best thing you can do to control the population.   If you need help capturing them,call a local animal rescue organizationa and they will guide you or provide help.

Nov

8

Affiliate Elite

November 8, 2007 | 3 Comments

Affiliate Elite 

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Nov

7

MultiVend

November 7, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Multivend, LLC was established in 1990 and has grown to become one of the leading bulk candy vending machine manufacturers in the United States. Multivend provides customers with a unique opportunity for individuals to reach the road to financial freedom. By owning your own vending business through Multivend, the world’s largest bulk vending machine company, you can join in this rich tradition that Americans have enjoyed for over 100 years!Since the beginning of 2003, Multivend has welcomed almost 9,000 members worldwide to the Multivend Family. This number continues to grow, with customers finding plenty of room to expand their franchises. The benefits are undeniable! Vending machines are a 100% cash business and provide up to an 80% profit margin. They also offer the opportunity to work from home and set your own hours.

Recently, Multivend has added new product offerings to enhance the Vendstar 3000 machine. The Vendstar EZ-Count® Meter allows the vendor to derive exact collection amounts from each machine by digitally updating the total quarters accepted.  Multivend has also released the 1″ wheel that will allow the Vendstar 3000 machine to dispense gumballs and capsules. This new development lets vendors expand their product offerings and market their products to a younger customer base.

For more information please visit the Multivend website at http://www.vendstar.com/.

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