Tumblr

Tumblr is a micro blogging website.  Blogs created on Tumblr are referred to as Tumblogs.  Although Tumblogs are based on the same premise as blogs created on WordPress  and Blogger, their nature and intent are different.  While customary blogs are usually lengthy and somewhat editorial , Tumblogs are short and concise posts that are often a combination of text, photos, quotes, links, chats, audio, video, and brief extracts from other blogs .  Simply stated, a Tumblog  is a short-form blog that “tumbles” and moves forward  from ongoing changes coming for all directions.

Tumblr is similar to other social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter as they have a “like” button and can have followers.  They can be public or private and can be configured to allow readers or followers to add content.  It is also capable of integrating with Facebook or Twitter and can be configured to automatically post from Digg and Youtube.  Tumblr also works well with several third party applications and is  available for use on the iPhone, web, desktops, mobiles, widgets and browsers.   In essence, Tumblr  unifies or bridges the gap between Twitter,  Blogger, WordPress and other traditional blogging platforms.  Tumblr’s popularity is on the steady incline and they credit this to their ease of use.

For those interested in learning more about Tumblr and how to create Tumblogs, Sams Teach Yourself  Tumblr in 10 minutes is the perfect source.  As a part of the Sams Teach Youself in 10 minute series,  the goal of this book is to provide a hands-on, step-by-step approach to learning the product.  It is comprised of 18, topic specific lessons, all of which are easy to follow and can be completed in approximately 10 minutes.    Topics include but are not limited to:  (1) Introduction to Tumbler, (2) Changing the appearance of your Tumblog, (3) Creating text, audio, video and links and (4) Integrating Tumblr with Facebook,  RSS and third party applications.  In addition to the normal figures and captions you see in most how-to books, Sams uses Tip (shortcuts) , Notes (supplemental information that facilities understanding) and Cautions (warnings and important information about executing tasks) boxes.  Your level of knowledge and understanding are not a factor, this book sets out to help the beginning user, well established professional and all those that fall somewhere in between.  Read the book from start to finish, skip around, or go directly to the topic that interests you because this book will give you more than enough detail and information on every major feature.  Power up the browser on the desktop, laptop or most major smart phones and you are ready to use Tumblr.

I have used several other Sams products and have liked and learned a great deal from them all.  This one is no different.  It is well written and easy to follow.  The only negative (and it’s a small one) is that you have to use the same browser that the book is based on.  Failure to do so may render a slight difference from what you see on your screen and what actually appears in the book.  Awesome book and I highly recommend it to those interested in learning about and using Tumblr.

Sources:

Safari Books Online – Sams Teach Yourself Tumbler in 10 Minutes, Bud E. Smith, July 27, 2010

http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/development/tumblr-introduction-guide-microblogging/

Not Me

I always told myself, not me.  I'm security conscience, I don't give out my information unnecessarily, I always keep my debit card in my possession and I certainly don't share my pin number with anyone.  Well it happened.  I got a call Thursday morning from the Visa fraud detection services.  They asked me if I had made a purchase at Jack in Box 15 minutes prior to their call or had I made several purchases and USPS.  My answer was no to each question.  The last time I had used my debit card was the previous Saturday and the place I used my debit card was in the Meadows Mall at 3 stores - JC Pennys, Hollister and Footaction.

Whatever the case may be, someone had cloned my debit card.  They didn't go haywire and make large charges, they were careful and made small charges like $7.16 at Jack in the Box, $5.76 at 7-11, and several $20 charges at USPS.  Thank God that my credit union realized that this wasn't my normal spending habits and called me.  They were able to immediately suspend my card.  End results $70 or charges had gone through and another $245 were pending.  I had to complete 2 sets of paperwork -- 1 for the charges the expended and 1 for the pending charges.  Long story short I should have my money as well as a new debit card in 7-10 working days. 

I'm somewhat afraid to use my card now but for the most part is safer than carrying cash and it's surely a lot more convenient.

No Real Complaints

Today has been a pretty good day.  Overall I have no complaints or anything to gripe about.  Work was work.  Went to physical therapy.  My feet are starting to feel much better and the symptoms from plantar fascitis are slowly starting to subside.  I still have a ways to go but am really loving the therapist and Kelly Hawkins Therapy, they are awesome at what they do!

Voted early at the Alexander Library.  The were only 2 people ahead of me.  The workers were nice, courteous and efficient so it was a painless process.  Early voting goes on until I believe October 29, 2010.  I encourage you to vote and vote early to avoid the large crowds.  Voting is important.  Even if your candidate doesn't win, at least you exercised your right to be heard!  Every vote truly does count!!!!

Finally A Day of Relaxation

Things are getting back to normal after my vacation to the Bahamas.  I have my land legs back and don't feel like I'm still on the boat.  Things at work were relatively slow.  My mother is home from the hospital.  I attended my nephew's soccer game (he scored 4 goals) and my God son's football game, what an awesome quarterback he is turning out to be and both teams won! All in all it was a good week.  I'm going to spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying a nice home cooked meal.

Have an awesome week and remember if something is bothering you or if you have good news to share then come on over to Get Your Power Back where you are in total control!

Frustrated

Last Thursday I flew to Miami and hung out and then from there took a cruise to the Bahamas.  Some where in between disbarking from the Port of Miami and docking in Nassau my cell phone got stuck on some cell tower and has become untraceable. Four other people traveling with me have the same carrier and have not encountered any problems.  My cell carrier has made several attempts to correct the issues but has not found a solution.  I am totally frustrated.  I can't make/recieve calls or send text messages. Long story short, the only thing my phone does is turn off/on.  I feel totally disabled and crippled without my phone.  Saying I'm frustrated is a total understatement.