Motorola dynatac, Cellphone—egcd32 (Flickr.com)

On April 3, 1973 — exactly 40 years from today — Motorola employee Marty Cooper made the first mobile phone call.

Marty used a to call Bell Labs (then a division of AT&T), “I’m ringing you just to see if my call sounds good at your end.”

The device that Marty used to place the call was a prototype which would later become the Motorola DynaTAC 8000x. It was the first commercially available mobile phone, and despite its meager specs for today’s standards — it weighed 2.5 pounds and only had a one-line, text-only LED display — it cost a whopping $3,995.

Examiner.com. Time Traveler Video 1938 Cell Phone Mystery Solved The Hollywood Gossip. The mystery surrounding a video that appears to show a woman talking on a cell phone in 1938 may be solved to the dismay of conspiracy theorists. The black-and-white footage shows a group of young people possibly factory workers walking out of a Time Traveler Video Film Reveals First Use Of A Cell Phone In 1938 VIDEO International Business Times. Time traveler video Mystery of 1938 cell phone may finally be solvedExaminer.com. Mystery Of 1938 Time Traveler With Cell Phone Solved VIDEO Huffington Post. iScienceTimes.com TravelersToday Enstarz. all 8 news articles.…Time Traveler Video 1938 Cell Phone Mystery Solved The Hollywood Gossip

CBS Local. The cell phone turns 40. CBS News. The idea for cell phones was born out of Bell Laboratories in the late 1940s. In an interview with Cisco Systems Cooper tells the story of how a man named Reid wrote a memo that suggested mobile communications might be possible in the future. This 8 Guys 6 Weeks How the Cell Phone Was Finally InventedThe Atlantic. Happy 40th Birthday to the Cell PhoneWKRG-TV. 40 Years Ago Wednesday First Ever Cell Phone Call Made In NYCCBS Local. Mashable Raw Story. all 207 news articles.…The cell phone turns 40 CBS News

website design may be a matter of taste

Good web design may be a matter of taste. And taste varies, depending on the region and culture, as well as other factors. However, there are some standards that should always be considered. If you have only a minute to decide about the overall quality of a website, here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Don’t make me think.
When you enter a website, you should understand its purpose in two seconds. You should be able to navigate through it instantly. Does this apply to the website you have on your screen? Good. If you’re lost, leave the website. No need to continue.

2. WOW factor.
Is the website attractive? Does it make you think: “I like this idea?” You probably found a good website. Most of the websites today are a copy of a copy of a website, so when you find a website with a fresh design concept, give it an extra point.

3. White space
This is the space which is NOT filled with images and text. When a website is completely covered with content, even into the tiniest corners, it is barely legible. The use of more “white space” drastically increases clarity.

4. Navigation
As already mentioned above, a clear navigation system has to answer two questions instantly: ‘Where am I?’ and ‘Where can I go from here?’. If you get this information at a glance, the navigation is great.

5. Typography
This is an area where inexperienced web designers make the most mistakes. Typography should be used to transport content to the reader. The way type is chosen (serif and sans serif) size and appearance, line length, line spacing, and kerning increases or decreases legibility. It is not about how many kinds of type in crammed in the smallest ˜available space, but about you, the reader. Less is more.

6. Grid
How are the web pages organized? Are they organized at all? When text and images are aligned in a way that the overall impression translates into clarity, harmony, and comfort, the website gets credits. A well organized website has an invisible grid underneath it. If content is placed wildly all over the page, the designer probably had no idea where he was going with the design and now neither does the visitor.

7. Colors
There is a science called Colorimetry that dictates the rules used for color theory in the graphic design industry. Despite such theory and science, it all comes down to a simple statement: there are colors that fit and others that don’t. Colors in web design should be used to emphasize or to support content. When the colors distract the visitor, the design has failed.

8. Consistency

Is the overall visual impression of the website the same from page one to page “end?” Or does the design change drastically? Are text and images displayed differently? The design concept of a website mimics that of a book: it has to be consistent from the first to the last page.

9. Browser Compatibility
All browsers are different, and—sorry, it’s true—they all allow different rules and code in websites. So sometimes websites look good in Firefox but look terrible, or won’t even show up, in Internet Explorer. Professional web designers know this and only use code that will be interpreted in the very same way in all browsers. Check a website in all browsers to see how it performs.

10. Speed
If you can make yourself a cup of tea while you’re waiting for a website to open completely in your browser, there is something amiss. Either you have an extremely slow Internet connection or the website is way “too heavy”. Even today, with super high speed Internet, a website should be built light and fast. With today’s technology, it is possible to present even the largest images crisp and clear with almost no remarkable problems with file size and website loading times.

If you practice, you can analyze a website quickly by following the 10 points you read above. Practice and sharpen your analytical skills and have fun.

Lost gadgets, Why it\’s better to lose your iPhone in the UK vs t…—methodshop.com (Flickr.com)

The following is from www.clarkhoward.com

if your phone or laptop goes missing, there are a variety of free apps that will help you locate it and protect your data so crooks can’t compromise your financial security.

I spoke recently about how I found an iPhone in the parking lot of a doctor’s office. It had no identifying info about the owner on the outside, of course. So I started playing detective, which was very easy because the iPhone was not password protected.

I scrolled through the contacts and called around until I found somebody who could help me get the iPhone to the woman who was the owner. But it occurred to me, boy, that woman could have been in trouble if I were a criminal who found the smart phone!

Since telling this story on the air, I heard from a lot of people about all the different apps that are available to help protect you if you lose your smart phone, laptop or tablet.

Then, lo and behold, New York Times technology writer David Pogue detailed his saga of losing his iPhone and using an app to help recover it.

Syndicated radio host and columnist Kim Komando recently ran a story in USA Today  about free ways to recover a lost phone or laptop. Among her suggestions are the following:

• MyLookout.com — Freemium service for smart phones that run Android, Blackberry or Windows.
• PreyProject.com — Freemium service for Macs, PCs and smartphones.
• Find My iPhone — Free service for the iPhone 4, the iPad or a fourth generation iPod touch.
• Where’s My Droid — Free service for Android smart phone users.
• Plan B — Free service for Android smart phone users. This is the only that can be remotely installed on your phone after you’ve lost it.

Years ago, one of my in-laws had a laptop stolen at baggage claim. This was back in the day when laptops were a fortune; hers was an employer-provided one valued at $5,000! But the employer wasn’t concerned at all about the monetary loss. All they cared about was the corporate info that was on that laptop.

In my case, nothing on my laptop is worth stealing. Plus, I tend to travel with a cheap one so nobody would want it anyway!

Facbook, Facebook Home—jimwhimpey (Flickr.com)

what is a pretty URL? 

Simply put it’s a short web address that points to your page.  When you create your page the URL is made up of a long string of letters and numbers, too many for the average person to remember off-hand.  A pretty URL looks something like this http://www.facebook.com/Covenant.Hosting

Why should you get a pretty URL?

• It makes it easier to find you. Ever been told “look me up on Facebook” only to find there are hundreds of pages with the same name of the business you’re searching for.  You could make this a key place for your brand to live at.
• You can put it on a business card… or poster or write it on the back of an envelope; just about anywhere really.
• It’s consistent. Our URL on Twitter  and our Facebook is the same
• So someone else doesn’t steal your name! Bad form? Yep, very but it’s unlikely that it’s illegal.
• Lastly, it’s free. It doesn’t cost you anything to register your name RIGHT NOW. Why not go do it, just on the off-chance you might want it in the future.

How do I get a pretty URL?

If you don’t already have a pretty URL for your Facebook page, move quickly as unless you’ve got a really unique business name, chances are it’s already been taken!

To get yours you first need to choose a username.  Your business name is a good place to start but if that’s been taken don’t worry, you could add your location to then end of your business name or be creative and use a word or short phrase that’s related to your business.  Generic words like restaurant, pizza etc. are not available and the only requirement is that your page has a minimum of 25 fans.

Just go to http://facebook.com/username to sign up for your username before someone else does.

Siliconrepublic.com. Facebook to Make Profile URL Usernames and Email Handles the Same. PCWorld. This rule will not apply to people who had previously activated a Facebook.com email address. Both customizing your profile URL and activating your Facebook.com email address are optional. However there is concern that for users who enable both Facebook email and timeline addresses will mergeComputer Business Review. Facebook rolls out merged email and Timeline addressesMemeburn. all 22 news articles.…

Below is an email i received from one of my client’s today: One Accord Community Church

“I am writing to recommend the services of Covenant Hosting, operated by Brother Al Eddy.  Covenant Hosting created our church web site one year ago. Brother Al built our site from the ground up. Prior to web services provided by Covenant Hosting, One Accord Community Church has tried a variety of companies – but never truly found the perfect fit.

Since Brother Al has taken over our site maintenance we have had nothing but positive feedback and response. Our presence on the web has increased and we now have a true world wide audience. We are tracking listeners from several African countries and one in India. The most important part of doing business with Covenant Hosting is the service. I am confident that when I need to make changes to our site, that it will be done quickly and without delay.  This is because, as a minister of the Gospel, Brother Al knows what a church needs and how to present the church. Brother Al works closely with our church staff to make certain that the calendar is correct and that upcoming events are highlighted. Because of his ministry experience he knows how to present the vision of the church. He will be able to sit and listen to your vision and how you want to present your church or ministry to the community. In a very short time – your web site will look as if you had created it. In addition to the top notch service you will receive from Covenant Hosting you will also receive the best value for your ministry dollar.

I feel confident in recommending Brother Al Eddy and Covenant Hosting. He is not only thorough, but also easy to work with, and always willing to take the time to discuss my concerns and respond to questions. In addition, he is a brother in Christ and I believe we should support Christian business at every opportunity.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me. The most convenient way to reach me is by cell phone. My number is 423-488-9993. You may also go on line to view our site at ”

www.oneaccordcommunitychurch.org.

Regards,

Pastor Ray Williams

One Accord Community Church

Humor transforms brands and character branding is hot! Some of the most famous insurance salesmen in the world are characters!

What does this duck and gecko have in common?

Ever heard of AFLAC or GEICO? These characters are known the world over and branded to AFLAC and GEICO insurance companies. AFLAC enjoys a 90% name recognition, courtesy of its “duck” character even though most do not know what type of company AFLAC is!

You know a great character can  help business when a duck and a gecko are the most famous insurance salesman in the world!

What about all of those famous Disney cartoon characters? A cartoon Roman is hawking Pizza! Pizza! A striped tiger thinks his frosted flakes are Grrrreat! And a cheetah is crunching all the way to the bank!

Great cartoon characters will make you money!

Think about the famous characters like Superman, Mickey Mouse, Snoopy, Garfield, the many Disney Characters, Hello Kitty, Scooby Doo and Bugs Bunny.  Have you ever seen an item with one of these characters on it? Sure you have!

Humor is an equal opportunity branding practice. It really doesn’t matter what the product or service is because all people like to laugh and feel good about what they are purchasing.

You don’t have to be a huge company with a six figure marketing budget to be funny!

The great thing about cartoons is that not many businesses are using them! Personal branding is all about standing out in an over-crowded marketplace so what better way than to use cartoons as a way to distinguish your brand?

Cartoons connect with people on an emotional level.  When you build a business with an emotional connection, instead of simply an intellectual one, this will last longer and run much deeper.  In fact, statistics show that customers are 18% more likely to consider your product or service when you have a cartoon logo!

Big brands figured this out years ago and guess what; personal branding is no longer just for the big boys. There is no reason why you can’t join the party.

Nobody Can Resist a Cartoon!

aleddy_QRCode

If you haven’t seen these little images yet, you will soon.  You will find these small black and white squares, known as QR codes, attached to menus, brochures, programs…just about anything. All you need to unlock these codes is a modern cellphone.  QR (Quick Response) codes act a lot like bar codes, but are much more useful.  Once a consumer has downloaded a free QR reader to their cellphone, they have access to a wealth of information.   Unlike old fashioned bar codes, each QR code can hold a large amount of data including URLs, text, and Geo coordinates and using your cellphone to read QR codes is much easier than carrying a bulky scanner!

Why are QR codes important to you personally or as a small business owner?  First, QR codes put information at your fingertips with just one click.  No matter how modern or slick your cellphone is, simply clicking on one of these images to visit a website or online map is much easier than typing information on your phones keypad.  As a business owner, the applications are almost endless.  QR codes can be attached to any print media including brochures, presentations, programs or business cards.  Most business owners include their web address on their business card.  Consider how simple it would be for a customer to learn about your business or to contact you if all they had to do was scan your QR code and go instantly to your website.  In today’s competitive business environment, it benefits the business owner to make it as easy as possible for potential clients to learn about their business and to choose them.

Go ahead….try it….read  the image above!

Want your own QR code?  Let us create one contact us