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15 Brilliant Websites That Will Inspire And Change Your Life http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/15-brilliant-websites-that-wi ll-inspire-and-change-your-life.html by Chris Ellis (Note: text for URL addresses inserted by Dan.) Article starts next. I have to say that I love living in the world as it is today. Even with all its warts, it’s still pretty great. The main reason I love it is that information about anything is right at your fingertips via the internet. There are millions of people putting out life-changing information because it is their passion, and it’s all available at the click of a button. One of the drawbacks of this age, though, is that sometimes there is too much information and you have to rely on friends to help you weed out the good from the bad or useless. And that is why I am taking to my keyboard today. Here are 15 websites to change your life and get you inspired and motivated: Description: Description: http://cdn-media-2.lifehack.org/wp-content/files/2013/10/15-Websites-That-Ma ke-Your-Time-Spent-On-The-Internet-Productive-370×208.jpg Recommend For You 15 Websites That Make Your Time Spent On The Internet Productive 2.6K Shares 1. GCF LearnFree http://www.gcflearnfree.org/COMPUTERBASICS I have put this one first because there’s still a huge number of people who have no computer knowledge and don’t know how to get started in the new computer-based world. While it is ironic that you need a computer to access this site, if you have a relative or friend who needs to become computer literate, this is a great site that you can use to help them get started. It has simple tutorials about computer basics, along with videos. It is straightforward and easy to use. Your friend or relative can get started right away and be up and running in no time. 2. Duolingo https://www.duolingo.com/ I love this site! It’s a language learning site that first tests you to see where your weaknesses are and then gives you lessons based on the results of your tests so that you don’t waste your time. You can learn English, Spanish, Italian and more! It is set up as a series of little games and it is very addictive! The format is very user and learner friendly. I am finding myself spending more and more time playing on it and my Italian skills are getting so much better. Try it out! If you love games you will love learning with Duolingo.com. 3. Fierce Gentleman http://fiercegentleman.com/10-qualities-fierce-gentleman/ 10 Qualities That Make You a Fierce Gentleman – Fierce Gentleman As soon as I read the term “Fierce Gentleman” I had to check out this site, and I love it! Gentlemanly qualities as we knew them seem to have become a bit rare these days. I believe it’s because of the changes we have experienced and the rapid morphing of cultures: it can make your head spin! We needed a new definition for the term “Gentleman.” In his articles, Andrew Long lays out what it takes to be a Fierce Gentleman and even some advice for Fierce Ladies. Fortunately, the qualities that Andrew advocates are qualities that gentlemen have had in days past and they can be brought forward to live again in this day and age. In this confusing time of mixed messages about what is cool or good or ethical, Mr. Long lays out just what is needed for you to keep your integrity and be extremely cool at the same time. 4. The Invisible Mentor http://theinvisiblementor.com/ Avil Beckford writes for The Invisible Mentor. Each month she spends hundreds of hours of researching and reading in order to bring us the most useful and enlightening information from older and perhaps forgotten writers whose works are still vital today. What I love about Avil is that she has the idea that learning and information are not to be reserved for only those who go to school but should be made available for everyone. She also reminds us that those who are the most successful in their fields are the ones who ceaselessly go on learning with a thirsty vengeance. Her ideas on learning, I believe, are the wave of the future. Antiquated systems of learning are being replaced by methods that teach people to think and develop judgment rather than memorize by rote. This depends on being able to read a lot and assimilate information. On her site you will find articles, great quotes, pieces of advice and all kinds of useful information. 5. Dumb Little Man http://www.dumblittleman.com/ Jay White writes for this blog and his purpose is to gather up and present information that makes your life a bit easier. His blog is a mix of great information and tips communicated in an informal and friendly way, which makes it seem like you are sitting with an old friend talking about life. You will find information here about money, relationships, being happy and other related topics. Dumb Little Man is one of my favorite places to stop by for a cup of tea and a few wise words from friends. 6. Michelle Chappel http://michellechappel.com/ Michelle Millis Chappel is a Renaissance woman. Initially she studied and received her PhD in Psychology, but then left academia to follow her dream of being a singer-songwriter-producer. She is also a noted motivational speaker and tireless volunteer. Her blog is a delightful mix of childlike enthusiasm and good friendly advice delivered with compassion and understanding. Her purpose in life is to help you find your true passion and calling and then help you achieve it. 7. Fathom http://fathomaway.com/ Fathom is a travel website on steroids! I love it. Just looking at the first page fills you with the excitement you feel when you are packing for a trip somewhere you’ve always wanted to go! I’m an avid traveler and I believe that travel and communication with other countries and cultures is our saving grace in a world gone violent. How can we be OK with bombing villages when we know the people who live there? Reading through the articles on Fathom will start you dreaming, then acting, then packing! In the meantime you can take mini mental vacations anywhere on the globe just by clicking over to this site. 8. Entrepreneur http://www.entrepreneur.com/ If you have ever dreamed of starting your own business or franchise, this is the one-stop shop for you. On this site they have articles and advice on every aspect of starting or running a business, from hiring your first employee to how to smartly lease business equipment. If you are unsure where to start on Entrepreneur.com, check out the tab entitled “Answers” and it will give you some ideas. Have fun and get started on your new venture! 9. Jamie ‘s Home Cooking Skills http://www.jamieshomecookingskills.com/ My favorite chef EVER, Jamie Oliver, has developed a website devoted to educating everyone about the joys and necessities of learning to cook. Jamie has recognized that poor food supply and lack of food education has had a dramatic effect on the health of entire populations and he is on a campaign to put food education into schools. He has now developed this website that gives you valuable basic information about how to cook. He has created videos and recipes that are easy and accessible and yet tasty and nutritious. Everyone should have rudimentary cooking skills and know how to prepare delicious food. My view on life is this: We only have a certain number of meals available to us in our lives. We had better make them all good! Jamie’s site will give you the training you need to really up your standard of living by allowing you to have delicious food for every meal simply because you can create it yourself! 10. Rational Optimist http://www.rationaloptimist.com/ This blog, written by Matt Ridley, is described as, “A counterblast to the prevailing pessimism of our age, and proves, however much we like to think to the contrary, that things are getting better.” In his blog, Matt gives real life solutions for the problems of the world. Many of these are available now if we just access them. This blog is as interesting as it is practical. 11. App Treasure Hunter http://www.apptreasurehunter.com/ App Treasure Hunter is a site dedicated to finding and testing out educational apps. It has been developed by a handful of parents and educators with a passion for great education applications. App Treasure Hunter gives you in-depth reviews performed by educational experts and practical advice for handling and educating your children. The pros at App Treasure Hunter save you a ton of work. The site is fun and interesting to browse. 12. The History Blog http://www.thehistoryblog.com/ I love this site because it is so darned interesting! You can go there while waiting in line at the Starbucks, or while in your doctor’s office. History is such a fascinating subject and this blog provides you with history, art, culture and photos, along with their wider historical context. Learning history gives you instant experience for living today’s life. The history here is not delivered in dry and boring prose. As the writer states on his homepage: “My name is Livius. I shall endeavor not to suck. That is all.” I can tell you that he has fulfilled his promise and doesn’t suck, not even a little bit. 13. Brainy Quote http://www.brainyquote.com/ I love this site and have used it for finding quotes for my blogs. This site compiles and publishes quotes from really smart people and there is always something there that pertains to your specific situation. Go there to find some helpful tips or just browse. It is entertaining and insightful! 14. Tiny Buddha Tiny Buddha: Wisdom Quotes, Letting Go, Letting Happiness In http://tinybuddha.com/ One thing I love about each new website is that each one has a specific feeling associated with it. Tiny Buddha, as you can imagine, has a sweet and compassionate feel to it. There are great blog posts as well as a forum where you can get help from others. I have browsed the forum and helped a few people. I even made a great new friend on the other side of the world. 15. A Beautiful Mess http://www.abeautifulmess.com/ This is a charming and fun-packed website. I love it because it gives you amazing recipes, beautiful photos, great projects and has a really fun feel to it. You could spend hours poking around and come away with ideas that will keep you busy for days. Check in on Elsie and Emma and get a glimpse into their lives. They are adorable! Now that we are entering a new year with exciting new possibilities, I am hoping that these will prove to be websites to change your life and provide you with ideas and assistance finding your dreams! Lets face it, feeling motivated is perhaps one of the most difficult things you could ever do.]]>

. In Windows XP, it is possible to add a tag or comments to any file’s metadata. See this article for some details. Starting with Vista. Microsoft limited the availability of editable metadata to certain types of files such as images, music, and Microsoft Office files. *Metadata in Microsoft Office documents and spreadsheets Office files are of particular interest since they can contain considerable amounts of personal information. Your name, your company, name of your computer, your collaborators, revisions, and much else may be included. Much of this is buried in the file and you may not be aware of it. Various versions of Office have a “Document Inspector” that allows removal of personal data from Office documents and spreadsheets. The path depends somewhat on which version you have but, in Office 2010/2013, Document Inspector is opened from: File->Info->Check for Issues->Inspect Document. When the Document Inspector dialog opens, follow the instructions on how to delete personal data. You can also check out the detailed discussion of removing personal data in Office documents that is given at this Microsoft page . Metadata in PDF files PDF files can contain metadata that is not discoverable by using Windows Explorer. Instead, a PDF reader is required. Adobe Reader allows you to view and edit certain metadata such as the author’s name. Other PDF readers will have a way to view metadata but may or may not provide for editing or deleting it. For example, Sumatra only allows you to view metadata. The general procedure in PDF readers for revealing metadata is to open the menu File-Properties. Editing PDF metadata with Adobe Reader is described at this link . And there you have it – how to keep your files from revealing more than you want.]]>

, Tuesday, Mar 11, 2014 Ever had a time where you’re using Siri and your iPhone or iPad doesn’t stop listening when you want it to? Maybe someone else is talking or there’s noise in the background, but you’re done and the wave form just won’t stop. Luckily iOS 7.1 solves that problem by letting you control not only when Siri starts but it stops as well! How to hold down the Home button to control when Siri stops listening 1. Press and hold down the Home button on your iPhone or iPad to start Siri listening. 2. Keep holding down the Home button and speak your request to Siri. 3. Release the Home button to stop Siri listening. That’s all there is to it. Instead of pressing the Home button just to activate Siri, You’re holding it down the entire time you’re talking to Siri.. * iOS 7.1 is the first major update to Apple’s seventh generation iPhone , iPad , and iPod touch operating system. Code-named Sochi and released on Monday, March 10, 2014, iOS 7.1 not only provides much needed – and long overdue – bug fixes but several feature improvements as well. Here’s the official iOS 7 change log from Apple: CarPlay . iOS experience designed for the car . Simply connect your iPhone to a CarPlay enabled vehicle . Supports Phone, Music, Maps, Messages, and 3rd-party audio apps . Control with Siri and the car’s touchscreen, knobs, and buttons Siri . Manually control when Siri listens by holding down the home button while you speak and releasing it when you’re done as an alternative to letting Siri automatically notice when you stop talking . New, more natural sounding male and female voices for Mandarin Chinese, UK English, Australian English, and Japanese iTunes Radio . Search field above Featured Stations to easily create stations based on your favorite artist or song . Buy albums with the tap of a button from Now Playing Subscribe to iTunes Match on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to enjoy iTunes Radio ad-free Calendar . Option to display events in month view . Country specific holidays automatically added for many countries Accessibility . Bold font option now includes the keyboard, calculator, and many icon glyphs . Reduce Motion option now includes Weather, Messages, and multitasking UI animations . New options to display button shapes, darken app colors, and reduce white point Other . New Camera setting to automatically enable HDR for iPhone 5s . iCloud Keychain support in additional countries . FaceTime call notifications are automatically cleared when you answer a call on another device . Fixes a bug that could occasionally cause a home screen crash . Improves Touch ID fingerprint recognition . Improved performance for iPhone 4 . Fixes display of Mail unread badge for numbers greater than 10,000 . Continued user interface refinements]]>

How to Get Navigation Directions (Even Offline) Without Buying a GPS Dedicated GPS devices are going the way of the dodo, and for good reason. That smartphone or tablet you have can be a capable GPS with turn-by-turn navigation. This works even if you don’t have a data connection. Find a way to mount your smartphone or tablet in your car and it can even make a capable in-car GPS solution. This is illegal in some jurisdictions, so check your local laws before mounting anything. **If You Have Mobile Data. Using a smartphone or tablet as a GPS is very easy if you have mobile data. Google Maps, Apple Maps, and even Nokia’s HERE Maps are capable map apps with turn-by-turn navigation directions. If you have data access, these solutions are better than a dedicated GPS device in many ways. You get a more user-friendly interface, up-to-date search results from the web, links to open websites in your browsers, and real-time traffic data. Some services will even route you around bad traffic on the fly. On Android, use the Google Maps app to search for directions to your destination. Tap the Start navigation button and you’ll be taken to a GPS navigation-style experience with spoken, turn-by-turn directions. On an iPhone or iPad, you can also install the Google Maps app and use it in a similar way. You can also use the Apple Maps app included with your device. Tap Directions in Apple Maps to get directions to a location, tap the Route option to view the route, and tap Start. Apple Maps will display turn-by-turn directions. http://cdn.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/use-apple-maps-for-gps-n avigation-on-ipad4.png Windows Phone users can use Nokia’s HERE Maps to get turn-by-turn directions in a similar way. **Offline Turn-By-Turn Navigation This all works great if you’re paying for mobile data, but you can use your device as a GPS navigation solution even if you don’t have mobile data access. Dedicated GPS devices include a GPS receiver and an offline map database they can use to display your location, provide directions, and allow you to search for locations. Your modern smartphone or tablet also has a GPS chip so it can determine its location offline – all you need is an app that will provide offline map data and navigation directions. Google Maps allows you to download map data and view it offline. To do so, zoom to the area you want to cache in Google Maps and type “OK maps” into the search box. You can then open Google Maps and see where you are on the map – the map will work fine even when you’re offline. Unfortunately, Google Maps doesn’t provide a way to get navigation directions offline. You can search for navigation directions before you leave Wi-Fi and continue using the cached navigation directions to get to your destination, but that’s it. If you’re looking for a free offline GPS navigation app for Android , try Osmand https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.osmand or Navfree. found here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.navfree.android.OSM.ALL If you’d like something more full-featured and polished, you may want to buy a paid app like Sygic found here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sygic.aura or one of the many other offline navigation apps in Google Play. Sure, they cost money – but they’re cheaper than buying a dedicated GPS device and having to pay for map updates. http://cdn.howtogeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/offline-gps-navigation-o n-android.png On iPhone or iPad, you can use Google Maps to save offline map data in the same way, but it still won’t provide offline navigation. Apple Maps doesn’t provide offline navigation instructions, either. You’ll find a variety of offline navigation apps in the app store, like the paid Sygic https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sygic.aura and CoPilot GPS. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/copilot-gps-plan-explore-offline/id504677517 ?mt=8 On Windows Phone, Nokia’s HERE Maps allows you to cache maps for offline use and even get navigation directions offline. _____ Note that you can’t use an iPod Touch as an offline GPS device. Apple’s iPod Touch doesn’t include GPS hardware, so it can’t use GPS to figure out where it is.]]>