My Favorite iPad Apps :: Part 3 of 3

My Favorite iPad Apps :: Part 3 of 3

The apps in this short series are in my regular rotation - I use them daily.

Evernote logo borrowed from Assistive Technology

Evernote: A note-taking application.

Pros:

• This app has proven useful for me for grocery lists. I make the grocery list on one device and then make sure I sync devices before heading to the grocery store. The inclusion of the check box is simple yet helpful.

• I audio record my students presentations, usually about 5 minutes. I also tag the notes and they're easy to access for grading.

• For taking notes, meeting minutes and outlining presentations, it's nice to have some formatting options like italicizing and indentation.

• My Instagram pics are automatically synced to Evernote thanks to ifttt.

• The Evernote app is great for capturing business cards and organizing them, however, make sure you double check the details to make sure that it's correct.

• Before I travel, I use Evernote Clipper to capture and file notes on places to go and things to do. I assume that I won't have Internet access and I'll activate Evernote Premium to access the folder offline.

• I don't really use a calendar/task app, I sync my Google Calendar with my iPhone/iPad. Simple and easy. I also don't use the reminder option since I use that feature exclusively with Google Calendar.

Cons:

• I think the paid platform is too expensive for what you get and have access to.

• With the paid platform, you get offline access, however, you have to download and sync in advance. Depending on the size of the notebook that you want to access offline, it could take some time for it to download.

• I know that Evernote and Moleskin have a happy relationship, however, I have the Evernote Notebook by Moleskin and I'm not seeing the big difference between it and any other notebook.

Evernote is available for the iPad, iPhone and Android devices.

I hope that you've enjoyed the My Favorite iPad Apps series. Please share your thoughts on the Evernote app and the other apps in the series in the comments.

Music Monday 167 :: Snoop Dogg "Gin & Juice" LIVE w/The Roots

Music Monday 167 :: Snoop Dogg "Gin & Juice" LIVE w/The Roots

Just in time for summer ... a live concert performance of what will surely be a classic (a little premature to make that claim; at least in my book).

This is not my favorite song, but I do love a party starter and this is that. And to have this performance backed up by The Roots, who I love unconditionally, is certainly one way to win me over.

It's not too late to get in shape ... not for summer, but for life!

It's not too late to get in shape ... not for summer, but for life!

It's typical for me to troll YouTube seeking workout videos. My preference is for vids that are short but effective. Sometimes I want to move, but I don't have the energy. Other times, I want high impact.

The FitnessBlender vids are interesting. They're usually short, but you will do either 2 or 3 rounds - or you can just do what you have time to do or what you can do.

The instructions are perfect and of course there's the visual to help offer guidance as well.

This particular vid is great because you have a bit of a pause between each 40-second exercise; and there are eight (8) exercises in the round. It ends up being about 22 minutes in total.

So get movin and give it a try.

Beginner Boot Camp Workout -- Easy Toning & Low Impact Cardio Workout

My Favorite iPad Apps :: Part 2 of 3

My Favorite iPad Apps :: Part 2 of 3

The apps in this short series are in my regular rotation - I use them daily.

Stitcher logo borrowed from EdReach.us

Stitcher Radio: Stitcher is a way to organize your podcast listening.

Pros:

• There are lots of categories to chose from, keeps track of listening stats, sync across devices, offers suggested listening.

• I have created playlists such as my favs, media, etc. It's nice to hear the various podcasts back to back.

• Typically, I begin my Stitcher use by listening to the headlines especially for AP Radio News. The AP newscasts are about 3 minutes.

• You can opt-in to get notifications when new episodes of your favorites are available.

• When you sign up and sign in on the desktop app, it's syncs your account so that you can pick up where you left off.

Cons:

• There are many podcasts to chose from, but surprisingly not all podcasts are available on the platform. 
• The options to 'thumbs up' and 'thumbs down' a podcast is a bit too small.
• The description is much larger than the 'play' button. They could easily give equal space so that the 'play' button is easy to access.
• There are some advertisements that run between podcasts. So far, it's not too annoying. However, if you do find it annoying, Stitcher has a paid non-ad platform.

Stitcher Radio is available for the iPad and the iPhone.

Please check back next Thursday for the last installation of My Favorite iPad Apps. And please add your comments about your experience with Stitcher Radio.

TRAVEL :: Budapest, Hungary

TRAVEL :: Budapest, Hungary

My trip to Budapest was absolutely amazing.

My love of the water and architecture was fulfilled around nearly every corner.

I stayed in the Castle Hill District, borrowed a bike and immensely enjoyed the Hungarian culture.

Here's a quick peek at some of the sights. Storehouse is the platform for the photo essay.

My Favorite iPad Apps :: Part 1 of 3

My Favorite iPad Apps :: Part 1 of 3

I've been an iPad owner for several years now. It's true that I have not always drank the Apple Kool-Aid, and I'm certainly not gulping it now, but I do love a good app.

The apps in this short series are in my regular rotation - I use them daily.

Zite logo borrowed from Twit.tv

Zite: It's a curation site for news and information, but it also helps you discover news and information.

Pros:

• Looking forward to the merger of Flipboard + Zite, but for now I'll focus on how I currently use Zite.

• For me that's what differentiates it from other curation applications. Your ability to 'thumbs up' and 'thumbs down' an article will bring you more or less of what you like and dislike.

• I use Zite for curating information on the following topics: Journalism, teaching, technology, iPad apps, Cairo, travel, podcasting, hip hop and more. I love it for a quick glance of what's happening now.

• You can sign up and then sign in to the app. It will sync across devices.

Con:

• After the app has been idle for a while, it will wipe out what you were reading and refresh the page automatically. You will rarely find your way back to the same spot, but it depends on how much time has lapsed. It think it would be better if the app asked if you want to refresh.

Zite is available for the iPad and the iPhone.

Please check back next Thursday for the next installation of My Favorite iPad Apps. And please share your comments about your use of the Zite app.

The Egyptian Way :: 3 Places to Order Groceries Online in Cairo

3 Places to Order Groceries Online in Cairo

I've been living and working in Cairo, Egypt for five (5) years and like in the U.S., it's my preference to physically go shopping. I like to see and touch the veggies and it's just nice to get out and about.

Cairo is a busy city! And frankly speaking, sometimes I just don't feel like going out. In the U.S. when I had that feeling, I would just go without or get off my ass and go to the grocery store.

In Cairo, good groceries are just a 'click' away and even with the 'click' the groceries may arrive within the hour. I say that because I know that you can order just about anything now on Amazon and it will arrive in a day or so. So that is a very nice option.

I don't order that often so I don't have a preference for a particular company listed below. I usually buy from the one that has the most items that I want in stock.

It should be noted that it is possible that you can find many of the items listed on any of these websites at cheaper prices if you visit a local market. There's a price for convenience - I'm all about convenience.

Gourmet Egypt

• Maybe one of the most popular online grocery stories. The name says a lot. However, because of it's popularity, they are often out of some items.

• Good experience ordering from them. They have a physical store in my neighborhood and the delivery is speedy.

• They have several physical stores around Cairo.

• The website is easy to navigate
• In English
• Various categories like 'gourmet delights' which is great for planning parties. 
• They have a search field.

• There is often a sale of some sort.

• They now offer gift cards in increments of 150, 250 and 500LE.

• The delivery fee (typically 9LE), times and locations is posted in the 'delivery/returns' section.

• They email you the receipt, but it does not include information about delivery times.

• One problem, if an item is not in stock they will email you. However, I think that they should call you so that if you want to cancel the order because certain items are no longer available, you will have that option. 

• Payment on delivery: cash or credit.

My June 5th order from Gourmet Egypt.

Offah

• Great experience with this company because they emailed the receipt and the approximate delivery time. They arrived on time with a bounty of food and I was able to pay with my debit card.

• Good prices and a good quantity.

• The website is easy to navigate.
• In English.
• Various categories.
• They have a search field.

• Information about delivery fee (9LE) and times is listed under 'customer service.'

• Payment is cash on delivery.

Nature's Gifts Stores

• I've ordered from this company before. Good experience.

• The website is easy to navigate.
•  In English, which is interesting because they have a video tutorial in Arabic. 
• A variety of categories to select from including non-food items.

• They offer some hard to find items like buckwheat, quinoa and gluten free products.

• They also email you your receipt and details of the delivery time and the final cost.

Happy grocery shopping.

Music Monday 166 :: Left Boy "Security Check"

Music Monday 166 :: Left Boy "Security Check"

This video dishes out a little bit of hilarity with an issue all travelers are familiar with: security checks.

Catchy lyrics and a danceable track are paramount with this song and video. Oh, and there's some 'questionable' language.