Thursday, June 26, 2014

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.

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Thursday, June 19, 2014

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.

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Thursday, June 12, 2014

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.

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Monday, March 17, 2014

Music Monday 161 :: Alice Smith's "New Religion: (Live)

Music Monday 161 :: Alice Smith's "New Religion" (LIVE)

After my recent purchase of an iPad Mini, my music library did not transfer smoothly to the new device. It's a bit cumbersome to add your own non-iTunes music to Apple devices - one of my biggest pet peeves about the company.

I say all that to say, one track that somehow weathered the storm is Alice Smith's "New Religion." Her rich and nuanced voice is ultimately relaxing. It's hard to believe that it's been, what, six years since this track was first released.

Check her out on Instagram too.

Here's a live version of "New Religion."  Or check out the original version. Enjoy.


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Sunday, June 23, 2013

The Egyptian Way :: Secondary Evacuation Point

Never found the primary evacuation point. The bigger question: what’s the need for this? Discovered at the Movenpick in Hurghada. Taken June 2013.



via the ohradiogirl Tumblr 

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Sunday, June 09, 2013

The Egyptian Way :: Water Delivery

So excited to see the Nestlé water for my cooler. It’s been several months since the fire at the Cairo area plant, but it seems that they're back up and running. Now let's see how long this will last me with the heat wave that's currently taking place.


via the ohradiogirl Tumblr 

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Monday, May 27, 2013

Coffee delivery? ... or Starbucks Via to the Rescue?

This grading is no joke! Was just abt to order coffee for delivery; then remembered I have Via from @Starbucks! Thx @prettygirlfriday for the recommendation.



via the ohradiogirl Tumblr 

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Friday, May 10, 2013

My Latest Shoe Purchase

My Latest Shoe Purchase

I know that the shoe diva (and my fashion forward sister) @prettygirlfriday will not be happy that I’ve purchased these Crocs. But they’re so comfortable and so what I need in Cairo.

And how convenient ... I didn't even know that there's an authentic Crocs shoe store in my neighborhood. I saw another pair that I want too, but I'll give this pair a try first.



via ohradiogirl Tumblr 

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