Clear 365 Blogs

10 Items or Less: Last-minute Labor Day getaway guide

If you've got the sudden urge to get away from it all this Labor Day weekend, it's still not too late! According to AAA, the number of people traveling over Labor Day weekend this year is expected to drop 13.3 percent from last year's decade high -- and that means plenty of great last-minute discounts and deals on everything from car rentals to cruises. 

Planning Makes Perfect

Yes, some things are more fun when left to spontaneity -- sampling a new dish or asking someone out, for instance -- but if you want to really enjoy summer's last blast, a little planning can make all the difference. Ask yourself a few questions before hitting the road: What do you want to get out of your vacation? (Do you want to meet people? Are there special points of interest you want to check out? Do you just want a good rest?) And though it can be tough -- we know! -- to actually find time to plan your vacation after wrestling with your boss for the few days off to take it, get started with a visit to these useful websites: Tripwiser.com will help you decide where to go, and provide destination information, points of interest, tours, visitor reviews, pictures and more. Tripit.com will help you stay organized, and make sure you have all the itineraries of your trip in order. Now that you have your pseudo-personal assistant, all you have to worry about is where to go!

Best Sites to Find Vacation Deals

Labor Day weekend is almost here, but there really are plenty of incredible last-minute travel specials just waiting to be snapped up. Check out the sites below -- our favorites -- for great deals on getaways. Travel not in your budget this weekend? Take a look, anyway. We're all penny-pinching these days, but saving smart now can lead to a relaxing and much-needed escape in the very near future: $15 a week in the vacation jar adds up to a 4-day cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas in just a couple months!

• TravelZoo.com
• CruiseCompete.com
• CheapTicketLinks.org
• LastMinuteDeals.com    

 

Budget-friendly Hotels

The recession is actually a good thing -- at least when it comes to Labor Day getaways. Thanks to the troubled economy, average hotel room rates are lower than last year, according to Orbitz.com: Hotel rooms in New York City, for example, are about $54 cheaper than this time in 2008, and average room rates in Las Vegas are $108/night, down $28 from last year. So if you've been dreading that annual backyard BBQ with your in-laws, here's your chance to escape.

Go Online!

If you still haven't buckled down and joined any social media networks, this might just be the incentive you need: When it comes to travel tips and tricks, look no further than online globe-trotters to lead the way. Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook let travelers and travel businesses share travel info and deals in "real time," with invaluable insider tips on hidden gems that you'd never find in a guide book.   

Hit the Road

So you've opted for and end-of-summer road trip to save some cash: Did you know there are ways to save even more just by driving a little smarter? Here are a few helpful tips:

· Before you hit the road, check the pressure on your tires. Keeping your tires properly inflated improves gas mileage by about 3 percent
· Keep a steady speed of around 60mph. Every 5 mph over that is equivalent to paying an additional 20 cents -- or more! -- per gallon for gas. Additionally, avoid rapid acceleration and braking. That can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds
· Turn down the AC! We know you think we're crazy for suggesting this, but the truth is, blasting your car's air conditioning can reduce MPG 5-25 percent compared to not using it. (If you're into gadgets, try one of those nifty solar-powered car fans)

· If you're parking your car in the sun, use a sunshade for the windshield to beat the heat

Healthy Snacks for the Trip 

We don't care how old you are, getting there is always more fun with good snacks along the way. Chances are you won't be watching the diet this Labor Day weekend, but here are some tips on delicious snacks that will at least keep you healthy on the way there and back!

·        summer berries

·        popcorn sprinkled with parmesan cheese

·        crunchy sliced apples and a jar of peanut butter

·        fruit leather

·        cheese sandwiches cut into squares (with or without the crust)

·        trail mix

·        yogurt in a tube

·        string cheese

·        dried apples

More tools to help plan your trip

• Currency Convertor
• Flight Tracker 
  
• Passports & U.S. Customs Info
  
• Travel Advisories & Health Tips
  
• Weather Forecasts 

Wherever you go, safe travels -- and happy Labor Day weekend!

Jennifer Lee & Joyce Liao, Clear365 Bloggers

10 ITEMS OR LESS: Top websites to bookmark during a recession

  

1. Barterquest.com & Swaptree.com
Ever wish you could get a little something for the loads of junk piled up in your closet? (Let's be honest here, you're never going to wear that sweater your aunt-who's-not-really-your-aunt Edna gave you last Christmas.) Instead of letting it pile higher, take your "junk" to Barterquest or Swaptree and find out what modern-day trading is all about! If you're looking to trade entertainment items (music, movies, etc.), head over to Swaptree. For a wider range of goods and services, check out Barterquest. They say one man's trash is another man's treasure -- so let the looting begin!

2. Bookmooch.com & Freeloadpress.com
You know those books you have stacked under the left end of your coffee table, to offset its always-lopsided leg? Or the ones you never quite got around to reading -- you know, the ones you're using as bedroom-door stops now? Well, the folks at BookMooch have a better use for them. When you join BookMooch's online community, you get to exchange your old or unused books for the ones you'd really like. Check the site out for yourself; you might be surprised at how many people actually want your paperback Danielle Steel romance novels. 

As every starving college student knows, it can be hard shelling out hundreds of dollars for textbooks when you can find a million more entertaining ways to spend your money. (That 'Principles of Biology' book really pales in comparison to the pair of shoes you've been eyeing for months. Do not despair, though, there is hope: Freeload Press offers affordably priced e-books and study aids (from $0 - $40, depending on the format you choose). Life can be good once again -- new shoes, here you come!

 

3. Etsy.com
Let's face it, sometimes the ol' 9 to 5 just doesn't bring in the dough as much as we'd like. But if you've got a little creativity up your sleeve and want to make a few extra bucks, then Etsy could be the place for you. The only criterion is that the items you put up for sale on Etsy.com be completely handmade -- don't go buying plastic combs from your local 99 Cents Only store and expect to make a fortune on re-sales. Don't think you've got it in you? Take a look at the site, anyway. You might be pleasantly surprised.

 

4. Skype.com
There's a price to pay for going international ... and we're seeing it in our phone bills. A recent call to a friend in Niger, for example, cost 50 cents a minute. That limited the conversation to about 4.5 minutes, two of which were spent on our explanation that future calls would be few and far between, as a direct result of the slumping economy. Then we discovered Skype, a downloadable software that allows you to connect with all of your globe-trotting friends and family via your computer. Skype offers super-affordable rates on international calls -- even better, if both parties are Skype users, the call is totally free. We're sorry to say, you now have no excuse to avoid those nagging phone calls from your mother-in-law.

         

5. Travelzoo.com & Homeexchange.com
Every penny saved counts, but when you can score a four-night Las Vegas vacation that includes airfare and show tickets starting at just $120, it's time to make an exception! Find great deals like this -- as well as to destinations all over the world -- on Travelzoo. Looking to penny-pinch even more? HomeExchange, a site where travelers connect to trade homes for their vacations, is an excellent hotel alternative. The only cost is a $99 one-year membership fee, but if you don't make an exchange in your first year, you get a second year for free. The site, by the way, was featured in the romantic comedy, 'The Holiday'; Cameron Diaz used it to swap homes with Kate Winslet, and enjoyed a lovely getaway in England.

 

6. Mint.com & Wesabe.com
How many of us have tried (and failed) to keep our New Year's resolutions to better track our finances and balance our checkbooks? During these tough times when money is tight, it's especially important to budget wisely. To get you on track once and for all, we suggest Mint, a free online personal-finance tool that helps with bookkeeping, realistic budget-setting and money-saving tips. It's like having your very own personal financial consultant, minus the hassle and fees. And to virtually meet and mingle with other budget-conscious people like yourself, click over to Wesabe, an online community dedicated to pooling users' information to help you make more informed financial decisions.

7. Retailmenot.com
So you've been extra good with your savings lately, and maybe want to treat yourself a little. That doesn't mean you need to make a huge dent in your wallet, though. Before you buy anything, head over to Retailmenot and choose from the site's selection of discount coupons from more than 20,000 stores. And because we don't all live like the Amish and make our own toothpaste, the site's not just for splurges: You can also find great deals for everyday shopping spots like Target and Walgreens.

 

8. Fatwallet.com & Slickdeals.net
For the most serious deal-hunters, community-oriented sites such as FatWallet and Slickdeals feature a growing network of savvy shoppers who tirelessly scour for the very best deals, then share their discoveries on online forums. While you may not find any bargains for that 60-inch TV you've been dreaming about, you just might come across an awesome 2-for-1 deal on a memory card for your digital camera. If you've got the time and the patience, these are definitely worth a look.

Until next time ...
Happy deal-finding!

Jennifer Lee & Joyce Liao, Clear365 Bloggers

When you're done surfing the Web, come back to ClearEntertainment

10 ITEMS OR LESS: Go green, save green!

Even if you already consider yourself among Mother Earth's "green" helpers because you're committed to the cardinal rules of eco-friendliness -- reduce, reuse and recycle -- there's tons more we can do to help green our environment. To start, check out these 10 easy ways to save our planet's most valuable resources -- and save a bundle of money, too!

1. Filter your tap water
We know you've got talent, but if you aren't planning to craft a chandelier out of those empty plastic water bottles, we suggest buying a filter and purifying your tap water instead. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste. And these days, eco-obsessives aren't the only ones hooked on re-usable water bottles. All the hipsters and celebrities are also following suit, and environmentally conscious brands including Sigg and Klean Kanteen offer bottles in a variety of sizes and colors. If not for the sake of protecting our planet, at least do it to look cool. (We won't tell.)

2. Freecycle!
We're all familiar with recycling, but what do you know about Freecycling? Websites such as Freecycle.org allow users to post free classified ads to get rid of old furniture, appliances and whatever else you might have collecting dust in the garage. Instead of throwing your unused stuff away, list it on Freecycle and connect with someone who will happily pick it up and put it to good use. (Think 'Garage Sale 2.0!') And the next time you're looking for a one-of-a-kind armoire, check your local Web listings before aimlessly scouring neighborhood yard sales. You'll thank us for saving you the gas money, too.

3. Unplug appliances
Unless you run a microwave-foods catering service and need to deliver freshly heated Chef Boyardee meals all day, there's no reason your microwave needs to be plugged in all the time. That goes for your toaster oven, TV, stereo and most everything else you've got plugged in around the house. Unplugging appliances when you're not using them saves a great deal of energy -- and that means savings on your monthly energy bill. If you'd rather not pull plugs in and out, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off, and prohibits "phantom" or "vampire" energy use. By the way, if you do have a wildly successful microwave-foods catering service, would you mind sharing your business model?

 

4. Pack light
We're all guilty of doing this: packing enough clothes to last a month for a weekend visit to Grandma's house. You may think the worst consequence of overpacking is maybe busting the zipper on your suitcase, but did you know that by overstuffing your luggage, you're indirectly harming the environment? According to studies, every extra 10 pounds an air traveler packs requires an additional 350 million gallons of jet fuel per year; that's enough to keep a 747 flying non-stop for 10 years! The next time you take a Hawaiian vacation, do Mother Earth a favor: Leave your snow jacket at home.

 

5. Cut out the junk mail
Ask yourself this question: Do you really need those random credit-card offers, pizza-delivery coupons and teeth-whitening promo ads (from some dentist you'll never visit) that show up in your mailbox every week? You know what we're talking about: Every year, 100 million trees are chopped down and turned into junk mail, and U.S. households receive more than 400 million tons of it annually. But according to Earthworks Group, cutting out junk mail is one of the most effective things we can do to reduce waste and pollution. To give your mailbox a junk-free makeover, register with the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service. We're sure you won't miss too many of those "deals" on hard-to-find collector's stamps and limited-edition porcelain dolls.

 

6. Eat green
Before you get down on all fours and start grazing on your front lawn, take a look at these 3 "green eating" solutions instead. (With these, at least the neighbors won't stare.)

-- Patronize restaurants, bars and coffee houses that recycle, practice energy and water conservation, serve organic food, and/or use biodegradable, tree-free products. Find a growing list of Certified Green restaurants here.

-- Buy locally raised, humane and organic meat, eggs and dairy products. That ensures you're getting the freshest, highest-quality food -- and helps keep money in the local economy.

-- Download the Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce. This wallet-size list will help you sort the fruits and veggies that are usually higher in pesticides (like apples and spinach) from those that are lower (like bananas and peas).

 

7. Clean the air -- with houseplants
Going green doesn't have to happen on a global scale, it can begin right in your home. Studies show that the air in our homes can be just as polluted as outdoor air, thanks in part to the cleaning products we use. Fortunately, common houseplants do more than brighten up a room: They actually help remove formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide and other nasty air pollutants. Think you don't have a green thumb? Not a problem! We suggest picking up a couple of easy-to-tend leafy toxin fighters, such as Lady Palm, Golden Pothos, English Ivy and Peace Lilies. (If formaldehyde won't kill them, they should be just fine on your window sill.)

8. Pass on the pore-pluggers
We don't mean to raise a stink, but the next time you buy deodorant, avoid anti-perspirants that rely on aluminum salts to seal up your pores. Instead, try an equally effective natural alternative, like Toms of Maine, available most anywhere that carries eco-friendly products. Why? As well as being a potential toxin, aluminum takes a tremendous amount of energy to mine. In fact, the energy you'll save by using just one stick of aluminum-free deodorant could power your laptop for 30 minutes! And if you're going to sweat through the suspense of that '24' episode on your laptop anyway, why not save the planet while you're at it? (We bet that's how Jack Bauer rolls.)

9. "Green" your laundry
No, we're not referring to the time you accidentally mixed that oddball lime-colored sock in with your whites. Research shows that as much as 85% of the energy used in clothes washers goes to heating the water, which means washing your clothes in cold whenever possible significantly reduces energy costs. In addition, switching to eco-friendlier detergents, fabric softeners and bleaches will also benefit the environment, including local wildlife. And we all know line-drying our clothes can save an enormous amount of energy, but for those rainy days when you have no choice but to tumble, consider adding dryer balls to cut drying time.

10. Download music
The '80s had cassette tapes, the '90s had CDs; now get with the times and start downloading your tunes! Each month, more than 45 tons of CDs become obsolete -- outdated or unwanted -- and end up in landfills. But before you convert all your CDs to digital and throw the hard copies away, look for stores in your area that buy unwanted discs. When you're done with that, click over to ClearMusic and treat yourself to some fresh selections (on MP3, of course). Registered Clearwire/Clear users get a 25% discount on every purchase.

Until next time, happy Earth Day!

-- Joyce Liao and Jennifer Lee, Clear365 Bloggers

For more money-saving tips -- plus the latest news, entertainment and music headlines and videos -- keep your homepage set on Clear365.com

Wednesday 4/22/2009

Android Manifesto: Bizarre USB devices

By Dave Conde

USB ports (or Universal Serial Bus, if you're nasty). You've got a few of them in your computer right now. And like anything else, if you've got an open port, there are people lined up to stick something in it. And most of the time it will be a bad idea.

At first, you plugged your mouse, printer, or blackberry into your USB port and that was fine. Then they invented those memory sticks, aka thumb drives, and that was fine, too. Until they ruined it.

Case in point:
Mooncake Drive
 
It's a little thumb drive in the shape of a traditional Chinese pastry that would be eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. That's fine, kinda cute, but it opens the door, see. It makes you realize that a thumb drive could look like anything.

Teddy Bear Drive
 

Speaking of cute, who wouldn't like to have a little teddy bear on their desk? And when you need to use the memory, just rip its little head off and jam the stump of a neck into your USB port.

Ahem, Humping Dog Drive

I can imagine the product design session:
''The decapitated teddybears did well. What should our next thumb drives look like?''
''How about some cute dogs? Everyone likes dogs.''
''I like it! We also have these little motors we can put in the drives so they will move. What kind of movement would a little dog stuck into your computer make?''
''I know! Why don't we make the dog look like it is hu...''

Does the Japanese language not have words for ''No, sir. I don't think that's a good idea''? (If you've read ahead, you know the answer is ''No''.)  I try not to judge other cultures, but the caption on their website for the above picture is ''USB meets LOVE.'' Oh, and they have a movie of the dogs. I can't in good conscience recommend that you watch it.

Webcams
Another common USB appliance is the webcam. What could go wrong?

Bunny Webcam

Well, the cuteness trend continues with the brilliant idea of shoving the camera into a little bunny. (The camera lens is in its nose.) What could be untoward about a webcam that doesn't look like a webcam? Best case-"Nanny"cam. Worst case-"Unsuspecting coed"cam.

Microscope cam

OK, I'll admit that there's not too much wrong with a microscope that connects to your computer. Sure, you'll only use it twice before shoving it in a drawer, but that's true about most gadgets. I showed you this mostly to show the progression to our next item...

Endoscope cam

At this point, you're either wondering what an endoscope is or you're shifting uncomfortably in your seat, possibly crossing your legs. For the benefit of the first group, an endoscope is the little, but not little enough, camera that they shove into various bodily orifices to look for polyps and whatnot. Now, officially, this USB version is not for internal use. It's for looking under furniture and around corners. But you know and I know that a bunch of these are going up somewhere they really shouldn't.
There, now we're all squirming uncomfortably in our seats.

Join me again next week for part two, where we will see what other body parts can be violated by USB devices.

--Dave Conde is refraining from posting the pictures of the more, um, anatomical adult novelties that are USB compatible. You and your therapist should thank him for that. Send your flash drives and comments to: androidmanifesto@clear365.com

	Android Manifesto: Girl Scout Cookie Facts    Android Manifeto: Things that shouldn't vibrate    Android Manifesto: 'Battlestar'-Old versus New    Android Manifesto: People don't talk so good no more    Android Manifesto: 'Star Wars' holiday quiz

REALITY CHECK: Learn the true story behind 'Lie to Me'

The lie was undeniable.

First, a raised lip for only a microsecond, followed by a briefly clenched fist, then a look to the floor, down and away. That signified guilt. Bad guy discovered. Case closed.

On the Fox television show, 'Lie to Me,' preeminent lie-detector Dr. Cal Lightman, played by Tim Roth, runs a consulting company called the Lightman Group, which specializes in helping people solve crimes. On the show, Lightman and his team of experts work on cases from protecting a Korean ambassador, to connecting linked suicides. Although this is a fictional show, the truth behind it may make you think twice about what those closest to you are REALLY saying.

Consider your everyday conversation with a friend or relative. They ask, "How are you?" You answer, "Fine, thanks. How are you?" In reality, you are miserable -- on the verge of collapse -- and couldn't care less about how they are doing (unless it's your mom, maybe).

According to the 'Lie to Me' website, this white lie-laced interaction isn't unusual. In fact, the site notes, "the average person tells three lies in 10 minutes of conversation." But what if you could read through all the lies, and know how everyone around you truly felt?

That's where the real-life work of Dr. Paul Ekman comes in. Ekman -- a clinical psychologist, behavioral scientist, author and talk-show regular who specializes in lying -- is the inspiration for 'Lie to Me' and its main character, Dr. Lightman. He also serves as the series' "scientific advisor." Ekman's highly sophisticated techniques range from studying the intricacies of body language, to the nuances of microexpressions, which are brief, involuntary expressions that show on the faces of people who try to conceal an emotion. Ekman's like the Obi-wan Kenobi of lie detection, appropriately referred to by his peers as a 'Truth Wizard.'

With his company, the Paul Ekman Group, Dr. Ekman develops training techniques for organizations and individuals on how to accurately read liars. Information regarding specific detection-training techniques and services is available through his personal website and his company site, METT Online. Among Ekman's online offerings are a self-administered Micro Expression Training Tool (METT); a Subtle Expression Training Tool (SETT); downloadable excerpts from his books (including the best-selling 'Emotional Awareness: A conversation between the Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman, Ph.D.'; updates on new research being conducted in the lie-detection field; a 'Lie to Me'-themed e-newsletter; and the doctor's personal blog.

One of the most fascinating examples of the potential impact of Ekman's techniques is in a 2006 article published in the Washington Post. In the article, "How to Spot a Terrorist on the Fly," Eckman discusses the use of a detection approach called SPOT (Screening Passengers by Observational Techniques). Had airport security personnel been trained to recognize microexpressions and body language, he writes, they might have caught some -- if not all -- of the people responsible for the 9/11 attacks.

"Several of them were repeatedly questioned, but no one recognized their lies," writes Ekman, regarding the 9/11 hijackers. "An airport screener later said he had been suspicious of one because of his strange demeanor on the day of the attacks. But the screener had no training that would have given him the confidence to act on his suspicions."

So what does all this mean?

-- Everybody lies (or least tells a few fibs every now and again)
-- Learning proper lie-detection skills, such as how to read microexpressions, can help you immensely in both your private and professional life
-- You don't need a Ph.D. in behavioral psychology to know when someone is lying to you: Take a look at Dr. Ekman's sites, maybe buy one of his books, and you're on your very own path to 'Truth Wizard' success
-- Aside from being an exceptionally useful skill, implementing lie-detection techniques can give you a real rush, too!
-- 'Lie to Me' is a good show with a good premise that is worth checking out

Enough said. Now watch 'Lie to Me', and see how well you track the tell-tale signs!

-- Ted Goslin, Clear365 Blogger

Find the TV, movie and celebrity news you crave at ClearEntertainment

Image credits:
'Lie to Me'/Fox Television
Davis Freeman, www.PaulEkman.com

10 ITEMS: Easy ways to keep the germs at bay

In light of the ongoing swine flu frenzy, we've gathered these 10 easy tips to help you stay healthy -- no matter what nasty bugs and germs try to keep you down ...

1. Cut down on alcohol consumption
Sorry to break it to you, but your friends who try to convince you to hit up the bars with the justification that alcohol kills germs -- and therefore pounding five shots of tequila will miraculously zap your lingering flu -- are far from being right. To the contrary, drinking alcohol when you're sick not only suppresses the immune system, but it also dehydrates your body and may very well counteract with whatever meds you've taken. If you're under the weather and dying for a drink, we suggest you at least boost your electrolytes with a fruit-flavored sports beverage. Or just stick with good ol' H2O.

2. Wash your hands
We feel like a nagging grandma saying this, but washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to avoid getting sick. In fact, a study by the Naval Health Research Center found that washing your hands multiple times a day cut instances of respiratory illnesses by 45 percent. And at Columbia University, researchers who looked for germs on volunteers' hands found that a single hand-washing had very little effect, even when antibacterial soap was used -- so wash twice if you're serious about fending off colds! If you really, really want to go Chuck Norris on those germs, we suggest carrying a travel-size container of hand sanitizer anytime you're out and about.

3. Freshen up with essential oils
Not only are essential oils good for freshening up your home, essences such as lavender, tea-tree and spearmint are great, natural to ward off germs and bacteria. Diffusing these oils in your kitchen, bathroom and bedroom may help prevent you from catching a cold in the first place. The scents can also help to sooth and relax your stuffy head if you have been bitten by the bug.

4. Eat yogurt
It's true: Not all germs are bad for you! According to studies, eating just a cup of low-fat yogurt daily can reduce your chances of catching a cold by 25 percent. Researchers have found that the beneficial bacteria in yogurt (both live-culture and pasteurized) stimulates the production of disease-fighting substances in our immune systems. So break out that yogurt and build up your immunity before flu season starts! (Sorry, folks: If the yogurt is frozen and says 'Haagen-Dazs' on the package, it doesn't count.)

5. Cover your mouth
Here's a common courtesy we were all taught as kids: Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Sure, it makes sense to block your sneezes and coughs to avoid hacking on the person next to you. But unless you wash your hands immediately after doing so, chances are you're spreading germs exponentially when your sneeze-covered hands come into contact with everything you touch. So unless you're King Midas, we suggest you carry tissues -- or cough/sneeze into your shirtsleeve.

6. Fill up on phytochemicals
It's basically just a fancy word for fruits and vegetables, but we figure if it sounds important enough you might go ahead and try it. "Phyto" means plants, and the natural chemicals in plants give the vitamins in food a supercharged boost. Don't get us wrong: Vitamin supplements can be great additions to your diet. But there's nothing like eating vegetables and fruits the way nature intended us to eat them. (The dark green, red and yellow ones are especially good for you.) We won't make you sit in the corner if you don't eat your veggies, but if you get sick you'll need the timeout, anyway.

7. Keep your hands away from your face
We know that irritating itch on the tip of your nose is begging to be scratched, but if you don't want to be coughing up a lung tomorrow, you'll take our advice and keep your hands off your face (OK, maybe it's not that serious, but you get the idea). Why does this matter? The average person rubs his eyes or nose, or scratches his face, 20-50 times a day. But the eyes -- along with the nose and mouth -- provide the ideal entryway for germs. If you must touch your face, try using your knuckles instead. They can be quite useful for eye-rubbing or alleviating an itch, at least until you get around to washing your hands. And your knuckles are also less likely than your fingertips to be contaminated with viruses.

8. Don't pop antibiotics without your doctor's OK
Colds and flu (along with most common infections) are caused by viruses, so antibiotics -- designed to kill bacteria -- won't do a thing to make them go away. Antibiotics can cause damage, however, by killing off the "friendly" bacteria that are part of our immune-system defenses. Additionally, the more we rely on antibiotics, the less effective they become over time. If you've used antibiotics a lot lately, consider a course of probiotics instead. (Think of this as the "replacement troops" for friendly bacteria.)

9. Keep your distance!
Yes, it's hard being away from your Significant Other for more than 24 hours. But if your special someone is coming down with something, give him/her their space. Lots of it. Viruses spread via personal contact and airborne transmission, so your best bet is to keep your distance. Of course the same applies to you: If you're feeling under the weather, stay home. Your boy/girlfriend will miss you, but your co-workers will thank you.

10. Take preventative measures
We'd love to think the above tips will keep the doctor away, but those darn germs can be quite stubborn. If you do end up feeling less than 100 percent, take a few of these steps to karate chop your nasty cold or flu the second it rears its buggy little head.

·    Suck on a zinc lozenge until it melts away, then another about every two hours. Most drugstores and groceries carry Zicam products, which include zinc-based lozenges and chewables.

·    If you don't have a stomach ache, eat some garlic spread on toast. Many scientists believe that garlic -- consumed fresh or as a supplement -- helps support immune functions and prevent infection.

·    Do not drink caffeinated beverages (sodas, coffee, non-herbal teas, etc.) because they increase your chances of dehydration.

·    Take a hot shower. The steam helps relieve congestion so that you can rest better.

·    Gargle salt water. It will temporarily ease your sore throat pain, and help keep it from getting worse.

·    Get plenty of rest. Probably the best thing you can do when battling a bug is to just take it easy, and give your body all the strength it needs to fight back.

·    Cook up a pot of chicken soup and eat a bowl of it in bed. Better yet, have someone who loves you cook it for you.

Until next time, stay healthy!

Jennifer Lee & Joyce Liao, Clear365 Bloggers

MAKE TAX DAY LESS TAXING: 10 freebies & deals

Even if you've already filed your income-tax return -- but especially if you're scrambling to hit tonight's deadline -- April 15 can be one of the most stressful days of the year. We're here to help: Relax and snack (and then go shopping) with these great Tax Day discounts and freebies.

1. Chick-fil-A
If you've been craving a chicken sandwich, waffle fries, carrot-and-raisin salad and Fruit Cup, now's the time to act. Thanks to Chick-fil-A's "Tax Relief Special," the meal you buy today will be the first of two. Just bring your receipt back within the next 30 days (from April 16-30), and you'll get an identical order absolutely free.

2. Cinnabon
According to the chain's website, Cinnabon's buyers travel "the spice-growing regions of the globe to find the very best, most flavorful cinnamon" -- and diet-devastating cream-cheese frosting -- to use in its signature sweets. All this running around, and Cinnabon wants nothing in return but to make weary taxpayers happy: Its Classic Bites bite-size cinnamon rolls are free for all on April 15 from 5-8pm.

3. McCormick & Schmick's
This national chain of seafood, steak and pasta restaurants -- also known for its happy hours -- is giving away certificates good for $10.40 off on future meals. In addition, entrees (regularly priced in the $15-25 range) are $10.40 all day today, and the bar is serving Tax Day-themed drink specials. 

4. McDonald's
In some cities, McDonald's reps will be stationed at local post offices, handing out McCafe customized postage stamps and coupons for free McCafe coffees. But throughout the country, hungry taxpayers can buy one Quarter Pounder or Big Mac sandwich and get a second sandwich for a penny.

5. MaggieMoo's Ice Cream and Treatery
In what this chain is calling its "e-cone-omic ice cream stimulus package," MaggieMoo's is giving away free single-scoop servings of its create-your-own-ice-cream-masterpieces all day today. Patrons can pop in anytime on April 15, select a base ice-cream flavor, then add whatever fruit, nut or candy mix-in they'd like -- no charge.

6. Papa John's Pizza
Famished 1040-ers need only place their orders online and use coupon code "1040" to get a large pizza with up to 3 toppings for -- you guessed it -- $10.40.

7. P.F. Chang's China Bistro
Have a hankering to spend Tax Day pigging out on egg rolls, BBQ spare ribs and beef with broccoli -- while surrounded by larger-than-life horse statues and faux terra-cotta warriors? Of course you do! Best of all, your entire check will be discounted 15%.

8. Taco Del Mar
Specializing in Baja-style fish tacos and Mission-style burritos, this mostly West Coast quick-casual eatery claims, "Delicious is our middle name." Today would be a fine day to see if TDM lives up to that name. In honor of the IRS, you can print out a free-taco coupon by logging on to the chain's website and filling out a brief "Taxes Suck. Tacos Don't" e-form."

9. T.G.I. Friday's
Get your T.G.I. flair on -- and maybe dive into a nice appetizer platter and a couple of Long Island iced teas. Today, Friday's will give a little something back to tax-paying patrons, in the form of a $5 "Bonus Bites" gift card for every $15-25 food and drink purchase. (The restaurant will give $10 "Bonus Bites" cards for tabs that total $25 or more.) 

10. QVC
When you've finished making the restaurant rounds, turn your attention to online shopping. Today only, QVC is making its TV-Web deals especially sweet: You'll get free standard shipping-and-handling for "top brand" beauty, fashion, electronics, home and garden, handbags, shoes and jewelry products -- you get the idea -- on all orders placed by 11:59pm EST.

Finally, a very special bonus deal for Clear and Clearwire registered users ...

11. ClearMusic downloads
Registered users take 25% off all ClearMusic store downloads! At checkout, just enter promo code CLEARWIRE25 (for Clearwire users) or CLEAR25 (Clear users) and your discount will automatically be applied.

 

4/15/2009
Disclaimer: Not all restaurant locations participate in Tax Day promotions. You might want to call before going out all of your way.

10 ITEMS OR LESS: Email gags for PC pranksters

There was a time when finger-snapping chewing gum and cans of snake-in-the-mixed-nuts were the gold standards in April Fool's Day shenanigans. These days, though, tomfoolery's gone high-tech. Because prank-playing now leans more toward Web capers than Whoopie Cushions, we give you the following 10 sneaky (but harmless) email gags:

1. GPS cell-phone tracking
Incorporating something called "repeater triangulation" -- and more than a little invasion of privacy -- this real-time cell-phone tracking system uses satellite GPS and Google maps technology to pinpoint a mobile phone's exact location. Just enter the cell number in need of tracing; within moments, the system will provide disturbingly accurate video results. 

2. Drivers' license search
Did you know that the National Motor Vehicle License Organization (NMVLO) now offers a free searchable database of more than 121 million U.S. drivers' license photos? It's true: Type the name of any licensed driver in the online box, and the NMVLO will provide you with electronic access to that person's complete driving history. 

3. FBI criminal records look-up
Follow this link, and you can easily, for free, look up any FBI criminal records in your name -- or at least check to see if the FBI has ever had a file on you. (You might be surprised.)

4. Monitor-cleaning software
Is your computer's image looking a bit grimy? That's because the interior of all computer screens is covered with bacteria, germs, dust and tiny electro-static charges that can be as dangerous to your health as cigarette smoking. The Centers for Disease Control recommended that all individuals who use a computer take steps to reverse and correct this potentially dangerous problem. Click to clean the inside of your computer monitor now.

5. Free anywhere phone calls, from any PC 
We're not talking about Skype, or another one of those pseudo-revolutionary P2P telephony devices you've been hearing about. Nope: Thanks to the principles of "acoustiphotoelectromagnetic resonance," you can keep in touch with friends and family across the globe by doing nothing more than talking into a color-sensitive panel on your computer screen. Nothing to download, nothing to install -- that's innovation!

6. Amazing Magic Cyber Camera!
This online digital camera (still in beta-testing stage) allows users to snap high-res, printable photos of themselves from their own computers -- even if their computers aren't equipt with picture-taking hardware. Want to try it out for yourself before passing it on? Sit in front of your monitor, look into the the lens, say "cheese" and click.

10. Your refrigerator's running: The next generation
For many of us, making prank phone calls was one of life's greatest thrills -- at least until everyone went and added caller ID. With the help of this terrific Web tool, though, now you can re-live those halcyon days of "May I speak with Al? Al Koholic?" Just type in the phone number you want to prank -- up to 3 per day, free of charge -- select a caller voice from the drop-down menu, and enter whatever personal message you'd like to have delivered. So long as the number of your intended "victim" is in the U.S. or Canada, your prank call will be executed exactly as prescribed.

8. ComputerTan.com
This "TAN-tastic" and "revolutionary new online service" allows you to catch some rays as you sit in front of your computer. More convenient (and safer) than spending the afternoon in direct sunlight -- or heaven forbid, at the tanning booth -- this technological breakthrough works by converting your PC's electrical impulses into radiated, factor-free UV rays. Who doesn't want to be a glowing beacon of health all year 'round? For a free five-minute trial, just click and follow the video guide's simple instructions.

9. Warning! Warning! Internet overload!
Just a gentle, genuine reminder from someone who cares: Every once in a while, it's a good idea to step away from the computer. And what better time to take a breather than than when you've come to the end?

10. RickRollin' (Again)
Finally, what would a roundup of April Fool's pranks be without a look back at last year's runaway favorite? This obsessively popular bait-and-switch revolves around popster Rick Astley's 1987 hit, 'Never Gonna Give You Up' -- which some would say fell under the "practical joke" umbrella even before it formally turned into a gag. In any event, here's how it works: Claiming a forwarded Web link is relevant to whatever topic's at hand, pranksters in reality send targets masked URLs to Astley's music video. When unsuspecting receivers click on the links, they are said to have been "RickRolled." (Go ahead, try it. You'll be happy you did.) Here are some URLs for your forwarding convenience, all masked and ready to Roll:


  -- apoke.com
  -- twitterranking.com
  -- potdispensary.com
  -- nudecamdance.com

 

 

And with that, our list of 10 April Fool's e-antics has come to its end. But before we leave you to attend to your emailing frenzy, can we interest you in a handful of delicious mixed nuts?

For your round-the-clock TV, movie and celebrity news fix, check out ClearEntertainment

Android Manifesto: Bizarre USB Devices 2

By Dave Conde

As we learned in the last blog, Bizarre USB Devices Part 1, just because you can stick something in a hole in your computer doesn't mean you should. We have, however, only scratched the surface. Now, in our second installment, we'll explore attempts to use the ubiquitous port on the side of your computer to master heat and cold.

Like most roads to Hell, we start with a good intention.

USB Mug Warmer/Cooler

This is a reasonable idea. Most of us, sitting in front of a computer have a mug of something or other on the desk and it's not too much of a stretch to use the power from the USB port to run a Peltier cooler/heater to heat or cool your drink. Not exactly necessary (most of us just use an insulated travel mug), but useful nonetheless.

If the mug warmer is the start of the slippery slope, where do we cross the line? It seems a small step to the USB Lunchbox:

If you're the type of person who eats lunch at your desk and never sees the light of day, this will keep your lunch warm without the horrifying burden of taking it down the hall to the communal microwave. Not too bad. I don't think we've crossed the line yet, but what about the USB refrigerator?

Is it too much to ask to be able to plug a device into your computer to keep your drinks cold? How about when you consider that refrigerators are usually the biggest power drains in the average home and you want to plug one into your laptop? Is that a little much?

On the warming side how about USB Gloves to keep your hands warm at the desk?

 

I know that keeping your hands and wrists warm can help with carpal-tunnel issues, but do you want to start tethering yourself to your computer? And does it help or hurt that they look like decapitated bear heads?

The next obvious step is keeping your feet warm, as seen in these USB slippers.

These are probably better than the space heaters that people put under their desks to stay warm and short out the office fuses. Symbolically, is there any stronger way to show that you are trapped in a soul-crushing job than to connect your feet to your computer like some Georgian chain gang?

And what if you don't need warming but rather cooling? Obviously you need an air-conditioned shirt.

There is no better way to stay cool in a hot office while simultaneously looking like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man than the USB shirt. Well, this guy looks kinda silly, but I'm sure it'll look good on you.
 

Has your air-condidtioned shirt made your chest too cold? No problem, you can just use another of your USB ports to power these "Bust Beauty Pads." That's right--pads that you plug into your computer that apply heat to your bust.

Now, I can't read Japanese but I'm familiar with their gadget-proclivities and I would wager that these are not only intended to keep you warm on a winter's day, but they are supposed to induce breast growth. And they should work as well as any of the organ-growth products that flood your inbox, plus at least they could keep you warm.

I know that one of the keys to inventing is filling a need that no one else is filling, but a breast warmer? I mean, maybe I'm exposing my own male ignorance, but are cold breasts a current pandemic? Sure, any part of your body can get cold, and I'm all for taking care of your more "sensative" parts, but why not a sweater? 

It's easy to imagine that the sharp, inventive minds behind this product have never had the opportunity to see an actual woman's breasts. Of course, if the target market consists of other men such as themselves, sitting in their moms' basements, eating Twinkies in front of the keyboard, they may have their own breasts to keep warm. Or, as in the picture, those of their mannequins.

Cold mannequin breasts. Now there's a need that wasn't being filled by the marketplace.

--Dave Conde risks his own sanity searching the dark corners of the internet to bring back the things you don't need to see. Send pictures of your cold body parts and comments to: androidmanifesto@clear365.com

	Android Manifesto: Girl Scout Cookie Facts    Android Manifesto: Things that shouldn't vibrate    Android Manifesto: Bizarre USB devices1    Android Manifesto: People don't talk so good no more    Android Manifesto: 'Star Wars' holiday quiz