Our eBook selection of the week: Friday, January 29, 2010

by Sheila Tofflemire on Friday, January 29, 2010, 7:45 am · 0 comments

in Featured eBooks

How to Write a Professional Resume

From the author:
Create A Show-Stopping Resume Today and End Your Job-Searching Efforts for Good!

  • Are you searching for one simple solution that would propel your career forward – professionally and financially?
  • Are you considering hiring a professional resume service, but can’t afford the lofty fee they charge?

The current high unemployment rate makes this book a very good idea, especially if you can’t afford to hire a professional resume writer.

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Hitler responds to the iPad

by Sheila Tofflemire on Thursday, January 28, 2010, 12:45 pm · 0 comments

in Miscellaneous, News, Technology, Trends

Like I’ve said before, forget the Kindle and its eReader imitators, forget the iPad — Get a netbook.

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Hot for Words: Origin of the word “Avatar”

by Sheila Tofflemire on Thursday, January 28, 2010, 7:15 am · 0 comments

in Fun with Words

Marina explains…


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Fed up with the eReader industry

by Sheila Tofflemire on Monday, January 25, 2010, 6:00 am · 1 comment

in News, Technology, Trends

I don’t own an eReader, I’ve never used an eReader, and I won’t be buying an eReader any time in the foreseeable future. Don’t get me wrong – I really thought I wanted one of these handy little portable devices – but I’m completely fed up with that whole industry. Why? Well, where do I start…?

  1. There are way too many eReaders currently on the market: Amazon Kindle, Sony, Barnes & Noble, COOL-ER, Cybook Opus, BeBook, Foxit, LG, etc.

    There is no need for so many different eReaders on the market. They can’t possibly all survive, which means there will be people stuck with useless devices that they won’t be able to get any accessories for. Then there’s the issue of eBook availability for the various devices. Read more on the glut of eReaders here and here.

  2. The prices for these dedicated devices are outrageous.

    Yes, I know there are some dirt cheap models on the market – good luck finding eBooks for them unless you like pirating. Take a look at the cost of the big name eReaders with the most features – you can just about buy a laptop for that kind of money!

  3. The advertisers keep hyping the so far nonexistent Apple tablet: the iSlate.

    First, I’ll believe it when I see it. Second, I am never going to spend $700, $800, $900 or more just so I can instantly download and read books and magazines on Apple’s latest (yet to be seen) gadget. So, we’re just supposed to wait, holding our breath for this? I don’t think so.

  4. Some companies with eBook readers make it impossible for non-American customers.

    The Amazon Kindle eReader device just recently became available in Canada where I reside. There is still some question about the availability of some of Amazon’s eBooks for Canadians. So why would I buy a Kindle? Then there’s Barnes & Noble. I won’t be buying a Nook. In fact, this is Why I won’t buy from Barnes & Noble period.

Conclusion

Here’s my plan: I’m not going to buy an eReader. And I’m not going to get in line for the iSlate either. I made up my mind quite some time ago that I no longer have the space for any more physical books, but I still want to satisfy my need for reading. Therefore, eBooks became my solution.

Instead, I’m going to hold out for a netbook. Why? Versatility combined with price, plus the size and weight are an acceptable compromise for me. Here’s someone else who totally agrees: Why I Choose a Netbook over a Dedicated Ebook Reader. If I’m going to spend a good chunk of change anyway, I want a device that’s actually going to give me value for my dollar.


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Why I won’t buy from Barnes & Noble

by Sheila Tofflemire on Sunday, January 24, 2010, 3:19 pm · 3 comments

in News, Technology

This is just a personal choice of mine, but I refuse to spend money at a company that is this stupid.

Case in point: In early December I tried to buy an eBook (for reading on my computer) from B&N’s online store, only to be met with a message stating that this book was not available for my geographic location. Huh? I then went to Sony’s online eBook store, found the identical eBook, paid for it and downloaded it immediately.

So, I emailed B&N that day and got this reply on December 14, 2009  — a few days later (emphasis mine):

Because selling eBooks to international customers involves issues regarding international copyright laws, tariffs, VAT taxes, currency conversions, etc., only US residents are able to purchase eBooks on the Barnes & Noble website at this time. Our customers in Canada will be able to purchase eBooks on our website starting December 1. So when did you try to order a e-book due to you are now able to download e-books while in Canada?

It appears that most of that response was a standard form letter, but note the last sentence: So when did you try to order a e-book due to you are now able to download e-books while in Canada?

I did not respond to that question because a) I made it clear in my email the date I tried to order, and b) that sentence is so poorly written it is clear I would be wasting my time trying to straighten that woman out.

Here’s a suggestion for Barnes & Noble: You obviously have taken the time to produce well-written form letters to provide a response to many potential questions. Don’t let customer service people adlib unless they are able to correspond more coherently. It does not help your image.

I thought I wanted to try the Nook; now I see that would have been a mistake. I would have had difficulty ordering eBooks from B&N – all because I happen to live in Canada.

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Hot for Words: Origin of the phrase “Beating around the bush”

by Sheila Tofflemire January 21, 2010

Have you ever wondered about the origin of that phrase? Marina investigates:

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Our eBook selection of the week: Friday, January 8, 2010

by Sheila Tofflemire January 8, 2010

Ultimate Debt Guide
How to Get Out of Debt Without Filing Bankruptcy!

There is a simple one page letter you can send to all of your creditors that will get you out of debt completely, improve your credit rating, or cut your monthly payments in half, INSTANTLY!
There is a way you can end harassing phone calls from [...]

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Hot for Words: Origin of the word “date”

by Sheila Tofflemire January 7, 2010

Have you ever wondered where the word “date” came from, or why we associate it with a romantic liaison? Marina explains…

Amazon.ca Widgets

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Most pirated eBook of 2009 competed with Adobe Photoshop Secrets

by Sheila Tofflemire January 5, 2010

The Kama Sutra…
My own feeling, from deep beneath my T-shirt, is that the “Kama Sutra” and “Adobe Photoshop Secrets” have largely been downloaded by the same people for entirely related purposes.

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Our eBook selection of the week: Thursday, December 31, 2009

by Sheila Tofflemire December 31, 2009

Healthy Urban Kitchen
Nutrition, Cooking & Lifestyle for Vibrant Health & Fat Loss
From the author…
This downloadable eBook provides the following guidance:

What to eat
When to eat
How much to eat
How to simplify shopping
How to cook — even if you are busy or not a fan of cooking
How to turn healthy recipes into delicious meals that reduce fat and [...]

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Hot for Words: Keeping up with the Joneses

by Sheila Tofflemire December 31, 2009

Have you ever wondered where that phrase came from? Here’s your answer:

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How do you feel about eBooks containing advertising?

by Sheila Tofflemire December 30, 2009

We all get tired of the mountains of junk mail we receive, especially around the holidays. Constant advertising breaks interrupt our favourite television shows. Yet, advertising is how we find out about the latest products and when they’re on sale.
But, how would you feel about advertisements appearing in the books you buy? It probably doesn’t [...]

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Merry Christmas to all!

by Sheila Tofflemire December 24, 2009

My Christmas Eve movie…

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

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Our eBook selection of the week: Thursday, December 24, 2009

by Sheila Tofflemire December 24, 2009

Cooking Turkey Made Easy
Just in time for Christmas!
An eBook you can really use for helping you prepare the perfect Christmas dinner.
From the author:
GOOD NEWS for people faced with the daunting task of preparing a turkey dinner meal for family, friends or colleagues.
Feeling stressed and anxious about hosting your
turkey dinner festivities?
At last! An easily [...]

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Hot for Words: Origins of the word Christmas

by Sheila Tofflemire December 23, 2009

And Marina explains where “Xmas” and “Santa Claus” came from, as well…

Visit Marina’s website here: Hot for Words

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