Around the Web: Map Your Mind

Instructions Included

I've been suffering recently with a clogged drain in my bathroom sink. It's one of those things I'd really hate to call my apartment maintenance guy on since it's (probably) a really easy fix. But I'm not really sure how to go about doing it. Instructables to the rescue! You can find tutorials on how to do almost anything on this site - helpful stuff, mundane stuff, and even completely absurd stuff. Here's a sampling: How to Sharpen your Drill Bits, How to Clean your Sinuses, and How to Make a Brass Bird Cage Dress. Oh, and yes, I did find one on How to Unclog a Sink. Ew.

Map Your Mind

I've discussed Mind Mapping several times here at OfficeArrow, and I've even provided a few online tools to help you do it, but I just couldn't resist adding another one to the list: Mind42.com. This is created specifically for collaboration so multiple users can simultaneously edit. There's no special installation involved and the system is super easy to use. And, best of all, it's free!

Free the Writer Inside

As a writer, I often fantasize about being published. I imagine the fancy cover of my book, the quotes from famous authors raving about my work, the beautiful first page where I thank my mother for believing in me, everything! But then I think about the traditional publishing process and I get discouraged. So, when I stumbled across Blurb, I sat up and took notice. You see, I'm a big fan of utilizing technology to do things for myself, and that's exactly what Blurb is all about. This website helps eliminate the middle man: No agent or publisher needed! Just download their free bookmaking software and you have complete control over the creation of your book. You can then order as many (or as few!) copies as you want straight through Blurb. These books are top-notch, store quality too. The opportunities are almost endless...

O.M.G.

Girl Scout Cookies. Who doesn't love ‘em? They're fabulously delicious, but their limited-time availability can make a gal want to hoard them in her freezer like they're the last remnants of the earth's food supply. I know. I've been there. And while we certainly want to support the good works of the Girl Scouts, we sometimes can't go a whole year between fixes. This is why I am completely and utterly indebted to BakingBites.com. Here, you can find recipes for all of them: Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, and my personal favorite, Do-Si-Dos. I'm not really much of a baker but something tells me, I'm about to get a little practice.

OA Retro: Healthy Snacks to Fight the Afternoon Blahs

I felt I had to counteract the information above with an article that advocates healthy snacking. Use the helpful suggestions here to get back on the bandwagon after you've tried all those homemade Girl Scout cookie recipes!