Around the Web: Bargain Hunters, Can I Get a Woot?

Technology Can Make the World a Better Place!

Some of the things people do with technology are fun, but most of it is pretty useless (e.g. Virtual Bubble Wrap). I love seeing how technology can really help improve lives. Stargazer allows you to use public text messaging to notify others that you're safe in case of an emergency. Just send a message to 80911 from your cell phone, then friends and family can log on to Stargazer to see that you're ok. The idea was born in the aftermath of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, when people had such a difficult time connecting with their loved ones.

Going Paperless Was Never So Simple

Pixily is a new online service that makes the whole "green" lifestyle a realistic possibility for each of us. It works like this: sign up for an account (there's a basic, free version available), then you receive postage paid envelopes for sending all of your paper documents. Pixily uploads them and provides PDF versions to you in one easily organized online interface. Use it to store account statements, notes, contracts, reference materials, anything! I think I'll be giving this a try soon so I'll report back...

Did Someone Say "Bargain??"

All you bargain hunters out there, listen up: Woot is a daily must. There is only one deal per day and when it's sold out, it's sold out. Done. Sometimes it's the exact thing you've been looking for. Other times, it's a feather duster you couldn't care less about. But remember, every day it's different. And if it's the perfect pair of running shoes you've been longing for, jump on that deal! It won't last long.

For Us Word Lovers

Wordie's tagline says it all: "Like Flickr but without the photos." Basically, the site lets you make lists of words and phrases - group them any way you wish: love ‘em, hate ‘em, topic specific. You name it. Add to open lists or just browse randomly. I'm not an image person, so Flickr has never really sucked me in. But words? That's a different story.

Online Real Estate Addiction

For those of us who can't afford to play around in the real real estate market, we can do it virtually with the Mansion Impossible game. You can buy and sell property as the market goes swinging up and down. It's silly but really fun. Enjoy!