Journal

Software programs and web applications are very handy, but which ones do you use most?
Let me break it down for everyone.

• operating system
• office and document suites
• email service
• instant messenger
• media player
• RSS feed reader
• internet browser
• PC protection
• photo service
• bookmark manager
• online maps
• blog software
• widgets
• add-ons/extensions
• calendar/event manager

This is a pretty good breakdown of tools that most of us use on a daily basis. Others are frequent but not as important. If you are like me, you have more than one application for each category but have just the one that you use the most.

So in the comments section, list your faves and maybe even try to justify it a little bit. Maybe someone reading your suggestions is sitting on a fence and may lean towards it with your help.

Example: 3 OS: MS Vista on one PC for testing, WinXP Media Center, Ubuntu Linux on the laptop.

Add yourself to the informal poll!

With so many websites in the Mojo Network, I don’t have time to add blog posts to every social site I am a member of. These websites are my spaces. I am paying for the domain names and server space so why would I consistently use the free, hosted sites? As someone recently said “It’s like remodeling your kitchen in the home that you rent” it just adds content to something that isn’t yours and the host makes money off of the content. No thanks!

So why am I on Facebook/MySpace/lickr, etc? Because a lot of people are on them. You go where the traffic is to glean information and to network. Also, think of the social sites as parties. You go to see and be seen, and have a good time doing it, right? The same holds true online as well. With RSS feeds, and open networks between all of the various web apps, I don’t have to go to say, Facebook and post content from Photo Mojo because it is done automagically.

Facebook- I use this strictly as a means to view what others are doing or find interesting. Anytime one of my contacts adds something it is tracked and delivered via RSS feed so I can bypass the site and its increasing advertisements. Look me up: Chris Denbow

Linked In- Think of it as a web 2.0 contact book for workers seeking to expand their professional network. Let’s get linked: Chris “Mojo” Denbow

Plaxo- Used to be the bane of the professional world because of spamming issues and no privacy but has cleaned up and makes nice with more than a few applications since joining Google’s Open Social initiative. I just recently signed up so I can add/remove/sync all of my contacts from Gmail, Outlook, LinkedIn and my smartphone. Add me: Chris “Mojo” Denbow

Outlook 2007- quickly becoming my first stop when managing contacts as well as a social tool. Third party software including Xobni (inbox spelled backwards) allows you to connect with your contacts.

Windows Mobile 6.1- all contacts are stored into my phone, just in case it is needed. Sync’d with Outlook/Plaxo/Gmail/LinkedIn it is an indispensable tool on my smartphone. By using Fring, mobileware that allows you to chat with your contacts via Google Talk, Skype, Twitter, etc the value just increased.

Groups- Got a collaborative project? Need to connect with like-minded people? Both Yahoo & Google Groups are the place to go when you want secure interaction and a place to hang out collectively.

Twitter- almost as good as instant messaging individuals and groups about whatever it is on your mind or for event tracking in 140 characters or less for each “tweet”. Read/Share tweets: mojodenbow

These sites and connections help build my digital brand and allow me to meet new people both on/offline. There are people I meet with similar passions out there that I want to share with. There are a huge number of folks I meet that I need information and can learn from.

What social tools do you use to connect with new people, contacts? Let me know!

I love you, Jenny.

Daphne was born with a full head of hair and was down to her chin/shoulders until today when Wonderwife decided to take matters into her own scissors. Here is the result of her first haircut. It is amazing to me that an almost-one-year-old can have this much hair, but then again, she comes by it honestly!

The Mojo at 9 months

My mother tells me that when I was 6 months old, my father locked us into the bathroom and cut my locks while mom was trying to bang the door down. He was tired of everyone saying "what a cute girl you have there". Of course, it grew back…

Wonderwife just received a birthday makeover with new hairstyle this weekend and looks fantastic! While she was enjoying that, little DVD and I headed out for a daddy/daughter day that included shopping for WW, playing, eating out and a quick nap. With her makeover and a quick look into the mirror (and scale), it was decided a makeover for the Mojo was long overdue.

Physical-

1. Specific, daily workouts
2. Better nutrition (no junk or fast food!)
3. De-stress
4. supplements
5. yoga(?)

Mental-

1. Learn something new
2. Get back into printed books

Spiritual-

1. Read the Bible daily
2. find a church home here in Houston

Social-

1. unplug and truly be more social as opposed to Twitter, IM, Skype
2. Rebuild my network of fascinating people

At 35 pushing 36, I need this. Watching Olympians train and achieve their goals is pretty good inspiration this week. Not to mention Wonderwife is strutting around the house, bragging that not only is she younger than I am, but looks & feels like it too. I’m getting a redesign. Makeover sounds so….girly.

photo courtesy of Mindy

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Lets face it, The Mojo Network wouldn’t be around if it wasn’t for your readership and participation, I know this and it is encouraging. Heck, it inspires me to keep it up. I won’t quit my day job over it because lets face it, this is one of many hobbies for this enthusiast. So, enough about me for now. What about you?

Here’s your opportunity to share your passions. Want free advertising? Shoot me an email to mojodenbow AT gmail.com with “Me, Me, Me” in the subject line. Add your company name, what you do there, the service it provides, company home page or blog. Your company may be chosen at random to get some free ad space on this site.

Got a project you are working on that needs publicity? Add it to the comments of this article or shoot me an email.

Do you write/maintain a bLog that needs a little link love? Gimme.

Festival coming soon? Shoot me the details and we’ll promote it.

Shameless plugs are welcome.

Have something to say about a product or service mentioned in previous articles? Why not express your opinion in the comments so others can join in on the discussion? Who knows, you may just start a conversation that affects change.

Let’s turn my monologue into a dialogue.

This is difficult to admit for a guy who was born/raised, as an Okie but I am enjoying being a Texan now. I’ve been here in Houston a month and am loving almost every bit of it. One aspect I enjoy has been comparing Texas beers like Shiner Bock and Lone Star. Previously, I have been a big fan of British ales, stouts, Mexican and recently settled down on Budweiser. Now, since Budweiser has sold out to the Belgians, I want an American beer.

Yep, I am loving Lone Star beer. Not only is it American, but it is TEXAN, damn it!

Challenge: If you see the Mojo at a function/event with a Lone Star beer in hand and snap a photo, you get a case of the good stuff on me. Free beer? Yowza…

Holy moly! Has it really been over a year since WonderWife went out on a date? Where did the time go? How does a married couple date these days? It has been too long.

We have a very good reason and she is being watched by her grandparents tonight. So goodnight, little DVD… we love and miss you but we need time for ourselves!

Welcome to Houston, Edouard, originally uploaded by Photo Mojo.

Edouard never developed into a hurricane but he is bringing us a LOT of rain. Shot from I-10 eastbound near downtown.

Just like every other teen guy in the 80’s, I secretly wished I was Robert Palmer for a day.

Looks like we’re in the path of Mr. Ed here in Houston. Not expecting any damage here in Katy but we should get a nice soaking from it provided the winds stay lower than hurricane force. A few people on Twitter suggested we have a tweetup on the Galveston Island seawall to greet Ed. Sounds like fun!

Show’s Over, originally uploaded by Photo Mojo.

Southern Backtones lead singer Hank Schyma finishes the set at the Hard Rock Cafe with a literal bang while drummer Todd Sommer looks on.

southernbacktones.com/index.html

www.houstonpress.com/2008-07-24/music/armed-forces-the-20…