Martha's Amazon Store

Monday, June 28, 2010

Restoring Factory Settings

My computer had gotten slower and slower, so I decided to erase everything, and start all over. I'd signed up for Dell "Your Tech Team" and decided to phone them before getting started. Once I was halfway through erasing everything, and realized they hadn't given me all the required start up disks. So, this time, I figured I'd make the phone call.

I spoke with a helpful technician, who told me rather than formatting everything, to try to Restore Factory Settings instead. I'd still have to back-up everything first.

After a couple of hours, we were up and running, and he gave me one more piece of advice. In about a week, I'd get about 30+ windows updates, and a few days after that, I'd get another batch of updates. The entire system would work much better if I wait until after these updates to start installing software and copying my files back. Talk about annoying!

I guess the idea is that the read head on the hard disk doesn't need to bounce around as much if we wait.

Also, be sure to create restore points!

One last tip, he told me. Restore to factory settings every six months!

Well, I'm doing what he says, and we'll see if the machine runs any faster.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

June Payments - End of Month

fusionmails.com
AdPaid.com
charmedideas.com
CashinClicks.com
AdPaid.com
charmedideas.com
my-ptr.com
RareMails
oldamsterdampost.com

jjclix.com
MatrixMailsbgpaymail
PolarPTR
showcaseptr.com

Payments Waiting

AllMyMoneyForYou: 2 Requests Ahead of You, 30 days old
Deep-c-Links: 70 Request Ahead of You, 74 Days Old (Second Request Due to Exceeding Maximum Allowed Balance)
EmailsForAds - 60 Days Old, No Been Paid Page, Requested Again 6/24/10
E-Qoo2: 32 Request Ahead of You, 71 Days Old
LadyOfTheLinks: 5 Requests Ahead of You, 74 Days Old (Second Request Due to Exceeding Maximum Allowed)
OrangeBizs: 266 Requests Ahead of You, 18 Days Old
PolarBearClicks: 11 Requests Ahead of You, 37 Days Old
RoseBizs: 9 Requests Ahead of You, 110 Days Old, Been Paid Page Removed

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Amazon Kindle Drops to $189

I purchased my first Kindle Wireless Reading Device
two years ago for about $360, and now it's close to half the original price. Also, it's a better unit now, since it has Global Reception. There are a lot of public domain books you can download at no additional cost. It has a rudimentary Basic Internet connection for when you're away from your computer. And it will store up to 1,500 books! In fact, I've downloaded thick computer manuals which are now too heavy for me to hold for long periods of time. But the Kindle Wireless Reading Device
is only 10.2 ounces! It's also just over a 1/3" thick. Enjoy a 3G wireless coverage at home or abroad in over 100 countries. No annual contracts, no connection fees, no monthly fees and no searching for hot spots.

I've used the built in dictionary a lot! The six font sizes are wonderful, because when I'm tired, I simply move to a larger font size.

We've subscribed to the Wall Street Journal and Reader's Digest for a while now. It's wonderful to be able to read the newspaper without worrying about used newspapers stacking up.

Check it out yourself!





Be sure to check out the Kindle Best Sellers also note the free books at the right.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

June Payments

CashinClicks.com
AdPaid.com
charmedideas.com
my-ptr.com
RareMails
oldamsterdampost.com

jjclix.com
MatrixMailsbgpaymail
PolarPTR
showcaseptr.com

Payments Waiting

AllMyMoneyForYou: 2 Requests Ahead of You, 26 days old
Deep-c-Links: 100 Request Ahead of You, 76 Days Old (Second Request Due to Exceeding Maximum Allowed Balance)
EmailsForAds - 56 Days Old, No Been Paid Page, Requested Again 6/24/10
E-Qoo2: 32 Request Ahead of You, 67 Days Old
FusionMails: Cashout Page Closed
LadyOfTheLinks: 5 Requests Ahead of You, 70 Days Old (Second Request Due to Exceeding Maximum Allowed)
OrangeBizs: 266 Requests Ahead of You, 14 Days Old
PolarBearClicks: 11 Requests Ahead of You, 33 Days Old
RoseBizs: 9 Requests Ahead of You, 106 Days Old

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Keep Hydrated

During the hot summer months, it's important to stay hydrated. In fact, I learned first hand what happens with dehydrated, when I ended up in the hospital. These days, when I start to feel sluggish, I reach for a bottle of water. Keep in mind, if you notice you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated.

I used to hate purchasing bottled water at the supermarket, due to the cost and environmental concerns. A few years back, I purchased a half-dozen stainless steel water bottles. We no longer have to worry about running out of bottled water, since we keep our fridge stocked. The 12 ounce bottles fit well on the shelf of our fridge. Also, it's wonderful to reuse them, it's simple to wash in our dishwasher.



If you're doing exercise outside in the heat, be sure drink a lot before, during and after your activity. Also, it's a good idea to add some Gatorade or other sports drink to keep your electrolyte count up.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Fantasy Artist Frank Frazetta Dead at 82

I had purchased three of the books by Frank Frazetta during my college years. He illustrated many of the Robert E. Howard covers as well as the Edgar Rice Burroughs covers. It's strange, because the first two books cost me $7.95, but when they raised the price for book #3 to $9.95, that was the last book I bought, because the price was too high. Now, trade paperback books are $9.95!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Wow! A Duct Taped Car!

Had to take a picture of this, or no one would believe me!   Even the door handles were covered with Duct Tape!