But a Moment
Tomorrow is July 8th. It’s not a holiday, it’s just a Wednesday, but it’s also a historical event. Tomorrow, at a little past 12:34 pm, will be the moment the world can call 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9. More precisely it will be 12:34 and 56 seconds on 7/8/09. How cool is that?
It’s not going to screw up any computers like the fabled Y2K, it’s just fun. So get out your most technologically advanced timepiece, and celebrate a historic moment that comes around once in forever, just because it’s cool.
Cozi adds new features
In September I highlighted Cozi–an online planner for families on the go. They have recently added a few new features.
With the new year just around the bend, now might be a good time to start using it to keep everyone’s schedules in sync and more.
Help your student schedule time better
While there are endless calendar programs available on the web, Studyrails is specifically designed for students and has some features that might actually help you get more done.
The program is designed to help students overcome procrastination, send email and cell phone reminders about study time, and even block websites, software and games during study time. If your students spends more time chatting than reading, this program may be worth a try.
Students can set up assignments and goals as well as other activities. The program helps you determine good study times and assists with reducing distractions. Students can also email updates to parents to keep everyone in the loop about assigments and study habits.
Another neat feature of this web-based program is how it integrates mobile texting to update your calendar or keep you informed of activities or even when to study what subject. The program’s “blocking” feature is very customizable so you can select specific programs or websites to block so you can use those you need to study or complete homework, but avoid those that will lead you to waste time.
The service is $4.95/month, but compared to wasting money on college tuition now or in the future if your student doesn’t learn good study skills, it could be a bargain.
Back to School Week: Getting Cozi
Are you getting Cozi? Cozi is the latest attempt to manage family schedule madness–an online calendar-list manager-message minder-family scrapbook.
As the school year begins and the family calendar kicks into overdrive, Cozi may be the last, best hope for keeping track of it all. Unlike the time-tested family wall calendar, Cozi goes with you via the Web so it is accessible wherever you are.
The site, which is free but with advertiser content, offers two versions: web and PC based. Mac users can access the web version with Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or later, or Internet Explorer 7.0 or later.
From the site you can see a family calendar with each members information color-coded. The calendar can be printed and synced with Microsoft Outlook via phone or computer to keep everyone in the loop. Business appointments that affect the family or family outings that need to be noted for work can be synced to mom and dad’s Outlook calendars.
Also, you can manage lists such as groceries, birthdays, gifts, or anything else you can come up with. With Cozi you can then send the list to your phone or even call its toll free 1-888-808-COZI number and have the list read to you. As the site says, “never be caught without your grocery list again!”
Other features include a family journal interface (kind of like a “light” blog) that is currently only accessible by the family, but later versions will make it available to other invited guests. Also, the site has a photo screensaver feature that turns your computer into a photo gallery/calendar update when it is standing by.
The Betty Crocker edition (I can’t figure out if they actually are behind the site or just a sponsor) provides a quick search field for recipes to help plan dinner as well.
In all, this looks like a wonderful option for busy families–especially those with older kids and teens who can update their own calendars and use this to stay in touch. You can also use the site to easily send text messages to family members reminding them of events or to-dos (like “Dad–pick up milk”). Of course, standard messaging rates apply.
Here are other ways Cozi can help you stay on top of life.Take a tour! Let me know how it works for you.
