Hewie's Views and Reviews
By Hewie Poplock

Welcome to this issue of Hewie's Views & Reviews. Be sure to visit Hewie's Favorites at http://www.hewie.net/ .

++++ Tech Toys
++++ Computer Disposal
++++ New additions to Hewie's Favorites

++++ Tech Toys

I found a great TV program for those of us who like the toys. It's on HGTV, a cable network, shown locally on Cable Channel 61. "I Want That! Tech Toys" is shown at 11:00 PM on Fridays, but is also broadcast at other times. I time shift it with my DVR, so I watch it when I want.

They generally show 15 to 20 items in 30 minutes. The items can be an I-POD add-on to a huge flat screen TV and item prices range from under $100 to tens of thousands. It's a place to see great gizmos that you can't live without.

Once you see the product on the show, you can go to the website , http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_hitec , and get much more product information, or even order it.

++++ Computer Disposal

E-waste is the term used to describe end-of-life electronics. Computers and Televisions are specifically targeted for recycling because of the high lead levels found in their cathode ray tubes (CRTs). CRTs are the video display components of televisions and computer monitors. There are other non-recyclables in the computer case.

Many areas actually outlaw you disposing of electronic equipment in your standard trash. Because many of the components do not recycle or contain items that are dangerous to the water table, they should not end up in your local landfill.

With decreasing lifespan, more equipment will become obsolete. I am seeing that many of the older systems are no longer wanted by the non-profits organizations, as in the past. Most of them have been given newer, cheaper systems. So, more computers, monitors, and peripherals will be available for recycling. In 1998 alone, 20.6 million PC CPUs became obsolete. By 2007, the cumulative total of obsolete PCs will be nearly 500 million.

We also have to think about the cards that we have replaced, such as network cards, video controllers, or sound cards. We also have to consider the laser printer or ink jet cartridges that we emptied. Some of the office supply stores will take the empty cartridges, and maybe give a discount on the purchase of new cartridges.

The county in which I live has a drop off point for electronics and other such non-recyclables and it is free for the home user. By merely taking those items to the center, you can feel better about the environment. In my area, the site is at http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/envsrvs/solidwaste/electronics.asp . Be sure to check your area to find out where you can take your e-waste to dispose of it properly.


++++ New additions to Hewie's Favorites

Photoshop Tutorials
http://photoshopcontest.com/tutorials/photoshop-tips.html
Many good Photoshop tutorials

WebReference.com
http://www.webreference.com/
Webmaster's Reference Library - Web Authoring Tips & Tutorials for Developers

CondoMetropolis
http://www.condometropolis.com/orlando_condos_for_rent.php
Orlando area Condos listings for sale, rent, or roommates search

Warning Label Generator
http://www.warninglabelgenerator.com/
Warning Label Generator is a fun way to generate your own warning labels

10 Minute Mail
http://10minutemail.com/10MinuteMail/index.html
Temporary e-mail or mail service. Free secure e-mail addresses

SpoofCard
http://www.spoofcard.com/
SpoofCard offers you the ability to change or spoof what someone sees on their caller ID display when they receive a phone call. Fun and inexpensive, & not ethical

Tech Writer's Style Guide
http://neptune.spacebears.com/opine/style.html
How to write like a tech writer

Home Maintenance
http://www.pathnet.org/sp.asp?mc=maintenance
Good tips and lots of info

I Want That! Tech Toys
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_hitec
Site of HGTV show. From awesome amps for your iPod, to far-out cell phones, to the coolest flat screen TVs, I Want That! Tech Toys is the go-to guide for those high-tech gizmos you gotta have

Residential Electronics Recycling
http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/envsrvs/solidwaste/electronics.asp
Seminole County Environmental Services handles services such as water, wastewater, solid waste. This is where you take electronic equipment (computers) for disposal. Check your own area for proper disposal