Weekly Topic Inspiration: Using Technology to Simplify Your Life

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   Simone Smithposted 12 years ago

   Hey everyone!
   We often talk about how technology makes life more complicated- how do you keep things simple, or how to do you use technology (gadgets, software, tools, applications) to make your life even simpler?
   
   Share your answer with us- in Hub form! It's a great topic to go with if you don't know what to write about this week- we all have to interface with technology at some point or another, and we have all developed ways to use it (or cope with it) to our advantage.
   
   If you'd like to join in on this week's topic by writing a Hub, follow these steps:
   
   1)    Click here to visit this week's topic.
   2)    Click the green button "answer this question".
   3)    Click the gray button below the box (leave that empty) that says "make a Hub about it."
   4)    Give your Hub a very specific title, like Easy Summer Gardening Projects for Kids or Challenging Summer Activities for Teens
   5)    Create good quality original content that hasn't been covered before.
   6)    After you publish your Weekly Topic Inspiration Hub, come back to this forum thread and post a link to your Hub with a brief description of what you wrote about and why.
   
   For more information on the Weekly Topic Inspiration program, check out the Learning Center guide.
   
   I look forward to seeing what your tips and tricks are!
   
   

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      FloraBreenRobisonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      this is ironic, because while technology can simplify your life, it can also complicate your life too. It all depends upon how you use it.

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         Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Precisely!

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      jenniforposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Deleted
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      rngnomanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Most people who are serious about simplifying their lifestyle eschew technology. Thoreau wrote “I went out to the country so I could examine the simple things in life.” There is certainly something to be said for retreating to a quiet place, turning off the cell phone, and unplugging from the busyness of modern life. But does technology really have to control us or can we control technology? For instance, I’m not sure I would want to abandon my washing machine so I could wash clothes by hand! (For those who are wondering, I do actually wash clothes by hand on occasion.)
      
      Perhaps in careful measure we can use technology to simplify our lives
      
      http://thinkingmattersacademy.com/

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      diagnoserposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      This guide aims to show you how to rip a DVD, convert video and transfer music from ipod to computer with only one tool.
      It includes 3 parts:
      Part 1. How to rip DVD to iPod/iPhone/Sansa/PSP/Zune and other MP4 and MP3 Players
      Part 2. How to convert all video to MP4, AVI, FLV, 3GP, WMV, MOV, MPG, RM, RMVB, MKV, VOB…
      Part 3. How to backup iPod songs and videos on your computer
      
      Believe or not, to do the things above what you need is download Aiseesoft DVD Converter and few clicks.
      
      
      
      Part 1. How to rip DVD to iPod/iPhone/Sansa/PSP/Zune and other MP4 and MP3 Players.
      Step 1. Click “DVD Ripper” on the main interface to run Aiseesoft DVD Ripper.
      
      
      
      Step 2. Open your DVD Drive and put your DVD in it, then click “Load DVD” and choose “Load DVD” to load your DVD into this best DVD ripper.
      Step 3. Choose your output format from the “profile” drop-down list. This best DVD ripper provides you so many formats that out of your expectation, such as “iPod video MPEG 4 (*.mp4)”, “iPhone 3G MOV 640*480 (*.mov)” and so on. After you choose your output format, you can adjust your output video’s settings, such as “Resolution”, “Frame Rate”, “Bitrate”, “Sample Rate” and so on.
      Click “Start” now to begin your conversion and you will get your video soon.
      
      To make your output movie more enjoyable you can do some editings to it through this best DVD ripper. You can choose a part of your movie to convert (trim), remove the black edges of your DVD movie (crop) and also adjust the effect (effect) and select subtitle and audio track.
      
      
      
      Part 2. How to convert all video to MP4, AVI, FLV, 3GP, WMV, MOV, MPG, RM, RMVB, MKV, VOB…
      
      Step 1. Click “Total Video Converter” on the main interface to run Aiseesoft Total Video Converter
      
      
      
      Step 2. Click “Add File” to load the video you want to convert.
      Step 3. Choose output format by clicking “profile” and customize your own output video by
      clicking “settings” to adjust the Resolution, Frame Rate, Bitrate and so on.
      Before you click “Start” to begin your conversion, you can do some editing works, such as pick up a part of your video to convert(trim), choose your own play region(crop) and put two or more files into one.(merge into one file).
      OK, now you can begin your conversion.
      
      Part 3. How to backup iPod songs and videos on your computer.
      Step 1. Click “iPod to Computer Transfer” to run Aiseesoft iPod to Computer Transfer.
      
      
      
      Step 2. Plug your iPod to your computer and the Aiseesoft iPod to Computer Transfer can automatically scan and find your iPod.
      Step 3. Choose the songs and videos you want to backup.
      Step 4. Click “export to PC” button to transfer your songs and videos to your Computer.

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   K9keystrokesposted 12 years ago

   Wow Simone-- This is a tough subject for me. You (and Flora) make a super point when saying that technology can seem to make life easier, and for my generation (and older) it can also be our nemesis of sorts. I like this challenging topic, thanks! It seems I may just learn a few really cool Tech savvy things...
   Look forward to reading all the cool hubs to come here.
   
   Cheers~
   K9

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I hope you have fun with it! I figured it'd be fun to have a sort of double-challenge with this week's theme- finding ways to make life simpler AND writing something good! Hehee!

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         K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         As part of the HubPages community, fun is the only result!

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      Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      

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   melodytsposted 12 years ago

   Yes i definitely agree that technology is very useful to mankind however if it is use inappropriately it will bring great disadvantages.

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   Katya Drakeposted 12 years ago

   Technology is so great for so many reasons. I have seen it change so much in my lifetime and I'm not very old. However, I do have friends and family members who are addicted to the internet and video games. It is sad. It is one of those things that is a blessing and a curse.

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   bornblond8dgposted 12 years ago

   Technology is definitely changing with each generation, i can remember when i was a kid there wasn't all the computers and stuff and we actually got out and so called played, whereas kids today are on all the computers and stuff and tend to be lacking in physical exercise as are we adults.

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   Mrs. Menagerieposted 12 years ago

   Great topic and a timely one.  Here's my 2 cents...
   
   http://mrsmenagerie.hubpages.com/hub/Wh … Phone-Apps

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      K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      A "find my niece" app may well be worth it? I enjoyed your hub plenty. Easy to get to links, and a super good story! 

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         Mrs. Menagerieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Do they make a 'find my niece' app and where can I get one?  Hahahahaha!

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            K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            

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      Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for breaking the ice on the subject, Mrs. M.  I've got my thinking cap on...in case anyone smells something burning.

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         Mrs. Menagerieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Haha!

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hahaa- this is fantastic!  Those find my phone apps can be quite useful indeed! And LOL@ find my niece apps

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   K9keystrokesposted 12 years ago

   New Technology can rattle the nerves of an older generation. This is my take on the topic...
   
   http://k9keystrokes.hubpages.com/t/28122d

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      Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good hub,

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         K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         thanks Denise!

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Fabulous Hub- and great title too! I'll have to share this with a bunch of people I know can benefit from your shared process and insights. Thanks for writing this!

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         K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks Simone, it was truly from the heart! Hey, and I really appreciate the share!

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   melbelposted 12 years ago

   Any ideas for this topic? I love writing about technology, but I'm afraid I'm at a loss in this one.

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      K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      New technology built into homes
      New technology for parking cars
      New technology managing infant safety
      New technology for eldercare
      New technology of food production
      New technology in home appliances
      
      Hope these help?
      Cheers!
      K9

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         melbelposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Man, you're on that! Thanks!

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         Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

           cool--thanks for the prompts.

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            K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Yooo-betcha'!

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         WriteAngledposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I have this in my car, but despite getting a CD and manual chapter about it, I still after one year do not understand how to use it...

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         FloraBreenRobisonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I've heard about these cars that park themselves. VEry expensive, but you would avoid fender benders and no more parallel parking issues.

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            K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            The "self-parking" technology for cars is really amazing...now if they could just create one that can follow a grocery list!?

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   Simone Smithposted 12 years ago

   Thanks for sharing those ideas, K9keystrokes!
   
   One could also write about...
   Managing emails
   Managing social media accounts
   Going paperless
   Useful sites for tracking finances, chores, etc...
   Useful smartphone apps
   Keeping in touch with old friends via social networks
   Tech that helps you save energy
   Tech that helps you live a healthier life
   The best gadgets for staying organized
   The best multitasking gadgets (to reduce clutter and simplify one's tools)
   Helpful group project apps, sites, and tools
   How to use group calendars (e.g. Google Calendar)
   How to use tech to plan parties and group events (e.g. using Evite, Facebook events...)
   
   Tech can be used in pretty much any facet of life... both to complicate it (so you could write guides on avoiding that) and to make it simpler (so you could write guides on doing so).

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      Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good ideas, Simone,

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      K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Wow! Now that's a list Simone!!
      ...and it was my pleasure to share a couple of little ideas.

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    Gordon Hamiltonposted 12 years ago

    Can I ask a very quick question, Simone/anyone please? Is a Hubber restricted to only one Hub per week on the topic? I have been pondering two potential ideas for the past couple of days and know that if I don't make a decision soon, I'll end up building neither. Just wondering if I could go with both...???
    
    Thanks!

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Oh, definitely not! Write as many Weekly Topic Inspiration Hubs as you please!  I would love to read BOTH Hubs!!

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       K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Gordon, the more the better! It is always great to add high quality hubs to the weekly topic, and yours will be VERY welcome! I can't wait to read your stuff my friend.

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          Gordon Hamiltonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks, SImone and K9. Unfortunately, I've been offline for a day and a bit due to an ISP fault in my geographical area. Frustrating to say the least but hope to still get at the very least one Hub published on this theme.

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             K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             Looking forward to it Gordon!

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    Rochelle Frankposted 12 years ago

    Sorry if we have switched to Chinese while I was out-- I am not much of a gadget person , but really like a computer gadget that seems to help me a lot.
    After searching HubPages, it seems that a couple of hubs have been written about it, and a few more mention it.
    Should I try anyway?

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Couldn't hurt to try, eh?  If you're not much of a gadget person, perhaps you might write about which gadgets you *do* use without going gadget-crazy!

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    RedElfposted 12 years ago

    I have only six email accounts to manage right now - think I'll take a shot at that one.

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Wow! Six! That's one hefty number! I'm looking forward to this one!

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       K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Six!? I feel dizzy....

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    prektjr.dcposted 12 years ago

    Simone,
      Is it okay to post a hub written a couple of weeks ago?  I will have to think of another, but right now am still very enthralled with Skype and I published a hub about that  Would it be okay to post it.  Guess I kind of already did...sorry!  Let me know!

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       It might give us some inspiration- do share it with us!

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          prektjr.dcposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Okay!  This is about how Skype has helped us to keep connected with my son who is in the U.S. Marines during his deployments overseas.  He most recently "skyped" us from an internet cafe in Greece.  It takes two seconds to connect and we talk for free......check it out here:
          
          http://prektjr-dc.hubpages.com/hub/Usin … -Our-World 
          
          It has made my life so much easier!!

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             K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             Nice hub. What a great way to keep in touch with your overseas family! New Technology is surely reducing the distance between loved ones.

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                prektjr.dcposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                K9,  It really has.  It has been a blessing for us!  Thanks!

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             Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             This is an awesome Hub- an excellent example of how technology really has made life easier. You present a great argument, comparing communication with family overseas now to Vietnam and WWII.  Keeping in touch really is profoundly easier

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    FloraBreenRobisonposted 12 years ago

    If just published my thoughts on this topic. I've taken a different angle than anyone else so far and have written a poem about how technology makes life simpler:
    
    http://florabreenrobison.hubpages.com/h … ife-Easier

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       What a fun poem! And you're sinister, eh?  Left-handers ROCK!!

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          FloraBreenRobisonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          sinister indeed.  I'm glad I live today and wasn't my grandparent's generation

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       K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       This was a "grinner" for sure! Very cute. Thanks for the unique twist to the topic.

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          FloraBreenRobisonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          glad you enjoyed it

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    Cari Jeanposted 12 years ago

    Here is my hub on how assistive technology can help students who have disabilities. Even though some assistive technology is complex, it makes these student's lives much easier.
    
    http://carijean.hubpages.com/hub/How-As … sabilities

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       K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Cari, this is a VERY helpful hub. So many cool gadgets for assisting disabled students these days. I think it's cool that you offer some financial options for acquiring assistive devices. Good stuff!

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I second that! This is great!!!  Assistive technology is fantastic, and a great example of how something VERY complex can make life easier.
       Also, I mentioned an article in my comment- how one kind got a car company to sponsor his prothetic hand- it's pretty cool!
       http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/ … James.html

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          K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Fantastic story! What a heartwarming (and fun) challenge this kid proposed!  I would love to meet such an intersting young man. Two thumbs-up for the the big car company!

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    Cardisaposted 12 years ago

    Hi all. I decided to do something different. I don't now what to call it but it involves the past, present and the future. Maybe like three ghosts of Christmas?
    
    http://cardisa.hubpages.com/hub/Pursuit … Technology

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       K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Awesome Cardisa! So much cool information from past and current times. Couldn't stop reading this hub.

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          Cardisaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks K9, I really appreciate your comments. Thanks so much!

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Yeah! I love the context and perspective this Hub offers

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          Cardisaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks Simone, I appreciate it!

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    Nell Roseposted 12 years ago

    Hi, this is my contribution. as usual I go off on a tangent so to speak! I have asked the question, is our modern mind advanced enough for all the fast moving technology?
    
    
    
    
    
    http://nell-rose.hubpages.com/_3irgbjxg … Human-Mind

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       K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Fascinating Nell. A truly artfully presented hub. I like that you have so much to say about the mix of history and current thinking. You pose some chilling concepts to say the least. Great job!

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          Cardisaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          I agree, really fascinating and well written.

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          Nell Roseposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks K9, I mixed up my two favourite things, technology and archaeology! lol can't get more different than that, now If I lived back in ancient Egypt with a laptop computer, I would be so happy! lol

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       It is a very important question to ask, and I think many more folks are asking it!  It's a fabulous Hub you've put together. Technology + archaeology = FUN!!

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    sophia911posted 12 years ago

    I do not use Apple Iphone Seies , and blackberry . My cell phone just just a phone call anyone , even no message .

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    FloraBreenRobisonposted 12 years ago

    A couple of people have written in the question section possible subjects for this week-or another week's-weekly topic inspiration. Not sure when the choice will be made, but I think we are all waiting with baited breath.

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       Cardisaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I can't wait, I so like the weekly challenges!

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       K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I agree, looking forward to the next weekly topic inpiration!

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    Simone Smithposted 12 years ago

    Well then, here it is! http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/80929#post1744418
    
    This week's new topic is disaster preparedness.  It was suggested by Dave Powell, and it's a great topic to write on! I hope y'all join in on the fun!

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    mtsi1098posted 12 years ago

    looks like I missed last one but I will keep the hub anyway :
    
    http://mtsi1098.hubpages.com/hub/adword … Technology

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