Book Review: The Blackberry Diaries

You know what cracks me up more than just about anything else? When people say they check their email once a day. Or every other day. Really? Seriously? Because even before I got the I-can-stop-anytime iPhone, I checked my email many, many times throughout the day. We’re living in a mobile, wired world, people. Hop on. That’s the subject of Kathy Buckworth’s The Blackberry Diaries.

I reviewed The BlackBerry Diaries here – sort of. Mostly I just bitched about how jealous I am that I didn’t write it.

Check out the review and then come back share your own technology addiction and/or rehab story in the comments here. I’ll be giving away a copy of the book to my favorite story.

Welcome to My iPhone World

It is quite amazing how quickly one can be sucked up into the iPhone and wonder how on Earth she ever survived without it. Honestly, I don’t know how I managed to wake up in the morning without my handy custom alarms. And I can’t tell you how much food has not been burned thanks to the timer. And now there are apps! Oh the joy of apps!

I wrote about how I decided to get the iPhone, and more ways I use it (so far!) on HubPages. (PS – HubPages has gotten a cute face lift, check it out!) I’ve also started using some of the apps and I put together a list of some good iPhone apps for parents here.

Finally, I found this little gem of iPhone tips on Twitter (follow me!). It’s got me thinking of more ways to use the iPhone.

Have fun, fellow (and future) Apple addicts!

iPhones, Gifted Kids, and Homeschooling – New on Hubpages

Here’s a sampling of what I’ve been writing about lately on Hubpages.

How I Love My iPhone, Let Me Count the Ways – Ever since I got my iPhone six months ago people have been asking, “How do you like it?” I am here to tell you all the reasons why I LOVE it, and all the ways it has made my life easier.

When a Gifted Child Flounders in School: One Mother’s Story – Sometimes it’s difficult to know whether or not a child is gifted, especially when teachers are treating your little genius as a problem child. Since I started writing about gifted kids and how to identify them, I’ve received several messages from parents looking for advice. I got permission to share this one because it’s a great example of what a lot of people go through.

How to Choose an MFA in Creative Writing Program: Cost and Benefit – I’ve toyed with the idea of pursuing a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. But every time I try to wrap my head around it, I can never quite narrow down what it is exactly that I’m trying to accomplish. If you’re struggling with the decision too, here are some things to consider.

Should You Homeschool? A Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Homeschool Decision – Homeschooling is becoming a popular alternative to the traditional school environment for many families. There are many advantages to homeschooling, such as customizing education to your child’s individual needs, having flexibility over scheduling, and achieving more influence over children. However, there are also many drawbacks and the decision to homeschool should not be taken lightly.

App Turns iPhone Into Portable Picture Book Reader

There’s a cool new app for your iPhone. And it’s FREE! I’m all about free.

The International Children’s Digital Library (ICDL) provides the world’s largest collection of children’s literature freely on the Internet. ICDL for the iPhone application allows users to read a selection of books from the ICDL’s master collection. And supposedly the technology makes it possible to read story text clearly, even in highly illustrated children’s picture books on the small mobile screen.

Plus you can download books directly to the device, giving children and parents access to content offline and in airplane mode. Great for the doctor’s office. Because really – who wants to touch all those germy ACTUAL books?