Franzone Family Blog

I installed a new theme on the Franzone Family Blog. It was way past time for a change and the other theme I was using didn’t support the latest version of WordPress. This theme is called Fervens and was created by a site called Design Disease. I was showing somebody the new look and the response I got was, “Oh, this is your site! I didn’t realize that because it looks professional.”

Hmmm, I’ve been working in the software engineering and web development industry for around 10 years now. I always thought I was a professional, but oh well. lol

I just posted on my main (technical) blog about a giveaway that DevDad (Stay At Home Dad, Geek Style) is holding. It’s the Stay At Home Dad iMac Give-Away. Here’s a picture of the beauty below.

The interesting bit is that he has partnered with SitterCity to be able to provide this nice prize. Who is SitterCity? If you need a babysitter or petsitter you can go to the site, type in your zip code and find a listing of people who can fill the job. The site provides user feedback and ratings on their listed sitters as well as an indication of whether or not they have a background check on file. There are many details to view about potential sitters including their preferred rate, whether or not they have their own transportation, years of experience, educational background and they may also have a profile video.

If you are a sitter, for children or pets, and you need to find work in your area then this site is for you also! You will be able to register on the site and provide all of your pertinent information in your profile. Now people in your area will be able to find you, which means more jobs… and more money!

Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that attacks so many of our loved one’s across this nation. The Alzheimer’s Association is sponsoring a Memory Walk which will be the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research.

How can you help? I’m glad you asked. Can you walk? If so then you can find a Memory Walk in your area to participate in. Better yet you can show your support by becoming a Team Captain and organizing a walk in your area. On the site you will find a Tools section that has information and downloads to make this is easy as possible. Some of the suggested ways of getting started are to raise funds online. You can use their online tools to post your story, ask for and track your fundraising progress. You can also ask for donations from co-workers, friends, neighbors and family members. Many people are happy to help when they know you’re raising money for a good cause. Leveraging businesses: don’t forget to ask your donors if their employer offers matching gifts. Read these tips for more information about how matching gifts can double your impact. Finally if you do decide to become a team captain the site has downloads to help you out including a Team Captain Guide, a guide for recruiting team members, a guide for setting team goals and a team sign-up sheet.

I came across this interesting video of a guy (Timothy Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Work Week) showing on video how to tie the perfect tie. He is using a Windsor knot. I just thought it was kind of interesting. If any of you guys out there would like a quick rundown on the Windsor just head over and click Play!

His name was the “Egyptian magician.”

Well, that was his nickname, anyway. He lived down the hall from me my sophomore year of high school and delighted in laughing at my mangled attempts at wearing neckties…

How to Tie the Perfect Tie… Every Time