Want to Know Who’s Calling You?

Caller Id and the Do Not Call List have a been a big help in avoiding unwanted calls. But sometimes Caller ID isn’t clear and not all organizations follow the DNCL rules.

When I’d get a weird number on my Caller ID, I used to type the number in my search engine to see what came up. But now there is a better option to figure out who’s calling you. The Number Investigator will not only provide reverse phone number look up, but you can see if there are any complaints about the caller, and you can file a complaint as well. Further, if there are enough complaints about a caller, the Number Investigator will file a report with the proper authorities.

To use the service:

1. Enter Phone Number Information into the box on the home page. Or choose “Reverse Look Up” from the navigation bar at the top of the page.

2. Click the “Search Now” Button.

3. Get your results that include a map of the location, information about the organization, and complaints filed.

I tested the service on two numbers I received in the mail as part of a fake check scam. The letter with the scam listed a New York address but the Fax number was in Houston and the phone number was in Calgary (Canada).

To learn more, visit http://www.numberinvestigator.com.

Results of Phone Number Search of Scam Received in Mail

Write a Novel in a Month

How many times have you said, “I wish I could write a book?” Well if you’ve said it at least once, November is your chance to write a 50k novel.  National Novel Writing Month is now in its 10th year. Last year over 100,000 people participated. Started by Chris Baty, National Novel Writing Month or Nanowrimo as its referred to, seeks to help would-be writers get that first draft down on paper in a manic filled month of writing. Its not about perfection. Its about getting all the ideas down on paper without editing or worrying about quality. Writers who meet their 50K goal get a certificate and a virtual pat on the back.

Participating in Nanwrimo is free. Over at the site you can register, get weekly updates from Chris to keep on writing, join in on the forum to get support or ask questions. You can even find local Nanowrimo writing groups.

The rules to Nanowrimo are easy. You need to start from scratch (no completing a work in progress) and write 50k words (1667 words a day) from Nov.1-30.

I have participated in Nanowrimo twice, but only reached the 50K goal once. But I’m gearing up to try again this year. Will you join me?

To learn more visit, National Novel Writing Month

Does Pancake Syrup Go Bad and other Food Longevity Questions

Today my daughter asked if pancake syrup went bad. Apparently the “Best Used By Date” had passed a month ago. Syrup is sugar and sugar is a preservative, so my husband felt it was probably safe to use. While I would have used the syrup, there are times I won’t go near something that my husband seems to have no problem eating. How does he know its safe?

If you’re unsure about whether or not a food is still okay to eat, check out StillTasty.com which will provide you with a time line for a foods shelf life (syrup is 1 year if stored correctly). It also offers a Q&A area where your burning concerns such as “Can you drink milk after the ‘sell by’ date?’ are answered.

To learn more, visit StillTasty.com.

What’s the Health, Environmental and Social Impact of the Products You Use?

Do you ever wonder what sort of impact the products you use have on the world? Did you know that “natural” on the label may not mean its has a low environmental impact. Or that its safe. If you’re concerned about how your consumer spending impacts the your world in the areas of health, the environment, and socially, you’ll want to check out GoodGuide.com.

Goodguide.com rates everyday foods and products (including toys) on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best), in areas of Health Performance (cancer, reproductive health, respiratory hazards, etc), environmental performance (emissions and pollution, natural resource impact, etc), and social performance (working conditions, fair labor, etc). It rates not just its impact on those who work with the companies that make them (ie is the plant toxic), but its impact on the community and the consumers who use the products.

I was surprised to find many items with “natural” on the label scored poorly in the health area.

If you’re working to reduce your footprint and make a difference in the world. let Goodguide.com help you become more conscientious consumer.

Free Online Games

I tend to relax with a good book, but my son and husband enjoy computer games. The problem is that getting new games or participating in online games can get expensive. But over at Game House you can get a new free game everyday! Or if you want to buy a game, its only $5.99.

To get the free game, visit Game House and check the link in the top right corner. Check out all the other fun games as well.