timer

Download of the Day: Apimac Timer
productivity

Download of the Day: Apimac Timer

Even though the time is constantly displayed in the upper righthand corner of my Mac, I sometimes find the day completely getting away from me — plus, I tend to work better under pressure.
by

Even though the time is constantly displayed in the upper righthand corner of my Mac, I sometimes find the day completely getting away from me — plus, I tend to work better under pressure. I'm really excited about the latest version of the Apimac Timer, which can be used as a stopwatch, countdown timer, or alarm clock. Want to set a 30-minute limit on your lunchtime web surfing? Just set the countdown for 30 minutes. Want to see how long it takes you to accomplish a certain task? Set the stopwatch. (There's something pretty exciting about working against the clock, don't you think?)

To find out what else is cool about the Apimac Timer, just read more

Use Your Phone's Alarm as a Kitchen Timer
digital life

Geek Tip: Use Your Phone's Alarm When Cooking

Last week, I was right in the middle of preparing my first from-scratch apple pie in a crowded kitchen — all that stood between my friends, family, and the sweet deliciousness of said pie was 50 minutes in the oven.
by

Last week, I was right in the middle of preparing my first from-scratch apple pie in a crowded kitchen — all that stood between my friends, family, and the sweet deliciousness of said pie was 50 minutes in the oven. I popped it in the oven and started to set the timer when a family member stopped me — she was using the timer for her potatoes, boiling away on the stove. I glanced at the clock trying to make a mental note of the time so I'd remember when to pull the pie out of the oven, but between visits with some of my favorite people (who I hadn't seen since last Thanksgiving), the football game on TV, and general Thanksgiving merriment, I was worried I'd forget about the pie.

I wish I could take credit for this tip, but it was actually my sister who said, "Why don't you just set your phone's alarm? You have it in your pocket, don't you?" Genius! She was right: of course I had my phone in my pocket. The iPhone has a timer function, and if you have a BlackBerry you can download a timer app, but you can use the alarm on any phone with the same result.

Have to say, I'm pretty excited I "discovered" this idea right before the start of Christmas cookie-baking season.

Free Dashboard Computer Timer
Geek Tip

Geek Tip: Use a Dashboard Timer to Set Surfing Limits

Although part of my job is to surf daily news and other blogs, I do sometimes find myself knee deep in tabs to websites that have nothing to do with what I'm working on.
by

Although part of my job is to surf daily news and other blogs, I do sometimes find myself knee deep in tabs to websites that have nothing to do with what I'm working on. . . and most (naturally) are total time wasters. Although everyone deserves a little bit of a mind break, it's easy to get sucked into surfing the web – before you know it, it's 4:30 and you still have a mountain of work to finish!

So for the times when I just want to let my fingers aimlessly click away, I like to use a dashboard or desktop timer - like this free one from Baldgeeks – and give myself a set time to waste. Whether it be five or fifteen minutes, I'll know when my time is up. Plus, it's much easier for me to get back to the daily grind after a quick check-in to see what Brad and Angie are up to. Don't ask why, it just is.

Put a Timer On Your BlackBerry, For Free!
BlackBerry

Put a Timer On Your BlackBerry, For Free!

I'm kind of a timer fanatic.
by

I'm kind of a timer fanatic. I set my timer when I put my laundry in the wash, I set my timer when I put the chicken in the oven . . . you get my point. So when I found out about this free BlackBerry timer download, I knew my life wouldn't be the same without it. The Countdown Timer For BlackBerry is a simple app that gives you handy timer functionality on your BB. It also includes a 2.5-second vibrate that lets you know when your time is almost up.

To get it on your phone, just open this link on your BlackBerry browser, and a pop up should appear for the download to begin.

Geek Tip: Get Friendly Reminders Via Twitter
Geek Tip

Geek Tip: Get Friendly Reminders Via Twitter

I love my online to-do lists and receiving text message reminders on my cell phone with Oh Don't Forget, so when I learned that Twitter has a new reminder service, I jumped right on board.
by

I love my online to-do lists and receiving text message reminders on my cell phone with Oh Don't Forget, so when I learned that Twitter has a new reminder service, I jumped right on board. With Twitter timer you can get a direct message sent to you at anytime to remind you to do something. Featured on Lifehacker, all Twitter users can get regular "tweet" reminders sent to their inbox or cell phone. I no longer have excuses for working through meetings and coffee dates.

Never Wonder How Old It Is Again
Gadget

Never Wonder How Old It Is Again

You've probably opened a carton of chicken broth, soy milk, or juice, used a little bit, put it in your fridge and forgotten about it.
by

You've probably opened a carton of chicken broth, soy milk, or juice, used a little bit, put it in your fridge and forgotten about it. Now you've got a recipe calling for one of those ingredients, and you've got the ingredients in your fridge, but are they still good?

When did I open that chicken broth? How long has this soy milk been in the fridge? Was this deli meat from this week or last? With the DaysAgo Digital Day Counter, you'll never have to ask yourself these questions again. Just stick one of these handy little timers to the side of the package, turn it on and let it go. The timer counts both days and hours and the replaceable batteries can run for 18 months (although it only counts up to 99 days). Available in packs of two for $10.

How Many Days Ago Did I Put That in There?
how many days ago

How Many Days Ago Did I Put That in There?

If your indication of when food has gone bad is a fuzzy, green (and smelly) blanket over it, then you may want to consider getting one of these... The DaysAgo Digital Day Counter ($10.00 for two) is a digital day counter that attaches to a variety of surfaces with a magnetic or suction backing and counts up to 99 days.
by

If your indication of when food has gone bad is a fuzzy, green (and smelly) blanket over it, then you may want to consider getting one of these...

The DaysAgo Digital Day Counter ($10.00 for two) is a digital day counter that attaches to a variety of surfaces with a magnetic or suction backing and counts up to 99 days. It's a simple gadget that is re-usable, versatile and helps you save money while saving you from playing the guessing game as to how old those leftovers are. You can use it on practically any kind of food container. No more wondering if you're going to get sick from that leftover fish from two days ago? Or if that milk smells funny for a reason other than your paranoia?

Buy it online from HowManyDaysAgo.com and check out the this food guide from the US Food and Drug Administration on how long you can safely store common foods.