Cool iPhone Stuff - Tales2Go (and a deal)

Grom and I have been enjoying books on tape during our drive time.  We've listened to some great stories.   

One we'd both highly recommend is Mr. Popper's Penguins.  We haven't seen the recent movie, but it's hard to imagine it's as charming as this classic book.  I downloaded it from Audible.com.  1 credit = $14.95.  Not a good deal.

We've also checked audiobooks out from the library.  The titles at our local branch are limited.  I can get them through interlibrary loan, but it takes time, there is a fee involved AND I have to spend time downloading the CDs onto my computer. 

But I think I've got it all figured out now.  I found an iPhone App.  

Tales 2 Go gives me access to 1600 stories on demand.  There is a monthly subscription fee, but at full price it's less than my monthly credit from Audible.  

But wait... it gets better... right now Homeschool Buyers Co-op is offering a group buy (expires 11/30/11) which could bring down the annual subscription fee ridiculously. (By the way - Homeschool Buyers Co-op does a great job supporting homeschooling families by helping them to join forces to get better pricing.  And hybridschoolers like us can benefit too.  Browse their site for other offerings).

You can try the app for free before deciding to join the group buy.  We've been using it just a few days and I'm pleased. 

Check it out!

I'm spreading the word because I think it's a great app and love listening to books.  Also if I persuade others into the group buy, the price to myself could decrease.  Just want to be totally upfront.  

Today's verse of the day

"He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding." - Proverbs 12:11 (NKJV)

It's the Little Red Hen in a bible verse.

Remember the story? Here's a rebus (story with pictures) version if you need a memory refresh.

And there is an app for that.

iPhone camera hint

Any iPhone users out there? I learned something that was revolutionary to me this week about the camera in my iPhone. I have to share it.

My iPhone camera gets used a lot. It's frustrating and I get a lot of bad pictures for every good one. The shutter never seemed to trigger when it was supposed to. Or the action of tapping the "take a picture" button would jiggle the camera and mess up the photo.

So, here's the trick. The button triggers when your finger comes off the button, not when you touch the button. When you want to take a picture, hold your finger on the button. When you're ready to take the photo, take your finger off the button and the picture will take. So simple.

My blog photos should get better and better.

Grom's no calorie Christmas Cookies

I found a free app for my iPhone.

It's called Cookies for Santa.


It's simple.
You pick decorations and drag them onto the cookie.
Grom can play it over and over.


Here are some of his cookies...

After you decorate the cookies you can write a note to Santa.
I'm sure his texting will get better.
He wants another Momo.
I'm so glad he hasn't out grown his friend yet.