The Tech Savvy Firm

28th Annual CS Users' Conference

In 1998, I stepped off the plane on a cold day in Philadelphia to attend what was then my first CS Users' Conference.  Philadelphia in late fall was not my favorite location for a conference; however, the inclement weather did not deter what I experienced those 2 1/2 days.  What I experienced was an enthusiasm and excitement about accounting and technology from CS employees and Users I had never experienced before.  It was extremely contagious as my head was spinning with new ideas, exciting technologies and best practices.  Since 1998, I have attended every conference.  From San Francisco, Orlando, San Antonio, Las Vegas, Scottsdale, to Hawaii, the fall locations have greatly improved.  Even after attending ten straight years six as a workshop leader, I always come away from the conference with at least one new technology, new idea or best practice.  The conference mostly motivates me to continue striving for success, innovation and thinking outside the box.  Hope to see you at the 28th Annual CS Users' Conference.

My workshops:

Paperless Payroll for the Tech-Savvy Firm

Thomson Reuters Web Services for the Tech-Savvy Firm

 

Let Freedom Ring

The fourth of July still proves to provide a patriotic spirit within my soul. As I was watching fireworks Friday night, my thoughts were on Francis Scott Key's epic phrase:

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

It is so important for us to continue studying our history as a nation. We can learn much from our history; wisdom, triumphs, and defeats. I'm afraid much of our history has been lost to new generations of Americans as the intent of our forefathers for this nation has become distorted. You can make a difference though. Take some time and read some history and then pass it on. Here are a few of my favorites:

America: The Last Best Hope Volumes I & II Box Set

Patriots: Men Who Started the American Revolution

D Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II

Flags of Our Fathers

Citizen Soldiers: The U. S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany

Band of Brothers : E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest

Podcasts - "Exercise your Brain"

Do you own an iPod?  If not, why not?  Maybe... you are one of many who believe an iPod is just a gadget for teenagers and college students.  Or... you purchased one because you thought it was just a cool way to store and listen to your music.   If this is you, then you are missing all the technology has to offer.  Over the last two years, the iPod has rapidly become much more than just an entertainment device.  With the increasing deployment of podcasts, audiobooks, and university lectures through iTunes, the iPod has become a great way to "exercise your brain".

According to Apple's website, iTunes now offers over 100,000 podcasts.  I'm sure most of you may have heard the term podcast, but you may not know what the term actually means.  A podcast is simply a video or audio recording transferred though the internet in which you can subscribe to the feeds or "shows", similar to using your DVR to record a TV show.  The shows are easily produced and distributed thus you have a wide range of shows to choose from.

So why listen to podcasts?  I'm an avid learner. In the past, my learning came mostly from books.  Then came the web and blogs.  When I discovered podcasts, I was instantly hooked.   I still read books, websites, and blogs, but the IPod has allowed me to learn more efficiently.  Instead of listening to music at work, driving, or mowing the yard; I now listen to podcasts and audiobooks.

In order to start receiving podcasts, all you need to do is download iTunes.  I would also suggest an iPod so you can take the podcasts with you.   Of course you can use other MP3 players, though I have yet to find one that is so easy to use and has such an efficient method of distributing the music, podcasts and audiobooks through the iTunes software.  You then install iTunes on your computer and sign up for an account.  You can go to the iTunes store and browse the 100,000 podcasts available.  They are free, so try as many as you like.  Once you find a podcast you are interested in then you simply subscribe.  iTunes will automatically update when the new podcasts are available.  When you want to update your podcasts to your iPod,  you connect your iPod to your computer and sync.  I also suggest you find a way to listen to your iPod in your car.  Many new cars have this ability built in.  If your car doesn't have this ability, then the simplest method is to purchase an adapter that will play your iPod over an FM frequency.  At work, you can simply plug your iPod into your computer speakers.

To get you started, I have listed my podcasts I listen to on a regular basis.  Simply click on the iTunes button and it will take you directly to the subscription page (you must have iTunes installed):

Business, Finance and Accounting:

  Dan Miller - 48 Days to the Work You Love 

  The Dave Ramsey Show - The Truth About Life and Money 

  Tax Talk Today - Brought to you by the IRS 

  Brian Preston's "Money Guy" 

  Andrew Horowitz, CFP - The Disciplined Investor

Techie:

  Intersection Live - CPA Technology Advisor

  this WEEK in TECH

Windows Weekly 

  MacBreak Weekly 

  Revision3 - Tekzilla 

  Cranky Geeks 

  dl.tv 

Personal Growth:

  1 Year Daily Audio Bible

New Life Live  - This podcast is free but you must register first.

Focus on the Family - This podcast is free but you must register first.