JournalJournalhttp://thebreyergambit.squarespace.com/journal/2009-06-21T01:38:00ZSquarespaceMy Firefox Addonshttp://thebreyergambit.squarespace.com/journal/2009/6/20/my-firefox-addons.htmlDavidBreyer2009-06-21T01:23:24Z2009-06-21T01:23:24ZI created my own Firefox addon collection on Mozilla.org. Comprising the 6 addons I utilize the most.

  1. AdBlock Plus - Essential to browse the web anymore.
  2. TwitterFox - Twitter in your browser
  3. Feedly - Sophisticated RSS reader
  4. Grease Monkey - Enables customized scripts that enhance certain web sites.
  5. Personas for Firefox - Skins for your browser
  6. Read It Later - Save pages for later browsing. Syncs with iPhone application of the same name.

Collections are groups of related add-ons assembled for easy sharing.  Install the Firefox Addon Collector [addon] and you can subscribe to precreated collections.  Such as the Web Developer's Toolbox.

]]>Impressions of the Mophie Juice Pack Airhttp://thebreyergambit.squarespace.com/journal/2009/5/5/impressions-of-the-mophie-juice-pack-air.htmlDavidBreyer2009-05-05T02:11:25Z2009-05-05T02:11:25ZJust picked up the Mophie Juice Pack Air from the Apple Store.  I pre-ordered the Air on the April 10th.  Since they seem to be having issues filling pre-orders, I requested a refund and headed to the Apple Store.  Which had plenty in stock.

Pros:

  • As a battery pack, it keeps your iPhone charged.
  • Functions as a protective case.
  • Still have access to all iPhone's functions (volume buttons, camera, etc.)
  • Micro-USB replaces Apple's proprietary cable.  It also charges both the iPhone and battery pack at the same time.

Cons:

  • This thing adds bulk. A lot more than I expected.  The iPhone is thin and sleek, and this case takes that away.
  • Can no longer use a charging cradle, unless you remove the iPhone from the case.

I only had this device for a few hours. If I have any issues, I will post them here.

]]>Calorie Debthttp://thebreyergambit.squarespace.com/journal/2009/5/5/calorie-debt.htmlDavidBreyer2009-05-05T01:23:23Z2009-05-05T01:23:23ZIn order to help shed some extra pounds, I thought it would help if I considered the extra weight as debt.  Since I abhor debt, it should give me the motivation to lose 25 pounds.

Consider this, you need to burn 3500 calories to lose 1 pound.  So for every pound you want to lose, you're 3500 calories in debt.  In my case, I am 87,500 calories in debt.

Calories are earned by burning calories.  And they are spent by consuming calories.  My goal is to limit my calorie intake to less than 1800 calories per day.  While burning 2800 calories.

I have been using an online Calorie Counter to track my progress.

]]>4 Personal Finance Rules of Thumbhttp://thebreyergambit.squarespace.com/journal/2009/5/3/4-personal-finance-rules-of-thumb.htmlDavidBreyer2009-05-03T13:37:54Z2009-05-03T13:37:54ZPersonal finance rules that I try to live by.

  • Net worth should be at least equal to (Yearly Gross Income * Age) / 10
  • Mortgage (monthly payment plus taxes and insurance) should be less than 1/4 of your monthly net income.
  • Retirement savings should be 15% of gross income.  Start with maxing out a Roth IRA, then the rest in your company 401k (or equivalent.)
  •  If you must have a car payment, make sure it's 1/3 of what you spend on your mortgage or rent.  When following rule #2.

The first is from the Millionaire Next Door, the rest are my own bent on common rules of thumb.

]]>Updated Goalshttp://thebreyergambit.squarespace.com/journal/2009/5/3/updated-goals.htmlDavidBreyer2009-05-03T13:29:42Z2009-05-03T13:29:42ZFeeling inspired by an article about goals on Zen Habits, I decided to update my own list of goals.  In no particular order.

  • Be mindful.
  • Lose 30 pounds.
  • Build at least one iPhone app this year.
  • Blog more often.
  • Excercise at least 30 minutes a day.
  • Stick to a budget.
  • Start at least one web site.
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