Tinkering with Screenshot UX and Google Mobile

On November 25, 2010 I blogged about tinkering with the ShootMe app and Google Mobile. At that time ShootMe did not require devices to be rooted. Since then the app changed back to requiring users to root their devices and now it seems it is no longer available on the Android Market. The apk file is available from the Android Forum discussion thread. Finding a screen capture (or screen shot, screenshot, screen grabber) app in the Android Market or Amazon Apps produces different results with varying requirements for users.

What do you look for when selecting an app? I probably over analyze but the app has to have ROI in my world, provide the option to connect with others who are using the app, review other individuals comments about the app, see how active the developer is in social networks, affordability of the app and the option to donate if the app is free...but most of all I have to want to use it and be able to share that usability with others.

Since then I upgraded my phone and I am trying out different apps. For a screen capture app that does not require a user to root their device, I am tinkering with Screenshot UX. The developer recommends using the Screenshot UX trial version first so users can see if this app works on their device. If the app functions the way the user wants, you can purchase the app for $3.99. If you use screen captures to help others or in your blogs this app works well.

Here is an image of Google Mobile using Screenshot UX:

What is your favorite screen capture or screen sharing app?

As always, comments, recommendations +1s, and reaction check boxes are always appreciated.

Favorite SMS Backup App? How do you backup your SMS, MMS, and phone log?

What is your favorite SMS/MMS/Phone log backup app?

Whether you want to backup your phone log, MMS, or SMS there are a variety of free and paid apps out there based on the market you choose. If you are getting ready to upgrade a phone or keeping messages for future reference there is an app for you and your device.

I opted for SMS Backup+ based on what I read, the ease of integration into my GMail, Google Calendar, and because it is a fork from Backup Android. It is also possible to restore SMS and call log entries back to the phone. 

SMS Backup+ in the Android App Market
SMS Backup+ in the Amazon Marketplace
SMS Backup+ on github

If you support those who develop apps, the PayPal donation option is available through the About option or from the site you can opt to Flattr.

If you are backing up a phone log I recommend creating an additional Google Calendar for your phone log backup.

SMS - Short Message Service
MMS - Multimedia Messaging Service

So what is your favorite SMS backup app?

As always comments, recommendations, +1s, and reaction box checks are appreciated.

Doctoral dropout and Custodial GMama

It is official. I withdrew from my Comps and from NCU. It is OK, I can return when I have time. There are times when you have to choose the hard right over the easy wrong. I admit...I wanted to complete my last year...comps and the dissertation phases and be done with something I started.

I beat myself up and down trying to make life work with school, work, custodial grandparenthood, and 4 generations in a household. The last year has been full of adapt, implement, and overcome moments. This post is kind of long...so pour your drink of choice and get comfortable.

While many children under the age of 2 have a digital presence, I have only shared Jazlyn's pictures with select individuals through Picasa. Below is the reason that I chose to be a Doctoral Dropout for now. She is definitely a gadget girl who likes to tinker, from the iPad to the Kindle Fire and she loves Elmo. I did create a GMail address for her so that I can share all of the events that have kept us so busy and so she is not mistaken when she Googles her own parents.

I did not want to be called "Grandma" so I am opting for "GMama". My neighbors adopted the GMama and GDaddy titles and to this day their granddaughter calls them by that title respectively. The other grandmothers in this picture are happy to be grandmothers, both are younger than me and with younger children at home. I know there is another blogosphere on why young adults have unprotected sex.

It is challenging seeking help for our young adult children who want and need to move on with life. I loved being an empty nester in North Carolina. I thought returning to Augusta, GA would encourage my daughter to move on with her life. We went to counseling. The other family talked her into self admitting to the hospital. I am trying to protect my daughter's HIPPA rights but I know that I am not alone in this situation. Then she aged out of my insurance program and does not have any benefits through her employer.

My lawyer said that grandparent custody cases are rising for his firm. Choosing to seek custody of Jazlyn was a tough decision but after a few incidents, consulting with my own mother, and heightened media of the Casey Anthony case...I opted for going to court versus having my daughter committed through probate court.  I work with three other women who are stepping up as custodial grandparents. My daughter has not lost her parental rights...she must show that she can support herself and her child. 

I will continue to blog as the Unique Ed Techie and just update the profile descriptions throughout the web. I thought about starting another page with a tab at the top and opted against it because I am a unique educational technologist in my personal and professional life. Who knows what the future holds? Maybe I will throw my name in the race for school board in May 2012...maybe our prayers will be answered and my daughter will get her life together and be the responsible single mother that I know she can be...maybe...regardless of what happens I will continue to blog, maybe more that I don't have as much research and reading to do and maybe less because of what LiL JJ brings to our life.

Single parenthood the first time was challenging and never did I think I would be going through this again particularly at this time in my life when I wanted to enjoy "Me Time". I am thankful for everyone in my village for making this work. I am particularly thankful to my mom as I could not continue in my career without her being there for Jazlyn when she cannot go to daycare and I know she did not expect to be taking care of babies after recovering from her fractured neck vertabrates in November 2009.


I know something has happened to my young adult daughter that I cannot help her with. I continue to take the high road and move forward as the other options would put me behind bars. She will not discuss anything with me but apparently lashes out at me via her social media connections. She has blocked anyone who may contact me about her on or offline behavior.


Jumping off of the virtual blog soap box. Keep us in warm thoughts and prayers this season along with those service members who continue to serve and keep on learning every day!

Google Recipes, tech integration, Grandparents Gone Wired

Have you tried Google Recipes? In February 2011, Google Recipes view launched in the U.S. and Japan. 
This link is for Recipe sharers who are webmasters

This holiday season would be a great time to digitize those family recipes, bookmark your favorites and annotate those food allergies. Remember...just because it is your favorite dish does not mean everyone else will like the dish you bring to the holiday get together. 

One of my favorites is Spicy Chicken Tenders. Of course a Google Recipe search brings up 135,000 results but I have the option to select filters by ingredients, cook time, and calories.

When I select No blue cheese, the options drop from 135,000 to 8,000 and selecting lower calorie options reduces the options dramatically.

So whether Uncle Joe is using a smart phone or Aunt Bessie has the latest tablet or the office party participants argue over which digital device is the best...integrate the technology by sharing the favorite recipes. Then let the discussion and demo session migrate to who has the best app and how are they using it for grocery shopping lists and annotating food allergies.

Because quality time is stretched thin during the holidays, throw in a free technology sharing certificate for everyone to dedicate one hour of one to one techspertise sharing.

If you are helping a family friend, grandparent, or a senior citizen in your neighborhood, develop your own tutorial and submit it to Do Something's Grandparents Gone Wired project by December 30, 2011. You could win a prize: an iPad, iTunes gift cards or a $500 scholarship.

As always, comments, recommendations, +1s, and reaction box checks are appreciated.

How to become a poll worker in Augusta, GA

So you want to be a poll worker in Augusta, GA?
The Richmond County Board of Elections is currently looking for persons to work at the polls on Election Day. Beginning pay is $100 per day, with an opportunity for advancement.

• You will be required to attend a training session.
• You must report to your assigned polling location at 6:00 am on the day of the election and work until the polls close and all paper work and machine close out is completed.
• You will complete your assignment by 8:00 pm, but there are times when your day could be longer.

Requirements to be Poll Worker - Augusta, GA
You must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Richmond County.
• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
• No person holding public office or Candidate for Office may serve as a poll worker.
• An immediate relative of an elected official cannot serve in an election where the relative is a candidate.

Find your polling location

If you are interested, please contact our office at (706) 821-2341.

Absentee Ballot information