Data is important! How to recover lost files

There are two types of people in this world. People who have lost information and people who are about to lose information.

This statement could not be truer!

It's most important as a parent.  I've spoken about it before, that the last thing you want is to lose are your children's baby photos. With everything digital these days, data in the form of all your photos can be so easily lost!

It's the best idea to have backup external hard drives and also backups of those!  Seriously.. that's what I do!

But there are also some pretty cool software out there that are very useful.

I was contacted by the folks at ReclaiMe.com to review their software! ReclaiMe File Recovery can undelete a single file or multiple files, unformat a hard drive (internal and external, desktop and laptop) or a memory card, plus more.

I whacked the program on the computer and the install looks fantastically professional.  This is one thing I often worry about, when the installer tries to install other programs or doesn't allow you to change the install location.  If it tries these things, it's often buggy or malware, but this software looks really good.

My problem is though, to truly test it, I'd need a hard drive to unformat!  Tempted to get an old laptop out and have a go, but *sigh* too much effort (fyi - I hate the god damn laptop, hence why I can't be bothered with it!).

I gave it a go in little, smaller methods, looks really simple and easy to use! But I can also let you know of a wicked review I found on the big boy website Cnet's Download.com:

"Saved me losing 15tb of data!"

Are you kidding me?  I don't understand how anyone can lose that amount of data and then also be able to easily recover it!

To put that amount of info into perspective for you guys, 15tb of data would be equal to approx 150 million half an hour YouTube videos..  at a quick maths check.  My calculator couldn't take the amount of numbers! hehehe.

My only downfall isn't anything to do with the software.  The website could look a bit flashier and less use of complex syntax for the dull minded like myself.

Very happy though to have a bit of software like this, just in case I do happen to lose those important baby photos and videos somehow.

So give it a look guys.  Grab yourself a just in case copy for the day that you might need it too!

Visit http://www.reclaime.com for a free to try version.

- tork

The Biggest Loser Husband Wife Weight Loss Off - Week 6 Finale

Last week!  It's all over!

My Biggest Loser Weight Loss has come to a close with today being the end of Week 6.

Lost another kilo, making a grand, glorious total of 85kgs.  That is 3kgs weight loss in total. Can't believe I lost it, even around the Christmas holidays!

The question is though, did I beat my wife in our weight loss battle?

Pffft.. no where near.  My wife lost herself 5kgs.  She is the master!  Yeah, I admit it.  Her stamina to ignore unhealthy foods has been amazing and she is addicted to working out and doing better than her husband.  Funny how those things work!

On the subject of winners, the other important announcement!

the winners of a 3 month membership to the Biggest Loser Club Online are....

Congratulations:

Jacky B

Julia M

Well done to the two winners! You'll each receive an email from me ASAP.

So let me summarize the last 6 weeks.  It's been disappointing but informative.  Nothing to do with the site though, disappointing from the fact that I had a couple of weight increases.  I put it down to over exercising for muscle build or perhaps more of the latter, stupid Tork at stupid Christmas parties.

God damn cheesecake.. *sigh*

But, the Biggest Loser program is great.  I could not recommend it more than I have.  It's my second time on their program with my second weight loss result. Not too shabby!

Just a point though to the male readers out there, please don't buy your significant other a Biggest Loser membership.  Suggesting your partner to lose weight with that sort of membership, or gym membership, not smart!  Unless you are game to send your wife/partner to become a whirlwind of batshit crazy!

Anyway, I don't want to harp on about how useful the site can be.  Their record of over 211,000kgs lost by all their users speaks for itself.

I am just happy I lost some more kilos. I'm looking forward to keeping at it with a few golf games over the holidays as well as keeping an eye on my wife's dwindling figure *wink wink*

nuff said.. enjoy your holidays everyone and good luck on our own weight loss goals!

- tork

A Job Worth Waking Up For: Tips for Finding Your Perfect Career

This is a guest post from Axcelerate, established in 1989 and has offered both accredited and non-accredited training since the early 1990s


Being a parent involves worrying about money and work. It involves wondering whether it's time to find a new, better job that suits you.

Every little kid gets asked what they want to be when they grow up. I bet you can remember (c’mon it wasn’t that long ago.) With starry eyes and a grin on your face you said something along the lines of I want to be an astronaut/doctor/actor. Then you would imagine living in a mega mansion, lazing around on your pool toy while the butler hands you a glass of soda. Then you grew up and became something along the lines of a marketer/cremator/Lindsay Lohans personal assistant.

A far cry from your original idea. However, if you are unhappy in your current career, it’s not too late to change nor is it ever too late to change – there’s eighty year olds going back to college to study! So if they can do it, you can too. Discovering your passion and finding your dream job is something millions of people have accomplished. With a bit of hard work and a positive attitude, you could be next. At the end of the day, who wants to have a gravestone reading – lived and died for the man. Not me.

Take the Time to Learn about Yourself

© Photographer: Olga Vasilkova
Agency: Dreamstime.com

Remember, you are not your name nor your job title. You are a human with real aspirations, passions, skills and ideas. Really take the time to find out what inspires you and gets you going in the morning. Do you like busting out the chainsaw every week and making cool wooden projects for your kids? Do you write creatively in a journal every night? Do you love going out of your way to provide care packages for your friends and family who are sick? All of these things can lead to careers as an architect, writer or elderly carer. Spend an hour or however long you like, writing about the things you do that make you truly happy. When you’ve finished, analyse them and see if you can string together an idea.

Don’t Be Deterred by Lack of Experience

No one is ever really fully qualified for a new job, so don’t let that deter you from reaching your career dreams. Developing skills for your new job may take time, it could be anything from going back to school or completing a short course via axcelerate.com.au. When it comes to your career, nothing should be put in the too hard box. It might mean that budgets have to be tighter, or you opt for part-time work while you study. Find what works for you and do it.

Grow your network

The best thing you do to work towards your future goals is to surround yourself in positive people who already work within the industry. Social media is now making it really easy to get in contact with these markets and stay in touch with everyone you have met. You’ll find that people are always willing to share their story or their advice with anyone – all you have to do is ask. Remember, the worst that can happen is a no.

Are you currently in your dream job? What were the steps you took to land it? Let us know your story in the comments below.

5 Things to Look for When Buying a Used Family Car

This is a guest post from Diff Lapping Qld, with over 30 years experience in the differential and manual gearbox industry.


Deciding to buy a used car over a new car will save you money at the outset, but it’s important to choose wisely so your purchase doesn’t end up costing your family in the long term. A good used car can serve you well and save you from having to suffer the initial depreciation of a new car, which may devalue by thousands simply by taking it off the showroom floor.

So, if you are a little cash-strapped a used car can make very good sense, providing you do your research before parting with your hard earned dollars.

Here are some tips for used car shoppers to help you get the ‘most car for your money’.

Reliability

© Photographer: Ryan Pike | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Reliability is probably the most important factor in purchasing a new car. You need your used car to be dependable and not to cost you a small fortune in repairs. There are a number of ways to determine reliability. Firstly, do your research. Check on the internet for reliability ratings of different models, talk to mechanics and read reports from consumer groups.

If you have done your research and found a car you like, it is always a good idea to have it checked over by a mechanic. If you are buying a second hand four wheel drive it may be an idea to get the diff checked out by a diff lapping expert. The small outlay for a thorough examination is well worth it; ask anyone who has bought a lemon!

Safety

Safety is a very important factor to consider on today’s busy roads. Again, research is imperative. Cars are crash tested and given a safety rating. Go online and find out what the experts have to say about different makes and models you are looking at.

 

Performance

One of the best ways to assess performance of used cars is to check out performance reviews on the internet. Used car buyers who have had a bad experience will be happy to talk about it, so check out used car blog sites too. A thorough test drive will also help you evaluate the performance of a used vehicle. Take it for a good long drive and put the car through its paces.

 

Interior

The condition of the interior determines how comfortable your driving experience will be. It is also an indicator of how well the car has been looked after. If the car has seat covers installed, be sure to remove them to check the condition of the upholstery – seat covers are often used to cover up cigarette burns and other damage.

 

Running Costs

If you are purchasing a second hand car you are most likely looking to save money, so don’t overlook this important point. Research fuel, maintenance and repair costs for the model you are looking at. Finding the best used car should depend on running costs as much as initial price. Don’t be seduced by a fancy interior, sporty appearance or even excellent safety ratings. You must be sure you can afford to run the car. If it’s expensive to run, maintain or insure then it is probably not the right car for you.

The Biggest Loser Husband Wife Weight Loss Off - Week 5

Read my previous post where you can enter to win a Biggest Loser Club 3 month membership.

Cha-ching! Lost 1kg this week.  Thank god for that.

After the last week's poor result, I'm glad there is a loss to put down in the online diary.

Had some great encouragement too from you lovely readers, including this great one from Jeff:

Really glad I can inspire others! 14 kgs is mental!  Well done Jeff you brilliant bastard and thanks for the encouragement.

I am only 2 kgs down after 5 weeks with one more to go.  The Biggest Loser Club definitely helps to set you up for your goals.  If you follow everything they say, you honestly can't go wrong.

Little bit dissappointing. My weight loss would be much better if I followed their exercise tips.  I run around, playing with my boy with play & exercise all rolled into one. Even though running around playing chasey in constant circles helps, it doesn't compare to things that my wife does.

She has a personal trainer, gym membership and will power to prevent inserting chocolates into her face. She herself has been doing the Biggest Loser tips and is another 1 kg down this week.

Doing so very well!

Unbelievably well because I think that now makes her about 22kgs down overall!

She's definitely beating me on this challenge.  I think I need to lose about two kilos this week just to catch up on her.  Tough, but not impossible!

On my bike riding more methinks, as I have a fair bit of chasing to do!  One more week left, so wish me luck.


If you are thinking about heading towards your own weight loss, give yourself a Christmas gift early and check out The Biggest Loser Club. They really help to do the job.

How to Protect your Home from Flood Season

This is a guest post from Fabric Solutions, an All-Australian company with expertise in custom design, fabrication and installation of liquid containment systems and fabric products.

© Photographer: Alan Heartfield | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Australia is a country of strange weather patterns. Flooding one day and drought the next, this means that every eventuality has to be planned for. Whether we like it or not we have to have irrigation and water supplies for droughts, and preparatory measures for floods. This needs to be done for the sake of saving money, preventing damage to crops and the infrastructure of the house. Here are some possible steps.

Sealants

Houses are full of little cracks and problems. Doors, windows, cracks in the walls and floor and things of that nature can let damp and water through. With a quick purchase of waterproof sealant you can run it across the windows and doors, you can also seal the floors and any cracks in the walls. This will stop accidental seepage that can lead to mould and mildew.

Prepare your Property

Keep your TV at least a metre off floor level and keep valuable items on high shelves. Use water resistant skirting boards and lay the floor with tiles and rugs rather than carpet. Anything wooden close to the ground in a flooding area will be a real problem.

Drains and Pipes

Fit non return valves onto any and all drains and pipes on your property, this will allow waste water to flow out of your house without risking it flowing back in through the sewage and the drains. Any inlet and outlet pipes need to be fitted like this.

Pumps

If you have a large outdoor property at risk of flooding you will need top put in a pump. Methods like sandbags and dams will be inefficient if it comes up through the ground. Ideally you should have a pump with a diesel generator outside any enclosed property, so you don't risk fumes. A good quality pump should give you a good decade of flood free living.

Small Dams or Water Tanks

Dams and water tanks are a simple solution to a large problem. Have too much water landing on your house? Build something to take the water. On large properties you can quite easily set up a small dam with a spillway that can pour down into the nearest body of water, or simply out into a place that will do no harm. If you have a smaller property then you can simply pick up a rainwater tank and keep it in your backyard. These are a good way to deal with changing climates, saving it in the winter to use it in the summer, and all the maintenance it takes is a little lining and protection from fabric solutions and you've got a flood barrier you can count on.

If you take a few simple steps even a large property can be mostly protected from the dangers of the weather. Nothing can withstand nature entirely, but these and a few other things can keep it at bay.

The Biggest Loser Husband Wife Weight Loss Off - Week 4

Read my previous post where you can enter to win a Biggest Loser Club 3 month membership.

I was trying to think about how I would write this week's post on my weight loss.  Should I lie or should I tell the truth.

Well, the truth shall set you free!

I put on weight this week, again.  I weighed in at 87kg.  That's a 1.5kg weight gain.

I looked at the scales this morning and just thought, "oh no, you god damned idiot".

I'm just trying to pin point where exactly I did go wrong.  My portions are probably too big, my current addiction to Bubble Teas now summer is back is probably not helping.

The thing is, I don't feel like I've put weight on.  This was super cool though after I did the official Biggest Loser weigh-in online:

The Biggest Loser site acknowledges the little things that are really important!

So, could it possibly be that my working out is putting on more muscle than weight is lost?  I doubt it.

I bought myself a helmet today to fix the problem (no, it's not a motorbike helmet to hide the shame).  I have this old bike whimpering in my shed "ride me, ride me".

I don't think it's my new neighbours making that noise, I'm pretty sure it's my bike (I shudder to envision those thought's, if you knew my actual neighbours).

So my bike will be seeing the light of day, enjoying it's freedom from my shed, hitting fresh air whilst my backside adorns it's uncomfortable, dusty seat.

I will be persistently popping in foods to calorie count and ignoring anything Christmas food wise.

I still don't know how I gained the weight.  I was super proud of my exercise when I was installing my son's new car booster seat.  If you've never done it before, you wouldn't understand the desperate heat that falls upon you, when you are completely useless at it, in a boiling hot car, with a wife over your shoulder yelling "you're doing it wrong!"

That reminds me, almost forgot to say how much my wife is beating me.  Fourth week in and 3kgs down.  She's great with exercise and portions of food.  I cook her meals at night. She doesn't even finish them and offers them to me...

I FIGURED IT OUT!!  She's totally been over feeding me her leftovers!!!

GRRR!

This means war...

3 Cars Fit For Your Family

This is a guest post from Jaguar, cars with a rich history for eighty years.


While no two families are alike, one thing that most have in common is the need for car space. Choosing one that suits your family’s needs is by no means easy; not only do you need to look at efficiency but you also need to consider practicality. It stop being about style and becomes more about what you actually need to get from A to B without having two people cram the boot down. You want your new car to be pack with features that keeps you and your family safe without breaking the bank. One that has strong consumer ratings and an impressive cost proprietorship status. Here are three cars that do just that.

Jaguar XF Luxury Sedan

© Photographer: Eleandra | Agency: Dreamstime.com

If you’re looking for that WOW factor that’s also practical, then say hello to Jaguar’s XF Luxury Sedan. In the past, Jaguar have been known as the kitty cat of the car industry: self-absorbed and untrainable. These days the cat has been tamed and the latest Jaguar XF is better equipped with families in mind. It boasts a five seater that comfortably fits five large sized adults and has plenty of junk in the trunk with a large 500 litre boot. The entry point price of $70,000 is attractive enough to lure anyone away from the more expensive luxury models, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in the features department. Including leather faced seats, woodgrain and metal cabin trim, 17-inch alloys, touchscreen control, a pleasant 10 speaker audio, six airbags, graphics park display, dusk sensitive bi-xenon headlights with wipers, brake electronics and all the high end tech to keep the teenagers happy.

Kia Rondo

Combing the practicality of an SUV with the look and feel of a car, the Kia Rondo is perfect for those on a tight budget who are looking for a discrete model that packs a punch in the cargo section. It blurs the lines between a car, minivan and crossover utility vehicle. It comes in at a low price of $17,395 which is surprising for a car that holds seven seats and contains all the safety features of a luxury model.

Mazda 5

The increasing price of petrol has forced a lot of drivers to size down to smaller cars with more efficient tanks. Unfortunately, if you have more than three kids you can’t just run down to your nearest car dealer and buy a Yaris; it’s not going to be practical for your needs. But what if I told you, that you could have it all? A minivan with a fuel friendly solution? That is what the Mazda5 range is offering for larger families. There’s room for six in this mid-sized package with sliding doors that are beneficial for parents needing to get babies into their car seats. It doesn’t make you feel like you’re driving a small bus and it is reasonably priced starting at $18,000 right up to $28,000

Have you recently purchased a car for your family? What did you choose?

Creative Ideas for Sprucing Up Your Otherwise Drab Prom Outfit

This is a guest post for those at their school Graduation from BowlingShoes.com, who are dedicated to providing enthusiastic customer service and support to bowlers who demand the best performing, name brand products, at reasonable prices.


It’s that special time of year, the time of high school prom. And you have your main squeeze lined up as your date, your group of friends and the limo. It’s going to be a night you will always remember, theoretically, so you might as well go all out on the style and the fashion. Don’t cheap out on the look – you may think you’re going to remember it forever, but really you’ll just have the pictures and the rest will be a blur. So it’s how you look that is clearly the most important. Here are some tips for sprucing up your prom night look, so that you and your date will remember this special night forever and ever, even if you don’t end up getting married (which you probably won’t).

1. Come up with a Cute Theme

Sure you can wear a tux and she can wear a dress, but even more special is when you get a theme for your outfits. I’m not saying dress up as Disney characters or your favorite movie. It’s got to be something timeless. The theme can be something simple like a color scheme – obviously you match the flowers, but you can have a purple vest and she a purple-trimmed dress. Or reverse colors works well too – like if she has a dominant blue and a hint of white, and you have a suit that’s prominently white with a hint of blue. It’s nice to have a cohesive look to show that you not only are together tonight, but intend to be together forever (even if that’s unlikely).

2. Fancy Footwear

You can still look classy on the top, but with a subtle unique footwear option you can really spruce up your outfit nicely. For example, wearing a pair of bowling shoes for men is a fun way to accent your style. These shoes are distinctly bowling shoes, but also seem kind of fancy in a unique way. They won’t be out of place like sneakers would be, but they’ll be eye catching nonetheless. The older folks at the prom may raise their eyebrows, but your contemporaries will think you a beacon of trendy fashion. See what I mean here: http://bowlingshoes.com.

3. Funky Vest

Most guys wear a tuxedo, as well they should. It’s pretty much industry standard. But you can have a lot of fun with a cool vest. It’s a great way to express your personality without doing something so unconventional that you will be seen as a social pariah. You don’t want to stand out as kind of disrespecting the event, but you don’t want simply to conform to what everyone else is doing, like all the football players and squares. You want to be your own man, and a cool printed or designed vest is just what the doctor ordered.

4. Corduroy Suit

If you don’t want to wear a tuxedo, but don’t want to go all square and dressed down with slacks and a jacket, you could go all in on a cool vintage corduroy suit. That’s the jam, an off-beige three-piece corduroy suit. If I had to do it all again, that’s exactly what I would do. It’s timeless, your photos will be great for all of eternity, and you’ll stand out at the time without being a jerk. That’s what I want you to do – go right out to the second hand store and find the coolest corduroy suit you can. That’s the pro tip for sprucing up your prom night look.

How to Save for the Car of your Dreams

This is a guest post from the folks at Ford Melbourne, who offer a range of vehicles to suit every lifestyle.


The kids are driving you crazy.  You feel like all your stress at home and work isn't helping you move on from your current rust bucket of a car.

© Photographer: Cheryl Kunde | Agency: Dreamstime.com

You walked past the shop window and there it was, looking like something out of a centre spread of Motor magazine; your dream car. You combed through the car deals in Melbourne and although it’s not entirely in your price range, it’s do-able…. Just… In ten years’ time maybe. It’s not like you're trying to throw ol’ Betsey to the tips, but let’s be honest, she’s now struggling to get up a slight incline and she splutters for a good five minutes when you start her up. It’s time you got a new car; you deserve it. The only problem is, you barely have enough money at the end of the week let alone enough to put into savings. Don’t despair, here is a few ideas on how to pinch pennies and save for your dream car.

Do your homework

No one likes getting a raw deal or feeling like they got hustled by the dealer with the handle bar moustache. Before you head into the showroom, do some comprehensive research on your car via some good magazines and websites that offer reviews, pricing and comparison of similar models. The more informed you are, the better choice you’ll make. And when Jerry (that’s the dealer) tells you a price $5,000 more than what it’s worth, you will have confidence to knock it back and negotiate a realistic deal.

Sacrifice your spending

The most important thing to do when finding ways to save money is to cut down on your spending habits. Sure, the occasional take-away or night out with friends is essential to your sanity, but if you’ve been calling up your local Chinese take-away more than your mother, it’s a pretty good sign that you need to limit your splurges. The most effective way to figure out where you are blowing money each week is to write it down. You’d be surprised to see where all that extra change is being disbursed. Those daily coffee trips and $10 lunch deals really start to add up. Be ruthless with your spending but not to the point where you’re a living off mashed potato.

Open a special savings account

© Photographer: James Hearn | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Its two days until your next pay comes in and you’ve found yourself this must have item that’s a little bit of the pricy side. You know you have enough in your account, but that money is set aside for your car. You think that it won’t hurt to use a little bit of your savings, however after a while those impulse buys start to accumulate and you’re no longer seeing any progress. It’s for this reason that you should set up a separate online savings account with a high interest rate. Each week, automatically transfer a set amount of money from your regular account and make a pact with yourself that these funds cannot be used.

Sell everything you don’t need

Haven’t touched that guitar in a while? Got a pile of books just collecting dust? Perhaps you’ve got one too many lava lamps? If so, it’s time to have a garage sale. You may be selling clothes or books for $1, but all of that starts to tally up if you’ve got plenty of buyers. Remember, you’re saving for your car, if you don’t need things of relative value, then sell them and add that money to owning your new set of wheels.

Got any saving tips you swear by? Tell us in the comments below.

The Biggest Loser Husband Wife Weight Loss Off - Week 3

Another week down and it's an "oops" week.  Yeah, I've put on 0.5kgs and the wife is keeping hush hush on her weight loss.

Christmas parties! Worst ideas when trying to lose weight.  Good times though, great times!

I do have good news for you though.  It's giveaway time!!

The folks at The Biggest Loser Club are kindly offering all you lovely readers out there the chance to win a 3 month membership to the Biggest Loser Club.

I have got two of them to give away!  Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

But let's talk about more on the weight loss scene.  I knew it was coming, the weight gain.  There was less exercise done this week.  Seems it's usually a pattern for me after a two week consecutive weight loss result.

I get a bit cocky perhaps, showing how it easy it is and just do a bit less exercise. I sweated it out Saturday though, running after the wee lad, kicking footy with mates.

I sweated more than Kevin Pietersen, facing his home media after losing the first Ashes Test.

(that's a lot of sweating!)

If I didn't put a big effort in on Saturday, it probably would have been worse.

My wife on the other hand has been eating better then me, but just feeling a bit crook over the week. Poor thing! Kind of doesn't help exercise wise.

Excuses excuses though.  I shouldn't have excuses!

The Biggest Loser Club is all set up to avoid this sort of weight gain, albeit very small.  They give you weekly recipes and on top of that, a shopping list of all the ingredients required.  Makes it really easy if you're able to abide by their suggested meals.

Inserting a big kick up the arse this week.  I promise to lose a bunch of kgs.  Tweet me and Facebook me to make sure I don't slip up! (and good luck if you are entering the giveaway)

How's your weight looking after your Christmas parties?  Do you have issues denying a plate of lamb on the spit like I did? Or is there another Christmas goody that has you beat?

Love to hear about it!

- tork