Last year, I did a series on how to protect yourself and your privacy online, with the biggest issue being sites like Facebook. The instructions helped a lot of people, but were soon out-dated since Facebook released updated security controls and privacy settings to make the process even easier. I still had several people seeking advice for handling cyber stalkers, which is still an ongoing issue with the internet, and one that the courts have decided falls under “Free Speech” (however, a “public figure” of sorts filed this case after he had a falling out with a friend).

However, last year, I also used various pieces of technology to lose nearly 30 lbs over 6 months, without taking any medication. All it takes is an awareness of what you’re doing, what you’re eating, and an understanding of what your body is telling you.

My goal last year was to lose 100 lbs in 12 months, in preparation for my wedding. However, the closer it got to the wedding, the less time I had to keep it up, and I relapsed. This year, I take it from the top again, and document what types of technology I’m using, what things I’m doing, and how you can do it too. Everything I’ll be doing will have to fit into a 40 hr work week, with family events and 7-8 hours of sleep each night – so this will be a completely realistic routine for anyone to follow – if they make it a priority, like watching sitcoms, playing video games, and going out. The realistic target weight-loss is about 5 lbs a month. Too slow and it seems pointless, too fast and it will all come back.

If you’re starting a weight-loss goal this year, then I’ll leave you with the #1 tip for doing it: KEEP MOVING. If you’re moving, you’re burning calories, whether it’s walking, running, climbing steps, whatever…just keep moving.

Be looking for posts this year with tips, ideas, technologies, and my progress updates. I’ll also be interested in hearing any other tips that people want to share.

Technorati Tags: forecast, slim-down tech, update, weight-loss

I’m also going to be working on two versions of the former “My Spot” page…one that is universal, and one that is user-oriented/customized. The customized one (My Spot) will be written in AJAX, the universal one (The Spot) will be in php.

The new My Spot page will also be the basis for the My Blot page, that will be the essence of the-blot.net – insomuch as the settings will be saved per user on the My Spot page, and will be accessible by user_id…whereas the My Blot page will be accessible by username: the-blot.net/KD or /~day_dreamer~ or /Agent%20Smith.

There will be further posts concerning what the details of all the pages will contain…but greater emphasis will be placed on the photoalbum, journals, profiles, and buddy lists with the coming pages.

Technorati Tags: ajax, Blot, lan party, photoalbum, PHP, profiles, Spot, the-spot.net, theme, tsnX, update

I’m currently working on the first theme for the site, named tsnX-lite. It is available for you to use as your own, simply change the setting in your Profile. Once the theme is mostly complete, I’ll begin work on coding the MySpot page.

The MySpot page will be making use of some AJAX techniques, as well as customizeable options, like the presence of certain content boxes. There will be more to come on the MySpot page as the time gets closer.

Technorati Tags: ajax, content, database, myspot, Profile, site, theme, tsnX, update

However, I have been up all night, and until 8:45 this morning, and I’m tired. So I’m going to sleep now.

Technorati Tags: Authorization, authorization database, beta, Converted, site, update

So check the pizzy for updates if the forums aren’t working. If, in the meantime, the server goes down for some reason, and you can’t get to thepizzy or tsn, then go to http://tsnblog.blogspot.com to fing out why.

Technorati Tags: beta, code, conversions, database, forums, pizzy, server, site, sql, sql code, tsn, tsnV, tsnX, update

I spent all night working on it, and then another 3 hours today already, and am going to take a break from it. But once the database conversion is finished, and I revisit the bugs in the code, I’ll load the database, and start working on the site design.

The theme that I’m going to be working off of is just going to be a re-coded subSilver theme. If you want to use the theme as I build it, to be one of the first to experience the tsnX feel, then feel free to do so. However, the theme is going to be in the alpha phase, which will guarantee nothing as far as it’s ability to function is concerned. So if I’m working on something, and the theme breaks, and it’s not something that I can fix immediately, then you will most likely be SOL until I get it fixed, as far as using the site is concerned.

For this purpose if you wish to create a separate user on the site and use the settings for it to work with everything beta, then that will be acceptable. Just name your user account _beta so that you can distinguish which is which, and we’ll still know who you are.

Technorati Tags: account, alpha, alpha phase, beta, code, database, database conversion, database structure, design, forums, site, subSilver, tsnV, tsnX, update, user, user accounts

What’s next on the list, is debugging some of the beta problems…then converting the tsnV database to work with the tsnX database, and then working on the design of the forums.

Once that is done, I’ll start the work on the My Spot page, and the design for that page. So it’s coming together, and people can start coming back soon…and within the next couple days, everyone will be able to log back in as before.

More updates to come, as more progress is made.

Technorati Tags: beta, Coding, database, design, feature, forums, progress, Spot, tsnV, tsnX, update

There are about 21 more mods to install, and I Figure that if I work on it after I get done helping the family on Saturday morning, and then all of Sunday, I should be in pretty good shape for Monday, when I have another family event.

On Tuesday, I’ll be getting my materials to start the courses for some IT Certifications, and once again my time will be divided – but things are starting to come together…and that’s good – because I’m sooo tired of working on it. I’ve not been in a coding mood at all this week.

Technorati Tags: Certifications, site, tsnX, update