Geocaching: The Global Location-Based Cache Hunt

Let the hunt begin!

Geocaching is something that has been around for just over a decade, but it is something that few people are still aware of.  It is essentially an outdoor sporting activity in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) or location-based device (such as a smartphone) to hide and seek waterproof containers - which are called "geocaches" or "caches".  A typical cache contains a logbook where you record your name and when you found the cache (and signs it with an official code name, if applicable).  Large containers may also contain items for trading (you can leave something in the case and take what is in there). It is essential a high-tech game of hide and seek.  This activity is a perfect way to get out and explore wherever it is that you are traveling.  Caches can be found literally all over the world, from metropolitan areas to the backwoods of a national park trail.  You would probably be surprised at how close some of the hunts will take you to home!

Apple Is No Longer a Green Competitor.

Apple is undeniably a force to be reckoned with - but they recently asked the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) to remove all of their products from the green registry.  What does this mean?  Well, the EPEAT is the organization that sets all the environmental standards for electronic products and now, Apple's products no longer meet these standards.  In the more recent future, environment-friendly and sustainable products are much more important than they were in the past.  Many consumers will choose one product over another, even if it costs more, just because it's environmentally friendly.  It's sometimes a deciding factor in which product to purchase.

Apple currently has 39 products on the market today and all 39 were taken off the green registry.  Apple's request was made roughly two weeks ago, according to WSJ, but the EPEAT just made the public announcement.  Apple has recently removed its claim to be environmentally friendly off their website even though they used to brag about how environmentally friendly the MacBook Pro was because of it contains less toxic components and its energy efficiency.

What do you think this means for competition?  Do you think this will be detrimental to Apple?

The Traffic Jam Solution

Waze is a traffic app that saves you time!

Ever wondered why it is called “rush hour” yet it is the slowest time during the day? Well, I can’t answer that, but I can suggest an app that will help anyone save time when it comes to your daily commute.

Tips for taking firework pictures with your phone

Happy Independence Day from YML!  As the evening is setting in, many of you will be watching (or in some cases, running from) fireworks at home our at professional shows.  Since our phones are typically the only cameras that we have at our disposal, it is important to understand how to use the camera properly to capture the colorful explosions.  By following several tips that I found at this article on Mashable, you can take brilliant pictures with your smartphone that are perfect for sharing.

Note: Do NOT take pictures while in the Instagram application - save all the fancy editing for after you capture the great pictures.

PadMapper: The New Way to Search for Apartments

Apartment shopping can be a tedious and downright frustrating experience - between the websites that want all your personal information and Craigslist, filled with scams and advertisements that are hard to navigate.  Ultimately, many people end up having their email inbox blown up with junk mail and feel frustrated at the end of the day. Apartment hunting online can really be a tedious process.

Whether you are going off to college, moving in with roommates or a significant other, or moving for a new job,  the idea of apartment shopping is almost worse than the actual packing and unpacking experience.  Recently,  I discovered an sanity-saving app that assists in the apartment shopping experience.  PadMapper is a location-based app that allows you to search for apartment listings near you.  Listings cannot be promoted and therefore, you will get to see what you really want to see.

Listings can be narrowed down by Zip Code, Price Range, Number of Rooms and Bathrooms.  You can also select whether you want Subleases, Full Leases, and/or Rooms/Shares to be included in your search results.  There are some additional advanced search options including whether you have dogs, cats, would prefer something with a no-fee pet policy, etc.  Results are displayed in the form of a list and on a clickable map, which makes things both visual and easy to navigate.

Let us know what you think about PadMapper in the comments!  Do you think it's better than Craigslist?