Share your videos, pictures and audio with your friends, without the fear of seeing it spread all around the World Wide Web.
With us this morning are the founders of the Drop IO website, Sam Lessin and Darshan Somashekar. Drop IO means folks can drop in and out of the private site... Worry- free.
What is Drop IO?
Drop.io is a really easy way to privately share things online. These days, most people are especially worried about putting their information online because it could, and too often does, shows up in places people don't want it to - like search engines or on social networks.
We make it really easy to privately share things without that concern - photos and videos with your family, from a wedding, or of a new baby for instance. You can, in as little as two clicks, take pictures, videos, documents and put them online at a simple place to remember, like drop.io/ournewbaby and allow people to easily but privately access them.
How does it work?
All you need to do is click 'add files', tell us where you want to put them, add a password (if you want), and click 'drop it' - we do the rest, converting your media for the web (so you can view the videos like YouTube, the photos in a gallery, etc).
It's private, because there is no way to browse the site for pictures or find a drop without knowing the specific Web address. Additionally, since you can password protect every drop, you get added security. It's simple too - when you want to share your media, just send an email to your family or call them on the phone to tell them the drop address. The media will be right there for them. No registration - no complexity, just your stuff exactly as you want it.
Once they are looking at the drop they can add more files, notes, whatever they want in response. No one has to register, there is no 'network' and we block search engines like Google.
How is this any different than things like oPhoto, or Facebook, or Picasa for sharing things?
All of the other services out there are by default quite 'public' - there are complicated settings on some which make them more 'private' but they are really hard to use. They require you to register, and usually mean that whenever you share something with others they have to register as well. You then have to manage how can see what and how... drop.io is all about focus on how simplicity and privacy can and do go hand in hand… so, it is very easy for things to stay within the family - easy to post them online, and very very easy for grandma to access them.
People sometimes use e-mail when they want to keep things private - but there are a lot of issues with it - most notably that files like pictures and videos are way too big to share that way, and whatever you put in email is likely being read by your employer.
What else can you do with Drop IO?
When we think about privacy and simplicity our mission is not just about the web. So, recently we added a function where each 'drop' (each private location for sharing that is) also has a custom phone number and extension - you can call the drop, record a private message by just speaking into your phone. We then take the message and put it in your drop as an MP3, so you can share it with whomever you want.
This is a great solution if there are people in the family who don't type very well (either young kids or grandparents) but want to comment on photos online or privately message the family, just by talking.
What have people been using Drop.IO for?
People have been telling us they use it for all sorts of things.:
Lots of people send media to loved ones overseas this way - some people like leaving private voice messages (from family members or children) on drops for those aboard, especially servicemen and women, that they can easily listen to them.
Want to learn more?
Check out the site http://drop.io - you can use it right now, try it by making a 'drop.'
Cost?
The service is free to use and there are no advertisements. We give you 100 MB drops and you can make as many as you want - if you want to share a ton of media in one drop there is an upgrade option for $10/year which allows each drop to be up to 1GB - this is how we make money.
New York, NY - January 15, 2008 -- Easily and privately exchange information with anyone, including friends, family colleagues and co-workers, with a quick drop.
Drop.io , a private place for exchanging media, launches this month and introduces new phone functionality. The online service not only allows people to share photos, videos, and other media with easy-to-create 'drops,' but now links a phone number to every drop made.
Where other online social utilities are geared towards mass distribution and dissemination of information, Drop.io keeps information private - whether it's a PDF of a presentation, a set of baby pictures, videos of your family vacation, or an audio recording of a piano recital.
-----CONFESSIONS OF A CARB QUEEN-----
A local native, Susan Blech is familiar with the streets of New York, but she was also very familiar with all types of fast food joints. She grew up a healthy kid, but then found herself at 468 pounds. She has since lost the weight and joins us this morning to discuss her book, "Confessions of a Carb Queen."
Why did you write the book?
I wrote the book, with my sister, because I knew that there were people out there who are living in the same shame, loneliness and pain, physically and emotionally, that I had lived in for so many years.
What do you want other people to know about you?
I want them to know that I still struggle the same way we all do. It takes perseverance, determination and patience to keep you healthy.
What are some of the experiences you talk about?
I talk about the funny times, embarrassing times and sad times. How it was like to be obsessed about food and live to talk about it!
How has it been letting the whole world know about your life as a morbidly obese person?
Everyone has a "closet." Not many people open it up in black and white with a pretty pink cover. However, if it helps one person it will all be worth it because that pain and shame is what keeps the weight on us.
How was it writing the book with your sister?
Well, let's just say it wasn't easy! It's one thing to tell your friends about things that go on in your life, but to tell you sister (who has been like a mother)...well, that's a whole other story! It's also been a wonderful bonding experience and I feel we are closer because of writing the book...which is an added bonus!
What hole do you think the food was filling?
The food was filling the deep ending black whole of lack of self-love. When I finally learned to love, and like, myself that hole was slowly filling itself up. At the right point, I realized that I didn't need to fill it anymore with food because I learned to nurture that person that deserved to be loved.
How are you today going past a fast-food restaurant?
I'm not tempted. It's one of those things in my life that I have made a choice is not an option.
How did you sustain your willpower?
All I do is remember how it felt to be so overweight - not to be able to walk, not be able to go to restaurants because of fear of breaking the seat, not going to movie theatres because the seats are too small, not dating...I just remember all the "not's" and it makes me realize how great it is to live!
Do you still struggle with food or is it easy now?
At times it's easier than other times. Food doesn't consume me now. I don't think of lunch when I'm eating breakfast. I think about living and that has become my focus.
What do you hope people learn from your story?
That's it's hard but it's worth it. That the toughest thing you will have to do is to make changes and to have courage through those changes. That being powerful will lead you to living a powerful life!
-----FLU SEASON-----
It's cold outside and with that--- illness lurks in every corner. Joining us this morning to crush some old wives' tales on the flu and for the best way to detect it is registered nurse Marybeth Pompei with the Exergen Corporation.
The Flu
Dispelling Fever-Related Old Wives' Tales
Myth: My temperature should always be 98.6F.
Reality: Body temperature naturally fluctuates during the course of a day. Oral temperatures of 98.7°F to 100°F (37.1°C to 37.8°C) are normal variations which often peak in the late afternoons and evenings. Only 8% of the population has an average temperature of 98.6°F.
Myth: All fevers are dangerous.
Reality: Fevers are a part of the body's natural immune process and are a symptom of the body's response to a specific condition, which could include infection. Although alarming, fevers alone only need to be treated if they cause discomfort (normally if they are over 102°F or 38.8°C).
Myth: You should starve a fever, feed a cold.
Reality: Nutrition is important all the time, especially when you are ill. This common bit of folklore, however, is incorrect: When you have a fever, you are burning calories at a faster rate than normal so caloric replacement is vital. Eat vitamin-rich, easy-to-digest foods when you feel hungry. Vitamins and supplements can help as well. Make sure to drink plenty of water or other liquids to keep hydrated.
Myth: A high temperature is more dangerous than a low-grade one.
Reality: A high temperature can be a symptom of a serious illness, but a low-grade temperature of 99.8°F to 100.8°F (37.6° - 38.2°C) doesn't indicate its absence. Accurately measuring temperature can be an important part of the diagnostic process.
Temperature Measurement Tips & Thermometers
There are significant differences between thermometers:
-----EDUCATION TIPS-----
How do you know if your child is falling behind in school? And if they are, how do you work toward a solution? Joining us this morning with some homework help tips is Laurette Rothwachs, the dean of Sinai schools.
Tips for Parents: Is Your Child Falling Behind in School? - How to Identify a Problem and Work Toward a Solution
How can parents tell if their child is falling behind in school?
Some early warning signs:
What should parents do if they detect these early signs?
a. Set up a time to talk to your child's teachers:
- Ask a general question first - how is he doing? - then get specific:
b. Make a Plan
c. Meet regularly with teachers to discuss what's working, what isn't, and how the plan can be revised.
Homework is a huge part of academic success. What can parents do to help their children develop these essential skills?
Try these practical homework strategies:
* Homework should be a review of material taught. If you find yourself trying to teach the material, talk to the teacher.
For more information, go to www.sinaischools.org
The SINAI Schools of New Jersey are a network of programs dedicated to educating special needs children and young adults within the Jewish community.
Beginning in 1982 with five learning disabled students, the SINAI Schools now educate over 1,000 students. Led by Dean Laurette Rothwachs, the SINAI Schools are recognized for upholding rigorous standards and excellence in their unique approach to special education.
-----WEDDING DRESSES -----
With New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day behind us, it's likely someone you know has recently become engaged. And that means, the search is on for the perfect dress.
Joining us this morning with examples of the hottest trends in wedding dresses is fashion designer, Demetrios. Demetrios Gown Descriptions
1341- Beaded net sheath with strapless ruched bodice and pleated hem, attached chapel train. Retail price: $1200
2806- Strapless beaded tulle corset with sweetheart neck, taffeta upper bustled skirt with insert of beaded tulle, sheer shrug jacket with long bell sleeves. Retail price: $1800
2804- Off the shoulder ball gown with 3/4 sheer lace sleeves. Italian organza draped skirt with insert of beaded lace. Retail price: $1600
2795- All over lace ball gown with beaded tulle hem and side gathers, strapless beaded bodice. Retail price: $1400
GR137- Strapless corset with beaded lace and flower accented with feathers, asymmetrical tiered organza skirt. Retail Price: $900
