7 Step Consulting

Ultimate Movie Software

My wife and I still have copies of our wedding video on CD. My Dad took the video for us, and gave us a CD of the files so we could save them and convert them to whatever wanted.

But we don’t have a Mac or expensive movie editing software. We’ve also taken videos on our digital camera (not video camera, just camera with a video option). It saves the movies in AVI format, but we want to make sure we get the highest quality video — and — can share it with friends and family.

What we need is a great piece of software that can help us edit the files (ever taken a 90 degree angle video on your digital camera only to remember that you can’t turn it? I have!) that can also convert AVI to MPG.

Here’s a shot of the video editor:

Looks like it should be pretty easy to learn. I definitely look forward to trying it out. It has 30 different effects and can help with color adjustments.

WordPress

Anyone else use WordPress on their blogs? Constantly updated, free, open source blogging software. It’s a jewel.

Trust me, if I can use it, anyone can. I’m not extremely technical. But once you figure out the framework, it becomes pretty easy to work on.

I love the plugins as well…

Spruce up your interior

Let’s make that home of yours a little more classy, shall we? Out with the futon and sports memorabilia and in with classy furniture and accessories.

An example of classy, nice furniture or accessories? Grandfather clocks for your entry way or living room. The clocks that you’ve seen in fancy homes (or even maybe at your grandmother’s house) are probably older and more expensive.

But it doesn’t have to be like that. You can find affordable grandfather clocks at 1-800-4clocks. They’ve got a huge online collection, including modern clocks you might not have thought of initially. Why not start a family tradition of collecting clocks? Some families have been passing on clocks for generations.

For example, there is a “Ridgeway Everest Waterfall Floor Clock” available here. How modern is that?! A waterfall and a clock. I love it. It looks great. It’s modern. It’s not too stuffy or proper. It would make a great conversation piece.

Actually, looking at that clock I would think about putting that in our living room. The colors go well with our living room colors. And plus … the sound of running water is so soothing. I’d have to be careful not to fall asleep on the couch all of the time.

Another great brand is Howard Miller clocks. You want to buy a quality clock. If you’re going to spend any amount of money on anything — $10 or $200 or $1,000 — you want to make sure it is going to last.

We Loved Our Agent

When we bought a house, we loved our agent. He came highly recommended from a few people we had talked to that we trusted.

I felt kind of bad for the guy, but not really. We found our house on our own (new construction), but he showed us a lot of “used” houses on the market. We called him to say “Hey, we signed a contract and put you on it.”

Not bad for him I guess, he still got the commission.

Personal Loans for Good Credit?

Another idea behind getting a Personal Loan is it could help you build up your credit history. There are several quality websites to help you get a personal loan.

I’m not sure of all of the specific steps involved. I would imagine much like a credit card, home loan, or car note that having paid off your personal loans on time would help add to your credit history. You would need to make sure that the loans are reported to the credit bureaus.

Personal loan companies will generally find a way to work with you — good credit or bad credit. Obviously, good credit is easier to work with.

More Real Estate Hilarity

“They’re upset because they are just breaking even …”

With that statement alone, I would have fired the agent. Immediately. Who are you representing? Seriously?

My advice to her was a very stern conversation setting the record straight on who she represents. If that didn’t work, I’d let the agent know her services were no longer needed.

More Personal Loans

The economy has continued to deteriorate throughout 2008. While there have been some signs we’ve hit bottom, it should still be a while before we get out of the mess we’re currently in.

Unemployment remains high. Contractors are getting laid off. Projects are being canceled left and right. Employers are slimming down to a more efficient size.

Some folks — like hourly workers — are having hours cut and seem happy to at least have a job. Some of those unfortunate folks are having to take Cash Advances to make ends meet. It’s sad that people are having to take out Personal Loans to make ends meet. But at least they have that option.

Hilarious Real Estate Stuff

There is a girl in my office that is looking to buy a house with her future husband. Remember, the real estate market is in the pot as of late.

They made an offer, and after the inspection discovered some serious stuff wrong that needed fixing. They told the seller to fix everything to keep the offer.

Get this — their agent — the girl in my office’s agent — the one representing HER — is telling her that the seller is “trying to break even” and were “really upset” that they wanted to make repairs.

Hilarious. Uhm, welcome to the housing market.

Interesting Business: Ringtones

It’s one of those businesses I haven’t paid much attention to. But something you might want to look into if you’re looking to start a business.

There’s a new website that provides you with Rap Ringtones. The website is clean and not cluttered with all kinds of ads. Something I truly can appreciate. I’d give the design an overall thumbs up.

Michael Phelps is a Beast

Seriously. The kid is just a sick swimmer. Sick in the best sense… but sick nonetheless.

That relay last night (the 4×100 Men’s Freestyle) was one of the best sporting events I’ve seen in quite some time.

I still think the Olympics are… different… being hosted in China. But I’ve got to hand it to them. The opening ceremonies were amazing.