Now you can become a TV noise vigilante. The folks at TVBGone.com have been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, CBS News, ABC News, Fox News and NPR among many other media.

This little infrared keychain gadget will surreptitiously turn off most TV models in use today. Think of the possibilities when you want to carry on a decorous conversation while an unwatched TV is blaring away in a restaurant or some similar otherwise civilized place. It won't set you back a king's ransom for this silencer ($14.95 at this writing). Naturally we know that you will use the utmost discretion when yielding such power.

Civility strikes back.

Eraser For Your Unwanted Computer Files

Do you have some data you would rather not share with others such as passwords, personal information, classified documents from work or financial records? Maybe you are getting ready to upgrade to a new computer. Be aware that simply deleting old files -- or for that matter formatting your hard drive does not prevent prying eyes from accessing your confidential materials.

Simply put, the file eraser at Heidi.ie is an advanced security tool that allows you to completely remove sensitive data from your hard drive by overwriting it several times with carefully selected patterns. This freeware application (donations accepted) has over 2.5 million users and has been reviewed as one of the best security tools available today.

Protect yourself -- as freeware, the price is right.

Beat Your Parking Ticket Online

Know any parking scofflaws? They'll like this one. Got a parking ticket? Just log on and submit the details to Parkingticket.com. "For half the cost of what the ticket charges, the company will fight the ticket for you" -- and it usually wins. If it doesn't, you pay nothing.

These valiant folks say the reason the system works is simple -- most parking tickets are issued in violation of existing laws and court rulings. They have helped clear an estimated $100 million in tickets since they started. They must be doing something right.

They currently serve scofflaws in New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C and will open soon in Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, London and Montreal. Let them fight city hall for you.

If you want you can even pay your ticket on-line at this great place. (But who wants to do that?)

Lighten Your Day At JibJab

Want to bring a smile into your day? The clever folks at Jibjab.com will accommodate.

You've probably seen their creativity on news broadcasts -- particularly during the last presidential contest. Remember "This Land". "Good to Be in DC" or the new "Second Term"? We'll bet that enjoying these punsters on the Web, at your beck and call, can make your day brighter.

Now you can see Hillary smack Bill -- or George W mangle the English language any time you want.

Enjoy.

Published: January 27, 2005

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

John M. "Jack" Peckham is the Executive Director of REcyber.com (the Real Estate CyberSpace Society). In that capacity he oversees the development and delivery of the latest up to the minute Real Estate Cyberspace tools, strategies, networking structures and services that the Society provides its members to leverage their effectiveness, visibility, professionalism and earnings. As host of Real Estate CyberSpace Radio, he provides over 40 hours of programming to help listeners integrate the power of the Internet into their daily business lives. He is the author of several real estate books published by Prentice Hall and Harcourt Brace Jovanovich including his latest Master Guide to Income Property Brokerage from Wiley Publishing. A columnist for the Boston Herald for nine years, his syndicated columns have appeared in over 100 papers nationwide. Jack loves to sell real estate has been involved directly in the sale of over one billion dollars in Real Estate. Today he sells in his jeans and fuzzy slippers as a one-man shop and has closed over $40,000,000 in sales on the Internet recently in 20% of his working time. The balance he spends directing the affairs of the 10,000 member Real Estate CyberSpace Society. The Society awards the RECS (Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist) Designation to members based on the current criteria. He served as Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), is a Past President of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors and has been honored as the Massachusetts State Realtor of the Year. You can reach Jack at or by calling 617-523-4441.