PayPalX announced that appbackr was selected by community voting to become one of 11 finalists in the PayPalX Developer Challenge. Marketing Shift had helped appbackr get a last surge of support from the app developer community.

Appbackr provides a simple and revolutionary approach to Immediate Funding for Apple iPhone and iPad Developers selling apps in the iTunes store. Application developers sell wholesale units of their apps on appbackr. App developers get funds right away. Buyers profit when the apps sell on the iTunes store. appbackr is a wholesale digital marketplace for Apple iPhone and iPad developers. The PayPalX Developer challenge is intended to reward creativity, innovation and viability. This model supports iPhone developers by allowing them to pull value out of their idea, rather than having to go through the long mating process of trying to get the app in front of the right developer.

The finalists will now go on to be judged by a panel of distinguished judges including chairman of eBay Inc., Pierre Omidyar; PayPal president Scott Thompson; general partner of Andreessen/Horowitz, Marc Andreessen; Sequoia Capital's Roelof Botha, and Intuit’s Scott Cook, who will choose the top two prize winners. Winners will be announced at DEMO Spring 2010 in March.

New business models can take months and years to get off the ground. If appbackr wins the contest they will get a lot of exposure and have the chance to shake up how apps get funded. appbackr made it through the support of app developers around the world. Now they need people who support appbackr to tweet with #appbackr #paypalx and become a fan at the Appbackr facebook page. Developers are revolutionizing the manufacturing and distribution of the apps we rely on. appbackr provides a compelling way to bring Immediate Fund micro-financing to entrepreneurs, developers and creatives. Let's encourage PayPal to appreciate how big the demand is for Immediate Funding for app developers. appbackr is the next generation of micro-finance and opens up a whole new category of opportunity for PayPal. Developers benefit. Consumers benefit. Your support can help people to see the potential that appbackr represents. Remember that Appbackr is by invitation only until launch (ping me if you need an invite).

iPhone developer extraordinaire Dave Mark thinks there's something to it as well, maybe this thing will actually take off, I recommend voting so they have a fighting chance.

Sincerely,

Jason Dowdell

My brother-in-law Sean is way too nice, today he's letting me drive his baby indefinitely while I transition out of my current vehicle. Sean has a 1974 BMW 2002 that's in amazing condition. I currently have a 2008 bmw m3 but will turning it back in when the lease is up in April. In order to make the transition as smooth as possible, Sean gave me a list of things I need to be mindful of while driving his 36 year old bimmer (ironic that the car and I are the same age). I thought this list was pretty awesome so I decided to share it with all of you, enjoy!

• Lowering the driver's side window involves cranking it down half way and then popping it back on its track and then you can finish rolling it down.
• Don't fill it all the way up and then park it on a really hot day. If so, we will have to pay a visit to Andy again. from jason: Andy is the body shop guy that repainted the section just below the gas cap when the gas leaked and pealed a nice section of paint off the rear quarter panel, we don't like going to see Andy unless its on our terms.
• It wakes up slowly and complains for the first few minutes of driving. Just give it lots of gas and it will smooth out and get a much better attitude.
• Every now and then when warm it will chatter in first or second. Don't know why, but more gas or less clutch makes it go away.
• If you ever hit the gas and nothing happens, the gas pedal has popped out of its fitting. It is a good idea to check this from time to time. If this happens while you're driving, pull over to the side of the road and pop it back into place.
• On a hot day, the temperature will get past halfway. I do have an electric fan that cuts on automatically. If it gets to say 80%, something is probably wrong and it should be shut down. That said, the gauge is jumpy, and if the reading seems wrong, tap the gauge and it will be more accurate.
• I do not lock the gas cap. To remove it, just keep turning to the left until it comes off.
• Feel free to enjoy the 5 yr old chewing tobacco in the glove compartment.
• The windows tend to fall down over time, so make sure they are cranked up every so often.
• The gas gauge doesn't work. For city driving, I would usually set the trip meter to 0 at a fill up and get gas when it got to around 200. No worries if you run out. It has been done many times. There is a gas can in the trunk. The low fuel indicator is hesitation followed by a stall about 40 seconds later.
• The car has an electric choke so don't pump the pedal over and over in the morning when you're starting her up or she'll get flooded.
• The driver side door of ye olde 74 2002 can only be locked from the outside. So put the key in the lock after exiting the vehicle and rotate it counter-clockwise to lock the door.

2002 Bimmer Update

So I have some good news for anyone in the market to buy a 1974 BMW 2002 or anyone wondering which BMW 2002 you should buy... This 2002 is for sale! Sean has not set is asking price but anyone interested should use the contact form on mshift and we'll forward your questions on to my brother-in-law Sean. After driving this particular 2002 for nearly a full week now, I can tell you that the car runs like a champ. The handling and acceleration are superb and I get more looks in this car than I do in my 2008 BMW M3, no joke.

• My first reaction was, "I can't believe GoDaddy is actually recommending that I go to any site besides theirs since they are infamous for their horrible UI and love of making simple domain & website related tasks more complicated than necessary".
• After the shock wore off I was impressed that Godaddy actually offered some advice, in their checkout process mind you, that was quite helpful for the masses. You know, those that have a domain name or two but that probably don't know anything about HTML or software but want to build a web site for their hobby or business.

• Facebook Connect though I'm not sure whether or not it worked for me, not even sure how to tell quite honestly. I don't think the Facebook profile is getting much tractiont but haven't seen any other virus spreaders say anything about it so who knows.
• Twitter: They created a frenziedwaters profile on Twitter and a lot of tweeps seem to think it's pure genious but I dunno. I also noticed that the term "Discovery Channel" was in Twitter Trends yesterday but it was gone this am.
• YouTube: They have a user and channel set up with 4 well-produced videos that only lead to more mystery.
• Blog: As far as I can tell they're only using Twitter and not a full-fledged blog, which makes sense due to the short term nature of the event they're marketing.
• SEO: All of the bloggers are taking care of the seo for them with backlinks and tweets. I find it interesting that they are directing Google to not cache their homepage and that the homepage is all flash with no on-page seo value. One day an agency will step up that can do viral marketing with all the bells and whistles of streaming multimedia but also include on-page and on-site seo as part of their offerings but to date I have not seen any single firm do that yet, not even Camp Fire Media out of NYC (they did the campaign for Discovery Channel).

FrenziedWaters.com
Campfire Media
62 White Street, 3E
New York, NY 10013

• 1 rusted boat key with a keychain for Discovery Marina SW09 (get it? as in Discovery Channel Shark Week 2009?)
• One pair of baggies (swim trunks for the non surfers out there) with the left leg tattered and torn and bloodstained (obviously from a shark attack)
• A faux Great White shark tooth attached to a copper keychain with the www.frenziedwaters.com url stamped into it (I'm not sure where they had these made but this keychain is top notch, the copper is even oxidized (good job folks)
• A paper warning sign that reads "BEACH CLOSED SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK, FOR DETAILED CLOSURE INFO, CALL: (386) 675-0342 (the 386 area code includes the location in Florida where we see the largest number of shark attacks in the world, so the use of a 386 area code on this sign was quite nice. If you call this number you'll get a well produced recording about shark attacks, I highly recommend calling 1 (386) 675-0342 and hearing the message.
• A note on frenziedwaters.com stationery in a hand written font. I included the note on the stationery below.

This jar holds a story -, the story of a single tragic accident, the details of which need to be unlocked. Dive in, investigate the evidence, and uncover what lies beneath the surface at frenziedwaters.com, part of an online experience leading into Discovery Channel's Shark Week.

• Jason aka Dad (age 35)
• Shannon aka Mama (age: younger than Jason)
• Piper: Age 6
• Finley: Age 4
• Jonas: Age 14 mos.

• Vehicle: Land Rover LR3
• GPS Device: Garmin eTrex Venture HC
• Writing Instrument: Ink Pen
• Phone: iPhone 3G (not the 3Gs)

Results of our 1st Geocaching Low Cost Family Activity

Acronyms / Short Codes / TXT Codes / Shorthand

Geocaching Words / Terms and Definitions

Geocaching Tips For Newbies

1. Do not rely 100% on the coordinates given to you in the cache description. If you get within 2 - 3 feet of the exact coordinates then it is time to start looking around. Many factors could cause the location to be slightly off so just use 0 - 3 feet as an approximation.
2. Don't expect the cache to be hidden in plain site, expert cachers are known for hiding something using the native camoflage of the environment. Look up, down, below the ground, at eye level. Tip: if there is a tree 2 - 3 ft within the coordinates then chances are the object is tied up in the tree with a rope ;)
3. If the geocache location is on or near a business or private property then be sure to not let your kids run all around the place because it could be very dangerous.
4. Read the hints in the description very carefully, often there are clues contained in the description that don't mean anything until you actually get to the location. So read and then reread once you get to the spot.
5. Take a phone with you that has a browswer in it so you can look up the description of each geocache location before you get to it. Otherwise you won't have all of the hints with you and will get quite frustrated. An alternative to this would be to print out all of the cache spots you want to visit before you leave the house but that requires a printer and paper.
6. Remember that it's just a game and don't get too annoyed by all of the geek speek of stuff like muggles (can't believe I'm playing a game that uses terminology from Harry Potter, seriously). The game can be incredibly fun so don't let your pride get in the way of having a good time.

...men and women to participate in a filmed interview regarding pornography and the state of today's society. This is not a porn, there will be absolutely no nudity or otherwise offensive content or behavior. Applicants should watch pornography...

Internationally awarded photographer still needs some female models for artistic nudes. Experience is not necessary but helpful. Nice body and face is an asset. Great body and face is better, but not necessary.

...looking for a young, talented, dedicated web programers with big goals...Serious college students and recent grads welcome to apply, but you must have a website displaying your work and skill-sets...

What is it with people who think Photoshop MASTERY and HTML/CSS MASTERY equals low pay?. If you're looking for a student hire or really a junior web designer, which really isn't even a position, then don't ask for mastery of photoshop and html/css. Do you know how long it has taken me and other pros to become photoshop masters? 40-45K isn't bad for a student hire or beginning web person full time, but it doesn't pay for a master. C'mon, stop trying to pay nothing for something, this isn't ebay.

• LOW BUDGET, LARGE PROJECT (I'll pay you less than anyone else, guaranteed!)
• Low Budget Adult websites needed (as opposed to high class adult web sites)
• Web Log "Blog" - Wordpress Design Project (not to be confused with we blog)
• Part Time (Seriously this is the title, just Part Time, nothing more.)
• respond to responds (respond now)
• Handyman Technician SCAM (scam is an acronym, and a bad one at that)
• E-Cig Account Executives (virtual non-smokers need not apply)
• Young, aggressive salespeople needed (the meaner the better)
• Self-Generating Sales Pro Needed (translation: if you don't make any sales then be your own customer)
• new company (but same old job)
• NAIL TECH For a day (as opposed to Doctor for a day)

10. Federal Government vs. Google Expansion Efforts

Google's growth and dominance could lead them down a path similar to the one Microsoft took before it faced the wrath of the U.S. Department of Justice.

9.Wall Street Journal Economic Map compared to Thomas P.M. Barnett's Map.

Amazing parallels were found between the global economic recession and a map created by Thomas P.M. Barnett, Barnett's map illustrates his viewpoint on globalization, which claims the world is divided by the functioning core and the “non-integrated gap". The "core" consists of economically advanced or growing countries that are linked to the global economy and bound to the rule-sets of international trade.which outlines the a New York Times best selling author and military strategist.

8.Bulletproof Clothing Becomes Mexico's New Fashion

This clothing trend turned out to be a virtual neccesity during the drug wars in early 2009.

7. GM Segway Puma vs. Dark Knight's Batpod.

The unveiling of the GM Segway Puma was just begging for a satire piece, and I couldn't resist the urge to mock the dorkiest looking vehicle I've ever seen.

6.McDonalds CMO Mary Dillon: We're Still Learning Social Networks

McDonalds CMO and Global Promotions Officer, Mary Dillon, was courteous enough to designate an hour for a bloggers-only press conference at Mplanet2009. Dillon was very honest and open about McDonalds approach to social networking.

5.Facebook and Myspace Ads: Do you click them?

71% of readers responded "Never", the next-highest vote was "Rarely", at 17%, and no readers responded "daily."

4.Gatorade: What is G? Commercial.

Gatorade's ambigous and mysterious commercial during the BCS series drove viewers to Google "What is G? As a result, Gatorade created a remarkable online buzz for the new logo and new line of flavors.

3.iTunes Gift Card Prize Giveaway - Show Us Your Griswolds

I was blown away by some of the submissions we received from around the nation, but the best house was in our own county. Jenna Crawford discovered this Shrine to Christmas decorations in Viera, Florida.

2.Pepsi 8 Pack Outrage

The incredible amount of reader mail inspired the creation of www.bringbackthe12pack.com.  Six months later, the wish was granted.

1.Joe Babiasz, Boycott Alabamanow.com vs. Richard Shelby

No story stirred up more controversy than my post describing Joe Babiasz's site against the state known as the "Heart of Dixie."

To my loyal readers, I appreciate you tagging along. It's been a great ride, full of twists, turns and other surprises along the way. In the words of one of my favorite humor columnists- Lewis Grizzard, "It wasn't always easy, but I sure had fun."

So long, everybody!

-Matt

As I arranged my breakfast, I put the coffee down and proceeded to unwrap the sandwich that smelled so good, only to discover a flatbread sandwhich with flatbread but a funny shape. Take a look at this pic I snapped with my iPhone.If America's running on Dunkin, we're in trouble! Do you have any pics of a terribly shaped meal from a fast food joint? If so, please share it with us.

Here is a partial list of items I'm selling. I'll have the doors open all week from 8am - 5pm so feel free to stop by and look over what I have because I'm selling all of it. Everyone that comes into my office falls in love with it. I designed the office for efficiency and with minimilastic style that reflects my love for surfing, especially vintage longboards. I designed every surface from the desks to the kitchen area to mimic the look of an old balsa wood longboard with mahogany inlay. The floors are light bamboo with sand colored walls and white square trim.

IT Equipment / Computer Stuff
1 - Viewsonic 22" Monitor
2 - Viewsonic 19" Widescreen Monitors
6 - Packet 8 Phones with modems
1 - 2nd Generation iPod (80 gig)
2 - Netgear VPN firewall routers
2 - Power Tower 16 outlet 30 amp server cabinet distribution units (metered surge protection and power distribution units).
3 - APC 14 outlet 25 amp switched PDU's
3 - 8 outlet 20 amp PDU's
3 - Shelves for a standard server rack/cabinet
Tons of computer and server power cables (both single and y-cords) Y-Cords are for servers with two power supplies.
Box of ethernet cable
Bunches of premade ethernet cables
Fiber optic cables
Ethernet cable tester
Cisco 1700 series DSN router
Several keyboard/mice combos
Furniture and Fixtures
1 - Mahogany Table with 1" maple inlay 66" x 66" (hand built by local Master Craftsman Josh Rosenburg)
4 - 4ft x 8ft Ceramic Whiteboards (can't be ruined by cleaning solutions)
3 - Partner's desks with mahogany inlay (also custom built by local Master Craftsman Josh Rosenburg)
1 - L-Shaped receptionist desk
2 - Wood dining room tables (we pile stuff on them) ;)
1 - Chocolate upholstered chair from West Elm (this chair)
1 - Chocolate upholstered couch from West Elm (here's a pic)
4 - Rick Piper Pieces of art including 2 framed 62" pieces. The frames alone were $400+.
8 - executive office chairs

Extra Credit My surfboards, Herman Miller Embody Chair and my Motorized Desk
So if you've read this far then you probably know I'm a geek that loves to surf and that my office is a direct reflection of me. That being the case, here are a couple of my prize possessions that I'd also be willing to sell, but only to those of you that tell me the secret word. The secret word is "labitant".
1 - Brand new, never ridden, milk-white resin tinted, Robert August Dodger Kremel Model longboard signed by Robert August. 9'4" tri-fin. One main fin with 2 stabilizers. I bought this new from Cape Surf about 2 years ago.
1 - Mayo 9'0" singlefin longboard (bought off of my pal Andrew a few months back)
1 - 6'4" Hobie tri fin with polished glass finish. Bought this board new at Ron Jons back in the early 90's. Has never had a major ding.
1 - 5'11" March 21 old school twin fin with green resin tint finish (bought new from Roy at Watersports World in Cocoa Beach)
1 - 6'5" Lightwave stingfish. I call it the fat boy board cause it floats me pretty well (bought it used from lightwave a few years back)
1 - 6'3" Rusty thruster. Bought this new from Cape Surf a couple years ago and took it to Nicaragua and Costa Rica last December. Great board but I'm too fat, lazy and broke to try to ride her any more.
1 - custom made bamboo surfboard rack that currently holds my quiver in my office. I also had this made specifically for me and my office and it too must go.
1 - Herman Miller Embody chair (this is the latest chair by Herman Miller and is suppose to replace the Aeron in popularity).
1 - Height Adjustable desk (20" - 46") powered by hidden electric motors and has 3 memory settings. Great for when you are walking around talking on the phone and come back to your desk. You don't have to sit down and lose your train of thought since the desk and monitors are at eye level.

so much more stuff you'll just have to come by and see it because it will take too much time to list it.

The address is
Labitat Inc.
350 Tangerine Ave. Suite 5
Merritt Island, Florida 32953

We're in the Grove Street area of Merritt Island just off of North Tropical Trail. We're in the green building and do not have any signs at the street or on the windows to our office. Ask for Wingnut when you get here. If you have any questions you can call Wingnut directly at 321-459-5591.