RepairPal for the iPhone

This week, client RepairPal is launching the first iPhone app to give consumers auto repair pricing transparency and roadside assistance while they're on the go, whether it’s diagnosing a problem, getting a fair repair price, or finding the right mechanic.

 

 

RepairPal for iPhone combines the features of the RepairPal.com website with the location-based functionality of the iPhone. RepairPal for iPhone’s key features enable consumers to save money and time through accurate and unbiased repair estimates so you know whether you're getting a fair price or not. Since RepairPal is not affiliated with auto manufacturer, dealership, auto parts provide or auto repair facility, users can be assured of complete transparency.

You can also easily find a recommended local mechanic you can trust, no matter where you are. You can also use the service to make an appointment, and plot an efficient course using GPS and instantly contact Roadside Assistance with one touch access to emergency roadside providers including most auto manufacturer help lines.

RepairPal for iPhone is available free of charge and is available for the iPhone or iPod Touch (with operating system version 2.0) at the iTunes App Store RepairPal: Auto Repair Expert. For more information about RepairPal for iPhone, please visit: RepairPal.com/Mobile.

Predictive Analytics World in February

Check out Predictive Analytics World in San Francisco on February 18-19, 2009.

Keynote: Five Ways to Lower Costs with Predictive Analytics. The goal of Predictive Analytics World is to serve as the go-to event, covering today's commercial deployment of predictive analytics, across industries and across software vendors.

PAW-09 will have 25 sessions across two tracks, so you can witness how predictive analytics is applied at 3M, Acxiom, Affiliated Computer Services, Charles Schwab, Chase, Click Forensics, Google, Linden Lab (Second Life), The National Rifle Association, Netflix, Pinnacol Assurance, Reed Elsevier, San Diego Supercomputer Center, Sun, Wells Fargo Credit Card Services, Wells Fargo Internet Services Group, and others.

The focus is on solutions, taking you inside the "how" to achieve results - not just talking about the opportunity. These case study sessions provide real world insight on cutting-edge predictive analytics practices.

Biotech Seed Companies Thwarting Research

In this week's New York Times, crop scientists are suggesting that biotechnology seed companies are thwarting research.

"The problem, the scientists say, is that farmers and other buyers of genetically engineered seeds have to sign an agreement meant to ensure that growers honor company patent rights and environmental regulations and that agreements also prohibit growing the crops for research purposes."

Muizenberg Beach at Sunset

African sunsets are always dramatic even when they miss the vibrant oranges, reds and purples. Below, birds play at sunset in Cape Town's Muizenberg Bay.

Too Many Encounters & Stories to Come up for Air

The blog has been a bit quiet lately but not through lack of things to say or visual content to post. And, 90% of that content has little to do with PR, marketing or the world of Web 2.0 due to an extended trip to Africa, a place that touched my soul for the first time more than twenty five years ago. Okay, perhaps the place ran my soul over with a bulldozer.

In addition to capturing one incredible story after another from a wide range of South Africans, Zimbabweans, Kenyans, Brits, Belgium and Dutch folks and more, I am meeting with technology and sustainable energy companies and people, as well as designers, artists, technology and social media visionaries.

Additionally, a cast of journalists, bloggers, scientists, botanists, gardeners, photographers, architects, farmers, pilots, environmentalists, politicians, authors, sculptors, bankers, real estate agents, miners, chefs, musicians, dancers, faerie preservationists, dreamers, psychologists, vets, game hunters, jewelery designers, psychics, solar experts, hot air balloon racers, sailors, wood carvers, captains and builders have all landed in our path between the Zimbabwe border and the most southern point in Africa Cape Argulas.

Connectivity has been slow and limited and given that a lot of the content we've captured has included video, stories will come when they come, no doubt slowly until there's decent broadband or until the encounters stop coming. Look for images in the next few days as placeholders until the stories can be unveiled. And as for images, this has been by far, my favorite place to shoot on the planet. Costa Rica and Paris are close seconds. Morocco is probably third.