Free Online Walking Route Planner: Google Map Pedometer

If you're a walking enthusiast, jogger, or runner, you'll like GMaps Pedometer. This free, Google-Maps-based web site allows you to easily plan routes for upcoming walks, jogs, and runs.

To use GMaps Pedometer, start by either typing an address or clicking on a location and then zooming in. Once you have established your starting point, zoom in to find individual streets, etc. Click on the "Start Recording" button on the left side to start plotting your trail. GMaps Pedometer will calculate your route's total distance. Simply click once for a starting point, then click another point on the map to mark a destination. Keep clicking new points until you've plotted your entire route.

While Google Maps itself provides walking directions, it doesn't let you customize your route between points.  This ability to customize is what sets apart GMaps Pedometer.

Take Expiration Dates on Food with a Grain of Salt

Check out this good article about expiration dates on food packages. Don't waste money by throwing out food that looks and smells good just because of the date on the package!

Free Online MySQL Lessons

If you are interested in learning MySQL database basics, you definitely should check out the tutorial  MySQL Databases and the SQL Language.  This workshop is comprehensive, well-written and illustrated, and easy to follow and understand.  I recommend it highly.

Free Online Fluorescent Lighting Troubleshooting Guide

Here is an excellent (and free) troubleshooting grid for fluorescent lighting fixtures.

And if you decide to try to replace the ballast yourself, here is a good DIY guide.

Use Web-based Services Instead of Traditional Telecommunication Providers

Check out the article Cable Cutters: Cheap Alternatives to TV, DSL, and Cell Service on PCWorld's website to get some tips on how to save a bundle by ditching your traditional telecommunication service providers.