TweetCaster for Twitter (and Facebook) opens up all of the Twitter features you know and love, along with a number of innovative features to help you get the most out of the service. Naturally, Tweetcaster enables you to post updates, send direct messages, and share photos, videos, and links with your friends and followers. Plus, the app provides a variety of themes and built-in services that let you customize Twitter to suit your needs: find interesting new people to follow, create custom views, silence nuisance tweets, save articles to read later, and even break out of the 140-character limit when you have more to say.

A Faster, Fuller Twitter Experience

Upon logging in with your free Twitter account, you’ll be brought directly to a colorful, interactive version of your Twitter feed. Browse by swiping up or down, or jump straight to the latest updates with a single menu option. TweetCaster also provides custom filters, giving you other ways to view your feed.

Select individual tweets to visit links, view photos, reply, re-tweet (with or without comment), mark as a favorite, or share via e-mail or SMS. If the tweet is part of an ongoing discussion between users, you can view the entire thread on its own or jump to specific profiles and hashtags. Click on users to view their profile, or communicate with them directly. Different views–such as mentions, favorites, direct messages, and lists–are easily navigable via icons on the menu bar.

When you’re ready to jump in and tweet, you’ll find crafting your updates to be simple and convenient. TweetCaster allows you to add a picture or video from galleries or directly from your device’s camera. Built-in URL shortening is also available, and you can quickly add geotag information or the usernames of your contacts to your tweet. You can personalize your tweets and @replies with your custom color scheme. If you link your Facebook account, TweetCaster will update that profile as well.

Innovative Tools

TweetCaster for Twitter brings a suite of innovative features to the table make tweeting more enjoyable than ever:

Search Party: easily narrow your searches to the users and topics that interest you with Search Party. It’s a simple as searching someone’s timeline, mentions, or favorites.

Zip It: make annoying tweeters disappear with Zip It, a feature that enables you to remove users or trends from your Twitter feed without un-following them.

Instapaper Support: save long articles you find in your Twitter stream for later reading using Instapaper.

Twitlonger Support: need to tweet over 140 characters? Use Twitlonger to get your whole idea across.

SmartLists: Android phone users can straighten up their Twitter stream by grouping tweeters into SmartLists, organized by hashtag, keyword, or other criterion.

SmartFilters: Android tablet users can filter their timeline to view only tweets that contain photos, links, or videos.

A Costa Rica vacation puts some of the world’s most lush tropical forest at your feet, without the hassles of jet lag and multiple plane journeys. The relatively quick trip from the United States sets you down in same time zone as Chicago, but feels worlds away.

One of the strongest appeals of a Costa Rican vacation is the opportunity to get up close and personal with the country’s incredible bounty of natural beauty. Adventuresome excursions are the name of the game, but using a tour company like Tauck makes it easy to pack the best of activities into your schedule without the stress of managing the details on your own. The added bonus is that taking an arranged vacation can save you up to 40 percent of the cost of planning independently.

The essential elements of a Costa Rica vacation can vary widely in a country so full of beautiful locales and exciting things to do. However, any itinerary should include these sights and activities:

* Jungles and wildlife. The dense rainforests of Costa Rica provide a home to remarkably diverse species of wildlife. For example, the country is home to as many as 850 species of birds, many of which flaunt extravagant, brightly colored plumage. On a tour like those offered by Tauck, you’ll find an amazing range of animal life – not only birds, but sloths, monkeys, butterflies, iguanas and more – to be explored with naturalist guides.

* Beaches. You’ll find natural beauty of another kind along Costa Rica’s shores. Beaches like Playa Hermosa provide a gorgeous backdrop for kicking back and relaxing, but they’re also great for water activities – swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and more.

* Zip Line Adventure. Costa Rica’s reputation for offering environmentally conscious adventures is perfectly encapsulated in a zip lining experience. You’ll fly through the rainforest canopy as you glide along the zip line, giving you a bird’s-eye view of some of the world’s most pristine tropical wilderness.

* Rafting. Floating along jungle waterways by boat or raft is a unique way to both enjoy the scenic landscape and look for wildlife during your Costa Rica vacation. Depending on the kind of waters you’re plying, you’ll either be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery or do a bit of exciting white water rafting.

Costa Rica’s natural amenities and good tourism infrastructure mean that everyone will be able to enjoy a visit. Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple or with a group of friends, an organized Costa Rica vacation will make it even easier to enjoy the country to its fullest.

SoundHound is instant music search and discovery, with the world’s fastest music recognition. Say it, tag it, sing it, hum it, or type it — SoundHound offers every gateway of music search. Boasting the world’s fastest music recognition, the world’s only sing and hum recognition, and voice-directed search, SoundHound lets users find and explore music faster than ever before with rich content including cover art, videos, lyrics, song previews, recommendations, tour dates, and more, all with one-tap access.

Key Features

Blazing fast music recognition: name tunes playing from a speaker in as little as 4 seconds

The world’s only viable singing and humming recognition

Voice recognition music search: just speak a title or band name to check it out

Lookup song lyrics

Song previews allow you to listen and sample tops hits and new discoveries

Buy link for instant music downloads, including purchasing from Amazon MP3

Song mapping allows you to see where you discovered your songs on a map, and can be viewed later in your History

Social sharing: it’s fast and easy to share your song IDs via Facebook, Twitter, SMS, and e-mail

Optimized for both phones and tablets, including Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab

SoundHound’s free version offers unlimited usage with ads. Buy SoundHound Infinity for an ad-free experience, unlimited usage and premium features.

SoundHound delivers innovative technologies and compelling user experiences in sound recognition, revolutionizing the way people interact with connected devices.

SoundHound’s breakthrough Sound2Sound technology searches sound against sound, bypassing traditional sound to text conversion techniques even when searching text databases. Sound2Sound has resulted in numerous breakthroughs including the world’s fastest music recognition, the world’s only viable singing and humming search, and instant-response large scale speech recognition systems.

SoundHound has produced multiple award-winning applications in music and voice search on platforms including iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Mobile and Symbian devices. SoundHound also has numerous partnerships with global companies, including leading device manufacturers and operators.

Headquartered in San Jose, California, SoundHound is backed by leading Silicon Valley investors, including Global Catalyst Partners, TransLink Capital and Walden Venture Capital.

Tapatalk Forum App Saves your account information automatically so you don’t have to log in every time

Notifies you privately when a new message or notification arrives

Offers photo upload and download

Allows you to subscribe to the forums and topics you wish

Updated to allow you to copy thread content, download location settings, and more

Online Communities at Your Fingertips

If you have ever tried to visit a forum using an Internet browser on your Android device you know what a nightmare it can be. The multitude of layouts you will encounter can have you scrolling, pinching, zooming, and swiping until your fingers are numb. Enter the Tapatalk Forum App.

Tapatalk houses over 14,000 of the most popular public forums right inside the app. From online games to technology, animals to extreme couponing, there is a forum out there to suit your interests. Browse the 13 categories or search for a particular forum in Tapatalk’s easy-to-use interface. You can find anything and everything with this app.

Once you have found the forums you want to read it is easy to add them to your favorites for quicker access. Then you simply log in to the app and read your private messages or reply to current topics. You can also easily start a thread about something that piques your interest. You can also mark the topics you care about on your forums.

Who Needs a Browser?

Tapatalk contains all the features and capabilities found in your favorite browser but in a simple, straight-forward delivery. Easily see who is online, view board statistics, and even user profiles all without waiting for your phone’s browser to connect to the Internet. Give it a try today.

Portion control

Hand someone a bag of chips and ask them to eat just 100 calories. Sounds impossible, right? Well for most people, it is. Not only is it hard to calculate quickly, our willpower alone will fail us. Soon a few chips become half the bag and the guilt sets in.

Don’t even give yourself the opportunity to overeat and instead think portion control. Replace full size snack bags with 100-calorie snack packs. They are the perfect way to know you’re only eating 100 calories and resist the urge to eat more. Snyder’s of Hanover offers a variety of 100-calorie Pretzel snack packs. Available in mini, snap or pretzel sticks, they’re sold in the snack aisle of local grocery store. They are quick and easy and perfect for kids or adults. Plus the best part is, once the snack pack is gone, you’re done.

Smart snacks

Making smart snack choices doesn’t mean you have to give up flavor or your favorite foods. There are a number of products that are low in fat, and can help satisfy your cravings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Raisins – One ounce equals 85 calories. You could even cover them with chocolate. Chocolate can be healthy when consumed in small portions.

2. Graham crackers – Eight small rectangles is equal to 100 calories.

3. Celery with peanut butter – Five pieces of celery with 1 tablespoon peanut butter is equal to 100 calories. This is a very satisfying snack packed with protein and is also gluten-free.

4. Dried fruits and nuts – A small amount of dried fruits with a small amount of nuts is a snack kids love to eat.

5. Pretzels – One ounce equals 100 calories. You can even include cheese with your pretzels for something different with added protein.

6. Unsweetened applesauce – One cup is equivalent to 100 calories, and is a great snack idea for younger children.

7. Air-popped popcorn – Three cups or 1 ounce equals 95 calories. Popcorn is also gluten-free.

8. Fruit – All types of fruit are full of valuable nutrients and they also contain no gluten.

9. Baked corn tortillas with dip – Corn tortillas are a great alternative to potato chips. You can eat them with salsa and/or guacamole for a healthy treat.

10. Rice cakes – Rice cakes by themselves aren’t really nutritious, but they are gluten-free. Try topping them with cottage cheese and fruit, peanut butter with banana slices, or cheese and tomatoes for a more nutritious snack.

11. Fat-free sugar-free pudding – One serving contains approximately 80 calories. Another treat kids really enjoy.

12. Lettuce wraps – Fill a big lettuce leaf with tuna, hummus and your favorite vegetables and roll it up. You could even use a ham slice with hummus and vegetables for a change in variety. This is also a gluten-free snack.

Make it simple

Put healthy snacks out so they’re easy to grab. Take a bowl and make sure it’s filled with fresh fruit. For cold snacks create a healthy snack drawer in your refrigerator. Stock it full of baby carrots cut up veggies and low fat dip or puddings. To give your kids incentive to make healthier choices, give them permission to take any snack from these locations without asking.

Read up

When you’re in the store, read the label and look for low fat, whole grain or organic options when possible. You’d be surprised to see a lot of snacks you might have overlooked before. Even pretzels, like Snyder’s of Hanover Organic Whole Wheat Pretzel Nibblers, are made with whole grains and are low in fat.

Set small goals

Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn’t just happen overnight but the process shouldn’t be overwhelming either. Setting small goals, like snacking on vegetables for a week, can develop into long term eating habits. And it’s best to set goals that are obtainable so you see your success early on and you’re motivated to continue.

Healthy snacking is all about making the right choices. This coming year, it’s up to you to make the right decisions, hopefully these tips will help motivate you to a more wholesome and healthier 2012.

Escape on a cruise

Put away your smartphone, shun the hassle of cooking and don’t even think about making the bed. A cruise ship is the perfect place for couples to skirt reality for a while. Pretty much anything you could want is at your disposal and you hardly have to lift a finger. The top cruise lines have really upped their game in the culinary realm, so try a few different entrees and a few different desserts, and splurge for a drink package. For uber-relaxation, book a couples’ massage. Celebrity Cruise’s AquaSpa, for example, pampers its guests as they literally watch the ocean float by.

Splurge for a dream vacation

Hawaii embodies the words dreamy, romantic and sensual like almost nowhere else. The Big Island of Hawaii was named by Away.com as a top-10 destination for a honeymoon vacation on a budget. “Hawaii is a great choice for a honeymoon, but many people think they can’t afford it. The trick is to look beyond the name-brand places on the Big Island, like Kona, in favor of a hidden-gem like Kealakekua Bay,” says Away.com’s senior editor Kate Chandler. Hawaii is known for its sandy beaches, but it has so much to offer, such as snorkeling expeditions, rolling golf courses, interesting cultural and natural history and plenty of yummy food choices. You can also choose to do nothing at all besides just basking in your love somewhere indescribable.

Take a hot air balloon ride

What better way to experience the beauty of Napa and Sonoma wine country than with a birds-eye view? Book a sunrise or sunset tour, complete with a mini-picnic and local sparkling wine to set the mood as your drift above the vines and wineries. Very few things can match the serene energy you feel as you watch the first rays of sun begin to paint the morning sky.

Hear a gig

The saying goes that it takes two to tango. But in Austin, Texas, you might well swap in the two-step instead. Orbitz.com named Austin one of its 2012 Hotspots, and for good reason. Austin is the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World,” and this music mecca is living up to its reputation. It’s home to more live-music venues per capita than anywhere else in the United States, so any time, day or night, just follow the sounds to find something playing. While you listen, loosen your belt and enjoy the good eats that Austin has to offer. The city is well known for its barbecue and Tex-Mex dishes.

Watch the stars

For those who prefer to experience the outdoors with a touch of luxury, head somewhere like Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah. This resort rests on 600 acres and was consciously designed to blend into its surroundings; every window has a sweeping view toward Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. One of the best aspects of the American Southwest, whether you’re staying at a ranch or roughing it in a tent, is that you’re never too far from an unobstructed view of the night sky. Grab a blanket or two and snuggle up for some truly romantic stargazing.

Instead, consider a gift that not only comes from the heart but benefits the heart. Here are better options for Valentine’s Day when you want to say:

“You are adored.” There is nothing like a spa treatment to put your loved one on a pedestal. “A facial or massage is the gift of relaxation and self-care,” says Kate Rice, a massage therapist and the national massage educator for Life Time, The Healthy Way of Life Company. She says a gift certificate can be part of a bigger pampering day – perhaps along with breakfast in bed or an end-of-day bubble bath. “People tend to think of massage as a luxury, but it’s therapeutic and can help reground them. It’s also the perfect gift for someone who does so much for everyone else.”

“We’re in this together; we’re a team.” Working together on a common goal can make lasting memories. Signing up you and your valentine for a 5K, 10K, triathlon or other physical event can create memories to last a lifetime. That’s how Michael Lorenzen, 29, of Chicago ended up registered for his first ultra-distance triathlon. “My wonderful girlfriend, Brigit, gifted me a 2012 entry into a triathlon in Wisconsin.” He says his initial reaction was irritation, followed quickly by panic, which soon transpired into gratitude. “She did it because she knew I’d never sign up myself. I’ve never done an ultra-distance triathlon. I know I can, but committing to doing it is a big deal to me.” The gift, he says, showed him that she believes in him. It’s hard to get more romantic than that.

“I want you in my life forever.” The vow is “in sickness or in health,” but we’d all prefer good health. If your special someone knows they need to get fit or stay fit, they might need more than a gentle nudge. Hiring a personal trainer – for a private session or for the two of you – is a way to show your commitment to life and to each other. Tom Manella, vice president of personal training at Life Time, says they sell about 2,000 gift cards a year for personal training services. “The gift of fitness lasts,” he says, suggesting health-related gifts such as metabolism testing for someone who wants to refine his fitness goals, or a heart rate monitor to help her reach goals. “Valentine’s Day is about expressing how much you love someone,” he adds. “What better way to do so than giving the gift of health?”

Resist the urge to go the traditional (and unimaginative) route this Valentine’s Day. Think of your gift ideas with health in mind to make your love last. For more information, visit www.lifetimefitness.com.

Erase some of frustration involved in finding the perfect gift and enjoy the holiday of love and romance with these great Valentine’s gift-giving tips:

* Want to take a unique route but lack a good idea? Start searching for ideas online. Traditional gifts can be altered slightly with gifts that incorporate jewels, chocolate or flowers in an unusual setting. For example, a bouquet of chocolate-covered strawberries designed to look like a bouquet of roses, puts a unique twist on several of the more popular gifting items.

Or deviate completely from the traditional and look for gifts your loved ones would appreciate, but never expect for Valentine’s Day. Use your computer to help you find great gift ideas for others on your Valentine’s Day shopping list like your grandma and best friends. Use search terms like “gifts for grandma” and “Valentine’s gifts for friends” to help find ideas.

* If you have an idea in mind, find product reviews and recommendations from experts and savvy shoppers with a few quick online searches. Use forums like FatWallet to read reviews on products ranging from electronics to travel. This way not only will you be able to confirm that your idea is a great one, but also ensure you find the best prices, and the best retailer for that product.

* Don’t forget to search for coupons and deals to maximize your savings. Use Ebates.com to purchase the gifts for everyone on your list and earn cash back on every purchase through thousands of retailers. For example, if you choose to go the traditional route and order your girlfriend a beautiful bouquet of flowers from FTD, you can earn 20 percent cash back from your purchase, on top of any discount coupons available on Ebates.com. Keep that extra cash back handy to make your Valentine’s Day celebration even more special.

Many retailers provide free shipping or delivery, and you may discover you can stack deals, allowing you to save plenty of money this Valentine’s Day and helping to ease your gift shopping frustrations.

Celebrate the holiday of love and romance this year in style with great gifts for your loved ones. Go online, gather great and unique ideas and don’t forget to save while shopping.

As an experienced registered nurse and dean of University of Phoenix College of Nursing, Dr. Pam Fuller has the inside scoop on who might be administering your flu shot.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine every year,” Fuller says. “The good news is that with so many different providers offering the flu shot, it’s easier than ever to protect your family against seasonal flu.”

If you’re thinking about getting a flu shot at the local pharmacy or another nontraditional provider, here are some common questions you may have – and the answers:

Q. Who is allowed to give a flu shot?

A. Each state has different standards. Additionally, within each state, the criteria may vary depending upon clinic or facility governance. Generally, your doctor’s office will be able to give you a flu shot. Your state may also allow pharmacists and urgent-care clinics to administer the vaccination.

Q. If I go to a pharmacy or retail outlet, who is likely to be giving me my shot?

A. The professional giving your shot may be a pharmacist, nurse, nurse practitioner or medical assistant.

Q. What are the advantages or disadvantages of getting my shot at a pharmacy, rather than in the doctor’s office?

A. You may not need an appointment at a pharmacy, although many doctor’s offices take walk-ins as well. Check with your health care provider to see if they accept walk-ins or offer flu clinic days. One advantage of getting vaccinated at your doctor’s office is that your primary care provider will likely be more aware of your overall medical history and needs, including any allergies.

Q. Are flu shots from these alternate sources as effective and safe as those given by a doctor?

A. The flu shot is the same shot regardless of where you receive it.

Q. Will my insurance cover a flu shot at the pharmacy?

A. Many insurers will cover a flu shot, no matter where it’s given, in order to help keep their members healthy. It’s more cost-effective to pay for a flu shot than a hospitalization. Check with your insurance company and ask if they will cover a flu shot no matter where it’s given.

Q. What should I do to prepare for getting a flu shot?

A. Most people tolerate the flu shot just fine, and it’s a great way to prevent catching the flu. Those with severe egg allergies or a severe cold should talk to their doctors before getting vaccinated, and those people should get their shot from their doctor.

Q. Are there side effects and what are they?

A. Some people might experience a local reaction and have some discomfort at the site of the injection. A general reaction can be mild fever, muscle aches or fatigue. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot – that is a myth. As your body builds its natural defenses against the flu antigen, you may experience these mild reactions, especially if you’ve never had a flu shot before.

Q. Is there anyone who should not get a flu shot?

A. Certain people should not get a flu shot without consulting their health care provider. They include people who have severe allergies to chicken eggs or who have had a severe reaction to flu shots in the past. Other precautions may apply. If you have any questions about whether or not you should get a flu shot, consult your health care provider.

“Each year, qualified professionals such as nurses, medical assistants and nurse practitioners help protect thousands of Americans by administering the flu vaccination,” says Dr. Kimberly Horton, system chief nurse executive for the Alameda County Medical Center. Horton, who holds a doctorate in health administration from University of Phoenix, oversees a team of 1,200 nurses. “With more venues for getting the flu shot than ever before, Americans are better equipped to protect themselves and their loved ones from seasonal flu.”

To learn more about University of Phoenix College of Nursing visit www.phoenix.edu/nursing.

Health care administration professionals navigate this complicated system from the business side, ensuring that health care delivery processes run smoothly and patients continue to receive quality care. They balance the influx of new patients while maintaining resources.

With the health care industry showing no signs of slowing down, these professionals are in high demand. Health care is the fastest growing sector of the economy, with its professional positions predicted to account for 26 percent of all new jobs created in the United States between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Employment of health care administration professionals, specifically, is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations.

Graduates with education in health care policy, information systems, accounting, budgeting and analysis in diverse provider settings will be poised for greater probability of career success.

Some universities now offer degree programs specifically designed for this career track. For example, interested students can now enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in Healthcare Administration at DeVry University. The program is broken down into two specializations: Healthcare Informatics and Healthcare Management. Health Informatics students will also experience lab courses that allow them to explore data requirements for gathering and testing, as well as data analysis for decision-making and business intelligence.

“Industry innovations or expansion often lead to job opportunities, and the health care industry is ripe with available positions for graduates with related education,” says Joseph York, national dean for the College of Health Sciences, DeVry University. “Healthcare administration degree holders are particularly valuable. They are equipped with the fundamental business analysis and management skills necessary to adapt and succeed when faced with evolving health care challenges.”

The variety of this line of work is appealing to many professionals. From the size of its work settings – from hospitals to health care services companies – to its unique specializations, healthcare administration presents attractive options for each unique professional.

Many industries continue to cut jobs or freeze hiring due to the poor economy, yet the health care industry has remained a beacon of opportunity. Health care administration is one of its most high-growth fields, promising rewarding opportunities for professionals of all ages.