Congratulations to Kim Priestap! She won a copy of Claudine Wolk’s book. Stay tuned for more books!

Wanted: Dallas area company in need of personable and experienced IT manager in hardware and networking (just about everything except software development) among other things. I have just the guy for you.

• Ask the editor: The top 5 secrets to getting a book deal: Must read for every author with a book needing a publisher [Link: Maria Schneider]
• Chrome Extensions: Extend your Google Chrome browser. I love Google Chrome and use it almost as much as Firefox. Oh, I don’t stick with one browser. Each one has strengths and weaknesses.
• Death of the Book Review: Viral Loop Chronicles Part 2: Yes, there are people who abuse the reviews feature on Amazon. But they still help shoppers especially ones who can tell a fake, author’s friend or off-topic review from a good one.
• Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Books of 2009: I’m sorry for those whose books come out in November and December [Link: Alice Pope].
• When to Walk Away: Sometimes you can’t bend any further to meet a client’s writing budget.
• Technology not causing social isolation: Pew study: Technology ENHANCES our social world. I agree wholeheartedly. I am in touch with more people daily in a single week as a freelancer than I would be in a month in a corporate job [Link: SmartBrief]

And for fun because we’re allowed…

• 7 Horrible Video Games with Awesome Soundtracks: I am not related to Earnest Evans.
• Holiday Lights: Need inspiration? Need to save time? Here’s a winner!
• 12 Coolest MP3 Players: Wait a minute. Some are NOT cool… they’re strange.
• Giant Cardboard Robot Suit: Wow.
• Youthmobile 2030: 6 Crazy Cars for the Next Generation: My car crazy son likes this.

The Boostaroo Revolution from UpBeat Audio is a pocket-sized portable headphone amplifier and splitter that boosts sound. Before I plugged in to my iPod, I had the iPod volume at about 75%. With Revolution, the volume is at 30% leaving me with plenty of room to make it louder if needed. Also, due to the volume being lower, the Revolution extends the battery life of the audio device.

Revolution looks like a white rectangle box with nothing but a couple of holes for the jacks and two AAAA batteries (that’s not a typo — 4A batteries). The package also includes two patch cords: one is three and the other is six inches long. When the jack is plugged in, the LED power indicator light comes on so you know it’s in use. It’s designed for use with high-end (60 ohm+) headphones. Anything less than that can’t handle the Revolution’s power.

The technology provides the listener with a surround sound feel, like being in a quality concert hall. The device weighs six ounces and comes in white, black, silver, and black/silver.

To use it, simply plug your headphones into the top of the Revolution. Then take one of the Revolution jacks and plug it into the side of the Revolution with the other end plugged into the audio player. If another person wants to connect, then plug the headphones into the other open jack.

Users who have attempted to share audio find using a splitter sacrifices the sound and quality. Revolution doesn’t have this problem as each listener can hear as well as they would if they weren’t sharing. Travelers can stop straining to hear portable devices in an airplane, gym, or other noisy setting. The device also adds power to cheaper headphones, but remember the headphones need to be able to handle 60 ohm+.

Its battery door feels fragile — like it could break while I was putting the door back on. But it is unlikely it could be stronger as the purpose of this product is to be as small and lightweight as possible.

Its use is not limited to audio players. It works with DVD players, Windows Mobile devices, PalmOS devices, notebooks, laptops, and satellite radio. The batteries are supposed to last for approximately 24 hours of constant use. The device comes with a 12-month warranty on parts and services. Revolution retails for $79.95.