Recent Comments
Comment by Only Once on [TIP] 50 Free Online Research Tools (August 14, 2025 02:52 AM)
Great list, thanks for all you do!...
Comment by Martin Isaks on [TIP] 50 Free Online Research Tools (August 14, 2025 02:48 AM)
Sam, Thanx for the blonde golden retriever joke. My wife wondered why I could not stop laughing. P.S. She is not a blonde. Martin ...
Comment by hooboy on [TIP] 50 Free Online Research Tools (August 14, 2025 02:47 AM)
A dumb blonde, a smart blonde, and Santa Clause are allegedly seen walking down the street together. They come across a 20 dollar bill on the ground. ...
Comment by ablonde on [TIP] 50 Free Online Research Tools (August 14, 2025 02:29 AM)
Q.How do you know when a blonde has been using your computer? A.There's whiteout on the screen where she has made mistakes....
Comment by stinky on [TIP] 50 Free Online Research Tools (August 14, 2025 02:18 AM)
Snopes is notoriously left leaning...
Comment by Nunna Yerbiz on [TIP] 50 Free Online Research Tools (August 14, 2025 02:13 AM)
Wikipedia is by nature biased, not always a good source....
Comment by Sarah J on [TIP] 50 Free Online Research Tools (August 13, 2025 11:51 PM)
Wikipedia, a favorite source. Bob’s list is interesting, many sites new to me....
Comment by Bill on [TIP] 50 Free Online Research Tools (August 13, 2025 10:06 PM)
Factcheck.com Works well. ...
Comment by Ken H on [TIP] 50 Free Online Research Tools (August 13, 2025 08:34 PM)
You skipped snopes.com, mediabiasfactcheck.com and factcheck.org three of the most valuable tools for refuting the plethora of false stories circulate...
Comment by Alan on [TIP] 50 Free Online Research Tools (August 13, 2025 07:15 PM)
Wikipedia!...
Personal Articles
Your Electrons Needed (and a favor...)
I love my job. Every day, I help people use computers and the Internet, answering their questions and pointing them to resources that will save them time, trouble, or money. I especially love it when readers become friends and people tell me that they're using what they've learned here to help others. It's very satisfying, but there is one favor I'd like to ask of you. Please read on...
...Doctor, My Eyes!
Hi All! Today I’m taking a break from my usual job as Translator for the Technology Impaired, to share an “eye opening” story with my AskBob readers. If you’ve noticed I haven’t been publishing as regularly as usual lately, read on to see the reason for that. I think you’ll be glad you did...
...Can You Spare a Few Electrons?
I love my job. Every day, I help people use computers and the Internet, answering their questions and pointing them to resources that will save them time, trouble, or money. I especially love it when readers become friends and people tell me that they're using what they've learned here to help others. It's very satisfying, but there is one favor I'd like to ask of you. Please read on...
...Hey, It's My (digital) Birthday!
Today I'm celebrating a birthday. It was 24 years ago, in July 1995, that The Internet Tourbus first rolled out into cyberspace. And ten years later, AskBobRankin.com was born. With thanks to awesome readers like you, I'll keep on keeping on, with my continuing guaranteed to make you better looking and 146% smarter. Read on!
...A Big Milestone + Geekly Update
Today I'm celebrating an anniversary -- 20 years of online publishing! The Internet Tourbus first rolled out into cyberspace in July 1995, and ten years later, AskBobRankin.com was born. With thanks to awesome readers like you, I'll keep on keeping on. Today's Geekly Update is an expanded version, with twenty items that are guaranteed to make you 146% smarter. Read, think and comment!
...Announcing... The Rankin File!
I've started a new website, and what better day to officially announce it than on my birthday? The Rankin File offers 'small business tech and tips' for those who run their own business. If you have a home-based business, a small business with employees, or you're even thinking about starting your own business, The Rankin File is for you! And as the name suggests, it's not just for business owners. If you're a secretary, office manager, or wannabe techie, my tips will help you score points with the boss. Read on to learn more about what you'll find in the Rankin File...
...Tourbus - The Final Bus Stop
In case you haven't heard, The Internet Tourbus is rolling up to its final stop. After 16 years of online publishing, Tourbus is one of the longest-running email newsletters. But two things have happened this year, prompting me to hit the brakes. Here's the full story...
...Who is Bob Rankin?
Every so often, people ask about my background, and how I got started with computers and the Internet. I've published bits and pieces of my bio before, but never a detailed account of my professional life. So here it is, with a few interesting personal asides...
...My Cholesterol Level is Too High!
After a routine physical, I got the news from my doctor that my cholesterol is too high. My diet is pretty healthy, and I'm not in bad shape for a 48-year-old guy. But this LDL and HDL stuff is a wakeup call for me. Clearly I need to exercise more and be aware of foods to avoid high cholesterol. So here's my 4-month plan to knock 40 or 50 points off that cholesterol number, without using any prescription drugs...
...Bonzai - It's a New Puppy!
I know I'm supposed to write about computers, the Internet and nifty gadgets, but life is more than all that electronic stuff. I'm so happy with my new puppy that I've just got to show him off...
...
