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Free Lonely Planet Euro cities iPhone guides, but watch those data charges

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Iceland’s volcanic eruption has caused a huge headache for those stranded away from home, and while the big problems of finding alternative transport are yet to be resolved, iPhone users could at least find a little joy with Lonely Planet’s free guides to European cities.

Stranded or not, you need to be quick to get hold of them, as the offer ends this coming Thursday, 22nd April.

Grab city guides for Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Budapest, Copenhagen, Istanbul, London, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Rome, Stockholm and Vienna.

Beware, though, because it might be cheaper to get a train, boat or taxi home than incur hideous roaming data charges. If you’re near a Wi-Fi hotspot, though (or are in your home country with free data), head over to the iTunes store and search for Lonely Planet City Guides.

Orange launches People Projects Facebook app for willing volunteers

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orange-facebook-people-projects

It seems every large corporate has to do something on Facebook these days, with UK mobile operator Orange deciding to launch its People Projects app that encourages people to become part of local community volunteer initiatives.

It’s not the only community-focused web site doing the rounds, but the fact that it’s integrated with Facebook rather than sitting on the Internet on its own may mean that it gets picked up and used by Facebookers, who are often accused of being armchair campaigners and protesters.

Maybe this will encourage them to get off their butts and actually join in with something in the real world.

If altruism isn’t quite enough, once you’ve contacted the project owners and volunteered, you can tell everyone how wonderful you are.

Of course it needs people who are running community projects to set them up in the app in the first place. Tools provided include a dedicated project page, promotional tools, virtual rewards for volunteers, task list, events tool and a timeline for keeping goals on track.

Orange will also highlight up to eight inspiring projects on its own People Projects website. Orange plans to launch a mobile version of the app in due course.

People Projects Facebook app
People Projects websote

Five Apps to Keep Your Kids Safe

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Screen of Apps
(Photo credit: Seth Meranda)

Technology is a double-edged sword in parenting. Just as you worry about your babies safety, as a parent this worry does not diminish as your children get older and are faced with new challanges. Monitoring your child’s use of the family PC is simple enough, but supervision becomes more complicated when you’re dealing with smartphones. Fortunately, there are many smartphone apps that would help you keep your kids safe. Here are our five favourites. [Read more…] about Five Apps to Keep Your Kids Safe