074 – Fry Your Pickles. Back Up Your Data.

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This week the WELSTech podcast discussion centers on the important but often overlooked task of computer backups.

The discussion:

Rob BensonBackup glam  – Joining Martin and Sallie for a second time is our very own WELS Network Security guru, Rob Benson. The first time Rob was on the podcast, we talked about computer security.  This time around Rob joins us to glamorize the topic of backup and, with Martin’s help, manages to succeed! Topics include why you should bother to backup, schedules, media devices, software and backing up to the cloud.

New Technology Showcase:

Picks of the week:

  • (29:08) Web-based Activities & Resources for Elementary School Students from the Langwitches blog
  • Google Chrome – speedy browser

Of interest:

  • (34:45) WELS Lutherans for Life, Metro-Milwaukee is sponsoring SOUL Ride on June 20, 2009
    • Ride for the Sanctity Of Unborn Life (SOUL)
    • Scenic ride north in the Holy Hill/Kettle Moraine area for any motorcyclist
    • Cost is $25 per rider
    • Details and registration at www.soulride.org

Community feedback:

  • (36:32) Following up on last week’s classroom video discussion, we heard from Perry Lund, and Sallie shared a link to TeacherTube MySite
  • Pastor Jeremiah Gumm from Cross of Christ in Liverpool, NY shared a link to the MediaSalt blog post Nobody cares about your web site
    • Interesting linked post from Midnight Oil Productions about a Twitter sermon series in the news
  • Dan Lohrmann, security expert, author of Virtual Integrity and recent guest on WELSTech, gave us a shout out on his Faithfully Online blog
  • Kelly Huet was looking for SMARTBoard training resources for a newbie.  Check out
  • John Simonson shared a link to the CommonCraft video Google Docs in Plain English and thought it would be a great way to educate church committees about the power of online collaboration

Coming up on WELSTech:

(45:22) Episode 075 – Pack your bags WELSTech-style and maintain all your computing needs on the road

The featured artist:

(46:30) This week we close with music of WELS artist Kevin Loersch – Amazing Grace from his CD titled “Abide with Me”

Get involved:

073 – Warm Ears, Hot Video

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This week the WELSTech podcast explores online video for education as we talk with Anne Feldkamp from Learn 360.com.

The discussion:

Video in the Classroom – Gail Potratz, Technology Coordinator for Emanuel in New London, WI, rejoins Martin and Sallie for our monthly conversation focusing on classroom technology. This month we look at online educational video resources, touching on the necessary hardware setup as well as fee-based and free video resources

The interview:

Anne Feldkamp(18:45) The Educator’s Digital Library – Anne Feldkamp, Learn 360’s Content Acquisition and Product Development Manager, talks with Martin and Sallie about the benefits of their media on demand service which puts a library of digital media at teacher’s fingertips 24/7.

  • Learn360.com
  • Support WELS Parish Schools and receive a complimentary subscription to Learn 360

New Technology Showcase:

  • (34:56) Read a review of Verizon’s MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot by David Pogue from The New York Times
  • Search Verizon to see if MiFi is available in your area

Picks of the week:

WELS.net feature:

  • (49:22) Summer vacation time is the perfect time to remind your members about the WELS Locator service – wels.locatorsearch.com

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(57:02) Episode 074 – Rob Benson will join Martin and Sallie for a discussion of the oh-so-glamorous task of backup

The featured artist:

(58:14) The music of WELS artist WendySue Fluegge (www.wendysue.com) closes this week’s podcast – Teach Me from her CD titled “The Instrument”

Get involved:

072 – e-Me’s and Virtual Integrity

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This week on the WELSTech podcast Internet security expert and author Dan Lohrmann joins Martin and Sallie to share ideas on avoiding the pitfalls of integrity theft.

The interview and discussion:

Dan LohrmannHabits of Online Integrity – Dan Lohrmann, author of Virtual Integrity: Faithfully Navigating the Brave New Web, shares his knowledge of the traps that exist which lead Christians to sacrifice their online integrity as well as practical solutions to combat the temptations.  One option which Dan explores in his book is the use of accountability software.  Martin and Sallie share information on several programs as well as ministry applications for the software tools.

New Technology Showcase:

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

  • (49:25) Tune in to live streaming of Seminary Call Service, Ascension Concert and Graduation
  • Check the schedule and watch the events at streams.wels.net/site/live

Community feedback:

  • (50:15) Listener Jeremy Johnson left a comment on our last show notes page with lots of thoughts on the topics discussed and a Wikipedia alternative, www.conservapedia.com
  • Jason Schmidt from Gethsemane in Omaha, NE “tweeted” several great links:
    • Drop.io adds web presentations – present.io
    • iTALC is an open source software alternative for computer lab management
    • Link to a specific spot in a YouTube video
    • Online Bible baseball
  • Vicar Michael Johnson from St. Andrew in Waunekee, WI sent us an invite to their new facebook page
  • David Savatski from WELS Missions and member of Living Word in Waukesha, WI left a voicemail regarding his congregation’s use of the Evangelism Toolbox DVD and his personal review of Windows 7 Release Candidate

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:01:08) Episode 073 – Gail Potratz lends her classroom perspective to our discussion of educational video channels, and we talk with a representative from Learn360.com.

The featured artist:

(1:02:14) This week we close with the music of WELS praise band Koine (www.koinemusic.com) – Christ is our Cornerstone from their CD titled “Koine II”

Get involved:

  • Add a comment below
  • Send us an e-mail [email protected]
  • Leave us a voice mail 414-375-2334
  • Add to the WELSTech wiki welstechwiki.wels.net
  • Contribute to the #WELSTech Twitter conversation
  • Follow us on Twitter – mspriggs and welstechtrainer
  • Use the del.icio.us tag welstech
  • Join the WELSTech community:
    • WELSTech listserve
    • WELSTech on facebook

071 – Electronic Church Doors

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This week the WELSTech podcast examines the platforms and methods available to spread the Word in the 21st century.

The discussion:

Pastor Mike HintzAnswering the question – Pastor Mike Hintz, Administrator for WELS Commission on Evangelism, joins in on Martin and Sallie’s discussion of chapter’s 6 and 7 of Clay Shirky’s book, Here Comes Everybody.  In terms of evangelism today, the question isn’t “Where or what is the church?” but “Who is God?”, and we can use the power of the Internet to share our confessional response to that question.

New Technology Showcase:

Picks of the week:

  • (33:30) Free Animoto for Educators – Create animated videos of your photos
    • Thanks to Jason Schmidt from Gethsemane in Omaha, NE for this link!
    • Check out their FAQ for a great Gmail method of creating “dummy” student e-mail accounts
  • FoxitPDF

Of interest:

  • (41:29) This week features live streaming of MLC Graduation and Call Service as well as Vicar Call Service
  • Check the schedule and watch the events at streams.wels.net/site/live

Community feedback:

  • (43:53) Welcome WELSTech listeners, Prof. Bob Anderson and Missionary Mike Hartman
  • Are you a WELSTech listener with a ministry technology idea to share?  We’d love to interview you!  Contact us to get the ball rolling!
  • Pastor Dan Witte from Risen Savior in Lakewood Ranch, FL shared several great links:
    • OneLicense.net announces licensing to cover podcasts
    • Enroll in the upcoming Google Teacher Academy – August 5 in Boulder, CO
    • Handle comments on your blog with IntenseDebate
    • Need a desert island Bible software pick?  Pastor Witte wouldn’t want to live without BibleWorks
    • The New York Times is talking Twitter, just like WELSTech

Coming up on WELSTech:

(50:29) Episode 072 – We’ll talk with Dan Lohrmann, author of Virtual Integrity and discuss accountability software options.

The featured artist:

(52:15) This week we close with piano music of Dawn Gehlhar – Beautiful Savior from her CD titled “Inspiration”

Get involved:

  • Add a comment below
  • Send us an e-mail [email protected]
  • Leave us a voice mail 414-375-2334
  • Add to the WELSTech wiki welstechwiki.wels.net
  • Contribute to the #WELSTech Twitter conversation
  • Follow us on Twitter – mspriggs and welstechtrainer
  • Use the del.icio.us tag welstech
  • Join the WELSTech community:
    • WELSTech listserve
    • WELSTech on facebook

070 – Twitter…What’s It Good For Anyway?

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This week on the WELSTech podcast we share ideas for using Twitter as a communication channel for your church or school, and we talk with Dick Diener about some interesting classroom technology projects.

The discussion:

All Things Twitter – By now WELSTech listeners have undoubtedly heard of the popular micro-blogging site, Twitter.  Martin and Sallie bring you up to speed on what Twitter is and more importantly on how this new instant communication channel can be leveraged for ministry purposes.

The interview:

Dick Diener(19:22) Integrating technology in the classroom – Martin and Sallie talk with Dick Diener, WELS member of Our Savior in Grafton, WI and Technology Integrator for the Mequon-Thiensville School District, about several interesting school technology projects.  Dick invites WELS schools to be part of the international “Honoring Veterans” wiki sharing project.

  • Japanese Friendship Doll podcast for the Milwaukee Public Museum
  • Honoring Veterans Ozaukee County podcast project
  • Schools are invited to post their veterans projects at honoring-veterans.wikispaces.com/share

New Technology Showcase:

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

  • (52:14) Live streaming graduation and call services – Schedule for May 15-22

Community feedback:

  • (53:32) Cindy Krueger from Shepherd of the Hills in Lansing, MI shared progress her congregation is making toward a facebook presence and passed along WELSTech ideas for summer learning to others
  • Pastor Jeremiah Gumm from Cross of Christ in Liverpool, NY shared a link to 10 Things to Fix on Your Website from the Web Driven Church blog
  • Following up on the interview with WELS musicianary Mike Westendorf, Mark Heilman shared a link to Twinfinity Creations, a consignment space for Christian art, music and books
  • Recent updates on the WELSTech wiki (welstechwiki.wels.net) include
    • Work by John Shoosmith from Redeemer in Yakima, WA on the Closed Caption Video page and the Congregations in iTunes page
    • A new Technology Planning page to house ideas and sample church technology plans
  • Ryan Rosenthal from Faith in Fond du Lac, WI shared a comment on his recent WELSTech Contest win, “Of course the real winners are my school and students because of the great ideas I have gotten from listening to WELSTech!”
  • Gail Potratz from Emanuel in New London, WI left an audio comment recommending Switch from NCH Software, a format changer companion for WavePad audio editor
  • Mary Raether from New Hope in West Melbourne, FL was looking for our past conversation on wiki tools

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:04:19) Episode 071 – The discussion will center around chapter seven of Clay Shirky’s book Here Comes Everybody, “Faster and Faster”

The featured artist:

(1:05:28) This week we close with the music of Revelation, a music ministry of Wisconsin Lutheran College (www.revelationwlc.com) – Roll the Stone Away from their CD titled “We Walk By Faith”

Get involved:

069 – Enough Google Already

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This week on the WELSTech podcast the listener’s rule as we share some of their entries in the recent desert island software contest.

The contest:

WELSTech Desert Island Picks ContestTop 5 Desert Island Software Picks – Martin and Sallie discuss some of the “I-wouldn’t-want-live-without-it” software titles shared by entrants in the recent WELSTech contest. Listen to find out if you are the winner of the a $25 gift certificate to the WELSTech store (cafepress.com/welstech).

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 070 – Are you tweeting as part of your church technology plan?  Next week we’ll cover all things Twitter and take a look at what purpose it might serve in ministry in this digital age.

The featured artist:

This week we close with the music of WELS group Corban Creek – Empty Grave from their CD titled Could It Be Me

Get involved:

068 – Spending A Smarter Summer

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This week on the WELSTech podcast we gear up for summer with loads of options for personal learning, and we conclude our interview with WELS musicianary Mike Westendorf.

The discussion:

Summer Learning – Gail Potratz, our monthly guest host and Technology Coordinator at Emanuel in New London, WI, joins the conversation with Martin and Sallie, and we look at all the possibilities for learning something new this summer, including face-to-face and online, traditional and via your Personal Learning Network (PLN).

  • Summer classes from
    • Martin Luther College
    • Wisconsin Lutheran College
    • Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
  • Online learning opportunities
  • Pull your PLN all together on a custom page using
  • Summer reading recommendation
  • Join Gail at the zoo
    • Milwaukee Digital Media Conference

The interview:

Mike Westendorf(18:22) Music With A Message – Martin and Sallie continue their discussion with WELS musician Mike Westendorf about the maturity of a Christian artist into a musicianary.

Picks of the week:

The contest:

WELSTech Desert Island Picks Contest(47:47) Top 5 Desert Island Software Picks

  • Send us the five software titles you wouldn’t want to live without – free or fee, desktop or Web 2.0, anything goes
  • Get us your list via your favorite WELSTech communication channel – e-mail us, leave us a voice mail (414-375-2334), send us a message on facebook or twitter – just get us your top 5 picks!
  • One random entry will receive a $25 gift certificate to the WELSTech store (cafepress.com/welstech)
  • Deadline for entry is Sunday April 26, 2009 @ 11:59 p.m.
  • Listen to WELSTech Episode 069 on April 29th to find out if you are the winner and to experience a virtual desert island of software picks

Community feedback:

  • (49:17) The #WELSTech Twitter conversation this week featured
    • Jason Schmidt from Gethsemane in Omaha, NE shared a link to another video captioning web site, this time for YouTube videos – CaptionTube
  • John Shoosmith from Redeemer in Yakima, WA
    • Reports that the video hosting and captioning site discussed in our last episode, dotSub.com, allows for 300 MB video uploads which is more than adequate for typical sermons
    • Added a new page to the WELSTech wiki (welstechwiki.wels.net) with coaching on video angels, lighting and more – Video Taping Guide
  • Additional WELSTech wiki updates include
    • New pages capturing the WELSTech listserve discussions on Office Suite and Server software
    • Discussion on calendar software
  • Check out the WELSTech listserve archive for discussions on Moodle and Martin’s call for church technology plans
  • Brian Preuss shared a link to a free, open-source, Linux-based church management software application, ChurchInfo, www.churchdb.org

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:04:32) Episode 069 – The contest results are in, and we share our listener’s list of desert island software picks.  You’ll want to tune in to find out if you are the lucky winner of a $25 WELSTech store gift certificate. Enter to win by April 26th!

  • Production note: Due to scheduling conflicts, this episode will have a later-than-normal release time.  Look for it by noon on April 29th.

The featured artist:

(1:06:20) This week we close with WELS artist Michael Schroeder (www.michaelschroeder.com) – The One from his CD titled Fuel For The Soul

Get involved:

067 – Geeking Out In Sallie’s Kitchen

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This week the tech talk on the WELSTech podcast centers around group collaboration, the world of the independent Christian artist, and a geeky kitchen dream come true.

The discussion:

Group Effort Web 2.0 Style – Martin and Sallie revisit Clay Shirky’s book Here Comes Everybody and focus on chapter 5, “Personal Motivation Meets Collaborative Production”, as they explore the power of one of the core Web 2.0 tools, the wiki.  Listen for ideas on how you can use a wiki in your congregation or school.

  • Wikis in Plain English by CommonCraft
  • Episode 034 focused on wiki tools
  • Sample church ladies organization wiki – hosanna.wetpaint.com

The interview:

Mike WestendorfIndependent Christian Artist (18:22) – WELS musician Mike Westendorf joins Martin and Sallie to talk about getitng started in the music business, the recent CIA Summit for independent Christian artist and the role technology plays in music today.

The tidbits:

New technology showcase (38:30)

  • The “new” Friend Feed – beta.friendfeed.com

Picks of the week (42:25)

WELSTech Desert Island Picks ContestContest – Top 5 Desert Island Software Picks (47:47)

  • Send us the five software titles you wouldn’t want to live without – free or fee, desktop or Web 2.0, anything goes
  • Get us your list via your favorite WELSTech communication channel – e-mail us, leave us a voice mail (414-375-2334), send us a message on facebook or twitter – just get us your top 5 picks!
  • One random entry will receive a $25 gift certificate to the WELSTech store (cafepress.com/welstech)
  • Deadline for entry is Sunday April 26, 2009 @ 11:59 p.m.
  • Listen to WELSTech Episode 069 on April 29th to find out if you are the winner and to experience a virtual desert island of software picks

Community feedback (49:17)

  • Check out the WELSTech listserve archive for a balanced discussion of fee vs. open-source software for school computer usage
  • David Schumann from Peace in Janesville, WI shared his success with recycling old hardware with Linux
  • The #WELSTech Twitter conversation this week included
  • John Simonson from Good Shepherd in West Bend, WI suggested incorporating a call to action link on church sites – “Why join?” or “Why attend?”
  • Dan Schoeffel from St. Paul’s in Onalaska, WI shared a link to their Drupal members only site – members.stpaulsonalaska.org
    • We discussed Drupal in a episode 047 and have a page on the WELSTech wiki dedicated to Drupal
    • Take a sneak peek at the new Drupal-based WELS.net – beta.wels.net
  • David Savatski from WELS Missions added a presentation tips section to the WELSTech wiki
  • Greg Letiecq shared a “He Is Risen” video clip. Find it on the WELSTech wiki, posted using drop.io/welstech.

Coming up on WELSTech (1:04:32)

  • Episode 068 – It’s time to make plans for a summer of learning.  Gail Potratz will join us to discuss a multitude of opportunities for personal enrichment.  And we’ll wrap up our interview with Mike Westendorf.

The featured artist:

This week we close with WELS artist Mike Westendorf (www.mikewestendorf.com) – Prelude to Praise from his newest CD titled Color Through the Gray (1:06:20)

Get involved:

066 – The Five D’s and W’s

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This week the WELSTech podcast goes global as Martin and Sallie discuss internet evangelism and chat with Dr. John Lawrenz from Asia Lutheran Seminary.

The discussion:

The interview:

  • Dr. John LawrenzReaching out to billions (24:34) – Spanning the globe to bring you the latest news on technology in ministry, Martin and Sallie talk with Dr. John Lawrenz about the work being done in Hong Kong through Asia Lutheran Seminary and how technology is a blessing to their efforts. Listen also for details on their newest project, the Translation Working Group.

The tidbits:

  • New technology showcase (47:55)
  • Picks of the week (52:35)
  • WELSTech Desert Island Picks ContestContest – Top 5 Desert Island Software Picks
    • Send us the five software titles you wouldn’t want to live without – free or fee, desktop or Web 2.0, anything goes
    • Get us your list via your favorite WELSTech communication channel – e-mail us, leave us a voice mail (414-375-2334), send us a message on facebook or twitter – just get us your top 5 picks!
    • One random entry will receive a $25 gift certificate to the WELSTech store (cafepress.com/welstech)
    • Deadline for entry is Sunday April 26, 2009 @ 11:59 p.m.
    • Listen to WELSTech Episode 069 on April 29th to find out if you are the winner and to experience a virtual desert island of software picks
  • Community feedback (1:00:09)
    • Jason Schmidt from Gethsemane in Omaha, NE shared a link to embedit.in which generates embed code for any type of content you want to post on your web site
    • Alyssa Dunning from WELS Web Services shared a link to VisualCV.com where you can create a free online resume
    • Ryan Rosenthal from Faith in Fond du Lac, WI came through with a response to Sallie’s last Pick of the Week – NCShtDwn will shut down computers at whatever time you set
    • The #WELSTech Twitter conversation this week included
    • John Shoosmith from Redeemer in Yakima, WA offered to encode closed caption videos in Microsoft Silverlight for WELS congregations, free of change.  Contact John through the e-mail options on the Redeemer web site for details.
  • Coming up on WELSTech (1:11:21)
    • Episode 067 – We’ll return to Clay Shirky’s book Here Comes Everybody and discuss chapter 5, “Personal Motivation Meets Collaborative Production”.  Also we’ll share part one of our conversation with WELS musicianary Mike Westendorf.

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the WELSTech debut of artist Stephen Bautista (www.stephenbautistamusic.com) – The Man Who Drove The Nail from his CD titled Abandon (1:13:10)

Get involved:

  • Add a comment below
  • Send us an e-mail [email protected]
  • Leave us a voice mail 414-375-2334
  • Add to the WELSTech wiki welstechwiki.wels.net
  • Contribute to the #WELSTech Twitter conversation
  • Follow us on Twitter – mspriggs and welstechtrainer
  • Use the del.icio.us tag welstech
  • Join the WELSTech community:
    • WELSTech listserve
    • WELSTech on facebook

065 – That Is No Joke

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This week the WELSTech podcast is packed with April Fools pranks, a contest announcement, the latest iPhone news and loads of comments from our listeners.

The discussion:

  • Time out for fun on April Fools – Martin and Sallie discuss web-based April Fools pranks, interesting sites and even a few Easter eggs.  They also share info on the Conficker worm, which is set to spread today.
  • WELSTech Desert Island Picks ContestNew Contest – Top 5 Desert Island Software Picks (14:57)
    • Send us the five software titles you wouldn’t want to live without – free or fee, desktop or Web 2.0, anything goes
    • Get us your list via your favorite WELSTech communication channel – e-mail us, leave us a voice mail (414-375-2334), send us a message on facebook or twitter – just get us your top 5 picks!
    • One random entry will receive a $25 gift certificate to the WELSTech store (cafepress.com/welstech)
    • Deadline for entry is Sunday April 26, 2009 @ 11:59 p.m.
    • Listen to WELSTech Episode 069 on April 29th to find out if you are the winner and to experience a virtual desert island of software picks

The tidbits:

  • New technology showcase (18:35)
  • Picks of the week (25:05)
  • Community feedback (31:12)
    • Larry McGowan from Pilgrim in Minneapolis, MN is involved in new video ministry efforts.
    • Gail Potratz from Emanual in New London, WI left us a voice mail follow up to last week’s Personal Learning Network discussion. We forgot to mention the WELSTech Podcast is a major contributor to our PLNs!
    • Alyssa Dunning from WELS Web Services shared a link to The Ultimate Guide for Everything Twitter from the Webdesigner Depot blog
    • Shelly Karstens from Peace in Hartford, WI sent us a link to the recent WI Education Media & Technology Association (WEMTA) conference she attended.
      • Check out the PLN document shared by one of the speakers, Lucy Gray (LucyGray.org).
    • Pastor Tim Wagner from Abiding Peace in Elgin, IL is using RSS feeds from his delicious.com account to display bookmarked sites on his congregation web page.
    • Chris Hintz from Emmaus in Phoenix, AZ tapped the WELSTech podcast archive for info on the paperless office:
      • Episodes 006 & 007 – The efficient church office
      • Episode 026 – Mass e-mail
      • Episode 036 – Getting organized
      • Episode 063 – PDFs and Potlucks
    • John Shoosmith from Redeemer in Yakima, WA updated the closed caption video page on the WELSTech wiki (welstech.wetpaint.com)
    • Wayne Kittell from Immanuel in Kewaunee, WI shared information on how the FAA frequency change effects some wireless microphone systems
      • 700 MHz Explained in 10 Steps
      • 700 MHz Public Safety Band
      • 700 MHz Wireless Trade In Program from Shure
  • Coming up on WELSTech (45:56)
    • Episode 066 – As Internet Evangelism Day approaches, we will look at new resources and ideas for reaching out in the digital age.  We’ll also talk with Dr. John Lawrenz about the influence of technology on outreach and training at Asia Lutheran Seminary.

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the music of WELS artist Mike Westendorf (www.mikewestendorf.com) – Cling from his CD titled Run Boy Run (47:36)

Get involved:

  • Add a comment below
  • E-mail: [email protected]
  • Voice mail: 414-375-2334
  • Add to the WELSTech wiki: welstech.wetpaint.com
  • Contribute to the #WELSTech Twitter conversation
  • Follow us on Twitter: mspriggs and welstechtrainer
  • Use the del.icio.us tag: welstech
  • Join the WELSTech community:
    • WELSTech listserve
    • WELSTech on facebook