Power brainstorming with Microsoft Word and Evernote

My research computing setup is quite heterogeneous. I regularly use Microsoft Word, Evernote, Preview, Zotero(on Firefox). When I am brainstorming or collecting research notes to be compiled into a coherent outline/analytical skeleton I jump between Microsoft Word and Evernote; I write the outline in Word and keep notes in Evernote. I made a (simple) discovery today that’s quite a game changer. When outlining in Word there is often need to “link” to my notes (so as to make a logical connection that I might later want to expand on). It’s easy to do! 

1. Locate the desired Evernote file on your drive (search for the note title on Spotlight in OS X is the easiest way).
2. In Microsoft Word insert a hyperlink at the appropriate location (Insert->Hyperlink). Select Documenttab, click Select… and locate the Evernote file from step 1). Click Open to close the dialog. TIP: If you are using OS X drag and drop the Evernote file from Finder to the Choose a File dialog in Word to automatically select the location of the Evernote file).
3. Change the Display field if you want to the hyperlink text to be something other than the (obscure) Evernote filename. Click OK.

That’s it! You now have a clickable link to your Evernote file. When the contents of the Evernote file change the link still continues to work.

Receiving SMS alerts for Google Calendar on Fido phones (for free)

To receive SMS alerts for Google Calendar events (either by default, or as selected) on Fido phones in Canada you need to jump through a hoop to avoid the $5/month SMS-to-Email gateway fee.

1. In Google Calendar, click Settings->Calendar Settings.
2. Click on the Mobile Setup tab.
3. Enter your appropriate Fido mobile phone information, but instead of selecting Fido for the Operator: field, choose Rogers. 

Google will now send you a confirmation SMS, and you do not need to pay the $5/month fee. When selecting the alert type for Google Calendar events you can select SMS to have it notify you of the event.