What People Receiving Ponders have Written

"Ponders are always a welcome sight as they arrive at my desk. They have often been just the boost I have needed to recommit the energy required to engage the challenges of my personal life and the daily rigors of operating a small business. They are much appreciated."

Rick Carlile
Principal Architect - Arktegraf

"Thank you for your recent note and enclosed copy of Rod's Ponders. I wanted you to know how much I appreciate them."

Alan Greenspan
Chairman of Federal Reserve System

"I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate receiving Rod's Ponders each week! I pass it around to each member of my staff and even fax it to a few close friends and family."

Sammy F. Cemo
Cemo, Inc.

"I continue to receive Rod's Ponders and they still bring a smile and chuckle to this old soldier's face. I truly enjoy them."

H. Norman Schwartzkopf
General, US Army

1. What is this?

Ponder Pearls is a “Thought-A-Day” software that can be installed on your personal computer.  Each day (at midnight) a small window rises from the right corner of a recipient’s monitor and includes selected thoughts of wit and wisdom from some of the world’s most enlightened minds.  The initial series are selected by the person giving you the gift.

2. Who are You?

Ponders & Principles, LLC is the publisher of this software.  We are based on principles developed by our co-founder Rod Weckworth, to build a small electrical contractor into one of the world’s largest.  Rod sent out a “Thoughts for the Week” mailer for over twenty years that was received and enjoyed by US Presidents, Generals and celebrities. We are based in El Dorado Hills, CA and can be reached by phone (916.985.3049).

3. I am bombarded with messages all day. How is this different?

The majority of the messages we receive are negative.  They range from SPAM trying to sell us “erectile dysfunction cures” to news reports about the latest murder or drive by shooting.  Ponders are positive, entertaining and inspiring. They are the gift that you give to yourself each morning.  We have many testimonials from past recipients (see left column).  See for yourself the difference they can make in your day.

4. What kind of Content is Available?

The Upplet provides a library tab that enables your access to an entire library of “Nuggetized” content.  You can select series with excerpts from best selling authors such as Brian Tracy or Dan Millman, sacred texts of the world, and a variety of themes such as Founding Fathers of the US, Innovators and Entrepreneurs, Sports Coaches and Athletes and many more. Most content streams range from 30 to 366 distinct thoughts.

5. Are there other benefits to running Ponder Pearls?

Yes, though it is simple you may find Ponder Pearls to be an incredibly life enhancing program.  We offer a tab called MyNotes which gives you an area for a personal mission statement, values, goals and items that are important to see on a daily basis. Imagine getting daily affirmations that raise self-esteem and confidence.

We also offer you access to an increasing selection of trusted “Gadgets”.  Currently we offer a “virtual stress ball” but image a world clock, body mass index calculator or finance calculator right on your desktop.

6. Will this work on my computer?

We recommend a PC with Windows 2000, XP or Vista and at least 256 MB of RAM. A Macintosh OSX Version is in the works but not available yet. We currently do not support Windows 95, 98, NT or ME.

7. How big is this program?

The download is approximately 1.2 Mb usually takes less than one minute to install.  Once installed that program uses between 8 and 15 mb of RAM.  The program typically uses 2 to10% of CPU.  The Window is 320 pixels wide by 240 pixels high.  This is the same dimension as most PocketPC screens.  Given that the majority of monitors are running at 1024 x 768, the Upplet uses less than 10% of the screen space when displayed.

8. Is Ponders safe to put on my computer?

Ponders is written in Adobe Flash, a program most computers already have installed as a browser plug-in.  We have tested the Upplet on nearly 1000 computers with very few “side effects”.  We have tried to develop a program that is “non-evasive”.  Installing Ponders does not require a system reboot. Unlike spyware, it requires your consent to install and can be uninstalled easily.

The Ponder Pearls GiftServer page which usually includes a photograph of your sponsor is a trusted place from which to download the software. We are approved by Verisign  and we use their code signing service to verify that the software you are installing has been published by “Ponders & Principles”.

9. Can I easily uninstall the program?

The Ponder Pearls software can be easily and completely uninstalled. Just exit the program by right clicking on the small icon in the system tray. Go to the Windows “Start”  Menu and find “All Programs”.  Select uninstall Ponders from Ponders folder.
The folder is usually near the top because it resides in the Start Up area.  

10. What about my Firewall? 

The Ponder pearls program does require access to the internet to receive updates.  Most personal firewalls will ask you whether to allow the newly installed program IP access. You will need to allow access for the program to work correctly.

11. What about my IT department?

If you are running a corporate PC, it is always recommended that you get IT’s approval before installing anything new on the machine.  We offer IT departments a full system specification. Please click here.

12. What is the Catch?

There is no catch. The program is being provided to you as a free gift from your sponsor. They pay for the service should you install the program and in return you will see a small logo banner and have convenient access to their virtual business card.  They are giving you this gift as a gesture of thanks and to build a deeper relationship with you.  If you need their services in the future, please consider them.