“Opinion” collection
Explore expert editorial perspectives on the evolving relationship between technology, family life, and modern culture. These opinion pieces offer unique insights and personal reflections on industry trends from a veteran technologist and parent.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →December 21, 2012
Reacting To and Remembering the Tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary – Cast of Dads Podcast #55
A week ago today, innocent children, students and educators were horrifically gunned down at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I don't believe that anyone will fully understand the "why" but all of us have been struggling to comprehend it as well as be able to talk about this event with other adults as well as our children. The Sunday after this…
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December 19, 2012
Boom, Boom, Pow! The Boombotix Boombot2 Rocks Bluetooth Audio Streaming with an Edgy Design
With so many speaker solutions out in the market these days, it's nice to see a company that makes their design a little edgier and with character. Literally. The Boombotix Boombot2 brings functionality and collectible character in their Bluetooth and wired portable speaker, making is a pretty neat gift for kids (and they even have a boring gray version for…
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December 18, 2012
Why and How Ballerinas Break In Ballet Pointe Shoes
With the holidays upon us, ballerinas of all ages become a bit more inspired. One of the primary reasons is that various renditions of The Nutcracker are being interpreted and performed widely, from local community dance groups to large scale professional productions. Whether you are "into" ballet or not, you simply cannot help being sucked into this magical story. For…
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December 14, 2012
The Loss of Innocence
Innocence was lost today, not just in Connecticut but across the world. Our future was tragically and horrifically gunned down in yet another act of senseless violence. After 9/11, our nation changed. We became paranoid, more careful and we thought, safer. Today's events prove otherwise. Violence can come from anywhere, from strangers or from people that we know. It can…
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December 11, 2012
Saving the Environment & your Wallet – Review the Spacious 2012 Toyota Prius V
Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, it seems like almost every third car on the road is a hybrid of some type, and of those hybrids, a huge majority of those are Toyota Prius's. Californians are obsessed with the environment and with driving and many times, the two don't really go hand-in-hand. About 10+ years ago, before gas prices…
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December 10, 2012
Hmmm, What Wine to Choose? The Kendall Jackson App Can Help You Decide
I love drinking wine...but I'm not in any way an expert. (Well, I am an expert at drinking, just not choosing!) My wife is actually the one who is part of numerous wine clubs and is often the one who gets our wine. Or, I get some recommendations and bottles from my dad who actually has a wine refrigerator and…
Read more →December 5, 2012
Honeywell’s WiFi-Enabled Thermostat is Hot, Cool, Controlled Remotely & Easy to Install
Here is the scenario. It's the early morning in the winter. You are snuggled warm in your bed but outside of the comfort of your blankets, your house is cold. The last thing you want to do it to have to get out of bed and turn on the thermostat to heat the house. So you just hope for someone…
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December 3, 2012
Bring a Cool or Warm Mist to those Rooms in Need with The Sharper Image Ultrasonic Humidifier
If you have kids or suffer from dry noses at night, you probably need or have a humidifier. These devices are pretty much required in my family because the little noses in our household seem to get dried up. In fact, my youngest daughter had to have her nostrils cauterized because she suffered from nose bleeds at night because of…
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November 29, 2012
As a Blogger or Brand, Why is Continuity Important?
Having just completed my 7th year of blogging, I have learned quite a lot. What started for me as simply a way to both help people and provide insights on a variety of topics, now has become part of my life and my persona. As my website has matured, I have uncovered nuances and patterns along the way, but I…
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November 27, 2012
Klutz Teaches Kids About Basic Electronics While Setting Up Booby Traps Around the House
As part of my ongoing effort to remain as much like a child as possible, I was intrigued to set up some "Gotcha Gadgets" that would allow me to play 20 tricks on my kids. I wanted to set up trip alarms and motion sensors that would fart when someone opened a door, or set up a push-button applause machine…
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November 26, 2012
Forget About Giving this Sharper Image Shiatsu Massager as a Gift, Keep It For Yourself!
Over the past few weeks, I have been evaluating a few Sharper Image products that I believe would be worthy of giving as gifts (see the Smartphone Telephoto Lens and Charging Valet). However, I need to be a little bit selfish here on this next product, specifically The Sharper Image Air & Shiatsu Massage Cushion. In fact, as I write…
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November 25, 2012
How Safe is Online Shopping? Tips to Get Ready for Cyber Monday and Beyond
Personally, I hate shopping. I do though, like the act of giving gifts. There is something always great about spreading joy to friends and family during the holiday seasons. My wife is a bargain hunter and loves the "sport" of the deal hunt. She went missing on Black Friday only to reappear a few hours later with lots of great…
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