“Articles” collection
Access a diverse collection of expert-led technology reviews, step-by-step tutorials, and insightful commentary on the intersection of modern tech and family life. This hub serves as the primary source for hands-on evaluations and practical advice designed to help you navigate the digital world with confidence.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →May 31, 2013
Staples Provides Tools for the Next Great American Novel
A few weeks ago, I was asked if I wanted to get some products from Staples to write about. Sure, I said, thinking it would be a box of paper or a crate of paper clips or an assortment of binders. Traditionally, when I thought about Staples, visions of boring office supplies came to mind. How wrong I was. While…
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May 29, 2013
It Can Wait – Texting Ends Lives – #ItCanWait Campaign (Sponsored)
Technology is a great tool when used properly. But as it becomes ever prevalent in our day-to-day lives, it can move from being simply useful to life-ending. With all of our connected gadgets, we are in constant communication via social networking, phone calls and texting. And now this is moving into our vehicles. As we enter into the 100 most…
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May 28, 2013
Capture, Store and Use the Sun’s Power Easily with GoalZero Solar Products
I love solar energy. And I guess my dog loves it as well - basking in it to stay warm. The sun is seemingly a limitless source of power. It only needs to be harnessed. With the proper equipment, you can be ready for just about any situation, a camping trip, an emergency or a way to simply save on…
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May 17, 2013
Remote, Programmatic Home Automation at its Best – the Belkin WeMo
Home Automation and Remote Controls are cool. Really cool. Think back to the days of The Clapper (which you can still buy, by the way). Clap on, clap off. We have come a long way though. Now we have Internet-connected gadgets, gizmos, appliances and devices, hopefully all designed to make our lives easier, safer or simply better. The Belkin WeMo…
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May 15, 2013
Using the Sun to Power your Gadgets & Light the Way – WAKAWAKA POWER
If you look up into the sky, assuming it's sunny and daytime, you will see a vast energy source that is incredibly untapped - the sun. Solar power technologies have been evolving a break-neck speeds and the size and costs have been reduced dramatically to the point where you can throw a solar panel, charger and battery into your backpack…
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May 10, 2013
Wake Up! Mother’s Day is Almost Here!
In case you didn't know it already, Mother's Day is right around the corner. Heads up to daughters and sons everywhere, it's time to think about the person who hopefully nurtured you through the developing stages of your life and has provided you with ongoing support and unwavering love. However, I think it is important to not just think about…
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May 8, 2013
Did You Miss Us? We’ve Been Licking Lemon Ant Butts! Cast of Dads Podcast #57
Yep, we're baaaack! Have you ever tried to organize the lives of 5 busy dads who are dispersed across the country and time zones? The image of herding cats comes to mind. The desire to record our Cast of Dads podcast is there, the free time, however, is not. Yeah, excuses, excuses. We did manage to all get on a…
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May 7, 2013
How To Easily Remove, Install & Replace an Apple iPhone 4S Battery (Video)
I'm such a heavy user of my Apple iPhones that it really seems like about a year after I get one, I'm doing a how-to article on replacing the iPhone's battery. I now have an iPhone 4S and this past weekend, I replaced the battery. Other smartphone users may scoff at the fact that Apple has made their hardware quite…
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April 29, 2013
What Has Happened to Continuity?
Was it something I said or did? Why aren't you talking to me any more? Did I not do everything you asked? No, I'm not talking about dating here, although, in some way I sort of am. I am talking about being "dumped" by a brand. This is particularly painful if you are a blogger or content creator. Breakups are…
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April 26, 2013
Comfortable, No-Frills, Good Performing, Family SUV – 2013 GMC Acadia Review
The 2013 GMC Acadia is an SUV turned crossover (I still think of it as an SUV) which I believe is a bit of a sleeper. Probably the most aggressive features of it is the bold front grill with the GMC logo on it. It's strong, as if to say, get out of my way, I'm a GMC and I'm…
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April 25, 2013
How to Stop CHKDSK from Running on Every Boot Up
Recently, my Windows 7 computer started running a CHKDSK each and every time that it booted up. For those that don't know, the CHKDSK utility is a way that Windows validates the system file structure and integrity of your computer's hard drive. You can scan your hard drive with it or run it with a fix (/f) flag to correct…
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April 17, 2013
Remember the Evil. Embrace the Good. Talk with your Kids.
Take a bucket full of water. Pour some oil into it, not too much, but enough so that is forms a small blob floating on the surface. Now find a large rock and drop it into the water and oil. What happens? Obviously there is a splash. And if you look down in the bucket, you see lots of smaller…
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