“General” collection
Access a diverse collection of miscellaneous technology reviews, specialized DIY tool assessments, and unique lifestyle articles. From niche electrical equipment to general digital organization tips, this section covers the broad spectrum of a tech-focused life.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →October 6, 2011
Getting Saucy on Cast of Dads Episode #45 “Dads CAN Cook Even When Sauced”
We had quite a few topics stewing to be discussed on Cast of Dads Episode #45 "Dads CAN Cook Even When Sauced". For starters, we had a conversation about a social media campaign that tried to use modern day social media tactics but using a very old and outdated stereotype, that of Dads not being able to cook and having…
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October 5, 2011
R.I.P. Steve Jobs – Your Inspiration Lives On
When Steve Jobs spoke, people listened. When he innovated, markets changed. When he had an idea, it was perfect. And now when he quietly leaves this world, we remember his incredible accomplishments as a leader, visionary and individual. In 2005, Mr. Jobs addressed the graduating class at Stanford University. He knew that his time was limited, but this did not…
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October 4, 2011
D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Wireless Router – Advanced Configurations & Stability at an Attractive Price
I love WiFi routers. I'm not sure why. But I have about 3 or 4 of them running in my house. Some are providing WiFi networks for all of the people in the family and the other connected devices as well, while others are set up as back-up or private, and only used occasionally. I probably have a lot of…
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September 26, 2011
Waging War on Pollen, Dust, Bacteria, Mold, Germs & More with the Honeywell Air Purifier HHT-145
Sneezing, coughing and runny noses as night. Itchy eyes with tears being squeezed out. My daughters have had allergies all spring and summer and it was particularly worse this year because of the longer rainy season and the larger amounts of pollen in the air. So I brought some big air defense weaponry in to battle these tiny, annoying irritants,…
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September 23, 2011
A Tablet for Babies? The VINCI Tablet Gives Toddlers a Jump Start on Touchscreens
A few weeks ago I received a pre-production version of a new tablet targeted toward children ages 2-4 or so called the "VINCI Tab". I had been dying to review an Android-based tablet, but the VINCI threw me for an unexpected curve. It really is not what you might expect. While it is technically a tablet, it is really a…
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September 19, 2011
The Schizophrenia that is Netflix…er…Qwikster…uh…Netster…QwikFlix?
I have been a Netflix user for many many years. My account says 2007 but I actually started my service before that time, stopped and then restarted it. My family finds Netflix to be indispensable and we use both services, streaming and physical DVDs regularly. Every TV in our house has access to Netflix, in fact, we did some "cord…
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September 19, 2011
“Mother Nature is in a Bad Mood” – Cast of Dads Episode #44
Ok, school has started for most of us and I realize that we have some homework to do. That is, the Cast of Dads do since we seem to be sputtering along trying to get back into a regular recording groove. "The dog ate my homework" isn't going to work for us. Maybe, "we just had an earthquake" or "we…
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September 14, 2011
There’s an Ocean of Knowledge Out There, Be a Sponge!
What is filled with holes but still holds water? Yes, you got it, a sponge. Sponges are pretty amazing creatures. They live and grow in the water, and when they are dead, they can be used to carry water. People once thought that they were plants, we now know that they are basically simple animals. I read that some sponges…
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September 12, 2011
Moshi’s USB to Ethernet Adapter Makes the MacBook Air Even More Perfect
As I write this post on my Apple MacBook Air, I really struggle to think of things that would make it better. It's pretty much a near-perfect laptop in my opinion. It's lightweight, fast and has a good battery-life. It's a bit pricey but it seems to be holding its own pretty well within this new "Ultrabook" space. Honestly, I…
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September 2, 2011
“Weird But True” iOS App Educates in a Fun Way
Who doesn't like National Geographic? They have been enriching our lives for over a hundred years with photos and quality content from around the globe. And they have brought this content to children of all ages as well. My daughters got copies of National Geographic Kids at school and have saved them in piles on their desks and bookcases. And…
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September 1, 2011
A Day at the Races with Cadillac – Driving the CTS-V Wagon Around the Infineon Raceway
I have been to two auto races in my life, one down in Long Beach (for the Long Beach Grand Prix) and this past weekend one at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA (for the Sonoma Grand Prix). And with each race, I have been really lucky. Down in Long Beach, the buddy who took me managed to get Pit Passes…
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August 25, 2011
10 Things Steve Jobs Has Done for Parents
With Steve Jobs announcing that he will be stepping down as CEO of Apple, I took some time to reflect on how Steve and Apple have impacted my life as a parent, specifically, a "High Tech Dad." In my household, Apple products reign. Each of my children use Apple laptops or desktops, and each one has either an iPhone, iPod…
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