“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 →September 3, 2010
Vacations, Teddy Bears, Breathalyzers and Pictographs – “Back From Vacation” Cast of Dads Podcast #30
We took a week or so off to enjoy time with our families and get ready for the start of the school year. But once we all got back on the phone this week, we definitely had a LOT to talk about in our latest Cast of Dads podcast #30, "Back From Vacation". Note: we are always looking for sponsors!…
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August 31, 2010
The Portable HD Video Recorder Smackdown (PART 2): Sony Bloggie vs Kodak Zi8
Last year around this time, I posted a head-to-head review between the Flip Ultra HD and the Kodak Zi8. Little did I know that it would become such a popular video on YouTube (it currently has over 94,000 views!). So, given that success and because of several comments to me on that video, I have decided to do another head-to-head…
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August 30, 2010
The BACtrack S75 Pro Pocket Breathalyzer – Don’t Leave Home Without One!
About a month ago, I did something pretty dumb. I had too much to drink at a neighbors house and on the way (WALKING) home at 2am, I tripped and fell in my driveway, landing on my forehead, which resulted in 18 stitches and a wonderful scar that I will use to for "crazy drinking" stories and kid lectures for…
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August 27, 2010
More Funny Car Videos: “Mom My Ride” & the “Swagger Wagon”
On Wednesday, I posted a couple of funny advertisements coming out from Nissan. It turns out, obviously, they aren't the first to do this. A co-worker, and mom, pointed me to a couple of other really funny videos that are specifically focused on "the family mini van." These two particularly hit "home" with me as we have a mini van…
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August 25, 2010
Funny New Ads Coming from Nissan – Dads, Kids and the Nissan Maxima & Altima
I don't normally post articles about advertising campaigns but this new campaign coming out from Nissan got my attention for a few reasons, but mainly because they are "family oriented" and funny. The first of these ads depicts a couple who just found out that they are going to have a child. The (typical?) dad's brain starts racing as his…
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August 25, 2010
Develop Locally & Publish into the Cloud with Microsoft WebMatrix & GoGrid Cloud Computing
DISCLOSURE: I work at a Cloud Computing Infrastructure Service Provider (GoGrid) where I get to evaluate and talk about various solutions coming from our company as well as from our partners. I normally don't cross-post articles, unless I feel that they are relevant and can provide a service to multiple audiences. Over the past few weeks, I have been evaluating…
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August 24, 2010
DropCam is the Ultimate, Easy To Set Up, Security Webcam, Digital Baby Sitter & NannyCam
I have played around with a couple of IP-based Wireless Webcams (from Linksys and Panasonic), and while I'm pretty good usually at figuring out how to configure and work devices, IP webcam configurations are still a bit too complicated for the general public, in my opinion. For the most part, they are difficult to set up and harder to stream…
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August 20, 2010
Belkin’s Bluetooth Music Receiver is the Ultimate Music Extender from your Bluetooth Device to Your Stereo
On the way home from picking up my daughter from an activity, I decided to do some Pandora streaming in my car via a Bluetooth connection. As the Pandora station was playing a lot of great songs, when I got home, I wanted to continue hearing the song selection that was playing, so I was thinking of the best way…
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August 17, 2010
Create Your Own Personal Cloud Storage with Seagate’s GoFlex Drives & GoFlex Net
I have always been a proponent of the Cloud and various consumer services that utilize Cloud Computing. In fact, I work as the Technology Evangelist for GoGrid, a company that provides Infrastructure in the Cloud, essentially a way to get your own personal datacenter in minutes. As I write this article (which will go on my blog on a Cloud…
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August 14, 2010
A Dude Ranch Vacation at Greenhorn Creek Ranch – Riding, Fishing and Generally “Horsing Around”!
My family and I spent about a week up at a Dude Ranch in Northern California called "Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch". Since I have 3 girls, their grandparents thought that introducing them to horses and ranching at their age would be great for them. I couldn't agree more! Earlier this year, we set out looking for a nice dude ranch…
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August 13, 2010
How To Get Your iPhone Out of a Recovery or Restore Mode Loop
I recently got my iPhone 4 and consequently wanted to prepare my iPhone 3GS for my children to use as an "iPod Touch" – iPhone but without the cell service. I have already done this with my original iPhone. Honestly, it is a great way to extend the life of your "retired" iPhones. As I was going through the prep…
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August 12, 2010
What Do Dude Ranches, Snoop Dogg, Katy Perry, NyQuil & Cooking Have in Common? Cast of Dads Podcast #29 Of Course!
Quite a variety of topics in the latest Cast of Dads podcast #29, "Dude Ranches & Snoop Doggs", wouldn't you say? Well I had just gotten back from a week with the family up at a dude ranch and I shared my thoughts about that type of family vacation. Note: we are always looking for sponsors! If you would like…
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