General

New home firewall / router

I have been having some performance issues with my home firewall.  Last year I upgraded my networking to use a Cisco e3000 running tomato firmware.  This configuration worked well when I paired it with an airport extreme to be the dedicated wireless access point.   I had moved to a dedicated wireless AP as we added more wireless devices in the house.  …

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Emergency Contact information – card for wallet

My wife went to a seminar today and came back with a good idea. That she and I should have an emergency contact card in our wallet. She also mentioned an ICE contact for our phones. I had not heard of ICE contacts, “In Case of Emergency” – here is a quick blurb from lifehacker – How to add an ICE …

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Blogging Tool– Windows Live Writer

This new year I plan on blogging more.   For one reason, it is a good stress relief.   The other reasons revolve that I like to do it.     To make the process easier I plan on utilizing Windows live writer.  The reason for using live writer is the simple ease of use and great layout functions it allows.   I currently use WordPress …

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Thinkpad T410 and Hardware Upgrades?

It is that time of year again.  Every December before the new year, I evaluate the technology I have.  I typically look at my laptop and determine if it needs to be upgraded first then look at my other machines. This year I decided that my trusty ThinkPad T410 did not need to be replaced.  Instead it was going to get …

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Design : The Fundamental Elements of Design

I am not a designer. In fact, I’m pretty bad with design. However, I can tell when something looks good. It is just my way of saying I appreciate good design, I just suck at it. Here is a great video showcasing how design (brands) work. This is great work done by Erica Gorochow The Fundamental Elements of Design from Erica …

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Christmas time of year

It is that time of the year.  I love Christmas.  I just realized at work that the the only pictures of the kids I have are getting pumpkins and a Christmas tree (multiple years).   Yesterday we went and got the tree.  It is always a fun event, and we have had snow each year we go.  We have been going the …

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Desktop Cleanup

I’ve been cleaning up my work  area.  Not only my real desktop at work but also my computer desktop.  To help keep a cleanly system I decided to try Fences. http://www.stardock.com/products/fences/   Nice little gem of an application.  Give it a try. It neatly organizes your icons or files on your desktop into specific areas.

.net Training

I have seen some great online resources recently for .net development training. Pluralsight is a fantastic resource: Some are free : MVC controller http://www.pluralsight-training.net/microsoft/players/PSODPlayer.aspx?author=scott-allen&name=mvc3-building-controllers&mode=live&clip=0&course=aspdotnet-mvc3-intro   For beginners this one is fantastic: http://mottishaked.com/training/dot-net-tutorial  

Remote desktop sharing

Remote PC support has come a long way.  It used to be a long phone call and people would explain what they were seeing.  Then we added remote desktop sharing tools like VNC.  Now many sites and applications have these features.    I have discussed remote desktop sharing / support apps before – http://jimiz.net/2008/07/open-source-applications/ Since then I have tried many versions.  Go2MyPC, …

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Great Biking Poster

I came across this advertisement on a blog that I read about urban biking / commuting. I thought it was a pretty common sense advertisement. I think there is another that compares electric cars as well. Original Link http://urbanvelo.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/reality.jpg

Bike Commuting to Work

I have started biking into work again.  It has been enjoyable and an interesting adventure.   This time around I’m using my commuter, a converted mountain bike (Schwinn S9five6 – Purchased in 1995).    This is one of my favorite bikes, I’ve had a great amount of fun over the years with this bike.   In the last 5 years it …

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Watches

I’m not a huge person on fashion but I do like watches.  I have always had a thing for a good watch.  The problem is how you define a good watch.  When I was younger it was the most features wins.  Stop watch, timer, multi time zones, etc…  Now I’m more focused on style and function.    For the last 3 …

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Items I would like to purchase

I currently have many things that I would love to acquire.    Some of these I consider great design and others I find as great tools. Seating: Eames Aluminum office chair – a great office chair that is comfortable and also good looking:  http://store.hermanmiller.com/Products/Eames-Aluminum-Group-Management-Chair Eames Lounge – I have  wanted this chair for years.  It would be a great addition to the …

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Ebooks vs hard cover

I am on the verge of purchasing an ebook reader. I currently read most of my books on my iPad or iPhone. However I have found that in some cases this is not the most reliable readers. I find my iPhone great because it is always with me. However it is not good in the Sun or the beach (sand). The …

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PREMIER LEAGUE Starts 8/13

For those of you who know me, you know my loves are God, Family, Technology and soccer.   This weekend the Premier League starts.  Living here in the US makes it hard as a soccer fan.  We have limited access to games and we don’t get to be part of the culture of soccer that is seen over-seas. I spend a …

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