Editorials


So What’s Up with ‘#TheDress’?

The recent #TheDress sensation has created a common thread (and a viral one) among worldwide citizens by posing an intriguing question – How can so many people view the same object in different ways? Color theorists everywhere debate is it black and blue?…or gold and white? …or brown and blue?!? First, the subject of this whole phenomenon is based on a photo, not a video, so there are immediate questions of lighting, overexposure, the device it’s being viewed on, etc. It was originally posted by 21-year-old singer Caitlin McNeill from the tiny Scottish island of Colonsay with the comment “guys please…


Parks & Recreation Ends…but the Laughs Continue

The comedy/satire television show Parks and Recreation shot in ‘mockumentary-style’ aired their final episode after seven seasons on NBC, but fans can get plenty more thanks to streaming media options and home video. This unique fan favorite piled on great comedy and community morals to create some memorable television, which lives on through diehard fans.





Mike’s 2015 Oscar Picks and Analysis

This year’s Academy Awards (Oscars) have a satisfying eclectic mix without one clear front-runner. Check out my 2015 Oscar picks and some analysis so you succeed in your office Oscar pool…or have a better idea of what’s going on February 22.


Do YOU Use a Wearable Device?

There’s been a huge debate lately about wearable devices like Fitbit, Jawbone UP, smartwatches, etc. First, wareable.com pointed out most buyers of fitness trackers are ALREADY fit (and well-off), and then a study came out indicating wearables were no more accurate than the pedometer in your existing smartphone. So who’s using them and are they helping anyone?


Tablet Market Shrank in 2014, Here are Some Possible Reasons Why

Last week we learned iPad sales declined … again. It was another sign of a shift in the tablet market different from the smartphone market. Now we hear from the IDC that the broader tablet market shrank with both Apple and Samsung along with ASUS and Amazon taking large hits and only Lenovo and ‘others’ gaining share. We asked ‘why’?


Skills We Wish Were Taught In School – What Would You Add?

Earlier this week Judie shared an article from LifeHacker that talked about 10 skills they wished were taught in schools. The thought is even though there are many great things we learn in elementary and high school, there are also many skills that are lacking. Let’s look at their list and our own interpretations, and maybe add a few!


Games Get First Real Super Bowl Feature, Was it Worth the Money?

Surprisingly based on overlapping demographics, video games have not featured widely in Super Bowl commercials in years past – maybe because the big franchises launch in late summer through the fall, maybe they were unwilling to spend the big money on the ad space, or something? But this year three ‘freemium’ mobile games spent big – but was it worth it?



New to Gaming? Which System Should You Buy?

It’s easy to assume that everyone out there already has a favorite gaming system, whether it be Xbox, Playstation, Wii, or something else. But what if you are totally new to gaming? What if you want to play, but you have little experience with any of the available gaming options, and you have no idea where to get started?


When Do You Give Up on a Company? The Pivotal Living Story

A few weeks ago I reviewed the Pivotal Living fitness tracker, and I concluded the following: “Pivotal Living is a company to watch, and I think if the bugs and kinks get ironed out, the Pivotal Life 1 is a very cool product.” I wanted to give them a few months, but here’s the truth: Don’t buy it. just don’t.


Starting Over At Midlife: A Gear Diary Diary Entry

At 49 years old, I find myself on my own and “starting over.” I want my new place to feel like home. Fortunately I know what I like and, within reason, I can afford what I need. This post series will look at some of the gear that come into play as I start my life … at midlife.


Calling Off the Outlook Mobile App Challenge!

Yesterday we invited everyone to join us on the Outlook Mobile App Challenge, which seemed like a fun way to put this new ‘universal inbox’ app to the test. Since then some significant security concerns have been identified that makes this an app that we cannot recommend using right now. As a result, we’re stopping the challenge immediately.


Verizon Account Sign-In #Fail

Dear Verizon: Why exactly have I chosen a password for your site, when upon login from a new computer you’re still going to ask me about some obtuse reference I probably have not jotted down and which may have multiple answers? In many cases, answers to these dumb challenge questions are easily found by looking at social media sites.



Samsung Gear S and Why You’ll Want (or Not Want) One

During CES 2015 I picked up a Withings Activité Pop; it hasn’t been off my wrist since. It is the anti-smartwatch, and it doesn’t try to do too much. At the other end of the spectrum is the Samsung Gear S; it tries to do it all, and thanks to Sprint, that even means replacing your smartphone!


Tell the FDA to Add Sesame to Allergy Labels!

I have mentioned this before, but my son is severely allergic to sesame seeds. We found this out the hard way, after one small bite of hummus landed us in the ER. Unfortunately, companies do not have to label if sesame is an ingredient or cross contaminant in the US, so it’s time to petition the FDA to change that and add sesame to allergy labels!