All entries by this author

XBMC – Possibly the last media player I will own

Jan 22nd, 2012 | By | Category: Streaming Media, Weekend Warrior

  Part I – XBMC Live About 6 years ago I purchased my first media player – the then newly launched Pinnacle Showcenter 200. It was an exciting new device with countless possibilities. It helped define a market that previously had not existed. Alas, Pinnacle’s acquisition by Avid in 2005, the ensuing lackluster support and product [...]



A Parent’s Perspective on Video Game Consoles: XBOX vs. Playstation

Jan 14th, 2012 | By | Category: Miscellaneous

Thanks to their grandparents, my kids have real buying power. Consequently, this household has a Wii, XBOX 360 with Kinect, and a PS3. The Wii platform is currently a bit outdated and not as feature-rich. It does not require the same amount of attention from parents as the other two consoles. Let’s take a closer [...]



Sauna woes

Sep 8th, 2011 | By | Category: Weekend Warrior

Sauna kits in the US usually come from Canada. After researching options and prices for years, I ordered mine from SaunaFin in Toronto. I opted for a 5×8 clear cedar kit with several upgrades: a cedar door, a double L-bench, a Tylö Deluxe heater with remote control, extra cedar to finish the outside, and little [...]



Should I build on 6 or 7? (Drupal 7 Module Availability)

Jul 7th, 2011 | By | Category: Information Technology

Below is a list of my favorite Drupal modules and their availability of a stable/recommended version for the Drupal 7 platform. I merely assembled this information based on data from Drupal.org and I cannot provide recommendations based on personal experience with any of the modules. Modules in red are currently not available for Drupal 7 [...]



ASP.Net MasterPage: How to use the page name in CSS skinning

Jul 6th, 2011 | By | Category: Information Technology

Sometimes it can be convenient to create CSS styles that are unique to a specific page context, either because a page requires a special rule or override due to its features, or because some style rule must be applied based on the page context. I have used this for instance in Drupal skinning when a [...]



Why we don’t need to be concerned about the Epsilon security breach

Apr 5th, 2011 | By | Category: Consumer Protection, Ethics, Security

In case you have not heard or read about it, take a look at this WSJ article before you continue. But why shouldn’t we be concerned? The short answer: because this incident represents only a tiny sliver of the problem and so many other breaches will follow that it really makes not difference if you [...]



Vertical Response – How can a subscriber update his or her profile?

Mar 24th, 2011 | By | Category: Software Best Practices

Vertical Response only includes an ‘unsubscribe’ link in their emails by default. The ‘forward to a friend’ link is not enabled by default, but can be added. I have a number of custom profile fields that subscribers can fill out on the Optin form, and I want to include a link in the email where [...]



T-Mobile Customers Against an AT&T Takeover

Mar 21st, 2011 | By | Category: Business, Consumer Protection, Ethics, Mobile Devices, Smartphone

Nothing good can come of the proposed acquisition of T-Mobile USA by AT&T. This will lead to essentially a 2-player cell phone market (Verizon and AT&T). Some quotes taken from various news articles: “We know the results of arrangements like this — higher prices, fewer choices, less innovation.” (Public Knowledge president Gigi Sohn). “AT&T will [...]



How to block pop-under ads on Boston.com (and other sites)

Sep 22nd, 2010 | By | Category: Ethics

Pop-under ads are browser windows that open in the background while you view a web site. Boston.com was on of the first sites to start using this technique almost 10 years ago, and it is still as annoying today as it was back then. Why is it annoying? Because when you close the original browser [...]



Ticket Fees at the Cirque de Soleil

Aug 23rd, 2010 | By | Category: Consumer Protection

When an email announced the availability of tickets for the Cirque de Soleil Ovo show in Boston at a 45% discount (I had not heard of this show before), I became curious and checked out the website. The email (it came from Travelzoo.com, i.e. a neutral 3rd party) also mentioned an $8 fee per ticket [...]