Category Archives: Gadgets and technology

A comment on commenting systems, specifically Kinja

It seems like there are very few good commenting systems on the Internet. Based on my experience, the free or low-cost services can be very barebones, sluggish or just a pain to use (I guess you get what you pay … Continue reading

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From the archive — Eyes on iPhone: North state dials up new device in droves

The first incarnation of the Apple iPhone was formally released 10 years ago on June 29, 2007. Here’s what I wrote for the Enterprise-Record, published the following day. After months of waiting through countless Internet discussions and tempting commercials, scores … Continue reading

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Hitting 11 million image views on Google Maps

Just a year ago, I passed 2 million views on Google Maps. Imagine my surprise when my images surged past 10 million views just a couple of months ago. The 190 images I’ve published on Google Maps has been viewed 11.1 … Continue reading

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Turning the voting kiosk into a photo booth OR How I stopped worrying and learned to love the ballot selfie

In just over 24 hours, the grueling 17-month-long election cycle will grind to a merciful halt. Even after weeks and weeks of ceaseless discussions, debates and squabbles, there are still some issues that haven’t been analyzed to death. One of … Continue reading

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Last call for Google’s Picasa photo service

After years of languishing behind projects like Google+ and Google Photos, Picasa is finally going to the great software and Web service cemetery beyond the clouds. Google announced last month that Picasa was being retired, and the end begins March 15 … Continue reading

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Pin-a-Go-Go transforms Dixon into pinball paradise

Looking for something with a little pop or an idea to bounce off your friends this weekend? People can find endless hours of fun with unlimited gameplay on more than 100 pinball machines at Pin-a-Go-Go at the Dixon May Fair … Continue reading

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Two areas where Facebook falls short on new gender identity options

Facebook should receive some kudos today for adding an option for its users to select from a range of gender identities beyond solely male or female. The Associated Press, via the Sacramento Bee, spells out the changes. However, the changes … Continue reading

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GEL-ing with the Google Experience Launcher on a Galaxy S II

I’ve been excited to try out a new home screen, or launcher, for my Samsung Galaxy S II (Epic 3G Touch). Since April, I’ve been using the default TouchWiz launcher that came with the S II. However, I’ve recently been … Continue reading

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My phone thinks I live at a bar and other digital foibles

Following my last post, I’ve made the switch from Sprint to Ting and got a refurbished Samsung Galaxy SII (Epic 4G Touch). It led to a little bit of drama when the first one I received was a dud, but … Continue reading

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Fuming after suspicious data charges from Sprint

I tilted at the windmill that is Sprint customer service two weeks ago, and came away a little poorer for it and without many answers. When I was paying the January bill, I noticed a charge of about $5 for … Continue reading

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