I have always been a huge fan of free and open-source software.  If I can find a program that works as well or better than a major product and it’s free, I’ll give it a shot.  It turns out there are not a small amount of free programs you could try on your computer.  PC World put together a list of 112 free programs. If you’re looking for something to backup your files, free internet filtering software, or a free Photoshop alternative, check out the list.

Posted: March 11th, 2010 under Cool Websites, Helpful Info, Show Notes.
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If you have kids who love video games, particularly boys, you may have heard them talking or asking about some recently released games like Bioshock 2 or Mass Effect 2.  Don’t worry if you feel like your kids are speaking a foreign language when they ask you about games;  I want to help.  First of all, make sure you familiarize yourself with the ratings system for video games.  Just like movies can be rated PG-13 and R, games can be rated T (for Teen) or M (for Mature, 17+).

Second, use the tools you have at your disposal.  One resource I’ve appreciated is a site called What They Play.  This is a site for parents full of reviews on the games your kids are talking about, what’s in them, which games are good, and even games you can consider as positive alternatives to the games they want and you don’t want them to have.  You can reach the site at www.whattheyplay.com or by clicking the link above.

Posted: February 11th, 2010 under Cool Websites, Helpful Info, Show Notes.
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I don’t know about you, but I’m glad we live on Earth.  The other planets are just kind of boring in comparison.  If we lived on Mars, it’s just be red sand everywhere.  The moon is just covered in lighter colored dirt.  Instead, we got deserts, green forests, waterfalls, mountains, geysers, and the list goes on.  I don’t think it’s possible to get bored seeing all the world has to offer.  And now, you have the chance to vote on some of the most beautiful places on earth.  Voting is taking place online and by phone for the 7 Wonders of Nature.  I checked out the list and the choice might be hard.  Though one of the decisions is easy: the Grand Canyon is the only option in the U.S.  Looks like I need to do my patriotic duty.  You can vote online if you want here.

Posted: July 23rd, 2009 under Cool Websites, Show Notes.
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Though my wife is a stay at home mom and I go to work every day, I’ll admit that she probably has a way harder job than I do.  The only problem is, I tend to be the more forgetful one.  Does it ever seem like that at your house?  Between work and home, dads can have a hard time keeping it all straight.  If the dad in your life is like that, one man built a website to help.  It’s called Organize My Dad. Dad can put together schedules for what he needs to get done, help the kids with, and help you with and then have items emailed or texted to his phone.  Maybe now he’ll remember to pick up the kids from school and that your anniversary is coming up.

Posted: June 23rd, 2009 under Cool Websites, Show Notes.
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Ever wanted to escape everything for while?  You just wish you could take time off, get away, have some fun, and then not have to worry about paying for it?  Now that I say it, that sounds absolutely ridiculous.  But according an article my wife emailed me today, it could be possible.  Apparently, Orlando, Florida is giving away 67 Days of Smiles. You have to get together with a partner, and send in some photos of both of you, plus a video explaining why you’d like to spend 67 days in Orlando.  If you’re selected, you and your partner will get spend 67 days experiencing every attraction in Orlando, and documenting your experience online for everyone to share with you.  Then all you’d have to do is convince your boss to give you 67 days off.  And to watch your kids.

Posted: June 2nd, 2009 under Cool Websites, Crazy Stuff, Show Notes.
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