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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In this time of year, a war is being waged.  It is a war against your car and its tires, and the weapons of that war are giant, gaping holes in the road.  There’s nothing quite as bad as your jaw slamming shut and your entire body shaking, while you cringe at the noise of your fender slamming into the road because your tire just disappeared into a bottomless pit.  And sometimes it’s because you just can’t see them.  Sure, that shortcut was good during the summer, but now, you may want to stick to the highway just so you’re not swallowed up on your way to work.

So lets work together to stay informed.  I’ve put a map below.  If you know of a particularly nasty section road in Eastern Iowa, or the location of the biggest pothole you’ve ever seen, leave the address in the comments and I’ll add it to the map, so others can be aware of those spots as well.

View Eastern Iowa Potholes in a larger map

Posted: February 5th, 2010 under Helpful Info, Show Notes.
Comments: 2

Here are some fall recipes to help bring the scent and taste of Fall into your home.  Remember, if you have a favorite recipe, share it in the comments, or drop it to me on email at studiomike@life1019.com.  Enjoy! Read more »

Posted: October 16th, 2009 under Helpful Info, Show Notes.
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Some identify with Fall by the colder weather outside.  Another may look for the changing colors of the leaves as a sign that Fall is finally here.  It may betray the type of person I am, but I identify Fall by the scents that come from the kitchen.  This week, it’s been one of the sweeter smells of Fall: pumpkin.  My wife is a particular fan of the pumpkin flavor and so far we’ve had pumpkin pie, and last night we made Pumpkin Spice Bars; Fall is here.  Thankfully, there are a lot more great Fall foods to look forward to and I’d love to know what your favorite fall recipes are.  Click here to email me your favorite fall recipe and I’ll post it here so others can enjoy some of the best scents and tastes of fall.

Posted: October 14th, 2009 under Helpful Info, Show Notes.
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