Tag Archives: home technology

Home Science Experiment: Improvised digital microscope for kids using an iPhone and Apple TV

Posted on November 3, 2013 by jrothmanshore

Last week, I came across an interesting post about how DIY enthusiasts could remove a lens from a laser pointer and use it to create a simple microscope using an iPhone. I like doing experiments with my kids and teaching them … Continue reading →

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An easy workaround for getting Gmail Push Notifications while using iPhone’s Mail app

Posted on October 13, 2013 by jrothmanshore

I finally received my iPhone 5S after a three week wait. While I am excited to have my new phone, it has meant giving up on using ActiveSync to get email pushed directly to my phone from my gmail account. … Continue reading →

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Apple’s own podcast app beats Instacast and Downcast at their own game

Posted on October 7, 2013 by jrothmanshore

After nearly two years of being a loyal Instacast user for managing my podcasts, I just deleted the app. Instacast has “upgraded” itself again and in the process eliminated its most useful features.  And Apple’s once inferior Podcasts app has finally … Continue reading →

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Finally, my kids’ iPod has wireless connectivity

Posted on September 22, 2013 by jrothmanshore

I just upgraded my kids’ iPod again so that it could obtain a feature I never thought I would consider critical: wireless connectivity. My kids are only five and three, and even I must admit that this does seem a … Continue reading →

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Using your iPad or iPhone to sign contracts electronically or scan documents

Posted on July 28, 2013 by jrothmanshore

My wife and I both switched jobs this year, so we have had to email a large number of documents back and forth. There were employment contracts to sign, background forms to complete, and so on. Before the days of … Continue reading →

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Fix it now or wait until it breaks?

Posted on July 14, 2013 by jrothmanshore

Most things in life get replaced at one of two points – when it breaks, or when it becomes obsolete.  Well, perhaps obsolete isn’t quite the right word.  I’ve owned seven or eight coffee makers in my life, but only … Continue reading →

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On Fathers and Screwdrivers

Posted on June 16, 2013 by jrothmanshore

This morning, my three year old son Rafael called me into his room for help.  He has a wooden step-stool carved with the letters of his name as puzzle pieces, and the “L” was stuck.  He couldn’t get it out. … Continue reading →

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Rationalizing a subscription to Amazon Prime and finding it generally useful

Posted on June 9, 2013 by jrothmanshore

Amazon has designed their free two-day-shipping Prime subscription program well.  For any item sold directly by Amazon, you can just order it while you sit on the couch and know you will have it the day after tomorrow with no … Continue reading →

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How I became one of those jackasses with a bluetooth headset

Posted on May 5, 2013 by jrothmanshore

I hate to admit it, but it’s not uncommon to find me wandering around with one of those bluetooth headsets sticking in my ear.  I am the first to admit that it’s not exactly fashionable, and I hate the image … Continue reading →

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Every homeowner should buy a wet vac

Posted on April 3, 2013 by jrothmanshore

I keep a superhero hidden in my basement.  We don’t need it very often, and so it generally sits quietly in the corner, ignored by the other household members.  Then, when disaster strikes, it comes roaring life, appearing out of … Continue reading →

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