Category Archives: Life
Technology and Disaster
Communication Always Finds a Way
Barely a year has passed since Irene ravaged our area. And here we are again, in the midst of an attack by her sister, Sandy. Fortunately, our area saw much less destruction from this storm than the last. As I waited out the storm, I started to think, as I always do, about how technology played a part in everyone’s preparations. During the past week, I checked in with some friends to see how technology aided in their preparedness.
The Question is not “Do or Do Not”
“Do or Do More” is Far More Appropriate
A short time ago I was at my local CrossFit box (gym) getting ready for a workout. The WOD (Workout Of the Day) called for jumping onto a 24″ box. This class was particularly full, so the 24″ boxes were taken very quickly. The 20″ boxes, which I could have used by placing them on a 4″ riser, were also taken. It was then that I noticed the lone 30″ box in the corner, and it all clicked into place.
A World Without Green
We’re Going Cash-less?
The federal government wants to do away with cash, primarily because it’s the currency choice for those that skirt the law – drug dealers, prostitutes and tax evaders. We’re rapidly moving towards a cashless society, relying on technology for the movement of funds. With a digital history of everyone’s finances, the government would know everything about your spending. In Vermont, we have a line on our tax return that asks how much you spent, tax-free, in New Hampshire the previous year. It would no longer be necessary. You could just receive a bill from the State. Is this ridiculous? That’s the wrong question, because this is going to happen.
The Value in Experimenting with Technology
I Didn’t Know that I Didn’t Know
“I didn’t know I could do that.” It’s something I hear from people often. This phrase usually follows my demonstration of some technology trick that saves them time or otherwise makes their life easier. To me, these things I demonstrate are simple, but to those that are unaware of the function, they’re magic. It is not difficult to gain this level of understanding with technology; it simply requires some practice.
Clothing Should be Part of Your EDC (Every Day Carry) and Preparation
Clothing is the First EDC (Every Day Carry)
One of the acronyms popular in the preparedness community is EDC, which stands for every day carry. These are the items that a person would have on them at all times. Most define “carry” as actually on their person – not in a vehicle or nearby, but on a belt or in a pocket. I believe that the most important part of EDC isn’t what extra pieces you stuff in your pockets, but the clothing itself. After all, you might leave your house without your wallet or keys, but you’re going to have clothes on!
Instincts Are Important – Stop Ignoring Yours
Instincts are Our Most Ignored Asset
I hear it so often, though the context isn’t life threatening. “I just knew there was something funny about that email.” Every day, we’re confronted with decisions that we need to make. We get input from our instincts, but most of us work really hard to ignore the messages they send.
Disaster Pictures from Vermont Storm May 2011
Vermont Storm Disaster Pictures – May 20, 2011
It was a horrendous day that we all wanted to forget in many places in Vermont. Who new that just a few months later we would when the disaster of Hurricane Irene came through and made much of the May damage look like a comparative cakewalk. I wasn’t able to work this day as so many of my clients suffered damage or without power. I lost power at home so I decided to drive around and see what I could do to help. Fortunately I brought my camera. Here are the best of the disaster pictures.
Technology – Sometimes You Just Want to Lie Down
I love technology. I also hate it.
I talk to people every day that are dismayed by how quickly things change. It seems that as soon as you settle on a new technology purchase – be it phone, computer or even a music player – something new has come out. Some even say the new device makes the old one obsolete. Not only is your old device not obsolete, I’m here to tell you that technology doesn’t have to be so frustrating.
Social and Casual Gaming on the Rise
Can You Spot the Gamer in the Room?
You probably have an image of what a video gamer looks like. What would you say, then, if I told you that nearly everyone plays video games? See, games have changed and thus the people playing them have changed. Video games were originally kids’ stuff. As a child, I remember the old Nintendo games and how my friends and I would spend hours on them.
Children Are Better with Technology Than Adults, But Why?
It’s Because Children Aren’t Afraid
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told about a child that has taken to technology. Usually the story-teller is a relative who is both proud and dumbfounded about how this could have taken place. Most of society has realized the affinity children have for learning all manner of technology, but they don’t understand why it happens so often. It’s actually very simple – children are not afraid.