Control your connected home, make your old home alarm smart again and ensure fast, smooth home Internet
The best gifts for Dad are often those the entire family can enjoy and give Dad some peace of mind. And that’s very important during these unprecedented times. Here are three selections for Father’s Day that fit the bill: Control your connected home If Dad feels better when he can keep an eye on things,…
Gen Z sniffs out inconsistency, weak thinking and relativistic values
This Father’s Day, amid a global pandemic, it’s never been clearer to me how much more like their grandfather my Gen Z children are than they are to Dear Old Dad. Both generations were raised during tough times. My youngest was born amid chaos – shortly after the terrorist attacks of 9-11. And now she’s…
Think about your audio, consider your video, watch your body language and be sure to record a trial run
The right stage presence can make or break a performance, regardless of the words coming out of your mouth. But as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us online, new off-stage video conference rules apply. Off-stage includes online meetings, webinars, interviews and recording podcasts. We’re trained to live and work face to face, not in the…
This robust, elegant gadget charges various devices while keeping them organized
As your device arsenal or gadget collection grows, so do your charging needs. But there are elegant solutions, like the BaseLynx Modular Charging System from Scosche. I found the real beauty of BaseLynx is in its minimalist design around four charging modules, three of which can operate independently or be powered individually. Hinged together, they…
Netflix Parental controls provide timely solutions for families at home on lockdown: PIN protocol, maturity ratings, activity logs and more
There’s plenty of Netflix binging going on with many people at home on lockdown. Folks perhaps have a guilt-free opportunity to finally binge on Ozark or that most-talked-about, love-it-or-hate-it new series Tiger King. But for parents, the lockdown creates issues around managing TV time. While Mom and Dad are working from home, the kids could…
The COVID-19 pandemic has sent all but essential workers to their homes for self-isolation. This is forcing a lot of people who are used to working in offices to quickly adapt. Our Troy Media columnists and contributors are no exception. Some are among the many who are learning how to work from home. Others, we…
Are you on red alert for pranks and fake news today? It's just an extension of a centuries-old tradition to entertain and trick – or is it?
On April Fool’s Day, especially this year during the pandemic, we’re on red alert for pranks, hoaxes and fake news. But that's been going on for centuries, from an era when court jesters were common. With no TV, movies or Internet, jesters, jokers or fools were the entertainers of Medieval and Renaissance times. They often started…
Walking has helped me become more fit, productive and happy, and I’ve met some great people along the way
For a dedicated athlete, or even an active 20-something, taking a minimum of 10,000 steps a day for more than two and a half years might seem like a a walk in the park. For someone like me, three decades older, with ancient injuries and a lot more wear and tear on the body, walking…
If you’re looking for the best that phones, tablets and desktop computers offer, check out the latest 13-inch laptop from Apple
Some people prefer a tablet or a smartphone as their go-to device. Others stick with a traditional screen and keyboard computer for daily needs. But if you’re looking for the best of both worlds, check out the latest 13-inch Apple MacBook Air, released last year. It has stunning high-resolution display. Even small images are razor-sharp.…
You need a last-minute gift? Here are a few ideas you can pick up or order for quick delivery during the holiday week – suitable for all ages. Table fun Jenga by Hasbro requires a little more brainpower than brawn. It’s a classic low-tech game, fun to play with family and friends of all ages. You…