Culture

How to write a newspaper column: Learn the legal stuff

I often get requests from readers about the process of creating a column and questions about the newspaper business. There are many technical details that change based on your tools and content, but one common concern is with the legal side of things and how to deal with newspapers in terms of copyright. It’s not […]

Interview with Pete Freeman, creator of computer and technology-integrated furniture and entertainment centers

“This has always been something that’s intrigued me, and is just a part of my life. People come in here, and I say, yeah, I’ve got three computers in the living room.” So says Pete Freeman, creator, designer and builder of some very special furniture. He’s taken a simple concept like a side table, and […]

Interview with David Pogue

Like Leno guest-starring on David Letterman, or Jon Stewart interviewing Brian Williams, I’m interviewing David Pogue. I have no delusions I in any way resemble Letterman or Stewart. I’m just trying to illustrate how you can have an interview between two people who work in similar fields. And the best way to do an interview like […]

Get charged by geek chic watches

Andy’s Law of Accessories states: “The inconvenience of physically wearing an object must be inversely proportional to its functionality.” This means if I wear something, it better do more than look nice. For example, we have clothes: Slightly inconvenient, but they compensate by keeping me warm and saving my oddly-shaped body from public embarrassment. At […]

National Science Olympiad 2004

With the smell of sulfur and partially scorched PVC pipe tinting the air, I overheard someone mutter “We’re gonna need more matches.” How I love the Science Olympiad! I competed in the Science Olympiad myself over fifteen years ago. When I first realized I would be attending the 2004 version, I assumed that the event […]

Hello, free assisted tech support? Can I please talk to a human?

You’ve got a question about your computer. A web search wasn’t helpful. Microsoft told you to contact your computer manufacturer. The manufacturer told you no, you need to talk to Microsoft. You dial a local store, and only get more aggravated when you hear a tinny voice say, “Press 1 to keep listing to an […]

Free music creation software, from techno to classical to rap beats and sound creation tools

Music can soothe the savage beast, speak as a universal language, and reduce stress. And beyond these noble aspirations, it can generate truckloads of money. If we have musical aspirations but no instruments, instruction, or (in my case) talent, what can we do? Use these free music creation software tools to alternately soothe, speak, reduce […]

Review of the Play Limit Time Control System: Time limiter for TV and video games

Fourth grade is rough. I’ve been at my desk forever. Yes, Ms. Cooper, I’m paying attention, but I really just want to get home. See, my paper route savings finally added up enough to buy a new video game, “Major Problem and the Aliens from L.A.” Don’t mind me while I count the seconds until […]

Recycling Electronic Devices

Hurling your malfunctioning computer into a lake may seem cathartic. A hilarious scene from the movie Office Space details a copy machine’s destruction by baseball bat. Calling your old TV a “boat anchor” is always fun in theory. But these devices (along with cellphones, batteries and most other electronics) contain massive amounts of mercury and […]

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