Month: July 2013

What a pleasure to give credit and thanks to a company that has gone beyond expectations to keep a customer happy.
I use an EyeTV box to pull in TV signals to my Mac screen and, when I wish, to record shows for watching later. It’s a PVR without the monthly charges from the cable companies. I get 22 channels in Toronto. Works well.
About a month ago, though, all of my signals suddenly dried up. No more TV. I emailed the manufacturer, Elgato, a received a prompt reply with troubleshooting tips. No joy, so the tech people patiently walked me through some diagnostic tests and I sent them the results for study. It was decided that my little electronic unit… the hardware part… was the problem.

Black Apple Repair moved from a short stay in a storefront on Beach Hill, but not far. My friend Crawf and I found the proprietor at her new location alongside East Lynn Park.
As it happened, we weren’t looking for Apple or Blackberry repairs. Crawf’s car key fob had come apart and seemed to need some soldering. We phoned to see it Black Apple could help.
I am delighted to say that soldering wasn’t even needed… just an expert eye and a skilled touch on the key fob motherboard. Bingo! She got it working. No charge.
The least I can do is tell my friends where they can find someone to take care of any iPod, iPad or Blackberry repair needs.

I just spent a week tinkering with Ubuntu, an attractive version of the Linux operating system that offers a free and very solid alternative to Windows and Mac OS X. Then I learned that it tracks my internet use and sells the info to Amazon.
Ummmmm, No! This isn’t the kind of behaviour I expect from open source software. I don’t like the spyware built into the big pay systems either, but Microsoft and Apple are commercial, profit-seeking companies. You know they’ll sell you for a buck.
I was slow to find Richard Stallman’s take on this, but I agree with him. 6-minute YouTube video, next.

Everyone is all smiles now that Hayden has arrived safely. She took her time getting here, didn’t she Julianna? Never mind all that long labour now. Hayden’s perfect and Mom is fine, although probably exhausted.
From left to right: Proud father Brendan holds hours-old Hayden. Julianna, at the baby shower a few months ago. Joy-filled grandmother Ulli, who manages to look great even after very little sleep.
No shots yet of Grandfather Crawf or Julianna’s mom who’s here all the way from Korea. I’m sure there will be more photos soon.
BTW, I’ve known Crawf since high school. He and Ulli are staying with us while Hayden checks in and gets settled. Hayden is Grand Child Number One for Ulli and Crawf.
[Update] I have a couple of new photos. Julianna’s mom with Hayden and, of course, the star herself… just hours old.

Trikers, actually. Kathleen went on her inaugural run today, Canada Day! She let Danica have a test ride, too. The verdict? Great wheels! It will take a bit of practice to get completely comfortable with riding, but the traffic in the area is very light. The terrain is pretty flat, too. Good thing. The trike has only one speed.
Note the excellent examples being set for kids. Helmets are not legally required for riders over 18, but they are still a must. [Editor’s note: Danica has had one point subtracted from her excellent example rating, due to the “Look Ma, no hands” pose.]
Kathleen received favourable reviews from neighbours as she passed by and I would like to add my own. Way to go!