Fitbit Surge

I never, ever (really, ever) thought I would wear a watch again.  Then I decided to try, given the heart rate monitor and GPS capabilities of the Fitbit Surge.  But the hidden gem is getting a light vibration and sender information when I get a text message, assuming of course my HTC One M8 is within Bluetooth range.

https://www.fitbit.com/surge

Where's My Refund?

Getting anxious for that IRS refund?  There's a web page for that, or opt for the IRS2Go app (Android/iOS only).  They only update information once a day, so cool your click-happy jets.

https://www.irs.gov/Refunds

https://www.irs.gov/uac/IRS2GoApp

Web Browser War

This web site is a useful measure of how the various web browsers are doing in their fight for market share.  Certainly Chrome and Safari benefit by the dominance of their mobile Android and iOS platforms, but even accounting for that, if you're not using Chrome, you're behind.

https://analytics.usa.gov/

Sport-Clip Headphones

I don't know about you, but there isn't a pair of bud-type headphones that will stay in my ears. While there are lots of more expensive alternatives, this JVC over-the-ear ($11) won my purchase.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C3CYK4

Roku Instant Replay

The coolest new Roku feature is Captions for Instant Replay.  When activated, you press the replay button on the remote (looks like a counterclockwise circular arrow) and it takes you back several seconds and turns on text captioning for the duration of the replay.  So if you missed a garbled mumbling from your favorite character, you can see it in the captions.

To activate, go to Settings > Captions > click on “Instant replay”.

The bummer:  Doesn't work on Netflix.

https://blog.roku.com/blog/2015/07/27/5-things-you-didnt-know-you-can-do-with-your-roku-player-or-roku-tv/

Raspberry Pi 3

For us tech enthusiasts, the Pi 3 delivers two key features: On-board Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.  And at the same $35 price.  Just keeps getting better.

https://www.element14.com/community/welcome

High Dynamic Range

Ever notice the HDR selection on your camera?  You should, if you take pictures in a mixture of bright lights and dark shadows, such as a sunset, like the photo below.  HDR basically mimics how the human eye deals with varying light levels.  You'll be amazed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-dynamic-range_imaging

LibreOffice 5.1

Looking for a free (I love free) Office suite?  None better than LibreOffice and a shiny new version (5.1) is now available.

http://www.libreoffice.org/

Over The Clouds

Here's a morning view out of one of my recent United flights from Dayton to Chicago.  Being on top of the clouds has always been a bit magical, and very peaceful, to me.

Pot-Sized Spaghetti

Half-length pasta, which neatly fits into a normal-sized pot of boiling water.  And I'll no longer need to break my spaghetti in half, or half to clean up the small mess I make in doing so.  Simply a dream come true.