Dan’s Web Spot

Most of us use some kind of anti-virus, anti-malware or both on our computers (hopefully).

Chances are that you are probably using an Internet security suite from one of the big name vendors like Trend, Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky, etc. If so, you are aware how expensive these software packages can be.

Even if you purchased a new computer that came with a 90 day trial, you will likely see a renewal notice with a link that takes you to the company’s web site, only to find that they want $60 or so to renew your subscription for a year’s protection.

Check out this useful article posted on CartierConsulting.com. You can save some serious money on your Internet security software subscription(s)!

» More...

I never thought the day would come when I would consider replacing my Mozilla Firefox browser shortcuts with those of a different web browser, but it finally has. One of the best features of Mozilla Firefox (to me) is and has been its extensibility via add-ons that extend the browser capabilities, like capturing part of a web page to an image and being able to annotate and save it, or bookmarks synchronization, or printing only certain parts of a web page in order to save paper and ink.

Google Chrome

About a year ago, I surveyed the Google Chrome web browser. At the time, I had made a small investment in Firefox and a group of add-ons and extensions that I regularly use and like. I couldn't find similar ones for Google Chrome, but was impressed with how fast it opened and loaded web pages. It may have even been in beta, but I didn't feel that it was ready for migration to a main web browser at the time.

Extensions provide additional functionality in the web browser. One of the best extensions I have found is Adblock. This will automatically block ads on web pages as your surf, and results in a faster web browsing experience because you don't have to download these items while surfing. I didn't realize how many junk ads are out there until my wife and I were on the same web sites while sitting next to each other. She was using IE and I was using Firefox with the Adblock extension. What a huge difference! I'll take the no-ad version any day. I pay for my Internet access and I don't need to see advertisements as a condition of web browsing. Now, some ads are unavoidable, but you will definitely see 90-95% less ads if you use Adblock Plus... » More...

After returning from several days in Jacksonville, FL, where the temperature was in the mid-90s and very muggy, I welcomed the return to NH weather. Once I got home, I unpacked my bag, put everything away, and then proceeded to open up some windows to air out the house.

Bird Feeder

When Samai, Elijah and Rahim showed up (I was VERY happy to see them), we had a little greeting fest, and then the boys went up to Elijah's room. While I was by the sliding screen door near the back deck, I heard the familiar sound of the metal squirrel baffle on the bird feeder in the back yard.

My first thought was BEAR, having observed a bird feeder crime scene several years ago. It was dark out, so I turned on the back deck light, but it wasn't bright enough to see beyond the deck in the rain. I searched frantically for a flashlight and found a little one that was better than nothing.

Carefully sliding the screen door open, I peered over the deck railing to confirm my initial thought: BEAR. It was a black bear, the likes of which I hadn't seen for a long time in my back yard. » More...

Well, it's now official. At 11:30 AM on Monday June 21, 2010, Elijah officially graduated from the 4th grade at Woodman Park School. He played his trumpet with the Band, and sang with the Chorus too. They sounded great!

Elijah's 4th Grade Graduation Certificate

I haven't had time to go through pictures, etc, but I hope to soon. His Mema posted several on Facebook already. I have attached a few of the "official" graduation documents, and even a photo taken during a field trip that Elijah's class took to visit Governor Lynch at the State House. Click on the items to open them...

The graduation was a lot of fun, and afterward, we got to have pizza in Elijah's classroom with him and his classmates. Great job, Woodman Park 4th Graders!

Enjoy your well-deserved summer! » More...

What a great season ending! Although we finished in last place (9th), our team rallied to win their first of the double-elimination playoff games last Sunday at 9 AM as the visiting team at Beckwith Field. They played very well against Noonan Construction and won the game with a score of 15-10.

Cal Ripken Baseball

Then it was time for game 2 on Tuesday, June 15th against the #1 team, Morgenous Lawn Care, as the visiting team at Beckwith field. It was such an exciting game, and the kids fought hard until the end. We lost that game, but I admittedly can't remember the exact score because of the excitement and commotion.

Having lost our first of two allowed playoff losses, we went on to play River Bend Pizza, the 5th place team, at Sullivan field on Wednesday, June 16th at 5:30 PM. Again we were the visiting team. The kids managed to maintain a small lead for most of the game and River Bend tied the score, 10-10 in the 5th. In their last at-bat in the 6th, River Bend scored what was their game winning run, to end our playoff season with a score of 11-10.

I am very proud of all the players. It is amazing how much they have improved over the season, as evidenced by their playoff performance. I hope to see many of the kids in the 11-12 year old Cal Ripken League next year, and again hope to coach. It has been a very enjoyable and rewarding experience! » More...