technology

4K (MM #4000)

Today is the 4,000th episode of The Mason Minute. And I thought I’d spend my time talking about the achievement. But when I began jotting down notes for today’s podcast, I used the shorthand 4K. And then it hit me, let’s talk about TVs. Many people have upgraded to HD, but if you’re thinking about…

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Chip Shortage (MM #3983)

If you’ve tried to buy a new car or a computer in the last year you know how difficult it can be to find what you want. A computer chip shortage has been felt worldwide for a while now. Some say things should be getting better soon. But others think that this problem could be…

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Spell Check (MM #3947)

Back in my younger days, we couldn’t use a calculator. We had to do all of our math by hand or use a slide rule. Kids today laugh about that fact. I even went to school in an era before spell-check. I’m not sure how we survived. At least we had computers…

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Radio Shack (MM #3938)

I’m not one of those people who often yearn for the good old days. But every now and then, I would love to make a change or two. The other day I was searching for a specific power cable on Amazon. And that lengthy search made me yearn for Radio Shack. Okay, I do admit…

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Batteries Required (MM #3930)

Back in my younger days, there were certain toys I wanted but knew I’d never get. Anything that said batteries required was out of the question. Now that the technology has improved and rechargeable options are cheap, batteries aren’t taboo. And now it seems that everything needs batteries…

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Internet Of Things (MM #3925)

We often hear people talk about the Internet of Things, but many still don’t know what it is. The objects with sensors or software that helps us connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet are all part of the IoT. When it works, it’s great. When it doesn’t…

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Decorating For Christmas (MM #3918)

Many of us do some level of decorating for Christmas. I think a lot depends on whether you have children or not. In our case, the cat determines just how much we should do or not do. But I was thinking back to my younger days and how different decorating was…

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Wall Calendars (MM #3917)

Back in the day, about this time of year, we’d all start looking for new day planners, datebooks, and wall calendars. But once we started carrying a smartphone, that changed. Or did it? Recently I’ve noticed a lot more people selling wall calendars once again. Perhaps, they’re making a comeback…

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Technical Difficulties (MM #3897)

I often say that technology is a great thing; Especially when it works. But now and then, you have a day filled with technical difficulties. It happens. But when it occurs numerous times in just three days, you want to throw in the towel. I just had one of those weekends where nothing seemed to…

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Too Many Screens (MM #3893)

I remember back when people marveled at President Lyndon Johnson and Elvis Presley for each having three televisions in one room. While most of us don’t have more than one TV in a room, we often have multiple screens. And sometimes, you can even have too many screens, even if you’re paying attention to all…

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