Like Click To Flash or Flash Block, Caffeine is a must for portable Mac users. With this tiny program installed, your monitor won’t dim unless you say so by clicking an icon on the menu bar. First discovered in December (thanks, Matt!), it’s just the shot my portable video needed to stay awake. There’s also a PC version.

• sat next to a man at church yesterday that was openly doodling in a sketchbook. Like Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, and Star Wars drawings. #
• works to live (never the other way around). #
• is grateful for his mechanic Paul, coming through and fixing his power windows for a mere $174. Dealership wanted something like $2800. #
• A company that cannot satisfy consumer needs in the market or that requires government funds to remain competitive should not be in business #
• Phoenix's 1901 is your song of the day. Again. Pretty much has been for a straight year. #
• would rather be on a boat. #
• wants to start playing live music with in ear monitors: http://www.audiologyonline.com/articles/pf_article_detail.asp?article_id=2115 #

After a five year hiatus, I rediscovered multi-track recording this month. Here is my first new mp3 production, an “unplugged” cover of Phoenix’s 1901.

It was recorded in Garage Band with a cheap headset and USB guitar cable connected to my Epiphone acoustic/electric. Rock on! It’s good to be in the studio again.

… At any age even.

I despise Flash. It slows down your computer, starts without being asked, and crashes my Internets. So until YouTube finally abandons Flash, as does the rest of the web with media-rich HTML 5, here are two easy plugins I use to grab life by the horns:

• For Firefox: Flash Block
  
• For Safari: Click to Flash
  

Both programs are free and make it so you dictate when a Flash file is played, as opposed to it taking over. Now that’s browsing with power!

• In case you didn't get the memo, Neil Diamond > Neil Young and Bob Marley > Bob Dylan. Just wanted to set the record straight. #
• is delighted with the new house he rented. #
• doesn't care for the new found snow shoveling though. :( #
• combs his hair with his fingers. #
• Now, our operation is small, but there's a lot of potential for aggressive expansion… so we're gonna have tryouts. #
• The delicate balance of power in U.S. politics is a beautiful thing. Long live checks and balances. #
• almost got bit by a dog while running today. If he tries again, what's the best way to difuse an attack? #

In an effort to avoid having to finish her lunch yesterday, my four-year old casually lied to her mother, claiming to have had a headache and, therefore, would be unable to finish her meal. Playing along, my wife ask, “How long have you had it?”

“14 days,” came the reply. Upon hearing this from the adjacent room, I did a double take and replied, “That is one massive headache.” Laughter ensured. Kids Say the Darnedest Things now up to 16,470,002.

Before you chase ‘em with milk (a given), what’s your technique?

See also: Off-brand alternatives I won’t buy

• wants to marry the tomato basil omelet he had for breakfast. #
• This pipe organ sounds fantastic! I've got these bass notes beneath my feet like something underground's gonna come up and carry me. #
• still eats grilled cheese. Anyone else? #
• wrote a new blog post: : Top 5 new bands of the last decade (with video) http://bit.ly/8hun2X #
• Taxes filed! A return care of Chinese loans to Uncle Sam is en route, thanks to abundant child tax credits (aka redistribution of wealth). #
• Chances are that panpipe band you saw in South America wasn't live. In fact, I'd say 99% are fake. #
• Seriously, could Rolos be any more delicious? The mouthwatering morsels are like a gift from the candy gods. #
• wishes he could grow a mustache. He can, however, grow Chinese neck hairs. Anyone want to trade? #
• A secret life is fraught with worry. An honest one is filled with peace. #
• Locals only: Best in state burger? The correct answer would be Stumpy Burger on 225 West Center in Provo (where you could do well, btw). #
• lives on the west side of town. Anyone else? #

As much as I love Amazon (it’s my favorite website), they’re lovely e-reader, the Kindle, will be as popular as Segways. Like the product that was suppose to render walking obsolete, e-readers like Kindle are the latest gadget that’s over-hyped, impressive, but impractical.

The no. 1 reason: printed books aren’t broken. In fact, they provide a far better experience than any e-reader on the market. Here’s why: Continue reading…