TiVo RSS feeds

Last week I was so caught up in iPhone development that I didn’t watch any of my favorite podcasts on TiVo.  This week I finally got caught up with some of them only to find out that one of my shows GeekBrief.TV had been cancelled.  I have been watching Cali Lewis for a couple of years now and was sad to see the end of the show.  To see the history behind Geek Brief TV visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GeekBrief.TV

After a little digging, I discovered that Cali has joined Revision 3 with a new show called GeekBeat.TV.

I wanted to start following the new show.  The only problem was Video on Demand didn’t have the show in the lineup.  The good news is I have a TiVo HD.  TiVo HD has the ability to subscribe to RSS video feeds.  All I had to do was manually setup an RSS feed for my show.  Here is how I did it. Continue reading

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More news, reviews for iPhone and Android

I recently posted about “iPhone App reviews” where I wrote about a video podcast called the “Daily App Show“.  While I was watching one of my favorite video podcasts “Tekzilla” I came across another video podcast that covers iPhone and Android news and App reviews.  The name of the podcast is “AppJudgement” by Revision 3. They also have a youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/appjudgment.

App Judgment takes a slightly different approach to demonstrating the programs.  It has the look and feel of a professional news show.  I have really enjoyed watching the AppJudgment episodes.

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Who stands out? You or Them

If your career is in transition, here are a few things to ponder:

  1. You are part of the herd.  There are a lot of other people that are competing for that job opening.
  2. Your weaknesses will help employers thin out the herd.  Your weaknesses might make you stand out in the crowd; this is a bad thing and will get you eliminated from the herd.
  3. Most of your strengths help you join the status quo.  It’s important to keep up with the herd.  Your survival depends on it.
  4. Identify your talents that set you apart from the crowd.
  5. Help the employer visualize how your talents will benefit them in the present and future.
  6. Keep your skills current.  Nobody likes stale food.  It tastes bad and is pretty much worthless.  If you’ve been employed for a long period of time,  your skills might have become a little stale.  You might want to have your skills evaluated.  Maybe take some refresher courses to sharpen those skills you haven’t used in awhile.  Are you up on the latest technology or will the younger competition make your weaknesses visible to the employer?  You want employers to view you as quick and agile; someone who adapts to challenges and overcomes adversity.
  7. Believe in yourself.  If you are not convinced that you are capable of doing the job, then how will you convince someone else that you can do it
  8. Communication is one of your greatest tools.  You might be the greatest thing next to sliced bread, but if you cannot communicate your value, then how will the employer know?  Spend some time polishing your “Elevator Speech” or 60 second me.  Keep it relevant and don’t ramble.
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Things fathers teach us

Father’s Day is this Sunday.  I figured it would be a good time to talk about some fathers in my life.

I have had the good fortune of having several excellent father figures in my life.  Each have left a lasting impression on my character.

A few things my Dad taught me:

  • Be a good provider for your family
  • Always give 100% effort in whatever you do
  • Never give-up, if it doesn’t work one way, maybe there’s another solution
  • How to love others
  • Be disciplined
  • Loyalty no matter what

A few things my Dad’s Dad taught me:

  • Have a hobby you can escape to
  • Important things take time
  • Be patient, good things come to those who wait 🙂
  • Enjoy your garden

A few things my Mom’s Dad taught me:

  • Always keep your mind active
  • Never stop learning
  • Vision can become reality
  • If you try you can do it

As a father and scout leader, I frequently consider what advice to shared with my kids and other youth.

A few things I have taught my kids:

  • Love God
  • Love Others
  • Love Yourself
  • Treat everyone with respect
  • Be patient
  • Take responsibility for your actions.  Don’t blame other people for your problems.
  • You need a vision, know your destination before you start.
  • Finish what you start

Maybe you have a father figure in your life who has been an inspiration.  Share with us here.

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Developing software is rewarding

There is nothing like the feeling that comes when you see the fruits of your labor.  This year I added iPhone application developer to my expanding list of Information Technology skills.  It has been a journey of frustration and elation.  I have spent many long hours acquiring the skills and learning complex concepts that only come with practical experience.  One of the rewards as a software developer is demonstrating the product for the first time.  When the customer sees their idea, captured on a piece of paper, has become a reality it is a truly magical moment. Continue reading

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