Category Archives: Tech-Talk

Remembering Steve Jobs, Visionary

Last night, as I sat on my couch, surrounded by my MacBook and iPhone, I watched CNN’s coverage of Steve Jobs’ death. All the while, I was also watching/listening to Leo Laporte’s live podcast and reading about Mr. Jobs on my computer. Not only did I feel like a huge nerd, which I am, but I also couldn’t help but wonder why his life and death affected me so much. On top of that, why was there an overwhelming sense of sadness across the internet?

Steve’s life has been summarized by a few words, but I think the one that people most often stop on is “visionary.” His vision of consumer electronics and computers has been most evident in these last few years. Because of his influence and vision, we have seen a huge advancement in the Mac operating system and we have many new devices in the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Further, he had a major part in helping Pixar Animation become what it is today. Will we still have advancements in electronics? Sure, but will we miss a great visionary? Yes.

I do wish I would have had the chance to be around Mr. Jobs for just one day. I have read and heard that he was so focused on the task at hand. I do not know if we would have gotten along as good friends, but I do know that I probably would have benefitted from witnessing him work and strategize. To be in the presence of a genius has got to have its advantages, right?

While I do not know if I will see Steve Jobs in Heaven (because I’m not God and I do not make that decision), I do pray for his family. I pray that Christians will come around them and comfort them in their time of loss. Above all, I pray that God will use this situation to glorify Himself. If nothing else, many people are sharing the Gospel message using devices that Mr. Jobs helped create. People everywhere are talking about Jesus, sharing prayers, and reading the (digital) Bible on Macs, iPods, iPhone, and iPads. That is a reason to praise God!!

Quandaries about HD Gaming

IMG_0830 UPDATE: I ended up finding a PS3 on Craigslist and purchased it. Unfortunately, it came with a smaller hard drive than the guy said it had, but it is working great.

So, as you probably know, I only own Nintendo game consoles. It’s not because I have some tie to the company, and it’s not because I swore an oath. The truth of the matter is that I only have so much money that I think I should spend on video games…and Nintendo captured my gaming heart back on the NES. And I’ve been attached ever since. I even blog for a Nintendo fan-site.

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Social Media and the Church

Following my thoughts on Google Plus, I have been thinking a lot about social media the last couple days. Maybe it has to do with my involvement in the redesign of our church’s website. Maybe it is because there seem to be so many social networks out there today. In fact, I believe I am up to about 13 apps on my iPhone that could be considered a social network in some way or another. I have another relative, who seems to be signing up for a new social network every month. I know this because I get the invitations in my email.

So, that leads me to think. Where should our churches be in all this? I will not even begin to pretend I am an expert. However, I have learned a few things.

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Early Thoughts on Google Plus

Many of you know that I’m pretty much a tech-geek. Not only do I enjoy video games, I’ve been interested in technology in general for as long as I can remember. Recently, the topic of social networking has been on my mind. On top of my personal presence, I’ve been wondering what type of presence our churches should have online. Aside from that, what do you all think about this new social network, Google Plus?

Currently, G+ is still in “beta,” so it is not completely open to anyone and everyone. Although, I do have 150 invitations I can send out. If you want one, let me know. This makes it different, right of the bat, from Facebook and Twitter. However, after several weeks checking this out, I’m ready to share some thoughts and also hear yours.

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I Remember When… Computer Memories

A snap-shot of a typical Apple IIe computer se...

Image via Wikipedia

It has happened. I’ve gotten to the point when I have started saying, “I remember when…” I don’t feel old, but when I think back to my short time on earth, there have been so many things that have happened.

Most recently, the topic of computers brought these words to my mouth. Specifically, it was while I was watching “Tron Legacy.” As I thought back to watching the original “Tron” just a couple days before, I was amazed to see how far the movie had evolved — both in props/surroundings and in how the movie was made.

I remember when playing Carmen Sandiego on the Apple IIe‘s at school. I remember my grandfather teaching me DOS on a Tandy PC. I remember using a mouse for the first time. I remember Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. I remember when hard-drives first reached 1 Gigabyte. I remember getting dial-up internet.

iPhone 4 showing the home screen.

Image via Wikipedia

Now, I have a really powerful computer that I take around with me all the time in my cell phone! I have a laptop that has a 120 GB hard-drive, and it seems to not be enough. I play games that reach millions of colors instead of just green and black. I have Wi-Fi cable internet throughout my entire home, and further, I can send an email when I’m at the beach with my phone.

Things sure have changed over my short 28 years in this world. Computers are just one of the many changes. Perhaps I will turn this “I Remember When…” into a series on my blog. Who knows. But I would love to hear your computer memories.

Video: North Point’s iBand Rocks Out

Check out this awesome video from North Point’s iBand. They perform Carol of the Bells, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, and Feliz Navidad using only iPads and iPhones. You’ve got to admit that it brings a smile to your face!

YM Resource – A Parent’s Guide to Facebook

Are you a parent or youth leader? Have you worried a bit about the safety of social networking, specifically Facebook? If so, I have the resource for you. ConnectSafely and the iKeepSafe Coalition have put together a 32-page guide called, “A Parent’s Guide to Facebook.” Also, there is a link below giving you a quick glance at some security settings you, as a parent, should make sure your children have in place. Facebook and other social networking sites are not horrible, but we do need to be smart when using them. It is crucial that parents take an active role in making sure this happens.

  • Click here to read or print out the 32-page guide (PDF).
  • Click here for an at-a-glance chart with their recommended privacy settings for teens – checkbox by checkbox.

[Source]

YM Resource – Teen Chat Decoder Dictionary

Texting on a keyboard phone

Image via Wikipedia

If you are a youth worker or parent and have ever asked yourself, “What does that even mean?” when a teen sends you a text message, then this tool is for you. With the way culture is going, teenagers have even began moving “text speak” into their everyday spoken language.

So, if you need help deciphering what ASL, PAW, ROFL, or KOTL means…check out the “Teen Chat Decoder Dictionary.”

TEEN CHAT DECODER DICTIONARY

YM Resource – FamilyFriendlyVideoGames.com

familyfriendlyvideogames.com

Many of you know that one of my biggest hobbies is video games. In fact, I even blog for a site called WiiNintendo. This has taken me to places I never thought I would be, including the E3 Expo.

Because I also am a student minister, I often think about how I can combine these 2 things. I recently came across a great website and resource for parents. It is called FamilyFriendlyVideoGames.com. Their mission statement is: “FamilyFriendlyVideoGames.com strives to serve as a resource for video game buyers of all ages, providing simple and easy-to-understand information written from a family perspective, with an emphasis on games that are easy to play and fun for families to play TOGETHER.”

If you are a parent, youth worker, or anyone who enjoys video games, check out this site. While it is not necessarily “Christian,” they still promote positive influence for children and families.

FamilyFriendlyVideoGames.com

Wii Games Summer 2010

This past weekend, Yvette and I flew to California for a national video game championship — Wii Games Summer 2010. It all started last month when we competed at our local Six Flags. As several of our high school youth group students cheered us on, we ended up winning the adult category, securing our spot in the championship.

All in all, it was a great trip. We did not place in the finals, but we had lots of fun! The weekend was all paid for by Nintendo of America. We stayed near the water at Redondo Beach, and all our food and entertainment was covered! We even got “finalist” track jackets, board games, and were allowed to play many unreleased games. Thanks to Nintendo!

Below is the link to my WiiNintendo article, where I wrote a lot more. It also includes more photos and videos of the trip. Later today and this week, I will post additional photos and videos from the trip that were non-Nintendo-related.

My WiiNintendo Article

For those of you who did not know I blogged for a Nintendo website, please visit my “about page” and read the last paragraph. :-)