How to use Google+

If you do not use your Google+, you're using it wrong.

I love Google. I have always been a fan of their innovative outlook. I imagine working at Google looks much like my afternoons: drinking coffee, thinking of cool things while searching the web that, if done right, could benefit mankind and make lots of money.

I don't work at Google, but I use them for practically everything I can. I blog on blogger.com. I use Google Wallet for many purchases. I use almost every mobile app they've created. And I use Google+ as my main social media outlet.

It's everything Facebook isn't, and isn't everything Facebook is (in a good way). I only see the ads I want to see, and only see posts I want to see. I connect with the people I truly connect with, and occasionally socialize with my mere acquaintances. If I'm feeling particularly extrovert, I participate in communities about things that interest me. I am able to disable trolls with the push of a button and can mute the most annoying of posters.

Sure, Facebook is catching on to these features, but FB has turned into a haven for unreliable news, spam posts, unwanted ads, internet trolls, and an outlet for the passive-aggressive people who are too cowardice to say what they want to say in real life.

Google+, though, goes beyond what you're familiar with using on Social Media. You know how annoying Linked In is? I was forced to uninstall the app because of the bombardment of "endorsements" from people I barely know me and who know even less of my professional work ethic. Google+, however, can show the curious searcher just what I have to offer.  What? Do you think your employer hasn't been curious (at least once) to go visit your FB profile page and flip through photos of your recent night out, selfies with your dog, and an array of photogenic meals?

There is little to find on my FB page, but on my Google+ you find my general interests, my job history, my familial loyalty, my professionalism, and best of all, my discretion.

Secrets of the Traveling Geeks

Looks like a move to Denver, Colorado will be coming in the next month.  With mixed feelings, I decided to take some extra time on our travels to visit a few cities.  I'm aiming to stop over in Atlanta (to see what all the fuss is about), then maybe spend a couple hours with Athena at the Parthenon Replica in Nashville, Tennessee.  Then maybe head over to Kansas City for a last nap before the home stretch.  I'm not a big fan of long road trips, but I will be sure to bring along all my tech gadgets to keep me busy, not to mention my band of geekpanion and my 1 1/2 furballs.  It will be intereseting.

Flying Frontier

 A Zoo-like Experience

It's been a while since flying with Frontier. I honestly couldn't remember my first experience, but after my second I can see why I chose to forget. 

For starters, the flight was cheap compared to others, but if you like to actually sit with your party, plan on paying an extra $40 per seat. There were more than three couples separated by this little ploy for extra cash. In fact, it seems Frontier charges fees for things many airlines include at no cost. For example, $25 for carry-on, $20 for first checked bag, $30 for second checked bag. 

Ordinarily, baggage fees wouldn't matter much because they are mostly expected. However, Frontier employees are trained to spot "over-sized" carry-ons. In my recent experience, the woman made my entire party measure our carry-ons (which of course had already been passed by TSA & the Airline at check-in & screening). The employee claimed it was a regulation set by TSA to size the bags at boarding, which it is not. TSA regulates weight & items within the carry-ons (www.tsa.gov). To be sure, this felt harassing and was more than annoying. 

 You can receive a complementary cup of water with your flight, however if you'd like a bag of chips or a soda, it'll cost you. Like most planes you have the opportunity to watch tv or in-flight movie, but even basic channels will cost you $5.99.

Overall, I'd prefer to pay an extra $40 for my ticket if it means not worrying about extra fees being charged and having all the comforts of a typical 3 hour flight; but if all you're looking for is a cheap flight from A to B, then look for Frontier flights wherever you're headed.

PROS: 

• No delays 
• Cheaper than average 
• Relaxed leg room for non-member seats 

CONS: 

• Fees for basics 
• Likely to be seated separate from travel party 
• No complimentary snacks, drinks, or in-flight tv 
• Over-crowded baggage bins 
• Overly-ambitious staff

3D Printing New Homes

Brilliant!

Mega Con 2014

Mega Con was in Orlando, FL this weekend at the Orange County Convention Center.  Saturday was packed!  Many more attended this year's Con compared with previous.  Special media guests that were a must-see included John Barrowman (Doctor Who & Torchwood), Karl Urban (Star Trek - 2009), Manu Bennet (Arrow & Spartacus),  John Header (Napoleon Dynamite), and Ming Chen, Bryan Johnson, and Mike Zapcic from Comic Book Men. With the exception of the last three, most were difficult to get pictures with unless willing to wait hours in line, which I was not.

[from left to right] Ming, Mike, Joey (my husband), and Bryan

Comic Book Men airs on AMC and podcasts can be heard at smodcast.com/channels/the-secret-stash/.  Rumor has it that a podcast was taped here at Mega Con today, so check it out!

Stan Lee did appear and was the guest of honor, although I did not get a chance to see him.  I did, however, get the autograph of one of my favorite comic book artists, Skottie Young, known for his variant covers for Marvel's Avenger comics.

Needless to say, I was a happy Mega Con goer this year and already looking forward to what and who next year will bring!

3D Printing

 Enough! One to go please...

Gaming Gear - Controls

I definitely prefer using a keyboard over a game controller for PC gaming.  My Razer Tartarus is the best for this! It's perfect for my small hands, but the size can be adjusted for those with larger hands.  I like the minimized audible click of the keys. It is fully programmable for game controls and/or macros. After using the Tartarus, my attention has been turned more toward Razer's products.  I am curiously awaiting their new gaming laptop.  Last but not least, Razer's gaming gear offer the aesthetically pleasing green glow which can turn even my mediocre desk into a tech hub.