My Dog Wears Diapers

Normally, I’m not the gloating type. You’ll never see me pulling a Sharpie or cell phone out of a concealed location following a rousing play in a pick-up game, though I have entertained the idea of changing my name to “Palidogringo.” But I have to celebrate my recent quasi-victory over my cable company, despite the fact that it took two months and five phone calls. read more…

We’re getting closer to Zane’s arrival, so we’ve reached that consternating point all new parents face: putting together some of the bigger critter containment devices you got in showers. I decided to document our journey to assemble one such contraption—a baby “jumper,” which is basically no more than a plastic seat, various hygienic baby distractions, and a few rubber bands.

It’s all so very easy, as you can see to the left. Seriously, you open the box, and this mess all kind of vomits out at one time, which may be apropos. That said, it doesn’t inspire one to pick up tools and get to constructin’. But with enough Elmer’s glue and duct tape, one can do anything, I’ve learned, so we girded ourselves and set to work. read more…

I’m somewhat involved in social media, thanks to my job; you can find me on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and a few of the lesser-known services. Unlike many in my industry, I don’t claim to be an expert, and I make it a point to disengage myself quite often. I have seen a disturbing image of the future, and it involves me, sitting alone in a basement, clad in week-old pajamas, twittering away with Cheetos-stained fingertips.

Still, I’ve found some of these services to be valuable; Facebook, in particular, has helped me reconnect with old friends and distant family. It’s also helped me connect to those with whom I have constant contact—my wife, for example. But, as it turns out, we don’t talk much on Facebook. Why? We’re married. read more…