Commentary

Free apps for the iPhone and iPad

A few weeks ago, I wrote about some Web sites that evaluate and rate free Android apps (tinyurl.com/d9mjm6j). Since that column was published in The Examiner, I have received numerous requests from readers asking for a similar column on iPhone apps. This is my response to those requests.

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Father’s Day tribute

It has taken the better part of my 70 years to finally come to terms with the events that have shifted my life’s course as it has been run. Please do not feel sorry for me. I have had a wonderful life thus far; I am surrounded by loving family that keep me hopping, and have a life filled with work, play and fun. I have so many friends across this country, many from years of writing their stories, and I have a great number of plans that I have not yet fulfilled. I believe my dad would have wanted it that way, from all I have learned.

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You can photograph or video anything done in public

Q. Someone is walking their dog on my yard and not cleaning up. Is it legal for me to set up a video camera to take a video and catch the person?

A. As far as the law is concerned, you generally have the right to photograph or video anything done in public. Basically, if you can see it from the front of your house, you can video it. If you visit YouTube, you will see you are not alone when it comes to catching negligent dog walkers.

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Microsoft teases users with Windows 8 preview

It has been about three years since Microsoft released its very popular Windows 7, intended both as a full release product and as an upgrade for the problem-prone and controversial Windows Vista. Now, Microsoft has simultaneously released a free “Microsoft Windows 8 Release Preview,” as well as a nominally priced Windows 8 upgrade offer for anyone purchasing a new Windows 7 PC, as of June 2.

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‘Best Free Android Apps,’ according to online site

About two years ago, I upgraded my traditional cell phone to a (then) state-of-the-art Nokia smartphone running the latest version of the Symbian operating system. With that smartphone I had 3G Internet speeds, could read my e-mail, watch YouTube videos, browse Web sites and download any of the hundreds of Symbian apps then available.

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Dealing with disappointment

Working really hard and giving your best effort in an attempt to carry out a plan or to meet a goal for someone else can end in negative feelings when the other person doesn’t seem to understand or value our contribution. We are disappointed. There are times when we honestly feel we have followed the orders or instructions we were given only to have them change in midstream. We wanted the person or people to see it our way or to at least give verbal acknowledgement to the fact that we tried.

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Law helps you get security deposit

Q. I am about to move out of an apartment that I have lived in for two years. I gave my landlord notice and will move in a few days. What can I do to make sure I get back my deposit?

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12 dozen free places to educate yourself online

In recent days, I attended another college graduation, completing my 35th year as a college faculty member. For many, an appropriate college education is a key to personal success, while many others may benefit from other forms of education.

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Ask Vyki: Negative reviews and saving reputations

How do I deal with negative reviews about my business on the Internet or negative feedback on Facebook?

One of the biggest concerns I’ve heard from clients and potential clients is the potential for negative feedback and reviews that comes with online marketing. I’ve even seen businesses downright refuse to market online because of it.

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Gizmo, TechRadar list 100 best ever free PC system tools

I have long been a proponent of free software. Much of the free software available is often as good, if not superior to, its commercial competitors. Many of the free software products are written by altruistic individuals in order to solve a particular problem or to fill a specific niche, while many others are free versions of commercial software where the publisher hopes that the users will be so satisfied with the free version that they willfully upgrade to the paid version, which often offers additional features.

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