Eat / Tech / Dad

Aqara M100 Hub Setup and Review

If you've explored the smart home world, you know that Zigbee devices often get a bad reputation for reliability issues. This stems partly from Zigbee's open-source nature, which I covered…

May 2, 2025aqara, home assistant, home automation, thread

Home Automation Tech

Getting Started with Home Assistant

In a world overflowing with smart home options – Alexa, Google, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings – one platform stands out as the holy grail for tech enthusiasts: Home Assistant. If…

April 21, 2025home assistant, home automation

Zigee and Z-Wave Coordinater with Anker Hub

Home Automation Tech

Zigbee vs Z-Wave: Choosing the Right Protocol for Your Smart Home

When embarking on your home automation journey with Home Assistant, you'll quickly encounter both Zigbee and Z-Wave devices. Many new smart home enthusiasts wonder which protocol is superior. The simple…

April 7, 2025home automation, zigbee

Dad Life

Surviving and Thriving in Economic Downturns: Lessons from the Great Recession

The Day Everything Changed It was January 2009. I was living what seemed like the perfect life—a great-paying job at a company where I thought I'd retire, an apartment in…

March 12, 2025layoffs, recession

Dad Life Travel

Exploring El Yunque with Kids

El Yunque National Forest is a true tropical gem and the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. When visiting Puerto Rico with your family, this lush paradise offers…

March 3, 2025