Controversy

file0001915505944When I first started TechyDad.com, I thought of it as a means of expressing my views on various subjects that interested me.  While I’ve done that on many topics (Bullying, Autism/Asperger’s, copyright law), there are other topics that I haven’t written about.  Topics that inspire much more controversy.

It isn’t that I don’t have opinions on these topics.  I definitely do.  Neither is it that I don’t think I can write a post about it without denigrating people who disagree with me.  I take pride in an even handed approach that doesn’t insult people based on their opinions even if they are directly opposed to the views I hold.

Still, I hold back on writing about these topics.  Part of me wonders if I would lose readers should I try tackling them.  After all, while I see nothing wrong in following someone who holds a different opinion than me (in fact, I welcome it), plenty of other people do.  Too many people seem to think that you must express exactly the opinion they hold dear or they can’t associate with you at all.  Other people troll specifically for articles on those subjects.

On the other hand, I’ve long prided myself on not choosing my actions based on whether those actions would make people like me.  I might choose my words carefully so as to not intentionally insult someone, but I won’t alter my opinions and actions just because it will keep a friend.

I haven’t completely decided to blog about the more controversial subject matter, but I am seriously considering it.

Do you avoid controversial subjects or do you tackle them head on?

NOTE: The "shouting" image above is by carygrant and is available via morgueFile.

Securing WordPress – My TypeAParent Tips and Tricks

file6311261312400_SmallWordPress is a great platform for sharing information as well as for developing websites.  The problem is that there are too many people out there who would try to take your site and bend it to their own purposes.  Hackers will try to break into your site and spammers will try to post their sleazy links to funnel traffic (and money) to them.

Luckily, many people have written plugins to help secure WordPress.  I’ve reviewed a handful of the top WordPress security and spam plugins over at TypeAParent.  If you run a WordPress-powered site, you should definitely read it.  It could be the difference between a hacked/span-ridden site and a clean site.  It even includes a tip that could save you should your site be broken into.

What methods do you use to protect your blog/website?

NOTE: The lock image above is by forbiddenarts and is available via morguefile.com.

First Park Trip Of Spring

Though spring is here, the weather’s still been cold and windy.  We did have one semi-nice day over the weekend, though, so we treated the boys to the First Park Trip Of Spring.  Sadly, the wind picked up more and the trip had to be cut short.  Here’s hoping that the weather warms up soon so that many more park trips can be made.

first-park-trip

Our First Autism Awareness Month/Day

Logo_WAAD_SmallAutism Awareness Month (April) and Autism Awareness Day (April 2nd) have been celebrated for many years, but it is taking on special meaning for us this year.  That’s because, this past year, we finally got a diagnosis on NHL.  Yes, NHL is an Aspie.  What’s more, I’m an Aspie as well (albeit, undiagnosed).

I first "came out" with NHL’s diagnosis (and my self-realization) back in November, though I hinted about it in September.  Since then, I dealt with feelings of guilt over "giving" NHL Asperger’s.  (I still feel this from time to time, but I’ve come to terms that there isn’t any blame to be assigned here.)  I’ve also written about some of the facts of an Aspie’s life such as trouble looking people in the eyes, excessive honesty, and rigid adherence to plans.  I’ve also written about the challenges an Aspie parent faces when parenting an Aspie son.  (Let’s just say Aspie-Aspie fixation battles are NOT fun for anyone involved!)

I’ve written about how Asperger’s has been portrayed in the world at large both in print (great book), on TV (love that Arthur episode), and in the news.  (No, Asperger’s did NOT cause the Newtown shootings, Savannah Guthrie!)  I also combed the web to share some of the best Asperger’s Syndrome resources I could find.

Given the latest CDC study that one in fifty kids is on the spectrum, and given that Asperger’s continues to affect our everyday lives, I foresee many more posts on the subject as our Asperger’s adventure continues.

Are you or is anyone you know on the spectrum?

NOTE: The World Autism Awareness Day image above is from Autism Speaks.  More information about World Autism Awareness Day is available from their website.

CanStructing For A Worthy Cause

This past weekend, we visited the New York State Museum again.  While, I’ve written about the museum many times before,  this time we were there to see a special presentation: The Capital Region CanStruction.  Different teams, using only cans and other food items found in your local supermarket, built various structures.  Visitors could vote on their favorites by dropping a canned good into special bins next to each exhibit.  When the CanStruction exhibit ends, all of the "votes" will be tallied and the team with the most will win a prize.  Then, the structures will be disassembled and the food items used (plus the donated cans) will be donated to local food pantries.

canstruction1 canstruction2 canstruction3

With so many great structures, it was difficult picking our favorites.  B chose the The Very Hungry CANerpillar.  NHL chose Minion-Mize Hunger.  JSL decided upon In Our Dreams (the head whose brain lit up though it didn’t show up in my photos).  I decided upon Souper Mario Bros.

Which is your favorite Canstruction?

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