In the past few weeks, we have discussed several different options for streaming movies and TV shows directly to your television. We discussed several different options and today we'll be providing a review of one of those products - ChromeCast from Google.


But first, what is a streaming device and why would you want one?

A streaming device allows you to watch online content, like Netflix Instant or Amazon Prime movies directly on your television. This allows you to use your computer, phone or tablet as a remote and can save you the trouble of either watching the shows on your computer or having to get up off the couch to pause or rewind the video. Want to show your friends that hilarious cat video on YouTube using your phone? You can do that with a streaming device.

My Personal Experience:

I bought a Google ChromeCast after making the decision to "cut the cord" and get rid of my cable TV service. While I definitely enjoyed not receiving a bill every month, watching Netflix or TV shows online using my laptop got old pretty quickly. After all, I had a perfectly good television going to waste. Have you ever tried to watch a show with someone on your laptop? Not the most comfortable experience. How was I supposed to introduce my mother to   Sherlock that way?

I read online about the Chromecast from Google and knew I had to give it a try. It's the least expensive streaming device available and sounded like exactly what I needed.

The Good

Setting up the Chromecast was much easier than I expected. You plug it into an HDMI port on your television. It also requires power via USB, but most televisions these days have built in USB ports so that's no problem.

Here's a picture of what the Chromecast looks like when hooked into the television from TechnoBuffalo.

This week on the blog we're talking about keeping kids safe online. This week the Shreveport Times reported that the Bossier Parish Sheriff office had warned against a troubling new app that is rising in popularity among area youth, called BurnBook. You can find the article on the Shreveport Times website here.

Today is the official first day of spring, which for many people means it's time start thinking about this year's garden. That is, for those of us who haven't been planning all winter. Today we're going to talk about what may be a surprising source of gardening help - your smartphone! There are several apps available today that can help you plant your garden, whether you're an amateur or an old pro.

Garden Time Planner by Burpee

Garden Squared

Garden Compass

If you have a plant, pest or disease you need identified...look no further. The Garden Compass Plant and Disease Identifier app allows you to take a photo and submit it to our team of expert horticultural garden advisers who will identify it for you, as well as provide you with specific product recommendations to resolve any problems you may have. As your photo passes up the queue you will be kept informed as to its progress.

Garden Manager

 This week we'll be discussing GoodReads, a website that allows you to track the books you've read, make lists of books you plan to read, and keep up with what you're friends are reading. There are several websites that allow you to do the same thing like Shelfari or LibraryThing, however GoodReads is the only one we are familiar enough with to offer an opinion.

Setting up an account with Goodreads.com is easy; all you need is an email address.



Keep track of the books you have read, will read and are currently reading by adding them to your bookshelves. There are three default bookshelves, but you can add personalized shelves.