I recently began using the Apple Magic Keyboard with my docking station. I use my docking station for my MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 13.
I highly recommend the Cable Matters Thunderbolt 3 dock, which works great with a single cable to my MacBook or my Dell XPS 13 and also provides charging & power to both laptops.
2022 Update: The Thunderbolt dock recommendation above was made in 2018 when I initially posted this blog. I now recommend and use the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock. I use the CalDigit TS3 Plus with my new MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 Max with no issues.
I’ve retired the Dell XPS, because of hardware/driver issues that I couldn’t solve after lots of time on the phone with Dell Support.
All was fine until I accidentally toggled the keyboard into insert mode in Windows 10. Insert mode overwrites characters if you move the cursor earlier in the sentence to make an edit.
To disable insert mode on Windows 10 on the Apple Magic Keyboard
Press clear above the seven (7) on the numeric keypad.
Then press 0 (zero) on the numeric keypad.
Are you using an Apple Magic Keyboard without a numeric keypad? Try this.
Press Fn – I at the same time.
I don’t have an Apple keyboard without a numeric keyboard to test on, so let me know if this works.
Another way to disable the insert mode
Go to the Start Menu.
Please search for the On-Screen Keyboard app and open it.
Click the insert key on the virtual keyboard.
Are you looking to purchase an Apple Magic Keyboard or Mouse? Use the links below.
2022 Update: Are you looking for a better wireless keyboard across your devices? The Logitech MX Keys Advanced Wireless Illuminated Keyboard is my top recommendation and the keyboard I enjoy far more than the Apple keyboards.
After upgrading from PHP version 7.0 to 7.1 on my WordPress website hosted with DreamHost, I received the error message below above the header on my website.
Warning: Parameter 2 to wp_hide_post_Public::query_posts_join() expected to be a reference, value given in /home/xyz_vps/nafzinger.com/wp-includes/class-wp-hook.php on line 298
The solution
If you’re not using the WP Hide Post plugin, make a note of the error message, it should give you a hint of what plugin is causing the issue. In the case above, my hint was Parameter 2 to wp_hide_post_Public::query_posts_join(). You can also disable the problematic plugin.
Some code caused the error in the WP Hide Post plugin. I fixed it by connecting to my server via SFTP, then navigating to the WP Hide Post plug-in directory, as shown below.
Whew, it has been a while. I’m here to give a quick overview of the Google Home Mini compared to the Amazon Echo Dot.
After using the Amazon Echo Dot for the past 1+ years, the Google Home Mini (and other versions of the Google Home) win for a few reasons.
The speaker and sound quality of the Google Home Mini are better than the Amazon Echo Dot. You could almost use it as an everyday speaker if you’re not throwing a party and have relatively quiet surroundings.
You can make phone calls using your Google Voice phone number through Google Home and the Google Home Mini. No phone is required. They need to fix the ability to connect the Google Mini Home and other Google Home devices to Bluetooth headsets. If you don’t have a Google Voice number set in Google Assistant, the phone calls show up as “No Caller ID” to the person receiving the call. You can dial by name from your Google Contacts or by phone number.
The Google Home Mini and Google Home devices are more likely to understand complex questions, and you can ask follow-up questions. So Google Home is more contextually aware.
The Google Home Mini and Google Home devices don’t require you to add skills to achieve things like requesting rideshare, playing simple games, etc.
The setup process for Google Home devices is much more pleasant. It doesn’t require you to disconnect from your wifi and connect to the device.
When I first read about AIDS/LifeCycle (ALC)—a 7-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles—it immediately appealed to me. Combining a physical challenge with raising funds for such an important cause was inspiring. I was eligible for a one-month sabbatical from work at the time, but a high-priority project launching on June 11, 2013, made me unsure if I could commit. When my sabbatical request was approved in December 2012, I was thrilled.
Preparing for AIDS/LifeCycle
Despite my excitement, I had a few concerns as the ride approached. Seven days of camping, using portable toilets, and going without a real bed or shower sounded less than ideal. But once the ride began, those worries disappeared.
Seattle friends from Team of One at ALC Orientation – Day 0
From the very first day, the riders’ and roadies’ energy and passion (volunteers) were incredible. Everyone was friendly, supportive, and eager to connect. Riders went out of their way to help each other. I’ll never forget when I got a flat tire, and my friend David stopped to keep me company. As I fixed the tire, he gave every passing rider a thumbs-up, creating a moment of camaraderie I’ll never forget.
Riding out of Cow Palace — Day 1
The People and the Cause
What stood out most about ALC was the diversity of the people involved. Riders and roadies came from all walks of life—different fitness levels, backgrounds, nationalities, races, and ages. There were LGBTQ+ riders, straight allies, HIV-positive participants, and HIV-negative supporters. Everyone had a story about why they were there, and every interaction felt meaningful.
In 2013, ALC was historic. With the help of thousands of donors, 2,203 cyclists and 552 roadies raised $14.2 million to support services for those affected by HIV and AIDS in California. Knowing we were part of something that made such a significant impact was humbling.
Everyone was so invested in this. Everyone had a heartfelt story about why they became involved with AIDS/LifeCycle.
Me near Santa Cruz — Day 1
A Typical Day on AIDS/LifeCycle
Each day started early, around 5 a.m. After packing tents and dropping bags at designated trucks, riders had breakfast before heading out. Daily routes ranged from 44 to 109 miles, with rest stops every 15-20 miles. These stops were a lifesaver, offering snacks, water, Gatorade, bike repairs, medical help, and entertainment.
The scenery was breathtaking. We rode through rolling plains, strawberry fields, avocado groves, vineyards, and along the Pacific Coast Highway. Some days were short and hilly, while others were long and flat. The beauty of California’s landscapes was matched only by the warmth and support of everyone involved in the ride.
Fog and mountains in Central California — Day 3 of ALC
Life at Camp
Arriving at camp each day was a celebration. Roadies greeted riders with cheers, and we parked our bikes in a massive, secure area. After grabbing our luggage, we set up tents and headed to the shower trucks—semi-trailers with private stalls and surprisingly excellent water pressure. (A tip for future riders: don’t forget to pack a towel!)
Evenings were filled with dinner, announcements, and occasional fun like board games or outings to nearby restaurants. But by 8 p.m., most of us were winding down, preparing for the next day’s ride.
The ALC ride and everyone involved provided a pristine example of how an ideal society might function.
Pork Pedaler’s AIDS/LifeCycle Team in Lompoc, CA – Day 5
Me riding into ALC camp in King City, CA – Day 2
Reflecting on AIDS/LifeCycle 2013
ALC was more than a physical journey—it was deeply emotional. Without music or distractions, there was plenty of time to think. Memories of loved ones lost to HIV/AIDS, including my Uncle Doug, came flooding back. I also thought about my black lab, Ruby, who had passed earlier that year, my grandma, who died of lung cancer in 2012, and all the people affected by HIV/AIDS. Many moments brought tears to my eyes.
One of the most powerful experiences was the candlelight vigil on the beach in Ventura on Day Six. Seeing thousands of people gathered, united in purpose, was unforgettable.
In Memory of Ruby – September 5, 2003 – April 16, 2013
ALC Candlelight Vigil at Ventura Beach – Day 6
Finishing AIDS/LifeCycline 2013 Strong
We rode 60 miles from Ventura to Los Angeles on the final day. It was a relatively easy ride, with rolling hills and stunning ocean views. Crossing the finish line was overwhelming. My friends Mike, Zack, Scott, and Shawn were there to cheer me on, and I said goodbye to new friends from all over the country.
KC Friends and I at the ALC Finish Line in Los Angeles – Day Seven
A Moment That Stuck with Me
One night at dinner, our team table filled up, and I ended up sitting across from a man with disabilities who communicated using an iPad. Despite his challenges, his determination to participate in ALC was clear. I didn’t get to say everything I wanted to him, but I admired him deeply. Tears filled my eyes as I walked back to my tent, thinking about the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
Grateful for the Experience
AIDS/LifeCycle was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I’m so thankful to my employer for giving me the time to participate and the donors who made it possible. ALC wasn’t just a ride—it was a glimpse into what a compassionate, supportive community can achieve when united by a common goal.
