Top-5 Mac Musings – August 1, 2025

GOLDEN OLDIES TECH SUPPORT

I think it was the Apostle Paul who wrote Timothy beseeching him, saying “Blessed are those among us that assist with technology support challenges for their elders, because they shall have unlimited cash to spend on therapists.”

I may be paraphrasing just a bit there, but Paul was always kind of a visionary.

Today, I got the call from my Aunt Shirl who needed me to install her new wireless printer/scanner. Immediately I felt a tinge of anxiety. These requests never seem to go as easily as one might expect or hope. 

To her credit, she did feed me pizza which is always a good start. Then there was Dr. Pepper available in the 2-liter size which was just about enough caffeine to power me through the mind-numbing process. 

It took me 90 minutes to install. Ninety. Minutes. I am reasonably tech savvy. I can program my Ninja coffee maker to brew my morning coffee in advance. I have posted thousands of articles on dozens of websites. I have Tweeted, Instagrammed and LinkeIn-ed for years and years.

This one almost brought me to my knees. And do you know why? It was because I initially refused to register for HP+. This took at least 30 minutes to troubleshoot. If it would have taken a nanosecond longer I would have checked how far I could hurl the scanner across the office. 

Once I signed up everything worked and I fled the scene before something went wrong with the wireless connection.

And now onto my Top-5 Musings for Friday, August 1, 2025.

1. In yesterday’s Mac Musings, I reflected on how I was getting too old for… things. Today I was filling out a form and it asked for the four-digit year and I put down ‘19’. Good thing paper checks are no longer “a thing”.
2. HP’s method of requiring registration for network printer/scanners is diabolical. Just a horrible, unnecessary, and invasive step. It will all be reflected in my product review.
3. It definitely could have been worse. I have made several efforts to teach my dad how to attach and or forward an email message.
4. OK, ok… The five worst things to program – no order.
   • For the real ones out there: The VCR
   • Microwave clocks
   • Car dashboard clocks
   • Anything in the “Android” family
   • Anything, and I do mean anything, that promises “easy install” on the box.
5. As I write this I am watching the Empire Strikes Back for roughly the 865th time. Ever since I was a kid the contrast between Hoth and Bespin has captivated me. The film just works and never disappoints.

BONUS TOP-FIVE: Best Carrie Fisher Roles

1. Princess Leia – Star Wars franchise
2. Marie – When Harry Met Sally
3. Mystery Woman – Blues Brothers
4. Therapist – Austin Powers
5. Nun – Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

Hon. Mention: Academy Award for best use of a metal bikini – Carrie Fisher, Return of the Jedi

QUOTABLE
“Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.” – Carrie Fisher, Icon