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About

Chris Shipley is a partner of a technology consulting company based in Hartford, Connecticut. He's been working with nonprofit organizations and technology since 1998.

Chris received his first computer when he was eight years old, one of those black screens with amber text (amber was the hottest at the time). His dad, Alan Shipley, made him do all of his homework on the computer so he would learn how to use it; turns out he was pretty smart that dad. Today, Chris has been described as one of the most sought-after consultants for technology in the Connecticut nonprofit arena.

Visit his company Web site at Nutmeg Consulting or his TechSoup Community Profile. He just launched a new site at IT Legends!

Favorite Web Sites

Humor Sites:

• HomestarRunner.com (Go Strong Bad!)
• Ask a Ninja (Ninja got answers!)

Tech Sites:

• TechSoup. I started using TechSoup when I worked as a network administrator for a large nonprofit in Hartford. I've been hooked ever since on the Community Forums and now I'm a blogger!
• Google. (If you don't know the URL for Google, I don't think I can talk to you!)

Nonprofits I Admire

Wow, really put me on the spot here. I have a lot of nonprofit clients. If you read this, and you're not on the list, doesn't mean I don't admire you!

• Red Cross, where I'm a new board member.
• Connecticut AIDS Resource Coalition. I've volunteered to take care of this agency's technology needs since about 2001.

Current Technology Obsession

My Verizon Wireless VX6800, also known as the TyTN for AT&T Wireless. It's a great mobile phone manufactured by HTC. "I no longer need my laptop" — usually.

Geekiest Moment

Err ... when I bought my glasses in 2000 because they were basically bulletproof. They're pretty out of fashion now — but they are bulletproof, so they are still in good condition. Should I replace them? Ahh!

Technology Words of Wisdom

Fit the solution to the need, not the other way around. That being said, identify your needs appropriately.

Favorite Soup

My own recipe for turkey sausage soup:

Ingredients:

• 2 zuchinni
• 1 yellow squash
• 1 large onion
• 1 lb hot italian turkey sasuage
• 24 oz beef stock
• 24 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic (more or less for personal taste)
• some basil
• olive oil
• grated Parmesan cheese

Chop the squash and onions into sizes you'd want to eat on a spoon full of soup. Mince the garlic. You'll want to sauté these ingredients in olive oil for a few minutes. Add some of the beef stock and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Add the basil at this time.

I usually either slice the sausage or squeeze it out of the casing. Whatever your preference, make sure it's fully pan fried and drain the extra fat. You should be able to finish this while the other ingredients are simmering.

Now you're ready to put everything else together into a big pot. I usually use a slow cooker, but whatever you want to use will be fine I'm sure. Using the slow cooker, I cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Longer is OK, too; I've gone up to 10 hours and it was still good. (Might want to add some water in this case, though.) You could also probably cook on high using the slow cooker for 2 to 3 hours.

If you want to use a stock pot on your stove top, bring the contents to a very low boil and then turn the heat all the way down to simmer for 1 to 2 hours, covered but allowing steam to escape if you have one of those nifty pot covers.

Serve hot with some nice bread and sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese. Delicious!