Category: Technology

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Unprotected?

So, it’s been a very long time since I’ve used protection. There are a ton viruses going around, and there are many known methods used through manipulative tactics, to entrap individuals. Not to mention, the growing popularity of the “backdoor”. It’s been a REAL long time since I’ve had any legitimate reason to be concerned about viruses.

However, as the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So I recently started using another vpn, thinking about migrating back over to Linux for the majority of my computer activities. The thoughts about security/protection also came to mind pertaining to streaming services and smart devices. Would it possibly be safer, in the future, to buy monitors (not smart TV) + SBC (w/ kodi) for entertainment needs? Audio may be an issue that needs attention.

….anyways, in a few minutes it’s Friday (they call it lent), and tonight made homemade Crab Rangoon. Will reheat tomorrow. (Recipe may be on its way, once I tweak it a bit)

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Automobiles

Isn’t it funny how objects, things, products, follow patterns? Back in the day, about 20+ years ago, I started driving my “favorite” or “dream” car. Boxey, that European design, bended at the corners. Sleek, tight steering, those big rings in the middle, facing oncoming traffic. It was European excellence. Design, driving, comfort. Did I mention that “tight steering”?

I can remember the Volvo station wagon we had as kids. Similar style, boxey, tight steering, and enough room for everything. Like my “dream” car listed above, had great pick up. The “get up and go” factor.

At a certain point though, European went “muscle car”. Circular, rounded… to me unappealing. The look that says, “we don’t create trends, we copy them”. It made my “dream” car (and brand), a thing of the past. And since then, have gained much more respect for manufacturers such as BMW, Volvo, and Honda. All maintaining a “brand” look and identity.

I found another “dream” car. Loved it for about a decade now, started driving recently. It has elements of the Volvo, and also the original “dream” car. It’s lucky that we picked it up when we did. Seems the company thought a re-design (modernization) of their staple model was a good idea. I strongly disagree.

What’s next? Who knows? This car drives well, looks good, and has a reputation for surviving many miles and years. Sturdy. And that won’t change.

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Back to Reality

At this point in the year, we either continue or cancel. Cancel what? Rest easy young friends. Not friends, not family, not pets. I’m speaking of subscriptions. My team had a rebounding year, and it’s the only reason I pay for cable TV. Yes, I love Wolf Blitzer, Kasie Hunt (there’s something about her), Katy Tur, etc. There have even been times that I have binged off of Ari Melber.

Probably too much information, or at this point “tldr”. But I have to think about budget. Maybe, just me. No simile. And I’m thinking, that maybe, just maybe, if I make another move (location)…or set up a new (networked or not) cable/tv system it will involve roof antenna/mythtv (again) and possibly kodi (again). Restricting as much advertising and marketing as possible. Using vpn or otherwise.

Oh, you wanted Back to Reality in a song?

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Varsity Blues

Cinnamon. Pepper. Oregano. Several variants of all. Color, presentation, origin. How many of these factors do professional chefs have to maneuver to create their desired presentation or dish? Many items imported, a few substituted (if need be). Add to that the personal touch, or “special sauce” which creates the perfect flavor. (possibly imported, or with ingredients that are imported).

The idea of America being a “melting pot” is that we have many different cultures, flavors, and heritages. Colors, features, differences, that’s what makes us beautiful. Strong.

When we lose those identities we become weak, clones, at high risk of accepting a “one size fits all” mentality. Easily manipulated by a dictatorial driven media focused on “a strong man”, enforcing theocratic beliefs or an economic system determined to punish the least. And then we look in the mirror, how close do our enemies reflect our own? Values, oppenness to religious acceptance, and the core of our foundation…many of you carried in your pocket. The constitution. The Bible.

We are different. And difference is awesome. Color, belief, tradition, religion. When we become mindless simpletons marching in line to the beat of the same drum, we totally fail in creativity, purpose, and future.

100% Human (Feeling, Emotional)
0% Machine

LTC? Learn to human.

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Backups.

Distrowatch is still around, so is Gparted. And I’m mentioning this because a custom build, and a “deal” gaming PC remain dormant in my computer room. Linux Mint appears to be the winner in the most user friendly Linux operating system (believe it’s an ubuntu/Debian flavor of Linux). It reminds me of PCLinuxOS from years ago. NOTE: PCLinuxOS is back!

The question is, what do you do with two pretty damn nice pcs, after you realize a laptop is more than enough for your needs?

A: Backup (Windows)
A: Backup (Linux, for recovery purposes)

Gimp, Audacity, and even many competing video editors are always nice when proprietary software has issues…hell, many times, they are great alternatives.

Currently running Linux Mint on one of these PC’s, but very surprised to learn PCLinuxOS is back. Might have to check it out.

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Political Music

Joan Baez? Woody Guthrie? Springsteen? Marvin Gaye ? Anybody know any other songs from Mr. Marvin? On the verge of another war, are more political tunes imminent? SOAD, BSF, Metallica?

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out in the media. And if a new, brave, band like the legends of yesterday appear again.

Time will tell. And by time, I’m thinking of Saddam Hussein. And the other Middle East adventures our nation has become involved in.

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Alright.

Was going through a bunch of old disks today. USB drives. Doing some cleanup, and realized life has been pretty damn awesome. Mostly, because of music, but also because of technology. Media has provided the incentive to be curious about technology. And since the late 90’s/early 00’s, motivated and inspired to research and learn.

The trip to New Jersey, to see the Fire (for like the 10th time). North, south, central areas of the state…simply travelling for concerts. The bluegrass state, for the “Initial” fests.

Golf trips, also inspired by media reviews; golfnow. Trips to the upper Midwest and southern states.

The very early days of my own computer/technology introductions…Gateway, Encarta.

Research before my favorite vacation (as a kid). The trip to Alcatraz, Oakland, Monterey, CA.

It continues to be fun.

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Antennas.

“Cut the cord”, cable, etc has been a practice occurring for the last two decades. Some of us like to catch the occasional sporting broadcast, so that’s become more difficult. But, services like Sling are beginning to offer some nice options including one day subscriptions for $5. Much less than a price for a ticket to one game (if you’re in the vicinity).

The other thing is, OTA (antenna) channels just have much more to offer than they did years ago. Crisp, clear, digital picture through simple rabbit ears, if set up right. Right now, I’m getting two Bounce networks, and that’s worth the price for the antenna alone. The movies and shows are great! Add to that, ION network (and X-Files on occasion), and it’s a no brainer.

So don’t break out the popcorn, break out the peanuts! In the shell, the ones you have to crack to open. Like at the game. You pay peanuts, we eat peanuts, we love living off of peanuts!

Yo P-Nut, Beat that thang!

In addition, local coverage pertaining to news, weather, updates seem to be more accessible/relaiable through antenna access. (especially during outages).

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Still Around?

Just out of curiosity, I did some searching the other day. Instant messaging software introduced me to many like minded people and music, movies, even art. It was no surprise that AIM and YIM have been gone for quite some time. ICQ, the most recent victim of modern technology and trends.

What surprised me is that IRC is still active. Granted, it appears limited to those there for nostalgia or the extremely tech oriented, but it’s great to see one of the old chat clients still up and running. Through various servers and users. I’ve discovered quite a few bands, movies, and learned quite a bit. My first (chipped) original xbox software was released and supported through irc channels.

Social media and platforms such as discord have replaced many of the “old school” favorites. It would be great if something basic like AIM could be released again, because it was a perfect platform to meet people with similar interests. As well as discuss and discover new things. And it didn’t feel overly invasive.

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The Beauty of the Internet

Years ago I would search the internet for various devices to assist me OR help me create the perfect media setup. Preferably, an army of SBC’s networked through a NAS server in a central location. At that time, 2TB drives were massive, and the specialty disks you bought were expensive. Wireless internet was still a bit limited, so hardwiring with cat5 seemed the best option for networking. You would have to buy the kits, the connection testers, and of course the hardware.

Refurbished pcs were the best option in the beginning, then of course, SBCs made a lot more sense for “frontend” devices. Full Linux systems, in the beginning, evolved into much more tailored Linux systems (apps/software for popular mobile devices appeared much later). All this had me ordering many test/development hardware components (I probably had no business buying). But, did learn a lot!

The beauty of the internet, for me, has always been options. It’s what makes building PC’s so much fun. You choose the hardware, the components, eventually the price, and then finish a project (keeping purpose and functionality in mind, of course). For media projects, I’ve purchased “beta” components from S. Korea, Israel, and had fun testing those RPi’s in the very beginning. Anyone remember the OUYA?

Outside of tech related internet purchases, I’ve purchased wine (from a movie) from California. Wine from a band (from AZ). Before gardening season, hard to find seeds from all over the country.

Did you know that Amazon sells bifocals? If you need spares, you can buy a few for under $20. Silk screening kits, beer brewing kits, etc. All interests and products I’ve enjoyed using and hobbies I dabble in now and then.

Options are good. The internet has created many. No matter how young or old you are.

From the Computer Love (ZAPP) man himself Roger Troutman (OH)