Note to Self: Keep a Backup with you at all times!

Paul2 Replies

Chrome OS Back ups!

The story was a simple one, I went to friends house to use their wifi with my Acer Chromebook and I got an update reminder on my system for a update to the Chrome OS.   It seems that it was a beta version of the software that was the problem.  I’m a tinkerer at heart and you can change it from three different versions:

  • Stable
  • Beta
  • Developer — Unstable

 

You can change to anyone of these simply by going to chrome://help/ and then clicking more info.  

Use it at your own risk!

As you can see you have a choice to try out the ones that aren’t very stable and might cause problems.   This is where I must grab my foot and stick it in my mouth.   I was trying the beta version of the Chrome OS to see what might be coming out in a few months.   I usually don’t have problems with a beta version of any Operating system but this last update for the Chrome OS Beta just made my computer boot and then just got to a white screen and it would just hang there for several minutes and then it would reboot.   Well I didn’t have my backup restore flash drive with me and was trying everything  I could come up with to get it running.   Finally I broke down and borrowed my friends 4gb flash drive to create a restore of the my Parrot CoffinFish E3181 ISO (Use at your own risk) that I made back a few weeks ago, just in case!  I used that to create a restore flash drive on my friends Windows system.  If you are looking for the tool to make one for your system, you can check out Google Page on that!

Restore Switch on the Acer!

I was searching long and hard to find this elusive restore switch to boot into the restore option of the Chrome OS.   Apparently after looking hard and long the simple way to do this is just hit the ESC-F3-POWER button at the same time.   There is no actual button you have to push to get into the restore mode.   At least that is how I got into the restore mode on my Acer Chrome Book!   

Truth Be Told!

I should of had my USB drive with me at all times but I didn’t have a good way to keep it with me at times.   I am now in search for a way to have a key chain USB to do just that.   Be able to put it on my key chain to take with me every place  I go and thus won’t have to worry about this next time around!   I am sure this won’t be the last time since I am always going to be a beta tester.

The 5 Duck Dynasty, all in the Row! Learning from the Past!

Paul

The Ducklings all quacking!

I have been seeing a lot of chatter about the Duck Dynasty and how Phil Robertson was removed benched indefinately.   I usually don’t like to way in on these things but I feel I must at least try share my two cents on this subject.   I will tell you, I support what all the family has said in their statements and even though it has been 5 long seasons with this show.   I must say if this is it, then so be it.   We’ve had a lot of people up in arms over this, from the gay and lesbian community to the Christian community.   I am one who not hide anything, I am a Christian and I have thought long and hard on this subject, constantly seeing what people are saying and trying to come to a understanding.   The question that I must ask myself and ask you is this “What would Jesus Do?” in this situation?   

Everyone has an Opinion!

“If God were our one and only desire we would not be so easily upset when our opinions do not find outside acceptance.”  Thomas à Kempis — The Imitation of Christ!

So we have people throwing opinions that we should not accept but still love them.   The important question at hand is how do you love someone who will not listen.   I think the only way you could make it happen is Mark 12:31, because once you learned to love them with all your heart and soul and Mind, you have greater power than just trying to love them from afar!   I have a feeling this will all work in the long run but until it does, we will need to do three things!

Speak Softly!

One thing that You will need to learn is that if your yelling at people, it usually isn’t heard.  We have this really good nack of subconsciously of ignoring what is being yell at us about.   I have learned if you whisper, it is likely to be heard because people will strain to and listen to what you have to say.   So the easiest way to get someone to listen to your is just to drop your town and speak really softly!

Show Support!

This one seems almost a No brainer to me at least, but if you want to make a really good point and have them change their decision.   Go buy their products from places that won’t support A&E directly.   You can go to several places and show your support and make A&E rethink their decisions.   I am going to show you a few places you can show support.

 

  • CafePress — They have some great Duck Dynasty and We Support Phil decals/sweaters/Shirts and everything you might want to buy to show support.   
  • Amazon US — This is another good place to go to by those We support Phil materials again.  

Give Unto Ceasar

This one is bittersweet, if you really want this show to continue and show your support.   You must look at the Bible and it has a very clear understanding of this.   Matt 22:16-21 says it best, if there is tax then pay that tax.   This go without say, but if you really want the show to continue we have to show as much as support as we can possibly show in a Godly way and not in a vengence but in love.   You should consider buying all seasons of Duck Dynasty and on whichever device you have to show your support.   A&E will see just how much they could loose if the show doesn’t go on and thus we can change that decision even more by making a clear point on how much you like the shows.   You can buy the season on Video on Demand or on DVD but this one is a must to make a real impact on if this show is to continue.  

 

  • Amazon — I must warn you, that Amazon is a sponsor of my blog and thus anything you buy using that link I get a little compenastion, but it cost you nothing!
  • Google — Google Only has Season 4 but hopefully they will get the rest later.   I have a Google Android and thus it is good for watching on my devices like this!
  • Itunes — Apple has all 4 seasons, so you should consider buying those and whenever 5th one comes out buying that one too!

Again take this as you like, I am no preacher but this is all sound advice from someone who has been working this problem and this is probably the only way it will actually get A&E or some other channel to pickup the show!   

 

 

Google pulls a very vital App off their store and says we didn’t mean to release it! (Apps Ops)

Paul




Google removes a Hidden Privacy feature!

If you haven’t heard, the last week Google removes a hidden privacy feature in the new upcoming Kitkat build to help keep apps such such as this flashlight app that sold users data without your permission!  I am quite concerned with what happenes when another app does this or something else and you have no way to deny it or not use it.   Some of the things that I am sure your wondering like I am are the very things that come to mind.  Then Google tells it users that this was an accidental release of the feature and that it isn’t ready for public consumption.

Keep in mind the privacy feature wasn’t well known or even that easy to get to.   You had install another app such as App Ops to even get to use this little known menu in Android 4.3+.




App Dev

The people behind the apps are probably up in arms because they worry that they won’t be able to make money on their apps that are using advertising to help pay them for each time someone sees an advertisement or when a users clicks on an advertisement they get some kind of revenue.   This isn’t the only reason but I am sure it is one of the top reasons why the development gurus would be up in arms over this new way to control what permissions an app can have and who ultimately has control over what they can and do with your app.   It was and probably soon will be the customer who decides what the app will have permissions for and that worries them.

Google apps will become paid!

The one thing that will happen for sure is that we will either have to pay a monthly service or a one time fee for an app because once this starts to be released or if it is released then the app developers will have no choice but to go to a pay wall model to get the money they probably think they deserve and/or want for their work.   I am sure we haven’t seen the last of this and or other apps that do something similar.   I would just like to have Google be more upfront to their customers about why.

The Naked truth about you and your Cell Phone!

Paul

Technology is fun

Do you need your cell phone?

This is been a common plight of mine when it comes to having a cell phone, is the age old question of do you really need a cell phone?  We are going to discuss this in this post!  I’ve been going without a cell phone to work and I’m going to tell you my experiences!   Be that it might be sacroligious to some, it is something that happens from time to time.   

Do you panic if you don’t have you Cell phone? I did a few times until I got used to not having it with me.   It can be a very bad reaction the first few times.  I was frantically trying to find my cell phone and yet I forgot that I left it at home.  I know I’m not the only one who has left a cell phone at home and it is bound to happen to someone sometime! 

This all started last week when I was in such a rush to get to work that I left my cell phone on the cell phone booster holder.   Usually I would grab the phone the last second and go merrily off to my job.   This time however, I bypassed grabbing and rushed out the door to my car.  The easy answer to why I did it was because of it snowing and I didn’t want to be late for work.   

I really was shocked at how much time I had at work to do some amazing things and to flirt with females at my work.   I won’t say that was all I did, but it was a pleasant change to actually talk to people and interact with them.   I guess we are all addicted to Facebook, Twitter, and more social media sites than we were 5 years ago.   It has become the thing, to be social on the phone and not it person.   

You may be asking questions of the old time, what if this and that.   Do you really need a phone when an emergency comes up?  Someone would argue yes but I really don’t see that as being a problem.  As long as my family knows how to reach me through my work, I am better off to not be bother unless it is an actual emergency.   There are times not having a cell phone has been nothing but a God send, not having to deal with friends or old relationships can be such a joy!

I Challenge YOU!

I’m throwing this challenge out to all my readers.   If you think you are addicted to your phone, than leave it at home and start making conversations at work.   If you think you can’t handle that, start by doing it 1 to 2 hours at a time and work your way up to a full day.   You will be surprised at what you accomplish.   Then when you do actually do that, come back here and leave and tell me what happened and how you did!   I’d love to hear your stories about your experiences.    

Non-Profits Turn to Technology for Holiday Fundraising

Paul

While most people take the holidays to relax with family, non-profits organizations see this season as a chance to capitalize on the abundance of generosity and good cheer. Charity fundraisers and events are popular this time of year, as even our favorite stars take the time to give back. Celebrities run successful charity events for causes they are passionate about, including Harrison Ford’s conservation initiative, Olivia WIlde’s fundraiser, “Artists for Peace and Justice” and Ashton Kutcher’s charity to end human trafficking, “Real Men Don’t Buy Girls.” The holiday season is an important time for these and other charities.

Last year and this year, a coalition of non-profits came together to promote “Giving Tuesday,” a spin-off of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The day is designed to kick off the holiday seasoning the right frame of mind. Launch the right fundraising campaign and your non-profit will take a stocking full of momentum into the new year.

Embrace technology to spread your cause this holiday season. Social media is the perfect way to connect with potential donors. If you’re out on the street seeking donations, a mobile credit card reader is a convenient tool to process credit card transactions. Above all, a clear message and purpose with draw the attention of willing donors.

Craft an Elevator Pitch

Non-profits don’t like to think about competing with each other, but during the holidays, they are. You’re competing for attention and awareness, and the only way to make your mark is with a strong, concise pitch. No one wants to get guilt-tripped into donating. Those who donate after hearing how little they care for a cause usually won’t be drawn to a life of activism. Rather, people want to partner with causes that they believe in. Instead of reciting how much your non-profit needs to raise, lead off with what you’re going to do with the money. Craft your campaign’s elevator pitch. Why are you raising money? Where will it go? And how can people donate? You’ll earn money from donor who relate to your cause and respect from those that aren’t able to donate.

Social Giving

Fundraising campaigns are as much about awareness as they are about money. Get a wave of support behind your cause and the money will follow. Luckily for today’s non-profits, a revolutionary marketing tool is at your disposal, and it’s free. Social media is the most efficient way to spread the world about your holiday fundraiser. The key is connecting with users through videos, photos or personal messages. Consider adding incentives to your social media fundraising campaign. Randomly selecting those who re-tweet a link to your donation page will generate some viral energy and awareness. The more creative you with your social media content, the better.

Accepting Donations

You’ve seen Salvation Army representatives ring bells outside of malls and department stores. It’s obviously an effective fundraising model, but it’s held back by it’s analog nature. As fewer shoppers carry cash, non-profits that are able to accept credit and debit cards have the upper hand. Mobile credit card readers turn your smartphone into credit card POS system, complete with electronic receipts and encrypted software. Intuit credit card readers, for example, attach to your smart phone and receive credit card swipes. You can accept credit cards anywhere will cell service, and Intuit charges as little as 1.75% per transaction. If your non-profit asks for donations on the street, a mobile credit card processor will undoubtedly boost your income.

Cedric Goodwin

Cedric loves all things sports and is the social media director for several local sports teams.