Sunday, September 29, 2013

waiting for 3D printing...

3D printing is currently being overhyped in the media - towards us consumers. Sure its revolutionary, and may radically change our lives, but there is nothing that us consumers can do with the consumer 3D printers that will change much in our lives - except make our wallets/bank accounts lighter.
That being said, technology (in general) is changing more and more rapidly. And possibly in the next year and a half, it may be more justifiable as a purchase for the common household.

Here are several 3D printers you can purchase now, and more are being release daily. So do look around before making your purchase: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/29/3d-printer-guide/

Before you make your purchase, and to help you decide, please visit your local hackerspace or makerspace. The people there may be able to answer your questions, and you may get first hand experience on a couple different models.

What you need to know about buying a 3D printer

THINKING OF BUYING A 3D PRINTER? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

How to Get Started with 3D Printing (Without Spending a Fortune)
http://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-started-with-3d-printing-without-spending-a-1340345210

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

the smart money is on MVNO

It may actually be worth it to break your contract to get started on saving money on cellular/wireless service via an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator - also know as a reseller). Not all MVNO's are alike. MVNO's differ by parent company (ATT vs Verizon vs T-Mobile vs Sprint). They may even differ by how data is routed (higher latencies) and priority during peak hours. In general, Gophone and possibly Aio (a subsidiary of ATT) may be the prepaid choices that are directly below ATT postpaid customers. Dumping AT&T for an MVNO keeps you on the same towers for a lot less -- and no fees, taxes or activation charges.

Some examples are:
http://www.ptel.com/plans - T-Mobile
Rates: Talk 5c Text 2c Data is 10c MB
http://www.lycamobile.us/en/national-plans - use T-Mobile towers
$16/mo plan.  It states "recharge and pay only 2c/minute, 4c/text and 6c/MB with Pay As You Go.
http://goredpocket.com/ - ATT
http://www.puretalkusa.com/mobile-flex-plan.php - ATT
Customers can choose their level of data (or choose none), and will be able to keep any data that they don't use month to month. They now offer rollover data with our plans (a first among MVNOs).
https://www.h2owirelessnow.com - ATT
year plan is 2000 minutes for $100
One warning about H20 is their monthly plan comes with some data. For example, the $30/mo plan is unlimited voice & text and comes with 50MB of data. I rarely use data but the balance says 0 so I called cust serv. Was told I've used up all my data for the month. I checked my phone log and it shows I used less than 10MB so far. WTF. They also said they cannot supply a log of my data usage. In other words, they can say whatever they want regarding my data balance and I have to like it.
AirVoice
$10 plan (4c min/2c text) and I add $10 about every 25 days.
SkyView
Net10 (the AT&T card version - avoid the T-Mobile version).  All these services work off AT&T towers and include roaming in HI, AK, VI, and PR.
Voyager mobile, Knoxville, Tenn is $17.00 unlimited talk and $ 19.00 unlimited talk&text

>> FreedomPop Takes Aim At Carriers With Its New, Free Phone Plan

How to Get Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data on an iPhone for $30 a Month
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2013/10/the-tech-block-cheap-data-plan/

Wikipedia link for all of the US MVNO - It also shows which towers/carriers they use
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_mobile_virtual_network_operators

SOURCE
>> http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/1299318/
Picking Your Wireless Carrier part 02: AT&T MVNOs
>> http://pika2000.wordpress.com/2013/02/06/picking-your-wireless-carrier-part-02-att-mvnos/
Picking Your Wireless Carrier part 03: T-Mobile MVNOs
>> http://pika2000.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/picking-your-wireless-carrier-part-03-t-mobile-mvnos/
Picking Your Wireless Carrier part 04: CDMA MVNOs
>> http://pika2000.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/picking-your-wireless-carrier-part-04-cdma-mvnos/
OTHER PLANS
>> http://www.clarkhoward.com/topics/cheap_cell_plans/
PHONE FLASHING SOFTWARE
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EztZl5GznAg

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

View movies / live sports online

Yes, these websites even work on tablets and cellphones. Just make sure you are using wifi - and not running up the bill on your data plan.

Watch any sporting event (PPV, Live, doesn't matter) free. Just make sure you have an adblocker of some sort installed.
>> http://www.vipboxonline.eu
>> https://adblockplus.org

Better for sports. Less popups and advertising...
>> http://www.usagoals.me
>> http://mkvxstream.blogspot.com/2013/06/front-row-sports-live-stream-for-cable.html

>> http://glowgaze.com
>> http://www.stream2watch.me

>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahuQHAVgND0
>> http://xbmc.org/

>> http://www.myp2pguide.com/

>> http://www.wiziwig.tv/index.php?part=sports

>> http://www.time4tv.com/

Get NFL Gameday Pass for Free
>> http://www.reddit.com/r/cordcutters/comments/1k8tck/get_nfl_gameday_pass_for_free/

>> http://www.firstrowsports.eu

NCAA Mobile Streaming Links
>> http://66.172.33.99/

Watch the Simpsons Online
>> http://wtso.tv/

Now the question is, why is anyone paying for cable TV?

Monday, July 29, 2013

how to watch walking dead on roku 3


Your best bet is to download torrent files of the show:
>> http://kickass.to/usearch/walking%20dead%20s03/

Combine the Roku with Plex, and the Unsupported AppStore (UAS bundle) will give you tons more options:
>> Guide: Plex - Installing unsupported plugins
If you are using Windows, to install the bundle, right click on the Plex icon in the media tray, you can select the plugin directory. After pasting it into that folder, restart the media server.
>> How to install LetMeWatchThis plugin on a Windows Plex Server
>> PLEX FAQ

Private channels may be an option:
>> http://streamfree.tv/apps/
>> http://streamfree.tv/roku/top-roku-private-channels/
>> http://streamfree.tv/roku/private-channels/
>> http://www.roku-channels.com/
>> http://www.rokuguide.com/private-channels
>>
Roku Private Channels List


>> FX Network and more via Amazon Prime/iTunes
>> 103012 - How To Get YouTube And Free Hulu On Your Roku Device
>> March2013 - Top 5 private channel list options

$25yr or $40 lifetime for Playon - is mostly SD (low quality) video
>> http://www.playon.tv/supported-devices
>> $40 Playon lifetime for Roku

VUDU for roku
>> http://www.vudu.com/movies/#search/walking%20dead

You can watch them from your computer via web browser:
>> http://www.sidereel.com/The_Walking_Dead
>> http://www.watchyourseries.com//?s=walking+dead
>> http://veothewalkingdead.com/en/the-walking-dead-online-season-3.html
>> http://www.tvmuse.eu/_search/?s=the+walking+dead+season+3

Misc
>> http://www.flingo.tv/
>> channel list
>> Private channel list PDF from JULY 2013
>> Time Warner ipad hack
>> Overall ideas 01, 02
>> Playon Channel Store
>> 3rd party Playon Plugins
>> http://www.flashrouters.com/blog/2013/03/07/best-roku-channels-for-tv-besides-netflix-hulu/
>> http://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/tips-and-tricks-for-optimizing-your-roku/

Bravo Channel on Roku?
>> Roku content search
>> TWC channel only for TWC paid subscribers?
>> TWC channel for Roku
>> Playon used to have BRAVO, currently does not

>> PLEX on XBOX
Navi-X plugin for PLEX
http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/57227-req-navi-x-for-plex/page-5#entry410236
http://forums.streamfree.tv/topic/296-plex-plugin-navi-x/
https://github.com/kriska/navix.bundle

>> XBMC plugin for PLEX

Unsupported Appstore plugin for PLEX
http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/25523-unsupported-appstore/
https://github.com/mikedm139/UnSupportedAppstore.bundle

>> PLEX plugin bundles

>> WTV File Support

HULU free on PLEX
http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/75753-hulu-channel/
http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/75265-readme-first-broken-andor-problematic-channels/

This workaround only seems to work because I logged into Netflix on the box before I linked the box with my Roku account. Clicking on a Hulu link wouldn't launch the Hulu app and let me login. So I unlinked the Roku 3 from my Roku account, restarted the box and logged into Netflix and Hulu. Then I relinked the box with my Roku account to regain access to the channel store. As expected Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Instant Video disappeared from my home page, but now I could launch both Hulu and Netflix from search results. If you want to tap into other US-only services like Vudu you're out of luck, because the only way you'll launch them is by accessing the US channel store. Lots of people manage to do it, but luck was not on my side.

go to IFTTT.com and search the workflows for Roku and Netflix... then you can be sent emails on new channels and Netflix releases anywhere in the world as they are released... meaning your Roku3 can be up to date with new content

http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/7/29/technology/review-roku-3


- Keywords to search for: Unsupported AppStore (UAS bundle), adding repos to roku, xbmc plugin for roku, xbmc channel for roku 3, icefilms, 1channel, let me watch this, mash2k3, 5 start flicks, m2k plain script

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

*Free Streaming TV, Movies and more.


When I use the word free, it assumes that you have a device that will run the free software, and an fairly quick internet connection.

You do not have to purchase anything. You can download and run the XBMC (X Box Media Center) software on almost any computer - or your phone/tablet (*may need to be jailbroken (see below)). You do not have to own an XBOX.

XBMC with Navi-X has loads of content, but it can take a while to find out what you are looking for. Its like walking into a new hotel room and trying to understand what is available on the tv. The available content is from all over the planet, and all the content is free (live tv, current movies, sports, Pay Per View Events and more).

Is it legal? Clearly a lot of online content is probably posted without proper permission. What you watch is up to you. I have not heard of anyone that has been arrested for watching streaming content that they did not pay for.

>> Install a web interface for even more detailed interaction

Here are the top 5 video addons:
videobull, simplymovies, iwatchonline, los movies, z movies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohyonih0Y5Y
You can add netflix and hulu via the bluecop repo.

Remote control app for android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.leetzone.android.yatsewidgetfree
- or just look for xbmcRemote for iphone
and yes, it will do PVR (recording of shows like TIVO)
PVR/Backend/Tvheadend
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=PVR/Backend/Tvheadend
If you are installing OpenELEC on a Raspberry Pi, their forums are here.

>> $4 Navi-X on Android/Google play

>> XBMC on jailbroken iOS

>> More how-to videos

>> Top 5 XBMC addons on Quora

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Technically illegal?

Some collected posts found on internet, in relation to the current state of online media:
Clearly a lot of online content is probably posted without proper permission.
I believe they (the ISPs) are cracking down on the suppliers not the users of the digital content. Downloading or viewing content that you do not legally own or rent from the copyright holder is illegal and will result in you being prosecuted?
"Not" illegal to watch... yet, but they are working on it CISPA etc. Technically, copyright only applies if works are being sold?
>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_infringement
4. "Pirated content" add-ons, websites, and services typically do not include the following (to be determined on a case-by-case basis if necessary): ...
B. The add-on has the potential to access pirated content, but is potentially useful for downloading legal content as well. [For example, an add-on that downloads torrent files is not, itself, a problem, since a torrent can cover a wide variety content, including legally distributed videos.]
In the same way that a torrent can link to both pirated content and legal stuff, the user-submitted and maintained playlists (which Navi-X simply plays on XBMC) can link to both. So it falls exactly under point 4B: Not designed for piracy but potentially able to serve it along with legal content.
XBMC stance: Our goal is to limit the connection between XBMC and the acquisition of content that a person has not acquired the copyright license to personally use via the development of software, while at the same time doing as little as humanly possible to stifle creativity surrounding XBMC.
YouTube, Vimeo, etc, give access to copyrighted(pirated) content along with the legally uploaded. LOTS AND LOTS of it.
The content providers (RIAA/MPAA/ETC) need to make a real effort to try to understand supply and demand better (in relation to digital media and rapidly changing technologies). If Napster had never existed, I don't believe the music industry would have played ball with Apple on iTunes. Eventually the movie industry will wake up and smell the digital age.
As long as you are not uploading, you are not doing anything illegal. - unknown ISP

>> 080613 - Administration Seeks To Make Unauthorized Streaming A Felony

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

SCAM shopping sites or - Super deal?



The son of a friend of mine is looking to buy something off of a questionable website. He asked me what I thought of the site. The first thing I did was to lookup who owns the site:

   Registered through: GoDaddy.com, LLC (http://www.godaddy.com)
   Domain Name: JACKETSSALE2013.COM
      Created on: 06-Mar-13
      Expires on: 06-Mar-14
      Last Updated on: 06-Mar-13

   Registrant:
   tian xiawei
   chenli haishi
   Texas, TX 52896
   United States

   Administrative Contact:
      xiawei, tian  zunjindyhu@gmail.com
      chenli haishi
      Texas, TX 52896
      United States
      +1.9658236589
Then I did several searches on Google.com to see what I could find (jacketssale2013.com scam, reviews, etc).

There was not a lot of info, which means, I would not trust the site. But it could just mean that since they are so new (as you can see from the info above), there is not much info on google... yet. I did find this:

And seeing this site makes it sound like they want to be associated with this site (confuse people):

Examples of similar scam sites:

I sent them an email from the contact form on their website, and hope that I get a response: Curious to know if this is a scam website. There are no customer reviews/forum. I dont have a problem with purchasing 'knockoffs', I just want to be informed whether or not what I may purchase on your site is really made by the specified manufacturer, or if its a replica. Thanks

I will report back if I get an email from them, or any other details.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

the slow collapse of BIG MEDIA

They are supposed to start rolling out the 6 strikes anti-piracy plan this month?

What they are probably trying to do is discourage/scare people that are DLing(downloading) stuff. Many people gave up when they started blocking thepiratebay.se

But most of us know how to get around their ways of tracking user traffic.
Just download from the magnet links and go into your preferences and set force encryption to true. It might make your download slower sometimes but for your privacy/protection, it's worth it.

However, I have several friends that have stopped DLing - they are just watching streaming movies/tv shows now via various websites - and swear by it.
> http://www.1channel.ch
> http://www.viewmix.tv
http://pegleg.it

The torrent sites I use are currently:
>> http://www.torrenthound.com/
>> http://kat.ph/
>> http://fenopy.se/

What the media companies dont understand - or dont want to offer is a general pay per view system, much like iTunes or Amazon Prime. Sure, there is room for NETFLIX, HULU, REDBOX - for now. But again, in the long run, I dont think that customers dont want a limited bundled package. They want the option of watching what they want, when they want it. And maybe thats why torrent files are the go to option?

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Comcast Cable Box Fees

Xfinity X1 DVR Review
If you want to avoid the monthly set top box rental fees with Comcast, there are a few options: purchase your own off ebay/craigslist/etc, luckily find a cheap one from a local thrift store, or create one via a PC.

>> Comcast Atlanta Channel lineup
>> Comcast officially launches next-gen X1 DVR platform and iPhone remote app
>> Comcast X1 deployed in Atlanta in August 2012
>> XFINITY® TV Application Eligible Set Top Boxes
>> General info about Comcast Xfinity HD DVR Service
>> Humax's take on an IP-connected TV box for Comcast passes thru FCC, NOV 2012

THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
- Most DVRs WILL NOT tell you that recording a show will stop another.
- Searching for a movie primarily points you towards paid movies and not what's available free.
- The ROKU does not work with Comcast yet (HBO, etc)?
- Don't pay "HD Technology Fee" to Comcast if use your own HD DVR

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Auraslate 1026

So my mom had to have a tablet. I did the research, and for the money ($200 USD) this seems like the best value. Its now $180 ($20 cheaper). But you may also want to consider a $200 Chromebook (laptop). UPDATE: I recently purchased this tablet for $150 - a better option than the Auraslate.

With the Auraslate, you will probably feel left out in the cold if you have questions about the unit. Sure, they have a user forum - but it doesnt look like anyone responds.

I immediately had a problem with them unit, and thought it was defective. When I got it, I turned it on, tried to connect it to the wifi, and it went black. It was showing over 90% battery when it went black and wouldnt reboot. I tried hitting the power button, charging it, etc. But nothing seemed to work until I stuck a paperclip point into the reset button hole. I then hit the power button and it immediately powered up.

It comes with many applications installed, including a couple of handy marketplaces to be able to download apps. I did put some apps and music on the device that I thought would be handy: TuneIn Radio Pro, mxplayer, Weather HD, netflix, vimeo, stitcher, sketchbook, skype, and more. I also recommend a case (my mom just used an old cosmetics vinyl bag), a scratch protection coating, and a 16gb SD card.


My main issue with the device is that I cannot view flash objects on the device. Ive tried several installs - but nothing seems to work. Ive done some research on the unit -n the auraslate 1026 is similar to Digma iDx10. So that may help in some ways. The links below may help:

INSTALLING FLASH

Android 4.0 flash player v11.1.115.20
>> http://www.transformerforums.com/forum/guides-tips-tricks/23948-how-get-best-browser-experience-your-tablet.html
>> http://www.careace.net/2012/10/03/how-to-manually-install-flash-on-your-samsung-android-device/
Flash versions: http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/archived-flash-player-versions.html
latest mozilla browser w/flash build (OCT 28 2012)
>> http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/926559
install flash on 4.1 jellybean
>> http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-install-Adobe-Flash-on-Android-4.1-Jelly-Bean_id32682


Other browsers to consider:
dolphin, chrome, opera

MISC
cyanogenmod 10 auraslate clockwork mod

>> http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/what-is-clockworkmod-recovery-and-how-to-use-it-on-android-complete-guide/

Other marketplaces:
>> http://www.netalien.biz/2012/04/top-ten-android-apk-file-download.html
>> http://www.gizchina.com/2012/08/14/20-ways-to-get-free-android-apps-downloads/pandaapp
>> http://download.pandaapp.com/android-app/pandaapp-for-android1.3-id10895.html
>> http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/download-fireplace-market-apk-bazaar-cydia-like-alternative-android-app-store/
>> http://openappmkt.com/

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

tablets (just fancy gadgets?)


For the power user (and value) for $200, either get the Nexus 7/Galaxy Tab 2 tablet, or wait for new lower priced and smaller version of the ipad to be released in October. But you must first ask yourself, why do you NEED a tablet. If you just WANT a tablet - then stop reading and just go buy one.





The next question is: why wouldn't you just buy a swivel laptop instead?
http://tablet-pc-review.toptenreviews.com/
http://shopap.lenovo.com/in/en/laptops/thinkpad/x-series-tablet
($$$ need example from Kasey here)

Best comparison charts:
http://www.theverge.com/products/compare/5831/2506/3767/5147/
http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/spec-comparison-new-ipad-v.-nexus-7-v.-kindle-fire-hd-7-8.9
http://www.pcworld.com/article/258508/nexus_7_tablet_vs_kindle_fire_vs_the_rest_spec_smackdown_chart.html



Some 'power user' things to consider in tablets:
- 3G/4G option for internet use on the road
- Nexus 7 has NFC support
- does it have the full OS experience (iOS/Android)?
- Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi (faster on Fire HD?)
- usb or proprietary connection?, sd card slot?
- No GPS, Accelerometer, Magnetometer/Compass, Gyroscope on Kindle Fire HD?
- Nexus 7 has no video out capabilities?
- does it have dual cameras (front and back)?
- app store - The Amazon app store is greatly limited compared to Android or Apple

>> Great article on Amazon and their Kindle Fire HD

A similar question is: do you WANT the iphone5, or do you NEED it?
Overwhelmingly, I'm sure that most of us could not justify needing it.

Succcess = constant motivation and enthusiasm

Success is the ability to move from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm. -Winston Churchill  

I think the caveat to that quote is that you need to be excited about and believe in what you are doing (what you are working towards (your goals)).

Don't just do it, do it differently (or at least differently every so often).
Stop doing the same thing, especially if you are bored or have any doubts in what you are currently doing. Actually, we should constantly 'switch it up'. It provides 'off the beaten path' opportunities, as well as a much more interesting story (just keep your morals/ethics handy along the way).

Something that I think ties in to this line of thinking is that the devil is in the details.
whats another way to say that?
The point is that every decision, thought, movement, purchase, thing we say shapes the world around us. Move carefully down the path of life, but efficiently.

I think the above video and the direction Amazon is promoting - shows their motivation, enthusiasm, and excitement about doing something different.

>> Great article on Amazon and their Kindle Fire HD

Sunday, September 02, 2012

Purchased a Treadmill


We are looking for a treadmill to run on. Atleast 2.5HP motor, adjustable incline, foldable, heart rate monitor, and not above $400. Big question: What is the HP of the motor? We want at least 2.5HP, and anything over 3.0 is also unnecessary. Craigslist currently has several gyms that are selling their equipment.

Sure it can be an expensive purchase, but like with most things - if you dont buy it new, you will save a lot more money. The other thing you have to think about is - that this is an investment in your health. So you want to get something that meets your needs. The other big part about exercise - is motivation. Unfortunately, I didnt find a place to purchase that ;-). Music really helps with motivation when it comes to exercise.

Low Country Fitness seems like a high possibility. They refresh their stock every week and have updates on WED/THURS. Good prices on NEW equip. http://www.lowcountryfitness.net

Ratings by model
http://www.treadmillreviews.net/treadmill-model-reviews/

Asher Appliances
https://plus.google.com/114708046696480438100/about?gl=us&hl=en
4677 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA
(404) 288-8476

They sell mattresses, refigerators and more. We bought our treadmill fully assembled in Feb 2012 at Asher for $600 ($1200 online new) on my VISA card as a scratch and dent. They had several treadmills listed on craigslist.

Their location had a junkyard/warehouse feel to it. The main guy and all the employees were friendly and helpful. Especially needed their help to get it into the truck. I had 2 friends help me get it into the back door of our house at a wierd angle. I will probably pay to have it moved next time. It is 250lbs and wierd shaped so it is not easy to move - unless you are rolling it on the floor (it has weels).

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Apple vs Samsung & Ethics?


I too agree with what is said to be Pablo Picassos’ quote “Good artists borrow, Great artists steal.” Which is why Apple nor Samsung, or any other company should be concerned with copying or patents of their products.
Withholding information or knowledge can only stifle or slow the rate of innovation/improvements/advancement.


Companies should not keep their intellectual property in secret. If they are truly interested in advancing civilization, they should share information openly.

This directly relates to patents. There should not be any such thing as a patent.

If a company truly believes that their service/product/offering is valuable, companies should provide direct comparisons to other similar services/products/offerings from their competitors.

As in nature, it should be survival of the fittest. The big difference is that we have knowledge that we should share openly to solve problems to better the world, environment, and humanity.

Update 092012: Mark Twain on Plagiarism and Originality: “All Ideas Are Second-Hand”
Update 091012:
Why knockoffs are good for the fashion industry.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

New glasses on the cheap!


My boss recommended Zinni, but he said to make sure you double-check all your measurements and prescription details before ordering.
>> http://www.zennioptical.com
Always search for a full review (several is better)
>> http://www.moneycrashers.com/zenni-optical-review/
Always look for coupons when purchasing an item online.
>> http://coupons.answers.com/zenni-optical-coupons
Always look for recent customer reviews.
>> http://itzmitz.blogspot.com/2012/02/zenni-optical.html
Then you can make an educated decision.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

PRIVACY


I dont think that collusion blocks any tracking. I think the tool only shows you who is (and its a good tool).
Other ways to block tracking your browsing is (ranked in order of success):
- https://www.torproject.org
- use Google Chrome and browse with an 'incognito window' (firefox may have a similar option)
- using a tool like collusion to find out who is tracking, and block them. a good way to do this is via the hosts file: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_(file)

Monday, March 12, 2012

Truth in Advertising is long gone...


AT&T false advertising? Using the word UNLIMITED in their marketing, when its not even remotely close to the definition of the word. Maybe we should outlaw using the word MARKETING, since it really means LIES. Im glad my wifes cellphone contract finally expired. She was paying over $90mo for her 3GS cellphone bill. With MySimpleMobile (off of the Tmobile backbone), she says she has better service, unlimited data, texting and calling for only $40mo!
>> ATT clarifies limitations
>> ATT / Apple LIE
>> ATT gets dirty

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Personal challenge/DARE/COMPETITION


Email me with your challenge - and an offer ($25 minimum), and I will either accept, or engage you in a discussion on the challenge you have submitted (to talk about final options/rules/etc). You may suggest it to be a competition (where I match your bet) - winner takes all.
Challenges will be documented, video/photos links will be posted on my blog/Facebook/Twitter/Youtube/Vimeo/etc.

Some ideas for challenge submissions:
-do tough mudder (10-12 mile obstacle challenge)
-no alcohol for 30 days
-no foul language for 30 days
-how many pushups in 60secs
-writing one hour a day or diary for 30 days
-cooking a new dish for every dinner for 30 days
-one piece of art, or sketch every day for 30 days
-raw fruits/veggies only for 30 days
-24 hrs as homeless in shelter in downtown Atlanta
-homeless/no wallet every weekend? fri-sun? for 30 days
-Polyphasic/biphasic Sleep for 30 days
-sell 30 items on ebay (get rid of stuff)
-take a self portrait - http://kottke.org/11/03/everyday-iphone-app
-sing a different song outloud in public or video posted on internet for 30 days
-comment on a different website for 30 days
-learn to play a song on an instrument in 30 days
-consume a gallon of milk in 1 hour
-try not to say or think any negative thoughts for 30 days
The underlying goal here is for betterment, or self improvement. Hoping to avoid shock value or the reality show path of mostly showing people breeding negativity.

This was inspired by: TED - 30days / Morgan Spurlock
http://www.ted.com/speakers/morgan_spurlock.html
TED - Trying something new for 30 days / Matt Cutts

http://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days.html

I Bet You Will began as a popular Internet webcast of five-minute episodes featuring ordinary people doing disgusting, unusual, or embarrassing stunts in exchange for money. Examples include eating a full jar of mayonnaise ($235USD), eating a "worm burrito" ($265USD), and taking shots of corn oilPepto-Bismollemon juicehot sauce, cold chicken broth, and cod liver oil ($450USD for all nine shots). The webcast was a success, with over a million hits in the first five days.[citation needed] The show was later bought and aired by MTV. Some example videos: video 01, video 02

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The End of the World (as we know it) is Nigh


FYI - the industry(as we know it) is dead. Something better is out there. Im sure that todays industries dont want you to know about it. These radical changes give new life to the old saying "if you build it, they will come". The catch is, you just cant put out typical stuff and expect people to flock to it.

FARMING / FOOD
- http://www.podponics.com

CURRENCY EXCHANGE SYSTEM
- Forget China, 'System D' Is World's Second Largest Economy
- DWOLLA
- BITCOIN
- This 28-Year-Old's Startup Is Moving $350 Million And Wants To Completely Kill Credit Cards

GLOBAL TRADE

- http://www.alibaba.com
- http://www.ebay.com

LOANS / FUNDING
- http://www.kickstarter.com

OUTSOURCING
- https://www.elance.com
- https://www.odesk.com
- http://www.poptent.net

MANUFACTURING
- http://www.makerbot.com

CHARITY
- http://www.kiva.org

TELECOMMUNICATIONS (is now VOIP)
- http://www.skype.com
- https://www.google.com/voice/

THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
- NISSAN LEAF
- TESLA MOTORS
- TOYOTA PRIUS
- HISTORY

HIGHER EDUCATION
- http://www.khanacademy.org
- MIT OPEN COURSEWARE
- Making Universities Obselete

TV / MPAA (motion picture association of america)
- BITTORRENT
- http://www.netflix.com
- http://www.hulu.com
http://www.youtube.com

RIAA (recording industry association of america)
- Louis CK makes $1 million in 12 days, proves that DRM-free content is valued (2012)
- RIP -A remix manifesto (watch full movie free here) (2007)
- Radiohead / Trent Reznor against the industry (2007)

NEWS/JOURNALISM
Is now websites, blogs, search engines (Google, Bing, etc)

POLITICS/CAPITALISM
- ANONYMOUS
- THE OCCUPY MOVEMENT
- Online activism

DRUGS
- Silk Road
- Underground Website Lets You Buy Any Drug Imaginable


I think my message is this:
The people of this world expect more. We are not entitled to it. We simply believe that we all should be working towards higher goals. Not how much profit we can make/GREED (Wall St.). Not about how much we can produce for the cheapest price (WALMART/Alibaba.com). We are interested in what is right. The right thing to do. For us, for the environment, for future generations.