Swan Family Feeding

Born last spring, the two swans with a little gray in their feathers still are the cygnets ("swan babies"). Each year, the mother nests on the lake in back of me and spends several weeks there. On several years, the offspring did not survive. More recently, their success rate has been improving.

Microsoft Expands its Market

While awaiting the release of Windows 10, Microsoft ups the ante with the announcement of Office for Android. At the same time, the company is also aggressively pushing individual parts of MS Office products for Apple devices. Microsoft Word is now the top download on iTunes for iPhone and iPad. Free is the most powerful word in advertising. It worked to put Microsoft on the map and it is surprising competitors have not been able to take advantage of this niche. If Microsoft is smart, MS Office will also be included free initially on Windows 10. Although this may be a lucrative strategy, Microsoft has one more trick up its sleeve; the push for inexpensive smartphones.

Aside from extending its audience, the new Office products also provide greater compatibility and consistence. In the past, Office Mobile for iPhone was available but failed to produce the same user-experience even in the Office package. The revamped Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps now deliver a more consistent user-experience thus reducing the learning curve of Microsoft products dramatically on Apple and Android devices.

Also key to Microsoft's marketing plan is the introduction of cheaper smartphones. The Lumia 535 is packed with powerful features and costs only 110 euros (about $136). At that price, the phone provides a significant threat to the iPhone as consumers love Apple but price is an entirely different thing. Will this combined strategy and other efforts by Microsoft be enough to turn around the company? Only time will tell.

Origin of Strange Sounds in the Night

All around the world, reports of eerie sounds in the distance have many people concerned. Although these strange haunting noises may appear supernatural, science has another answer. Often heard in the winter months, these sounds are produced usually by machines on the ground and distorted by unusual weather phenomena. When a temperature inversion occurs, sound will rebound from the atmosphere above and come back to Earth. Since only the higher range of sound dissipates under these conditions, a distortion of the original sound occurs so that instead of hearing something like road construction or highway noise, witnesses will report "other worldly noises". Rest assured, there is nothing paranormal about these sounds. The longer the signal, the more it distorts. After traveling sometimes hundreds of miles, the tones received often bear little resemblance to the original sound source.

Large Box Turtle Visitor

Found this turtle in my backyard by the lake. I haven't seen it lately. Hopefully it's all right. It doesn't appear to like noise. I think it was just the sound of me working in my yard that scared it off. Nevertheless, what a spectacular animal!

How bad is Ebola Compared to Other Viruses?

Although Ebola is no picnic, the prognosis with early detection is remarkably good. Here in the US, those chances increase significantly. In countries affected by civil war and a near complete destruction of their infrastructures, of course patients will be less likely to recover. Limited medical supplies, lack of funding and in extreme cases, no real hospital to speak of has plagued these nations with a sad outlook. To combat a lack of permanent medical facilities, the US and other countries have setup makeshift hospitals and deployed army personnel to assist in the construction. Despite current efforts and pledged support, only about $100,000 of funding has cleared. Red tape remains perhaps a bigger enemy though comparably, Ebola is certainly not even close to a worst case scenario.

Unlike the H1N1 Flu, Ebola is not an airborne virus. This is significant because it reduces the chance of viral spreading without direct or indirect contact. Transmission occurs only when a person comes into contact with bodily fluids and is not likely transferred through the respiratory system. The Bubonic Plague of the Middle Ages and influenza epidemic of the early 20th century show how much worse and pandemic a virus can be. Unlike the past, today we know what causes viruses and understand the importance of hygiene and following proper medical procedures. While we still get it wrong from time to time, Ebola is yet another chapter of our learning experience. It may not be easy but it is most certainly controllable. Education and political will though remain key to containment as disinformation is a green eyed monster. People associating Ebola with coincidental vaccinations mistaken as a source of the virus need to understand how Ebola is spread and why a future vaccine may be the best chance of preventing its spread. Until then, the antibodies of those who have survived the virus may be our best weapon to stave off a true pandemic.

Recommended Reading:

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/influenza-epidemic/
http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/31104/title/Vaccines-are-Safe/

How to Charge a Cell Phone without Power

In a bind, this YouTube video shows how to charge a cell phone without power. Using a phone charger, key and 9-volt battery, it is possible to draw current from the battery to induce a charge. The video does not discuss whether a full charge is possible but it does show an easy method that will hopefully produce enough of a charge to make an emergency phone call. Note that I did not actually run the test myself so proceed with caution if your phone costs more than your car.

Is Windows 10 a Threat to Other Operating Systems?

Windows 10 combines the best of the old and new. Unlike its predecessor, the new O/S does not appear to force you into a completely different experience than users are accustomed to. If features previewed in the latest beta remain consistent, the product will likely boost PC sales and possibly set a new precedent.

The biggest advantage of Windows 10 is consistency. While other operating systems often vary in functionality from device to device, the new Windows provides a consistent platform for both users and developers. This allows for an easier learning curve and standardization for programmers. Being able to write code once that adapts well for each device is a significant advantage that Microsoft on the surface at least appears to be embracing well.

Companies like Haskell New York Inc. that provide their own in-house staff to develop and maintain an online presence and internal system can leverage the consistent model to produce systems without having to adapt for each platform. Having learned from its mistakes of the past, it is unlikely Microsoft will try to force a radical redesign so quickly in the future. This is great news for IT professionals as well as it means easier support and less procedures to remember.

How to Determine if Your Vehicle is on a Recall List

Every year, car manufacturers attempt to notify thousands of vehicle owners of important recalls. Often these recalls fall on deaf ears as people relocate, vehicles are sold and notices are ignored or unread. There are several ways to determine if your car or other vehicle has been recalled.

• You can call the dealership where you purchased the vehicle. 
• Check the specific recall list such as the recent airbags recall (subject to periodic expansion).
• Enter your VIN number on the government site. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a government agency that tracks recalls, provides recall lists and reports other information regarding vehicle safety. To check if your vehicle is on a recall list:

1. Go to: http://www.nhtsa.gov/
2. Click on Recalls and defects.
3. Either check the latest recall lists or choose "Search for recall by VIN" (Vehicle Identification Number).

Disabling Multi-window on Samsung Galaxy Tablets

Although the Samsung Galaxy is a great tablet, one issue I take with the latest version is the Multi-window feature which has a tendency of interfering with Flipboard and other apps. Fortunately, disabling this feature is not hard. While multi-tasking can be helpful, constantly having to close a side menu you never intended to open can be quite annoying.

To Disable the Multi-window:

1. In Settings app, scroll down until you see the Display menu option.
2. Click Display.
3. Click Multi-window and confirm the checkmark is no longer in the box. If it is, click again to remove the checkmark.

iPhone 6 Catches Fire

Although I could commend Apple for its brilliant foldable iPhone 6 design, the iPhone 6 is now a sizzling red hot commodity. Okay maybe they didn't really intend it to be foldable but look how much easier it fits in your pocket! Unfortunately, the same flaw that makes the phone bend easily also comes with a safety precaution.

At least one user claims the phone has caused a fire as the phone bent so badly that eventually the battery became damaged. Whether the claim is true or not one cannot say, but being the best at something means more than just being innovative. Product safety should always come first and any product that bends in your pocket should make consumers think twice before they purchase.

How to Fix Shockwave

For those who have not experienced it yet, Shockwave is causing many websites to freeze up. This can be extremely annoying regardless of what platform you use. For Windows users, there is an easy fix (see Shockwave Fix for Windows below).

If you find the Shockwave plug-in is causing your browser to crash, a temporary solution is to disable the plug-in in your browser:

Google Chrome:

1. In the address bar, type: chrome:plugins
2. Click Disable by the Adobe Flash Player plug-in.

Internet Explorer:

1. Click on Tools menu if available or the gear icon (top right),
2. Click Internet options and then the Programs tab.
3. Choose Show All add-ons from the drop-down if Shockwave does not appear in the list.
4. Click on Manage add-ons and select Shockwave Flash Object.
5. Click Disable button below.

Firefox:

Firefox will automatically prompt you if a plug-in is failing and give you the option to disable it for a particular page. Note that the same issue may re-occur if the site has multiple pages that use Shockwave.

Shockwave Fix for Windows:

Since many sites like Yahoo over-depend on Shockwave, disabling the plugin may not be a viable option. Other solutions include re-installing the plug-in or reporting the site. Note that reporting the site in Internet Explorer via the Tools menu (or gear icon - top right) will sometimes trigger an automatic Windows update within 24 hours that addresses the issue. This worked twice for me in the past but keep in mind that the update will occur in the background but not be applied until it is both fully downloaded/installed and your PC has been restarted after the install is completely finished. Windows will automatically prompt you when the restart is necessary provided you do not change the default update settings.

For more tips on how to correct Shockwave, visit:

www.shockwave.com/help/faq_flashplayer.jsp

Every Mailman's Worst Nightmare

Snowball After a Long Day

It was a day like any other when I came home from work to find the front window missing. Snowball had apparently broken through the glass. His mortal enemy just dropped the mail and ran. Not long afterwards, I had him chained to a bench on the front porch as I was working outside. Upon seeing the mailman, the family pet dragged the bench across the driveway nearly hitting my car while closing in on the mailman. Alarmed, the mailman dropped the package which Snowball subsequently peed on. Unfortunately for the postal guy, the package was not for me so he had to pick it up and still deliver it. Lightning struck a third time when I was walking Snowball and his cheap made in China auto-retractable leash broke and again, guess who was in sight? In his 17 years of living, Snowball never managed to get that mailman before his passing but he showed that mailman who was boss and no one in a postal uniform ever dared step foot in our house.

Canine Companion on Couch

Will the U.S. Require Permanent Peacekeeping Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan?

If the situation in Korea is any indication of what may happen in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. may be forced to bear the burden of permanent peacekeeping forces in both countries. With an estimated 29,300 U.S. troops still in South Korea several decades after an armistice was never fully ratified, the possibility of needing permanent peacekeeping forces may be required to deter aggression. Hopefully this scenario will not play out but after recent events, it is going to be difficult removing all troops from Afghanistan and ultimately more ground troops will likely be redeployed in Iraq. If the Korean model proves accurate, combat missions may not be necessary in the long run but the burden of a rotating/permanent occupation cannot be ruled out.

GSA Announces Deals for Car Sharing

In an effort to reduce costs, GSA or General Services Administration has announced deals with Enterprise, Hertz, CarShare, ZipCar and Carpingo to provide car sharing services for GSA employees. In theory, this will save the government agency money by reducing the need for taxi-fair, vehicle leasing and automobile purchases. The pilot program will run for a year with an option to renew if successful.

Having come under fire several times for wasteful spending recently, GSA seeks to repair its image and become more efficient. Despite this, they still require antiquated techniques for maintaining GSA schedules often at the frustration of private contract holders. The need to run SIP (Schedules Input Program) and upload all product images just to remove a single item from a schedule is just one example of a totally inefficient system. The legacy software program SIP also is unwieldy slow and problematic. Their inability to reduce GSA schedule maintenance time not only adds to unnecessary costs for the government but also hurts private dealers that GSA ironically is supposed to help.

Even seemingly good causes like the AbilityOne program also suffer from unnecessary red tape. AbilityOne sells products to support the blind and other individuals living with major health issues. Filtering out ETS (Essentially the Same) items from schedules in favor of AbilityOne equivalents continues to be an enormous challenge for dealers that cannot even get an unambiguous list of items to filter out. When the system fails, dealers take the fall for non-compliant items on their schedules even when the wholesaler is really to blame for not providing exact skus.

Despite the best efforts of General Services Administration to cut costs, such efforts are in vein until it reforms the system as a whole. Emods or Electronic Modification requests are overly cumbersome and SIP is even worse. The whole approval system of emods and schedules needs to be rethought and greatly simplified if they expect to truly reduce their costs and help the AbilityOne program and schedule holders.

How Microsoft Saved Apple

Gates and Jobs

We often hear about Steve Jobs being a brilliant marketing executive that brought Apple to the forefront of technical innovations. Less remembered is the time when Apple was close to bankruptcy speculating it had only 60 days to turn the company around. Coincidentally, Microsoft was in court defending itself and offered 100 million dollars to Apple to show it had a viable competitor. This made the argument that Microsoft had no real competition less plausible though in truth, the company was still a monopoly. Nevertheless, it gave Apple the funding it needed to stave off bankruptcy and inadvertently created a far bigger competitor than Microsoft could have anticipated. True Microsoft's dominance may have hastened Apple's earlier hardship but without fierce competition, Apple might not have been so driven to innovate as much and gain the position it has now.

What People Need to Know About Fibromyalgia

Although drug companies love to push the condition fibromyalgia, few of them will tell you it is a catch all condition doctors often suggest when no clear diagnosis can be given. This does not mean the ailment is psychosomatic but a word of caution must be taken before starting any treatment especially if it does not apply to you. Not only can the side effects of the medication be worse than the original problem but the possibility of a misdiagnosis could have far greater consequences.

Since many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia are common among different conditions, the potential for a misdiagnosis of a more serious condition like hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or a malignancy can have grave impact. Likewise, two or more unrelated ailments often get grouped together and incorrectly labeled as fibromyalgia. Before panicking though, there is one more possibility. In the first episode of House MD, a patient tells Dr. House he heard about a condition called fibromyalgia that matches his symptoms. To that House responds that it is kind of the definition of getting older too.

Note: Robert Haskell does not make any claim to be a medical expert. Information pertaining to health and medical conditions does not necessary reflect the opinions of Haskell New York Inc.

References

http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/common-misdiagnoses-of-fibromyalgia
http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/hypothyroidism-too-little-thyroid-hormone
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/lupus/
http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_apnea.htm
http://www.health.com/health/chronic-pain

Windows 9 Delivers

In the much anticipated technical preview of Windows 9, Microsoft appears to have made progress listening to customer feedback. Annoying features like the Charms bar that make Web browsing awkward on a mouse/keyword device are now suppressed. Users on a touch screen will still have access to this feature. Likewise, Windows 9 also does not force the user into full screen mode. Instead, such programs now operate in windows to encourage multitasking. The pinnacle of course is the return of the Start menu. The new Start menu combines the best of the old and new. On the left side, a traditional view of the program hierarchy appears while the right shows a more modern live tile display. Also noteworthy is the addition of voice enabled applications through Cortana. Though not exactly cutting edge anymore or particularly reliable on any device, voice enabled applications are a major selling point and Windows 9 appears to have embraced it well.

In short, Microsoft has finally tamed Windows again by rolling back annoying features while not losing track of the future. In all, Windows 8 was a mistake but its faster load speed over previous versions cannot be ignored. Hopefully Microsoft will continue to work on this as they move forward. With this major upgrade to the operating system, users should feel comfortable again using their PCs. In Windows 9, users can easily find programs and get up and running quickly. Experienced users will no longer feel like novices again. Most important of all, Windows 9 appears to have been designed to restore consumer confidence so end users can leverage their knowledge of previous versions to keep being productive while they learn new features.

References

http://techcrunch.com/2014/09/28/free-windows-9-for-some-isnt-too-crazy/?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000591
http://www.valuewalk.com/2014/09/windows-9-everything-revitalize-microsoft/
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/everything-know-windows-9-microsofts-151417099.html

Secret to Immortality Discovered?

Although it may sound like a sensationalized headline, this tiny pond dwelling creature known as the hydra may very well have achieved immortality. Provided the animal is not deprived of life sustaining water or other important nutrients, hydras have the capability of repairing what would be irreparable damage in other species. If fact, they seemingly live forever due to a key difference in their anatomy. Unlike human beings and other animals, most hydra cells are unspecialized. Instead of cells for skin, bone, hair, etc., these cells exist in an embryonic-like state. After a few weeks of living, virtually every cell in their bodies is replenished with new cells as the old cells flake off given the hydra increased vigor like it has just been born. See the NPR YouTube video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRNVc2xC2O0

Are Computer Devices Becoming too Slim?

iPhone 6 Exhibiting Inadequate Durability

With some users reporting that iPhone 6 can potentially bend under minimal pressure, you have to wonder how quality controls were conducted. Although consumer-electronics typically undergo durability tests before going to market, somewhere along the line, testing either was insufficient or never conducted on some phones. Was this the result of trying to race to market?

In the old days, product testing on similar devices like PDAs always included a drop test. Understandably though, many people would not be happy about their particular phone being dropped so only select phones probably endure this test. Nevertheless, the sample phones put through this scrutiny were inadequate for the durability test.

Personally, I prefer Android-based Samsung products because they are cheaper and still get the job done. Samsung devices are slim but comparatively, their Galaxy 3 tablet looks like a tank. It may not seem as sexy, but sometimes being slimmer is not always better.

Solving Speed Issues in Windows 8

Not long ago, I wrote a post showing how to make your PC faster. Today, I am supplementing this with some specified instructions for Windows 8. Startup programs can be particularly annoying by hogging resources when they are not even needed. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and consumer/electronics dealers love to ship boxes loaded with software that comes with the unit. While startup software can be useful especially in the case of virus and malware detectors, inevitably some programs will interfere with one another making your computer lag.

In Windows 7, the procedure to disable startup programs is fairly intuitive. Windows 8 hides this functionality much to the dismay of its users. To determine which programs are running at startup on Windows 8x in the Desktop view:

1. Right click the Task Bar at the bottom of the screen. Be sure not to click on any program icon.
2. Choose the Task Manager.
3. Choose the Startup Tab.

The last column on the right shows the Startup impact rated from High to Low. If you are sure a particular program does not have to be auto-loaded, click the row of that process and choose the Disable button. Be sure not to accidentally disable your network or security protection.

Smile, Black Jesus Loves You

Black Jesus and his "Followers"

In this hilarious series airing on Cartoon Network / Adult Swim, a black man living in the hood believes he is Jesus reborn. Upon deciding to grow a community garden on an abandoned lot, Black Jesus finds his marijuana crop has failed but magical tomatoes have grown in its place. Truly one of the funniest shows I've ever seen! Filled with witty street lingo and a great contrast between his loving godly ways and human shortcomings. Is Black Jesus really the son of God as he prays to "pops" or merely a delusional man that tends his goats in back of an apartment complex? Regardless, I'm hooked now and can't wait to see the next episode.

Microsoft Set to Preview Windows 9

With Windows 8 on its last breath, Microsoft hopes to invigorate the company with a preview of version 9. Leaked previews of the Start menu shows a much more traditional version of the product with an updated spin. Although the company appears to be making progress, only time will tell if this is enough.

http://www.valuewalk.com/2014/09/windows-9-microsoft-success/

Secret Service Blunder

How it could even be possible that someone could breach White House security like this befuddles me. Maybe we should just give them some slack. After all, it was Friday and nobody wants to work then.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/09/22/prosecutor-white-house-intruder-had-800-rounds-ammo-machete-in-car/

Woman Gets Third Breast Implant

Although she claims the third breast implant was intended to make her unappealing to men, the possibility of her still being attractive back on her home planet still remains:

http://gawker.com/woman-gets-third-boob-implanted-wants-to-be-unattract-1637586099

Flesh Eating Spider Needs New Publicity Agent

brown recluse spider

Just the thought of this creepy, crawly thing is enough to stir most people. Add to this the notion that it can disfigure a person by "eating flesh" and it is time to call the paramedics or is it? Although brown recluse spiders do contain some venom, 90% of bytes heal without complications though scaring can occur and in extreme cases, possibly even death. However, they are often blamed for mysterious splotches even when no spider has been seen. Moreover, most severe cases are the results of failing to keep the wound clean. While I am not a doctor, just thought it would be nice to point out that there is another side to this story.

Russians March in Silent Protest

On Sunday, opposition parties in Russia organized a protest in Moscow. The allowance of some dissent to ease tensions comes with the caveat that the organizers would not be permitted to speak. Despite this, Russian polls show the majority of Russians do not support a war with Ukraine. Once again, this event demonstrates you cannot blame the people for the actions of their leaders. Although some would disagree on this point, even in the United States we often disagree on policies. It is almost like America is two countries. We may not agree on everything, but the right of free speech at least allows us to voice our opinions. Russia though is still experiencing growing pains. The hope of a democracy has been overshadowed by the ambitions of a few that would rather turn back the clock and set their own agendas than do what it takes for the country itself to move forward.

AbilityOne Reports 2013 Fiscal Year

In fiscal year 2013, the AbilityOne program employed nearly 48,000 people with major disabilities including many with severe visual impairment. The program provides employment as well for 3,000 veterans.

Originally implemented through the Wagner Act in 1938, AbilityOne was started as a means to help the blind. Over the next several decades, the program has grown to support many new products and services. Their quarterly newsletter, Opportunity Magazine, highlights success stories of the AbilityOne program. When you buy AbilityOne products sold through the Skilcraft brand, a portion of each sale is donated to the AbilityOne cause.

OfficeSalesUSA.com, a service of Haskell New York Inc., is an authorized AbilityOne participant.

The Truth of Vladimir Putin Finally Revealed

Vladimir Putin

With NATO allies around the world reporting record breaches of airspace by Russian bombers and fighter jets, the possibility of a 3rd world war is no longer just the product of post-cold war paranoia. From the covert takeover of the Crimean Peninsula to his provocative nuclear tests, Mr. Putin is becoming more and more like Vlad the Impaler than the man western leaders hoped they could work with. While world powers are scrambling to meet the challenges of this emerging threat, even the prospect of mutually assured destruction is not enough to deter this madman. My personal belief is that all this warmongering is just a smokescreen to cover up his real ambition - to become the ultimate game show host! Whether it is "Who Wants to Rule the World?" or a remake of "The Gong Show", Vladimir Putin is a man on a mission that won't stop until he is on every cable and network station and the Bank of China is funding his venture with Asad as his wingman.

Breakthrough in Stem Cell Research Solves Ethical Issue

Recent breakthroughs in stem cell research now make it possible to have all the benefits of stem cells without using embryos. In a breakthrough procedure, pluripotent stem cells have been used for the first time in a medical procedure. A Japanese woman in her 70s received the treatment for macular degeneration, a condition that can lead to blindness. Like embryonic stem cells, pluripotents can regenerate any type of cell in the body. However, pluripotent stem cells do not require a fetus. Moreover, as with regular stem cells, they also do not require taking medication for life to avoid tissue/organ rejection. See full story at http://www.nature.com/news/japanese-woman-is-first-recipient-of-next-generation-stem-cells-1.15915.

One Hundred Years of Turmoil

The Great War

The Great War, "the war to end all wars" or so it was to be. A hundred years forward and little has changed. We still fight like madman and selfishly ignore our brothers' plight. The resolution of one conflict leads to another and nothing is ever fully resolved. How foolish we were then. How foolish we are now. Always on the brink of disaster, what did we learn? A hundred years of turmoil and the story never changes.

Aftermath of World War II

After World War II, the United States embarked on an ambitious plan to help veterans returning from combat achieve employment. The G.I. Bill helped veterans go to college and borrow for a home or business in the post-war environment. Some citizens as well took matters into their own hands like the founders of the Home-O-Nize Company or HON Company. By providing employment to veterans, HON is one of the great success stories of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Today, HON is the second largest office furniture manufacturer in North America.

Through both public and private efforts, opportunities arose that put America back on track as businesses also gained from the large stimulus provided. Those opportunities were there for the willing and able but today the same cannot be said. Veterans need our assistance but are largely underappreciated. Programs like Wounded Warriors can help, but more needs to be done. Many representatives support a bill like the G.I. Bill. We need legislation to help returning solders reestablish a foothold so they can be given the same opportunities that made this country great.

Why is My PC so Slow?

You buy a new PC and are stunned by its speed. A year later, that speed has diminished. Possible causes include:

• Startup programs or plug-ins on your PC or browser are slow loading, running or hogging resources.
• Too many tasks running simultaneously.
• Insufficient RAM (Read Access Memory) for your needs.
• A slow or unreliable Internet connection.
• A misconfiguration in Windows or your browser.
• A fragmented hard drive.
• A local area network running slow.
• Overly intrusive firewall, PC or network security software.
• Automatic system  or virus protection updates.
• Out of date software causing inefficiencies.
• Malware has infected your PC.

Disabling startup programs and plugins temporarily or permanently may be advisable for diagnosing speed issues and improving performance. The commands to disable startup programs and plug-ins varies widely depending on your platform and software installed. In Chrome, you can check what programs are running in the address bar by typing:

chrome:plugins

In Internet Explorer:

A. Click the gear icon (top right).
B. Click Tools.
C. Click Internet options.
D. Click Programs tab.
E. Click Manage add-ons.

Assuming your computer is not infected by a virus, a fragmented disk can cause a normally fast machine to operate significantly slower at times. Microsoft recommends defragmenting periodically. In the past, this tool was known as the Disk Defragmenter tool. In Windows 8.1, the tool has been renamed as Optimize Drives. Both Windows 7 and 8x run defragmenting automatically. For most people, the default works fine but you may have unusual needs that require changing the frequency of the scan.

After changing settings, it may be necessary to restart your browser or Windows if you have disabled Startup programs. If you continue to experience a latency issue, there are diagnostic programs that can help. Some popular tools for diagnosing, fixing problems including network related issues and virus protection include:

http://www.mycleanpc.com/
http://us.norton.com/
http://www.pcboostcleaner.net
http://www.whatsupgold.com/

While I cannot endorse any particular product, online reviews can tell you what others are thinking. Below are some commonly used review sites but there are plenty others. Search Google on "pc diagnostic software reviews" or visit the links below:

http://pc-system-utilities-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
http://download.cnet.com/windows/
http://www.pcmag.com/reviews/software

Solar Panels Leaving People in the Dark

Think solar panels will help you in the event of a blackout? Think again! A dirty little secret is that many solar panels are connected to the grid and simply cannot operate without them. Solar power advocates like to push the idea that you can sell power you do not use back to the grid. With this comes a tradeoff. Likewise, solar power though free is not without its limits. A connection to the grid is still necessary when solar power is insufficient to meet energy demands. Full story at http://www.npr.org/2014/09/17/348987688/when-the-powers-out-solar-panels-may-not-keep-the-lights-on.

Signs You May Have an Electrical Problem

Although I have been known to dabble in minor electrical matters, knowing your limits is important. I'll change a light fixture, electrical receptacle or doorbell with no problem. Beyond that requires real expertise. Unfortunately, some do it yourself homeowners go too far. Some things to watch for include:

• Having to constantly reset circuit breakers could be a sign of an overloaded electrical panel.
• Lights should not dim when vacuuming or using an appliance such as a microwave.
• Electrical receptacles should not be hot to the touch, charred, cracked, smoke, make noise or have missing covers.
• Frayed or cracked wiring could be a sign of danger and should be replaced by a qualified electrician.
• Exposed wiring throughout the house. Other than pendant lights, there are few acceptable situations where electrical wires should be exposed.
• Electrical work should always be done to code. Before buying, always make sure all proper permits were pulled.

Licensed electricians do not come cheap but they are there for a reason. I'm all for saving money if the job is simple but electrical work is not for everyone. Paying more for a qualified professional may well be worth the price knowing the work will be done right.

For great deals on consumer-electronics, home and office needs, please visit our main site at OfficeSalesUSA.com.

Butterfly between the Eyes

In the midst of an international music competition, a butterfly lands on Yukie Ota as she tries not to miss a note. Despite the major distraction, she manages to keep her composure. See video at:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/deceptivecadence/2014/09/16/348986742/watch-a-sweet-little-butterfly-nearly-crush-a-womans-hopes-and-dreams

Multi-Seasonal Retail Push Begins

There used to be a time when the end of summer simply marked summer clearance sales. Today, a visit to any major retailer reveals a very different story. Walk into any home improvement store and you will see fertilizer to prepare your lawn for autumn, winter and even turf builder all in the same package. While normally you would expect four seasonable products for maintaining your lawn, a single product today can act as a catch all. This may be smart marketing, but does the one shoe size fits all strategy really work? Well maybe.

Grant it there are some advantages of specialized products that require exclusivity. For years, shampoo manufacturers tried selling shampoo and conditioner both together. With too much resistance both ways, the combination product neither cleaned nor conditioned well. Regardless of whether you are fertilizing in the summer, fall or winter, the product must supply an ample amount of nitrogen to strengthen roots and keep grass green. In this regard, virtually any fertilizer that has a time release will work. Although a product with turf builder will help grass grow better undoubtedly, some of this is just marketing and the difference between these products often are not that great. So whether you walk into a store and see Halloween decorations mixed with Christmas decor or reading that "service notice" for your furnace on a post card, the fall sends mixed signals in every way. After summer vacations, most retailers look forward to an aggressive holiday and seasonal push. It may be a little annoying at times, but that push gets businesses back on track so they are not operating in the red and are seeing green again.

For a great selection of personal and business holiday cards, please visit our holiday cards site at http://haskell.holidaycardwebsite.com/holiday/most-popular-cards.

Why Does Dry Ice Not Melt?

Sublimation of Dry Ice

If all matter can exist as a solid, liquid or gas then why does dry ice not liquefy? Actually, this is a trick question. Under laboratory conditions, dry ice or frozen carbon dioxide turns to a liquid when air pressure is 870 pounds per square inch. At normal air pressure, dry ice will go directly from a solid to a gas through the process of sublimation. Likewise, at sea level, water normally boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit but at a higher elevation, water can boil at a much lower temperature. The same also holds true for freezing temperatures. In the absence of high salinity (salt), water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Salt actually reduces the freezing temperature of water hence it is commonly used to melt ice.

Is Limb Regeneration Possible in Humans?

Not long ago, stem cell and gene research made it possible for human beings to regenerate fingertips right down to the fingerprint if an ample amount of the fingernail remained intact. An accidental discovery also showed lab mice could regenerate holes in their ears and the tips of their toes when the Lin28a gene is enabled. Both mice and human beings have this gene but it is normally disabled after the embryonic state. Further research conducted at the University College London on salamanders shows that the ERK pathway or way proteins communicate from the receptor of a cell to the nucleus is largely responsible for how salamanders can regenerate limbs and certain types of organs. Normally, the ERK pathway is not completely active in mammalian cells. When forced on, the ERK pathway produces greater potential for cell regeneration. The combination of stem cell research and genetic manipulation offers great hope that limb regeneration will eventually become a reality in human beings.

Sources:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/new-limb-regeneration-ins/
http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/musculoskeletal/extracellular-matrix.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140619125218.htm

Why Does Water Condensate on my Glass?

You're in a restaurant drinking a beverage and again as if by magic, water condensation appears on your drinking glass. While everyone is familiar with the phenomenon, few people actually realize what is happening. The reason why condensation appears is that water vapor exists all around you in the form of humidity. A vapor (or gas) has fast moving particles. The cold glass causes the molecules around the glass to slow down and become semi-obstructed. This partial obstruction forms a different state of matter known as a liquid. If the glass is cold enough, the molecules will become completely obstructed and form a solid (ice). Likewise, if you re-heat the glass, the water molecules become liberated again forming a gas. Heat it up enough and the glass itself will vaporize as the molecules break down entirely into their essential elements to produce the forth state of matter know as a plasma.

Government Inefficiency Increasing Costs

Despite probably the worst rollout in US history, it would be disingenuous for me to say the Affordable Care Act is government inefficiency at its best. Truth be told, GSA (General Services Administration) is even more challenging to deal with. Nevertheless, I just received another notice regarding the status of my healthcare policy. This time, AmeriHealth Insurance has informed me as a courtesy that the documentation I have provided the government is insufficient. After sending in documentation now several times, I have to wonder, is it me or are they just that disorganized?

How many times do I have to send Marketplace (a.k.a., Big Brother) a copy of my W2, paystub and tax return before they are satisfied of my earnings? Do I have to start digging up deceased relatives now to verify who I am? You would think they would finally realize that it would save money to provide a simple explanation why documentation is insufficient. Allowing them to reject documentation without a reason almost guarantees the problem will recur. Each time that documentation is rejected, we as tax payers pay for their lack of clarity. Noting a general message is absolutely pointless and that seems to be their standard method of handling feedback. Calling Marketplace rarely solves anything because the person who rejects the documentation never gives any information leaving the representatives answering questions based on conjecture.

A single line explaining why a person's tax return, W2, etc. are not suitable for establishing income would likely avoid repetitive processing and save tax payer money but even if this was not the case, each reoccurrence would at least provide some additional feedback leading to a solution faster. A proper system would also require that after repeated rejections, a manager would automatically be assigned to help resolve the issue. Not doing this shows poor accountability and an unwillingness to handle matters properly.

Unfortunately, Marketplace is not alone in their unproductive policies. Inefficiencies in government persist across virtually all agencies. Anyone who has a GSA schedule knows how annoying it can be to not have a way for the schedule holder to remove line items from their schedule without having to first get formal approval and then spend countless hours, days and sometimes even weeks rebuilding the schedule, checking it and uploading all the products and images via SIP (Schedule Input Program). Even government programs that have been easier in the past like the DOD (Department of Defense) EMALL are becoming difficult to work with. Initially DOD EMALL supported the use of image servers but dealers with large feeds may need to provide these images on a recordable DVD now as they are often too large to email or fit on a single CD. Trying to validate DOD security certificates can also be a hassle but all this pales in comparison to the aggravation of working with FSSI (Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative). As many applicants have found in the past, FSSI is very meticulous about whom it works with and that effort is in no way a guarantee of acceptance.

Although government programs can be a great asset when everything is working, critical thinking must be done to establish more streamlined processing. The first step though in resolving issues is listening and it is not always clear even that much is being done.

How Worried Should we be About Ebola?

Although the Ebola virus has dominated the headlines in recent months, the truth is, the outbreak has been contained almost entirely in just a few countries in Africa. Despite this, some airlines and shipping suppliers have become so paranoid that they refuse to go anywhere near these areas. With tourism down, the economic and political consequences may prove to be even more devastating over time. Africa is a large continent and such fears may be overstated. As Anders Kelto of the NPR blog notes:

"...geographically speaking, canceling a trip to Kenya is like canceling a trip to Disney World because of an Ebola outbreak in Alaska."

Nonetheless, paranoia reigns supreme making an already bad situation worse. Without proper medical assistance and sanitation, the possibility of the virus spreading increases dramatically as these countries are left to their own devices. Air drops would help but hypodermic needles are not exactly something you want to send sailing in the wind.

Without containment, refugees will flee to neighboring countries and beyond. Even a single carrier can bring the virus to the western world. Today it is "their problem" but eventually an outbreak like Ebola may become pandemic. How the international community deals with these outbreaks is a reflection on us all. Maybe this time it will not be the big one, but an uninformed person in charge of decisions can do more damage to a sinking ship than the actual hole itself.

Microsoft Blunders Again?

Rumors of Microsoft's latest naming strategy for the Windows re-launch has many befuddled. Although they clearly wish to move beyond Windows 8 ASAP, strangely, the company is reported to be considering dropping the version information from their flagship product. Instead of Windows 9, Microsoft is considering calling the next release simply, Windows. This would be extremely confusing to anyone trying to determine software compatibility especially in the case of Windows RT which does not run most Windows applications. Trying to emulate the competition, Microsoft is pondering no version information like the Apple OS X. Such a risky move could prove helpful in the long run reducing the ever-expanding group that refuses to move onto newer versions but that assumes the new version will be accepted. If the strategy backfires, Microsoft will be digging itself out of an even bigger hole than it has now.

Houdini the Spy

Most people are aware that Houdini was an amazing magician and perhaps the greatest escape artist of all time. Unbeknownst to many, he also doubled as a spy for the U.S. government. Well versed in the art of deception and a master illusionist, Houdini had many talents but espionage was a whole other thing. Considered the perfect cover for acquiring information abroad, Houdini toured Europe and infiltrated the Kaisers and Czar's inner secrets. In fact, so successful at espionage, the US and London recruited him twice for his services. Upon the untimely death of his mother, Harry Houdini also went undercover exposing mediums who claimed the ability to contact the dead. The History channel provides an inside look at the master magician in the 2-part mini-series Houdini, staring Adrien Brody and Kristen Connolly. A definite must watch for any history enthusiast though brief sexual content may be unsuitable for family viewing.

Do Allergy Medications Really Help People?

Having suffered from allergies all my life, I have come to the conclusion, I am better off without any allergy medication. For me, the side effects are often worse than the original problem. Add to this the fact that many allergy medications are either ineffective or lose their effectiveness after a while and you have to wonder, is there a better way?

If you find yourself constantly sneezing when air ducts are in operation, cleaning those ducts can help but do not forget to vacuum above door trims, under furniture and especially under your bed. Washing linens regularly is imperative and preferably should be done after vacuuming to avoid dust settlement. A vacuum with a HEPA filter can also help alleviate the unpleasantness of flying particles. Although these filters are an added cost, a vacuum that just displaces dust, does not really clean. Likewise, carpeting is notorious for trapping allergens and hardwood floors are definitely much better for controlling allergies.

Although you have less control outdoors than in your house, there some precautions that can be taken. When hiking, try to avoid being downwind of areas known to bother you. Pollen is less likely to affect you when you are not directly being assaulted by allergens. If pollen has you by the ropes when driving, try closing the window after the air-conditioner has vented. Replacing your air-filter regularly can also reduce allergens.

If pets are a problem, do not overlook the importance of a good bath and be sure to clean all parts of your home. Pet dander can be extremely irritating but a good cleaning regiment will alleviate some ill-effects. Although I am not a doctor, I know what works for me and allergy medications are certainly not for everyone. For more hygiene and cleaning tips, visit OfficeSalesUSA.com and check out our Facilities/Cleaning products, medical supplies and articles regarding healthcare.

Mysterious Bird Call Finally Identified!

Have you been hearing strange bird calls at odd times even in the middle of the night? Does it sound almost like a human being imitating an exotic bird? If so, you may have an annoying notification sound on your tablet. If you own a Samsung Galaxy 3, this bird has been waking people up! Why Samsung would make a notification that sounds like a bird and allow it to sound even when the tablet appears to be off makes no sense to me. To disable this sound, try setting your default notification to Silent. Although I'm still testing this on my tablet, I hope to soon say bye, bye birdie!

Shameful Headline Attracts Readers but Fails to Deliver

No you are not missing something in this story. Although the headline from a theepochtimes.com article was "Missing Plane Found? Update: Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, Flight 17 Cause Shakeup", the actual article had nothing to do with finding the aircraft. Why do news sites create fraudulent headlines? Assuming it was not an honest mistake (doubtful), the likelihood is they were trying to drive a large amount of traffic to their site under fraudulent pretexts. Congratulations guys! If making us trust you less as a news source was the objective, you have accomplished your goal!

Are Airplane Maintenance Guidelines Insufficient?

In 1990, British Airways Flight 5390 lost a newly installed windscreen causing the pilot to be sucked halfway out the window. Two crew members secured the captain while the copilot was forced to take a risky maneuver landing the aircraft. In the aftermath, it was determined that the shift maintenance manager had failed to follow protocol to correctly identify which bolts were needed. At just 0.026 of an inch in diameter too narrow, the bolts were insufficient to support the forces exerted upon the windshield. Although the manager clearly violated protocol and several recommendations were made to avoid a similar mishap in the future, a critical safeguard appears to have been overlooked. Given the nearly identical appearance of these bolts and possibility that the correct bolts could still be put in the wrong bin, why take a chance on bolt size or labeling errors? Sometimes product codes are hard to read particularly if the font is not the best choice or printing is too light. If the ends of the bolts each had a distinct color or even better, pattern, this would reduce the chance of misidentification. Grant it, it would be problematic if the person were color blind. However, the pattern would still be discernible and color blindness could be screened. Why anyone would manufacture nearly identical parts without utilizing every possible method of distinction makes no sense to me. Moreover, how could something this crucial be entrusted on a single person? A second quality control officer should always be required to sign off on materials used and how work is done.

Finally Better Looking Fonts in Chrome

Although the Chrome Web browser has some key advantages over the competition, one caveat that sticks to the craw of some IT professionals is poor rendering of fonts in Windows. To rectify the problem would require a compete re-engineering of the font rendering system. In the past, this gave some Web developers hesitation making the switch from Internet Explorer to Chrome. The later may be faster and more secure but if your site does not look as good, the presentation is less effective to clients. Some might have incorrectly assumed appearance is not important to Google as the company made its reputation on a very simple, fast loading home page. However, clearly they were aware of the issue and have now addressed it.

Besides appearance, the newest Chrome browser also disables annoying pop-ups that freeze all other browser functions. No more having to kill the process trying to avoid suspicious activity. The featured originally introduced in Internet Explorer 4 via showModalDialog, is widely considered both a security problem and an annoyance. Together with other security upgrades, the latest Chrome browser is undoubtedly worth the upgrade.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Network Neutrality

Ever notice that lag on your network that comes when your server shows no high connection activity? Often networks are bogged down by area congestion. Cable Internet in particular is notorious for bottlenecks created during peak usage hours. What are some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) doing to combat this? Offering to "fix" the problem by charging you more! Comcast is the biggest ISP throughout the country. Despite bad publicity associated with the move, they recently decided to offer faster service for a premium fee. Needless to say, businesses already feeling the squeeze are not happy.

Network neutrality is a principle that all ISPs and government agencies should treat data equally and not charge more based on content, area, device, platform or wallet size. If your neighbor runs a business with several employees out of his home, is it fair that you should be given a slower connection? Grant it there are some people that abuse bandwidth and ruin it for everyone. Monthly bandwidth caps could be put in place for the worst abusers to ensure people could still enjoy even streaming video within a reasonable amount. For such a cap to be justified, that bandwidth usage would have to be truly far in excess of the average user. This would also protect critical response systems particularly in health care. What is your opinion? How could we counterbalance the rights of consumers and still safeguard key technologies that protect us in emergencies without contradicting ourselves and the principal of network neutrality?

Science Proving Moon Landing

After years of misinformation of those who perpetuate the myth that we never went to the moon, solving these criticisms is actually not hard to grasp. Let us look at the most common criticisms:

Question: Why are there no stars appearing on the moon surface?
Answer: The same illusion occurs on Earth whenever there are a lot of lights on the ground. These lights make it hard to see the stars at night. That is why camp sites are favorites for viewing celestial formations. The number of stars is roughly the same but the view becomes unencumbered.

Question: Why does the flag appear to fly in the wind if the moon has no atmosphere?
Answer: Before setting the flag on the lunar surface, it was rolled up. When unrolled, that energy was released creating motion. Since objects in motion tend to stay in motion unless another force acts upon it, movement will often continue.

Question: Why does the flag stand up if there is no wind?
Answer: To avoid the American flag dangling in the absence of wind, poles were added to prop up each flag. These poles are clearly visible in much of the archival footage.

Furthermore, we know astronauts landed on the moon because we can actually bounce lasers off of a mirror placed there! This was done to accurately measure the distance between the Earth and moon but also proves without a shadow of a doubt, we were there! For more information explaining the science behind the lunar landings, visit any science discussion forum, search Google or check out NASA's official site.

Elizabeth Taylor and Pawn Stars Claim

On the History channel reality show Pawn Stars about a family that owns a pawn shop, the son Corey in episode 83 makes the claim that Elizabeth Taylor was born covered in hair head to toe. Although such a condition does exist known as hypertrichosis, the condition is permanent. Seriously doubting it took her 6 hours to shave her "legs" each morning, I did a fact check. At birth, the doctor informed her mother of a "genetic mutation" called distichiasis where the person has an extra set of eyelashes. Un-phased, her mother coolly responded "That doesn't sound too horrible at all.". However, distichiasis is a serious condition that can lead to painful hair ingrowth, cornea damage and swollen limbs. During the filming of Lassie Come Home, Elizabeth Taylor was scorned for wearing too much makeup. After rushing the kid offset and rubbing her eyes profusely, they discovered she had no mascara on! As she became older, what started off as a disadvantage actually helped her career giving her a one of a kind unique look.

Is Microsoft too Damaged a Brand to Make a Comeback?

Although there have been many times in the past I can say decisions at Microsoft have irked me in terms of counterproductive features and using their power to intimidate people, the company still has potential. Apple fans often argue their products are superior. At times this has been true but at other times, no improvement would be sufficient when a brand itself has a bad stigma attached. No one likes their PC crashing let alone a bully! Companies/brands like Lotus, Wordperfect and Netscape are just some of the casualties. Yes, it is unfair but it is also business. Without a foothold on the Internet, Microsoft knew it would sink fast unless it acted decisively.

Despite taking the initiative, poor decision making and bad publicity opened the door for other competitors. Windows 8 is just one of many bad decisions Microsoft has made throughout the years. Even Bill Gates himself has often been known for commenting "that is so stupid"! Charging premium fees for software while less expensive alternatives were available certainly did not help their case. Likewise, their pay-per-click advertising is no more a bargain than the competition leaving OfficeSalesUSA.com, a service of Haskell New York Inc., less than enthused. They have the power to significantly boost small businesses if they want. Instead, their focus on profit only fails to attract some prospects. Nevertheless, it takes a lot of mistakes for a behemoth this large to go down. With the release of Windows 9 rapidly now approaching, it will be interesting to see how they dig themselves out of this hole.

The "Mars Bone": Optical Illusion or Scientific Breakthrough?

The "Mars Thigh Bone"

Hailed by UFO enthusiast as proof that extraterrestrial life once existed on the red planet, a new image taken by the Curiosity rover appears to show what resembles a "thigh bone". NASA though remains unimpressed and maintains that wind erosion can make ordinary objects appear like objects we recognize. When the "face on Mars" first made headlines years ago, NASA was quick to point out that a trick of light led to the illusion. When seen from other angles and lighting, the face illusion disappears. Although some objects will retain their shape as they are clearly not just manifestations produced by light infraction, it does not follow that they are in fact what they appear to resemble. Despite this, it would be nice for scientific purposes if an analysis were done to rule out the possibility of a bone fragment. Whether Curiosity has this capability is questionable but it could at least identify a partial chemical composition. Does it contain a higher than expected amount of carbon or calcium? If so, this would be quite interesting.

In its early period, the red planet was likely covered by primordial seas. Not having a magnetosphere to protect it, solar wind stripped off most of the atmosphere and the planet dried up. During this time, it is possible some microbial life appeared but it is doubtful anything this advanced could have evolved. On Earth, multicellular creature only appeared after the Snowball Earth period. It wasn't until then that the first collagen molecules appeared. Collagen is the scaffolding that holds multicellular creatures together. Collagen requires oxygen and there simply was not enough before this time for multicellular creatures to develop. Since Mars lost its atmosphere before collagen or a similar molecule could appear, it is unlikely the bone structure is indigenous to the planet itself. However, this does not rule out the possibility that the bone came from another world. For all we know, a prior civilization brought it there and this is the remains of their lunch.

The Windows 9 Balancing Act

Microsoft is finally getting smart. The company has a bad habit of procrastinating important changes. However, with the announcement of Windows 9 coming sooner than expected, they finally took the initiative needed to dig themselves out of a hole. Will the new release be just a rollback to a Windows 7 interface? This is doubtful. Although Windows 7 was a great improvement over Vista, a complete rollback would not make much sense. Windows 8 loads faster than Windows 7 and now defaults to the desktop view. I personally don't want to wait for a slow load again though the tile view and lack of a more intuitive interface is a real turn off in Windows 8.

They All Come to America

Apparently anyone flying over the US is automatically granted citizenship if they are born in the process. Plenty of people trying to get here but many are turned back. Guess it wouldn't hurt to rent out a helicopter provided it has enough gas to make the trip. OK, you may be shot or taken into custody but at least you can enjoy an aerial view of Lady Liberty and the "friendly skies" until then!

How could we protect Against an Electromagnetic Pulse Attack?

Concerns over the possibility of North Korea using a satellite to attack the US via EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse Attack) has recently made headlines. In theory, such an attack could put down the grid just like a CME (Coronal Mass Ejection). Having already run an EMP test over the South Pole last year, North Korea seems determined to counteract US military superiority in any way it can. Caught in the act trying to transport nuclear missiles a couple months later on-board the freighter Chong Chon Gang, North Korea is perhaps our biggest threat to national security. The country is also trying to develop long range missiles capable of hitting Hawaii and possibly the west coast. While the US could easily raise North Korea to the ground in an all-out military offensive, the element of surprise still remains a key threat. So what exactly can we do to avoid or mitigate the effects of an EMP? According to Executive Director Peter Vincent Pry of the Task Force on National and Homeland Security:

"We are blind from the south. We don't have the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System or interceptor to protect us from the south".

Despite this, Arizona, Maine and Virginia have all passed legislation to ward off the effects of an Electromagnetic Pulse Attack. Power companies throughout the country are also trying to retrofit their systems to safeguard against EMP and CME threats. Powering off the grid completely will greatly reduce damage but congress needs to act quickly to enhance our Early Warning System. Until the matter is taken more seriously, we remain highly vulnerable.

How Long Will Lab Grown Meats Take?

A year since the tasting of the first cultured hamburger meat, we may now be within seven years of an actual product according to Dr Mark Post (project manager of "in vitro meat"). Although it is unlikely that the laboratory grown meat will be available initially, the possibility of product being a reality is one step closer now that Google co-founder Sergey Brin has invested in the project. So why is it taking so long to produce a man-made meat that looks and tastes like real meat? The problem comes down to both price and fat content. Fat is actually what makes meat juicy. It also gives meat its distinctive coloring. Past attempts to create an edible product have relied on food coloring. The fat required to replicate both the taste and coloring is a more complex molecule that will require further research. With many expressing a willingness to pay a little more for meat produced humanely, the laws of supply and demand will likely reduce costs as increasing supply to meet demand will ultimately lead to excess driving costs down.

This is exciting news for those who care about animal rights. The backing of the project by billionaire Sergey Brin and other notables marks a turning point in the research. Prior to recent events, only a handful of scientists were working on similar projects but today over 30 laboratories around the world are trying to develop cultured meats. Though progress cannot come soon enough for many, inside surveillance of what goes on in slaughterhouses keeps us ever hopeful that these days are now numbered.

Comcast Equipment, Simply the Worst!

You are watching a show, really getting into it but the volume is a little low. You accidentally hit 2 keys and wham, the remote control responds to almost nothing! This feature likely designed to make their service less susceptible to toddlers hitting all the buttons simultaneously more often than not seems to make their service "adult-proof". Even turning off the power won't reset the device as the "child-proof" mechanism appears to be timed. Unplugging the device completely would likely rectify the problem but that could take several minutes to reboot. By the time the device finally becomes responsive again, you have missed the ending of the show!

If this were an isolated event, I could understand. No service is perfect. But how many times have you surfed channels only to see that annoying message "Your Explorer is not authorized"? Again, several minutes pass and the equipment functions normally. Judging from the fact that you always pay your bill on time, one can only assume by the message that Comcast is deliberately doing something for their security that more often than not backfires on the wrong people! If these quirks were not annoying enough, some people experience frequent equipment reboots. Even more annoying is the need to hold the remote still several seconds or it won't power on or off correctly!

I guess I should not be surprised by this considering this is the same company that put a big "On Demand" button in the way of the little power on/off button making it more likely to accidentally end up in "On Demand" than intentionally. Like it is not aggravating enough that they make the number "1" key automatically go into "On Demand". If you are not fast enough typing another number, Comcast will lock you into "On Demand" with no way to stop the slow loading service! Also extremely annoying is their interactive guide. They took a good feature, added banner advertisements and produced a hard to navigate, extremely unreliable and prone to freezing guide. Then when you finally do want to actually see an "On Demand" movie, they don't even show which movie service you are in. Often I browse first to see what is available for later viewing but with Comcast's service, you can't even tell if you are in HBO or Showtime without clicking the Last button several times to backtrack. Maybe they have a hidden feature that provides an easier way to do this but what's wrong with just showing it on the screen? With all the wasted space and room they reserve for the Comcast XFinity logo, they could fit this in but I guess I would not know what service I had if the XFinity logo was not constantly in my face!

Contradictions of Global Warming Theory

Why is it when the weather is hot, activists always claim it is because of global warming yet when the opposite occurs, people are content to write it off as an unusual weather anomaly? With 13 states in July, 2014 reporting the coldest weather on record since weather recording began in 1895, you have to wonder, is it possible that the climate is not really warming due to greenhouse gases? John Coleman, founder of the Weather Channel, does not subscribe to the global warming theory and there is plenty of dissent in the scientific community as well. Nevertheless, the bias in the media continues. Is this because people will believe what they want to believe? Just because a theory sounds credible, does not mean it holds up to rigorous scientific testing. Bias has no place in science and until more conclusive evidence presents itself, one would be cautious taking the word of people who cherry pick data to fit their climate predictions.

How to Change Your Employment Status in Google Profile from Past Tense to Present Tense

Although there is no shortage of help available editing Google profiles, some people have been thrown off by a mystery item that appears below their profile picture with no apparent way to edit. Instead of saying "works at...", Google+ shows "worked at..." (past tense). Even more mind boggling is that you never even used these words actually in any part of your profile. To fix this:

1. Log in to your Google account using any Google service.
2. Click on your profile picture or icon of a person that appears if you have not uploaded your picture yet.
3. Click "Account".
4. Click "Edit Profile".
5. Find the Work section of your profile and click "Edit" in that section.
6. Click the "Current" check-box.
7. Click Save.

This will update your profile so that you do not appear to be unemployed! Although I love Google's products and services, this is definitely a feature that could be improved. If anything appears automatically in your profile, that should always have a live link to edit when logged in. At the time of this post, this was not the case.

Knock Knock, Another Pain in the...

Two surprises today; a small gardener snake on my property and someone trying to convert me to another religion again. I'll take the snake any day over that pain at the door! Why do these nut jobs keep coming around? On a good day, I could be polite about it. This was NOT one of those days! Found a nail in my tire once after losing my cool. Coincidence? At least the snake eats rodents. Still haven't found anything good about that pain at the door!

Review of PBS Documentary Australia: First 4 Billion Years

Too much caffeine yesterday! Woke up last night and had trouble getting back to sleep. With nothing else on TV grabbing my interest, I put on a Nova PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) documentary called "Australia: First 4 Billion Years". Reminiscent of the film "Walking with Dinosaurs", the Nova special has stunning CGI and visual effects. Suddenly I had the opposite problem. Instead of just exercising my brain a little until I found a safe point to put it back into low power (a.k.a., sleep mode), now I couldn't tear myself away from it. PBS did it again! Ultimately, I had to turn it off because I had to work the next day. Nonetheless, I highly recommend both the documentary and show Nova.

Will Holiday Sales Revive Slow Retail Sales?

With colder than normal and other severe weather conditions hampering retail in the first and second quarters of 2014, economist predict sales will increase in the third and fourth quarters but not enough to offset the slow start. Despite negative projections offsetting holiday retail expectations, the news is not all bad. According to Dan Eaton of bizjournals.com "employment is growing at the strongest pace since 2005, business and consumer confidence is up and manufacturing activity is growing."

While Santa may not exactly be dropping off new Mercedes or even a free month's lease on a Prius this year, overall the economy continues to grow. As a forever optimist, I still see the toilet bowl half full! As for Santa himself, his helpers are doubling up shifts and working twice as hard to fill those etch a sketch and iPad orders.

Are Retailers Going too Far Pushing Holidays and Occasions?

The way many advertisers keep pushing Christmas earlier, you would think the holiday is in July. This year, a well-known retailer began pushing "back to school" practically the day school recessed. How did they get away with it? With a commercial only containing music, this subtle advertising was less distasteful but the implication was still clear. Likewise, when did President's Day become a month long event? If there is a way to stretch the holidays to make a buck, someone has thought of it. By the time Christmas actually does come around, it's almost like, why are they still talking about that? Isn't that an old sale?

Do these methods of getting business ruin it for some? Of course, but the concept of holiday greeting cards was born in commercialism and you cannot separate that fact. It may be a drudge starting the new year with a month long event that never seems to stop but ultimately, businesses need every edge these days to stay afloat. It's not that they want to look untimely but with everyone else doing it, not pushing the holidays can be a fatal flaw.

Real Estate Fraud, Hard to Spot

So you've purchased that perfect house that's been completely remodeled inside and out. Unfortunately, you didn't think to check if the work was permitted. Unbeknownst to many, work that is unpermitted is not only illegal for resale but also a potential liability if it leads to injury for any future resident or guest. Even more disturbing, that newly remodeled kitchen may be hiding knob and tube wiring even though the listing stated new wiring. To fool inspectors, it is not uncommon to find new wiring at the receptacles tied illegally to old knob and tube wiring. Since inspectors cannot see inside walls, such issues often go undetected regardless of the hazard.

Sometimes the signs of fraud actually begin with the agent. That little “oversight” of the type of flooring for example that the realtor didn't want to mention like fact that the flooring is Linoleum instead of ceramic tile or that the GDO (garage door opener) doesn't exist because the overhead door is not automatic. A careful look at listings often reveals not only discrepancies often of household features but also double listings. Ever see a house listed with an exercise room? Most people would assume this is a bonus room but an actual viewing might show the room is really a tiny third bedroom that's been listed twice. You can't have it both ways realtors! If the room has multiple purposes fine, but don't list it separately under two categories! Unfortunately, these are just a tiny fraction of the games some agents will play to sell houses.

Future of Microsoft

With Microsoft laying off more employees, the company has seen brighter days. Some of this was expected as they planned to cut major costs during the Nokia acquisition. However, Microsoft has just announced the closing of its video game production company, Xbox Entertainment Studios. All this comes in the midst of Microsoft's perhaps greatest blunder, Windows 8. Despite setbacks, Microsoft remains determined to reinvent itself as it works to improve its product lines.

If leaked screenshots of Windows 9 mark the direction that Microsoft will be going, they do appear to be making some progress. The new Start menu now appears to have a Settings option as opposed to the less user-friendly name, "Control Panel". It may still go to the same program but they appear to be making things less intimidating particularly to novices. Windows 8 hid settings configurations as well as many other critical functions much to the frustration of traditional Windows users. Moreover, this appears to be a real Start menu and not just the live tiles. The only caveat is that Windows 9 is still in planning and much could change before the final release. Will it truly be better or does Microsoft still need a lesson on who they should be taking advice from? Only time will tell.

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