Just like with current TVs,
which upscale the low quality cable pictures, 4K TVs upgrade the
same pictures to an even higher quality.
However, until the US catches up with other countries and really
delivers at least HD quality, we will all continue to buy TVs to
compensate for the cable companies unwillingness to upgrade the
signal. It is no wonder Netflix, and Amazon Prime are doing so
well. They deliver quality pictures to let our 4K TVs show how
awesome watching TV can be.
Mar 16, 2018
Mar 9, 2018
Happy Friday
Joy
lives on the corner of happiness and smiles.
There is no stop sign for happiness and smiles on a Happy Friday!
There is no stop sign for happiness and smiles on a Happy Friday!
Daylight Not Saving
This weekend March 11, Sunday morning 2am for most of the US.
This is that
fretful time of year where we declare that the sun and the moon
and the stars are out of alignment with our laws. Since it has
proven futile to change the universe to our bidding, we are
compelled to change our clocks forward by an hour for a few
months until we take up the battle again in the fall and change
them back to once more align with the universe. This is our
government version of Charlie Brown, Lucy, and the football.
Picture of three types of DST observing countries.
Picture of three types of DST observing countries.
Pi Day
Pi Day
was invented by physicist Larry Shaw and the first Pi Day
celebration was held at the San Francisco Exploratorium in 1988.
In 2009 the US Congress officially recognized March 14 as Pi Day
in the United States. The 6-trillionth, 8-trillionth,
9-trillionth and 10-trillionth digits of pi, are all fives.
Innies and Outies
Scar tissue development. "Inny" and "Outie" belly buttons are
not caused by where the umbilical cord is cut (contrary to a
popular misconception). It is dependent on how scar tissue
develops as the remaining tissue dries and falls off. This
process is random, though "inny" tends to be a more common
result.
Coffee Beans, Light vs. Dark Roast
Caffeine
is extremely stable during the roasting process. A change in
caffeine depends on how you measure your coffee.
There is an estimated ninety bean difference between a pound of dark and light roast coffee, with the dark roast higher. During the roasting process, a bean loses its mass. The density of the bean changes; beans that are roasted longer are less dense. That is why you have more beans by mass of dark roasts.
If you measure your coffee by scoops, light roasted coffee will have more caffeine, since the beans are denser than a darker roast. However, if you weigh your scoops, darker roasts will have more caffeine, because there is less mass. Depending on how ground coffee is measured, there is only a minimal variance in caffeine content with dark and light roasts. Unlike Marijuana, people have died from caffeine overdose.
There is an estimated ninety bean difference between a pound of dark and light roast coffee, with the dark roast higher. During the roasting process, a bean loses its mass. The density of the bean changes; beans that are roasted longer are less dense. That is why you have more beans by mass of dark roasts.
If you measure your coffee by scoops, light roasted coffee will have more caffeine, since the beans are denser than a darker roast. However, if you weigh your scoops, darker roasts will have more caffeine, because there is less mass. Depending on how ground coffee is measured, there is only a minimal variance in caffeine content with dark and light roasts. Unlike Marijuana, people have died from caffeine overdose.
Two Car Part Inventors
Early automobiles had tillers, similar to the tillers used
to steer boats. The tiller was attached to a simple mechanism that
made the car’s front wheels turn when the tiller was pushed to the
left or right. During 1894, a French engineer named Alfred
Vacheron modified his Panhard runabout, replacing the tiller with
a wheel attached to a shaft that went through the floor of the
vehicle at a nearly vertical angle, where it attached to a
mechanism that turned the front wheels.
Packard likely came up with the glove box. An article in a 1900 edition of The Horseless Age magazine describes the Model B: “The body of the carriage shows the best possible coach work and upholstering, and the aim has been to get rid of the ‘horse wanted’ appearance. The leather dash is not used, but instead a boot or box forms part of the body. In this is ample space for parcels, waterproofs, etc.” Other automakers soon started adding compartment-like features in place of old-fashioned dashes. The modern-looking glove compartment, with a drop-down door, first appeared during the 1920s.
Packard likely came up with the glove box. An article in a 1900 edition of The Horseless Age magazine describes the Model B: “The body of the carriage shows the best possible coach work and upholstering, and the aim has been to get rid of the ‘horse wanted’ appearance. The leather dash is not used, but instead a boot or box forms part of the body. In this is ample space for parcels, waterproofs, etc.” Other automakers soon started adding compartment-like features in place of old-fashioned dashes. The modern-looking glove compartment, with a drop-down door, first appeared during the 1920s.
Costco Ink Refills
Bring any supported, empty
cartridges to the Photo Center at your local Costco. Your
cartridge will be refilled while you shop. The system cleans,
refills, and tests your cartridge. Receive your quality inkjet
refill in an hour. Cost varies by location, but is cheaper than
new cartridges.
Download, Sideload, and Upload
Many get these
confused, but is easy to tell the difference once you
understand.
The term "sideloading" is very similar to the more common terms "downloading" and "uploading," and it is much easier to understand what sideloading means if you are already familiar with those terms. Sideloading does not make use of the internet, it requires you to use some other method to transfer files. This can be accomplished with a physical connection between the two devices, like a USB cable, or via a wireless method like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. If the mobile device has a memory card slot, sideloading can also involve copying files from a computer to an SD card and then inserting the card into the mobile device.
Downloading involves transferring a file from a remote location, like the internet, to a local device like your computer. Uploading is the opposite, since it involves transferring a file from a local device, like your computer, to a remote location like a file hosting service on the internet.
Bottom line, Think of the internet as a cloud. You upload to the cloud and you download from the cloud. Think of another device sitting beside yours. You sideload from it.
The term "sideloading" is very similar to the more common terms "downloading" and "uploading," and it is much easier to understand what sideloading means if you are already familiar with those terms. Sideloading does not make use of the internet, it requires you to use some other method to transfer files. This can be accomplished with a physical connection between the two devices, like a USB cable, or via a wireless method like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. If the mobile device has a memory card slot, sideloading can also involve copying files from a computer to an SD card and then inserting the card into the mobile device.
Downloading involves transferring a file from a remote location, like the internet, to a local device like your computer. Uploading is the opposite, since it involves transferring a file from a local device, like your computer, to a remote location like a file hosting service on the internet.
Bottom line, Think of the internet as a cloud. You upload to the cloud and you download from the cloud. Think of another device sitting beside yours. You sideload from it.
Keyboard Cleaners
Clear tape, the kind you find in the
office or use to wrap presents is an ideal choice, since it is
thin and easy to manipulate. Sticky notes work too.
Cleaning your keyboard with tape is fairly simple. Tear off an inch of tape and fold it in half so that the non-sticky sides are facing together and the sticky sides are facing outward. Slip the tape underneath the edges of the keys and rub back and forth a few times. Pull the piece of tape out and prepare to be disgusted at the amount of grunge. Repeat until all of your keys are clean.
Cleaning your keyboard with tape is fairly simple. Tear off an inch of tape and fold it in half so that the non-sticky sides are facing together and the sticky sides are facing outward. Slip the tape underneath the edges of the keys and rub back and forth a few times. Pull the piece of tape out and prepare to be disgusted at the amount of grunge. Repeat until all of your keys are clean.
Mar 2, 2018
Happy Friday
Smiles are like Spring to
Winter.
Your smile will warm up everyone, especially on a Happy Friday!
Your smile will warm up everyone, especially on a Happy Friday!
Amazon Fire TV Screensaver
If you or someone you know has an
Amazon Fire TV you likely came across the beautiful landscape
pictures that show as the screensaver. I was wondering about
some of them and came across this site LINK
that shows each of the 182 pictures, along with a description.
Incidentally, if you have a fire TV and an Amazon Prime membership, you can upload your own photos for free and watch them on the big screen, and/or use them to replace the generic screensaver.
Incidentally, if you have a fire TV and an Amazon Prime membership, you can upload your own photos for free and watch them on the big screen, and/or use them to replace the generic screensaver.
Accent vs. Dialect
The words "dialect" and "accent" are often used interchangeably,
but they have different meanings. An accent might be described
by muddling up the difference between words people use and the
sounds they make, their pronunciation. It is the distinct way
that a group of persons or even one particular individual speaks
with distinctive phonetics and phonology. Groups sharing an
identifiable accent may be defined by any variety of common
traits, such as regional, the socio-economic status of its
speakers, their ethnicity, their caste or social class, their
first language (when the language in which the accent is heard
is not their native language), etc. In the US, think Boston, New
Orleans, etc. For example, the Southern accent might refer to
the pronunciation of the vowels like fire to 'fahr' or stress
shift like 'po lice versus po 'lice.
A dialect is a variation in the language itself and not only in the pronunciation. Dialect is a type of language that is derived from a primary language. A dialect is a variety of language differing in vocabulary and grammar as well as pronunciation. Dialects are usually spoken by a group united by geography or class. It is a geographically or ethnically restricted form of a language characterized by a combination of distinctive phonetics (individual sounds), phonology (sound system rules), syntax, grammar, and vocabulary. The major native dialects of English are often divided by linguists into three general categories: British Isles dialect, North America dialect, and those of Australasia.
If someone from India were to move to London and start speaking English, we would refer to the speech as foreign accented speech, not a dialect.
A dialect is a variation in the language itself and not only in the pronunciation. Dialect is a type of language that is derived from a primary language. A dialect is a variety of language differing in vocabulary and grammar as well as pronunciation. Dialects are usually spoken by a group united by geography or class. It is a geographically or ethnically restricted form of a language characterized by a combination of distinctive phonetics (individual sounds), phonology (sound system rules), syntax, grammar, and vocabulary. The major native dialects of English are often divided by linguists into three general categories: British Isles dialect, North America dialect, and those of Australasia.
If someone from India were to move to London and start speaking English, we would refer to the speech as foreign accented speech, not a dialect.
IRS Scams
This
time of year in the US there are many IRS scams due to tax
season. If you receive an IRS scam call or a fraudulent tax
refund call, never return a phone call from someone claiming to
be with the IRS. Instead, individuals should call the IRS
directly at 800-829-1040, and businesses should call
800-829-4933.
The US Department of Justice says the IRS never discusses personal tax issues through unsolicited emails or texts, or over social media. Always be wary if you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the IRS who says you owe money.
If you receive an unexpected and suspicious email from the IRS, forward it to phishing@irs.gov.
The US Department of Justice says the IRS never discusses personal tax issues through unsolicited emails or texts, or over social media. Always be wary if you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the IRS who says you owe money.
If you receive an unexpected and suspicious email from the IRS, forward it to phishing@irs.gov.
Four Google Tips
If you are searching and want to eliminate a word, put a minus
- sign before it as in "cowboys -dallas" (without the quotes).
It will get you the information about cowboys, but very few
results about the football team.
Use an asterisk * to search and find the word you cannot remember, such as the "* of march" (without the quotes) returns results for the ides of March.
Looking for pictures, type in your search then click images on the top row. It will load your page with (mostly related) pictures. If you want animated pictures, click on search tools and choose "animated pictures".
The Google tool I use most is to filter by time. After you type in your search, click Tools, click "Anytime", then choose the time period. Many sites become outdated over time, and it is important to get the latest information. At the very least, choose "Past Year" for more recent information.
Use an asterisk * to search and find the word you cannot remember, such as the "* of march" (without the quotes) returns results for the ides of March.
Looking for pictures, type in your search then click images on the top row. It will load your page with (mostly related) pictures. If you want animated pictures, click on search tools and choose "animated pictures".
The Google tool I use most is to filter by time. After you type in your search, click Tools, click "Anytime", then choose the time period. Many sites become outdated over time, and it is important to get the latest information. At the very least, choose "Past Year" for more recent information.
Monkey and Banana Myth
Monkeys actually prefer leaves and insects rather
than bananas. In fact, bananas are not healthy for monkeys.
Bananas are too sweet for them. The UK has banned them from its
zoos. They love eating ripe fruits, seeds, vegetables, honey,
and flowers.
Incidentally, goats do not eat tin cans.
Incidentally, goats do not eat tin cans.
Draught Guinness
Draught or draft Guinness is special. There is a precise,
elaborate, and time-consuming art-form of pouring the perfect
pint of Guinness beer. Bartenders around the world are given
instructions for the proper pouring process, including details
about the type of glass used, the angle the glass is held at
during the different states of pouring, the precise length of
time the pint must be left to settle, and the force with which
the draught Guinness is poured from the tap.
During the 1950s, Guinness scientist Michael Ash was tasked with solving the 'draft problem'. At the time, dispensing a draft pint of Guinness was very complicated, and the company was losing market share to draft lagers in Britain that could be easily dispensed with CO2. “The stout was too lively to be dispensed with CO2 only,” Brady said. “Ash worked on the problem for four years, working long hours day and night, and became a bit of a recluse apparently. A lot of doubters at the brewery called the project ‘daft Guinness'.”
Then Ash attempted dispensing the beer with plain air. It worked. The secret ingredient, he discovered, was nitrogen. The air we breathe is 78 percent nitrogen. Today, a Guinness draft contains 75 percent nitrogen. Not only did the discovery make dispensing the beer easier, it created a creamy mouthfeel that has been the signature of Irish stouts since.
Nitrogen forms tighter bubbles than carbon dioxide when put under pressure in a solution and has a different appearance and texture. The bubble is a pocket of released gas that becomes trapped inside of a thin membrane of beer. There are many more little bubbles in a nitrogen pour.
Incidentally, Draught Guinness, as it is known today, was first produced in 1964. Bottled Draught Guinness was formulated in 1978 and launched into the Irish market in 1979.
During the 1950s, Guinness scientist Michael Ash was tasked with solving the 'draft problem'. At the time, dispensing a draft pint of Guinness was very complicated, and the company was losing market share to draft lagers in Britain that could be easily dispensed with CO2. “The stout was too lively to be dispensed with CO2 only,” Brady said. “Ash worked on the problem for four years, working long hours day and night, and became a bit of a recluse apparently. A lot of doubters at the brewery called the project ‘daft Guinness'.”
Then Ash attempted dispensing the beer with plain air. It worked. The secret ingredient, he discovered, was nitrogen. The air we breathe is 78 percent nitrogen. Today, a Guinness draft contains 75 percent nitrogen. Not only did the discovery make dispensing the beer easier, it created a creamy mouthfeel that has been the signature of Irish stouts since.
Nitrogen forms tighter bubbles than carbon dioxide when put under pressure in a solution and has a different appearance and texture. The bubble is a pocket of released gas that becomes trapped inside of a thin membrane of beer. There are many more little bubbles in a nitrogen pour.
Incidentally, Draught Guinness, as it is known today, was first produced in 1964. Bottled Draught Guinness was formulated in 1978 and launched into the Irish market in 1979.
Live to 90 With Booze
If you want to live into your 90s, booze actually
beats exercise, according to a long-term study. The research,
led by University of California (no surprise) neurologist
Claudia Kawas, tracked 1,700 nonagenarians enrolled in the 90+
Study that began in 2003 to explore impacts of daily habits on
longevity.
Researchers discovered that subjects who drank about two glasses of beer or wine a day were 18% less likely to experience a premature death. Meanwhile, participants who exercised 15 to 45 minutes a day, cut the same risk by 11%.
“I have no explanation for it, but I do firmly believe that modest drinking improves longevity,” Kawas stated at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference in Austin, Texas.
Other factors were found to boost longevity, including weight. Participants who were slightly overweight, but not obese, cut their odds of an early death by 3%. “It’s not bad to be skinny when you are young, but it is very bad to be skinny when you’re old,” Kawas noted in her address.
Also, subjects who kept busy with a daily hobby two hours a day were 21% less likely to die early, while those who drank two cups of coffee a day cut that risk by 10%.
Researchers discovered that subjects who drank about two glasses of beer or wine a day were 18% less likely to experience a premature death. Meanwhile, participants who exercised 15 to 45 minutes a day, cut the same risk by 11%.
“I have no explanation for it, but I do firmly believe that modest drinking improves longevity,” Kawas stated at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference in Austin, Texas.
Other factors were found to boost longevity, including weight. Participants who were slightly overweight, but not obese, cut their odds of an early death by 3%. “It’s not bad to be skinny when you are young, but it is very bad to be skinny when you’re old,” Kawas noted in her address.
Also, subjects who kept busy with a daily hobby two hours a day were 21% less likely to die early, while those who drank two cups of coffee a day cut that risk by 10%.
God's Aging Plan
Related to the above, most seniors never get enough exercise.
In His wisdom God decreed that seniors become forgetful so they
would have to search for their glasses, keys and other things,
thus doing more walking. And God looked down and saw that it was
good.
Then God saw there was another need. In His wisdom He made seniors lose co-ordination so they would drop things, requiring them to bend, reach, and stretch. And God looked down and saw that it was good.
Then God considered the function of bladders and decided seniors would have additional calls of nature, requiring more trips to the loo, thus providing more exercise. God looked down and saw that it was good.
God saw that the knights of the round table were getting weak, so he took the wheels off the chairs, thus causing them to actually pull on chairs before sitting down to stuff their faces. God looked down and saw that it was good.
So if you find as you age, you are getting up and down more, remember it is God's will. It is all in your best interest even though you mutter under your breath.
Then God saw there was another need. In His wisdom He made seniors lose co-ordination so they would drop things, requiring them to bend, reach, and stretch. And God looked down and saw that it was good.
Then God considered the function of bladders and decided seniors would have additional calls of nature, requiring more trips to the loo, thus providing more exercise. God looked down and saw that it was good.
God saw that the knights of the round table were getting weak, so he took the wheels off the chairs, thus causing them to actually pull on chairs before sitting down to stuff their faces. God looked down and saw that it was good.
So if you find as you age, you are getting up and down more, remember it is God's will. It is all in your best interest even though you mutter under your breath.
Calculate Anything
We all need to calculate things from time to time. Here is a
site that has almost 400 different free calculators. There are
calculators for business, health, finance, statistics,
construction, and more. LINK
Feb 23, 2018
Happy Friday
The joy of happiness is
immeasurable.
I count on staying happy, especially on a Happy Friday!
I count on staying happy, especially on a Happy Friday!
Wordology, Mnemonic
Mnemonics
make it easy to remember facts. There are many examples that
have been around for years, such as this mnemonic
sentence, "Super Heroes Must Eat Oats." For instance, the
names of the five Great Lakes spell the word HOMES. If you want
to remember them them in order of size from largest to smallest
surface area, try “Super Heroes Must Eat Oats” - Superior,
Huron, Michigan, Erie, Ontario. If you want to remember them
from left to right on a map, change Super Heroes to “Super Man
Helps Every One.”
Famous Olympians After Olympics
Some Olympians become famous for
other accomplishments
long after the medal glory wears off. Here are a few folks you
might not remember for participating in the Olympics.
Dr. Benjamin Spock, author of the bestselling Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care (1946), was the authority on child rearing in Baby Boomer America. Spock rowed with Yale's crew team and made the men's eights team for the 1924 Paris Olympics. He won a gold medal at age 21. He also placed third in a 4-mile rowing contest at age 84.
General George S. Patton, World War II officer who led the U.S. Third Army on the Western Front, was famous for his foul mouth, rousing speeches, and tenacious leadership. He placed fifth in the inaugural modern pentathlon (swimming, riding, fencing, running, shooting) at the 1912 Olympics.
Bruce Dern was second in 1500 meters and 800 meters events in the Senior Olympics.
Geena Davis picked up archery as a hobby, but almost made the 2000 USA Olympic Team, where she placed 24th out of 300 at the tryouts. She had only been shooting for two years prior to trying out.
Jason Statham developed an interest in diving at age 11, joined Britain’s National Diving Team and competed in the 1990 Commonwealth Games.
Dolph Lundgren was asked to serve as the Team Leader for the 1996 US Olympic Modern Pentathlon team.
Strother Martin, from Cool Hand Luke movie, "What we've got here is failure to communicate." He entered the adult National Springboard Diving competition in hopes of gaining a berth on the US Olympic team, but finished third in the competition.
Dr. Benjamin Spock, author of the bestselling Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care (1946), was the authority on child rearing in Baby Boomer America. Spock rowed with Yale's crew team and made the men's eights team for the 1924 Paris Olympics. He won a gold medal at age 21. He also placed third in a 4-mile rowing contest at age 84.
General George S. Patton, World War II officer who led the U.S. Third Army on the Western Front, was famous for his foul mouth, rousing speeches, and tenacious leadership. He placed fifth in the inaugural modern pentathlon (swimming, riding, fencing, running, shooting) at the 1912 Olympics.
Bruce Dern was second in 1500 meters and 800 meters events in the Senior Olympics.
Geena Davis picked up archery as a hobby, but almost made the 2000 USA Olympic Team, where she placed 24th out of 300 at the tryouts. She had only been shooting for two years prior to trying out.
Jason Statham developed an interest in diving at age 11, joined Britain’s National Diving Team and competed in the 1990 Commonwealth Games.
Dolph Lundgren was asked to serve as the Team Leader for the 1996 US Olympic Modern Pentathlon team.
Strother Martin, from Cool Hand Luke movie, "What we've got here is failure to communicate." He entered the adult National Springboard Diving competition in hopes of gaining a berth on the US Olympic team, but finished third in the competition.
Talk to a Human Help
These days it seems like companies deliberately hide the phone
number to speak to a real human being. Even if a company
provides a number, the computer leads us through a seemingly
random set of questions to keep punching in numbers until we
want to scream.
There is a way to bypass much of this hassle. A website https://gethuman.com/ provides real numbers and real techniques to get to a live human being. It even offers to help (for a fee) if you are completely exasperated.
There is a way to bypass much of this hassle. A website https://gethuman.com/ provides real numbers and real techniques to get to a live human being. It even offers to help (for a fee) if you are completely exasperated.
Longest Gestation
In humans, the period of time it takes for a baby to grow in
the womb to the point when it's ready to be born is called the
gestation period and it averages about 40 weeks or nine months.
Relative to many animals, that is a short period of time
When it comes to mammals, no one has to wait as long to give birth as the elephant. weighs approximately 230 pounds when born, to develop. The average gestation period for an elephant is about 95 weeks or 23 months.
Black alpine salamanders have gestation periods that can last two to three years. The higher they live in the Alps, the colder it is and the longer their gestation period lasts.
Certain species of sharks also have long gestation periods, such as a basking shark carries its young almost three years, while the frilled shark has a gestation period of three and a half years.
Deeper beneath the sea is another marine animal the a deep-sea octopus at over 4,500 feet deep in the ocean waters off California. Babies were born after a gestation period of 53 months. That is more than twice as long as most that live in more shallow waters.
When it comes to mammals, no one has to wait as long to give birth as the elephant. weighs approximately 230 pounds when born, to develop. The average gestation period for an elephant is about 95 weeks or 23 months.
Black alpine salamanders have gestation periods that can last two to three years. The higher they live in the Alps, the colder it is and the longer their gestation period lasts.
Certain species of sharks also have long gestation periods, such as a basking shark carries its young almost three years, while the frilled shark has a gestation period of three and a half years.
Deeper beneath the sea is another marine animal the a deep-sea octopus at over 4,500 feet deep in the ocean waters off California. Babies were born after a gestation period of 53 months. That is more than twice as long as most that live in more shallow waters.
TV is Watching Us
Your smart TV is watching you. Some may not mind being tracked
as it allows more personal ads sent to you. Others may not like
being tracked for any reason. Saw this in USA Today and thought
I would share how to turn off smart TV tracking.
LG - In the menu, click to Settings, which brings you to All Settings, and find your way to General. The feature to look for here is LivePlus, which is what LG calls the ACR technology. This is the one you want to turn off.
Samsung - On newer sets, go for Settings in the menu, then Support, then Terms & Policies. From there, Consumer Reports suggests pulling Viewing Information Services to opt out of. On older models, Consumer Reports says to click on Support and then select Terms & Policy and then SyncPlus and Marketing to turn off ACR.
Sony - Consumer Reports notes that ACR is turned on during setup of the TV, via agreements with Sony, which makes the TV; Google, which provides the AndroidTV operating system; and Samba TV, a company that gathers analytics on viewers' habits that advertisers can use for targeted ad campaigns. On Sony TVs, you need to get go back to the setup, available within Settings, to turn off ACR. If you want some of the Web connectivity, but not everything, you can agree to Sony and Google policies, and then when you come to Samba TV, opt out of ACR by clicking 'disable'.
TCL/Roku - TCL, Hisense, Hitachi, Insignia, Philips, RCA and Sharp.
Turn off ACR by going to Settings, then Privacy, and "Smart TV Experience." Consumer Reports says you can uncheck "Use Information for TV Inputs" to disable ACR.
Vizio - Select System, click on Reset & Admin and opt for Viewing Data to opt out of ACR.
LG - In the menu, click to Settings, which brings you to All Settings, and find your way to General. The feature to look for here is LivePlus, which is what LG calls the ACR technology. This is the one you want to turn off.
Samsung - On newer sets, go for Settings in the menu, then Support, then Terms & Policies. From there, Consumer Reports suggests pulling Viewing Information Services to opt out of. On older models, Consumer Reports says to click on Support and then select Terms & Policy and then SyncPlus and Marketing to turn off ACR.
Sony - Consumer Reports notes that ACR is turned on during setup of the TV, via agreements with Sony, which makes the TV; Google, which provides the AndroidTV operating system; and Samba TV, a company that gathers analytics on viewers' habits that advertisers can use for targeted ad campaigns. On Sony TVs, you need to get go back to the setup, available within Settings, to turn off ACR. If you want some of the Web connectivity, but not everything, you can agree to Sony and Google policies, and then when you come to Samba TV, opt out of ACR by clicking 'disable'.
TCL/Roku - TCL, Hisense, Hitachi, Insignia, Philips, RCA and Sharp.
Turn off ACR by going to Settings, then Privacy, and "Smart TV Experience." Consumer Reports says you can uncheck "Use Information for TV Inputs" to disable ACR.
Vizio - Select System, click on Reset & Admin and opt for Viewing Data to opt out of ACR.
Before TV Interviews
This site has a compilation of interviews on film that date
back to the 1920s and 1930s. If you want to be fascinated, have
a watch. No big revelations, but interesting conversations with
real people. Caution, you could spend way too much time on the
site. LINK
Where is Starman Now
Elon Musk made history again with his sending a Tesla and
Starman into space. Here is a website that is tracking the car in
real time along its journey. Fun short term diversion. LINK
Windows 10 Windows Key Tips
We have all likely become used to seeing the
Windows key on the keyboard. Down on the left side of keyboard
between the CTRL and ALT keys. It is very handy for a number of
functions to make your life easier if you know which key combos
to use.
Just pushing on the Windows key will bring up the start menu quicker than moving the mouse to the start bar.
A few combinations the might be of interest.
Windows key and e - opens the file explorer window to find files.
Windows key and x - opens up the computer settings bar
Windows key and m - sends you back to the desktop
Windows key and k - brings up the connection bar.
Just pushing on the Windows key will bring up the start menu quicker than moving the mouse to the start bar.
A few combinations the might be of interest.
Windows key and e - opens the file explorer window to find files.
Windows key and x - opens up the computer settings bar
Windows key and m - sends you back to the desktop
Windows key and k - brings up the connection bar.
Feb 16, 2018
Soapy Fish Bait
Ivory soap can be used as catfish bait by boiling it and
letting it re-harden so that it does not crumble. Melt it in a
double boiler, then pour into an ice cube tray. Once poured,
push a treble hook into each cube with the points of the hook
sticking out and let it harden. Incidentally, hot
dogs also make good catfish bait.
Cord Cutters
Would be cord cutters might stick with cable TV, because they
find it difficult to make a decision or find it difficult to
change. There are so many options that it can seem overwhelming,
so it seems easier to overpay than make the change. Many are
finding that regular cable, in addition to high cost, offers the
worst picture quality due to compression the signals to get so
many channels on the wire. Even antenna TV offers substantially
better picture quality and it is free after the purchase of an
antenna.
Considerations for cutting the cord include the 4 C's - Cost, Channels, Commercials, and Complexity. I'll go through each with some questions. Cost is obvious. Can you afford what you are paying? Do you want to pay less? How much less is worth your while? Are you considering a life change that might make you move and break your contract (and pay a termination fee)? Is a long term contract a good idea?
Which channels do you consider 'must have', because your favorite shows are on them? Out of the hundreds of channels most people regularly watch less than 18.
How complex or complicated will it be to change? Can I do it myself? Will I need to hire an expert and how much will it cost?
Do I mind watching commercials? Do I hate commercials? Many cable TV alternatives offer premium packages that offer programs without commercials.
There is a website that can help answer many of those and more questions. It has the latest offerings and you answer a few questions, then it narrows down the offerings for you. https://www.suppose.tv/tv
Incidentally, Spectrum has decided to offer ala cart selection, where the subscriber can select up to ten additional channels (from a list) in addition to the standard set of channels. Sounds like the ultimate, have it your way TV. For an additional fee, there are even more premium channels that can be added individually.
Considerations for cutting the cord include the 4 C's - Cost, Channels, Commercials, and Complexity. I'll go through each with some questions. Cost is obvious. Can you afford what you are paying? Do you want to pay less? How much less is worth your while? Are you considering a life change that might make you move and break your contract (and pay a termination fee)? Is a long term contract a good idea?
Which channels do you consider 'must have', because your favorite shows are on them? Out of the hundreds of channels most people regularly watch less than 18.
How complex or complicated will it be to change? Can I do it myself? Will I need to hire an expert and how much will it cost?
Do I mind watching commercials? Do I hate commercials? Many cable TV alternatives offer premium packages that offer programs without commercials.
There is a website that can help answer many of those and more questions. It has the latest offerings and you answer a few questions, then it narrows down the offerings for you. https://www.suppose.tv/tv
Incidentally, Spectrum has decided to offer ala cart selection, where the subscriber can select up to ten additional channels (from a list) in addition to the standard set of channels. Sounds like the ultimate, have it your way TV. For an additional fee, there are even more premium channels that can be added individually.
Winter Olympic Tidbits
This year there are 92 countries participating in the Winter
Olympics. The opening show used a record-setting 1,218 drones,
four times as many as Lady Gaga in her Super Bowl half time
show. The plastic and foam drones are about a foot-long, weigh
eight ounces and are all synchronized to fly in formation. Here
is a link to one of the formations. LINK
Here are some stats:
2,500 athletes participating
242 from US - most of any country
102 events
222 medals
80,000 foreign tourists
Members of Team USA who win a medal receive: $37,500 for Gold, $22,500 for Silver, $15,000 for Bronze.
Here are some stats:
2,500 athletes participating
242 from US - most of any country
102 events
222 medals
80,000 foreign tourists
Members of Team USA who win a medal receive: $37,500 for Gold, $22,500 for Silver, $15,000 for Bronze.
New Olympic Events
Four new events were added to this
Olympics: Men’s and Women’s Snowboard Big Air, which sees
competitors performing their best spins and tricks after launching
off a large (about 160 feet) ramp.
For the first time, the Alpine skiing Nations Team Event will make its debut; the event features mixed teams of two men and two women going head-to-head in a series of downhill slalom races in a best-of-four competition.
Men’s and Women’s Speed Skating Mass Start features a maximum of 28 athletes in a 16-lap race, where all participants start at the same time with winner-takes-all stakes.
Curling Mixed Doubles. The new event consists of teams of two, a man and a woman, competing in a curling match
For the 2020 Summer Olympics five new events will be added: baseball/softball, karate, sport climbing, surfing, and skateboarding.
For the first time, the Alpine skiing Nations Team Event will make its debut; the event features mixed teams of two men and two women going head-to-head in a series of downhill slalom races in a best-of-four competition.
Men’s and Women’s Speed Skating Mass Start features a maximum of 28 athletes in a 16-lap race, where all participants start at the same time with winner-takes-all stakes.
Curling Mixed Doubles. The new event consists of teams of two, a man and a woman, competing in a curling match
For the 2020 Summer Olympics five new events will be added: baseball/softball, karate, sport climbing, surfing, and skateboarding.
Olympic Tech
A test of a next-generation 5G network
and a series of multiple camera 'pods' shooting more than a
terabyte an hour of footage all have to work without a hitch (one
terabyte holds the equivalent of 250 full-length movies). All that
footage goes by fiber-optic cables to a technical operations
center, where it is processed into the 360-degree and 3D
stereoscopic footage that some can watch at home.
Fourth Type of Olympic Medal
In addition to the gold,
silver, and bronze there is another Olympic award that is even
harder to obtain. The Pierre de Coubertin medal, inaugurated in
1964 and named in honor of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the
International Olympic Committee, is given to athletes, former
athletes, sports promoters, sporting officials and others who
exemplify the spirit of sportsmanship in Olympic events or through
exceptional service to the Olympic movement.
Unlike the sporting medals, the de Coubertin medal is not awarded at every cycle of the Games. It is only handed out when the International Olympic Committee determines someone has truly earned it.
In January, just ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea IOC president Thomas Bach bestowed the award upon Chinese artist Lv Junjie, a master of Zisha (means "purple clay,"), an ancient type of clay that is used to create teaware and other small objects. Bach commended Junjie, because of his work using Zisha, or Yixing clay to spread the Olympic spirit. Many of his creations contain Olympic art.
Unlike the sporting medals, the de Coubertin medal is not awarded at every cycle of the Games. It is only handed out when the International Olympic Committee determines someone has truly earned it.
In January, just ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea IOC president Thomas Bach bestowed the award upon Chinese artist Lv Junjie, a master of Zisha (means "purple clay,"), an ancient type of clay that is used to create teaware and other small objects. Bach commended Junjie, because of his work using Zisha, or Yixing clay to spread the Olympic spirit. Many of his creations contain Olympic art.
Lash Tabs and Pig Snouts
Have you noticed that many
backpacks have a little leather square sewn on the front?
The little diamonds, called lash tabs or pig snouts have two parallel slits cut out of the center. This lets you weave a cord or string through and tie various items, such as shoes, a water bottle, etc., to your bag. The strong little square is built to hold your larger items while hiking or traveling, but it can also be used for smaller objects like earbuds or anything you want to get at quickly.
The little diamonds, called lash tabs or pig snouts have two parallel slits cut out of the center. This lets you weave a cord or string through and tie various items, such as shoes, a water bottle, etc., to your bag. The strong little square is built to hold your larger items while hiking or traveling, but it can also be used for smaller objects like earbuds or anything you want to get at quickly.
Why Not Reuse Water Bottles
There are many types of
water bottles and it pays to know which ones can be reused. A
bottle labeled 1 is only safe for a single use. When exposed to
oxygen or high temperatures, including sun heat, such a bottle
will discharge toxic substances that get into the water. Also
avoid bottles labeled 3, 6, or 7 as they exude toxic chemicals
able to penetrate drinks, and lengthy exposure can result in
severe health problems.
Bottles made of polyethylene (2 and 4) and polypropylene (5) are suitable for multiple uses. They are relatively safe if you only store cold water in them and regularly disinfect them.
Bottles made of polyethylene (2 and 4) and polypropylene (5) are suitable for multiple uses. They are relatively safe if you only store cold water in them and regularly disinfect them.
Feb 9, 2018
Happy Friday
My mother never taught me to be happy. She showed me.
Strive to be a happy role model, especially on a Happy Friday!
Strive to be a happy role model, especially on a Happy Friday!
Sunday Car Buying
In fourteen US states, car dealers are not legally allowed to be
open on Sunday and many cities have similar laws. Even in states
and cities where dealerships can be open on Sunday, there are
sometimes restrictions on what time they can be open or that
require a dealer to choose to be closed on either Saturday or
Sunday. The reason is called a blue law and blue laws were enacted
for religious reasons to allow people to practice their faith on
Sunday, instead of buying liquor or automobiles.
Mardi Gras
Can you believe it, Next week is Mardi Gras
and the beginning of Lent for this year. That means Easter will be
on April Fool's Day, April 1.
4K TV Antenna Debunked
It is happening again.
When broadcast TV made the switch from analog to digital signals
about 10 years ago it was said by many, you need an HDTV antenna.
There is no such thing as an HDTV antenna.
Now 4k broadcasting over the air is coming. It is tentatively scheduled to begin this spring in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. A new 4k TV antenna will not be needed, because there is no such thing. Any TV antenna claim to perform better because it is a 4K TV antenna is a scam.
Just like with 4K HDMI cables - There is no such thing.
Caveat Emptor!
Now 4k broadcasting over the air is coming. It is tentatively scheduled to begin this spring in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. A new 4k TV antenna will not be needed, because there is no such thing. Any TV antenna claim to perform better because it is a 4K TV antenna is a scam.
Just like with 4K HDMI cables - There is no such thing.
Caveat Emptor!
More 4K
Technically the new standard for over the air 4K
is ATSC 3.0. This new broadcast standard is generally called
"Next-Gen Broadcast TV" for simplicity sake.
There are some differences between the current (ATSC 1.0) antenna TV and the new Next-Gen TV. The new standard is internet protocol-based, which means it can carry internet content along with traditional TV broadcasts. The broadcast can also include 4K video and high dynamic range (HDR) content. It also has higher-quality 3D multi-channel sound from content that supports it. All of which are more and better than what is available on normal (expensive) cable TV.
In addition to all those goodies, these new signals will be available on mobile devices as well as TVs.
Next-gen TV will enable enhanced emergency alerts, so consumers will receive more precise, localized warnings during natural disasters or fast-moving weather events.
The move to ATSC 3.0 is voluntary for broadcasters, unlike the Digital TV transition, when they were given a firm deadline for stopping analog broadcasts. Now each company gets to decide when to make the move, or not.
Traditional signals will still be free by law as now, but some additional services could be charged for as the new standard has two way communication built in. This presumes the FCC holds broadcasters to the same public interest obligations with the new broadcasts as they have with the current ones.
Of course, if all this seems to be too good to be true, it likely is. The new standard is not compatible with the current standard. Because all current TVs have ATSC 1.0 tuners, they will not be able to receive the new signals.
TV manufacturers will soon add both old (ATSC1) and new (ATSC3) into new sets. This will likely begin in late 2018 and 2019. LG is now shipping TVs in South Korea with both technologies built in. Someone will pay for this. . .
Also, another round of sticks and boxes for converting will come along, such new versions of Roku, FireTV, AppleTV etc., sticks and boxes.
So, the bottom line is that it will be immensely better to receive everything over the air, but it will likely not be free, and maybe not even cheap. This will be a major disruption for cable companies and change the whole digital landscape and players again.
The good news is that, since it is voluntary and costly to set up, it will be slow. We can enjoy what we have and do not need to dream of sugar plums for a few years. That is except for some techno geeks who just cannot wait to suffer more early adapter slings and arrows from new whiz-bang technology stuff. Oh, is my anticipation showing?
There are some differences between the current (ATSC 1.0) antenna TV and the new Next-Gen TV. The new standard is internet protocol-based, which means it can carry internet content along with traditional TV broadcasts. The broadcast can also include 4K video and high dynamic range (HDR) content. It also has higher-quality 3D multi-channel sound from content that supports it. All of which are more and better than what is available on normal (expensive) cable TV.
In addition to all those goodies, these new signals will be available on mobile devices as well as TVs.
Next-gen TV will enable enhanced emergency alerts, so consumers will receive more precise, localized warnings during natural disasters or fast-moving weather events.
The move to ATSC 3.0 is voluntary for broadcasters, unlike the Digital TV transition, when they were given a firm deadline for stopping analog broadcasts. Now each company gets to decide when to make the move, or not.
Traditional signals will still be free by law as now, but some additional services could be charged for as the new standard has two way communication built in. This presumes the FCC holds broadcasters to the same public interest obligations with the new broadcasts as they have with the current ones.
Of course, if all this seems to be too good to be true, it likely is. The new standard is not compatible with the current standard. Because all current TVs have ATSC 1.0 tuners, they will not be able to receive the new signals.
TV manufacturers will soon add both old (ATSC1) and new (ATSC3) into new sets. This will likely begin in late 2018 and 2019. LG is now shipping TVs in South Korea with both technologies built in. Someone will pay for this. . .
Also, another round of sticks and boxes for converting will come along, such new versions of Roku, FireTV, AppleTV etc., sticks and boxes.
So, the bottom line is that it will be immensely better to receive everything over the air, but it will likely not be free, and maybe not even cheap. This will be a major disruption for cable companies and change the whole digital landscape and players again.
The good news is that, since it is voluntary and costly to set up, it will be slow. We can enjoy what we have and do not need to dream of sugar plums for a few years. That is except for some techno geeks who just cannot wait to suffer more early adapter slings and arrows from new whiz-bang technology stuff. Oh, is my anticipation showing?
Super Bowl Rings
The winner has emerged and the
winning team will be wearing new rings to celebrate the occasion.
Generally, every player on the 53-man roster, the entire coaching
staff, and the front office earn rings.
The NFL pays for the cost of 150 rings for the winning team, with a max cost of about $7,000 per unit, depending on the cost of gold and diamonds at the time. That usually covers the bulk of people the team wants to gives the rings to, but it can go above that number if the team buys extra rings.
Other players who can receive rings include practice squad players, players on injured reserve, and players who were on the roster at some point during the season. Teams will often consider everybody who contributed at any point in the season worthy of a ring.
Teams can really give them out to anyone. There have been fan raffles for rings and teams are not stingy with them when it comes to front office staff, players, and coaches. That does not mean that they always end up with the same rings, however. There have been examples of teams giving "lesser" rings to front office staff or other non-coach, non-player personnel.
The main Super Bowl rings are massive and can weigh 100 grams or more and include more than 100 diamonds. The Green Bay Packers Super Bowl XLV ring had more than 100 diamonds, and was made out of platinum, which is more expensive than gold.
The losing team actually gets a ring as well. It is sometimes referred to as the AFC or NFC Championship ring. It typically is less gaudy, and there is also less information about them. It is difficult to imagine that a league championship ring is considered a loser's ring.
Incidentally, the refs also get Super Bowl Rings.
The NFL pays for the cost of 150 rings for the winning team, with a max cost of about $7,000 per unit, depending on the cost of gold and diamonds at the time. That usually covers the bulk of people the team wants to gives the rings to, but it can go above that number if the team buys extra rings.
Other players who can receive rings include practice squad players, players on injured reserve, and players who were on the roster at some point during the season. Teams will often consider everybody who contributed at any point in the season worthy of a ring.
Teams can really give them out to anyone. There have been fan raffles for rings and teams are not stingy with them when it comes to front office staff, players, and coaches. That does not mean that they always end up with the same rings, however. There have been examples of teams giving "lesser" rings to front office staff or other non-coach, non-player personnel.
The main Super Bowl rings are massive and can weigh 100 grams or more and include more than 100 diamonds. The Green Bay Packers Super Bowl XLV ring had more than 100 diamonds, and was made out of platinum, which is more expensive than gold.
The losing team actually gets a ring as well. It is sometimes referred to as the AFC or NFC Championship ring. It typically is less gaudy, and there is also less information about them. It is difficult to imagine that a league championship ring is considered a loser's ring.
Incidentally, the refs also get Super Bowl Rings.
Animal Pain
Animals with simple nervous systems, like
lobsters, snails and worms, do not have the ability to process
emotional information and therefore do not experience suffering,
say most researchers.
Vertebrates with spines have much more advanced nervous systems and can feel real pain and suffering.
The research regarding whether or not lobsters feel pain is still inconclusive. The hiss that sounds when crustaceans hit the boiling water is not a scream. They do not have vocal cords.
Vertebrates with spines have much more advanced nervous systems and can feel real pain and suffering.
The research regarding whether or not lobsters feel pain is still inconclusive. The hiss that sounds when crustaceans hit the boiling water is not a scream. They do not have vocal cords.
Kirkland vs. Grey Goose
Grey Goose is made from the same water source
as Costco's Kirkland Signature Vodka from the Gensac Springs in
France's Cognac region.
Grey Goose has received lower ratings than the Costco house brand on many blind taste tests. Competitions where spirits are graded by blind taste testing, Kirkland scores an 88 and Grey Goose scores 82.
Incidentally, Grey Goose costs more than twice as much.
Grey Goose has received lower ratings than the Costco house brand on many blind taste tests. Competitions where spirits are graded by blind taste testing, Kirkland scores an 88 and Grey Goose scores 82.
Incidentally, Grey Goose costs more than twice as much.
Wool Dryer Balls
I read about these alternatives to static
cling sheets and other items you can put into the dryer to help
eliminate static cling, so I went to Amazon and purchased set of
six. Hardly necessary as they seem to almost last forever. In fact
some estimates are that they will last a few years depending on
how many loads you do, and they are rated for up to a thousand
loads (more than I will do in the next 15 years). As a bonus, the
description says you can add essential oils to the ball for making
clothes smell a bit better.
In order to boost the overall effectiveness of dryers, wool dryer balls reduce drying time, fluff and soften fabrics, reduce wrinkles, reduce static cling, are better for your skin, and the environment. A set of 3 is a good start and they will save you between 40% in a small load to 25% in a large load. It increases with the more dryer balls you use. They get in-between the towels and clothing to keep items from sticking together while damp. Some people use tennis balls for the same effect, but they do not last as long.
Consumer reports says that liquids in the wash cycle do better at reducing cling than fabric softener sheets in the dryer. It also debunked the idea that fabric softeners, especially liquids, leave towels far less absorbent.
Incidentally, I tried the plastic dryer balls, but they snagged a few items, so I promptly ditched them. Also, plastic dryer balls will eventually soften and lose their ability to soften and dry clothes. Aluminum balls also reduce static, but are bit rougher on delicate clothes.
In order to boost the overall effectiveness of dryers, wool dryer balls reduce drying time, fluff and soften fabrics, reduce wrinkles, reduce static cling, are better for your skin, and the environment. A set of 3 is a good start and they will save you between 40% in a small load to 25% in a large load. It increases with the more dryer balls you use. They get in-between the towels and clothing to keep items from sticking together while damp. Some people use tennis balls for the same effect, but they do not last as long.
Consumer reports says that liquids in the wash cycle do better at reducing cling than fabric softener sheets in the dryer. It also debunked the idea that fabric softeners, especially liquids, leave towels far less absorbent.
Incidentally, I tried the plastic dryer balls, but they snagged a few items, so I promptly ditched them. Also, plastic dryer balls will eventually soften and lose their ability to soften and dry clothes. Aluminum balls also reduce static, but are bit rougher on delicate clothes.
Feb 2, 2018
Happy Friday
Be Happy is number one on my ToDo list.
Complete number one and enjoy every day, especially a Happy Friday!
Complete number one and enjoy every day, especially a Happy Friday!
Groundhog Day
Today
is groundhog day and it is pundit predicted that Punxsutawney
Phil, Pennsylvania’s weather-forecasting groundhog, will see his
shadow, signaling six more weeks of winter weather for the
United States. Watch your local news for updates
after the sun rises.
How Many Breaths
None of us will be holding our breath to find out about the
end of winter, but the following is still interesting. An infant
breathes 40 to 60 times a minute; a five-year-old, 24 to 26
times; an adolescent, 20 to 22 times; an adult (beginning at age
25) 16 times. An average person at rest breathes about
17,000-30,000 per day. A person who lives to 80 will take more
than 670 million breaths. Of course it may be less when
fascinating facts like this take away our breath.
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