Most influential weapon of the century?

http://www.wired.com/rawfile/2009/07/ak-47/?cid=16222734
Interesting read.

DJ Ryan at De Freitas Ranch 13th July 2013 (youtube)

Google Search: Reunion (youtube)

Technology is so powerful when done properly.

Computer programmer teaches homeless to code (youtube)

Rich Teen Kills 4, Avoids Prison Thanks To 'Affluenza' (youtube)

Man chasing woman on Freeport main road (youtube)

Hott songs..

Fall out Boy - Light Em Up



Ellie Goulding - Burn

Google glass privacy, in public?

I expect lots more businesses to take this stance.
http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2013/12/02/privacy-is-alive-seattle-eatery-tells-google-glass-user-where-to-stick-his-spectacles/

Broadband comparison - Flow vs Blink

I am comparing broadband packages from the two major providers Flow and Blink. As expected Blink is behind, their site is not even working properly.

Blink packages.. sort of, it is confusing, and you have to call them for prices! No wonder wait times are ridiculous when you call in. The error "The content failed to load" pops up.
http://www.blinkbroadband.tt/residential-packages?qt-wired_packages=4#qt-wired_packages

Blink info page is poor

 

Flow packages and rates
http://discoverflow.co/trinidad/internet/rates-and-packages
Flow recently increased speeds and introduced packages lower and higher then they previously had. This means they will appeal to a wider set of customers, not that it was much of a contest before. Good job Flow.

Still vex

I am not sure what I can do to make the country better. I am more frustrated than when I started this blog, which I expected. Things will probably get better but not in my lifetime.
Crime at all levels are out of hand. Most people are going about their lives as usual and hoping it does not affect them.

Utility companies are failing from poor management, private companies are profiting from corrupt deals, the government seems to be concentrating more on getting votes than real progress.
 http://newsday.co.tt/news/0,187200.html
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Blatant-corruption-on-the-Govts-part-230292981.html
 http://www.trinidadexpress.com/commentaries/Voting-corruption-and-crime-232588431.html
http://guardian.co.tt/news/2013-08-18/no-action-against-corruption 
http://guardian.co.tt/news/2012-10-12/bogus-degree-lands-wasa-man-top-job

The worst kinds of crimes are common nowadays, the population has become desensitised to it. It is even directed from inside of jails.
 http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Childs-body-sexually-violated-233886781.html
 http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/mobile/news/McFarlane--I-faced-HELL-in-that-Trinidad-prison-_15110849
http://www.newsday.co.tt/politics/0,112449.html
http://www.newsday.co.tt/politics/0,115032.html
 http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Crackdown-on-illegal-cellphones-in-prisons-coming-206364781.html
 http://guardian.co.tt/news/2013-11-18/crackdown-prison-cells-coming%E2%80%94griffith

The general public disobeys laws because there is no consequence. It is frustrating sometimes to just drive on the main roads.
http://guardian.co.tt/news/2012-03-25/road-safety-not-taken-seriously-tt
http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,179213.html
http://youtu.be/mqSKfoJ0vzU

Laying sand to the same level as the asphalt in a WASA pipe trench, 29 Nov 2013

Compacting sand to the same level as the asphalt. This is typical as the area is covered with areas many inches higher than the original road, 29 Nov 2013

I HEART TnT.

Also, this is my 500th post, I hope something good comes out of this blog.

Free Speech Project

I love all the work seen here. Keep up the great work all.
Trinidad and Tobago Radio Network Free Speech Project. Local lyrics with global impact.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDTMReEKULC-NiCg2-l9PAw?feature=watch

Rotate Your Chicken (Youtube)

COOL!

A trini helped make the beatles? Hmm

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/lord-woodbine-the-forgotten-sixth-beatle-2015140.html

Some Trini Driving (youtube)

Learn science from the Royal Institute

This is a great resource to learn about the world.
http://richannel.org/

Trinidad bad drivers, Sep 2013 (youtube)

Stream old Nickelodeon cartoons

Memories...
http://nickreboot.com/

Courts mattress sale

I went in to a Courts sale this weekend. I heard an ad on the radio that said a mattress and base for $1000. I went in to check if I liked the mattress and to maybe buy it. When I got there it only had one CSR for 6 customers all interested in the same sale. I was not the only customer who thought a base with a mattress was for $1000, but the CSR had to explain that it was $1000 each, in a less than cheerful voice. There were a couple people who were there before me so I waited for them to be spoken to and I overheard what they were saying.
I waited approximately 15 minutes before I went up to the CSR. This is after a family who came in after me had approached the CSR while she was speaking to someone else. The particular mattress that was on sale was leaned up against a bunk bed and still in plastic wrap. They did not have the same model lying on a frame/base so that I could sit on it to see it I liked it. When I asked if I could have it put down on a base her reply was "So you have to sit on it before you buy it?",
I said yes,
"Laughs* oh, ok, you could feel it right there you know",
 I asked if she could get someone to put it on a base for me.
"Ok hold on I will try to get someone"
10 minutes later a guy came and put the queen mattress on top of double mattress so I had to line up one edge before I could sit. I sat down and I put my hand down to press some more and I felt the thick layer of dust that was there...and it was too soft for my liking. I then noticed my pants had long streaks of dust from touching the plastic. Then I noticed the same dust on the guy's pants from moving it.
I said to the guy that the plastic is very dirty,
"Yea I know it very dirty"
.. now I would have warned someone who I saw going to sit on something dirty I just put for them, but that is not the norm I guess.When I got up the guy put the mattress back up against the bunk bed and I left.

Lessons Courts should learn: Have more friendly CSRs when a sale is announced
Wipe things people will be sitting/touching/ you have on display
Have a flyer in store with info for your sale, even the simplest printout will do, and have clearer ads

Céline Dion - Loved Me Back to Life (youtube)

This is hypnotic

Resize multiple pictures in their existing locations with Irfanview

How to resize multiple pictures in existing locations with Irfanview (v4.35)

I have a few hundred pictures from a digital camera I want to get smaller and save some size. The quality is not really that important so losing image details is acceptable. Most pictures are viewed by zooming out to show the whole picture on the screen so it is a waste to have giant files for pictures that will never be zoomed in to.
I am reclaiming space on a friend's hard drive and the best utility to resize the photos is the Batch conversion utility built into IrfanView.

I wanted to replace the original files in their existing subfolders with existing date and time properties.
To do this I went to:
File > Batch Conversion/Rename

-The 'Output format' is JPG

- Advanced button > 'Set new size as percentage of original' to 30 (this is perfect for me, but it can be whatever you like)
-- CHECK 'Overwrite existing files'
-- CHECK 'Create subfolders in destination folder'
-- CHECK 'Save files with original date/time'
-- Click OK

-The 'Output Directory for result files:' must be the same drive as the one the pictures are on (for most people this is C:\). In my case it was D:\ because I have a partitioned drive where there was a Pictures folder.

I had to CHECK 'Include subdirectories (for 'Add all', not saved on exit)' in order to get all the pictures in any folders deeper than where I was viewing or adding from.

I suggest copying a few folders of pictures to a new folder and test this out before attacking the real job.

The final step is to click 'Start Batch' and wait for the magic to happen. It may take about a second or two for each picture you are processing so be patient, the results are worth it.

Superhero formulas ftw

Great idea here:
http://wheresmysammich.com/picture/47965/faith-in-humanity-restored/

Also, I have crossed a milestone of 200,000 hits on the blog, I hope that means I am doing something right :-)

Tweet after you die

Because tweeting is so important...
Really?
http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2013/08/19/liveson-says-death-is-no-excuse-to-stop-tweeting/

Fierce asian poet - youtube

http://youtu.be/iFPWwx96Kew

Find lost Android phone

Finally a built in app, and it works.
This link explains it:
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/android-device-manager-froyo-google-settings-find-my-phone-lost,news-17307.html


Topics:
Find stolen android phone
Recover my handset
Track lost phone
Remote wipe samsung htc motorola phone
Trace gps on my phone

Insane Discoveries

Hmmmm
http://www.cracked.com/article_16871_6-insane-discoveries-that-science-cant-explain.html

Popup ads from intext.nav-links.com

I was getting popups from most sites I visited because of an add on I got from installing a Youtube video converter. I uninstalled 'GVU Technologies' add on in Firefox and the popups stopped.

Terms and Conditions May Apply - Official Trailer (youtube)

How did you help TnT today?

 

CAPTAIN T&T (2013) - A Short Film from Christopher Guinness on Vimeo.
Excellent work.

LORDE - Royals (youtube)

Adventek Networks awn-pci-54r driver

Here is a copy of Adventek Networks AWN-PCI-54R driver.
Inside the link below, click on " Click here to start download from sendspace " to get the file.

 http://www.sendspace.com/file/4nqdb8

Cooking gas cylinders at home

There is a new looking cylinder (tank) which is available as well as the old style - 

One company that supplies and replaces gas cylinders for residential and commercial use is Ramco Industries Ltd. https://ramcott.com/ 

Place an order with them and a delivery truck would show up to fill your order and you can pay the truck when the new tank arrives.
Phone number (868) 800-2665. I am happy with their service.

Go here for a full list of  sellers for the 20LB and 100LB tanks - 
Link 1 - https://www.np.co.tt/np-gas/ 

Link 2 - http://www.np.co.tt/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/NAT15-102514-20lb-Distributors-10.5x14in-FAW.pdf

Topics:
NP LPG and you booklet
LPG cooking gas
How to get 100 lb cylinder
20 lb cylinder
New stove gas tank
Red gas cylinder home
Trinidad and Tobago

Documentaries on humanitarian issues

Documentaries on humanitarian issues
http://www.lunamdocs.com/

Petitions for change
https://www.change.org

Savin' Me - Nickelback (youtube)

Lifehouse - Everything (youtube)

The Two Cents Movement

Talent. In every way.

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheTwoCentsMovement

https://www.facebook.com/The2CentsMovement

Amazing National Geographic animal pictures

Really spectacular shots

http://seriouslyforreal.com/amazing-world/the-35-most-spectacular-wildlife-photos-from-the-national-geographic-photo-contest/

Stressful day

Car troubles, work, utilities problems at home, but
great company, $4 pholourie and a solo, and progress on a project at work. Ying and yang right?

Impressive indian dancing (youtube)

Because we are not paranoid enoug about using computers..

(Reuters) - Even as the U.S. government confronts rival powers over widespread Internet espionage, it has become the biggest buyer in a burgeoning gray market where hackers and security firms sell tools for breaking into computers.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/10/us-usa-cyberweapons-specialreport-idUSBRE9490EL20130510

 and

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/03/ff_nsadatacenter/?cid=8660314
With so much power, who will be help responsible when things go bad?

Toronto March to April 2013

I was fortunate enough to get to visit Toronto late March into early April. It was a great trip and here are some of the memories.

On the first day this was the scene outside. The icicle is from melting snow and a space on the table.

Icicle in March

One night I had Red Lobster, and I could barely finish the meal. The crab legs and shrimps were huge!

Huge crab legs, Red Lobster

I had never seen this before, a parking spot for current and soon to be parents close to a store entrance. Very good idea

New parents parking

This person was just retired and wanted to announce it to the world

Just retired car

Doubles in China Town! It was decent.

Doubles in Chinatown

A long line on the street for fresh fish being grilled on the pavement.

$20 CAD for a plate of seafood. It did not take long for things to get cold in the single digit temperatures.

Korean food, this is a seafood omelet.

Squid in an omelet

FBI: Fried Banana and Ice Cream, a yummy dessert, and very filling.

FBI: Fried Banana and Ice Cream

Parking spots and charging plugs for hybrid vehicles. Nice

Alicia Keys in Concert. She is amazing.

Alicia Keys ACC Toronto

Wanton soup. It tasted really good.

Wanton Soup

Lula Lounge... oh boy. My first experience Latin Dancing and I did it in steel tips. It was the only shoes I had.

Lula Lounge, Toronto

 I saw these in a flower shop Downtown, very pretty.

Rainbow Roses, Toronto

About to board the flight back home.

Patrick Stewart Gives Passionate Response (youtube) to Question At Comicpalooza 2013

Ken Robinson: How to escape education's death valley (youtube)

Firefox or Internet Explorer opening two tabs, closing tabs when selecting

Tonight I had a problem where Firefox and Internet Explorer had the following symptoms on my desktop:

Opening two tabs when I clicked for a new one

Closing a tab when was trying to select it

The scroll cursor would appear when i clicked in the middle of a page.

 

Solution: I used a different mouse because mine was dying and making a middle click when I left and right clicked. The problem is now gone. I read where other people had this problem on a laptop and it was an issue with their touchpad. They could use a USB mouse to fix this.

Kickstarter project tips

This gives tips on how the top kickstarter projects did well. They are good tips for other e-interactions also.

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2012/12/18/hacking-kickstarter-how-to-raise-100000-in-10-days-includes-successful-templates-e-mails-etc/

Augmented reality was imagined 100 years ago

"From "The Master Key," a short story for boys that augured the invention of the taser, personal force fields (rather like "Dune"), a PDA with a Google-like database and live video streams"

http://moteandbeam.net/the-master-key-l-frank-baum-envisions-ar-glasses-in-1901

Why American football is not worth watching

Only 11 minutes of action?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704281204575002852055561406.html

What can data do for you today?

http://radar.oreilly.com/2012/12/six-ways-data-journalism-is-making-sense-of-the-world-around-the-world.html

Wearable computers.. kinda

A smart watch to go with your smart phone etc.

http://getpebble.com/

Ovidi Montllor (playlist youtube)

How to import Morotola Razr v3i contacts into Nokia phone

I have contacts in a csv file from a Motorola v3i that I would like to get in my new Nokia 111 phone. To accomplish this, I imported the contacts in Outlook 2007. Then synchronize contacts between Outlook and Nokia PC Suite, usin g the sync option from the main screen.

I made a backup of the current contacts in Nokia Suite in contacts: select all the contacts and export to the necessary files, csv, txt etc. I made one of each to be safe.

Topics: How to import contacts to nokia phone.

How to export contacts from motorola phone.

How to backup nokia contacts.

Boy uses technology to ward off lions

A really interesting story. I am glad he made it to TED.

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/26/tech/richard-turere-lion-lights/

How to choose a name when high

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/45926359/ns/us_news-weird_news/t/beezow-doo-doo-zopittybop-bop-bop-arrested

Imagine Dragons - Radioactive (youtube)

lol

Model: I Get Things I Don't Deserve (youtube)

Interesting

Adventure trip packages

Two popular package providers for younger travellers:

http://www.contiki.com/

http://www.gadventures.com/

Labours of Hercules

Tough times man.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labours_of_Hercules

QOTD

When trying to get a vacation spot: "Hawaii is a former leper colony on top of an active volcano where the disappointing ending to Lost was filmed"

Sheldon on Big Bang Theory, S5 Ep 16

HP printer regionalization reset

I saw a HP AIO 3050 that was refusing to use a HP 61 black and color toner. On the cover where you go to change the cartridge says use HP 122, but the manuals found online say HP 61 which is what was bought without checking the printer.

HP tech support says I need to buy the 122 ink as indicated or I can change the region settings of the printer to use the 61. This change can only be done once or twice at most and makes the printer use one particular number, not both at the same time. I had to call 1-866-408-5408 for instructions if I wanted to change the region. In my case the correct 122 will be bought to go into the printer.

Topics: Incorrect toner cartridge for HP printer.

How to calibrate HDTV

Interesting tool I found here:

http://www.amazon.com/Disney-WOW-World-Wonder-Blu-ray/dp/B0045ASBLG

TOP 10 - BEST HARLEM SHAKE (youtube)

lol

So that's what instrument they used..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theremin

I saw it on Big Bang theory, I did not know of this before, cool instrument!

I know something

I met a guy today who bought a 1TB hard drive from a big name seller because he could not find a 1TB for his specific laptop on amazon... He was about to pay for advice if necessary from the big name company to find out about cloning to the new hd but I told him to use the free easeus utility. Over the last few weeks I have seen more than ever that simple details can be very powerful, and that using that knowledge can be very potent. The trick is making sure you ask the right questions, and speaking to the right people.. Not everyone has the right answer.

Superbowl ads 2013

See all of them via the link below:
http://www.businessinsider.com/all-the-super-bowl-2013-ads-in-order-2013-2#

Cable connections between countries 2013

Interesting read:
http://arstechnica.com/business/2013/01/new-map-shows-how-the-internet-will-travel-underwater-in-2013/

Direct link to interactive map:
http://submarine-cable-map-2013.telegeography.com/

La Vega Estate, Gran Couva

I recently visited La Vega Estate in Gran Couva (Trinidad) for the first time. The compound is very well groomed and welcoming.

Dragonfly posing

You can park in the main car park and browse the flowers, fish, tools  and decorations for sale. There is a washroom available here also.
My costs for the day inside the rest of the compound were:
$25 to enter the rest of the compound for the day.
$30 for a rod and macaroni bait.
$5 for pellet to use as fish bait also.
$150 for a shed the shore of Lake George.

Compound Map

We got a small map as this was our first visit. At the same front desk where you paid for flowers etc is where you pay entrance fees. There were grocery shelf snacks,drinks and fruits available to purchase.

It took a minute slow drive on the gravel road to reach Lake George which is the largest body of water. The shed itself had benches all around and a large table in the centre. A tap was about 20 meters from the shed we were in to get water. The washrooms were at the top on a small hill close by.

Strolling peacocks

Peacock posing

Fishing

We had access to everywhere on the map until it was time to go at 5pm . Since the house on top the hill was vacant at the point in time we were able to drive up and see what it was like. If we did not rent a hut we could find a spot on the shore and fish anyway.

Morocoy

The were a lot of fish in the pond but getting them to bite was the problem. We would lose bait regularly but that is part of the fun.

Car Park and front desk

'Cappy' eating star apples

Fruits were available for sale at the front counter.

Rambutan

Toucan Trail

Red Pond

It is easy for the day to pass here so try to reach as early as possible


Site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Vega-Estate/119280348155437
http://www.lavegaestate.com
726 Gran Couva Main Road,
La Vega Village,
Gran Couva,
Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Telephone: (868) 679-9522
Fax: (868) 679-9571
Email: info@lavegaestate.com

Blink Entertainment

I initially tried to sign up for Blink Entertainment on the 8th of January this year. On the same day I requested the same telephone line to be transferred to my name. The CSR I dealt with said to expect a phone call in a few days from them to ask about coming to do the install.

On the 20th January I called to ask why I did not get a call yet and not surprisingly I was told there was no request for Blink Entertainment. In typical TSTT/Bmobile fashion, not only did it not have that request but I was told I made a request for Internet service from them on the 18th January, which I did not. The name of the 'Field Agent' who took my request for Internet was in their notes and I was told their manager would investigate why the request was put in when I did not make it. The name change that was requested on the 8th was completed but just that. It would take 10-15 working days from this time to process the order.

On the 28th I called in again to check on the progress of the order. Impressively it was still present and I was told only 4 working days had passed... I did not ask what calendar they were using but the CSR assured me 10-15 days was expected for the installation.

On another note, for the past three years I have been getting two bills from Bmobile, one for $1.50 and one for $2.00. Three years ago I decided $650+ a month was too much to pay for two cellphones in my home and switched to Digicel. In order to terminate the Bmobile service I had to pay all outstanding arrears which was done in person at Bmobile and the phones were disconnected the same day. A month later I received the two bills for the first time. A CSR on the phone said I needed to pay the outstanding amount at a Bmobile branch as the account has been closed and trying to pay it online or other payment options are impossible. Each month after that the same bill would come with the same amount.

When I went in on the 8th January for the Blink application I asked about the recurring bills and was told I had to pay the outstanding amount for the bills to stop coming. The CSR confirmed that in order to terminate Bmobile service I had to pay all outstanding arrears, and that it is costing more to print and mail the bills than the value of the bills.

On Saturday 2nd Feb. I called in again to check for an update as I had not been called yet and was told there was a problem on the loop which the technicians were working on to allow me to get the service. That was the most I had been apologised to in my life, every half sentence was "I apologise again for this delay..". The CSR said it would be sorted out probably within a few days and then the install would be scheduled.

On Tuesday 5th Feb. 2013 I got a call from Blink to say that I cannot get the wired service because of a problem on the loop ("I had exceeded the threshold limit") and instead that wireless is available to me at the advertised prices. I asked how come a few houses away was able to get DSL and was told it depends on the distance on the wire and not on the straight line distance. I am reconsidering my options now..

Hilary Duff - Come Clean (Remix 2005) with lyrics youtube

Different area codes for Digicel, TSTT, Flow

If you are looking for a list of the different area codes used in Trinidad and Tobago or to check if a number is a cellphone on Digicel or Bmobile (TSTT) or Flow check this link:
http://tto.areacodebase.com/
 TSTT https://www.ecallchina.com/country/Trinidad%20And%20Tobago-area-code.aspx


Our international country prefix is '868' so the local area code is the 3 digits after this in the first column.

The TSTT residential phone book (the only one in the country as far as I know) has no mention of Digicel area codes in it.. typical TSTT behaviour.

Topics:
How do I know if a number is Digicel or TSTT(Bmobile)
Check if a number is Bmobile(TSTT) or Digicel or Flow(Columbus Communications)
What area code is this number
Area code for different areas

HP warranty for Trinidad and Tobago

I bought an AIO printer a couple months ago and there is a loud grinding noise when the blank paper is moving through it. The agent said the printer would probably be replaced which I am glad to hear.

The number for anyone in Trinidad and Tobago to call is 1-800-711-2884 but note that it is not toll free and I paid approximately $0.50 ttd per minute. I mentioned I was paying for the call and the rep said that is the correct number to call and maybe if I tried later it would be free. I called a little after lunchtime, and my 'toll free' calls to Dell are charged for also. The call lasted about 21 minutes. I was told it would take about 5 business days to process my complaint.

All phone numbers are here:
http://www.hp.com/latam/caribbean/contact_us/phone_assistance_after_buy.html

Update on 22nd Jan:
A brand new printer was delivered to me at the address I gave yesterday. I got to keep the old one and the delivery man I could use it for spare parts if I liked. I said thanks very much and he was off.

I am impressed by the quick service. Good job HP!


 Update on August 27th 2013:
I bought a different model AIO and it has a broken paper pickup roller. HP is sending me back to the seller to have it replaced. I hope the replacement is fine.




Topics:
HP laptop, desktop, server
HP printer, all in one, AIO
Copier, scanner fax

Madonna - Die Another Day Official Music Video HD youtube

I'm watching die another day today.

Backchatting pc

Funny stuff
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orac_%28Blake%27s_7%29

Sada roti

I tried to make sada roti for the first time today, it came out excellently, as expected with supervision from my mom. Will it be the same when I try it on my own, time will tell. It is an easy process to learn but hopefully not hard to master. I don't mind practising some more.

The sada roti recipe is basically using a ratio: 1 cup of water to 1 cup of flour to 1 tbsp baking powder.
Mix the ingredients a little of each at a time.
Let it sit for 20 minutes.
Make small balls of the dough that are flattened out with the rolling pin.
Let sit on the hot plate until each side is cooked and it starts to swell.

Topics:
How to cook sada roti.
Sada roti ingredients.

The Voice of Mario - Charles Martinet Interview (youtube)

Harry's Water Park (Tabaquite, Trinidad)

 

I recently visited Harry's Water Park and I liked what I saw. I have not been in a long time (years) and the place is much improved although there are still some rough edges. It was free to enter up to the bar and food building but $20 to just enter the water park area, no rides included. You had free re-entry for the day for this price.

Parking lot left

Parking lot right

There are native animals to look at in one section, the water slides in another and the carat sheds/liming spot in another section. Each section is accessible from each other. The use of the facilities is monitored by hand bands for different patrons. I did not get a band as I was not going on any slides.

Kids play area

The facility is clean and had workers walking throughout.

Kids area tables

Overhead video:

Official site:
http://harryswaterpark.ilitegroup.com/
Address:
160 Tabaquite Road, Rio Claro, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies