Colorado E-Voting Machines Decertified

(Image is in the Public Domain)

Well good.

Tags: ,

We Wanted ET, but Got Klingons

If you believe that life exists out there, it's easy to see why programs like SETI have been created to try and gather evidence. Now there's an effort called "Active SETI" that's no longer content to wait for signs of life, it's broadcasting signals directly to other stars that are likely to contain similar lifeforms to us.

The problem is, there are some who believe that doing so puts us all in danger. Without knowing who or what is out there, what their capabilities are, and what their intentions are, we could be inviting our own destruction.

Rather than sound paranoid, this is very sound advice. If you drugged and blindfolded and were then released somewhere that sounded like a city, would the first thing you did be to yell, "hey, hey! I'm over here! HELLLLLOOOOO!!!"

You could be in any part of any city in the world. This is a stupid action to take.

Tags: ,

Western Digital Puts Restrictions On Types of Files You Can Copy

(Image used under: Creative Commons 2.0 [SRC])

Here's a western Digital Hard drive has Digital Rights Management (DRM) built in. It's an external hard drive which is advertised as making it easy to store and share your files, as long as those files aren't music or movies.

Don't buy these. If you did buy them, return them.

Tags: , ,

How to Record A Phone Call And Save Your Butt

(Image is used under the Pixabay license)

I've been on the wrong end of legal action due to someone else's incompetence. Because I lived in a "one-party" state, I was able to legally record a call to an office WITHOUT TELLING THEM and use it in a phone hearing as evidence. Because of this, I was able to prove that I had been given the wrong instructions and it wasn't my fault, but theirs.

So there.

If you'd like this kind of satisfaction, you either have to tell them that you're recording the conversation (which will likely get you hung up on), or live in a state where it's legal to record any conversation that you're a part of (one-party state).

Here's the list on Consumerist.com

If you live in a two-party state, about the best you can do is record it and use it to refresh your memory or put together a convincing case of what was said. But you won't be able to use it as evidence and you might actually be breaking the law by recording it so beware.

Oh, and just because they say "This call may be monitored… blah blah blah" doesn't automatically give you permission to record it (though it should).

Tags:

Visual Dictionary Helps Find “Whats-it-called” With Pictures

(Image is used under the Pixabay license)

It's a little light on content at the moment, but I think this has potential. If you can't remember what something is called, you can hunt it down visually via connections to other pictures that are related or part of it.

Tags:

Stem Cell Debate May be Over

(Image used under: Creative Commons 2.0 [SRC])

They may have found a way to modify regular skin cells into working like stem cells. Having another source that is easier to get, far more plentiful, and lacks those nasty moral issues would make the technology thrive. Let's hope for the best.

Tags:

Spychips Author Sets Record Straight on Cancer-Causing RFID Implants

(Image used under: Creative Commons 2.0 [SRC])

Caspian just released a paper documenting the research showing the causal link between RFID implants and cancer in lab animals. The reason they issued this report is because of the recent news press about the issue. They wrote and issued this report because "a lot of misinformation about the cancer research has circulated since [the original cancer research] was published". Damage control by Verichip perhaps?

In almost all cases, the malignant tumors, typically sarcomas, arose at the site of the implants and grew to surround and fully encase the devices.

That's not subtle is it? Neither is this:

Either VeriChip and the makers of HomeAgain actually don't understand the difference between a benign fibroma and a malignant fibrosarcoma," noted Dr. Albrecht, "or they're deliberately lying to the public. Either way, it's clear they can't be trusted. We hope our new report will set the record straight.

Check out the "Recent Industry Misstatements about Implant-Cancer Research" section near the bottom of the page for specific examples of lies/ignorance told by chip makers and CASPIAN's factual rebuttals.

Tags: , , ,

E-voting Lawsuit to Hit All 50 States

(Image is in the Public Domain)

As it should. No better way to encourage voters than to give them e-voting machines that have been proven faulty.

Anyway, let's hope a well placed lawsuit or two can set them back on the right track.

Tags:

Helix Wind Power

(Image used under: Creative Commons 2.0 [SRC])

A type of home energy production, this is similar to standard wind turbines in that it produces electricity from wind, but it can be mounted very low to the ground and spins no matter what direction the wind is blowing (even up). This is pretty cool if it works as well as it seems.

I second the commentor on the article who suggested that these could be mounted on lampposts all over the city to generate power.

Tags: , ,

Theft Deterrant – Make You Car Look Rusted

Make your car less attractive to theives
(Image is in the Public Domain)

I have always said the best defense against theft is to have a lousy car. Now I might want a nice car someday, but there must be a way to make it at least look bad…. Well here's a good example: stickers that make your car look rusted.

It would be simple enough to scrape away paint and let it rust for real or bang in the metal here and there, but real damage affects resale and could end up causing need of repairs. This solution is far more elegant.

Tags: ,

Loading...

If you want to learn more about my professional background, click here to learn more.

Check out one of my guides/tutorials:

retailers Tutorial
|INDEX|next: Product Rebates

Retailer Tricks

All About Warranties
Product Rebates
Gift Cards

About Trust

Trusting Companies

... or check out any of my other guides and tutorials by clicking here!

All About Warranties

Extended warranties are a ripoff some say, but there are times when it can be a very good idea to use them. Read all about warranties and how to use them to your advantage.

[Click for full description]

Product Rebates

Learn why rebates are a bad thing and some tips for making sure you get your money.

[Click for full description]

Gift Cards

Gift cards are marketed as a great way to get a gift for someone when you don't know quite what to give them. But in many cases, all you're giving them is headache.

[Click for full description]

Trusting Companies

Store, online or off, are not known for being fair and helpful unless it benefits them to be so. Good deals exist, but many are bad deals in disguise. It's not in your best interests to be too trusting with any of them.

[Click for full description]