Weather Widget for Ubuntu/Linux

GIS-WEATHER

Although the widget is available through the Software Center, I opted for the most current incarnation and downloaded the .deb from NOOBSLAB . I visited this widget several years back and was not too impressed with its operation, needless to say its developers have been hard at work and the work has paid off.

Setup for your particular locale is fairly straight forward and it has a good range of "skins" or looks available out of the box. I prefer the clear unobtrusive look myself, and I think it fits in with my theme quite well.

It can be customized through the preferences menu quite easily, though some alterations can make it look a bit strange and take a little while to figure out how to make it "look" right. Text colors, can be changed to match your theme and for visibility.

Who Spies On You When You Are On Line?

It's no joke!

It seems that on-line security is becoming more important every day, not necessarily from the standpoint of personal information, but perhaps more so from others simply spying on you gathering information as to the websites you visit, and the types of media you might be downloading. Even those that dislike what Edward Snowden did have to admit that in many ways he was absolutely correct. At first I was one that would have labeled him a traitor, but after looking long and hard at what it was that he was actually trying to bring to light, I now applaud him to a certain degree.

To think that it is ok for anyone to snoop around in your own private business is ridiculous. Unless you are a convicted felon or have a long history of criminal activity, there should be absolutely no reason for anyone to “eavesdrop” on your day to day roaming, the internet no exception.

One way to thwart your Internet Service Provider (or ISP) from aiding those that would pry, is by making use of a service called VPN, or Virtual Private Network. There are many providers of this service available that offer free as well as paid services. The paid services such as Private Internet Access  often provide a service 

that is better, long term and farther reaching with a yearly subscription at a reasonable price, but for short term use many of the free services such as VPNbook  will function well enough.

Although services like these will keep your ISP from prying into your surfing, they do not shield you from sites of public domain, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc, where despite your personal arguments, everything you post is up for grabs regardless of your privacy settings. Some may argue that these service allow you to circumnavigate safety protocols that the ISP has in place. While that may be true, you as the end user should hold that right … AND I might add THAT RESPONSIBILITY! In other words if you are going to use the service for less-than-legal purposes, well you, and you alone are the guilty party.  

Healing Slowly

Graduated ...

... from my crutches

To using a  cane.

Can't wait to lose the Cane too, but have to learn to trust my ankle again first.

Happy Holidays

In case this is my last chance to post until after Christmas.

Setting-Up The Raspberry Pi Part 2

Now with all the parts gathered up,

You need a power supply of 5VDC with 

an output of at least 750ma. Some cell phone

chargers can be just the ticket. The ones that

utilize a USB cable can increase the options

for powering the Pi. Hint: most modern TV's have USB ports!

A remote control is a great way to interface with your Pi. There are many remotes available that function with the PI and XBMC ranging in price from $4 or $5 US to $39 or more. I spent about $6 US on this one on Amazon.

Although in most cases the Pi will become a 

semi-permanent fixture attached to your TV, by going wireless it will certainly leave your options open as to placement. One less ugly wire to contend with in that mass behind the entertainment center right? I picked up this nano adapter for a mere $12 US.

Don't forget this one, the HDMI cable to connect to your TV. The placement of your Pi will dictate the length of the cable you will need to purchase. I opted for a 3 meter cable, although I believe a 2 meter cable would have been enough. I want to make sure I can keep the Pi away from any heat being generated by the rest of my entertainment system.

To keep fingers and such off the actual components of the Pi a case should be utilized. There are a wide variety of cases made for the Pi and range in price from a couple dollars up.

The folks a NOOBS have a super easy way to install the OS on your Raspberry Pi. The download page here.

I questioned the fact that there are heat sinks on the market for the Pi chips and if they are needed and the reply to that question was found here from the team at Raspberry Pi, and the answer was "If you are using your RasPi within the normal use the foundation foresaw for the device YOU DO NOT NEED Heat Sinks for your RasPi."

Once you have your Pi up and running you can enjoy all your network storage has to offer at full 1080P and digital sound. (if your TV supports it). 

Always On The Lookout

For That Next Special Wallpaper

Having watched Guardians of the Galaxy a number of times now, and taken some still shots I have one of my new favorites from the Movie. Rocket is perhaps one of my favorite characters to come along in many years and as the shot is taken from a full 1080P HD movie it makes for a visually appealing desktop wallpaper.  Marvel has done a wonderful job with this movie!

Rocket Raccoon from Guardians of the Galaxy (Marvel) 2014

"Ain't nothin' like me, 'cept me!"

Six More Weeks

My Broken Ankle

Is healing well as far as the X-Rays prove, I have the OK from the Dr. to begin building up weight bearing over the next three weeks. I was hoping to get back to work next week but, it seems I will be off for at least six more.