Advice for Microsoft (Remember Ma Bell)

Maybe Microsoft should stop acting like our computer belongs to Microsoft and start asking us before they do anything on computers they do not own.

We've come to accept that Microsoft does what it pleases on our computers, updates when it wants to, checks our settings and hardware, changes our settings and who knows what else after updates. We have come to accept Microsoft as a computer god-like entity that does what it wants with our property without even letting us know. Especially when the computer lags for no apparent reason.

That paradigm leaves many very suspicious, frustrated, or angry with Microsoft.

Microsoft, like Ma Bell and other monopolies, doesn't seem to care.

Remember what happened to Ma Bell?

If you are too young to remember, Ma Bell was ATT, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, and every other phone company around today until the government stepped in and said no more.

Microsoft should learn from history. Respect customers and their property. That's good business.

So why all the background activity on computers?

Whatever the reasons, respect the people who own the property you are playing with. Explain what you are doing. Ask permission. Then perhaps we will respect and want to use Microsoft, rather than just tolerating it because we can't afford Apple or can't figure out Linux or just don't realize we actually own the computer Microsoft is using without our knowledge or permission.

I appreciate the free tech support you provide in recent years.

I'd appreciate your respect on my computer even more.

The Dailymail Sucks

So I wandered Twitter and Facebook over the weekend and on one of those I found a video so wonderfully positive it brought happy tears to my eyes and I felt it was something to share on my Hope For Us All Facebook Page so I did. Facebook is threatening my account now because The Daily Mail filed a complaint and blocked the video and said I infringed on their copyright. Thought there was a message near the very end for a second or two that said "Did that really happen?" Dailymail, nowhere in the video was a copyright notice. A site called "viralhog" was printed in the upper corner of the video and was on the screen longer than the momentary message from dailymail. No other identification was on the video anywhere.

What a bummer, Scrooge, The Grinch, and Dailymail. At least two of them found their hearts.

Roommates

Coming "home" to this...

What is that... well, it's this..

and yes, that is an open flame propane heater in the middle of the flammable wood, clothing, and on a wooden floor in an 80 year old wooden house...

and the roommate was fast asleep each time.

Bad Umpire

The umpire was not on his game tonight, which happens sometimes to the older umpires. He squeezed the strike zone and acted like he didn't want to be there. Who could blame him, it rained on and off all evening and there was a rain delay and the last game, our game, started more than a half hour late. We were not going to be done util well after 10 PM when the games are scheduled to be over at 9:30 PM. So he wasn't friendly as he can be sometimes and he was moody and ended up pissy. Everybody has a bad day.

But.

When you are an umpire you can't let your bad day decide a game's outcome.

He was very chatty with a couple of the other team players to the point where I asked if we could play the game since I was standing on the pitcher's mound waiting for their chat to end. The other team was hot and dominated for the first few innings taking a 16-3 lead. By the way he was making calls, you could tell the umpire wanted to get going and let the game end early. Then, we started coming back.

After we scored 9 runs and made it 16-14 with two on and the go-ahead run at the plate, he said he heard one of the other team's players say something and started arguing with the player (who was sitting in the stands). After a minute or so, he threw the player out. The umpire stood with his back to the field arguing with the player another minute or two until the player left the field area. The other umpire was chatting with the other teams infield at the pitcher's mound and delayed the game even further, calling a "no pitch" because he was not in position. Their pitcher pitched the ball, but the umpire covered for him.

By then, our momentum was cold and the batter popped out. We went out to take the field and the umpire, who was talking to the players on the other team with his back to the field again, turned and said time expired. We asked why he was rewarding the team for delaying the game and he had no answer. After several of our players challenged him and told him you just wanted to go home and cheated us, he said the clock had run out before he threw the player out. We asked why he didn't do what umpires always do, which is tell both teams time expired and finish the inning and he had no answer, he just walked away.

We were tied for first place with that team and had beaten them by one run in the previous game against them. We were rallying and as the home team, set up for a big win. The other team found a way to stop us by manipulating the umpire and the umpire went along with it.

That gives them the regular season championship.

What a way to win, let the winning team delay the game by pissing off the umpire and kill a come back rally and run out the clock. The bottom of the barrel umpires can be found at Seminole Softball Complex in Seminole County, Florida on Monday nights.

Frank, you blew it.

Google Blogger Crap Management

After months of not getting notifications about comments for any of my blogs I discover after searching through hundreds of messages on the blogger forum that I have to send hours going to each blog, clicking many times to delete my email address and then re-enter my email address to reset the request to receive email notification when comments are left and when posts are uploaded. Ridiculous time-sucking demand because blogger uploaded new code, or maybe they just want to discourage people from blogging or having multiple blogs.

Then today I find an email that says...

It’s been a while. We wanted to confirm that you still want to receive email notifications whenever new posts are posted to the blogs listed below.

Please click the Maintain Subscription link next to the blog name to continue receiving new email notifications from that blog. If you don’t want those email notifications for that blog, you may simply click the Decline link.

A while?... It's been two months since I clicked on all those clicks to reset the notifications and they want me to click on all the blogs again. Bullshit. They just want to discourage people from using blogger. I wonder if Google is going to pull the plug on Blogger the way many other plugs were pulled on free blog sites and free web pages in the past.

So I clicked on every one of my blogs again to reset the request for notifications again.

Never mind that I blog in many of the blogs daily.

It's been a while.

Bullshit.

Poor Medical Management

Not Impressed.

So not impressed. First they don’t have my file ready. Then they give me someone else’s Med list with my name and personal information on it. Then they weigh me without letting me put my computer bag, phones, keys, or anything down. Then they put me in a room with a used paper on the exam table. Then they ask for urine but sine they didn’t mention they needed it when they called to confirm blood work last week I had little to give because I just went. Then the urine goes into a small drinking cup, uncovered, into a wall cabinet. There’s already spilled urine and another patients cups in there. Then another patient is told to give urine as well. I tell the nurse there are already a few cups in the box and she says we’ll get them. A few more people are sent in for urine with it the next few minutes and one comes out saying there was no room to put his in the box. Then blood pressure was taken extremely poorly as if she didn’t know how and didn’t care. She asks me if I checked my med list ad I tell her it’s not my med list. She looks at me as if I don’t know what I am talking about. Then she asks if I had a flu shot and I tell her I don’t do flu shots. She comes back after 40 minutes and asks if I did labs recently. I tell I did them last week as this office requested. She comes back and takes my med list. She then returned and asked if I had a flu shot. I tell her no again. The doc.comes in and tells me the nurse ordered the wrong labs so they’ll do them here today and he’ll cal me. I forget to mention the incorrect me list but remind the nurse when she brings me my paperwork and she says we only put down what you tell us which may be the last straw. I held my voice down but firmly said I never told anyone any of those medications, someone transcribed the wrong list into my medical record, you did not answer my question. She looked blankly at me and asked what my question was. This was in front of other patients and office staff. I asked if my medication record will be corrected and she said yes. I said thank you. The asked the lab tech if he could get the doctor and he went back but the doctor just went in to see a patient so he asked if he could help and I explained the situation and he opened my medical file and saw the changes being made as we speak. I noticed an incorrect dosage was listed for my one medication and he said he’d correct that. I explained that this sort of error has caused issues with other doctors in the past as they see my medical record online through a hospital medical record portal so for a nurse to not show concern concerns me more than a simple transcription error. He said you know they are medical assistants and not nurses so they don’t know many if the prescription medications. I said then the receptionist should not saw the nurse will take your blood pressure. He apologized and corrected the dosage error that was just made when they corrected my record.

The wrong dosage explains why when I did not have a primary I could not get a refill for the medication I’ve been on for almost 15 years. Because they would only give me what was on my medical records and that dosage did not work so I walked around with high blood pressure for months until I convinced her primary after going to several that she should give me the medication I’ve been on.

Drive home now and try not to eat more since I’m already bloated but I’m frustrated to check and I have a sandwich sitting right next to me. Sure would be nice to have someone to talk to him.

Bend Over and Take It

Survival tips for prisoners. Just lay back and enjoy it. Advice for rape victims. Believe something will actually trickle down. Political delusions. This world we live in is controlled by a very small group of people, some call them oligarchs, and they make all the rules. They don't follow them, they don't have to. Unsolicited sales calls are illegal, but they can call or text anyone anytime and you have to pay for it if your phone plan isn't unlimited and they put you over your limit. Some white house lackey can text you anytime through an emergency system you never signed up for. Invading your privacy is what they do. They want to control your lives, your bodies, your choices. Think. Brave New World, 1984, Fahrenheit 451, The Trial, We, Animal Farm, It Can't Happen Here not just stories. You think you're not bending over and taking it? Think again.

Legal Insanity

Why? Just Why?

Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions

iTunes Store
Sep 18, 2018, 11:16 AM (2 days ago)
to me

iTunes Store
TERMS OF SERVICE
Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions create a contract between you and Apple (the “Agreement”). Please read the Agreement carefully. To confirm your understanding and acceptance of the Agreement, click “Agree.”

A. INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERVICES

This Agreement governs your use of Apple’s services (“Services”), through which you can buy, get, license, rent or subscribe to media, apps (“Apps”), and other in-app services (“Content”). Our Services are: iTunes Store, App Store, Apple Books, Apple Music, and Apple News. Our Services are available for your use in your country of residence (“Home Country”). To use our Services, you need compatible hardware, software (latest version recommended and sometimes required) and Internet access (fees may apply). Our Services’ performance may be affected by these factors.

B. USING OUR SERVICES

PAYMENTS, TAXES, AND REFUNDS

You can acquire Content on our Services for free or for a charge, either of which is referred to as a “Transaction.” Each Transaction is an electronic contract between you and Apple, and/or you and the entity providing the Content on our Services. However, if you are a customer of Apple Distribution International and you acquire an App or a book, Apple Distribution International is the merchant of record; this means that you acquire the Content from Apple Distribution International, and it is licensed by the App Provider (as defined below) or book publisher. When you make your first Transaction, we will ask you to choose how frequently we should ask for your password for future Transactions. If you enable Touch ID for Transactions, we will ask you to authenticate all Transactions with your fingerprint, and if you enable Face ID for Transactions, we will ask you to authenticate all Transactions using facial recognition. Manage your password settings at any time by following these instructions: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204030. Apple will charge your payment method (such as your credit card, debit card, gift card/code, or other method available in your Home Country) for any paid Transactions, including any applicable taxes. If we cannot charge your payment method for any reason (such as expiration or insufficient funds), you remain responsible for any uncollected amounts, and we will attempt to charge the payment method as you may update your payment method information. If you pre-order Content, you will be charged when the Content is delivered to you (unless you cancel prior to the Content’s availability). In accordance with local law, Apple may update information regarding your payment method if provided such information by your financial institution. For details about how Transactions are billed, please visit http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5582. All Transactions are final. Content prices may change at any time. If technical problems prevent or unreasonably delay delivery of Content, your exclusive and sole remedy is either replacement of the Content or refund of the price paid, as determined by Apple. From time to time, Apple may refuse a refund request if we find evidence of fraud, refund abuse, or other manipulative behavior that entitles Apple to a corresponding counterclaim. Terms related to Store Credit and gift cards/codes are available here: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/giftcards/.

APPLE ID

Using our Services and accessing your Content requires an Apple ID. An Apple ID is the account you use across Apple’s ecosystem. Your Apple ID is valuable, and you are responsible for maintaining its confidentiality and security. Apple is not responsible for any losses arising from the unauthorized use of your Apple ID. Please contact Apple if you suspect that your Apple ID has been compromised.

You must be age 13 (or equivalent minimum age in your Home Country, as set forth in the registration process) to create an Apple ID and use our Services. Apple IDs for persons under this age can be created by a parent or legal guardian using Family Sharing or by an approved educational institution.

PRIVACY

Your use of our Services is subject to Apple’s Privacy Policy, which is available at https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/.

SERVICES AND CONTENT USAGE RULES

Your use of the Services and Content must follow the rules set forth in this section (“Usage Rules”). Any other use of the Services and Content is a material breach of this Agreement. Apple may monitor your use of the Services and Content to ensure that you are following these Usage Rules.

All Services:

- You may use the Services and Content only for personal, noncommercial purposes (except as set forth in the App Store Content section below).

- Apple’s delivery of Content does not transfer any promotional use rights to you, and does not constitute a grant or waiver of any rights of the copyright owners.

- You can use Content from up to five different Apple IDs on each device.

- It is your responsibility not to lose, destroy, or damage Content once downloaded. We encourage you to back up your Content regularly.

- You may not tamper with or circumvent any security technology included with the Services.

- You may access our Services only using Apple’s software, and may not modify or use modified versions of such software.

- Video Content requires an HDCP connection.

iTunes Store Content:

- You can use Digital Rights Management (DRM)-free Content on a reasonable number of compatible devices that you own or control. DRM-protected Content can be used on up to five computers and any number of devices that you sync to from those computers.

- Content rentals are viewable on a single device at a time, and must be played within 30 days, and completed within 48 hours of the start of play (stopping, pausing or restarting does not extend this period).

- You may burn an audio playlist to CD for listening purposes up to seven times (this limitation does not apply to DRM-free Content).

App Store Content:

- The term “App” includes apps, iMessage and Apple Watch apps, in-app purchases, extensions (such as keyboards), stickers, and subscriptions made available in an app.

- You can use Apps on any device that you own or control.

- Individuals acting on behalf of a commercial enterprise, governmental organization or educational institution (an “Enterprise”) may download and sync Apps for use by either (i) a single individual on one or more devices owned or controlled by an Enterprise; or (ii) multiple individuals on a single shared device owned or controlled by an Enterprise. For the sake of clarity, each device used serially or collectively by multiple users requires a separate license.

Apple Books Content:

- You can use DRM-free Content on any compatible device that you own or control. DRM-protected Content can be used on up to five computers and any number of devices that you sync to from those computers.

- You may not burn Apple Books Content to disk.

Apple Music:

- You can use an Individual Apple Music membership on up to 10 devices (only five of which can be computers).

- An Individual Apple Music membership allows you to stream on a single device at a time; a Family membership allows you or your Family members to stream on up to six devices at a time.

REDOWNLOADS

You may be able to redownload previously acquired Content (“Redownload”) to your devices that are signed in with the same Apple ID (“Associated Devices”). You can see Content types available for Redownload in your Home Country at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204632. Content may not be available for Redownload if that Content is no longer offered on our Services.

Associated Devices Rules: You can have 10 devices (but only a maximum of 5 computers) signed in with your Apple ID at one time. Each computer must also be authorized using the same Apple ID (to learn more about authorization of computers, visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201251). Devices can be associated with a different Apple ID once every 90 days.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

The Services and certain Apps may allow you to purchase access to Content or services on a subscription basis (“Paid Subscriptions”). Paid Subscriptions automatically renew until cancelled in the Manage Subscriptions section of your account settings. We will notify you if the price of a Paid Subscription increases and, if required, seek your consent to continue. You will be charged no more than 24 hours prior to the start of the latest Paid Subscription period. If we cannot charge your payment method for any reason (such as expiration or insufficient funds), and you have not cancelled the Paid Subscription, you remain responsible for any uncollected amounts, and we will attempt to charge the payment method as you may update your payment method information. This may result in a change to the start of your next Paid Subscription period and may change the date on which you are billed for each period. Certain Paid Subscriptions may offer a free trial prior to charging your payment method. If you decide to unsubscribe from a Paid Subscription before we start charging your payment method, cancel the subscription before the free trial ends.

CONTENT AND SERVICE AVAILABILITY

Terms found in this Agreement that relate to Services, Content types, features or functionality not available in your Home Country are not applicable to you unless and until they become available to you. To see the Content types available to you in your Home Country, go to the Services or visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204411.

NON-APPLE DEVICES

If you use our Services on a non-Apple-branded device, you may not be able to access all features or Content types. Terms in this Agreement relating to unavailable features or Content types are not applicable to you. If you later choose to access our Services from an Apple-branded device, you agree that all terms of this Agreement will apply to your use on such device.

C. YOUR SUBMISSIONS TO OUR SERVICES

Our Services may allow you to submit materials such as comments, pictures, videos, and podcasts (including associated metadata and artwork). Your use of such features must comply with the Submissions Guidelines below, which may be updated from time to time. If you see materials that do not comply with the Submissions Guidelines, please use the Report a Concern feature. You hereby grant Apple a worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, nonexclusive license to use the materials you submit within the Services and related marketing, and Apple internal purposes. Apple may monitor and decide to remove or edit any submitted material.

Submissions Guidelines: You may not use the Services to:

- post any materials that you do not have permission, right or license to use;

- post objectionable, offensive, unlawful, deceptive or harmful content;

- post personal, private or confidential information belonging to others;

- request personal information from a minor;

- impersonate or misrepresent your affiliation with another person, or entity;

- post or transmit spam, including but not limited to unsolicited or unauthorized advertising, promotional materials, or informational announcements;

- plan or engage in any illegal, fraudulent, or manipulative activity.

D. FAMILY SHARING

The organizer of a Family (“Organizer”) must be 18 years or older and the parent or legal guardian of any Family member under age 13 or the equivalent minimum age in their Home Country (as set forth in the registration process). Apple devices are required for access to all of the Family Sharing features.

Purchase Sharing: Family Sharing’s Purchase Sharing feature allows you to share eligible Content with up to six members of a Family. The Organizer invites other members to participate, and agrees to pay for all Transactions initiated by Family members. The Organizer's payment method is used to pay for any Transaction initiated by a Family member (except when the Family member’s account has store credit, which is always used first). Family members are acting as agents for the Organizer when the Organizer’s payment method is used. The Organizer hereby agrees (1) to pay for such Transactions, and (2) that Transactions initiated by Family members are authorized. Organizers are responsible for complying with their payment method contract, and assume all risk related to sharing access to the payment method with Family members. A receipt or invoice for any Family member Transaction is sent to the initiating Family member and the Organizer.

Ask to Buy: Ask to Buy is a convenient feature that allows an Organizer to approve each Transaction initiated by a Family member under age 18 (or the equivalent age of majority in your Home Country). The Organizer must be the parent or legal guardian of any Family member for whom Ask to Buy is activated. Content downloaded from Family members or acquired via redemption codes are not subject to Ask to Buy.

Family Member changes: When a Family member leaves or is removed from the Family, the remaining Family members may no longer be able to access the former member’s Content, including Content acquired with the Organizer’s payment method.

Family Sharing Rules: You can only belong to one Family at a time, and may join any Family no more than twice per year. You can change the Apple ID you associate with a Family no more than once every 90 days. All Family members must share the same Home Country. Not all Content, including In-App Purchases, subscriptions, and some previously acquired Apps, are eligible for Purchase Sharing.

E. RECOMMENDATION FEATURES

The Services will recommend Content to you based on your downloads, purchases and other activities. You may opt out from receiving such recommendations in your account settings.

Some recommendation features may require your permission before they are turned on. If you turn on these features, you will be asked to give Apple permission to collect and store certain data, including but not limited to data about your device activity, location, and usage. Please carefully read the information presented when you turn on these features.

F. ADDITIONAL ITUNES STORE TERMS

SEASON PASS AND MULTI-PASS

A Pass allows you to purchase and receive television Content as it becomes available. A Season Pass applies to television Content that has a limited number of episodes per season; a Multi-Pass applies to television Content that is available on an ongoing basis. The full price of a Season Pass or Multi-Pass is charged at the time of the Transaction. Season Pass or Multi-Pass Content is available for download up to 90 days after the last episode becomes available. If automatic renewal is selected when you obtain a Multi-Pass, you will be charged the full price of each subsequent Multi-Pass cycle. You can turn off automatic renewal prior to the beginning of the next Multi-Pass cycle in your account settings. If a Content provider delivers to Apple fewer TV episodes than planned when you purchased a Season Pass, we will credit to your Apple ID the retail value of the corresponding number of episodes that were not provided to Apple.

G. ADDITIONAL APP STORE TERMS

LICENSE OF APP STORE CONTENT

App licenses are provided to you by Apple or a third party developer (“App Provider”). If you are a customer of Apple Distribution International, the merchant of record is Apple Distribution International, which means that you acquire the App license from Apple Distribution International, but the App is licensed by the App Provider. An App licensed by Apple is an “Apple App;” an App licensed by an App Provider is a “Third Party App.” Apple acts as an agent for App Providers in providing the App Store and is not a party to the sales contract or user agreement between you and the App Provider. Any App that you acquire is governed by the Licensed Application End User License Agreement (“Standard EULA”) set forth below, unless Apple or the App Provider provides an overriding custom license agreement (“Custom EULA”). The App Provider of any Third Party App is solely responsible for its content, warranties, and claims that you may have related to the Third Party App. You acknowledge and agree that Apple is a third-party beneficiary of the Standard EULA or Custom EULA applicable to each Third Party App and may therefore enforce such agreement. Certain Apps, such as stickers and iMessage apps, may not appear on the device springboard but can be accessed and used in the Messages app drawer.

IN-APP PURCHASES

Apps may offer content, services or functionality for use within such Apps (“In-App Purchases”). In-App Purchases that are consumed during the use of the App (for example, virtual gems) cannot be transferred among devices and can be downloaded only once. You must authenticate your account before making In-App Purchases – separate from any authentication to obtain other Content – by entering your password or using Touch ID or Face ID. You will be able to make additional In-App Purchases for fifteen minutes without re-authenticating unless you’ve asked us to require a password for every purchase or have enabled Touch ID or Face ID. You can turn off the ability to make In-App Purchases by following these instructions: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201304.

APP MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT

Apple is responsible for providing maintenance and support for Apple Apps only, or as required under applicable law. App Providers are responsible for providing maintenance and support for Third Party Apps.

APP BUNDLES
Some Apps may be sold together as a bundle (“App Bundle”). The price displayed with an App Bundle is the price you will be charged upon purchasing the App Bundle. The App Bundle price may be reduced to account for Apps you have already purchased or acquired, but may include a minimum charge to complete the App Bundle.

LICENSED APPLICATION END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT

Apps made available through the App Store are licensed, not sold, to you. Your license to each App is subject to your prior acceptance of either this Licensed Application End User License Agreement (“Standard EULA”), or a custom end user license agreement between you and the Application Provider (“Custom EULA”), if one is provided. Your license to any Apple App under this Standard EULA or Custom EULA is granted by Apple, and your license to any Third Party App under this Standard EULA or Custom EULA is granted by the Application Provider of that Third Party App. Any App that is subject to this Standard EULA is referred to herein as the “Licensed Application.” The Application Provider or Apple as applicable (“Licensor”) reserves all rights in and to the Licensed Application not expressly granted to you under this Standard EULA.

a. Scope of License: Licensor grants to you a nontransferable license to use the Licensed Application on any Apple-branded products that you own or control and as permitted by the Usage Rules. The terms of this Standard EULA will govern any content, materials, or services accessible from or purchased within the Licensed Application as well as upgrades provided by Licensor that replace or supplement the original Licensed Application, unless such upgrade is accompanied by a Custom EULA. Except as provided in the Usage Rules, you may not distribute or make the Licensed Application available over a network where it could be used by multiple devices at the same time. You may not transfer, redistribute or sublicense the Licensed Application and, if you sell your Apple Device to a third party, you must remove the Licensed Application from the Apple Device before doing so. You may not copy (except as permitted by this license and the Usage Rules), reverse-engineer, disassemble, attempt to derive the source code of, modify, or create derivative works of the Licensed Application, any updates, or any part thereof (except as and only to the extent that any foregoing restriction is prohibited by applicable law or to the extent as may be permitted by the licensing terms governing use of any open-sourced components included with the Licensed Application).

b. Consent to Use of Data: You agree that Licensor may collect and use technical data and related information—including but not limited to technical information about your device, system and application software, and peripherals—that is gathered periodically to facilitate the provision of software updates, product support, and other services to you (if any) related to the Licensed Application. Licensor may use this information, as long as it is in a form that does not personally identify you, to improve its products or to provide services or technologies to you.

c. Termination. This Standard EULA is effective until terminated by you or Licensor. Your rights under this Standard EULA will terminate automatically if you fail to comply with any of its terms.

d. External Services. The Licensed Application may enable access to Licensor’s and/or third-party services and websites (collectively and individually, "External Services"). You agree to use the External Services at your sole risk. Licensor is not responsible for examining or evaluating the content or accuracy of any third-party External Services, and shall not be liable for any such third-party External Services. Data displayed by any Licensed Application or External Service, including but not limited to financial, medical and location information, is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed by Licensor or its agents. You will not use the External Services in any manner that is inconsistent with the terms of this Standard EULA or that infringes the intellectual property rights of Licensor or any third party. You agree not to use the External Services to harass, abuse, stalk, threaten or defame any person or entity, and that Licensor is not responsible for any such use. External Services may not be available in all languages or in your Home Country, and may not be appropriate or available for use in any particular location. To the extent you choose to use such External Services, you are solely responsible for compliance with any applicable laws. Licensor reserves the right to change, suspend, remove, disable or impose access restrictions or limits on any External Services at any time without notice or liability to you.

e. NO WARRANTY: YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT USE OF THE LICENSED APPLICATION IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE LICENSED APPLICATION AND ANY SERVICES PERFORMED OR PROVIDED BY THE LICENSED APPLICATION ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND “AS AVAILABLE,” WITH ALL FAULTS AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, AND LICENSOR HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE LICENSED APPLICATION AND ANY SERVICES, EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND/OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, OF SATISFACTORY QUALITY, OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OF ACCURACY, OF QUIET ENJOYMENT, AND OF NONINFRINGEMENT OF THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY LICENSOR OR ITS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY. SHOULD THE LICENSED APPLICATION OR SERVICES PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR, OR CORRECTION. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR LIMITATIONS ON APPLICABLE STATUTORY RIGHTS OF A CONSUMER, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION AND LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

f. Limitation of Liability. TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE LICENSED APPLICATION, HOWEVER CAUSED, REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY (CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE) AND EVEN IF LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR PERSONAL INJURY, OR OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. In no event shall Licensor’s total liability to you for all damages (other than as may be required by applicable law in cases involving personal injury) exceed the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00). The foregoing limitations will apply even if the above stated remedy fails of its essential purpose.

g. You may not use or otherwise export or re-export the Licensed Application except as authorized by United States law and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Licensed Application was obtained. In particular, but without limitation, the Licensed Application may not be exported or re-exported (a) into any U.S.-embargoed countries or (b) to anyone on the U.S. Treasury Department's Specially Designated Nationals List or the U.S. Department of Commerce Denied Persons List or Entity List. By using the Licensed Application, you represent and warrant that you are not located in any such country or on any such list. You also agree that you will not use these products for any purposes prohibited by United States law, including, without limitation, the development, design, manufacture, or production of nuclear, missile, or chemical or biological weapons.

h. The Licensed Application and related documentation are "Commercial Items", as that term is defined at 48 C.F.R. §2.101, consisting of "Commercial Computer Software" and "Commercial Computer Software Documentation", as such terms are used in 48 C.F.R. §12.212 or 48 C.F.R. §227.7202, as applicable. Consistent with 48 C.F.R. §12.212 or 48 C.F.R. §227.7202-1 through 227.7202-4, as applicable, the Commercial Computer Software and Commercial Computer Software Documentation are being licensed to U.S. Government end users (a) only as Commercial Items and (b) with only those rights as are granted to all other end users pursuant to the terms and conditions herein. Unpublished-rights reserved under the copyright laws of the United States.

i. Except to the extent expressly provided in the following paragraph, this Agreement and the relationship between you and Apple shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, excluding its conflicts of law provisions. You and Apple agree to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located within the county of Santa Clara, California, to resolve any dispute or claim arising from this Agreement. If (a) you are not a U.S. citizen; (b) you do not reside in the U.S.; (c) you are not accessing the Service from the U.S.; and (d) you are a citizen of one of the countries identified below, you hereby agree that any dispute or claim arising from this Agreement shall be governed by the applicable law set forth below, without regard to any conflict of law provisions, and you hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in the state, province or country identified below whose law governs:

If you are a citizen of any European Union country or Switzerland, Norway or Iceland, the governing law and forum shall be the laws and courts of your usual place of residence.

Specifically excluded from application to this Agreement is that law known as the United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods.

H. ADDITIONAL APPLE BOOKS TERMS

You acquire Apple Books Content from the third-party provider of such Content (the “Publisher”), not Apple. Apple acts as an agent for the Publisher in providing Apple Books Content to you, and therefore Apple is not a party to the Transaction between you and the Publisher. If you are a customer of Apple Distribution International, the merchant of record is Apple Distribution International, which means that you acquire a license to use the Content from Apple Distribution International, but the Content is licensed by the Publisher. The Publisher of the Apple Books Content reserves the right to enforce the terms of use relating to such Apple Books Content. The Publisher of the Apple Books Content is solely responsible for such Content, any warranties to the extent that such warranties have not been disclaimed, and any claims that you or any other party may have relating to such Content.

I. ADDITIONAL APPLE MUSIC TERMS

APPLE MUSIC MEMBERSHIP

Apple Music is a subscription music service. Your Apple Music membership will automatically renew until you turn off automatic renewal in account settings. See the “Subscriptions” section for more details. When your Apple Music membership ends, you will lose access to any feature of Apple Music that requires a membership, including but not limited to access to Apple Music songs stored on your device, and iCloud Music Library. Apple reserves the right to cancel your Apple Music membership if we are unable to successfully charge your payment method to renew your membership.

Where available, you may be offered an Apple Music membership through your wireless carrier (a “Carrier Membership”). If you purchase a Carrier Membership, your carrier will bill you for the cost of your Apple Music membership. Your billing relationship with the carrier is governed by the carrier’s terms and conditions, not this Agreement, and any billing disputes related to a Carrier Membership must be directed to your carrier, not Apple. By using Apple Music, you agree that your carrier may exchange your carrier account information, telephone number and subscription information with Apple, and that Apple may use this information to determine the status of your Carrier Membership.

ICLOUD MUSIC LIBRARY

iCloud Music Library is an Apple Music feature that allows you to access your matched or uploaded songs, playlists and music videos acquired from Apple Music, the iTunes Store or a third party (“iCloud Music Library Content”) on your Apple Music-enabled devices. iCloud Music Library is turned on automatically when you set up your Apple Music membership. iCloud Music Library collects information about your iCloud Music Library Content. This information is associated with your Apple ID, and compared to iCloud Music Library Content currently available on Apple Music. iCloud Music Library Content that is not matched is uploaded to Apple’s iCloud Music Library servers (in a format determined by Apple). You can upload up to 100,000 songs. Songs acquired from the iTunes Store or Apple Music do not count against this limit. Songs that do not meet certain criteria (for example, excessively large files) or that are not authorized for your device are not eligible for iCloud Music Library. When you use iCloud Music Library, Apple logs information such as the tracks you play, stop or skip, the devices you use, and the time and duration of playback. You agree to use iCloud Music Library only for lawfully acquired content. iCloud Music Library is provided on an “AS IS” basis and could contain errors or inaccuracies. You should back up your data and information prior to using iCloud Music Library. If you are not an Apple Music member, you may purchase an iTunes Match subscription, which is subject to the terms set forth in this section.

J. MISCELLANEOUS TERMS APPLICABLE TO ALL SERVICES

DEFINITION OF APPLE

Depending on your Home Country, “Apple” means:

Apple Inc., located at One Apple Park Way, Cupertino, California, for users in North, Central, and South America (including Canada for use of iTunes Store and Apple Music), as well as United States territories and possessions; and French and British possessions in North America, South America, and the Caribbean;

Apple Canada Inc., located at 120 Bremner Blvd., Suite 1600, Toronto ON M5J 0A8, Canada for users of App Store and Apple Books in Canada or its territories and possessions;

iTunes K.K., located at Roppongi Hills, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6140, Tokyo for users in Japan;

Apple Pty Limited, located at Level 3, 20 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia, for users in Australia, New Zealand, including island possessions, territories, and affiliated jurisdictions; and

Apple Distribution International, located at Hollyhill Industrial Estate, Hollyhill, Cork, Republic of Ireland, for all other users.

CONTRACT CHANGES

Apple reserves the right at any time to modify this Agreement and to add new or additional terms or conditions on your use of the Services. Such modifications and additional terms and conditions will be effective immediately and incorporated into this Agreement. Your continued use of the Services will be deemed acceptance thereof.

THIRD-PARTY MATERIALS

Apple is not responsible or liable for third party materials included within or linked from the Content or the Services.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

You agree that the Services, including but not limited to Content, graphics, user interface, audio clips, video clips, editorial content, and the scripts and software used to implement the Services, contain proprietary information and material that is owned by Apple and/or its licensors, and is protected by applicable intellectual property and other laws, including but not limited to copyright. You agree that you will not use such proprietary information or materials in any way whatsoever except for use of the Services for personal, noncommercial uses in compliance with this Agreement. No portion of the Services may be reproduced in any form or by any means, except as expressly permitted by this Agreement. You agree not to modify, rent, loan, sell, or distribute the Services or Content in any manner, and you shall not exploit the Services in any manner not expressly authorized.

The Apple name, the Apple logo, iTunes, iTunes Store, App Store, Apple Books, Apple Music, and other Apple trademarks, service marks, graphics, and logos used in connection with the Services are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple in the U.S. and other countries throughout the world. You are granted no right or license with respect to any of the aforesaid trademarks.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

If you believe that any Content available through the Services infringe a copyright claimed by you, please contact Apple at the following locations:

- iTunes Store: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/itunesstorenotices/

- App Store: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/appstorenotices/

- Apple Books: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/applebooksnotices

- Apple Music: https://www.apple.com/legal/trademark/claimsofcopyright.html

TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION OF SERVICES

If you fail, or Apple suspects that you have failed, to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, Apple may, without notice to you: (i) terminate this Agreement and/or your Apple ID, and you will remain liable for all amounts due under your Apple ID up to and including the date of termination; and/or (ii) terminate your license to the software; and/or (iii) preclude your access to the Services.

Apple further reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the Services (or any part or Content thereof) at any time with or without notice to you, and Apple will not be liable to you or to any third party should it exercise such rights.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES; LIABILITY LIMITATION

APPLE DOES NOT GUARANTEE, REPRESENT, OR WARRANT THAT YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE, AND YOU AGREE THAT FROM TIME TO TIME APPLE MAY REMOVE THE SERVICES FOR INDEFINITE PERIODS OF TIME, CANCEL THE SERVICES AT ANY TIME, OR OTHERWISE LIMIT OR DISABLE YOUR ACCESS TO THE SERVICES WITHOUT NOTICE TO YOU.

YOU EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT YOUR USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE, THE SERVICES IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. THE SERVICES AND ALL CONTENT DELIVERED TO YOU THROUGH THE SERVICES ARE (EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED BY APPLE) PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" FOR YOUR USE, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. BECAUSE SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, THE ABOVE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

IN NO CASE SHALL APPLE, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, CONTRACTORS, OR LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF ANY OF THE SERVICES OR FOR ANY OTHER CLAIM RELATED IN ANY WAY TO YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES AND/OR CONTENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN ANY CONTENT, OR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF ANY CONTENT POSTED, TRANSMITTED, OR OTHERWISE MADE AVAILABLE VIA THE SERVICES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THEIR POSSIBILITY. BECAUSE SOME COUNTRIES, STATES OR JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR THE LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, IN SUCH COUNTRIES, STATES OR JURISDICTIONS, APPLE'S LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE EXTENT SUCH LIMITATION IS PERMITTED BY LAW.

APPLE SHALL USE REASONABLE EFFORTS TO PROTECT INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY YOU IN CONNECTION WITH THE SERVICES, BUT YOU AGREE THAT YOUR SUBMISSION OF SUCH INFORMATION IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK, AND YOU HEREBY RELEASE APPLE FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR LIABILITY RELATING TO SUCH INFORMATION IN ANY WAY.

APPLE DOES NOT REPRESENT OR GUARANTEE THAT THE SERVICES WILL BE FREE FROM LOSS, CORRUPTION, ATTACK, VIRUSES, INTERFERENCE, HACKING, OR OTHER SECURITY INTRUSION, AND YOU HEREBY RELEASE APPLE FROM ANY LIABILITY RELATING THERETO. YOU SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR BACKING UP YOUR OWN SYSTEM, INCLUDING ANY CONTENT ACQUIRED OR RENTED THROUGH THE SERVICES.

APPLE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES.

WAIVER AND INDEMNITY

BY USING THE SERVICES, YOU AGREE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD APPLE, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, CONTRACTORS, AND LICENSORS HARMLESS WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF YOUR BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT, YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES, OR ANY ACTION TAKEN BY APPLE AS PART OF ITS INVESTIGATION OF A SUSPECTED VIOLATION OF THIS AGREEMENT OR AS A RESULT OF ITS FINDING OR DECISION THAT A VIOLATION OF THIS AGREEMENT HAS OCCURRED. YOU AGREE THAT YOU SHALL NOT SUE OR RECOVER ANY DAMAGES FROM APPLE, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, CONTRACTORS, AND LICENSORS AS A RESULT OF ITS DECISION TO REMOVE OR REFUSE TO PROCESS ANY INFORMATION OR CONTENT, TO WARN YOU, TO SUSPEND OR TERMINATE YOUR ACCESS TO THE SERVICES, OR TO TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION DURING THE INVESTIGATION OF A SUSPECTED VIOLATION OR AS A RESULT OF APPLE'S CONCLUSION THAT A VIOLATION OF THIS AGREEMENT HAS OCCURRED. THIS WAIVER AND INDEMNITY PROVISION APPLIES TO ALL VIOLATIONS DESCRIBED IN OR CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT.

STATUTORY EXCEPTIONS FOR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

If you are a qualified public educational or government institution and any part of this Agreement, such as, by way of example, all or part of the indemnification section, is invalid or unenforceable against you because of applicable local, national, state or federal law, then that portion shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable, as the case may be, and instead construed in a manner most consistent with applicable governing law.

GOVERNING LAW

Except to the extent expressly provided in the following paragraph, this Agreement and the relationship between you and Apple, and all Transactions on the Services shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, excluding its conflicts of law provisions. You and Apple agree to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located within the county of Santa Clara, California, to resolve any dispute or claim arising from this Agreement. If (a) you are not a U.S. citizen; (b) you do not reside in the U.S.; (c) you are not accessing the Service from the U.S.; and (d) you are a citizen of one of the countries identified below, you hereby agree that any dispute or claim arising from this Agreement shall be governed by the applicable law set forth below, without regard to any conflict of law provisions, and you hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in the state, province or country identified below whose law governs:

If you are a citizen of any European Union country or Switzerland, Norway or Iceland, the governing law and forum shall be the laws and courts of your usual place of residence.

Specifically excluded from application to this Agreement is that law known as the United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods.

OTHER PROVISIONS

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and Apple and governs your use of the Services, superseding any prior agreements with respect to the same subject matter between you and Apple. You also may be subject to additional terms and conditions that may apply when you use affiliate services, third-party content, third-party software, or additional services such as the Volume Purchase Program. If any part of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, that portion shall be construed in a manner consistent with applicable law to reflect, as nearly as possible, the original intentions of the parties, and the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect. Apple's failure to enforce any right or provisions in this Agreement will not constitute a waiver of such or any other provision. Apple will not be responsible for failures to fulfill any obligations due to causes beyond its control.

You agree to comply with all local, state, federal, and national laws, statutes, ordinances, and regulations that apply to your use of the Services. Your use of the Services may also be subject to other laws. Risk of loss for all electronically delivered Transactions pass to the acquirer upon electronic transmission to the recipient. No Apple employee or agent has the authority to vary this Agreement.

Apple may notify you with respect to the Services by sending an email message to your email address or a letter via postal mail to your mailing address, or by a posting on the Services. Notices shall become effective immediately. Apple may also contact you by email or push notification to send you additional information about the Services.

You hereby grant Apple the right to take steps Apple believes are reasonably necessary or appropriate to enforce and/or verify compliance with any part of this Agreement. You agree that Apple has the right, without liability to you, to disclose any data and/or information to law enforcement authorities, government officials, and/or a third party, as Apple believes is reasonably necessary or appropriate to enforce and/or verify compliance with any part of this Agreement (including but not limited to Apple's right to cooperate with any legal process relating to your use of the Services and/or Content, and/or a third-party claim that your use of the Services and/or Content is unlawful and/or infringes such third party's rights).

Children under the age of majority should review this Agreement with their parent or guardian to ensure that the child and parent or legal guardian understand it.


Last Updated: September 17, 2018

Voice To Text Sucks

If anyone can tell me that there is a reliable voice to text software out there I would appreciate it. The voice to text in this very expensive state of the art cell phone sucks. That's the iPhone 8 Plus, for Apple geniuses or those who might have suggestions. It does not learn my voice or the cadence of my speech and frequently interprets the same words differently. It also seems to want to correct when (and what) it shouldn’t correct. Perhaps the minds that created this voice to text technology are trying to put some AI into it. It is very distracting.

There must be something better out there.

Don't Get Me Wrong

Or do, I might not care, unless it matters, in which case you don't matter unless we share and you ask for an explanation, because if we share and you do not ask for an explanation and get me wrong, tht' on you and I'm not going to help you with that unless you want me to. Get it?

More specifically, and nothing really to do with the first paragraph, but everything to do with this next thought, don't get me wrong, Microsoft still sucks, but this entry is randomly generated, sort of, by an impulsive looking into Control Panel --> Administrative Tools --> Computer Management because the low memory warnings continue in spite of supposedly live tech help from MS that supposedly turned off Windows Update Assistant and Windows Update. I no longer get the messages that update can't install on a daily basis, but I routinely get critical low memory messages that precede freezes or lock-ups if I don't close programs and/or reboot. I run clean-up daily and less than 10 MB is "cleaned", usually. More than 3 GB of disk space is still taken up by MS Update files in spite of update supposedly being off and my telling the computer to delete them. So I went searching through the 81 running tasks in Task Manager today.

Not surprisingly, I found Windows Update and Windows Update assistant enabled along with several other tasks in those two folders, so I disabled the folder, but could not disable each task individually. Apparently I don't have access or permission to control my own property. There are laws protecting property, but the rich get away with breaking laws all the time.

I've tried disabling these update services before and there are ways Windows continues to reactivate them. I had help from Microsoft to go into the registry to disable updates on one of my computers, but I forgot the registry instructions (it was phone support from MS after a dozen emails and complaints. The service call was escalated twice and I let the Tier III tech remote into my computer and foolishly did not tell him I wanted step by step instructions so I could repeat the process on other computers). Geniuses?. I continued searching the Administrative Tools and found a few more places to disable services (81 run in the background, like why?

The problem I ran into was ta few key services came up with error messages that said I do not have rights to disable those Microsoft services. So some administrator at Microsoft has higher rights on my computer than I do. So that may be why the Tier III tech was rushing through and did not want to explain much. Microsoft owns your computer if you accept Windows on your computer.

They don't explain what these services do. They don't give me rights to the services. They don't fix the services when they break down and cause me hardship and prevent me from using their services or the property I paid for.

So how is this different than a utility company not fixing the pipes or wires that bring their services to my home? I see this as proof they produce an inferior product and provide unusable service. Lenovo chose Microsoft on this computer they sold me, so I blame Lenovo even more. They deny any responsibility for Microsoft products. Like the water company denying responsibility for faulty or broken pipes.

So if this is not proof that Microsoft gets away with breaking the law by stealing rights to my property, feel free to correct me. I'd love to learn how to use my computer and stop Microsoft from constantly interrupting my work.

Google-Blogger Doesn't Listen or Care

Prove me wrong.

For months Google-Blogger has had complaints about the broken comment and post notification system. They made changes in late May and still have not fixed what they broke. If they made improvements, I haven't noticed them and they haven't publicized them enough for me to notice and I am Google-Blogger almost every day, often several times a day as I also use Gmail accounts for multiple mailboxes, Google maps for most travel, and a lot more. Overall I've almost loved Google over the years, for as much as one can love an impersonal goliath corporation, but more and more Google is taking the screw-users path like Facebook and Microsoft and even Apple has chosen. Just look at politics and religion, which I do my est not to do as often as I am able. It sucks to live in a world where interacting with your own species requires tolerance for greed, hatred, apathy, disrespect, and more. It sucks worse to be aware that more than 80% of the humans purport to ideals that condemn greed and many of the choices they make daily in the lives they choose to live. There are moments I'd like to live far from humans and have as little to do with my own species as possible and I actually do stay far away from most human interactions, but I too am a social being and want sharing and caring in my life. So here I am.

I know I ramble, I call it babbling, and maybe my message is lost to many in the plethora of words I enjoy playing with. Or maybe you are offended because I ends sentences with with, sometimes. See how I didn't there? Anyway, even wit my tongue firmly implanted in my cheek, I continue to try to put a serious message out here on the internet from time to time and this blog is one place I do that, as meaningless as it may be. Posterity cares. Maybe. In case it matters and you want more of my babbling, click the links on the right like for instance, the introduction or even this list if you have the time and interest.

So to Google directly, some of you may be geniuses, but I would like you to not live up to the stereotype that geniuses lack social skills and an understanding of social interactions, especially when you are creating social media platforms.

Simply and specifically, Google, fix your comment-post notification system. The two anonymous and possible SPAM comments I responded to today in this blog deserved the respect of a reply when they were posted and not the disrespect of being ignored for months until I found the time to check your very poorly re-designed landing page that you may have had good cause to re-design when you did, but has always been less useful to me than your previous landing page. The complaints from many frequent users back then will probably fall on most of the same deaf ears as will this one, but many, including me, have posted about this in your forums.

Your updates and supposed upgrades should enhance communication and not undermine it.

I wonder, does blogger have a mission, vision, and purpose statement?

It should include enhancing communication for humanity.

Something to ponde, aye? This is from an article about mission statements.

When this article originally published in 2014, you could immediately locate the Google mission and company philosophy on the 'about us' page.

"Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful."

The company philosophy listed the following 10 values that Google holds to be true:

Focus on the user and all else will follow.
It’s best to do one thing really, really well.
Fast is better than slow.
Democracy on the web works.
You don’t need to be at your desk to need an answer.
You can make money without doing evil.
There’s always more information out there.
The need for information crosses all borders.
You can be serious without a suit.
Great just isn’t good enough.

The current About Us Google page captures that mission visually.

For you with no time to click on a link (as it is on their site today with their full color emphasis):

Blogger is not a "Company" so maybe that's why it has no mission statement. Based on decisions made from the user end, it doesn't actually seem to have much of a mission.

Maybe Google's creators need to ask themselves if they are living up to their own words...

"As we go forward, I hope we're going to continue to use technology to make really big differences in how people live and work." - Sergey Brin

"We have a mantra: don't be evil, which is to do the best things we know how for our users, for our customers, for everyone. So I think if we were known for that, it would be a wonderful thing." - Larry Page

Sometimes the decisions you make feel almost evil to those your decisions affect.

Google, are you listening?

Don't do this.

Thanks.

Message to Google & Blogger

Since the 25th... still. I don't have time to read every reply in the forum, I read a few dozen. I am another user who does not receive my blog entry by email anymore. Nor do I receive comment notifications so communication has broken down and the blogging experience, to use a technical term, sucks. People using Blogger for business must be losing money. Someone must have done something to stop these email features on or around May 25th. You must log any changes you make to your code, so how about explaining. Is this a change you intended and did not want to announce because it might cause some negative feedback or is it just a low priority bug inadvertently created on or about the 25th of May?

Ok, in another thread here I find Blogger is tweaking the email system. In yet another thread there was discussion of a bug. Something obviously happened right around May 25th and since them, no email comment notifications, no copies of blogs sent by email, and no new post notifications. I think a fair question now is - is Google cutting costs by cutting out email notifications as silently as possible (will Blogger itself suddenly disappear as so many free blog platforms have in the past?) - or is every hand and finger at Google Blogger working so hard there's no one left to provide an update. It's a friendly poke. A "known bug blog" or "work-in-progress" or "We Interrupt Your Blogging For This Brief Announcement" message or blog would really be helpful.

Thanks.

Yoko Bashing

Yoko bashers baffle me. How could you love John Lennon and not love Yoko Ono. She was his life, she was everything to him, and she saved his live. He said so more than once. A love and devotion like theirs comes along very rarely and even more rarely is it sustained in the harsh spotlight of fame. They endured some of the harshest critics of any artists partly because they spoke out against the mad human obsession with war, perhaps better than anyone ever did, at a time when people were being killed for speaking out for peace. Together they were an amazing force for good. They took the Beatles to a new much more serious height. Compare John's lyrics before and after their union.

Think about this -

Would you speak about Yoko as you do in front of John?

If you answer yes, then you do not truly love and respect John or his deepest feelings.

Maybe you should listen to this song again.

The Devil Wears Microsoft

Wearing itself, no doubt. If there is such a thing as a heaven and hell, then Microsoft Windows is most definitely from hell because it is daily torture using a computer with Microsoft Windows 10 on it these days. The little laptop that could (but it can't) had a restart needed pop up and I impulsively clocked and my internet TV will likely be out of service for a few hours unless I shut down and screw with Microsoft's plans the that little computer, plans that fail 99% of the time.

Microsoft has to be the worst user experience in the history of the universe.

Or worse.

Bad Umpires

Umpires are supposed o maintain order on the field, make consistent and correct judgment calls, and insure rules are followed. We played six games in a Tampa Softball Tournament and none of the umpires knew rules well, for four of six games they made inconsistent calls, and luckily in our games no one took it seriously to get heated, but I heard in one game...

an umpire called the batter in the on deck circle out because the batter at bat cursed. Not the proper rule and an abuse of power. The tournament director stated that and told the umpire to not come back the second day, but the player sat on the bench for the rest of the game.

In our games, none of the umpires knew the rule for courtesy fouls. A rule basic to the game of softball. I pitched a called strike, the batter swung at the next two pitches and they went foul. The rulebook says the batter is out. Before pitching the next pitch, I asked the umpire if they changed the courtesy foul rules or strike count for the tournament because by ordinary rules, the batter the batter should be called out. The Umpire said he did not know but I should pitch the ball. The batter hit the ball and due to a few errors, two runs scored. We lost the game by one run. Afterward the Umpire said he made a mistake. Too late.

In another game a batter had a foul tip after a swinging strike and he was called out. Again I asked if they changed the rules for courtesy fouls and the umpire said no. I explained the rule and the umpire said the ball did not touch the bat. The other teach said it did, the other umpire on the field said it did, the call was not changed. Batter out.

A runner ran into a catcher who was straddling he third base line two feet off home plate. The catcher dropped the ball. The umpire called the running our for running into the catcher. We asked why it was not called runner obstruction and the Umpire said because the runner should have slip. So I clarified by asking if is saying a runner who breaks a catcher's ankle would be called safe, but a runner who has to go two feet past a catcher to touch home plate is out? The umpire just said it was not obstruction and the runner is out.

Another umpire used the same rule to call runners out as second base. After the game the Tournament Director agreed that sliding into a fielder's's legs is not right and the umpire should not use a sliding safe, no sliding out rule. Also, we got confirmation that if a fielder straddles the line and obstructs a runner's path, the runner should be called safe. Most recreations tournaments and leagues institute that rule to prevent injuries.

There were a lot more complaints and they asked two Umpires not to return for the Sunday session, but it was too late for a lot of teams and the tournament because the seedings were set Saturday morning and the tournament started Saturday afternoon. It was the worst collection of Umpires we ever had at a tournament. Tampa, you blew it for most of us.

They got their money, think they care?

Windows 10 is still malware

Narf :)

Poison Sucks

I don't know what I want to complain about but I want to complain. Food poisoning sucks. Do I complain about the inexpensive (cheap) buffet I went to? Do I complain about poverty because I choose to go to cheap food places where food poisoning is more likely? Do I complain about every little thing in life that hurts? Sure, why not. It's all meaningless anyway, remember?

Windows 10 is still malware

Windows 10 is Malware

I have found no disagreement anywhere that the simplest and most universal definition of Malware is...

software programs designed to damage or do other unwanted actions on a computer.

So by definition, Windows 10 Update Assistant is malware.

The facts: I uninstall it at least once a day and it re-installs itself. It creates unwanted pop-ups that block my entire screen and prevent me from using my computer unless I click on the pop-up. That triggers another pop-up further interrupting my use of my computer. This unwanted action by Microsoft is repeated at least daily.

Some days more often.

The Microsoft Corporation agrees.
This is how Microsoft defines a virus:

Q. What exactly is a virus? Is a "worm" also a virus?

Viruses are computer programs or scripts that attempt to spread from one file to another on a single computer and/or from one computer to another, using a variety of methods, without the knowledge and consent of the computer user..

I uninstall the program. How else can I withdraw my consent for this unwanted intrusion? After I uninstall everything I can find that relates with Windows Update, the program re-installs itself. It is spreading from somewhere in another program. So by The Microsoft Corporation's own definition, Windows 10 Update Assistant is a Virus.

The Symantec Corporation agrees.
The Symantec Corporation is on of the largest Computer Security, Protection, and Anti-Virus makes in the world.

This is how Symantex/Norton Antivirus defines Signs of Malware

Most of the time, the presence of malware will be obvious even though you might not know how it got on your device. In fact, most people have no idea that malware has been installed until their computers start acting funny.

You might notice a few changes on your computer including strange ads or pop-up windows—even when you’re not surfing the web. You may also experience unwanted changes to your browser and a slower experience on your computer.

Specifically, watch out for ads that pop up a few seconds after a webpage is done loading. These ads will often contain inappropriate content, are difficult to close, and display flashing colors while blocking what you’re trying to view.

Take all of these signs seriously. If you suspect your computer has malware installed, turn it off immediately and disconnect it from the Internet.

The definition of Malware is not in dispute, from PC Magazine to Technopedia and beyond

What does Malicious Software (Malware) mean?
Malicious software, commonly known as malware, is any software that brings harm to a computer system. Malware can be in the form of worms, viruses, trojans, spyware, adware and rootkits, etc., which steal protected data, delete documents or add software not approved by a user.

So if you ever wanted proof that we live in a country where there are two standards for enforcement of laws, The Microsoft Corporation and Windows 10 is glaring proof. Even more, all Security software manufacturers work in collusion with Microsoft by allowing the Microsoft Virus free reign even though the actions of the Windows 10 Update Assistant software clearly meet the definition of Malware and a computer virus. If you created a program that did what Windows 10 Assistant does and infected other computers with it, you'd be in jail and banned from the internet. Microsoft just keeps taking billions of dollars out of our pockets.

Every Day Now

Actually more than once a day most days. I uninstall Windows Assistant. I uninstall Windows Update. And still, Microsoft downloads more crap to my computer against my wishes. Microsoft is just another virus. Microsoft is Malware. Every Day Now.

The Death of Microsoft - and Lenovo

It will not stop. Every time I turn on the computer I bought and paid for. Every few hours when I am using it. Interrupting my train of thought, my work, my entertainment. The blue screen of Microsoft demanding I install their Windows 10 update comes on telling me I must make room for it. The SSD does not have room for it because Microsoft Windows 10 and other Microsoft products take up so much space, there is no room for it's update. I click hide and the Microsoft Update invader pops up with more messages telling me the computer cannot be updated. It doesn't end though. The interruption and stupidity continues many times a daily.

This is the end of my relationship with Microsoft because Microsoft will not allow me to use the computer I paid for. I would sue Microsoft if I had the time and means, but I don't, which is why I have a cheap computer that does not have enough room to install the damn update. Microsoft obviously does not care.

Neither does Lenovo. I called their tech support, still under warranty, and ask what they would do to make the product they sold me with the software they chose usable not that the hardware they put into the product they sold is no longer able to handle the software they chose and they said it is not their problem. I told them Microsoft made it Lenovo's problem and their brand will suffer for nt standing up and taking responsibility for their choices. They assured me when I bought the computer that it could handle the OS they chose to put on it. They lied. Lenovo can not be trusted any more than Microsoft.

So I am disabling Windows Update and cutting the umbilical cord. This will be the last machine I buy with a Windows OS. Which likely means this is the last Lenovo product I buy. I will avoid everything Windows from now on. The Microsoft invasion is over.

The daily blog said so...

Yes, MS killed Lenovo and every other company making small computers by giving them Windows 10 and then within the warranty period, making those small computers obsolete. So I turned off Windows Updates. So I will no longer consider this computer secure. So I need another computer for anything other than blogging. I want to save up for an Apple, but that might be a while. I will hope Kaspersky continues to protect my personal information in spite of the lack of Windows updates. Except for my years with Atari ST1040 in pre-PC days, I've known no other OS since Win3.1 and it is sad, but finally time to leave MS behind.

Narf.

Goodbye Microsoft.

Goodbye Lenovo.

Hello Apple.

Hello Linex

Microsoft Geniuses Do It Again

I bought these laptops, LEnovo 100S and Lenovo 110S, with Windows 10 pre-installed. Over and over again, Windows 10 shuts me out of my property, yhis computer I am supposed to own, because it chooses to update when t wants to, not when it is convenient for me. Lately, the problem is incapacitating both of the laptops I bought and paid for. I am writing Lenovo to ask for a refund because they sold me a product that Microsoft will not let me use. The same old bullshit is Microsoft's response. Jump through these dozen hoops and if that doesn't work, we'll show you a few dozen more hoops you can jump through instead of doing what you want to do with your computer.

The challenge Microsoft created is quite simple. There is not enough space on the inexpensive ultra portable Solid State Drive laptops, notepads, chromebooks, and so on for Windows 10 to update the latest update. The update just loops over and over using system resources and obstructing use of the computers, ultimately warning "you can't install the latest security updates." They require more Gigabytes of memory than there is available on the small solid state drive machines.

I am so tired of searching for solutions to the latest "Windows Update."

It is time for a Mac.