Dark Sky weather app for iPhone

If you haven't looked at this particular weather app, I highly recommend it.  It was so popular in the Apple iTunes App Store that I hear that Apple had purchased the company that did the app and thus now "owns the app".  So I don't know if Android users have access or not.

I paid $5 for the app, but I thought Apple was going to make it free after they purchased it.  Maybe not.

Anyway, it is very specific, gives you weather expectations at the exact location where you are standing, and hour by hour predictions of temperature, rain, and wind in that spot.  It also has easy to change parameters, such as "feels like"  temperature, instead of just "the temperature".  It also has excellent forward forecasting, also hour by hour.  Very useful if you are planning an outdoor event at a specific time of day.  It would be nice to know the percent chance of precipitation or the temperature at that hour.

Enjoy.

Coping With The Virus Zoom Video and special music

If you haven’t discovered the now famous ZOOM app for your iPad, or smart phone, please take a look, it is in all the app stores.  It is, I understand, free for users if they limit it to 40 minutes.  But last Saturday Zoom gave my family extra free time for our first ever, three city, Zoom family meeting. 

It is so impressive, I like it much better than Skype or FaceTime.  It is intuitive and has great features.  I will leave some helpful links to “how to improve your use of Zoom” videos below.  But for now, enjoy some music appropriate for the Staying Inside situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmUXntGlqFI   1.5 million views are not wrong.

Some Zoom help videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TI43FzHd6Q

Zoom video, how to use, tips on raising the camera so the camera is not looking up your nose, for example.  Tripod might be a good idea ?  at least for a meeting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMUxzrgZvZQ

One other video on ways to use Zoom. 

There are many others, on YouTube, just look around.

AUDM, a new app for smart phones,a text-to-audio helper

https://lifehacker.com/audm-lets-you-listen-to-long-form-journalism-instead-of-1834727297

Audm , a new app for smart phones (they are working on a similar version for normal PC’s) is a new service.  I read, or try to, a good bit of long form articles in publications like New Yorker as they are more detailed and relevant that “what happened yesterday” sort of news stories.  They explain the background of businesses, or the arts and why they are interesting or relevant to today’s world.  Or, which are just fun to read.

I was pleased to see that NewYorker magazine and others are partnered with this start up to have professional readers read these articles in audio book format, so I can listen to them rather than read them.  That’s perfect for short trips in the car, where I like to have good content such as an audio book, or professional lecture.

It is $7 a month, or $5 a month if you pay a year in advance.  I might give it a try, just one article a month would probably be worth it for me.   

Fire Extinguisher Suggestion Worth a Look $11 Each

https://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-Extinguisher-Tundra-Fire-Extinguishing-Aerosol/dp/B002U0KGDY/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=first%2Balert%2Btundra&qid=1574531352&sr=8-2&th=1

Tundra is a less complicated solution to fire extinguishers, and less costly.  It can not be refilled, but has a nice shelf life, and then you just buy new ones.  Home Depot and many fire departments will take unused, out of date Tundra units and recycle them.  At about $11 each these are cheap solutions to a problem almost everyone has --   the more expensive extinguishers have a short shelf life (I am told) and very few people bother to have them "serviced" after the date.  And many homes are without any fire extinguishers -- that's for sure.

With 700 plus reviews, mostly 5 star, I think this is a main stream product worth consideration.  Shipping is free with $25 or more purchase on Amazon. But they are also in Wal-Mart for about $12.

Chamberlain Garage Door opener APP for smart phone

I heard about this from a very happy customer I just met in a restaurant the other night.  He said he uses this new app and device all the time.  He can open or close his garage door with his smart phone even if he is at work or in another town.  And he knows whether or not the door is up or down by just looking at his phone.  Amazon must have some deal so they can open the garage door and put your purchases inside out of the weather and safe from theft, even if you are out of town.  A great idea. 

https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Garage-Opener-Chamberlain-MYQ-G0301/dp/B075H7Z5L8/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=chamberlain+garage+door+app&qid=1562808196&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I think it might be available at Home Depot and Lowes as well as Amazon and perhaps family owned hardware stores.

Based on my friend’s rave reviews, I would suggest you take a look at it if you have an electric garage door.  He said he often can’t remember if he closed the garage door when he left for work or not, this helps him know for sure.  And he can let his maid in through the door without giving her a garage door key or code.  She just calls when she arrives and he can open the garage door for her, and make sure it is closed when she leaves. He has two garage doors, and one of these on each, I saw the app, you can see both doors up or down on the screen.  Easy to touch either to open it or close it.

Practical tip of the day

 

I had a rubber backed entry mat on a hardwood floor at my home It would slide around and I needed something to hold still at all times in the exact location I wanted it. So, years ago I had used double stick tape which made quite a mess on the floor. 

But I got a new mat last week and I wanted something that would do the same job but not damage the floor.

After researching a lot of products I decided to give command strips a try. But I needed very thin ones not the usual thick ones.  I discovered the poster strips (see photo) at the target store on sale for about $3.50.  So far they have worked perfect.

The rug is now secure and does not slide around and command strips will leave no residue on the floor when it eventually has to be replaced.

They also appear to be excellent for putting posters on the wall without damaging the wall paint.   I would imagine they’re holding power is not great but for many things you put on the wall you really don’t need a lot of holding power. 

I’m thinking of using these at the bottom of artwork that is suspended on the usual wire over a hook. Overtime these pictures get crooked. I think these tabs put on the bottom of the picture would hold it to the wall in the correct position without damaging anything.  There are quite a few strips in a single package as well.  So the net result is fairly inexpensive.   

 

A New Website To Look Up Names and Phone Numbers and Addresses

https://nuwber.com    a new website to find people, their ages, addresses and phone numbers.

Finding a phone number on line is always a bit of a struggle.  So many people have dropped their land lines, and thus the White Pages websites are not as useful as they used to be.  I have used www.whitepages.com  for years, and a few others, but most of them now require disclosures of who you are (I won’t give that) and or a monthly fee to find all the research they claim to have done and can show you.  For a fee, of course.

So, I was happy to discover https://nuwber.com   it seems to give most of the information I need but without memberships or fees or come-on propositions. 

For finding out who called me, I use not only the reverse lookup for www.whitepages.com  but also https://whocallsme.com   which logs in from volunteers many of the telemarketing calls (spam calls).  Very few of the callers I look up are “real”, 99% are spam/marketing calls.

New Cell Phone Spoofer Threat -- Watch Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm2weICqrAE   

Watch this video ---  you won't regret viewing it.

This is valid, I have gotten some of these calls as have my friends, we never answer them but these criminals have gotten good at faking one of your “contacts” when they call, and if you answer, they could either try to sell you something, or worse, ask for personal information since they need it for an emergency, or to qualify you for a free cruise or something.  If I had not seen this on my own phone, I would not think it is a risk, but, I feel sure this is a risk. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/robokiller-stop-spam-calls/id1022831885?mt=8

App – Robo Killer  seems to be effective in stopping spam calls to smart phones

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nomorobo-robocall-blocking/id1134727588?mt=8

yet another App for blocking unwanted calls

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mrnumber.blocker&hl=en

Mr. Number seems to be a well rated app to stop calls as well

Radio Stations and Songs From The Past

http://radiooooo.com/

Choose a country, choose a year (time frame) and listen to high quality music from that Country and time frame.

Very clever website.

City Water Meter Shut Off Tool Choices

For an item costing only $10 or so, I have spent a lot of time researching my best solution for two or three locations (homes I own).  And will probably buy both of these (links below, neither seems to be in Lowes, HD or WalMart) , since both have good features I will try both and decide on the best one to make primary. 

The yellow one would be good for lifting the heavy cover on the meter, using the slot – as opposed to the screwdriver I now use.  And both will cut off gas lines in emergency, and I have nothing to do that at my home that has a gas line so I need to learn, and possibly this tool could make the job easer and safer? 

The second one is in two pieces, so it would hide away nicely near the meter (in one property) and isn’t obvious as to what it is.  he yellow one would be outstandingly easy to find in an emergency, and could even hang on the garage and storage room wall, it is not unsightly. 

Reviewers like both, both are under $10

https://www.amazon.com/Orbit-26097-Water-Emergency-Shut/dp/B000YAFS8A/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_sims?ie=UTF8

https://www.amazon.com/Superior-Tool-2750-Water-Shutoff/dp/B000R5J7OS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Getting a Human on the Phone

So many companies we all use today are difficult to reach by phone (cable plans, telecoms, cell phones and so forth)  This website might help us get to a "human" faster.

https://gethuman.com/

To get a human on the phone, you put in the name of the company you are trying to reach. And it suggests phone numbers supplied by either the company employees or other users like yourself.

Get Human website seems to offer some of these

1.     the average wait time for a human in customer service for the company you want to reach

2.     the time “right now” to get a human, often less than average, but sometimes more than average… how do they know this exact time?  I don’t know.

3.     sometimes they tell you the buttons to push on your phone to avoid the screening stuff of the automated answering systems.  Sometimes it tells you to push 1, then 5, then 5 again, then some other combination of numbers.  That yields you a quicker place in the que for a human.

I found this website looking for something else.  I was looking at Straight Talk mobile service, offered by Wal Mart,  it is currently one of the cheapest unlimited 4-G data plus unlimited voice and text ($45 a month) … no contract required.  You use their SIM card, and pre-pay or something.  They sell high end phones cheap too, they were advertising an iPhone 6 for $129 on Black Friday, quite a low price.  That would put you in the iPhone and cell phone business very cheaply.  The Straight Talk folks say they have 99.5 % coverage in the USA they lease time on other networks, I think. Customer service, via telephone, is slow, but maybe better than some companies.

https://www.dealnews.com/features/Lets-Discuss-Is-Walmarts-Straight-Talk-Wireless-Service-Any-Good-/669205.html

I believe Straight Talk has gone unlimited since this review was written but 5 GB of data a

month is generous.  They claim “most” video you watch on your phone would be HD.   

CCleaner For Cleaning Up PC Computers

I have used this for years, and have confidence in this as a good system for removing junk stuff from a PC to make it run better, and possibly eliminate some spying stuff (certain cookies).  After years of enjoyment of this free software, they had a hack of some of their older versions.  So, if you are running one of the versions below, please upgrade to 5.34.. it is free, I just did it for all my computers this morning.

The affected versions of the software are CCleaner 5.33.6162 and CCleaner Cloud 1.07.3191.

The company is urging users to upgrade to version 5.34 or higher (which it says is available for download here).

NOTE --- I also use MalwareBytes software for cleaning my computers of virus or potential useless, or harmful stuff. I have used this software for 8 years or more, and have confidence in it. One version of it is free.

https://www.malwarebytes.com/
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMAXlxZFrnA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swlPf5X3sbk   pretty good tutorial

They have had 2 billion downloads, it is a serious computer accessory. 

How to install and run.

AC Drain Line Cleaners Discussion

One of my age-old problems with various properties (rental and vacation) over many years has been gravity drains for the condensation that develops in the air-handlers of AC units.  I have had apartments get major water damage, and other damage and wet carpet in other locations. One time it collected in the ceiling and drained into some kitchen cabinets.

1.     AC condensation in summer is considerable, and gravity alone may not be enough to move it out of a residential air handler.

2.     AC air handling units have some dust and microbes in the air and these combine to clog up lazy gravity drains -- so some action has to be taken by the home owner or service man, several times a year to prevent clogging

3.     Many AC drain systems now have small electric pumps with float valves to pump the condensation out with force.  But there is still the need to get the collected water in the drain pan to move the water into the pump system.

This brings me to my present research ---  I have a stopped-up pan-to-pump line right now, and water is overflowing into my one of my storage rooms.  So, I looked into solutions, here is what I found.

1.     chlorine bleach works, but can damage glue joints in PVC pipe and smells bad, so is not advisable.

2.     White vinegar works, but has the smell problem.

3.     some websites suggested peroxide might work

4.     finally, there are some commercial products that help and have no odor or bad other problems,  Here they are:

DrainBo   non toxic for all stopped up drains  $6.15 at Home Depot

Pan Tablets  (drop one in the drain pan regularly)  Home Depot  $3,48

NU Calgon Condensate Tables  (similar to Pan Tablets I think)

AC Line  RPS Products, SCLWHCL8   $17 delivered or in big boxes 

NuLine  $32 at some sources

I believe Pan Tablets, used regularly might be the long-term answer, but for initial re-establishment of water flow, I think "AC Line RPS Products" might be the better choice.  Of course removing water and stoppages with shop-vac type machines might be necessary initially.  I will try some or all of these and post my results later.  Would love to hear your own results and products you have tried.   

Honda CRV vehicle

I have never mentioned a vehicle on my Blog --- but, well, here goes. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH1qbwZAn0E&t=309s

One Million youTube views !! 

I composed the thoughts below for a friend who has mentioned an interest in buying a CRV for a sort of "in town" vehicle.  I take several automotive magazines and read them cover to cover.  Overall, for resale value and real satisfaction in the compact SUV category, I think this vehicle has shown continuous improvement more than others.  Like the Volkswagen did in the 1950’s and 60’s – I think with this vehicle Honda is making improvements, not “changes” the mantra. That’s my kind of car company.

The CRV holds its value best of all such SUV’s, so it is almost a no brainer for an investment, you could always sell it if you didn’t like it.  It also now leads all competitors in gas mileage – close to 40 mpg on the road, and the all wheel drive only drops mileage a small amount.

I have ridden in an older CRV  (basic model) on long trips, it gets the job done nicely, this one should do much better still.  Is it a good value to buy a new one?  I don't know.

---

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH1qbwZAn0E&t=309s

this is a long, but good review of the 2017 Honda CRV … but , for some reason I had search for the 2018 but this one came up instead.

I really like it… the EX model has massive storage inside, fold flat seats, foot activated power tail lift, apple car play and much more.  It is much lighter and stiffer than prior models, and with the larger motor, is probably a great drive with great resale value.

Forecasting Weather Much More Accurately

Down to the street, or ballpark.  ClimaCell uses new technology – the first since radar, many years ago.

https://www.climacell.co/

This company is based in Israel I think, I saw it in Forbes Magazine today.  Could help construction sites better predict weather, and much more.  Airlines love it, and drone companies, and logistics companies and pro sports teams need it.

It can even tell the difference in expected precipitation amount from one street to the next.. that accurate !!  Pinpoint detail.  First new way to observe weather in 50 years.

Endoscope For Easy Everyday Use

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRS8RC9/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Endoscope for viewing hard to find places. At the bottom of an acquarium, or perhaps to find a lost ring in a P-Trap under a sink, or to read that hard-to-ge- to name place on some installed mechanical device.  Or for home inspectors to see into closed up spaces where leaks might be occurring?  Or many other applications. Only $19.  It seems to work, based on early responses, and feedback on the Amazon website.  I don’t have a current application for it personally, but it shows how technology is advancing and falling in price. I think this item would have been much physically larger, and 10 X this price a few years ago.

Once  I have to find something in a sealed up wall cavity -- like a leak, or missing electrical or music wire, it might be very useful.  

Lift Foil For Summer Sport

Lift Foil For Summer Sport

An amazing new product, see video .  Propelled by underwater wings mounted on an electric motor.   https://youtu.be/1yEmtz4ZVMM

1.     cool video, even the music is great

2.     the product was complicated to produce

3.     riding time , probably under an hour per “charge”

4.     Michael Leason invented it

5.     good for lake, or river, or ocean

6.     takes a little skill , but quite “doable”, probably no more than other water sports

7.     like the black and white video of the Spruce Goose flying in one part of the video

8.     goes 25 miles per hour

The link to buy one  www.liftfoils.com   

Another product, tow behind by a different company:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yEmtz4ZVMM&feature=youtu.be

C.O.B. LED Chip Technology – Two New Products

Today I purchased a FlipIt by Nebo at my neighborhood Interstate Battery Store.  It is one of the most unique things I have seen in awhile.  It is a tap light, that is rather flat, and produces something like a flashlight (only wider and brighter) light when you push the rocker switch. It is powered by 3 AAA batteries, and the light is 240 lumens, which appears to be as bright as a 40 watt bulb – but in a package that is tiny by comparison.  Perfect for a closet light, under shelf light, or other location where no wiring exists.  Under stairs, in deep closets, and so forth.

First, C.O.B.  Tech :  Try this link

https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/techzone/2016/aug/the-basics-of-chip-on-board-cob-leds

It is a relatively new technology for LED, but I predict it will be very popular.  I have some deep closets with shelves, and lighting up what’s in there is tough.  I have tried motion sensitive (battery powered) LED’s, but mounting them was hard, and they didn’t work well. And they were not even half as bight as the new C.O.B. FlipIt product. These new FlipIt’s will last about 3 hours on a set of batteries and they are easy to turn on and off, rather than activated by motion. My cheap motion activated lights only stayed on 15 seconds, not time to select a tool from the tool drawer, for example.

Here are links to the FlipIt COB LED products I have purchased.  First, the FlipIt flat panel with rocker (I like the feel of the rocker and the sensational brightness)  240 lumens. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nebo-New-Contemporary-Flipit-Light-6558-2-Pack-/192231179626?hash=item2cc1df056a:g:5sIAAOSwjk9ZU9Qq

Now the link to the more conventional looking light switch. It is probably better for wall mounting, not under a shelf.  This version is only 215 lumen, each, but you get two for a bit less than the flip-switch version. Both products are sold in pairs.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nebo-Flipit-6523-2-Pack-215-Lumen-COB-LED-Universal-Mount-Work-Light-Switch-/311863326482?hash=item489c80b712:g:SC4AAOSwE0JY-RaG

As one reviewer said “I can see 100 uses for these new lights”.  I believe it.  I can see many potential applications, even in under-home crawl spaces and by air-handlers that are in such crawl spaces -- making for easier servicing.  In places like under vanities, and many other places around a home, light is often very dull or non-existent.  These might help with such applications as over "top loading" clothes washers in dark laundry rooms.

To see these in person and test them, go to your nearest Interstate Battery Store – assuming you have one of those.  They are great stores in my opinion, they have car batteries, they replace batteries in watches, and do other battery applications. Always friendly and they do good work. 

PS -- they have worked out a way to install them with velcrow (or magnet) -- building in these attachment choices.  That was a big fault of the cheaper motion sensitive units mentioned above. 

Wal-Mart Stores APP For Faster Pickup

I had order some office supplies from WM on-line for free store pickup.  The product didn’t seem to be in other stores, and the price was terrific (on-line) at WM.  I got an email to come pick up the item, and learned that if you have a WM APP on your phone, and have ordered something on line, for free pickup at the store, you can speed up the pickup by do something on the APP.  The notice email says when you are in the store parking lot (or in store, or near store) and tell the app you are “here”, they will start gathering up your special order and have it ready at the back of the store when you push your cart back there in the course of “shopping” for other stuff.

I have noticed that WM has massive number of items on line – far more than are in the store.  The website is poorly done, and information on an item might be scant (and far less than Amazon).  However I often need an item that is on the website, and much cheaper than other websites, or even in the WM store.  But usually what I want is not in the store. The WM website remembers my credit card info, so ordering is super easy, about the same or better than Amazon.  

I do shop WM for certain groceries (prices are good, brands and store brands I like) and health and beauty aid products are nicely priced there as well.  While I won’t, personally, order that much, so won’t load the app myself (yet) – I bring this to the Blog since I see this as a trend – particularly with on-line groceries and Whole Foods and Amazon teaming up.  I have family members that already order groceries on line, delivered to their home – probably with an app.  They use Shipt.  That service shops many grocery stores, not just one.  And they bring the groceries to your home within a small delivery time window, and put it on the kitchen counter top.  You can’t beat that !  Especially if you have small children and going to the store with them is a major hassle.

www.shipt.com

FOLLOW UP --- I now have been to retrieve my WM ordered product.  I was amazed.  The remodeled store has a tall orange kiosk near the front door.  It dispenses your on-line ordered package, much like the old Automat Cafeterias dispensed food in New York City in the 1950's.  This kiosk reads your bar code (you printed at home), and brings the package to you, opens the door, and hands it to you ... no humans involved (other than you).  It is wrapped as if it was going UPS, only it came to the store on a WM truck, and thus you pay no freight.  UPS is cut out of any compensation, I guess.  This kiosk even had a sofa or something in front for relaxing.  It was so easy, I can see the revolution building steam.  But, the kiosk must have cost $100,000 to build. This is sort of a hybrid between on line ordering with Prime from Amazon, and going to a store and buying the product. Future gas/convenience stores will have, they say, something similar.  You go there to get gas, and retrieve any packages you ordered on-line.  More secure than leaving them on your front porch, or in the hall if you live in an apartment building. 

Is Anti-Bacterial Hand Soap Effective?

According to the FDA, liquid hand soap has dominated the market and, in recent years, has been a marketing play  People tend to believe it's more hygientic, since many brands contain antibacterial chemicals like triclosan and triclocarban.

In 2016, the FDA reached a conclusion, and banned 19 of those chemicals – starting in 2017.  Because soap companies failed to prove that they were safe for long-term use, or make soap more effective. 

(source: Sierra magazine)