M.A.M.E

Everyone that knows me knows about my love (obsession with?) of old arcade games.  I currently have (3) cabinets and i'm probably going to liquidate 2 of them.  I have an Atari Sprint (2) player that I can't remember whats wrong with it and a Capcom Bowling that i'm going to sell off.  That leaves me with the last cabinet to mess with.  I used to have it setup with ArcadeOS and an old 17" monitor.  I hacked up an old PS/2 matrix and soldered the controls to the key combinations (not fun).  Well, over time that's gotten messed up, I screwed up the joystick placement (it goes on the left not the right!), I never wired in the coin door, the monitor died, & I sold the PC that ran it.  So, I'm going to start over.  I'm currently debating whether I want to use an old school CRT or convert it to an LCD.  The CRT has the arcade feel but the LCD is easier to deal with and replace when it dies plus there's the whole bezel problem.  Luckily I still have all the buttons and joystick (HAPP Competition Quality).  I'm working on a shoestring budget and will be using stuff that I have laying around.  I'll be posting pictures and progress reports along with parts used and plans.  I think I can power the lighting etc. with the PC power supply (+5 / +12 FTW! & god bless Molex) and I can make my own stand-offs etc.  I have a roll of adhesive backed carbon fiber sheeting (don't ask) to cover up some of the past sins and I think I have some Plexi or Lexan somewhere.

Here are some links for the parts like what i'll be using:
TrackBall:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281308749506?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Single Player USB Interface:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191065889930?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
or if you need controllers etc.:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arcade-DIY-Parts-2x-USB-Encoder-To-PC-2x-Joystick-20x-Push-Button-For-MAME-/201080801588?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ed1598934
If you need a marquee light:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kitchen-Under-Cabinet-Lighting-Kit-LED-Bar-Fixture-WARM-White-LEDs-6W-per-Ft/300975425967?_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D21395%26meid%3D6570013584380187684%26pid%3D100010%26prg%3D9409%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D24%26sd%3D300957160816
Smart Surge Protector:
ZuniDigital ZG7000B-15 7 Outlet Digital Smart Green Surge Protector (Black)

Front End:
http://www.maximus-arcade.com/

How to change the Windows shell to the Front End:
http://www.windows7library.com/blog/tweaks/changing-the-default-windows-shell-in-windows-7/
or you can just add the front end to your startup folder and let it do it's thing.

You Still need a PC, Monitor, Bezel, Some Plexi or Lexan, & all the wood working stuff but, if it was easy - everyone would do it right?

I'll be adding updates as I go so, keep checking back.

**Achievement** New Author Unlocked!

I just wanted to let everyone know that my good friend Chris will be joining me as an Author on this blog.  He has some insight and perspective that I think everyone will benefit from.  Keep an eye out for his upcoming posts, rants, reviews, and more!

**Shameless Cash Grab**
I just wanted to remind everyone that if you were going to buy any of the products (that weren't free - LOL) that I talked about - Please use my affiliate links.  It doesn't make more than a few cents but i'm pretty broke so every little bit helps!

Making Video Easier to Deal With on Your Devices

IDK about everybody else but I have a lot of personal electronics.  Think about it, most of you have a tablet, PC, Laptop, PS3, Xbox, WII, & a smart phone.  I'm not too big on screwing around with DVDs anymore.  They get scratched, lost, and loaned out never to be seen or heard from again.  What I've been doing lately is converting them to files and storing them on my NAS.  That's awesome but then I want to watch them on my TV.  Sure I could throw them on a flash drive but that's a PITA.  So to deal with this mess I use this app and PlayOn.  That app also lets you convert it to PSP, Cell, etc. formats.  It also gives you the ability to download streaming video from the internet and convert it to the format of your choice.  Just copy the link, start the app, click the download video button, click the +, and paste in the link - BAM - Done!

DISCLAIMER: It is totally a copyright violation to gank video off of the internet without the authors permission.  I do not encourage or endorse misusing the information I provided in that manor.

Note: If you just want to stream your own video collection and you don't need all of the features PlayOn has you can grab just the MyMedia Server: http://www.playon.tv/mymedia for 100% Free!

PlayOn Video Settings for Conversion:
Custom AVI
Xvid Codec
Original Size
Leave the rest alone.

PSP and Cells: Just connect your device to your PC In Media or Storage Mode and copy the files to their flash storage into the appropriate video folder.  You can also snag the PlayOn app for most devices and just use that to stream (data killer - watch out for that if you're not on WiFi) .  Make sure to pick the proper format on the right for your device before you convert.

How to stop Youtube from Sucking! (Ludicrous Amounts of Buffering)

Chris and I were talking about this today and he thought I should re-post the info up here.  I saw this a while a go on the web and I need to give credit where it's due.  I got the info from here:
http://mitchribar.com/2013/02/how-to-stop-youtube-sucking-windows-guide/

Basically you'll be adding a firewall rule to block certain things that YouTube does and cut way back on the amount of buffering it does.  If you still have a stubborn video just pause it and let it buffer for a minute and then start it.  I can't tell you how much better YouTube runs after doing this.  You pretty much have to experience it yourself.

The instructions below are an almost verbatim copy from this blog and i'm only adding them here for redundancy sake.  I also wanted to mention that you can add a router block rule to do the same thing for the sub-nets below and it'd handle it for every device that you have on it.

One more note: Mitch - Thank you!

1. Click the Start button, type “cmd”, and right click the icon to ‘Run As Administrator’ 
2. You will likely see a UAC prompt, hit “Yes” 
3. The command prompt window will open, this is where you will type in the commands to set your firewall rules 
4. Enter the following command and hit Enter. If it works, you should see a big “OK”.

netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="MITCHRIBARYTUBE" dir=in action=block remoteip=173.194.55.0/24,206.111.0.0/16 enable=yes

Rules can be easily removed too. Just get back into the command prompt in the same way and run this command, hit Enter again:

netsh advfirewall firewall delete rule name="MITCHRIBARYTUBE"

My New Addiction...

Ear Candy:
I've been a die hard Pandora fan for years.  It's been with me for 2 jobs and a divorce.  But, as with anything, it's time for a change.  I've recently discovered Rdio.  I love the customization & the ability to listen to a complete album from a single artist.  It's also a lot less repetitive.  You can subscribe, buy MP3's, or just keep using the free account!  Unlike Pandora these guys don't stop playing periodically; they just play a short commercial like slacker does.

As always - If you want to sign up please use my Affiliate Link:

Needful Things...

My buddy Chris asked me about this the other day and I thought I'd share what we found.  We had a situation where we wanted to create an indexed PDF from a website.  It was one of those scenarios where you want information from a website available offline on an e-reader.  It turns out that this is waaayyyy easier than you'd think.  Adobe Acrobat Pro has this function built right in!  I've been using Acrobat for my assorted jobs throughout the years and had no idea that it was capable of that.  Plus, it's very easy to do.

Step 1: Start your web browser and navigate to the index of the site you'd like to convert.
Step 2: Select and copy the address from the address bar.
Step 3: Start Acrobat Pro and go to File --> Create --> PDF from Webpage
Step 4: Paste in the address, set your options, & you're all done!

Problem solved!

Success!!!

I was able to fix my first LCD w/o changing the whole board today!  I realize that Stan's been doing this for a while so it's no big deal but, I hadn't actually dusted off my electronics classes in years.  Whenever I got an LCD that didn't work i'd start with the most likely board and just start replacing!  There's only 3 boards and a TCON so at worst the total investment is like $60 to do them all.  This generally works out.  Well, I was working on a 19" Monitor w/o DVI.  These things have about a $60 street value IF they're working.  I wasn't about to put $60 worth of boards into a $60 Monitor.

So, I set out to actually repair it and not just change parts until it worked.  I was talking to some of my friends about it who are so disturbingly intelligent and good at this that they have not just their geek card; they have their geek platinum card (or Mithril as it were - LOL).  I got all kinds of advice.  All of it i'm sure would have worked.  But, I couldn't use most of it due to time constraints and the lack of an oscilloscope.  Then I got the most useful advice you can give someone who's troubleshooting Caps: Look for the bulge and leaking (Credit for this goes to Stan for stopping me from over analyzing and making it way harder than it needed to be).  So I took it apart and found a cap that had about a 1/16th of an inch bulge.  I checked it with my meter and it was shot!  I ordered the cap, replaced it, and reassembled the Monitor (BTW it's a Dell).  Finally came the moment of truth...  It worked like it was new.

Total Parts Investment: 7 cents including the solder
Total Time: 34 minutes including dis-assembly and troubleshooting

**UPDATE**
I forgot to mention which Caps I used.  From what I was reading these are in pretty much everything.  You'll also notice that these have a little bit higher voltage rating than the originals (the originals are 16v these are 25v).  That's ok - it's actually a good thing.  They work like a champ and are less likely to swell and not work than the originals.  Here's the link:

Gino 50 Pcs Radial Lead Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors 1000uF 25V

The Death of Free Phone Service

Some of you have noticed that Google is killing XMPP support for Google Voice on May 15th.  That pretty much renders the OBI products useless for free service (they are offering a $50/yr alternative that's not bad).  At this time it is unknown if they'll be activating SIP which would solve everyone's problem with connectivity but make configuration a nightmare.  Alas, all good things must come to an end.  I personally think that was pretty lame on the part of Google to can it w/o offering a per month subscription or something.  But, as Google said - they have no interest in becoming a telephone provider.  It was great while it lasted right?

Luckily there is an alternative (sort of)!  It's not free but it's really inexpensive.  It's service is free for the 1st year when you purchase the equipment and then $30 a year afterward with a guarantee that they won't raise the price as long as you keep service on it.  That's not too shabby.  The product is called the NetTalk Duo.  It's $44.99 @ Amazon for the standard and $30 for the v2 but, the v2 only includes 3 months of service.  They also have a WiFi model for $70.  After you get the unit installed, you just go setup call forwarding on your Google Voice account and disable the voice mail.  Your outgoing number will be the new NetTalk number and you can still receive calls from the Google voice number.  Google says that they're not killing the service, just the XMPP connectivity.  Here are the links to buy a NetTalk unit:

Nettalk Duo VOIP Telephone Service
netTalk 857392003016 DUO II VoIP Phone and Device
netTalk DUO WiFi VoIP Phone Adapter and Device

**UPDATE** The WiFi version seems to be on sale for $49.99 w/3 free months of service!  That's only $5 more than the regular unit!

**UPDATE** the $30 /yr doesn't include Federal Taxes - they usually run around $3.50 so the overall yearly cost would be around $33.50

If you wanted to keep your OBI and get another VOIP provider - these guys have the best pricing:
http://www.phonepower.com/Obihai_info.aspx
There are currently 2 plans.  There is a 333 minute and a Unlimited plan.

Good luck - either option is still less than the $20/month offered by Time Warner.  If you find a free SIP VOIP provider the OBI can connect to it.  I hadn't seen anything worth mentioning at this time.

**UPDATE** there is another option from OOMA which is free + Federal taxes so, about $3.50 a month.
Ooma Telo Free Home Phone Service

I'll try to keep everyone up to date as I hear more.

**UPDATE**  I ordered and am using the Nettalk Duo above.  It works like a champ and is way better than the Obi100 ever was.  Excellent voice quality etc.  The only thing that I had to do was set it to a static IP and throw it in the DMZ.  IDK if it was necessary to QOS high priority the thing but I did it anyway.  For amusement sake Joe is going to see if he can hack my old Obi100 to work with Google's new framework.  I'll start a new post if it works & include a walkthru.

Free Calls and Texting via WiFi

This one's for you Mike!

Here is a rough in on how to get free texting and voice calls on any device with WiFi.  This is best for iPads, Ipods, Doid tablets, & Droid Phones.  One of the benefits for those of us with shoddy service in our homes is that we can use this instead of the cell service and actually send texts and make calls!

1. Get a Google Account
2. Go here - sign up for Google voice and get a phone number from them (DO NOT PORT YOUR EXISTING NUMBER GET A NEW ONE!) http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html
NOTE: Rural areas don't have numbers on here yet.  Just pick the closest city to you and go with that.
3. After that's all taken care of and activated - make sure you don't have 2 step authentication enabled on your Google account.  If you do have it enabled you'll need to generate an application specific password for the new device.
4. Download the Google voice app for your device.  Here are some for various platforms:
Droid:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice
NOTE: There are others but I use the native Google app.  Find one that you like best and go with it.
Apple:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/phone-for-google-voice-gtalk/id541829441?mt=8
I actually liked this app the best.  It's slick, works well, and has a great interface.
PC:
https://code.google.com/p/gvdialer/
No frills & strait forward
MAC:
Nothing yet - but, they are working on porting this one that's written in QT to multiple platforms:
https://code.google.com/p/qgvdial/
5. I'm not going to go into specifics on how to configure those apps.  They all have pretty good documentation and the installation / configuration is pretty strait forward.

Due to Google killing XMPP support IDK if any of the 3rd party apps will work after the May 15th deadline.  You might want to just stick to the native app.

Windows XP - Finally Dead?

I been asked a lot over the past few weeks about the impending doom of Windows XP.  For the record this is my stance: Upgrade to at least Windows 7.  Seriously it came out in 2002; it had a good run.  I also wanted to let everyone know that it isn't going to just stop working.  It's just that you will no longer be receiving updates (security or otherwise).  That means that you shouldn't be using the thing on the internet.  So, all the people with XP POS units and such - you're going to be fine.  Your computers aren't going to quit etc. and you'll be able to continue on.  I just recently was asked about a situation where the POS software won't run on Windows 7.  What do you do then?  In a couple of words: Virtual Machine.  VMWare has a number of free products as does Microsoft themselves.  The VMWare products all need a 64 bit processor that supports virtualization and they work like a champ.  Microsoft's Virtual PC doesn't need either of those things (It runs poorly as a result and they've discontinued it) but, it does work.  You can snag a copy here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=3702
Here's a howto:
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Microsoft-Virtual-PC
That solves that LOL!

Saving Energy 101

Divorced Guys Survival Guide:
Journal Entry:

This really works for anyone but, i'm directing it at us guys.  After a divorce or any financial disaster we all know that it's tough to pay for things.  I'd rather use my money on something productive than pay it to the utility company.  I've got some tips that made a noticeable difference in my bills and I know that they'll help you too.

1. Fill up the fridge!
I'm a bachelor; and that means that my fridge is pretty depressing.  It's not because single guys don't cook or want food in our fridge; it's because we won't eat it.  Let me explain: it'll go bad before I use it up, it's cheaper to grab an inexpensive meal out or eat at a friends (free),  I don't feel like cooking after a 12-14 hour day, & finally i'm only one person and I don't need a ton of groceries.  My freezer is almost always full and so is my cupboard.  That's because - I put quick stuff in there and use it.  So why fill the fridge?  An empty fridge never shuts off the compressor and runs constantly to keep the temperature down.  It does this because air warms up faster than food does.  With the compressor running all the time it wears out prematurely and runs up your electric bill.  Get some jugs of water from Walmart for 85 cents a piece and put them in there.  It'll hold the temperature and have your fridge using 1/3 the electricity in an hour or two.
2. Smart Surge Protectors
These are pretty new and I hadn't realized they existed initially.  They have a "Master" Appliance that when it gets turned on the surge protector gives juice to the other outlets.  When the appliance is off it kills power to the outlets and saves on them vampiring electricity.  Computers and Home theaters are prime candidates for these things.  Put the PC in the "Master" and the rest of its stuff in the other outlets.  When you fire up the PC - the other outlets work.  The same goes for the home theater stuff.  Plug in the TV to the "Master" and you're ready to go.  The exception is DVR's that you have set to record.  I'd suggest not plugging your DVR into anything other than a regular surge protector.  The uses for these are endless.  You should be able to get a free one from the power company.  Most of them have an energy savings pack that they'll send you for free if you ask for it.
Penelec / PA Customers Kit: http://www.paenergykit.com/
Additional Surge Protectors: ZuniDigital ZG7000B-15 7 Outlet Digital Smart Green Surge Protector (Black)
That bad boy is even safe for DVR's - it has a always on outlet.
3. LED Night Lights and Timers
No one wants to come home to a dark house.  Plus it's a PITA to see trip hazards in the dark LOL!  I have a few night lights and I have 2 lamps on timers.  That solved that for me w/o killing my energy footprint.  Here's what I used:
Woods 50007 Indoor Digital Lamp Timer, Daily Settings, 2-Pack
&
Safety 1st LED Nightlight, 2 Count
You can sometimes find these @ your local dollar store too.
4. Turn your heat down to 65 degrees or better 63!
That one speaks for itself - if you're cold turn up your bedroom heat to 68 and/or put on a sweatshirt.
5. Use the TV sleep timer
I fall asleep in front of the TV a lot.  That's a pretty decent waste of electricity.  Use the built-in sleep timer to turn it off.  A lot of appliances have timers - use them!
6. Use the microwave and not the stove.
I'm not debating the quality of a well cooked meal.  But, who has time anyway?  The microwave uses a lot less power than the oven.  or better yet use your grill!
NOTE: Fruits and vegetables for the most part don't need to be cooked... I'm just sayin'
7. Turn down the water heater
I like a good hot shower & you don't have to give that up.  Just lower the water heater temp to the point where you don't need to add too much cold water to it.  There are about a bajillion guides out there - google is your friend.  You can also get a water heater blanket:
Duck Brand 280464 Water Heater Insulation Blanket, 48 by 75 by 1.8-Inch
Make sure you use Tin tape to hold it together.  They supply you with some but, it's not enough.  Your local hardware store has it and so does Walmart.
8. Turn off the lights and use a lamp (LOL - with the timer!)
If you aren't in the room turn off the lights.  I told the ex and I still tell the kids that.
9. Change out incandescent bulbs for CFL's
A CFL (Compact Florescent Light) uses way less juice than a standard bulb.  The LED versions use even less and last forever but aren't really cheap enough yet.  This was a huge savings for me.  Just don't use them in outdoor lights up north.  They take forever in the cold to put out any real light.  Check Walmart for these - they had the best prices.  Lowe's and Home Depot sell them too but Walmart kicks their ass on price.  Also along that line - snag a day / night motion setup for outdoor lights - it gives you light when you need it and shuts it off when nothings going on.
10. Weatherstrip Doors and Cover the Windows in Plastic / Get really good Curtains
You'd be shocked how much heat you lose out of those.  I personally use the good energy saving curtains but, plastic is cheap.
11. Use paper Dishes and Plastic silverware
I love my dishware and silverware but, the dishwasher uses a lot of energy and hot water.  Doing them in the sink is almost as bad (you have to keep refreshing the hot water to kill bacteria).  by the time you paid for supplies for either; you have a ton of paper plates and plastic-ware.  Then either burn the trash or recycle them.  I caught a lot of flack for this but here it is: I pay for 4 bags of trash per week.  I used about .75 bags and now I use 1 full bag.  It might not be better for the environment but, what good is that if you can't afford daily life?  With a good composting and recycling regimen you can cut your trash down to a small bag per week and then just leave it in a trash can @ a gas station (i'm thinking they probably frown on that but, oh well).

Those are some quick / easy tips to save yourself some serious cash every month.  I didn't come up with this on my own.  It's the culmination of a bunch of research and recompiled lists w/ the stupid / hard stuff removed.  I'm sure that there are more / better ways but, those are ones that you can do right now for very little investment.

Sleeping advice for Insomniacs and Single People

Divorced Guys Survival Guide:
Journal Entry:

I have been having some real issues over the last few months getting really good, restful, & refreshing sleep.  No, it isn't my conscience.  However, it is probably stress related.  I have finally found a way that works very well for me.  Now I don't notice all the creaks and groans the house makes, I'm asleep within 5 minutes, & I don't wake up multiple times throughout the night.  I combined the following things:

1. Relacore PM - These guys market it as a weight loss while you sleep pill (and that is ludicrous)!  Lets be real here - there is no magic bullet for weight loss.  Especially a pill that works while you sleep.  But, these babies put you out w/o you feeling groggy the next day!  I take 3 a half hour before bed and they help a lot.  You can pick them up from amazon:
Relacore Pm Bedtime Fat Pill Reduce Stress 96 Caps
2. A good pillow - This is really important!  It eliminates a stiff neck and lets you get a good nights rest.  I already have a mattress that I like so that wasn't an issue.
3. Brahms anything, Handel's Water music, or the 8 hour long YouTube video for self hypnosis and stress reduction - These were the final piece for me.  Any of those things above put me out and keep me out until my alarm wakes me.  I have my iPad plugged in and playing this all night long from YouTube.  Just search YouTube for those and you're ready to go.

NOTE 1: Stop smoking 1 hour before bed - trust me it helps a lot.
NOTE 2: Brahms makes me obsessively want to play Castlevania and/or hunt vampires (not a bad thing right?) and I have no idea why.  Also I avoid Handels Mesiah - it's a little busy to sleep to.
NOTE 3: Try sleeping in a T-Shirt and a pair of shorts w/o underwear - it's more comfortable and you're shoulders won't hurt as bad if there's a chill.

Total investment thanks to Walmart and Amazon: Less than $25

You can't really put a price tag on sleep.  Finally, I sleep the sleep of the just! Notice that I didn't say sleeping like a baby.  Any parent can tell you that sleeping like a baby means up every 2 hours crying LOL!  Divorce is depressing, expensive, stressful, & generally horrible.  If you're tired you can't bring your A Game when you need it the most.  Don't think that your ex isn't sleeping; they are - in silk sheets that you paid for (this is obviously an ex-adjuration but, you get the idea).

Also, don't hesitate to hit your local dollar store for LED nightlights.  Yeah, yeah we're guys but it makes it a lot easier to navigate the house when you get in late.  If you're worried about your man card status just say it's for the kids when they come over.  I'll be posting more on energy savings later.  You also don't need an iPad - go snag a cheap android tablet here:
Dragon Touch® 7'' Black Dual Core Y88 Google Android 4.1 Tablet PC, Dual Camera, HD 1024x600, 4GB, Google Play Pre-load, HDMI, 3D Game Supported (enhanced version of A13)[By TabletExpress]
It'll handle all your YouTube, eBook, & porn (LOL - seriously don't do that) needs.  You can probably use your smart phone for all of the above too - then you don't have to spend any money.  Just make sure to plug it into the wall.

Again, Please use the links above to buy that stuff if you're interested.  It makes me a couple of cents and goes toward funding my life.  Yeah it's a shameless cash grab but whatever.  It's not like it's a lot of cash.

UPDATE: I was just informed that a good Melatonin supplement can be used in place of Relacore.
Nature's Bounty Maximum Strength Melatonin 10mg Capsules, 60-Count
I haven't tried it personally but, I got the info from a great resource for stuff like that.  I'll also be posting about vitamins and supplements later.

I've personally done exactly what's specified in this post (unless otherwise specified - i'm looking at you Melatonin).  It worked for me but, we're all different.  Be really careful taking new supplements and ask a doctor before you do anything.  You might have a medical condition and they'd be better to advise you than some random blog.  All the stuff above hasn't been known to hurt anyone.  At worst it doesn't work for some people but, you need to take your health seriously.

Actually Making Extra Money on the Internet!

This post is for everyone:

OK, I have finally found a way to make actual money on the internet that doesn't involve any for of prostitution.... mostly!  Here is the secret: eBay and content generation are basically the only ones!  It's pretty sad that there are as many get rich for little to no effort places on the internet as there apparently are dead Nigerian princes (I love spam)!  I'm so over it. I've tried both eBay and content generation, and while they don't generate huge amounts of cash; you can make a couple of dollars a day on your lunch break.

I personally don't make very much by selling things on eBay.  That's basically because don't really have very much to sell.  What I have been selling off are a few of the things around the house that I don't want and just can't bring myself to throw out.  One mans junk is terrifyingly another mans treasure on eBay.  Along that note: Please do not throw out ANY LCD TV's or Monitors!!  Get a hold of Stan or me and we'll come get them.  I need the parts and so does he!

The other way that I've found that actually pays is to write reviews and content.  It doesn't pay a lot; usually around $1-2 per article.  The fact of the matter is that if your somewhat articulate you can bang out about 2-3 of these things on your lunch break. Sooooo, $3/day = $90 extra dollars a month.  I get it; it's not a ton of cash but it is real and it is easy.  I'm currently writing for these guys:

 http://www.reviewstream.com/writereview.php?inv=cYq6I3qPyOOM

Please use my referral link.  It get's me a nickel every time someone uses it and signs up.  It's totally 100% free and they pay you via Paypal after you've made $100.  Also on that site you can make some extra $ answering questions for people.  Again, it's not a ton but 40 seconds out of your life to help someone else? Not too bad.  

I realize that everyone probably already knows about those two but, no one told me.  I had to go figure that out on my frick'n own.  I was told by someone else that you can make money by blogging.  Yeah - no you can't; not any more!  You were at one point able to years ago before everyone else started doing it and flooded the internet with more useless garbage and stolen content.  Now, the only way that I've seen to make money on blogs is to sell books on making money with a blog!  The only actual (and i'm not sure how viable it is) ways to make money with blogs are via referrals and Google ad-words (which i'll totally be adding and please click on them!).  Yep - and between those two you might make about a quarter a day if you do it honestly. If yer plannin' on not so honestly (LOL):

http://www.blackhatworld.com/

NOTE: Oh and as an FYI for all the webmasters out there - go to that site and learn from them.  Use what you learn to boost your own sites ranking.  You'll look like a GWAMM during the next meeting when you get asked about your Google rank.

I hope that helped - I know there are a few of you out there that were wondering and asked me this stuff.  It interested me too so it was no big deal to put some time into it.  Thanks (you know who you are!) for sending me down this particular road - it was fun!

NOTE: Please follow me on Google plus.  More followers = more traffic = more visibility = possible TV / Movie deal.

Stop the Malware and take back your PC!

This post is for everyone:

Here is a carbon copy of the post I put on Facebook:

By request:

Standard Spy/Malware removal process:

NOTE(s) / Disclaimer: Seriously have a professional look at it if you even have a question in your mind. Also, If it isn't broke - Don't fix it! I'm not responsible for you breaking your equipment, destroying your data etc. I am in no way liable for anything; so proceed at your own risk. These are basic instructions and I will not be providing support. Do not ever do this in a business environment. These tools are very powerful and have the ability to seriously hose your system. This is for informational purposes only! Never run any of this in Windows 8 or with your antivirus active! 

Step 1: Download rkill from here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/rkill/ 
Step 2: Download JRT from here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/junkware-removal-tool/ 
Step 3: Download TDSSKiller from here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/tdsskiller/ 
Step 4: download Combofix from here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/combofix/ 
Step 5: Disable your antivirus - If you don't have one you can get this one for free: http://lavasoft.com/landing/comparison.php  - Don't install it yet!
Step 6: Run rKill
Step 7: Run TDSSKiller 
Note: If you had to reboot after TDSSKiller - just re-run rKill and make sure your antivirus is disabled.
Step 8: Run JRT
Note: Again, if you had to restart - re-run rKill and make sure your antivirus is disabled before continuing.
Step 9: Run Combofix
Note: If you are still having an issue - try running Combofix in SafeMode.
Step 10: Reboot & re-enable your antivirus


Bleepingcomputer.com is a great resource. Their forums are great and most of the people are very helpful.

Cutting the Cable and Saving Money

This entry is for everyone:

IDK about the rest of the country but I've been having some serious financial hardships.  I need to save every penny that I can and keep my basic bills under control.  The idiot box has been our lord and master for quite a while.  Picture this: It's been a long day - your 4th 12HR shift in a row and you're tired.  All you want to do is kick back with the beverage of your choice and let the TV do the thinking for an hour before you pass out in bed and get up to do it all over again.  The problem is; $50 a month for what little TV you actually watch is a waste.  Plus you have 1300 channels and nothing is ever on (Except you cartoon network - and god bless you).  Then there's the telephone; you use your cell for 90% of everything but you still need that land line.  It does very little (other than provide the sweet sweet internet).  But, if your like me; your cell doesn't work worth a damn in your house.  So when you're home, no one can get a hold of you (doesn't sound too bad but still...).  That and I strait up can't afford another $35 on top of my other utilities.

So here's what I did:

(Disclaimer: This isn't a step by step walk through and i'm not responsible for anything you or anyone else does.  If you ruin your life, lively hood, equipment, etc. I am in no way responsible ever!)

1. Order a Roku and an OBI100 from amazon.com - Total investment $80
2. Pick yourself up a decent wireless router (there a bajillion lists out there) - Make sure you get a gaming unit.  Even if you're not gaming they will take the punishment of handling all your other services w/o a hiccup. - This should cost you around $30

NOTE: Put your DSL / Cable modem in BRIDGE MODE - google it or get a professional to help.  Don't just hook it up.  You will end up with a double NAT and that is a bad thing.  Also, DMZ your OBI100 and setup a static DHCP reservation for it and your PC.  Again, Google it or have a pro help you (this is one of the few things that technical support can actually help with).  If you insist on using your ISP provided equipment; be prepared to reset it about every 3 days or less.

3. Get yourself a free google voice phone number and DO NOT ENABLE 2 STEP AUTHENTICATION!  There is a reason for that: the OBI100 doesn't like it so save yourself the headache.
4. Configure your Roku and OBI100
5. You'll notice that Roku has a lot of paid content.  Google "unofficial roku channels" and add them.  There - movies and some TV.  If you'd like an expanded experience go grab PlayOn.tv and install it on your PC.  Then, add some of the 3rd party scripts available to it.
 6. OK at this point you have your OBI running your Telephones and your Roku handling the TV - Run it like this for a month and make sure you're OK with it.  Also remember: It's all free at this point!
7. If you're good to go - Cancel all other services EXCEPT YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION

There $120 /month down to $35-40

NOTE: I also added a Netflix subscription and I already had Amazon Prime for the free freight.  Both of those have native Roku apps.  With PlayOn you can add Hulu and most major networks stream offerings.  If you want music grab Pandora or Slacker Radio.  I work a lot so that's pretty much all the TV I can watch.

I'll be writing more about Playon.tv some other time.

Financial Organization for the Lazy man

Divorced Guys Survival Guide:
Journal Entry:

OK, so lately I find my self broke (not poor - broke).  I check my bank account on a fairly consistent basis b/c I never know if i'm going to be able to afford daily living LOL!  I had heard about mint.com a while ago but never really thought I could use it... I was wrong.  IDK if any of you are familiar with Quicken by Intuit but, mint.com is basically Quicken on steroids online.  You can keep all your financials on there and then install their app on your phone and always know where you stand financially.  I'll be honest - Just the alerts that this thing has make it worth the 5 minutes it takes to set it up.  As an added bonus, @ the end of the year you can pull all the info into TurboTax and your done in about half the time it would have taken!

The other site that I check on a monthly basis is creditkarma.com.  This is also 100% free and lets you know where your credit stands.  I wasn't aware that just because you get divorced your credit takes a pretty big point hit!  It also helps you see what all you have out there in your name so that you can fix any issues that the EX might have left you with or created BEFORE you get too screwed.

Both of those sites are 100% free and probably the most useful things that you can do to help fix / monitor your credit and general finances.

Hello!

Well, I know I'm a bit late on the blog train but, whatever.  I'm starting this blog to collect information that people ask me so that I don't have to keep repeating myself!  There will be everything from divorced guy daily living tips to technology tips and probably everything in between.

Stay Tuned!