How does down 5% from the highest to the lowest DJIA sound? Not quite 10% as posted in 233, so watch or for more. Sam feels the volatility and smells Santa making a presence and present of a rise to get you out there shopping. By all means shop IN CASH, not credit you won't be able to pay off. Last thing this country and world needs is more credit exposures. Remember, YOU aren't too big to fail! Only the big companies are, which is also bad for you since the government takes money out of your pocket to rescue them.
Now, for the 10% drop. Sam is still quivering and will probably remain that way until the first 2016 earnings conclude. It's not just the earnings though which will be the consequences of other events. Sam repeats her disclaimer that she's only a "deceased" dog and can't be right all the time. Presented here are only individual feelings and opinions that should NOT be used without your own research and conclusions. But, she still feels like a 10% leash is on her and it must be shed before she can run free again and enjoy the smell around a few trees, posts, and other fixtures that collect the smells of fear in other dogs as well as a little excitement. Thus, let's get through this mess by end of January 2016 and move on.
For some reason Sam does not fear OPEC. Can it survive by shooting it's other foot too? Maybe the presidential chatter of a tougher foreign policy will matter enough to rattle OPEC, really Saudia Arabia, into being just satisfied to "control" the knobs instead of winning the Grand Prize of dictator of oil. Our foreign policy, from oil, to terrorists, to leadership from the front rather than none even from behind, to the strength of our dollar and improved exports despite its strength, to acceptable relationships with other foreign leaders where we at least LOOK POSITIVE AND IN CONTROL would be a blessing. We won't tell you how to vote, but do consider the total failure of foreign policy by the current executive controlling party. I wish I could, on the other hand, wave the flag for the other party, and can for a few candidates. However, Congress and it's comfortable buddy system and cronies has made this government pretty ineffectual. Wish I had an answer to correct Congress other than a near total purge and limits on membership, but what's to guarantee that the policies remain the same and just different players manipulate the actions? Will a few REAL leaders please stand up!
I thought Representative Ryan would should some spunk and common sense and lead, but he has only managed to grow a beard to hide his face and shame. My suggestion to SETTLE a permanent BUDGET finally and quickly and then get moving on other issues uninterrupted by the budget and debt mess we are always in. Never in my consulting years have I seen a client (government) so clueless and corrupt.
Okay, flip the box over and hand out the soap as stocking stuffers; better than coal. Have a Merry Christmas or at least have a Happy Holiday season. I'd play the "Have a very Merry Merry Christmas" song by the dog choir, but haven't figured how to do that yet on this blog. Hang in there Seniors; we may not be getting a raise and have to suck up a Medicare increase, but we have out health. Right? Well, at least we were born tough and know we'll find a way to get by. If only the younger generation had this knowledge and willingness!
Sunday, December 20, 2015
736. Bloomberg's Brent Crude Oil Charts a Must
I had the hardest time finding a chart showing how oil prices fluctuate over time. Finally found this Bloomsberg website page that does the trick, including valuable articles of current events. So, if you are a believer that energy rules the world's economy as suggested in the book I reviewed in Post #700, "The Colder War, How the Global Energy Trade Slipped from America's Grasp" by Marin Katusa, you will want to rush right off to the website and explore.
Supplementing this site recommendation is a recent article of interest. You'll reinforce your knowledge of how oil affects producers and refiners and their impact on society.
Supplementing this site recommendation is a recent article of interest. You'll reinforce your knowledge of how oil affects producers and refiners and their impact on society.
735. Volume Icon Disappeared from System Tray
MSFT Update deleted Volume Icon from System Tray. Not only was the ICON removed and not present as a
hidden Icon, when I went to Settings, System, Notifications & Actions, Choose
Your Quick Actions to try to turn it on via “Turn system icons on or off” it
was grayed out. When I went to “Select which icons appear on the Taskbar” the
Volume “square” was there, but no ICON was in it, nor could it be selected because
it too was grayed out. This was also true for two other icons I desired in the
System tray, Windows Defender and Everything. So, I edited the Registry as per http://www.technipages.com/windows-system-icons-missing-from-notification-area
and restarted. Specifically, edit HKEY_Current_User/Software/Classes/Local/Settings/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version/Tray Notify, export to save
that key and values for backup if needed, and then delete Iconstreams and PastIconStream
values. After a restart, Volume came back. After starting Everything
application, it too now displayed an Icon both in System Tray and within a settings
square. I haven’t tried to get Windows Defender’s square reset to an ICON, but
I could turn it on in Settings.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
734. VISA requirements while in turmoil
I applaud the House for the bill banning waivers of visas from the 38 free-movement countries if the individuals traveled to Iraq and Syria in the last 5 years (see this article). This is the first step to improving homeland security. However, I'd take it a step beyond this in the wake of the last two terror attacks in Paris and America. I'd like to see more strict VISA checks for those requesting VISAs for marriage and finances. Then we still have the illegal people already here with expired visas or no visas. How about them? Immigration changes and cleanup needs to begin NOW. I feel the Federal government did an injustice by not performing any checks for a decade, not enforcing the laws, and continuing to avoid stopping the continuance of border jumpers. Let's get serious!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
733. Market still trying to break 18,000 block
We are getting close to the end of 2015 and haven't quite pushed the 18,000 resistance level as stated in post #724 in October. We have had some good dips to sell while up and buy when down, but we haven't hit the big drop that I fear. I have already finished my portfolio balancing for this year and ready to take whatever we get in my non-retirement account. However, I might play the expected drop in my retirement accounts.
Now is a good time to get those losses sold and reduce your tax burden. You can always buy back in, but watch out for the Wash Sales (buying the same stock within 30 days, either before or after, selling it for loss unless all shares are sold). [Note, search for more complete description if this interests you]
Sam's ready to clean her crystal ball for a 2016 forecast. Things to consider include, but not limited to: (1) drag of Emerging Markets, particularly Russia, China, Brazil. India may be a boost if it rains there (seems Gold sales are down by the farmers who buy 60% of it due to lack of rain...can you believe it?). (2) Recovery of EU and Japan. (3) Bloody O'Blunder's games. We expect Fed rates to hike gradually, so I don't think that will have any major impact through the year.
A positive person would bet on recoveries through the world and rise in commodity prices and Industrial stocks. He might also bet on some key advances in Biotechnology Industry. But O'Blunder health insurance stocks we'll go negative because health costs will continue to rise driving them to lose more O'Blunder accounts (already seeing the losses through 2015) and causing havoc again in the Health Industry. Will Financials ever recover? Sure, but not in leaps or bounds. O&G? Gotta come back...OPEC failed to wipe out anything other than their wealth and a manageable delay by America's companies (the weak have been and being sucked up by the strong). Politics? Pray we don't continue on the poor O'Blunder programs. My biggest fear for 2016 is that We the People AGAIN go to the Presidential polls uneducated and vote for looks or someone with fluent speech or youth. Unfortunately, we live in a society that these types of people are in majority and WILL influence and destroy America.
And the worse thing: The MEDIA will continue to focus on the negatives AND their bias rather than on just reporting the facts and moving on to another story. I made it policy in this house to limit what they think is news to less than 10 minutes a day and increase common sense analysis by 100x!
Sam say "Don't lose you common scents."
Now is a good time to get those losses sold and reduce your tax burden. You can always buy back in, but watch out for the Wash Sales (buying the same stock within 30 days, either before or after, selling it for loss unless all shares are sold). [Note, search for more complete description if this interests you]
Sam's ready to clean her crystal ball for a 2016 forecast. Things to consider include, but not limited to: (1) drag of Emerging Markets, particularly Russia, China, Brazil. India may be a boost if it rains there (seems Gold sales are down by the farmers who buy 60% of it due to lack of rain...can you believe it?). (2) Recovery of EU and Japan. (3) Bloody O'Blunder's games. We expect Fed rates to hike gradually, so I don't think that will have any major impact through the year.
A positive person would bet on recoveries through the world and rise in commodity prices and Industrial stocks. He might also bet on some key advances in Biotechnology Industry. But O'Blunder health insurance stocks we'll go negative because health costs will continue to rise driving them to lose more O'Blunder accounts (already seeing the losses through 2015) and causing havoc again in the Health Industry. Will Financials ever recover? Sure, but not in leaps or bounds. O&G? Gotta come back...OPEC failed to wipe out anything other than their wealth and a manageable delay by America's companies (the weak have been and being sucked up by the strong). Politics? Pray we don't continue on the poor O'Blunder programs. My biggest fear for 2016 is that We the People AGAIN go to the Presidential polls uneducated and vote for looks or someone with fluent speech or youth. Unfortunately, we live in a society that these types of people are in majority and WILL influence and destroy America.
And the worse thing: The MEDIA will continue to focus on the negatives AND their bias rather than on just reporting the facts and moving on to another story. I made it policy in this house to limit what they think is news to less than 10 minutes a day and increase common sense analysis by 100x!
Sam say "Don't lose you common scents."
Thursday, November 19, 2015
732. WARNING: MSFT 1511 Cumulative Update wipes out things
WARNING : You will be bitten by the automatic updates today or soon. Version 1511 is ready and gets installed. I'm probably too late for some of you to prevent or prepare for destruction, but here is what I found so far and it has taken 2 days so far to detect and clean them up:
1. The Windows 7 Card Games zap documented in Post #706 disappears. All tiles and taskbar icons will disappear for Spider, Freecell, and Hearts. The problem goes beyond these games though. Seems that ALL programs you installed NOT via the Microsoft installer that are in the Program Files or Program Files (X86) folders will disappear! You might try looking for what you lose in the c:\Windows.Old folder, but as far as the games, you will only find the .exe files WITHOUT your previous zaps. See the updated Post #706 to get you back and playing.
2. If you had changed Title Bars as in Post # 124, you will have to do it again. STOP! This upgrade added an option to Desktop Personalize: "Show color on Start, Taskbar, Action Center, Titlebars". Simply turn it on and select your color.
3. The Desktop theme disappears and you need to right-click desktop, personalize, theme and select the one you desire again.
4. Task Manager returns to MSFT's default of NO details. Go there (Ctrl-Shift-ESC) and select DETAILS to get a meaningful task manager tool back.
5. ONE Drive gets reinitialized as ACTIVE. If you had it disabled, do it again.
6. I was missing 3 tiles from my start menu and couldn't remember which ones. I went to Windows.old, but still could not identify what was deleted. I know Speccy64 was one of them and got it from Windows.old\program Files. This does NOT get installed via MSFT Installer, so put it somewhere other than Program Files and rePIN to start or taskbar as desired. Same with anything else that was deleted that you can remember. Ahhh. Another was Spybot. I simply reinstalled 2.4.This apparently was removed by Microsoft because of some subscription requirement which Spybot people knew nothing about. But, 2.4 runs. Add CCleaner to the list of programs deleted. I got to reinstall and redo my saved cookies list! Thanks MSFT! CCleaner detects that Edge and IE are now active, but nor started by me, when cleaning files. Guess I need to look at this now.
7. One good thing that was fixed was that the folders in Quick Access (HOME Edition) can NOW BE REORDERED by dragging to new location. Thank you MSFT for that.
8. Post #712 showed how to disable Caps Lock. You get to redo this if you want this.
9. The disturbing Google Chrome "Shockwave crashed" error again occurs after this install. Haven't figured out how to fix it yet. If you researched this, Google imbeds its own Pepperflash. Although when you do a about::plugins in Chrome and see only the imbedded flash, there is still some conflict with one already installed on your system. As a matter of fact if you look at your installed programs you will see that this MSFT upgrade ADDED its own version 19 NPAPI flashplayer module! I saw a few comments on Internet that it needs to be uninstalled for Chrome to work right, but then, if you also use IE you will need it! So, wait for Google to correct this I guess. I just installed another MSFT update "Security Update for Internet Explorer Flash Player for Windows 10 Version 1511 for x64-based Systems (KB3103688)" in hopes the Chrome flash relies on it. Fingers crossed.
10. MAJOR Performance Problem:
Update 11/21/15: My Bad - I mistakingly installed 2GB + 1GB memory instead of 2GB + 4GB! So, I have been running on 3GB instead of 6GB the entire time with Windows 10. Therefore, I must compliment MSFT for the fine performance of their system even on 3GB on this old Dell Inspiron 1440 PC. I caught this after reinstalling Speccy due to its removal by the upgrade and running it. Ignore the remaining text re this problem (or shall I say no-problem).
The process "System and Compressed Memory" in this version kills my performance periodically (90+%% CPU and 89% disk). MSFT claims this process "helps" performance by compressing system pages and keeping them in memory instead of physically paging them out to disk. Well, instead, it takes loads of CPU to do the compression AND on a system with limited memory, like my old Dell with 5 GB, it now compresses (using memory and CPU) + Paging (Compressed page? using same CPU as before + more memory for this process to do its job). So, when MSFT downloads updates (automatically) and starts installing, we are back to the old systems where the system bogs down because it overloads the "System and Compressed Memory" process AND paging. I have also noticed that there persistent attempt to kill Chrome gets involved here too since Chrome uses gobs of memory compared to IE and thus gets caught in this compressed memory process big time. The more tabs opened, the worse it gets by leaps and bounds! Even though my memory usage (even on this 6 GB'er) has never been near its 100% before this build update, it certainly goes there now. I see this as an attempt by MSFT to not only kill Chrome, but also to drive users to larger machines with more memory and CPU power to support future features. I found some weird "solutions" to try while searching, but am leery of doing them. I am including them here ONLY for documentation purposes. If anybody tries one of them, please COMMENT as to effects and problem resolution. Thanks.
a) Disable BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service) service, OR
b) If you have ample memory, disable Pagefile/swapfile
11. Goodbye Adobe! MSFT update changed default app for .pdf files to EDGE! If you want to go back to Adobe Reader, go to system Settings and set it up again. UPDATE 12/1/2015: Just recently I have noticed that looking at a PDF file by clicking within an Internet site also goes to EDGE within whatever browser you are using. I just finished perusing a PDF document that way and saw the same Chrome bookmark bar on top. When I rolled over it I noticed that the EDGE Favorites were being shown, not Chrome. Select one and you stay in Edge.
12. 456 ERRORS in Event Viewer since install (less than 2 complete days)!!!!!. I', curious as to how many of the errors were due to my mistake of running this on just 3GB as explained in 10 above. It appears so far many of them. If this is the case, the upgrade added some memory usage size, but not enough to shut anything down.
13. Added on 1/22/16: Once again the first display of DOWNLOADS folder takes forever to load. Prior to this MSFT update I had to change Properties (Customize) of the Downloads folder from PICTURES to GENERAL. The MSFT update apparently switched if back and needed to be customized again.
Conclusion? Can't say I'll be hanging with MSFT much longer if they continue to pull these stunts. And then after over 1.5 hours of installation they have the nerve to display on your screen Don't worry your files remained the same! Folks, this was a new O/S install, NOT a cumulative updates install! I'll pause for a while to consider the benefits of the upgrade (resolved a lot of my problems) vs. effort to redo some things.
1. The Windows 7 Card Games zap documented in Post #706 disappears. All tiles and taskbar icons will disappear for Spider, Freecell, and Hearts. The problem goes beyond these games though. Seems that ALL programs you installed NOT via the Microsoft installer that are in the Program Files or Program Files (X86) folders will disappear! You might try looking for what you lose in the c:\Windows.Old folder, but as far as the games, you will only find the .exe files WITHOUT your previous zaps. See the updated Post #706 to get you back and playing.
2. If you had changed Title Bars as in Post # 124, you will have to do it again. STOP! This upgrade added an option to Desktop Personalize: "Show color on Start, Taskbar, Action Center, Titlebars". Simply turn it on and select your color.
3. The Desktop theme disappears and you need to right-click desktop, personalize, theme and select the one you desire again.
4. Task Manager returns to MSFT's default of NO details. Go there (Ctrl-Shift-ESC) and select DETAILS to get a meaningful task manager tool back.
5. ONE Drive gets reinitialized as ACTIVE. If you had it disabled, do it again.
6. I was missing 3 tiles from my start menu and couldn't remember which ones. I went to Windows.old, but still could not identify what was deleted. I know Speccy64 was one of them and got it from Windows.old\program Files. This does NOT get installed via MSFT Installer, so put it somewhere other than Program Files and rePIN to start or taskbar as desired. Same with anything else that was deleted that you can remember. Ahhh. Another was Spybot. I simply reinstalled 2.4.This apparently was removed by Microsoft because of some subscription requirement which Spybot people knew nothing about. But, 2.4 runs. Add CCleaner to the list of programs deleted. I got to reinstall and redo my saved cookies list! Thanks MSFT! CCleaner detects that Edge and IE are now active, but nor started by me, when cleaning files. Guess I need to look at this now.
7. One good thing that was fixed was that the folders in Quick Access (HOME Edition) can NOW BE REORDERED by dragging to new location. Thank you MSFT for that.
8. Post #712 showed how to disable Caps Lock. You get to redo this if you want this.
9. The disturbing Google Chrome "Shockwave crashed" error again occurs after this install. Haven't figured out how to fix it yet. If you researched this, Google imbeds its own Pepperflash. Although when you do a about::plugins in Chrome and see only the imbedded flash, there is still some conflict with one already installed on your system. As a matter of fact if you look at your installed programs you will see that this MSFT upgrade ADDED its own version 19 NPAPI flashplayer module! I saw a few comments on Internet that it needs to be uninstalled for Chrome to work right, but then, if you also use IE you will need it! So, wait for Google to correct this I guess. I just installed another MSFT update "Security Update for Internet Explorer Flash Player for Windows 10 Version 1511 for x64-based Systems (KB3103688)" in hopes the Chrome flash relies on it. Fingers crossed.
10. MAJOR Performance Problem:
Update 11/21/15: My Bad - I mistakingly installed 2GB + 1GB memory instead of 2GB + 4GB! So, I have been running on 3GB instead of 6GB the entire time with Windows 10. Therefore, I must compliment MSFT for the fine performance of their system even on 3GB on this old Dell Inspiron 1440 PC. I caught this after reinstalling Speccy due to its removal by the upgrade and running it. Ignore the remaining text re this problem (or shall I say no-problem).
The process "System and Compressed Memory" in this version kills my performance periodically (90+%% CPU and 89% disk). MSFT claims this process "helps" performance by compressing system pages and keeping them in memory instead of physically paging them out to disk. Well, instead, it takes loads of CPU to do the compression AND on a system with limited memory, like my old Dell with 5 GB, it now compresses (using memory and CPU) + Paging (Compressed page? using same CPU as before + more memory for this process to do its job). So, when MSFT downloads updates (automatically) and starts installing, we are back to the old systems where the system bogs down because it overloads the "System and Compressed Memory" process AND paging. I have also noticed that there persistent attempt to kill Chrome gets involved here too since Chrome uses gobs of memory compared to IE and thus gets caught in this compressed memory process big time. The more tabs opened, the worse it gets by leaps and bounds! Even though my memory usage (even on this 6 GB'er) has never been near its 100% before this build update, it certainly goes there now. I see this as an attempt by MSFT to not only kill Chrome, but also to drive users to larger machines with more memory and CPU power to support future features. I found some weird "solutions" to try while searching, but am leery of doing them. I am including them here ONLY for documentation purposes. If anybody tries one of them, please COMMENT as to effects and problem resolution. Thanks.
a) Disable BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service) service, OR
b) If you have ample memory, disable Pagefile/swapfile
11. Goodbye Adobe! MSFT update changed default app for .pdf files to EDGE! If you want to go back to Adobe Reader, go to system Settings and set it up again. UPDATE 12/1/2015: Just recently I have noticed that looking at a PDF file by clicking within an Internet site also goes to EDGE within whatever browser you are using. I just finished perusing a PDF document that way and saw the same Chrome bookmark bar on top. When I rolled over it I noticed that the EDGE Favorites were being shown, not Chrome. Select one and you stay in Edge.
12. 456 ERRORS in Event Viewer since install (less than 2 complete days)!!!!!. I', curious as to how many of the errors were due to my mistake of running this on just 3GB as explained in 10 above. It appears so far many of them. If this is the case, the upgrade added some memory usage size, but not enough to shut anything down.
13. Added on 1/22/16: Once again the first display of DOWNLOADS folder takes forever to load. Prior to this MSFT update I had to change Properties (Customize) of the Downloads folder from PICTURES to GENERAL. The MSFT update apparently switched if back and needed to be customized again.
Conclusion? Can't say I'll be hanging with MSFT much longer if they continue to pull these stunts. And then after over 1.5 hours of installation they have the nerve to display on your screen Don't worry your files remained the same! Folks, this was a new O/S install, NOT a cumulative updates install! I'll pause for a while to consider the benefits of the upgrade (resolved a lot of my problems) vs. effort to redo some things.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
731. Just return ALL control to the States!
The House continues to try to put more band aids on the "No Child Left Behind" law that was passed in July by both the House and Senate ((see article here). My recommendation, just let the States manage their own education and get rid of the federal Department of Education.
I was never a believer of "fair" tests that apply to every location, and am more opposed to trying to enact solutions based on test results to bogus tests. How did I ever grow up without these? How did so many now well off individuals grow up from low income positions to middle class or higher positions without this dumb law? The answer: FAMILY environment! Let's address the root cause of the main issues causing so much trouble to America. Issues including education, but so many more. The answer always seems to be the same: throw money at it! Well, that isn't improving Family Values! The States are improvisers of good policies and programs and could potentially help other states improve. NOT the Federal government and our $$$. The Federal government has obliterated the State so much that it can no longer improvise!
I was never a believer of "fair" tests that apply to every location, and am more opposed to trying to enact solutions based on test results to bogus tests. How did I ever grow up without these? How did so many now well off individuals grow up from low income positions to middle class or higher positions without this dumb law? The answer: FAMILY environment! Let's address the root cause of the main issues causing so much trouble to America. Issues including education, but so many more. The answer always seems to be the same: throw money at it! Well, that isn't improving Family Values! The States are improvisers of good policies and programs and could potentially help other states improve. NOT the Federal government and our $$$. The Federal government has obliterated the State so much that it can no longer improvise!
730. O'Blunder worse than a child
Let's talk about the refugees: 10,000 of them O'Blunder wants to give the right-of-way to. But, let's not stop there. Let's talk about allowing individuals from "safe" countries without a visa! Imagine allowing France individuals, where 3 of their citizens help blow up Paris in the last ISIS affair, to enter WITHOUT checks and visa! Would that not be insane?
The Republican controlled House stressed both points above in a proposed law here that strengthens the entry process into America. O'Blunder poo-poo'd them as acting like frightened sheep. Seems O'Blunder has never grown up and believes he is still impenetrable like all children. I suppose he was similar to all of us in our teens who drank and drove high speeds or challenged death by performing some high-risk act believing injury or death could never happen to us. That belief still exists to the many of our youths today. But to poo-poo adults who want to ensure these same children, parents, relatives, friends, etc. remain alive and always expect to enjoy the freedoms America offers is unconscionable. Instead, he should be joining them in the discussion TO ENSURE America provides the top security measures possible to prevent "safe" countries from allowing potential risks from entering America AND to definitely prevent terrorist piggy-backing within any refugee program by means of extreme vetting at this time! Hey, I feel safe where I am and could think like O'Blunder about myself, BUT let's think about others too!
Truly, I have seen nothing but destructive ideas, rash comments,no productive actions come from O'Blunder; but, I have seen dangerous executive orders that seem to be anti-American that endanger people and the economy. We need to get this loser out of office (impeach) AND any similar-minded individual from ever getting into office. It's time to take back the government from this insane administration and any government who continues to destroy state governments and programs. Government plans and actions need to focus on Security and Defense for a while and keep its nose out of We the People affairs. Let's return fully to state controlled education, high-risk medical plans, and other programs where the federal government has imposed itself in a way that is destroying programs that States were having no problems with.
Well, this topic was Enhanced Security for America. So let me leave with my hopes that the House and Senate can drum some sense into O'Blunder. Probably not, but then halt the insane plans, including the over-used executive order, and act to impeach should either of the two issues within this proposed law is forced down out throats! Not that I like Trump (I don't), but we need Congress to yell "You're Fired" AND ACT UPON IT!
Before leaving, you might want to also see this article just posted re Syrians arrested in Honduras headed to U.S. via Greece and Honduras with fake passports after one of the Paris terrorists was supposedly from a Greek island. Makes you wonder who's side O'Blunder is on!
The Republican controlled House stressed both points above in a proposed law here that strengthens the entry process into America. O'Blunder poo-poo'd them as acting like frightened sheep. Seems O'Blunder has never grown up and believes he is still impenetrable like all children. I suppose he was similar to all of us in our teens who drank and drove high speeds or challenged death by performing some high-risk act believing injury or death could never happen to us. That belief still exists to the many of our youths today. But to poo-poo adults who want to ensure these same children, parents, relatives, friends, etc. remain alive and always expect to enjoy the freedoms America offers is unconscionable. Instead, he should be joining them in the discussion TO ENSURE America provides the top security measures possible to prevent "safe" countries from allowing potential risks from entering America AND to definitely prevent terrorist piggy-backing within any refugee program by means of extreme vetting at this time! Hey, I feel safe where I am and could think like O'Blunder about myself, BUT let's think about others too!
Truly, I have seen nothing but destructive ideas, rash comments,no productive actions come from O'Blunder; but, I have seen dangerous executive orders that seem to be anti-American that endanger people and the economy. We need to get this loser out of office (impeach) AND any similar-minded individual from ever getting into office. It's time to take back the government from this insane administration and any government who continues to destroy state governments and programs. Government plans and actions need to focus on Security and Defense for a while and keep its nose out of We the People affairs. Let's return fully to state controlled education, high-risk medical plans, and other programs where the federal government has imposed itself in a way that is destroying programs that States were having no problems with.
Well, this topic was Enhanced Security for America. So let me leave with my hopes that the House and Senate can drum some sense into O'Blunder. Probably not, but then halt the insane plans, including the over-used executive order, and act to impeach should either of the two issues within this proposed law is forced down out throats! Not that I like Trump (I don't), but we need Congress to yell "You're Fired" AND ACT UPON IT!
Before leaving, you might want to also see this article just posted re Syrians arrested in Honduras headed to U.S. via Greece and Honduras with fake passports after one of the Paris terrorists was supposedly from a Greek island. Makes you wonder who's side O'Blunder is on!
Friday, November 6, 2015
729. Lock us up and throw away the key
King O'Blunder says more jobs, cheaper and easier imported oil, and additional gasoline for export to raise revenues and decrease debt are NOT of National Interest (see this article). When will this dude get impeached for disrupting America? Folks, we have 14 months more of this inept, backward thinking, constitutional side-stepping, congress-ignoring, We the People-bashing clown. Please send him to California with the other liberal, green-only fools, who are making it much more expensive and difficult to run an effective and efficient country. The environment is NOT the major issue here! That can be managed with compromise. The issue is the strife for dictatorship and I-don't-want-to-be-spanked by the sheep herd. Glad I'm in a better position to live my life than the majority of folks that are is a great need for jobs, better wages, and much stronger economy, which has been held down by dragging the O'Blunder anchor for almost 7 years now. Imagine how it will explode upward when we finally get him out of the way; unless Hillary takes over! When will voters become educated instead of indoctrinated to vote for the best looking, or minority-group biased, or religiously-identical, or insignificant-issue supported candidate?
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
728. Put a condom over it
Now I favor the government handing out condoms in schools, but to put to vote whether porn start have to wear condoms (see this.) Wow California is weird!
Sunday, November 1, 2015
727. Flat Tax and Media Corruptness
After the second CNBC Republican Debate can anyone disagree now that the Media is liberal and continues to indoctrinate the clueless We the People? If you review the MEDIA posts I posted you will see the injustice the Media has thrown at us. In most cases it was the Main Media networks and papers with Liberal Bias beyond comprehension. As noted in at least one post I have become fed up with all Media, including O'reilly-types too.
The Republican Debate was a joke! Instead of deep details and comparisons between candidates, I was left only with the success of the party to fend off the liberal Media. Disgusting conclusion. A particular I was interested in was the differences in the tax plans. For those who haven't read about Flat Tax plans for the last 10 years, they are NOT all the same. For example, I believe I heard that Cruz's plan is really a Single Fixed Tax-Level (10%) plan, i.e., poor don't pay and all others pay 10%. No details as far as deductions (Seniors, child-care, blind, mortgages, itemization, etc.). Dr. Carson even blindly adjusted hi 10% to 15%, maybe. However, another Flat Tax, called the Fair Tax, I believe one or two candidates no more than mentioned as a flat tax plan, may be the one properly defined a decade ago and relates to abolishing Income Tax entirely in lieu of a FAIR TAX (Sales Tax). In this case all entities -- individuals, companies, professionals, hospitals, etc. -- would pay a FLAT sales tax, say 23% on whatever they purchased, be it a product OR service. Possible the poor would be give some break, but you could expect the rich to be paying their fair share this way since their spending is much greater to the point of going overboard on products and services than the poor and even think about affording. That is good, because it is those who can afford to pay more taxes.
I added a category TAXES to guide you to Tax Posts, but know I didn't catch all of them. Pay particular interest to Posts #86 (Fair Tax), numbers 416 and 341 re AP's illogical comments, and 412 re a great book re who's paying taxes now. Sorry I didn't catch all the posts; just wanted to find pertinent ones from the past relating to the Media's inaccurate and bias reporting AND the Republican Tax plans not fully explained.
You can bet I'll return with additional post re the Media, my constant enemy. You can NOT believe over 80% of what they report as being facts! Sounds like the Internet too, eh? Don't be scammed, indoctrinated with bias and fact-less information, or misled by politicians. Do your homework. Unlike the Congress who never starts the Budget process until a few weeks before due, take the next 10 months and educate yourself in the poorness of the Media and "stories" they tell. Question them and question them yet again and again.
We the People need to take rule back and live as per the Constitution regardless of the hawkers shoving elixirs down out throats. Search the BOOKS category too for some interesting reading.
The Republican Debate was a joke! Instead of deep details and comparisons between candidates, I was left only with the success of the party to fend off the liberal Media. Disgusting conclusion. A particular I was interested in was the differences in the tax plans. For those who haven't read about Flat Tax plans for the last 10 years, they are NOT all the same. For example, I believe I heard that Cruz's plan is really a Single Fixed Tax-Level (10%) plan, i.e., poor don't pay and all others pay 10%. No details as far as deductions (Seniors, child-care, blind, mortgages, itemization, etc.). Dr. Carson even blindly adjusted hi 10% to 15%, maybe. However, another Flat Tax, called the Fair Tax, I believe one or two candidates no more than mentioned as a flat tax plan, may be the one properly defined a decade ago and relates to abolishing Income Tax entirely in lieu of a FAIR TAX (Sales Tax). In this case all entities -- individuals, companies, professionals, hospitals, etc. -- would pay a FLAT sales tax, say 23% on whatever they purchased, be it a product OR service. Possible the poor would be give some break, but you could expect the rich to be paying their fair share this way since their spending is much greater to the point of going overboard on products and services than the poor and even think about affording. That is good, because it is those who can afford to pay more taxes.
I added a category TAXES to guide you to Tax Posts, but know I didn't catch all of them. Pay particular interest to Posts #86 (Fair Tax), numbers 416 and 341 re AP's illogical comments, and 412 re a great book re who's paying taxes now. Sorry I didn't catch all the posts; just wanted to find pertinent ones from the past relating to the Media's inaccurate and bias reporting AND the Republican Tax plans not fully explained.
You can bet I'll return with additional post re the Media, my constant enemy. You can NOT believe over 80% of what they report as being facts! Sounds like the Internet too, eh? Don't be scammed, indoctrinated with bias and fact-less information, or misled by politicians. Do your homework. Unlike the Congress who never starts the Budget process until a few weeks before due, take the next 10 months and educate yourself in the poorness of the Media and "stories" they tell. Question them and question them yet again and again.
We the People need to take rule back and live as per the Constitution regardless of the hawkers shoving elixirs down out throats. Search the BOOKS category too for some interesting reading.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
726. Trendnet AC600 doubles G-Speed
The old 1397 G-protocol wireless network adapter in my laptop was dragging at 20Mbs given a 50Mbs Suddenlink Cable service. Cable-connected gave the ISP rated speed of 50Mbs for downloads, but the wireless behind my Netgear 300-N router dogged at 20Mbs. I chose a not-too-expensive (around $18) solution installing the Trendnet AC600 which gave me N protocol backward compatibility and increased my wireless download speed to 40 Mbs. Not much to brag about with normal Internet transactions, but downloads and streming is much better now.
I did have a few problems since the lack of proper installation documentation failed to address some gotchs:
1. Ensure IPv6 is disabled if you know you don't need it
2. If you install the accompanying utility, you will probably end up with two ICONs in the Taskbar notification area and have Sleep/Hibernate problems. UNINSTALL the utility that came with TrendNet and return to the one you have been using. You also need to go to your Startup tasks and uncheck WLAN Card Wireless Network Tray from starting
3. Don't disable QoS. Speedtests were fantastic with QoS enabled. Whereas cable-connencted gave me 50Mbs (Suddenlink subscription) for download, Qos enabled wireless gave me 40Mbs. This was twice the speed as the previous G-protocol. Very pleased.
4. Another Sleep/Hibernate issue happens when you uncheck "Allow computer to turn off power to save energy (Device Manager, Power Management tab for the adapter). Surprisingly, you need to keep this checked for Sleep/Hibernate to work correctly.
The Trendnet AC600 is a blessing for me now that I have it and the software configured for Windows 10 correctly.
I did have a few problems since the lack of proper installation documentation failed to address some gotchs:
1. Ensure IPv6 is disabled if you know you don't need it
2. If you install the accompanying utility, you will probably end up with two ICONs in the Taskbar notification area and have Sleep/Hibernate problems. UNINSTALL the utility that came with TrendNet and return to the one you have been using. You also need to go to your Startup tasks and uncheck WLAN Card Wireless Network Tray from starting
3. Don't disable QoS. Speedtests were fantastic with QoS enabled. Whereas cable-connencted gave me 50Mbs (Suddenlink subscription) for download, Qos enabled wireless gave me 40Mbs. This was twice the speed as the previous G-protocol. Very pleased.
4. Another Sleep/Hibernate issue happens when you uncheck "Allow computer to turn off power to save energy (Device Manager, Power Management tab for the adapter). Surprisingly, you need to keep this checked for Sleep/Hibernate to work correctly.
The Trendnet AC600 is a blessing for me now that I have it and the software configured for Windows 10 correctly.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
725. O'Blunder continues to harm this country
The veto of the Defense Bill, see here, shows again O'Blunders arrogance and lack of commitment to America's National Security. In which world does he and his cronies live! Not America. O'Blunder should have been impeached long ago. Ok. Breathe. Sigh.
Let's see where his party (like Facebook friends) stands when it goes through the veto overrule process. It seems senseless given the increase in ISIS war and hacking attacks that any President would want to continue CUTS in the Defense Budget rather than increasing it! He needs an NCIS Gibb's swat to the back of the head to get his attention and then a good kick for being so stupid. We will all remember the President who gave the GREEN LIGHT to Iran, Russia, and North Korea to rule the world! Shame on the Democrats supporting his policies.
Let's see where his party (like Facebook friends) stands when it goes through the veto overrule process. It seems senseless given the increase in ISIS war and hacking attacks that any President would want to continue CUTS in the Defense Budget rather than increasing it! He needs an NCIS Gibb's swat to the back of the head to get his attention and then a good kick for being so stupid. We will all remember the President who gave the GREEN LIGHT to Iran, Russia, and North Korea to rule the world! Shame on the Democrats supporting his policies.
724. Runaway Market?
When will I get a dip in the market so I can BUY? Sam's crystal ball is murky. All technical indications I see are for the market to continue its rise (generally) for a while. What scares me is that the further it goes up (this time) the more it will fall. So, let me go out on the limb after the 300+ DJIA day today. We may again test the 18,000 barrier (+3%) and then once again return to 16,000 floor (-11%) to test that again. By that time (late December) we'll be ready for the new year boost should it come. January might get a spike up, but earnings in 1Q will probably damper that quickly. Summers are usually boring with the market taking its own vacation until September. I will bet on a decent rally then until election time. Depending who will get it, I predict the market to dump (Dems) or rise (Reps). The net of this forecast is fasten your seat belts and learn to be very, very patient. By September 2016 we should be seeing that the inflation increases through the summer are not a big thing.
But then, who knows for sure? I could be one of the pessimists that predict doomsday for the last 5 years and when something close finally happens (temporarily) polishes his/her participation trophy. I'm NOT a pessimist given the U.S. economy outlook and its ability to manage crises. Now, worldwide is a different story. Tons of things that could affect its economy. The biggest I see is the continued hammering of the Emerging Markets. OPEC is killing the commodity markets (not just oil) and will bankrupt some countries if we don't start exporting oil to stop it. Will O'Blunder do ANYTHING? No. 2016 will be a lost year as far as shoring up worldwide economy. So, the realist in me again points out volatility and nothing exciting until 4Q2016 when we learn of our fates with a new President. I know i'll be ready to pull the plug or fire a rocket in November 2016. I truly hope We the People wise up by then a vote to celebrate rather than shrivel up and hibernate for another 4 years like these last 7 years. I thank the productive U.S. companies for getting us to where we are despite the government (Executive and Congress).
But then, who knows for sure? I could be one of the pessimists that predict doomsday for the last 5 years and when something close finally happens (temporarily) polishes his/her participation trophy. I'm NOT a pessimist given the U.S. economy outlook and its ability to manage crises. Now, worldwide is a different story. Tons of things that could affect its economy. The biggest I see is the continued hammering of the Emerging Markets. OPEC is killing the commodity markets (not just oil) and will bankrupt some countries if we don't start exporting oil to stop it. Will O'Blunder do ANYTHING? No. 2016 will be a lost year as far as shoring up worldwide economy. So, the realist in me again points out volatility and nothing exciting until 4Q2016 when we learn of our fates with a new President. I know i'll be ready to pull the plug or fire a rocket in November 2016. I truly hope We the People wise up by then a vote to celebrate rather than shrivel up and hibernate for another 4 years like these last 7 years. I thank the productive U.S. companies for getting us to where we are despite the government (Executive and Congress).
723. Windows 10 - What I like/dislike about it
Likes: Although I am not seeing any measurable performance improvements, Windows 10 still shines:
1. I really enjoy the automatic updates that no longer slow down my computer when downloading and installing. I get only the "installed" notification. Windows 10 will reboot on its own during the night if necessary and you will notice that it has done a Shutdown/Start up compared to a Hibernate/Start up. But, no problem!
2. The start up times regardless if from a Shutdown or Hibernate has improved noticeably and now bearable.
3. The stability, except for the problems I documents in this blog, has been perfect.
4. Network coordination with Netgear router and adapters has been great. Netgear Genie works well with Windows 10.
5. The IE browser may be a tad faster on Windows 10, but avoid Edge which lacks function as described in this blog in other entries. Chrome is about the same speed and still trips over its memory usage when a lot of tabs are open. Maybe it will be better now that I just reinstalled the latest version after the update function failed on older version.
6. I like the tiles on the Start Menu after customizing it to just the things I am likely to use.
7. The Search in the Taskbar is wonderful and always finds the things I need regardless of what it is, i.e., program, bookmark, file, etc.
Dislikes:
1. Cumulative update to get to version 1511 destroys many things. See post # 232. PERFORMANCE degradation became one of my issues.
Windows 10 is NOT tested and supported on my older Dell Inspiron 1440, but runs fine. Now I am good for about 8 years without worrying about a new PC or O/S. Kudos to Microsoft.
2. Anniversary Update 1607 wipes out old card games again, see update in Post 706
3. Cortana becomes active (running) again. Forunately, part of her is set off as I had her set. I had to go into settings to turn off history again.
4. What is INK?!?!?!?!? Nothing I need!
5. One Drive again becomes active. Fortunately, you don't have to sign in when requested.
1. I really enjoy the automatic updates that no longer slow down my computer when downloading and installing. I get only the "installed" notification. Windows 10 will reboot on its own during the night if necessary and you will notice that it has done a Shutdown/Start up compared to a Hibernate/Start up. But, no problem!
2. The start up times regardless if from a Shutdown or Hibernate has improved noticeably and now bearable.
3. The stability, except for the problems I documents in this blog, has been perfect.
4. Network coordination with Netgear router and adapters has been great. Netgear Genie works well with Windows 10.
5. The IE browser may be a tad faster on Windows 10, but avoid Edge which lacks function as described in this blog in other entries. Chrome is about the same speed and still trips over its memory usage when a lot of tabs are open. Maybe it will be better now that I just reinstalled the latest version after the update function failed on older version.
6. I like the tiles on the Start Menu after customizing it to just the things I am likely to use.
7. The Search in the Taskbar is wonderful and always finds the things I need regardless of what it is, i.e., program, bookmark, file, etc.
Dislikes:
1. Cumulative update to get to version 1511 destroys many things. See post # 232. PERFORMANCE degradation became one of my issues.
Windows 10 is NOT tested and supported on my older Dell Inspiron 1440, but runs fine. Now I am good for about 8 years without worrying about a new PC or O/S. Kudos to Microsoft.
2. Anniversary Update 1607 wipes out old card games again, see update in Post 706
3. Cortana becomes active (running) again. Forunately, part of her is set off as I had her set. I had to go into settings to turn off history again.
4. What is INK?!?!?!?!? Nothing I need!
5. One Drive again becomes active. Fortunately, you don't have to sign in when requested.
722. Wireless Performance
I have a Netgear WNR2000v4 N300 router, but only a 1397 wireless card in my laptop (that's a G-protocol). I converted from AT&T DSL to Suddenlink (50Mbps/5Mbs) but was wondering why my streaming to my Chromecast was so slow. So I did a little testing yewsterday with the following results:
1. According to Speed Tests I am getting 50Mbs when cable attached to router (as expected). However, streaming through Google Chrome browser casting appears to involve downloading to browser and and redirecting to the Chromecast device on the HD TV. Whereas, HBOGO appears to connect directly from their site directly to Chromecast device. Hence, HBO is fine for streaming; but other cast through the Chrome browser suffers some. Some sites through the browser are not really viewable.
2. Wireless speeds reported from the Speed Tests was 20Mbs, which seemed low to me, even for G-protocols.
3. I moved the laptop next to the router and it didn't change a thing compared to location I normally use my laptop. Wireless was still 20Mbs. Upload was the same in both cases (cable attached and wireless at either location) at 5Mbs.
4. Using the Netgear speed tests within the router code, it reports ridiculously low speeds to specific sites. For example, to netgear.com it was 756Kbps and to Yahoo ir was 17Kbps. Far screen from the cable download/upload speeds indicated from typical independent Speed Tests. I am at a loss to what Netgear measures via their speed tests other than some very, very small package of bits. Conclusion: forget Netgear measurements.
Last night I ordered a new network USB AC-dual band USB device to replace my old 1397 G. From what I understand, the G 1397 and protocol can't deliver more than what I am seeing, but the new AC-dual band running N protocol should double that speed. Hence, streaming should improve since at least the communication to the Chromecast device is wireless!
By November, I'll have new speed tests and casting tests to post here.
1. According to Speed Tests I am getting 50Mbs when cable attached to router (as expected). However, streaming through Google Chrome browser casting appears to involve downloading to browser and and redirecting to the Chromecast device on the HD TV. Whereas, HBOGO appears to connect directly from their site directly to Chromecast device. Hence, HBO is fine for streaming; but other cast through the Chrome browser suffers some. Some sites through the browser are not really viewable.
2. Wireless speeds reported from the Speed Tests was 20Mbs, which seemed low to me, even for G-protocols.
3. I moved the laptop next to the router and it didn't change a thing compared to location I normally use my laptop. Wireless was still 20Mbs. Upload was the same in both cases (cable attached and wireless at either location) at 5Mbs.
4. Using the Netgear speed tests within the router code, it reports ridiculously low speeds to specific sites. For example, to netgear.com it was 756Kbps and to Yahoo ir was 17Kbps. Far screen from the cable download/upload speeds indicated from typical independent Speed Tests. I am at a loss to what Netgear measures via their speed tests other than some very, very small package of bits. Conclusion: forget Netgear measurements.
Last night I ordered a new network USB AC-dual band USB device to replace my old 1397 G. From what I understand, the G 1397 and protocol can't deliver more than what I am seeing, but the new AC-dual band running N protocol should double that speed. Hence, streaming should improve since at least the communication to the Chromecast device is wireless!
By November, I'll have new speed tests and casting tests to post here.
721. Shockwave crash in Chrome
Interesting problem. Google Chrome a while ago announced that they will not support NPAPI plugins after 9/1/15 which includes Adobe Flash (and shockwave). Meaning they support only their built in flash code. Fine. But, my Chrome began having Shockwave Crashes almost daily, yet the only shockwave code present after looking at plugins (about://plugins) was Chrome's code. So, the standard fixes to eliminate duplicate plugins) didn't resolve the problem.
When I tried to update Chrome via its update facility, it failed with error=4. I recall trying this several times over the last 3 months and received the error every time. Thus, I believe the right Chrome code for the right Shockwave never got updated correctly and its automatic updating failed every time too. Today I reinstalled Chrome from scratch and it updated Chrome all the way to Version 46.0.2490.71 m (was 42....), plus its Shockwave-like code went to Shockwave Flash 19.0 r0 (was 18...). So, I am hoping this resolves the Shaockwave crashes. I'll post otherwise if it doesn't.
Update 11/20/2015: The above solution did work UNTIL the MSFT November Cumulative update to get you to version 1511. The next day, another update installed to fix the Flashplayer Shockwave for IE and Edge (Security fix) which seems to have fixed the Chrome problem too.
When I tried to update Chrome via its update facility, it failed with error=4. I recall trying this several times over the last 3 months and received the error every time. Thus, I believe the right Chrome code for the right Shockwave never got updated correctly and its automatic updating failed every time too. Today I reinstalled Chrome from scratch and it updated Chrome all the way to Version 46.0.2490.71 m (was 42....), plus its Shockwave-like code went to Shockwave Flash 19.0 r0 (was 18...). So, I am hoping this resolves the Shaockwave crashes. I'll post otherwise if it doesn't.
Update 11/20/2015: The above solution did work UNTIL the MSFT November Cumulative update to get you to version 1511. The next day, another update installed to fix the Flashplayer Shockwave for IE and Edge (Security fix) which seems to have fixed the Chrome problem too.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
720. Windows 10 Start Menu and Search Icon will not work first click
For some reason yet not discovered, clicking the Start button or Search Icon button results in nothing happening. Click it a second time and it works. I have noticed that after
any new window is opened, clicking the mouse on START or SEARCH Icon results in
nothing. A second click must be done to either to get them working again. After
that they work as long as you click within 4 seconds of closing the Start menu.
Otherwise, it is back to not working. Bypass is to RESTART. However, one time
it just started working correctly again! This problem is just a nuance and not worth my time, at least at the moment, to debug further. It happens rarely and RESTART clears it.
Monday, August 17, 2015
719. The War of Currencies
Once again we witnesses the Chinese devaluing the Yuan. Remember what happened last time? Well, if I recall, Australia, Japan, South Korea, America, and several other key countries lowered their rates to drive their currency strength down to compete with the Export advantage the Chinese gained. Will we break the trend and really raise rates in September? I would say NO if I would believe the Fed really wants to compete in the currency wars. However, a political YES has high probability simply because of all the hoopla the Fed has led us on the entire year. Will the stubbornness of the Fed who kept promising a rise stick with it to buck the trend?
Let's say YES. What are the repercussions? Well, the Dollar gains strength. Not good for our exports, meaning not good for our a whole lot of important, large, businesses. Could be the time to look at the NASDAQ's small companies who focus only in the American marketplace. But, a small raise in rates with rhetoric that we shouldn't expect another for at least a year could be the catalyst, after a slight down market, to show the world that our businesses can endure regardless of the currency wars the others have begun to SAVE their economies.
If you followed my predictions, or the crystal ball my dog Sam left me, 2015 turns out to be a ho-hummer, slightly positive year for the markets. Thus, negative volatility will again be upon us, as will a recovery. Only question is will the recovery be quick enough to end 2015 positive? The question you should be asking though is where will we be 2-3 years out and start INVESTING rather than gambling short term.
Like our recovery after the financial crisis, the rest of the world is still digging themselves out. They have to continue QE and other means to get their individual economies positive. Emerging Markets still suck as commodity prices continue to drop because demand is pathetic. However, what happens when a countries GDP doesn't increase from already to low lows? The Government has to spend! China has been injecting Yuans into their businesses not only to keep them afloat, but to give the impression that the GDP isn't as bad as reality. They have tried to get consumers to spend more, but little help arrived. Of the Emerging Markets, only India is growing. And its because of India I am holding my DEO stock, betting with Diagio that their investment in India's distiller will spark a buying binge in a country that has shown no real market due to a lot of reasons. I see India continuing to grow the spending habits of its population.
In summary, Currency Wars are really no more than a war to see who can take down another countries economy by driving its export revenues up and gaining market increases. I think America can withstand any of those wars even when raising rates. The strength of the dollar is exactly what we need to curtail China;s push to make the Yuan a global resource for trade. See #696 for a insight on how Energy rules the world and our Dollar is the Petro Dollar. We can't let this slip away.
Entry #668 introduced a great book to read about Currency Wars: Currency Wars by James Rickards - Excellent book ties together the way nations manipulate their currencies to get an edge on other nations. Both history and current events. A+
Entry #696 presented another key book re petro dollar importance: "The Colder War, How the Global Energy Trade Slipped from America's Grasp" by Marin Katusa.
Let's say YES. What are the repercussions? Well, the Dollar gains strength. Not good for our exports, meaning not good for our a whole lot of important, large, businesses. Could be the time to look at the NASDAQ's small companies who focus only in the American marketplace. But, a small raise in rates with rhetoric that we shouldn't expect another for at least a year could be the catalyst, after a slight down market, to show the world that our businesses can endure regardless of the currency wars the others have begun to SAVE their economies.
If you followed my predictions, or the crystal ball my dog Sam left me, 2015 turns out to be a ho-hummer, slightly positive year for the markets. Thus, negative volatility will again be upon us, as will a recovery. Only question is will the recovery be quick enough to end 2015 positive? The question you should be asking though is where will we be 2-3 years out and start INVESTING rather than gambling short term.
Like our recovery after the financial crisis, the rest of the world is still digging themselves out. They have to continue QE and other means to get their individual economies positive. Emerging Markets still suck as commodity prices continue to drop because demand is pathetic. However, what happens when a countries GDP doesn't increase from already to low lows? The Government has to spend! China has been injecting Yuans into their businesses not only to keep them afloat, but to give the impression that the GDP isn't as bad as reality. They have tried to get consumers to spend more, but little help arrived. Of the Emerging Markets, only India is growing. And its because of India I am holding my DEO stock, betting with Diagio that their investment in India's distiller will spark a buying binge in a country that has shown no real market due to a lot of reasons. I see India continuing to grow the spending habits of its population.
In summary, Currency Wars are really no more than a war to see who can take down another countries economy by driving its export revenues up and gaining market increases. I think America can withstand any of those wars even when raising rates. The strength of the dollar is exactly what we need to curtail China;s push to make the Yuan a global resource for trade. See #696 for a insight on how Energy rules the world and our Dollar is the Petro Dollar. We can't let this slip away.
Entry #668 introduced a great book to read about Currency Wars: Currency Wars by James Rickards - Excellent book ties together the way nations manipulate their currencies to get an edge on other nations. Both history and current events. A+
Entry #696 presented another key book re petro dollar importance: "The Colder War, How the Global Energy Trade Slipped from America's Grasp" by Marin Katusa.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
718. Windows 10: Add SLEEP to Power Off options
If you hadn't already noticed, SLEEP is not one of the options when you go to Power Off your Windows 10 machine from Start->Power. I found This Page useful to create the Power Options I desired.
Friday, August 14, 2015
717. Hillary gets indicted!
Well, not yet. But after having a "low" security clearance and understanding the "highest" security standards and requirements, I am amazed that Hillary isn't already before the judge. Why? It is standard practice that a high security organization have both CLASSIFIED and UNCLASSIFIED processors to completely separate all correspondence and work between the two categories.
Hillary claims she never TRANSMITTED any classified documents! Well Hillary, you seem to forget that you signed a TOP SECRET clearance that specifically outlines that NO classified document shall reside on a unclassified processor! I've seen people get canned for taking a PC home that contained a classified document. You, Hillary, had an entire server with classified documents on it.
Of course the latest buzz is that one of her associates removed the classification text from the top of every page, along with the cover page before sending it to her server. This is in itself a felony and subject to prosecution. Regardless, if you read a document that is ONLY available to Top Secret clearances and for some reason assume they decided to put just the ones on your machine out as unclassifieds, you've got to be stupid or just corrupt!
I take the security of this country seriously. At least Edward Snowden, who worked for NSA, knew what he took was illegal. Do you think Hillary didn't know? I hope the FBI crawls through her machin and not only uncovers all the classified documents she had on it, but also question Bill who also had access to it and NO LONGER has a Top Secret clearance! The FBI needs also evaluate her server facilities to determine the potential exposure of all her correspondence as Secretary of the State, a key, important position with Foreign Country implications.
In summary, Hillary should have wet pants because:
1. Her server probably never complied with National Security requirements to hold ANY classified documents, not just Top Secret, e.g., encryption, backup, duplication, secure applications, secure transmission software AND hardware, etc.
2. She cannot make an excuse that she did not know the documents were classified that high regardless of how she claims they were marked.
3. She already exposed the machine to Bill who has NO clearance any more
4. Who knows how many of the documents she printed on a NONSecure printer and has lying around in some file -- FBI needs to raid her offices.
5. Who on her staff had such a high clearance to manage her server files?
This is just ONE really STUPID, UNTRUSTWORTHY lady. What a team she and O'Blunder made! And will we ever hear from O'Blunder!
I just saw This Article. Makes me want to smack her in the head. It's time to end her political career!
Hillary claims she never TRANSMITTED any classified documents! Well Hillary, you seem to forget that you signed a TOP SECRET clearance that specifically outlines that NO classified document shall reside on a unclassified processor! I've seen people get canned for taking a PC home that contained a classified document. You, Hillary, had an entire server with classified documents on it.
Of course the latest buzz is that one of her associates removed the classification text from the top of every page, along with the cover page before sending it to her server. This is in itself a felony and subject to prosecution. Regardless, if you read a document that is ONLY available to Top Secret clearances and for some reason assume they decided to put just the ones on your machine out as unclassifieds, you've got to be stupid or just corrupt!
I take the security of this country seriously. At least Edward Snowden, who worked for NSA, knew what he took was illegal. Do you think Hillary didn't know? I hope the FBI crawls through her machin and not only uncovers all the classified documents she had on it, but also question Bill who also had access to it and NO LONGER has a Top Secret clearance! The FBI needs also evaluate her server facilities to determine the potential exposure of all her correspondence as Secretary of the State, a key, important position with Foreign Country implications.
In summary, Hillary should have wet pants because:
1. Her server probably never complied with National Security requirements to hold ANY classified documents, not just Top Secret, e.g., encryption, backup, duplication, secure applications, secure transmission software AND hardware, etc.
2. She cannot make an excuse that she did not know the documents were classified that high regardless of how she claims they were marked.
3. She already exposed the machine to Bill who has NO clearance any more
4. Who knows how many of the documents she printed on a NONSecure printer and has lying around in some file -- FBI needs to raid her offices.
5. Who on her staff had such a high clearance to manage her server files?
This is just ONE really STUPID, UNTRUSTWORTHY lady. What a team she and O'Blunder made! And will we ever hear from O'Blunder!
I just saw This Article. Makes me want to smack her in the head. It's time to end her political career!
716. Latest Book Ratings
Out of a 5 meaning great, I have rated the following fiction books:
++++ Stephen King. "Finders Keepers" . Certainly not like his older horror novels this is a sequel to "Mr. Mercedes". Neither was super appealing -- just a well written story and predictable. I was hard pressed to give it more than a 3, but his style won a 4.
++++ Greg Iles. "Bone Tree" is also a sequel to other bone stories. Well written and entertaining
+++++ Scott MacKay. "Cold Comfort" has remarkable low ratings from others. It is what I call a comfortable mystery. Nothing over your head, no sin/sex to bother your sole, just simply a great story.
++++ Bill Durham. "Amarillo" was a must read since I live in this city. My bias was of course strengthen by use of local geography and business names. A good read.
- Clive Cussler. "The Assassin". Guess you have to be a Clive Cussler fan to get past the first 50 pages! I found his analogies and metaphors a bit STUPID to the point that I couldn't go on. Just about every fifth sentence had unnecessary and unrelated writer prose that made it difficult to enjoy since it was so STUPID. Sorry, I hated it and returned it unfinished.
++++ Stephen King. "Finders Keepers" . Certainly not like his older horror novels this is a sequel to "Mr. Mercedes". Neither was super appealing -- just a well written story and predictable. I was hard pressed to give it more than a 3, but his style won a 4.
++++ Greg Iles. "Bone Tree" is also a sequel to other bone stories. Well written and entertaining
+++++ Scott MacKay. "Cold Comfort" has remarkable low ratings from others. It is what I call a comfortable mystery. Nothing over your head, no sin/sex to bother your sole, just simply a great story.
++++ Bill Durham. "Amarillo" was a must read since I live in this city. My bias was of course strengthen by use of local geography and business names. A good read.
- Clive Cussler. "The Assassin". Guess you have to be a Clive Cussler fan to get past the first 50 pages! I found his analogies and metaphors a bit STUPID to the point that I couldn't go on. Just about every fifth sentence had unnecessary and unrelated writer prose that made it difficult to enjoy since it was so STUPID. Sorry, I hated it and returned it unfinished.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
715. Kindle HDX Zinio for Libraries isn't downloading mags correctly
6/1/2018 Update: Zinio for Libraries was replaced by a direct RBDigital App that is available at its site RBDigital.com.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since Amazon upgraded their OS to 4.5.5 a few days ago [around 8/5/15], the Zinio APP on my Kindle HDX randomly fails to download magazines. The version that fails is 1.0.2.20150415 and is the one downloaded from the Zinio RBDigital site. Intead of this version, get the Google Play Store version as follows: On the Kindle in Silk find the Google Play App Download Tool and specify the Google Play Store URL for the Zinio for Libraries reader APP and it will download Zinio 2.7.7028 as a ….crx file. Open it with ES and it will install. You should be back in business. Note, the Google version is about 5x smaller! Hmm, what has Zinio done to the Kindle version they are downloading?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since Amazon upgraded their OS to 4.5.5 a few days ago [around 8/5/15], the Zinio APP on my Kindle HDX randomly fails to download magazines. The version that fails is 1.0.2.20150415 and is the one downloaded from the Zinio RBDigital site. Intead of this version, get the Google Play Store version as follows: On the Kindle in Silk find the Google Play App Download Tool and specify the Google Play Store URL for the Zinio for Libraries reader APP and it will download Zinio 2.7.7028 as a ….crx file. Open it with ES and it will install. You should be back in business. Note, the Google version is about 5x smaller! Hmm, what has Zinio done to the Kindle version they are downloading?
714. Windows 10 doesn’t Sleep
Initial tests
indicated that when Chrome is left open and displayed, Windows won’t Sleep. Further testing
revealed that this appears to be linked to Yahoo Stock page being open (it is constantly updating data). When it’s tab is
closed, Sleep works. I haven’t thoroughly tested though. Could be that when
just multiple tabs are open it won’t sleep. I plan to close Chrome each time before walking away. I'll report back here should a different cause become known.
Chrome isn't the only cause of this. With Chrome closed it still did not sleep as explained here: the SLEEP trigger (set at 1 minute for testing) did indeed kick off and the screen went blank leaving just the power switch illuminated as it should (on Dell Inspiron). However, when I moved mouse attached to USB (wireless Logitech), up came my screen where I left off. I did NOT get the security login screen as I should after a sleep. Also, it was instantaneous leading me to assume that it never went to sleep, but just turned off the screen. Further debugging led me to disable things one-by-one. When I got to the USBs I had only the mouse in one of the three USB ports. As soon as I pulled the USB mouse unit from the USB and waited the 1 minute, the PC DID go to SLEEP! Hence, I stuck it in each of the other USB ports and tested. SLEEP DID work in each of the other two. After doing this again several times between the ports, only the ONE USB failed every time, whereas the other two worked every time. HURRY! USB port problem.
Now that that was resolved, I again explored the first problem with CHROME open. It FAILED! Thus, the problems are multiple: USB PORT OR CHROME OPEN. btw, I did NOT have Yahoo Stock page open when it failed this time, but I did have a home screen that updated email availability. Further research of Internet articles suggested causes may be pages that get updated, adobe flash running in one, multiple tabs open, Chrome changing a timer resolution limit and not resetting it, etc.
Too much to debug Microsoft's problem. I'll run with the new USB port and always close Chrome and see if I have at least conquered a bypass. Of course I'll update this should I see yet another occurrence of the SLEEP not working.
Chrome isn't the only cause of this. With Chrome closed it still did not sleep as explained here: the SLEEP trigger (set at 1 minute for testing) did indeed kick off and the screen went blank leaving just the power switch illuminated as it should (on Dell Inspiron). However, when I moved mouse attached to USB (wireless Logitech), up came my screen where I left off. I did NOT get the security login screen as I should after a sleep. Also, it was instantaneous leading me to assume that it never went to sleep, but just turned off the screen. Further debugging led me to disable things one-by-one. When I got to the USBs I had only the mouse in one of the three USB ports. As soon as I pulled the USB mouse unit from the USB and waited the 1 minute, the PC DID go to SLEEP! Hence, I stuck it in each of the other USB ports and tested. SLEEP DID work in each of the other two. After doing this again several times between the ports, only the ONE USB failed every time, whereas the other two worked every time. HURRY! USB port problem.
Now that that was resolved, I again explored the first problem with CHROME open. It FAILED! Thus, the problems are multiple: USB PORT OR CHROME OPEN. btw, I did NOT have Yahoo Stock page open when it failed this time, but I did have a home screen that updated email availability. Further research of Internet articles suggested causes may be pages that get updated, adobe flash running in one, multiple tabs open, Chrome changing a timer resolution limit and not resetting it, etc.
Too much to debug Microsoft's problem. I'll run with the new USB port and always close Chrome and see if I have at least conquered a bypass. Of course I'll update this should I see yet another occurrence of the SLEEP not working.
713. Can’t access Microsoft Community any more?
Can’t access Microsoft Community any
more? Get a message telling you to Try
Later…[can’t sign in]. Try deleting all Chrome Browsing data (history, cookies,
etc.) and bringing it back up. This error disappeared.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
712. Disable Caps Lock
Tired of accidentally hitting the Caps Lock instead of Shift key and start shouting at you screen until you delete all the CAPS YOUR TYPED! Well, disable the Caps Lock -- do you really need to type strings of Caps anyway? Do a registry edit (REGEDIT) and add a key under the location specified manually, or copy/paste ALL the following into a xxx.reg file and double click the resulting file:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout]
"Scancode Map"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,02,00,00,00,00,00,3a,00,00,00,00,00
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout]
"Scancode Map"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,02,00,00,00,00,00,3a,00,00,00,00,00
711. Steps to Install Windows 10
There will be different steps than mine, but I thought I would post my steps as a guideline. The upgrade install took 1.5 hours to sign in time. After that was customization time for my particular system. I would advise anyone installing review all steps and denote important elements in the install/testing/planning FIRST. For example, if you have data encryption and a password manager, you would definitely want those to come over CLEANLY.
Windows 10 Install:
1. Backup
all critical data (My Documents via SyncToy) to Transcend USB Drive
2. Run
CCleaner and remove all temp and unnecessary files
3. Create
System Image of W7 system onto Toshiba Portable HD
4. Run
Upgrade (8.1) Assistant to see what will not be compatible – Office 2003
(turned out to transfer and work), Microsoft games, MSE (now called Windows
Defender and part of W10), Secure Boot won’t work on my system, Need a DVD
Player (MSFT installed Windows Media Player as separate update). If you did any Registry changes or code Zaps or installed without Windows Installer any applications, make sure you get ready to reapply those.
5. See
27. START Menu
6. Download
Media Creation Tool64.exe from Microsoft and Install/Run. Took about 1.5
hours, all automatic without intervention, to install.
------- At this point W10 is installed effortlessly and without intervention -----------
7. Login
to W10 (Rich)
8. Review
User Accounts. Both me and wife
there, but new pictures were needed for ICONS.
9. AntiVirus:
Windows Defender. Running but ICON not in System Tray. Internet search has
resolution. Also, system is NOT setup to allow scanning of an individual
folder/file. I had to do add Keys to Registry to get the option to scan
individual folder/file.
10. Encryption
software (AxCrypt): and access to files using same key. OK.
11. Password
Manager (AnyPassword):All OK and correct.
12. Install Office 2003. Didn’t have to. Upgrade did it automatically and in Program
Files as Office 11. Both Word and Excel do work fine. All my critical data in
My Documents in tact.
13. Check out new
browser EDGE. Was easy to use, but when you view a PDF file you can view
it, but printing and filing took some learning. When you file, the default name
(from Fidelity) did not get filled in! The floating control box with Save and
Print are not there because ADOBE is not being used! Thus, this browser is
out-of-here!
14. Chrome
and Internet Explorer. Both came over in tact and work as before.
15. Network:
All automatic and OK. Network Genie came over and fine too.
16. EMAIL:
Thunderbird came over correctly as was. All emails and email in tact.
17. System
Details (Speccy): Had to copy this from old system (in Window.old\Program
Files). NOTE: Need to check other programs that did NOT install via Windows
Installer. If they were installed in system folder, like Program Files, then
they will be in Windows.old somewhere. Same if installed under My Documents.
18. Print to
PDF (convert Internet file to PDF) via CutePDF: OK, but didn’t work out of
EDGE. Another minus for EDGE.
19.
ERROR:
I tried copying Windows.old to my Toshiba HD. After about an hour it made
it to 99%, but stayed there. I had done a copy/paste to do it from File
Explorer. It said it had 30 seconds to go, but was still running 20 minutes
later. I displayed copy details and it showed files still being copied. I
waited another 10 minutes before stopping the runaway task that actually copied
only about 50% of it!
20.
ERROR:
During the 99% time above, I wanted to do something on the context menu of File
Explorer file (right-click file). The context menu had blank entries except for
the designator that an additional dropdown menu was available for some. I then
went to START and did right-click on several thing and same thing, with
additional problem that the context menu had no width – only length was
correct. This was reported on the Microsoft Community Forum, so I added my two
sense there also. A system RESTART clears this problem. I suspect the previous
error caused memory overlays and wiped out the pointers to context menus or
registry entries.
---- NOTE: see my blog entries 701-705 for details of this problem in Microsoft COPY code relating to #19 & 20 above ----------
21. Power
Options: Hibernate disappeared as a default option. I found fix via Internet
search to turn it on (powercfg –h on), set it via power icon, AND put it on
Start menu when getting off. However, I am not too sure it is working yet. System
always comes up as it had been in only Sleep mode. Will debug later.
22. Desktop
Background: My theme disappeared. Had to reload one AND set colors via
Start->Settings->Personalize.
23. Window
Colors: Was not happy that individual window colors bare if all distinguished
window edges from screen colors or other open windows. Found a nice theme for
Chrome. But overall, all windows other than Chrome now have white edges.
Changing Personalization color put a color border, but it is so thin it is
unnoticeable.
24. SPYBot:
Did NOT transfer. Free SpyBot 2.4 is claimed to be compatible and needs to be
downloaded. However, 2.5 was announced to be available shorty with new W10
features. I’ll wait.
25. MalwareBytes:
Transferred OK and runs.
26. Swapfile
Size: Already set as in W7 to 1.5xmemory.
27. START
Menu: This did NOT populate with W7 settings! Had to locate .exe files and
Pin to START many of old ones. Also rearranged and deleted nonsense. There were
additional setting to allow/disallow other things.
28. SWITCH
Users: On W7 the user had the choice when getting off to SWITCH users. This
no longer exists in the power off options. To SWITCH, hit START and go to upper
left and click your user ICON. You will see other users – click any of them and
you will be off. SWITCH should be the same as SLEEP, i.e., keeps your
environment in memory so you quickly get back to it at login.
710. No way to scan single file/folder with Windows Defender.
95. No way to scan single file/folder with
Defender. Created Registry
change to add Scan with Defender to context menus. Here it is:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\WindowsDefender]
"Icon"="%ProgramFiles%\\\\Windows
Defender\\\\EppManifest.dll"
"MUIVerb"="Scan
With Windows Defender"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\WindowsDefender\Command]
@=""C:\\Program
Files\\Windows Defender\\MpCmdRun.exe" -scan -scantype 3 -SignatureUpdate
-file "%1"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\shell\WindowsDefender]
"Icon"="%ProgramFiles%\\\\Windows
Defender\\\\EppManifest.dll"
"MUIVerb"="Scan
With Windows Defender"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\shell\WindowsDefender\Command]
@=""C:\\Program
Files\\Windows Defender\\MpCmdRun.exe" -scan -scantype 3 -SignatureUpdate
-file "%1"
708. Windows 10 Title Bars on windows are terrible WHITE
Title bars on windows are WHITE. Change by creating new theme that allows
Personalizing change color to choice. See http://www.howtogeek.com/222831/how-to-get-colored-window-title-bars-on-windows-10-instead-of-white/.
This works for the first 2 themes in selection, but any of the others.
STOP: Update 11/20/15: When you get to the 1511 version of Windows 10 via automatic updates, you will find in the settings for Desktop, Personalize a new option "Show color on Start, ..., Titlebars" you can set ON and select a color.
STOP: Update 11/20/15: When you get to the 1511 version of Windows 10 via automatic updates, you will find in the settings for Desktop, Personalize a new option "Show color on Start, ..., Titlebars" you can set ON and select a color.
707. Make Thunderbird your default email app
When clicking an email hypertext from Chrome, it
does NOT go to my Thunderbird email application client. The system's Default App for Email is NOT
Thunderbird and Thunderbird is not even a choice. Several changes required:
1. In Thunderbird, go to Options and put a check mark for "Always check to see if Thunderbird is the default mail client on startup". This apparently only tells Thunderbird it is allowed to be a default.
2. Now, go to Control Panel->Default Programs-> Set program access and computer defaults-> Custom. Note: If you find the rdio button already checked, click there anyway so you get the expanded message where it allows you to select Thunderbird as the default e-mail program. Fine, this only allows an entry to populate in the following step.
3.Go to START-> Personalize, Default Programs and click the current email default program. Now, select Thunderbird as the Email Default.
1. In Thunderbird, go to Options and put a check mark for "Always check to see if Thunderbird is the default mail client on startup". This apparently only tells Thunderbird it is allowed to be a default.
2. Now, go to Control Panel->Default Programs-> Set program access and computer defaults-> Custom. Note: If you find the rdio button already checked, click there anyway so you get the expanded message where it allows you to select Thunderbird as the default e-mail program. Fine, this only allows an entry to populate in the following step.
3.Go to START-> Personalize, Default Programs and click the current email default program. Now, select Thunderbird as the Email Default.
706. Windows 10 Using OLD Windows GAMES
9/29/16 Windows 10 Anniversary Update 1607: The solution for Windows 10 Anniversary Update is to go to : https://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/56428-Windows-7-Games-for-Windows-8-8-1-Multilanguage
If you aren't already registered for this forum, you will have to and then signin. Then download, scan with your Antivirus program and spyware program, unzip, execute setup to install games you desire, enjoy. Thank you Eldiabl0 at https://forums.mydigitallife.info/.
If you aren't already registered for this forum, you will have to and then signin. Then download, scan with your Antivirus program and spyware program, unzip, execute setup to install games you desire, enjoy. Thank you Eldiabl0 at https://forums.mydigitallife.info/.
705. Windows 10 Problems Part 5
UPDATE: This problem has been accepted by Microsoft and fix is due in future updates.
19. NEW PROBLEM. Note the toolbar on the E: Windows Explorer window (Left and above) (CORRUPTED) vs. a fresh Explorer window (right and below). System is trashing itself!
19. NEW PROBLEM. Note the toolbar on the E: Windows Explorer window (Left and above) (CORRUPTED) vs. a fresh Explorer window (right and below). System is trashing itself!
20. WAIT CHAIN Analysis shows DEADLOCK between 2
Explorer threads. Your multi-processing could be flawed! Too many Explore
threads running at same time?
21. 10:42. I have had enough. Canceling COPY and will do
ROBOCOPY. This document should have enough to confirm AND REPRODUCE several
ERRORS:
a) Right-click Context Menus corrupted or just displayed
wrong out of Explorer, START, TaskBar, System Tray Expansion. This problem only
existed by the COPY job was running. The menus were fine after canceling the
COPY task.
b) Performance problem with at last COPY
c) I would also look into Windows Defender being in the way.
Should have an option on COPY to BYPASS Windows Defender when copying huge
files
d) Explore toolbar gets corrupted also
e) Defender ICON does not always appear in System Tray.
Also, what happened to the nice option to change what appears in System Tray
(always, notification, etc.) as in W7?
f) AFTER I canceled the COPY, ALL Context menus came back
correctly, but my Desktop was cluttered with ICONS that turned out be prompts
for programs to use for files????? That is, if you open a file that has no file
association, you get a propt to select one. However, these did NOT come up on
screen until I ended the COPY job by canceling the task.
g) Lost all the Quick Access folders in Explorer that I
Pinned earlier.
10 54: Restart time to see what gets cleared!
h) Displaying Properties of a large file takes a long, long
time to populate SIZE. This never happened on W7.
i) COPY job showed 42,957 items to copy at start. When I started
deleted E:\windows.old it counted 89,319 items for the 23.4 GB that got there!
Another COPY error! The DELETE of E:\windows.old (permanently, not recycle
folder) started at 11:15 and finally ended at xxxxx. Why? Just delete the
index! At least the Contect Menus didn’t corrupt while it was deleting this long!
Of the above errors a-g, the following get cleared by a
RESTART: a,d,f,g
The COPY job made it to 23.4GB of 35 GB before I canceled
it. 2 HOURS!
------------------------------- 8/4/2015 Update -----------------
I am presently (72% complete) running TeraCopy 2.3 to do the windows.old copy to test. NO context problems running this (START, Task Bar, Explorer, System Tray all perfect and never corrupted). It has been running exactly 2 hours now, equivalent to the time when I canceled the COPY job at 23.4 GB. TeraCopy is up to 25.19 GB. So, a little faster, BUT NO PROBLEMS or CORRUPTION. I plan to run SuperCopier after this test to determine it's speed and stability on Windows 10. Will update this entry then.
Test Summary: CPU Util with TeraCopy job is between 5-12%, whereas with COPY it was 50-87%. Disk Util is hammered with TeraCopy meaning it is totally efficient compared to COPY's off and on utilization. My conclusion, since high resource use is not affecting START or Task Bar (outside Explorer) AND not affecting Explorer either, is that COPY is the culprit and it is corrupting something in cache that is common between Explorer, Task Bar, and START where Context Menus are built to display when we ask for them. The display, i.e. writing of the menu works, just the content is empty or incomplete. COPY application programmers should be hanging their heads (as the exit MSFT)! Stay tuned for more testing progress.
-------------------- 8/4/2015 Update 2 ------------------
TeraCopy finished in 3 Hr 50 Min. There were Files+Folders it couldn't copy (538 or 138019) for a total of 34.8GB or original 35.01 GB.
More importantly, the errors COPY had were NOT present with TeraCopy copy.Microsoft has a problem in COPY it needs to address.
------------------------------- 8/4/2015 Update -----------------
I am presently (72% complete) running TeraCopy 2.3 to do the windows.old copy to test. NO context problems running this (START, Task Bar, Explorer, System Tray all perfect and never corrupted). It has been running exactly 2 hours now, equivalent to the time when I canceled the COPY job at 23.4 GB. TeraCopy is up to 25.19 GB. So, a little faster, BUT NO PROBLEMS or CORRUPTION. I plan to run SuperCopier after this test to determine it's speed and stability on Windows 10. Will update this entry then.
Test Summary: CPU Util with TeraCopy job is between 5-12%, whereas with COPY it was 50-87%. Disk Util is hammered with TeraCopy meaning it is totally efficient compared to COPY's off and on utilization. My conclusion, since high resource use is not affecting START or Task Bar (outside Explorer) AND not affecting Explorer either, is that COPY is the culprit and it is corrupting something in cache that is common between Explorer, Task Bar, and START where Context Menus are built to display when we ask for them. The display, i.e. writing of the menu works, just the content is empty or incomplete. COPY application programmers should be hanging their heads (as the exit MSFT)! Stay tuned for more testing progress.
-------------------- 8/4/2015 Update 2 ------------------
TeraCopy finished in 3 Hr 50 Min. There were Files+Folders it couldn't copy (538 or 138019) for a total of 34.8GB or original 35.01 GB.
More importantly, the errors COPY had were NOT present with TeraCopy copy.Microsoft has a problem in COPY it needs to address.
704. Windows 10 Problems Part 4
UPDATE: This problem has been accepted by Microsoft and fix is due in future updates.
17. Copy still running at 10:12. Note ICON for Defender remained in Tray again. The MISSING ICON WAS A PROBLEM! Note that Defender Disk is not gone. Let’s see if the copy can finish faster. However, context menus still being corrupted. AT 10:13, Sixe of E:\Windows.old is 13.5 GB (c: was 35GB…so, much to go dispite COPY saying it is finished looking at it but keeps flashing files).
18. 10:20 Still Copying. I can download 35GB
from Internet faster than this! E: is now at 17.1 GB for windows.old. I shall
call it a COPY PERFORMANCE PROBLEM AND A
WINDOWS DEFENDER PERFORMANCE PROBLEM! Note that Defender is even OFF at
this time for last 12 minutes. At 10:24 Disk transfer rate on E: is less than 7
MB/S while utilizing 98-100% utilization! Btw. My Toshiba is on a USB 2.0 port
– it is designed for 3.0 port but still supports 2.0 USB which I have. Maybe
I’ll do this again with ROBOCOPY.
17. Copy still running at 10:12. Note ICON for Defender remained in Tray again. The MISSING ICON WAS A PROBLEM! Note that Defender Disk is not gone. Let’s see if the copy can finish faster. However, context menus still being corrupted. AT 10:13, Sixe of E:\Windows.old is 13.5 GB (c: was 35GB…so, much to go dispite COPY saying it is finished looking at it but keeps flashing files).
703. Windows 10 Problems Part 3
UPDATE: This problem has been accepted by Microsoft and fix is due in future updates.
15. 10:01 Shows change in E:\Windows.old. Copy job has long ago reported 0 items left and o byes left!!! Thus COPY PROBLEM EXISTS. Also fyi, When I displayed the Properties of the Windows.old I did RC and received an empty Context Menu, but clicked at bottom of it where Prperties would be and got the resulting Properties. Therefore, the entries are just BLANK.
15. 10:01 Shows change in E:\Windows.old. Copy job has long ago reported 0 items left and o byes left!!! Thus COPY PROBLEM EXISTS. Also fyi, When I displayed the Properties of the Windows.old I did RC and received an empty Context Menu, but clicked at bottom of it where Prperties would be and got the resulting Properties. Therefore, the entries are just BLANK.
16. 10:08. Copy continues. Turned off Windows Defender! Note
ICON back in System Tray while Windows Defender I open.
702. Windows 10 Problems Part 2
UPDATE: This problem has been accepted by Microsoft and fix is due in future updates.
---See #701 for Part 1
---See #701 for Part 1
13. Copy continues at 9:53. Note menu result of RC on task
bar. Also Copy changed to 0 items remaining, but still at 99%.
14. C:\Windows.old is 35 GB. E:\Windows.old is at 10.7GB at
9:58
701. Windows 10 Problems Part 1
UPDATE: This problem has been accepted by Microsoft and fix is due in future updates.
DO A RIGHT-CLICK ON AN IMAGE AND OPEN IN ANOTHER TAB/WINDOW TO ENLARGE IT.
Copy job running to copy Windows.old from C:\ to Toshiba Portable HD on E:. Context menus all screwed up and change size and/or content. I see nothing unusual from Performance Monitors except that Speccy reports CPU above 60 degree C limit occasionally. NOTE: Context menus within Microsoft Word are fine and allow me to PASTE images.
DO A RIGHT-CLICK ON AN IMAGE AND OPEN IN ANOTHER TAB/WINDOW TO ENLARGE IT.
Copy job running to copy Windows.old from C:\ to Toshiba Portable HD on E:. Context menus all screwed up and change size and/or content. I see nothing unusual from Performance Monitors except that Speccy reports CPU above 60 degree C limit occasionally. NOTE: Context menus within Microsoft Word are fine and allow me to PASTE images.
2. Show Processes Running
3. Right Click START (sometimes the box looks like in 1
above, other times it is as below with varying number of entries)
4. Right-click a file again to show variation of content
5. Copy job at 99% at 9:15 P.M. Still have
context Menu problem
6. Copy Job stuck at 99% and 23 items remaining but still
copy files like crazy.
It is now 9:22 and COPY still shows only 23 items remaining,
but still flashing files being copied even when copy progress graph stopped and
showing 0 bytes/s. Does it go through everything again to verify copies? Note
CPU hot again (see other Answer Forum items about Overheating). I am thinking
eith COPY function OR Toshiba has cache on PC and copy has already written
there and now is showing cache->Toshiba copying and not
Windows.old->cache copying. Ideas? It is now 9:30 and no changes to items
remaining and 99%.
7. 9:32 BUT WOW…Context Menus came back for
Windows Explorer!!!!!! Akso for START Context Menu (not shown)
8. Here’s a change. Notice that E: has 0 activity and C: is
at 74% while 23 items still continue to remain and files flashing by.
9. Copy still active. Note Windows Defender
action too! Maybe it is the problem.
10. Still COPY runs. Note Windows Defender I/O.
11. Context Menus corrupted again! At 9:43. Copy
still running
12. Still running COPY. Note Windows Defender threads (?) .
There looks to be over 600 of these entries. Also not Corrupted Menu again.
Another problem is that Windows Defender ICO to Protected is again missing from
System Tray. I fixed this once. Don’t know when it disappeared again.
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