1004. "A Fatal Affair" by Faith Martin – 5 Stars

 

A Fatal Affair by Faith Martin – 5 Stars

Publisher: HQ Digital

ISBN: 9780008410483

 

The plot is twisty and intelligently complex. The characters are well crafted. The setting is a village where rumors abound and secrets are hidden. There are many more words I can write to praise this novel, but most important of them is I absolutely enjoyed it

This is the third book I have read in the Ryder and Loveday series. The characters bring me back to read more. Trudy has completed her probationary period but is still not being recognized as a capable professional police officer. Dr. Ryder continues to struggle to keep his illness from being noticed. He is a brilliant mentor to Trudy. They work together to lead the story through an investigation that ends in a surprising conclusion, proving that the most obvious facts do not always lead to the correct answer.

I look forward to getting another of Faith Martin’s books, settling into a comfortable chair, and enjoying a great story.

 

Reviewer: Nancy

1003. "A Matter of Life and Death" by Phillip Margolin -- 5 Stars

 

A Matter of Life and Death by Phillip Margolin  -- 5 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

ISBN:  9781250258427

 

 The note at the start of the book from the author, Phillip Margolin, lets one know he understands what it means to an attorney to be responsible for defending an innocent person, holding one’s future and very life in his hands. Through his main character Robin Lockwood, a strong woman and passionate attorney, we learn the toll it takes to defend the innocent. She gets it right. I do admire her.

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The plot is intelligently complex. However, the author keeps it flowing well so it never gets confusing. The easy answers can be wrong and everything may not be as it seems. There are some pages of trial proceedings, but,  rather than slowing the action, are informative and add to it. I absolutely enjoyed this novel.

 

Reviewer: Nancy

999. "Hour Game" by David Baldacci – 5 Stars

 

Hour Game by David Baldacci – 5 Stars

Publisher: Warner Vision Books

ISBN: 0446616494

 

Why am I reading a Copright@2004 book? Somehow, I missed this Baldacci mystery and my wife just happened to be the right place at the right time when an individual cleaning out a father’s home had no place to take the scores of books from his library because the libraries were not accepting any books during COVID-19 days.

 

I was astounded once again by the perfectly planned plot and the writing of Mr. Baldacci. This novel was focused on a serial killer whose thunder was then side-tracked by the burglary and killings of individuals of the Battle families. Throw in even more murders that had some importance killer(s) and we have several multi-threaded investigations thrown at the team of Michelle and King. They begin formulating theories that sound right on, until they discover they are “one tick” off! Almost everybody has reason to kill.

 

The suspects pile up and you are left with nothing by question and suspicions until the end, or near the end when a killer finally get captures. But, are there more than one killer? And who robbed Remmy Battle and why? After a few false turns, the burglar finally gets revealed, but the answer as to why doesn’t. Well, it sort-of does at the end, but who is left up to you.

 

It was hard to put this book down; there was always something important happening. This is the way mysteries should be written. So glad I had the opportunity to return to an old book and a favorite author.

 

 

Reviewer: Rich

1002. "The Winner" by David Baldacci – 5 Stars

 

The Winner by David Baldacci – 5 Stars

Publisher: Warner Books

ISBN: 0446522597

 

I don’t know how I missed all Baldacci’s early books, but this 1997 copyrighted one was one of the most pleasing books I’ve read in quite a while.

 

What would you do if you won the big lottery? It’s hard enough to come up with a specific plan even if you did it legally. Now, suppose it wasn’t legal and the person who pulled if off was simply capitalizing on your involvement? Obviously, he has a lot in stake to keep it secret, to the point of killing you to keep it quiet. Along comes Jackson who dupes LuAnn into being his patsy. Over 10 year “contract” with her, Jackson manipulates her, yet makes millions more for her and himself. Throw in a self-defense murder complicating LuAnn’s life and they successfully work in harmony until … ; it’s then when the crap hits the fan and many others get involved, threatened, killed, etc. There’s Riggs, a contractor who becomes intimidate, Charlie, her companion, Donovan, a reporter investigating fixed lotteries, the FBI, the IRS, two of Jackson’s family, etc., Will the disguise-master Jackson, LuAnn, and her daughter Lisa all survive? Will the government catch up with them? Will LuAnn and her friends get to see a future of happiness?

 

I applaud you if you can put this book down without a craving to pick it right up again. Its plot is innovative and its action is nonstop. You’ll be surprised throughout. Absolute one of Baldacci’s best.

 

Reviewer: Rich

1001. Thunderbird ICON gets corrupted on Task Bar Periodically

 For about a year I had a frequent problem in that the Task Bar Pinned Thunderbird ICON  was replaced by a simple default note ICON. Sounds harmless which it was, but you could no longer bring Thunderbird up from this changed/corrupted ICON. Instead, I had to remove it and go back to either one on the Start Menu or the .exe file itself, Right-Click it and PIN it again to the Task Bar.

I finally (I hope after 2 weeks) discovered a remedy that fixes it permanently.  (1) I found the ICON in the Thunderbird folder and copied it from my working system (Lenovo processor) onto the failing one (Dell system). Both files looked the same, but apparently not. This alone may not have resolved the issue, but gave me the option of starting from scratch. (2) I then eliminated setting up the Pinning onto the Task Bar from a SHORTCUT of Thunderbird. I can't remember if I ever did PIN directly from the .exe file or whether I did but only to the Start Menu and then from there Pinned to Task Bar. So, I deleted all Shortcuts and pinned ICONS from START and Task Bar. Then I PINNED from .exe file the START MENU and again from the .exe PINNED to Task Bar. 

Since I did (1) and (2) I have NOT encountered the disrupting corrupted ICON and back to a happy wife (it was her machine. Always want to keep the wife happy). Hope this remedy works for you.

1000. "The Simple Truth" by David Baldacci -- 5 Stars

 

The Simple Truth by David Baldacci – 5 Stars

Publisher: Warner Books

ISBN: 0446523321

 

Another old (Copyright@1997) but excellent novel by Baldacci.

 It starts with a good summary of how the Supreme Court functions and how it’s Justices tussle, yet cooperate, in the outcomes of cases. Sara and Michael Fiske are key clerks who begin the tale of suspense and intrigue involving a Federal prisoner, Rufus Harms, who attempts to appeal to the court for vindication after serving 25 years for murder. His basis is a recently received letter from the Army requesting a review of a program he was in at the time of the murder of a child.

 Several Army personnel have been covering up his involuntary enrollment into the controversial program and have been monitoring him during his lockup. It is now time to kill him! Along comes Michael Fiske, a Supreme Court clerk, who comes across his appeal letter and decides to take action before it is approved by any Justice. You’ll learn his action didn’t exist too long. But then, Sara and his brother John Fiske, also a lawyer, take over and are caught in the almost improbable task of proving Rufus’ claim while fending off the devious Army personnel now in positions including the Supreme Court, the Army’s prison facility, and other law agencies. They obvious have the upper hand and target Rufus, and later his brother, in addition to John and Sara for immediate disposal.

 Never is there a dull moment in this novel while the investigation takes constant twists and casts changing theories and suspicions until the Army personnel are discovered, associated, and enraged to keep the upper hand.Expect to not put this thriller down -- A most unique plot and captivating characters. Mr. Baldacci never disappoints.

 Reviewer: Rich

998. "On Harrow Hill" by John Verdon -- 5 Stars

 

On Harrow Hill by John Verdon -- 5 Stars

Publisher: Counterpoint Press

ISBN: 9781640093102 

 In a small community in upper New York state, a problem resident is struck by lightning and pronounced dead. He appears to have reanimated, killed several people, and left satanic signs and messages painted in blood. The town sheriff, who has his own personal issues, calls on his former NYPD partner, Dave Gurney, for help.

 The plot is complex. There are witches, zombie hunters, a zealot who preaches guns and religion, and some sociopathic rich people among the characters. Gurney puts together all the pieces and sorts through the tangled events to eventually uncover the truth just after you think he had about 15% before the end.

 On Harrow Hill is much more than an ordinary police procedural. The twisted intelligent plot and unique characters make it stand out from others in the mystery category. I look forward to reading more books in the Dave Gurney series.

 Reviewer: Nancy

997. Dish Network's OTA a MAJOR problem - 12/02/20 Update

 11/20/2020 Update: I have not used the Prime Video APP since last report (11/10/20) on the Dish Network's Hopper 3 and OTA channels and DVR use to record from them have worked flawlessly. It seems that Prime Video collides with OTA buffers/settings and causes the pixilation and sound interruption problems. So, just don't use Prime Video via the Hopper 3. Instead use Amazon's Fire TV and Internet connection. It is simple to switch from Dish TV to Fire TV via the Dish Remote. Although this is the workaround to prevent the problems, it does not explain what is going on internally that really causes the problems. I would venture to guess the OTA does NOT reserve Dish memory (not on their OTA Adapter) to do some work and Prime Video overwrites it.

12/02/20 Update: Problems resolved entirely (22 days) to date by NOT using Prime Video App. OTA works fine when Prime Video not used.  So, if you want the local channels over Antenna using OTA Adapter, then don't use Prime Video. Instead, get a Fire TV HDMI adapter for your TV and use Dish remove side buttons (TV followed by Input(s)) to switch to Fire TV. Jump back to Dish Satellite again using side buttons (TV followed by Input(s)) until back to Dish Satellite. Simple and just as fast. The only difference is that you will need to use Fire TV remote for Prime.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've posted before re Dish Network's Over-the-Air Adapter (OTA) and it's conflict with Prime Video app running on the Hopper 3. Here is a short list of issues with the OTA:

1. If Prime Video app run, it will collide with the OTA running and eventually or even immediate loss of OTA channel, pixilation, and/or broken sound.

2. OTA also has issues with DVR recording, again presenting broken sound and pixilation problems. I have to conclude if these are due to Prime Video running sometime previously without a Hopper 3 boot.

3. Other users have documented in posts on the Internet problem 2 along with a flakey work around where you need to tune-in to the OTA channel to be recorded PRIOR to recording. How do you do this when you aren't present to do so? Suggested was starting a recording on the desired channel to start 3 minutes before schedule. Then start a second recording of the program on that channel to start at the scheduled start time. They claim the first recording will show the corruption, whereas, the second recording will be clean. I haven't tried this -- too weird for me.

Instead, I think I have things resolved by doing the following:

Problem 1 - Never use the Prime Video App on the Dish Hopper 3! Instead, I use the Fire TV adapter and shoot directly to it from Internet instead. I haven't seen a problem since doing this.

Problem 2 - I MUST record OTA channels. So far, I can UNLESS I use Prime Video prior without restarting (rebooting) Hopper 3. I'm still in test mode for this solution. If I find like others that the problem exists without the Prime Video app running, I'll consider Problem 3's solution. 

Bottom Line: The OTA is NOT a well designed adapter. I did read that there is an AirTV adapter that could be used instead that might resolve the issues. We shouldn't have to resort to this. Dish Network needs to get there act together!

996. Microsoft Windows 20H2 Installation

 As I have done in the past, I am reporting on the success of the installation this time of Windows 20H2. 

Old Dell Computer: Everything went perfectly, except for the noted issue for every feature upgrade removing the links to the OLD Microsoft games. Back in 2016 I posted this which tells you how to reinstall the old FREE favorites, like Hearts, Mahjong, Spider solitaire, chess, Minesweeper, etc. Those instructions still apply today and can be used to get the games back. HOWEVER, if you already had them in c:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\ folder, the install simply renamed the .exe files to .exe.bak. So, simply removing the .bak for the games you want active will do the trick. Enjoy.

Kudos again Microsoft, despite the 3.5 hours it took to download and install. Thankfully it ran by itself without a hiccup. 

Lenovo Solid State Computer: Everything worked, even the games. Plus, it took only 11 minutes! What a difference between old Dell Hard Disk and Lenovo Solid State!

995. DOJ Election Crimes Branch and Guidelines

 Richard Pilger, the Head of the DOJ Crimes Branch resigned as per November 10, 2020 article here . Guess he didn't understand his responsibilities even though he was the editor of  "Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses", Eighth Edition, December 2017, Edited by: Richard C. Pilger, Director Election Crimes Branch Public Integrity Section presented  here and referred to as FPEO in this post.

Within his document is stated:

"Justice Department supervision over the enforcement of all criminal statutes and prosecutive theories involving corruption of the election process, criminal patronage violations, and campaign financing crimes is delegated to the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section. This Headquarters’ consultation policy is set forth in the U.S. DEP’T OF JUSTICE, U.S. ATTORNEYS’ MANUAL (USAM), Section 9-85.210. In 1980, the Election Crimes Branch was created within the Public Integrity Section to manage this supervisory responsibility. The Branch is headed by a Director and staffed on a case-by-case basis with Section prosecutors experienced in handling the investigation and prosecution of election crimes."

If you note, the FPEO is an INTERNAL ONLY document that used as a guideline and not a restrictive or firmly defined process that the DOJ may take. You will also find some exceptions in the Pilger FPEO document that he also agreed with.

Sounds to me that Mr. Pilger didn't care about the Constitution and the integrity of voting as much as the Trump supporters and only in his "master piece" he created that holds no water even -- pen in one hand and sieve in other. One must challenge why he wrote such a document in the first place!

994. Letter to Lou Dobbs re Election Software Corruption

 As you can see below, my letter to Lou Dobbs to enlighten him re how software can be corrupted itself was corrupted (possibly). I've never seen a returned email failure like this one. But skip over the email message garbage and you too can be enlightened re software corruption, although just a highlight and just a small fraction of the possibilities.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------- Forwarded Message --------

Subject:	failure notice
Date:	9 Nov 2020 23:25:25 -0000
From:	MAILER-DAEMON@mail.hostingplatform.com
To:xxxxxx	[privacy change]

Hi. This is the qmail-send program at mail.hostingplatform.com.
I'm afraid I wasn't able to deliver your message to the following addresses.
This is a permanent error; I've given up. Sorry it didn't work out.

<lou@loudobbstonight.com>: user is over quota

----------------------------------------- The actual letter to Lou --------------------
Mr. Dobbs,

I am retired now but took my Computer Science degree to IBM in 1974 where I started in operation system development, design, testing, etc. I spent 23 years with IBM through system engineer, marketing, management, and finally I/T Mgt. and Process Consulting. I'd like to share some EASY ways software can be corrupted:

1. The software provider could have course written code that allowed modification, e.g., making it take a non normal but desired path based on human input when starting or when already running. Likewise, any hacker or hacker who implanted a virus could make a program behave the way they want. Think Ransomware!

2. Given above, it is simple code to include an "IF" condition that keys on either a human command/input parameter OR checks the computer date and time to either react the way they want it to after that date/time or even between a certain time period. Here are a few scenarios of corruption possibilities:

  a. Code already exists from provider, either by them knowingly, or by an employee with authorization to manage the code, or by a hacker who implants a virus (code) that asks "is it the day after the day normal election results are completed? If so, then count every ballot read as Democratic.

b. Same as a. above but do so only for a period of 4 hours then go back to normal.

c. Instead of a time trigger, wait until a specific batch of ballots are read, but which are identified uniquely to be counted as all Democratic, e.g., name the batch MAIL-INs so the corrupt code is alerted to take the Democratic path only.

REMEMBER. It only takes ONE "IF" statement/Command in the code along with ONE "GOTO" Democratic path. Very little code and that could be hard-coded  or hacked into the provided software.

Things a forensic computer science expert could do to determine corruption:

1. Confiscate the original code from the provider and compare it (date, version, build, size, etc.) and check it against the code running if it wasn't already corruptly replaced. A difference immediately indicates some corruption.

2. Every Operating System has some type of Logging of events, such as a program starting, a modification to a running programs, a program stopping that alo reports the version/build/date/size. These need to be examined.

3. Run a sample batch of ballots, say 50-50 expected, on a computer who date is set for election day and day after, and then various days after that. All results should match. If not, there is date/time specific corruption code present.

4. Follow on to 3. is to determine if all strange behaviors in counts started at the same date/time or withing the same period. Another indication that hacked/corrupted code is present.


I can think of even more I would look at to quickly identify corrupt code. Surely SOMEBODY is doing this, I hope. I just wanted to bring your knowledge level up to completely understand HOW code can be corrupted. Please us this to question the election results and get the SOMEBODIES busy.

A second and even more important thought beyond just the election corruption: I am astonished the Republicans can't find a Champion who wants to fix the Democratic indoctrination of people at educational institutes. We cannot expect even 50% of the voting population to understand the economy. Thanks for trying every day. Your preaching to me for example yield no more than I already know. It's the other 50% who never tune in that will never get it. Trump's biggest failure was antagonizing those 50% and all it's leaders. All great things he has done for us has gone unnoticed, or should I say ignored, by the clueless. Yes, I am angry that he took such a debasing position. Where do we go from here?

And here is the most simplistic kicker I think that is driving people to the Democratic Party: It's NAME! The ignorant have no clue that America was a REPUBLIC and they incorrectly associate DEMOCRACY to the party name Democratic. Not once have I ever heard anybody explain this to the people. Surely, the indoctrination may even teach this falsehood! America needs to rename the parties maybe to Liberal and Conservatives, or A and B, or Tiger and Bears. We need to STOP using Democrats -- maybe change it to Socialists!

Lou, keep up the good work. I know your lessons do help those listening. However, behind the scene we need to find the Champion who i going to be relentless in understanding the issues and changing the direction and education. I started blogging during the Obama years re all the corruption and measures to correct it -- all gone to waste for those 8 years and 4 more. We the People will be no more than dirt in another 12 years. Unfortunately, I might still be around since my mom lived until 98!

Please stick to your guns Lou!

993. 2020 Michigan software glitch? More so human hacking.

 In regards to the Silicaon Graybears BLOG entry at here .

Interesting that I too am from the 70's and at that time did Operating System design/programming/testing/etc. evolving through the years to I/T Consultant. This incident is NOT a software glitch. I can think of scenarios how this happened, but they are only conjecture without examining. For example, ANY program can be written where it changes its behavior, e.g. counting votes correctly to intentional incorrectly at a specific time (date, time to milliseconds). Hackers use this to trigger events on a specific day and time. Who is to say that the software wasn't hard coded to do this the day after normal election counting days at precisely the time mail-in ballots were to begin? It could do this automatically if coded that way, or it could do this if given an external command to do so, or a hacker could do this via a trap-door virus. Many ways to make a program count differently at a specific time or within a specific time window. Rather easy! So, who's to say some HUMAN didn't do this? Can it be determined? Yes. Logging of any human interactions with the running program would capture this. Also, comparing the original software with the running software would identify any variation of in code indicating hacker tampering. Certainly the FBI and NSA have the skills to determine validity of software and hacking. Whatever the result, people would then have peace in their lives again rather than questions, doubts, and a conspiracy theory the rest of their lives. Someone needs to investigate what really happened and be completely transparent. WE the PEOPLE have a right to know. It's the American voting integrity that is at stake, not who won or lost. I could care less about that. But potential corruption must be investigated. How about running the same batch through again, but setting the date on the computer to election day. Different results would imply hacking scheme as indicated. Another scheme could be base on the identification of the source, e.g., normal electronic voting ballots versus mail-in ballots. Surely, some human entered the batch source manually! Enough is enough...I certainly can't examine from here. And I'm retired and really don't want to dig through modern day programming. But, don't we have experts in the FBI. I would require the FBI and NSA to both investigate and do so independently to rule out corruption there too.

----------------------------

SiGraybeardNovember 8, 2020 at 1:04 PM

While I find your idea of the software being hard coded to cheat based on the system clock really good, I don't trust either the FBI or the NSA to do that investigation. The FBI has been running a coup against Trump for four years and suddenly they're going to be honest?

The problem with doing forensic software analysis is that there's a hard deadline coming to certify the election and it's going to take time to do this through legal channels. And what happens if the Supreme Court finally hears the arguments in two years and the verdict is that the election was corrupt and stolen? Can they scrap it and order a do-over, or award the presidency to Trump after two years of Joe, the Ho, the squad and George Soros? Suspend all elections until every precinct in America works like, well, Florida and has its final results within an hour of the polls closing?

Rich, In Memory of SamNovember 8, 2020 at 6:01 PM

I'm strongly in your camp, don't get me wrong. My conclusions are based on your conclusion that the coup has been going on for ages and unfortunately there is little we can do about the corruption other than prevent it in the future. I'm very open to any idea that can work. I also agree re FBI and NSA, thus I suggested INDEPENDENTLY. I should have said with private sector consultants he uncovering of anything would be useful. However, I agree that this would be a project that will take many years after this lost election. It's unfortunate and makes me angry. I am very grateful of what Trump has done for America AND the world. But, again, unless We the People change things in the next 4 years, our children will be forever lost to who-knows-what. Proving any corruption to this election is of value whenever it can be accomplished. I can only move on in a way that I can; encouraging the experts today to real in any corruption, and, for the sake of our democracy and children, DO SOMETHING about the indoctrination in our schools. The other matter for future is getting the ignorant people out there to understand what the party name of "Democratic" DOES NOT IMPLY democracy and any other part is against it. I really feel the name is an inhibitor and the ignorant vote that way when they obviously can't understand the economy, immigration, etc. Do what we can not and fight the election. That has low probability satisfaction in getting resolved before January. We need some kind of proof. But, we also need to realize that the Republican machine has been sleeping for decades. There is much more to address than this election.

992. "An Extravagant Death" by Charles Finch -- 3 Stars

 An Extravagant Death by Charles Finch -- 3 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press  

ISBN: 9781250767134

 

This is the first book I have read in the Charles Lenox series. It began with a lengthy description of Lenox and the facts of his past history that were the reason for him to travel to America. Reading the book out of order was fine.

The mystery was complex and the conclusion of the case was a surprise. The period and the lifestyle of the wealthy of Newport were described in great detail. The differences Lenox observed between the upper class titled of England and the very wealthy of America were interesting, as were observations of the attitude and style of those who served them.

Unfortunately, I found the pace of the story slow. I was bored by too much detail about Lenox’s life.     

 

Reviewer: Nancy

991. "Dark Falls" by Gregg Olsen -- 4 Stars

 

Dark Falls by Gregg Olsen  -- 4 Stars

Publisher: Bookouture

ISBN: 9781800193116 

 

The story starts with a grisly murder scene that leads to a history of Detective Megan Carpenter’s past and how it shaped the events in the present. I like a character with rough edges and Megan has plenty of those. The facts of her past are revisited throughout the book and piecing them together is like assembling a puzzle to understand her and the reasons for present events.

We get to know other characters though Megan’s observations and thoughts that are insightful and often humorous.

The story never slows and is enjoyable throughout. This is the first book I have read in the Detective Megan Carpenter series. It works fine as a standalone. I can always count on a novel by Gregg Olsen to be exciting and entertaining with some terror and surprise.

 

Reviewer: Nancy

990. Dish Hopper3 with OTA and Prime Video App Conflicts and failures

 The following was posted on https://www.dbstalk.com/community/index.php?threads/ota-adapter-and-prime-video-conflict.230121/ . I don't expect any reasonable answer to the problems. It is here because it clearly documents the problem and probable solution to fix it. However, I don't see DishNetwork caring about an OTA error or a Prime Video disruption when it can be remedied by a HOPPER 3 RESTART periodically. It does explain why so many users of the Hopper 3 and OTA are having either temporary lockouts to OTA channels, or occasional pixilation issues, or Internet Connectivity errors when trying to start Prime Video on the Hopper 3 box.

I constantly have OTA service issues, e.g., presents error message offering GUIDE or TROUBLESHOOTING buttons. After dozens of occurrences I have debugged the issues to the following and wonder if others are having same issue:

First, I have a new HOPPER 3 with the OTA Adapter attached
Second I also use the Prime Video APP with my Dish Hopper to view the Prime Video programming.

The Issue: OTA and Prime Video do not "play" together nicely on the Hopper 3. After using the Prime Video APP successively, like daily, eventually within 4-5 days the OTA starts to fail getting to an Over-the Air channel and displays the error message which give you a choice the go to GUIDE or to TROUBLESHOOTING.

Debugging and solutions:
1. TROUBLESHOOTING was useless and discovered nothing
2. Going to GUIDE can be done and selecting the same channel usually fails the same way.
3. Going to GUIDE and selecting a different OTA channel sometimes works and sometimes fails the same way
4. Going to GUIDE and selecting a channel other than an OTA one works and then returning to guide and selecting the failed OTA sometimes works and sometimes doesn't
5. The issue increases in frequency the more you use Prime Video
6. A solution that works, with the exception discussed below, is to hit HOME key on the remote appropriately to get to DIAGNOSTICS. From there go to TOOLS, then select RESTART HOPPER 3. This always clears the issue and things are again good until PRIME VIDEO is used again. Then the issue is repeated as described over 4-5 days before another RESET needs to be done. Now the EXCEPTION which is key: When you do the process to get to the RESTART, if you begin with the error message, i.e., the one giving you the choice to GUIDE or TROUBLESHOOTING, the RESTART will be done successfully, BUT, the Hopper 3 REMEMBERS the current state you are in. That is, after the RESTART, if you try to get to OTA channel you won't! The error will persist! So, ALWAYS get off the error message screen BEFORE you do the RESTART!
7. My conclusion is that memory area are being shared between Prime Video and OTA Adapter code. Two coding problem that are suspect is (1) one of the buggers writes over the others memory. OTA has always been the victim that fails; or (2) memory that is commonly used is NOT being released by one or the other and OTA seems to be one that trips into the rabbit hole every time. That does not mean the Prime Video never fails. One symptom of failing could have been one I had this morning where instead of presenting Prime Video an error came up that indicated that Internet Connectivity failed. Well, wrong, no problem was there and next try at Prome Video worked.
8. I forgot to mention that, yes, instead of the error message, GUIDE/TROUBLESHOOTING, the OTA channel does come up but has the other problems noted on this boar where it randomly pixelates a second or two even up to several times before it is steady OR never. Again, RESTART cleans everything up.

So, Having dealt with operating and other software systems for a quarter century, it was very common for a programmer to either fail to clean up used memory [(2 )above] cluttering the shared memory available to other APPs, or the programmer fails to isolate the memory used for an APP [(1) above] and it gets overwritten by the other APP.

Since there is not one sequence that causes the problem, i.e., nothing repeatable, DISH cannot discover the memory conflicts WITHOUT a DUMP of memory. I invite DISH to contact me here to set up a procedure where I can get a memory dump at the time it is in failure state. Without it, the problem will continue and we users will be forced to work around the issue by doing RESTARTS.

May I add that many OTA issues that cause pixilation or channel lockout as described may happen WITHOUT Prime Video. Prime Video definitely increases to problem frequency. My VIP722 NEVER had an OTA issue, and switching to TV mode instead of Dish Satellite mode also caused NO issues

Can anyone with Prime Video please confirm or not confirm what I discussed above. Thank you.

989. XBOX Game Bar can't open keeps popping up

I do NOT use XBOX and do NOT want XBOX, yet despite what I do an error message occasionally, meaning constantly every so often, saying the Game Bar can't open. Well, I want to end it PERMANENTLY. Don't know if there is a way, but I did find this article that provided UNINSTALL instructions (not a normally installed APP) using POWERSHELL. From   https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/how-to/game/remove-xbox-app-windows-10-3682948/#:~:text=How%20to%20uninstall%20the%20Xbox%20app%20in%20Windows,press%20the%20Enter%20key%20to%20exit%20PowerShell.%20 , simply do the following:

1. Open the Windows 10 Search Bar, and type in PowerShell.
2. Right-click the PowerShell app and click “Run as administrator”.
3. Type the following command and press the Enter key:
4. Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.XboxApp | Remove-AppxPackage
5. Wait until the process is finished. It should only take a few seconds to run.
6. Type exit and press the Enter key to exit PowerShell.

I thank Lewis Painter, Senior Staff Writer whose article the above is on the Tech Advisor site. Worth the read.

988. MSFT EDGE just got Scrapped - Can't open PDF files

 Just when you are happy with the EDGE browser, MSFT updates it and screws up your access to already saved PDF files! Couldn't open a single one of them and I have hundreds! EDGE was my default for .PDF files. So, instead, I CAN click-right and OPEN WITH Chrome or anything else. That proves a catastrophic blunder in the EDGE update they slapped on my system the other day! Can't live with that sloppiness.

I then needed to figure out how to copy my favorites from EDGE to CHROME. Well, that isn't straight forward and I had to hunt for where I could EXPORT them in html format. Instead of detailing all the trouble, here is how:

In EDGE, on top right look for ..., click on it and then Manage Favorites. You will now see another ... in that window. Click it and select EXPORT FAVORITES. I save to my desktop bookmarks to later IMPORT to Chrome.

Now, what do you do in CHROME? If you just IMPORT you get a separate folder called "IMPORTED" with the new favorites from Edge. If you are like me who used Chrome before and then exported to EDGE, you already have most of them present under Bookmarks and Other Bookmarks. What I am telling you is to avoid duplicates of what you already have and to get a CLEAN set of bookmarks from EDGE, you have to delete all the existing bookmarks. Of course, If you are starting with a NEW chrome install (not reinstall) I believe it will ask you if you want to get bookmarks from another browser. This is MUCH cleaner. In this case, UNINSTALL the current Chrome and download a new one and install, following the instructions.

Anyway, I had one with all my customizations (extensions, Auto Fills, etc.), so I did the hard way and ended up with the IMPORTED folder with EDGE (the most current bookmarks that I wanted) AND the then current Chrome bookmarks from the last time I used it. So, I had to delete them by opening the Bookmark Manager in Chrome, and in the right panel select (left-click) the first to delete and scroll to end and do a Ctrl-Left-Click on the last to delete. This will highlight all entries to be deleted. To now delete them, press the Delete Key. You are now left with the Imported Folder. But you want the bookmarks in the Bookmark Bar. So you do a similar process where you select Imported Folder and its Favorites Bar and in right panel once again do the Select (Left-click) of the first to copy to the Chrome Bookmarks Bar, scroll down to the last and do a Ctrl-Click-left. Now Right-click within the highlighted area and do a COPY from the context pop up menu. They are no in your clipboard. Go to the Bookmark Bar on left panel and PASTE them there.

Once you verified you have everything, delete the Imported Folder and you are in business.

987. "The Haunted Wind" by Ross Griffin -- 4 Stars

 

The Haunted Wind by Ross Griffin  4 Stars

Publisher: BooksGoSocial

ISBN: 9781913545505

The Haunted Wind begins with an attention-grabbing prologue, moves on to strange events in the Brazilian rainforest, and then, finally, to the Burren in Ireland. At the start, switching in action between events in Brazil and in Ed’s life were somewhat disconnected. However, when Ed, an archeology graduate, Neha, an indigenous tribesman, and Maria, a Brazilian anthropologist all end up in the Burren, the previous events are explained. It is a spooky and entertaining story with interesting characters and plenty of action. There are elements I have encountered in other horror stories, but many that are uniquely original.

I searched the Burren online. The pictures are amazing. It’s a place filled with history, legend and rare landscape, the perfect setting for supernatural events.

This was an eerie and entertaining tale. I thank NetGalley for alerting me to this book and author. I am looking forward to other novels as Ross Griffin’s career progresses.

 Reviewer: Nancy

986. "Dark Highway" by Lisa Gray Author – 5 Stars

Dark Highway by Lisa Gray Author – 5 Stars

Publisher: Amazon Publishing

ISBN: 9781542021135

 I have enjoyed all three books in the Jessica Shaw series. This is the best one yet. Knowing Jessica’s traumatic background as a missing child herself explains her passion for solving missing person cases.

  

The plot of Dark Highway is twisted and clever involving multiple missing women with flashbacks to their pasts. Although complex, it is easy to follow the characters. I enjoyed the intricacy of the story. There is some background into Jessica’s past and a bit of romantic chemistry with Connor, Jessica’s business partner, that add to understanding her.

The pace never slows as Jessica investigates the cases of four missing women. She is hired by a mother to find her daughter who has been missing for two months. While pursuing the case, she uncovers other similar unsolved missing person cases. Although she is later fired by her client, she can’t walk away and continues to investigate to an unexpected conclusion.

Lisa Gray is talented author. I’m a fan and look forward to more books in the Jessica Shaw series. It is a delight to read books with intelligent and unique stories.   

Reviewer: Nancy

985. "The Man in Milan" by Vito Racanelli – 5 Stars

The Man in Milan by Vito Racanelli – 5 Stars

Publisher: N/A

ISBN: 9781951709112

Very good plot and story. I really enjoyed Rossi and Turner, partner NYPD detectives, whose conversations were not only intelligent, but witty. They were a perfect team and both totally committed to resolving not only their initial mystery of discovering the murderer of an Italian man, but also an answer to the real downing of an Italian passenger plane crash, known as the Ustica Massacre, that killed 81 people that the first murder led them to pursue. This novel was enjoyable and captivating throughout. The author did not disguise the events too much and continually led you to question certain suspects involved in the investigations. I knew immediately that this would end the way it did confirming any doubts that a series is obviously in the making. T this was excellent standalone novel and a great tease for follow-on. I certainly will be waiting for the next episode with Rossi and Turner pitted against the mischievous elites in Italy. Although the next assignment has already been decided, one can almost expect this unsolved items from this novel will come up again.

 

Reviewer: Rich

984. "Plunder" by Keith Wilson – 5 Stars

Plunder by Keith Wilson – 5 Stars

Publisher: Books Go Social

ISBN: 9781951188047

We both enjoyed this uncomplicated, but intriguing, educational, adventurous, and totally entertaining novel. Brett, A CDC doctor gets involved with a virus in Guatemala that migrates elsewhere in an unknown way. He commits himself (I heard the Indiana Jones theme song in my mind continuously) to determining the type of virus, it’s origin, how it spread, and where it spread. He is relentless to the point that he ignores CDC limitations and guidelines given the immediate resolution required. His actions include break-ins, crimes against the Guatemalan government who were fighting the rebels wanting to takeover, armed involvement and alleged murder, assaulting Monks, etc. at the least. And, when there is a beautiful damsel in distress involved, it’s much easier to do. Did I mention the absolutely wonderful and heroic stray dog he takes in called Tequila? His exploits mainly happen in Guatemala, New Mexico, and Chicago where the villain, Scar, is out to kill Kari, the damsel in distress. Who is backing Scar? Who is funding the underlining revolt? How is the Guatemalan government involved? Read and find out yourself why everyone is out to get Kari? You’ll enjoy the adventure and gain a lot of education re viruses and vaccines which are factual and very appropriate during this 2020 COVID-19 virus event.   

 

Reviewer: Rich & Nancy

983. Fidelity: Reassign Lots AND Response is TERRIBLE

How many times have I wanted to Reassign (couldn't remember name of this action) Lots sold before the stock settlement date expired? Thus, I am documenting how since it isn't obvious when it should be.

Go to WEBSITE, NOT Active Trader Pro (which I use almost exclusively). Now go to Closed Positions. At one time the reassignment of lots was on the bottom of the page (coudn't see it then either). Now, on the closed positions screen, select the appropriate account, then select from drop down screen for that account "Reassign Lots". Simple after that. Select the lot for the closed positioned stock and change which one sold.

---------------
Fidelity customer service has degrade astronomically since their automated phone syste was installed about 2 years ago. Before that system I could get someone (a real person) in less than 5 minutes max, usually instantaneously. Now I wait over 20 minutes minimum! The service is always excellent once I get a person. But, the phone system keeps nagging for more details to get to someone and then transfers you to the wrong contact only to get retransferred to someone who can handle the situation! I am at the point where this service, which was the reason I picked Fidelity and stayed with Fidelity, had led to me looking for another broker. I am astonished that for over 2 years I have filed complaints about the phone system and response time and NOTHING is being done other than to make it still more worse! Do NOT go with Fidelity if you are  person that requires customer support OFTEN. I use it only when absolutely necessary, which is quite infrequently, and it still irks me. Compare it to the technical support you get today where each person needs to ask you to start from the beginning and when transferred to real tech person, your call starts anew again and gets dropped only to have to call again. The comparison is only to let you know the degree of frustration. Again, Fidelity people are superb once you get the right one on the line.

982. Can no longer associate a PROGRAM to file type

Windows 10 changed the way to associate a program to file type as a default. It now goes through SETTINGS and APPS, even if you try to use Control Panel as it could be done before. It ONLY allows you to choose an APP or to got to MSFT Store to find an APP. The option to use a specific program on your PC is GONE!

But, there is always a way:

Click a file with the type you want to set and do an OPEN WITH (**). Then select "Choose another App". Keep going until you get to File Explorer to select by selecting "More Apps", then "Look for another app on this PC". When you get to File Explorer just select the program you desire, probably xxx.exe in some folder (try the Programs File).

** If you choose to set this as a default for this type, you need to check the box on initial dialog to indicate so. 

981. "Robert B. Parker’s Fool’s Paradise" by Mike Lupica – 5 Stars

Robert B. Parker’s Fool’s Paradise by Mike Lupica – 5 Stars

Publisher: Penguin Group Putnam

ISBN: 9780525542087

Mike Lupica is the third author to continue the Jesse Stone series since the death of Robert B. Parker. Like those before him, he has written a novel with the same wonderful characters and intelligent interesting mysteries.

As in all of the series, the dialogue between members of the police force and citizens of Paradise is witty and often teasing. That is a large part of what makes the books fun to read. We learn more about Molly Crane, Jesse’s chief deputy, friend and confidant. We follow Jesse’s love life and struggles with personal issues. There are two tangled and intriguing mysteries, reminders of past crimes and meetings with citizens of Paradise.

Fool’s Paradise follows Robert Parker’s legacy of stories that are entertaining to read, filled with great characters and plots. I’ll continue to read his series as long as talented authors keep writing them.

Reviewer: Nancy

980. "The Last Secret of the Ark" by James Becker – 4 Stars

The Last Secret of the Ark by James Becker – 4 Stars

Publisher: Canelo

ISBN: 9781788639040 

 

James Becker did an amazing amount of research for this novel. Actually, sometimes events and settings were over-explained. I often put the book down and read something lighter for a time. I am glad I returned to the story. Despite being plodding at times, it did have enough action to keep it interesting.

I learned some history. It is always good to be a little smarter when I finish a book. I loved the ending. I certainly had not expected it.

The topics of other books by this author are interesting. I plan to read some of them and get even smarter while being entertained.

 

Reviewer: Nancy

979. Yahoo Killing Kindle email support + ERROR

Recently, Yahoo sent out email telling users that their sign-in will be changing in October 20 and will be more secure. With that, they have notified users that old sign-in method after October 20 will no longer work. See below.
--------------------
We love that you love using your Yahoo Mail. And we want to make sure you always have the best experience. That’s why we’re reaching out today.

We’ve noticed that you’re using non-Yahoo applications (such as third-party email, calendar, or contact applications) that may use a less secure sign-in method. To protect you and your data, Yahoo will no longer support the current sign-in functionality in your application starting on October 20, 2020. This means that you will need to take one of the steps below to continue using Yahoo Mail without interruption.

But don’t worry, you have options. Find an option that works best for you below:

Option 1: We recommend that you access your email using our free Yahoo Mail app for iOS and Android or simply go to mail.yahoo.com to access Yahoo Mail on the web.

Option 2: Keep your current, non-Yahoo app, BUT follow a few steps to get it to sync with our secure sign-in method. The steps vary across different email applications, but in most cases, you will have to remove your Yahoo account from the app and then add it back again to update the sign-in security. Use the links below to follow the specific steps for your current application:

• iOS Mail
• Gmail
• Samsung Mail
• Others

Option 3: You can generate a one-time, unique password that will allow you to sign in to your account using your non-Yahoo email application. Once created, this password will continue to allow your app to securely sync your Yahoo email unless you sign out (or are signed out) from your app. You can find instructions on how to do this here.

If you want more details on these changes, please visit our help page. If you’ve already taken action, we’d like to think you haven’t read this far, but if you have . . . we sure appreciate the diligence!

Thanks for rocking that Yahoo Mail address!

Yours in your inbox,
The Yahoo Team 
-----------------------------------
Fine and dandy until you try to set up email using the Amazon email app on a Kindle. The procedures will not work and finally Yahoo in its HELP revealed that Kindle Amazon native email support will be discontinued. The only choice on Kindle is to get Yahoo email app from the store OR go to website for Yahoo and into mail that way.  So much for consolidating all email addresses into one app!

Well, this isn't the problem that now occurred. I did successfully on Thunderbird under Windows  delete my old account and add the Yahoo email back. But, somehow, TWO Yahoo email accounts then existed next time I brought up Thunderbird You would think a simple removal of one would fix the problem. WRONG. Instead, you now get an error that a "User Account by that Name Already Exists  ..." and this error does not allow removal or editing of ANY email addressed via the Tools-> Account Settings. Instead, I went to home page for Thunderbird and right-clicked one of the Yahoo Accounts. Then on resulting page I went to Account Actions and did remove. Did the same for other Yahoo email. Now added it back to establish new sign-in interface sync. That not only cleaned up the error for Yahoo, but did so for all other email accounts without having to do anything else. Go figure. NOW, I hope all is well!                                                             

978. "The Nemesis Factor" by Inaki Martin Velasco – 5 Stars

The Nemesis Factor by Inaki Martin Velasco – 5 Stars

Publisher: Books Go Social

ISBN: 9798648601369

Excellent novel that is well presented and delivers increasing interest and intrigue the longer you read. It was impossible to put this book down. It starts out with a tale of a loving family’s yacht exploding. The last few paragraphs of the Prologue then let you wonder whether this was just a dream of some American who was on drugs.

Suspense continues with main characters Adrian and Laura returning from a movie shoot and flying off a cliff onto the shoreline of an inescapable island vacated by two very mysterious South Americans who rescue them. Flavio and Paul keep them alive and provide give them a rustic “vacation” for many weeks before their mysterious associates arrive to evacuate them. Drugging Adrian and Laura before the evacuation leaves them with no knowledge of where they are once again deserted and by whom or why.

Meanwhile another tale is spinning with an Interpol agent Denis and his research expert Sylvie who begin investigating the hanging of an ex-Bosnian army individual now minus all his extremities. He discovers several other suspicious murders in his investigation, all eventually tied together by some common thread which he continually pursues from Europe to Harvard University until he is told the case is abruptly closed by his superiors for reasons that are classified. He relentlessly ignores the orders to cease and begins to connect some of the other characters and learns … well, you’ll just have to read this to find out.

What I can tell you is that we are informed that Justice is beyond the formal laws and order we normally follow. The author also suggest that this entire book is just an introduction of the new Justice and that the characters will continue their ventures to further define what is right. I am on board and want to continue reading more and more of any series written. I am a believer now that myths really guide Justice more than any written laws and also drive the appropriate order to enforce it.      

Reviewer: Rich

977. "The Ruthless" by David Putnam – 5 Stars

The Ruthless by David Putnam  –  5 Stars

Publisher: Oceanview

ISBN: 9781608094066 

The Ruthless is another gritty story in the Bruno Johnson series that is set in the dark and dangerous streets of Los Angeles, the ones the tourists never visit. Having read all of the books in this series, I enjoyed learning more about Bruno’s earlier life. I loved Junior Mint, a big, intelligent and loyal dog. He is loyal and friendly but hates bad guys and lets them know it.  That describes Bruno as well, so Junior is the perfect companion. As always, the events are tense and authentic. After reading the author’s notes at the conclusion and learning about the author’s experiences in law enforcement, it is obvious David Putnam knows the world he writes about. Bruno’s life has been tragic in many ways, but he stays true to his quest to help those who can least help themselves and does his best to set the world right. He doesn’t always get it correct and sometimes things don’t go as planned, but he keeps fighting. Each book has been an adventure, a raw and powerful look into a scary all too real world.

 

Reviewer: Nancy

976. "Every Last Fear" by Alex Finlay – 5 Stars

Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay – 5 Stars

Publisher: Minotaur Books

ISBN: 9781250268822

A family suspiciously killed by a gas leak in Mexico? A son previously convicted and jailed for murder? And now, the other remaining son, Matt, must put the pieces together to gain back sanity and respect for his family. As you begin reading this, remember that the background conviction of Danny for murder that gets told via side text, is really a key and to the crimes in this tale. Sure, the is a family is instantly wiped out right off, but is it tied to Danny’s conviction? The story is like a crescendo in music – interest and suspense continually increases until the end. I was a bit thrown off by the intermittent notes on Danny’s case, but finally realized it was the key that when investigated, unwound and reconstructed set the fireworks for an explosive ending that revealed the guilty players. Thanks you Netgalley and Minotaur for allowing me to review this fine book by Alex Finlay.

 

Reviewer: Rich

975. "Missing Persons" by Michael Brandman – 5 Stars

Missing Persons by Michael Brandman  – 5 Stars

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press

ISBN: 9781464214523

Missing Persons was fun to read. It has an interesting intelligent plot with small town politics, a family of evangelical con artists, some murders and a bit of romance. The characters are unique. The dialogue between them is witty, often sarcastic and irreverent. This is the first of the series. I am anxious to spend more time with Sheriff Buddy Steel Jr. and the residents of Freedom. They are quite an entertaining bunch.

Reviewer: Nancy

974."Their Silent Graves" by Carla Kovach – 5 Stars

Their Silent Graves by Carla Kovach – 5 Stars

Publisher: Bookouture

ISBN: 9781838888657

I was browsing the list of books available from NetGalley and the colorful cover of Their Silent Graves caught my attention. Amazon flagged it in the categories of police procedural and serial killer, but it is so much more than an ordinary offering in those groups. The plot is clever, complex and unique. It reminds one that our actions have lasting effects on others. The pace is steady. I didn’t rush through or skim any part. I enjoyed each word as I tried to figure out who the killer was and how events would come together at the conclusion. I was not disappointed. The ending was a surprise and was tragically believable. I will definitely read other books by Carla Kovach.

  

Reviewer: Nancy

973. CANDYOPEN threat in AxCrypt V1.7 Resolved

A while ago I reported an AxCrypt and MSFT Defender issue (see Post 966) where Defender detected a LOW  UNWANTED program threat running on my system. It indicated that the potential virus code called CANDYOPEN in the WIN32 folder was the violation and that AxCRYPT code had the infection. Here are is an explanation of resolution to this issue:

The issue started occurring in June 2020 after a Defender update. The CANDYOPEN check finally reported potential WIN32\CANDYOPEN threat in several of files of AxCrypt version 1.7. Thanks to the AxCrypt Community Support board, I was told to use the latest Legacy code which has eliminated the threat (see The AxCrypt Post Here ). In that I reported that "I tried all of these: 1.7.3180.0 (currently using), 1.7.2893.0 Beta MSI, 1.7.1878.0 Beta MSI" and still had the problem. I was told yet another and newest update legacy version(1.x) AxCrypt-1.7.3233.0-Setup.zip should be installed. The instructions were to delete any previous versions and reinstall using above zip-file. I did so and continued to have Defender threat error reported. As it turned out, if the INSTALL SETUP file for 1.7.2893.0 Beta MSI level code is left on the machine after the running version is removed from the system, IT is detected in that SETUP file which is NOT deleted when removal is done. You MUST do a manual delete of the previous SETUP files in addition to removing the running code.

So, when when the running code is removed, the old 2893-level SETUP is deleted PERMANENTLY (i.e., delete from ReCycle Bin too), and 3233-level is installed, the issue will be resolved.

Now, what do you do with all the left over error messages every day still in Defender? To CLEAR the MSFT Defender Protection History simply delete the files in folder C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History\Service. I saw a tip to delete the folder itself, but it is protected by MSFT and can’t be deleted. Instead, delete all the files in the folder  above. Windows will allow deletion of all but one file, some logging file, and after doing so it will be clean again. However, you WILL lose any other errors reported. Some other posts note that the errors errors are kept for 30 days, then deleted automatically. You have that option. I have found however that I could not go to Defender's "Virus and threat protection" to do a SCAN. Instead, it went to the screen where all the errors were reported. I only had one other error (CCleaner detected with LOW threat same as this AxCrypt error) and decided to wipe them all out.

Btw, the CCleaner support team is working with MSFT re that issue and can be searched on Internet. Don't know the final plan of resolution, but CCleaner note it is NOT an issue and most likely a fake positive.

I should also note that MalwareBytes will also detect the AxCrypt unwanted program issue as does several other Antivirus programs. So, the detection is new in June 2020. I should also note that I am using the 64-Bit version of AxCrypt code and Win32, I believe, had no place in that as far as running code; I don't even think I have a WIN32 folder! Yet, the CANDYOPEN culprit evidentially was in the SETUP file as described.

972. Lost File Sharing on my network

Wow! For years I have been using file sharing across my network allowing me to share files between my wife's PC and mine. Today it ended! I received 0x80070035 when trying to access the file on her system that I have been for years. I saw many interesting articles about this error code, but only one did the trick. It had me (on her system, where the target file resides) look at the properties of her C: drive which showed NOT SHARED. A simple tab selection (Advanced Sharing) allowed me to check the FOLDERS item to share her C: drive. I originally had only the specific file selected before, but decided I might as well get access to her whole drive, which was really my other PC anyway. It worked immediately. I suppose I could have looked at the specific folder that was previously shared to see if it lost its sharing, but did not. I'm satisfied that sharing c: works. Now, what caused the problem? Who knows? No time to mess with this since it works.

971. "The Dying Light" by Joy Ellis - 2 Stars

The Dying Light by Joy Ellis - 2 Stars

Publisher: Joffe Books

ISBN: 9781789314717

This book was slow and unexciting. It focused on Will and Kate who bought an old house on the English fen. There was page after page about Kate’s mental health issues. She obsessed about the history of the house, had dramatic mood swings and deteriorated physically. Will, the long-suffering husband, endlessly worried about her and tried to get her help. I kept reading, hoping for something exciting and original but that never happened. There were other characters and some mysteries to be solved but even those tied into Kate’s emotional issues and Will’s dilemma. This is the first book I have read by this author. It did not encourage me to read others.

    

Reviewer: Nancy

970. "No Deadly Medicine" by Trudey Martin -- 4 Stars

No Deadly Medicine by Trudey Martin -- 4 Stars

Publisher: Books Go Social

ISBN: 9781702721646

I read a lot of mysteries and am always searching for something with an unusual plot. The description of the story of an elderly gentleman who drops his notebook and the woman who attempts to return it caught my attention. I was not disappointed.

Verity’s husband died recently. She is grieving and trying to decide what to do with her life when she finds herself in the center of more danger and action than she could ever have dreamed possible. She solves encrypted notes, fights bad guys, and saves the day.  I enjoyed the adventure.

  

Reviewer: Nancy

969. "The Ultra Betrayal by Glenn Dyer – 5 Stars

The Ultra Betrayal by Glenn Dyer – 5 Stars
Publisher: TMR Press
ISBN: 9780999117347

I started with this book 2 in the author’s series and found it excellent. I never needed any other background from book 1, but am now interested enough in the Torch project to read Book 1 and the short story the author makes available to you when you sign up for his newsletter.

This book takes agents Conor and Emily on a mission to locate and apprehend both the missing British cryptologist working on the Ultra encryption breaking project with Alan Turing and the documents he plans to hand off to the Germans in WW II. First Emily pursues Gunnar Lind, the cryptologist, but gets nabbed by the Germans. So, Connor has the secondary job to find and rescue her. Behind the document trade deal is Gunnar’s wife’s father Benjamin Anderson, owner of a ball bearing factory – ball bearings were in premium demand by all military parties. His motive was money. So, various elements are in play with the Germans not only wanting the documents and cryptologist, but also a better deal for the bearings. Who devised the plan to steal the documents? Who all were involved? Those along with all the exciting action involving spy vs. spy is supplemented by the inner betrayal plans of Himmel against Hitler. The history itself is well worth the read. Thank you Netgally.com for allowing me to read this book and present my honest opinions.


Reviewer: Rich

968. Replace CCleaner if you are tired of it's nagging

This article --> https://www.howtogeek.com/361112/heres-what-you-should-use-instead-of-ccleaner/ tells you how to use Windows 10 functions to clear space, manage STARTUP programs, and manage files without having to deal with CCleaner. I grew tired of the constant nag popups to buy the upgrade and other things. I have summarized the key functions I used below and the Windows 10 replacements: 1. Clear temporary storage to free up space: Start->Settings->System->Storage-> "Free up Space Now" [Personalized settings for Websites will be left alone] 2. Manage STARTUP Programs: Start->Settings->APPS->->Startup OR Bring up Task Manager (Ctrl-Shift-Esc together) and select STARTUP Tab. 3. Browser Cookies [personalized information per website]: Can be managed at browser shutdown by slecting so within browser settings. You can also use the PRIVATE browser mode so no tracking is done for you your sensisitve websites. Read the article to learn about pros and cons. 4. Encryption is allowed in Windows 10 at a hard disk level. You can define a key so nobody can ever get to you hard disk, installed or not. See article for options to set up encryption.

967. "Spiteful Bones" by Jeri Westerson – 3 Stars

Spiteful Bones by Jeri Westerson  – 3 Stars

Publisher: Severn House

ISBN: 9781448304592  

There is another missing relic and another strange murder. This is the third book I have read in the series and it is very similar to the other two. It begins interestingly, when hidden in a wall, bones are found clutching a relic that has been missing for twenty years.   The story slows as interviews with people who might know the identity of the body are conducted and romantic entanglements evolve, especially those between Nigellus and his gay transvestite “wife”. The action picks up near the end when, with a stretch of believably, the killer in revealed.

 Reviewer: Nancy

966. Explorer.exe failed to load application texts. Immediate exit. Axcrypt Involved

After installer 6/2020 MSFT Feature Update, I started to get Defender messages indicating threats. I removed a Trojan successfully and everything ran afterwards. But, I then received a LOW threat re AxcryptMessages.DLL stating Win32/CandyOpen threat. I told Defender to remove the threat, but then started getting tons of show stopping errors giving error: "Explorer.exe failed to load application texts. Immediate exit." This came up at many points, eg.:

-- Couldn't start File Explore most of the time

-- Couldn't right click to get context menu anytime

-- starting Everything application

-- Cutting/pasting files from Kindle to PC

These are not all the points of error by far.

Research of this error on the web led to no constructive answers or suggestions that resulted in a lot of data and none of which were simple to fix. The one that probably was closest to resolving the issue was to download the free ShellExView application which lists all extensions and allows you to disable the culprit. I had a total of 255 extensions listed and the 35 or so with current date had nothing to do with the problem. So I did NOT use ShellExView to resolve my issue.

Instead I looked at the Threat Defender removed for me: AxcryptMessages.DLL Win32/CandyOpen. This was signaled as a LOW threat. I Allowed Defender to remove it -- and it did by deleting the .DLL from my system completely, i.e., no recovery. I found that Axcrypt was involved by trying to access it to Decrypt a file -- YES, using Explorer to first list the files (I had explorer up on screen some how-- clicking File Explorer ICON sometimes allowed it to come up. Guess I should give the steps:

-- I used ShellExView to disable to two Axcrypt entries from 2017

-- This allowed me to get Explorer up and do the Right-click context screen.

-- But now, AcCrypt commands to Encrypt/Decrypt were no longer present

-- I tried clicking on an encrypted file (one of 1000s) and it failed. Now I panicked.

-- I Still had the Axcrypt installed and checked the version, found the install file I used back in 2016

-- Executed the install file and instead of installing requested REPAIR. It worked and Axcrypt back in service and all problems resolved

I assume I'll again get the threat from Defender and will then address it again. Need to read about CandyOpen and associated .DLL file. Could be valid. But, for no I am back to normal.

Note: There is another Axcrypt post re Version 2 which I will not use and reasons why. You can find it by searching for "Axcypt" at the top of this blog