Why You Can't Lock Technology Down; or, Viacom Are Some Greedy Folk

Right, so, I've been bad at updating yet again. I have no excuse really, just a general lazy streak. So, let's get caught up shall we?

This past weekend, I was involved in my second "official" paranormal investigation. This time, making the trip out to Pere Cheney, which is a sort of local ghost town. When I say local, it's about an hour drive from my house. And when I say ghost town, I mean in the sense that it was once a town, which had two major fires, and a couple of outbreaks of sickness, and say it's population go from about 5000 to nil in less than 15 years. It is supposedly a highly active area for the paranormal. So, I met up with the folks in my group (Wind Spirits Paranormal Society), and we did a joint investigation of the area with Metro Paranormal Investigators (MPI) from down state. I really enjoyed working with the guys from MPI. They run an investigation the way I like to see it. Very professional, very organized, very good. I am hoping to work with them again soon. I was extended a personal invite to tag along with them again if I'm ever in their area, and I will be taking them up on that. I did have one personal experience happen during the night. I saw what looked to be a small child running around in the grass in front of me. I can safely rule out a fox or other animal, as I was less than 20 feet from it, and I heard no sound what so ever coming from it. I still have all my audio to go over, so we'll see if there is any evidence captured.

Now, here's a little news story I can't help but talk about. Seems Viacom send out yet another cease and desist order to someone on YouTube. It was for a clip from the VH1 show "Web Junk". It dealt with a clip that was an ad some guy made when he ran for public office on some kind. The rub? It was posted by the guy who made the original clip VH1 used. With out contacting him in any way, they used his clip, then try to say he is infringing on copyright by posting the clip from their show of his material. read more about it here.

In other news, The iPhone is unlocked. Well, sort of. Two different teams of hackers claim to have a software unlocking utility that can easily unlock the iPhone, allowing you to use any GSM carrier's SIM card to run your phone. Of course, you can't actually use either one yet, as they both have said that lawyers for AT&T have threatened legal action if they do. More impressive though, is the 17 year old from New Jersey. He did a bit more in depth of a task, spending his summer before college hacking the iPhone, hardware style. Using his trusty soldering iron, and apparently a lot of free time, he successfully hacked his phone. Not bad. When I was 17, I was lucky I knew how to use the microwave, but these kids today, boy howdy!

The weekend approaches. I have a pistol match Sunday, and labor day on Monday. I can't wait. Should be a good weekend

As Promised; or, It's Bloggerin' Time!!

First off, I'd like to apologize for the title of this blog. Well, not really, it's the title I chose, and I'm sticking with it. Now, on to the post

I've been bad about updating lately, for that I do humbly and truthfully apologize to both of you who read this. I have this bad habit of putting off posting, usually because I am inherintly lazy. I did set up a microblog account with Jaiku (you may notice the badge on this blog) that I update with some good regularity. I like Jaiku because it lets me post quickly, and only gives me 140 characters to work with. Plus, it reminds me to update this blog as well (well, kind of). So keep checking back here, and my Jaiku page as well.

Some new news to report. My radio show, which had been alternating Wednesday nights from 9pm to 11pm, has now moved to Thursday nights. Same time, but different day. And will be a weekly show, instead of bi-weekly. And I will be adding a new feature. Webb Alert. You've heard me sing it's praises here (I even embedded it at the bottom of the page), and now I will be featuring it on my radio show. I obtained permission from those involved, so it will be starting up next week. I'm really happy to get my show weekly, maybe I'll even build a fan base (yeah...sure I will)

In other news, Michael Vick (aka Douche Bag) is going to plead guilty to federal dog fighting charges. That's right, the man who claimed (through his lawyer) to plead innocent only a few weeks ago (which is incorrect mind you, you plead not guilty, you don't plead innocent), and was going to clear his good name so he could get back to "spring training" with his team, is going to face the music. He'll get between 12 and 18 months in prison.

But even better, are comments made by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist on a round table program on KDKA. "It's really a sad day in this country when somehow ... Michael Vick would have been better off raping a woman if you look at the outcry of what happened. Had he done that, he probably would have been suspended for four games and he'd be back on the field. But because this has become a political issue, all of a sudden the commissioner has lost his stomach for it." Some people's children.

One last note. Don't shop for food when you're hungry. I know it's not exactly a new thought or anything, but I found out first hand why. I went to Meijer sunday night, with the intent of picking up a few items. An hour and a half and $110 later, I left with enough food to feed a small army. It's not all bad, I am stocked up. Just a bit of a strain on the pocketbook.

Until next time

update....tomorrow

I plan on an update tomorrow. I had some stuff to post today, but well, it just didn't happen. So tomorrow shall be the day. Until then...

Monday Monday Monday; or, It's time for me to get back to blogging

OK, so I have been bad about updating this here blog for a bit. My apologies. Life got in the way. What with the film fest, Softball tournaments, and friends returning, it's been a whirlwind. That having been said, let's recap, shall we?

Film Festival: Kick ass! I had a great time. Good movies to watch. Great People to work with. All around good week, and worth spending my vacation time working. Saturday night became Kilt Night '07. I need to wear my kilt(s) more often. Not only because of the comfort factor, or the pride...but the comments. I genuinely enjoy it. It is sad when the fest is over, and real life starts up again, but hey, there's always next year.

Rest of Life: Ward is back! That's right, every one's favorite computer savant is back in the state of Michigan. After a 3-4 month stint in Key West, he's back for fall semester. If only for fall semester. It's good to have him back. It's hard for me to say this, but I have missed him in his time away. It's been nice to hang out with him lately.

Also, last Saturday night, I was involved in a paranormal investigation. It was mostly uneventful, with no paranormal experiences while in the house. A house that was beyond disgusting I might add. But the experience of doing a full blown investigation was priceless, and I look forward to more in the future.

OK, I'm sure by now all 3 of you who've read this are bored to tears and begging for the end, so I shall grant you that. Until next time (which won't be in 2 weeks, promise), this is Travis, signing off.

P.S. - This Wednesday, I will be on the air (WNMC 90.7 FM in Traverse City, wmnc.org online) from 11pm to 2am. Listen in, call in, email me. If you do, I'll love you. Really. I'll even call afterwards ;)

My Celebrity Crush; or, Check Out the Video

Just a quick note. Morgan Webb now has a daily video blog called Webb Alert. Be sure to check it out. It's a quick 5 minute roundup of daily tech talk. I have added it to the bottom of this blog page, so you can see it here or on her site. She rules, so you should check it out. Not to mention, she's very easy on the eyes =) (yes, I am still harboring my crush for her)