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Showing posts from April, 2018

VPN or Not to VPN

I’ve been familiar with VPN’s for maybe 20 years.  My business at one point was to set up networks for companies.   I make an effort to not use my WIFI devices on public WIFI but traveling makes that an issue.   So then I tried not doing anything of importance on my devices when traveling.   However the more I read the more I became paranoid.   I decided, for my own personal data protection, I wanted to start using a VPN.   Virtual Private Network or VPN allows connection to the Internet through an anonymous server.   The IP address that shows is not your home IP address and it makes it very difficult for someone snooping to get back to your devices.   Theoretically if you are in a WIFI hot spot in LA and log onto the Internet through an unprotected WIFI server you are leaving yourself open for a variety of problems.   There may not be anyone on that network that is trying to steal your data but you don’t really know.   Perhaps more problematic is your stay at a Motel 5.5 with

tzumi Magnamount Qi Charger & Phone Mount

$15.00 on Amazon when I got it.  A bargain as far as I am concerned tzumi Magnamount Qi Charger & Phone Mount for Car Air Vents – Wireless Fast Charging for iPhone X, 8, 8 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S8, S8 Edge S7 S6 Note 8 5 & Any Qi Enabled Smartphone I had another brand of wireless charger for air vents and it has since died.  It was a bit of a kludge.  This clamped on just fine but I don’t want my vents blocked.  I particularly liked the fact that the vent clamp comes off cleanly and leaves a flat surface.   The magnetic part was then very convenient as I have a spot that is next to a power port and I can just lay the charger in there.  The addition of the metal template on the back of my case allows the phone to stay securely on the charger.   It appears that they want it on the inside of the case.  I would prefer it on the outside of my case which is where I put it.  I suppose it will eventually come off but meanwhile it works great. From the vendor: ·   

Fossil Q Women's Jacqueline Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Hybrid Smartwatch FTW5020

This is a very pretty watch.  I tested the music and the photo capabilities.   It is convenient not to have to dig your phone out if you want to change the music.  The photo capabilities are pretty slick.  You can place your phone on a table leaning up against a cup and get yourself or your group in place and take the photo by pressing the button on your phone. The watch is both functional and pretty. ·                         Smartphone notifications; Charging not required/ 6 mo battery life; Customizable buttons- control your music, take a photo; Activity & Custom goal tracking ·                         Band Material: Stainless Steel; Band Color: Gold-tone; Case Size: 36 mm x 43 mm; Case Thickness: 12 mm; Water Resistance: 5 ATM; Connectivity: Bluetooth Smart Enabled / 4.1 Low Energy ·                         Quartz Movement ·                         Case Diameter: 43mm ·                         Water resistant to 50m (165ft: in general, suitable for short p

Intech Crossbar Golf Travel Bag Support Rod

If you plan on putting your clubs on an airplane or shipping them, I strongly recommend this golf accessory.     Today’s drivers are long, at least mine are, and they are taller, often much taller, than the clubs around them.   If you don’t want your driver taking the brunt of a baggage handler’s mishandling, this is a product for you.   It telescopes easily and thusly protects your woods.   The flat head unscrews so you can store this right in your bag.    An inexpensive insurance policy for your woods. MAXIMUM GOLF CLUB PROTECTION - Made to protect your valuable golf clubs when traveling FULLY ADJUSTABLE - Up to 52" in length ONE TOUCH OPERATION – Two push button, spring loaded adjustment pins HARD HEADED - Durable nylon plastic top cap EASILY BREAKS DOWN - Can be stored in your bag when not in use I received this as taxable income in exchange for an honest review. 

Which VPN Did I Choose?

Next I tried PureVPN.    The main reason I tried it was that it ranked the fastest on many sites.   They do NOT have a free trial.   They have a 30 day money back guarantee which the young woman I Chatted with assured me was legitimate.    They do have a very reasonable three year plan and I decided as long as I have a 30 day money back guarantee I would take the plunge.    Now I was concerned about their ability to work with Android.   One review stated that he had consistent issues with the Android version.    I have installed it on a desktop, a tablet, a laptop and a phone.    Two versions of Android and one of Windows 10.    The first thing I noticed was that the speed degradation on download was between 20% and 30%.    That still stinks but is substantially better than the others I tried.    Surprisingly my upload speed actually increased.    I will try and put this through some paces but this is, so far, the best I’ve tried.    BTW the Android version didn’t cause an

Classic Accessories 55-939-010401-EC Sodo Plus Grill Cover

It is getting that time of year, provided it ever stops snowing.    Grilling time and I like to keep my grills covered.   This cover fit my kettle grill perfectly.    It has a couple of ties but even better has a pull tight like on a jacket.   It snugs the cover up quite nicely.    Too soon to know if it will hold up but seems like decent quality.   $24.00 on Amazon.   ·                         Fits kettle charcoal grills up to 26.5" in diameter x 38"h ·                         Our lightweight, new and improved RainCote fabric offers reliable protection and peace of mind, keeping weather off of your patio furniture ·                         Adjustable hem cord tightens easily resulting in a custom-like fit ·                         An integrated storage bag with exterior label keeps you neat and organized when the cover is stowed for the season ·                         The sodo plus collection offers more features than other similarly-priced covers with

Coppertone Defend & Care Ultra Hydrate Sunscreen Whipped Lotion SPF 50 Multipack (5-Ounce Bottle, Pack of 2)

This comes out like a weak shaving cream there in lies the whipped description.  It goes on kind of shaving creamy but rubs in just fine.  It has a very, very faint aroma of coconut.  At least that is what I get but it is very faint. After application it felt tacky for a few minutes but then dried and did not feel greasy. It got positively foamy when I washed the area to see how it held up with water. It lathered up which seemed a strange reaction.   I've had good luck with Coppertone products in the past so I have to assume the screening part works as I haven't had enough sun to test that aspect. I got this product somewhat free for an honest review.  Somewhat free means that its price will count as taxable income so it isn’t totally free.  If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.