Virtual Virus

Posted on November 14, 2011 by TheJessicaness

I suppose now I understand how movie makers could get the idea of Puppet Masters, etc. The master doesn’t necessarily have to launch the control program directly into your brain; only into your computer system that can drive you completely insane and hold you ransom. Yes you will comply with their demands. You will call all your tech friends, or your Dad, and be at tear’s edge, begging them to send fairies with ass-kicking boots your way. They will look all pretty and then, Bam! your computer is fixed and the virus there won’t even know what happened.

I was recently plagued with a virus. There I was sitting on my computer, all innocent, when my computer wanted to run the anti-run program. Here is the letter I wrote to the internet:

Dear Internet,

Oh how I can love you. Most times you are there to bring me stories, videos, and pictures to entertain me endlessly. But there is a bad side; you have a lot of unedited content that sometimes causes me to waste hours on your network, but now I have seen your worst. I was going along, blog on one screen and Lightroom on the other, when I got sidetracked looking at funny homeless men signs. Then all my windows shut down and a virus warning came up – it being the virus. I stopped it from ‘scanning’ my computer and then hit the reset button.

I spent over an hour on the phone with my Dad and ended up with four websites for programs to download. Caleb’s work is the closest internet accessible computer since I unplugged four cords to stop the program and only put three back in. I was stressed and doing what I could – or so I thought. I arrived at Caleb’s job to have him tell me that the computer will not recognize my flash drive because they are no longer legal for the military. Great! I leave there, drive back home, and grab my laptop. I drive down the street stopping at hotels and fast food hoping to use their Wi-Fi.

I get lucky in front of the Holiday Inn on Atlantic Blvd. I sat in the shade and waited for these programs to download. I had tried my phone but the programs weren’t meant for each other – compatible was the word I was looking for. I drive home, plug in flash drive, and boot computer in safe mode. I was only able to get the last one to run and it took about 25 minutes to tell me that the virus wasn’t on my computer; so I restarted it. It was there. I turned the computer back off and then my Dad calls.

My Dad feels bad that he will be going on vacation next week and won’t be available to help me in my time of need. His wife, Caroline, said he should fly out here and help me.  He has yet to meet Caleb and it could help us save over $400 to clean my computer; my Dad says too that the computer-doctor company might not put Humpty-Dumpty back together, correctly. I’m more worried about losing the over 18,000 pictures and all the Adobe programs; though those are replaceable. If I lose my pictures, again (stolen laptop), I doubt I will want to take pictures for a while.

My Dad tries to ensure me that only the C-drive will be affected and that all my pictures on the D-drive will be fine. Well, if the virus deletes Lightroom, won’t I lose the organization that I still don’t fully have. My computer is not able to open any programs unless in safe mode and that has limited options. I have anti-virus software that was outdated by ten days. I couldn’t even find the other program as it seems the virus might’ve eaten it, or disabled it. Then my Dad tells me that this might be a spoof on the actual because it’s not supposed to be this bad and I shouldn’t have this; what a righteous Dad.

There is a possibility that evil has made its way through my IP address to some, bad word adjective for person or business, in wherever land. If that’s the case, I wish they would’ve just asked. Then I could perform evil deeds to their face and get back to what I was doing. To me, it is like when someone steals your wallet. Why can’t they just take the cash instead of making you go through the hassle of cancelling all of your cards. They may end up with a new big-screen TV, but chances are they end up on camera and, well, then they get a free bed for a while. Perhaps not such a bad deal; I have yet to need anything that badly.

Sincerely,
TheJessicaness

I might’ve done anything to get my beautiful computer world back. Luckily, my Dad was able to find the site I needed to conquer the virus. I don’t remember it now, but guaranteed I run my safety programs at least twice a week. Don’t attempt to learn the hard way like I was almost forced to do. Call or Facebook one of your tech friends today and make sure you have the latest anti-virus software installed to keep your happy place healthy and glowing bright for years to come, or next week when the new upgrade comes out. Happy surfing!

 

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Southern Women’s Show – Jacksonville

Posted on October 23, 2011 by TheJessicaness

kid's clothing

I learned of the show by a coupon available in a junk-mail magazine. I went online to get more information and see if I was interested in going. The event was scheduled for four days, Thu-Sun, and I watched the video on their website. It showed a bunch of rich, old ladies trying meaty foods and applying copious amounts of make-up; not my idea of a good time so I didn’t think about it again.

Every Saturday, Mar-Dec, under the Fuller Warren Bridge is the RAM (Riverside Arts Market). We go on occasion, either when we remember and don’t have anything else planned or when we feel like some time away from our dogs. This is the first time we have ever gone for two weeks in a row; what a treat. We were introduced to many new artists and companies; more about them in another post.

Theresa Best Apparel - jewelry & dresses

On this special Oktoberfest day, I happened to notice an especially green tent. I went to unknowingly take a picture of it and quickly got invited in. The tent was educating others like me that were unaware of the amount of people affected by Lyme disease each year. We took with us a new outlook on tiny ticks along with some educational material. Then, Capt Vic Tison asked if we were going to the Southern Women’s Show.

Of course I had thought about not going, but wasn’t hesitant to say that I was glad he mentioned it as we could definitely go tomorrow. Another hesitation was that tickets are $10 per person and we only had one coupon for $2 off; not an investment I was willing to make. Our lucky day; the Captain offers us two complimentary tickets. Well, obviously we wanted to go now. Upon our arrival downtown at the Prime Osborn Convention Center there were city workers, or smart individuals, charging $5 and $7 to park across the street.

Felt Frankenstein for carrying Migi Nail Art

We drove up two blocks to an empty parking lot reserved for the hospital across the street that happens to be closed on weekends and saved another $5. We were one of the early arrivals, but upon checking out the booths of free stuff, with information on helping the less fortunate, were not so early in line. Free things continued to find their way into our free bag while we waited. As soon as the doors opened at 11:00am, we were greeted with a baked treat from Panera Bread. Caleb tried to grab one for himself, but wasn’t allowed as the treats were meant for women’s breast awareness.

We suffered through the free perfume section. The scent was only on paper cards, but was still overwhelming. We walked past many jewelry, make-up, and purse booths. We filled out a survey to win a pink insulated lunch-bag, but not the Chevy Traverse that caught Caleb’s attention, especially with 40mpg/hwy. We got cookies and tried tapenades. There were handouts for shawls, children’s clothing, and aromatherapy, and an opportunity for teeth whitening or to iron-out your wrinkles.

table of face gunk

Something I noticed was that the vendors wanted you to have lots of money but little self-esteem. Many of their products: bigger boobs, comfier heels, more concealing make-up, lightning-fast weight loss, shinier jewelry, and such were geared to make you feel bad about yourself until you purchase all these must-have items. I noticed a pair of jeans hanging and Caleb thought they were cute. I thought they were for children but the lady selling them informed me that I could try them on.

I laughed as I walked away. I am not that small. That wouldn’t help the other companies trying to sell me products to help me quickly lose 20 pounds. I know they realize that would diminish my health while fattening their wallets. I told Caleb I prefer the Men’s Show. It consists of guns, knives, hot sauces, tools, etc. Caleb says they also consist of pills to lose your gut, waxes to un-caveman yourself for the wife, and sprays to add hair to your head for the 9-5.

soap cupcakes

Without watching TV I forget that marketing is based on low self-esteem. I recently watched a film online that had a surprising part in it. According to this video, makers of high-heels and other ‘in fashion’ products change the height and design standards seasonally to ensure people are buying new shoes every year, whether they need them or not. I am glad to say that I have high self-esteem; so much in fact that I can wear what others don’t even deem worthy of donating or attempting to sell to others.

Other vendors at the show were PolliWaterBeads.com. You purchase a bag of peppercorn-size seeds, add them to your plant bowl, water them, and they turn into tapioca pearl-size beads. The make-up booths were more than willing to give eight year olds a makeover; not that they need to know about those yet. There was a guy selling mini-solar products that would be great for camping and on-the-go. I got one nail painted with a flower on it and got the temperature of my neck taken to measure the alignment of my spine; I am mostly normal with a bit of mild nonalignment.

handful of fruit

There were plenty of healthy ‘save-your-life-while-you-eat-like-crap’ drinks and weekend getaways only a subscription away. There was soap in the shape of baked goods, beds, water fountains, garden decorations, home alarm systems, a fashion show, and a Rock-It speaker (portable vibration system that turns pizza boxes and coolers into a boombox). There was a Lindt chocolate booth that seemed to be our last stop, but oh how I wish there was a more local chocolate show for me to attend.

Overall, the amount of giveaways and the free lunch made it worth the free entry and free parking. It is a great way for certain vendors to market towards rich women, ladies with low self-esteem, and mothers that want shiny things for their children. It is also a great way for new and local vendors to get their product introduced to a new market of consumers.

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Occupy Jacksonville

Posted on October 8, 2011 by TheJessicaness

We used to do lots of artsy and volunteering activities locally and traveling on the weekends upon our arrival in Jacksonville two and a half years ago; then came school. I began to get bored with the city thinking it had nothing left to offer. I had to remember that I had stopped looking. Getting back on the scene, I realize we missed a lot. Just because we weren’t there, the fun and engaging activities were still going constantly.

Occupy Wall Street started in New York City as a few hundred marchers. There was but minimal coverage for the first week as occupiers used their phones and social media to help spread the word of their feelings of an unjust government; they are the 99%. I was excited about the event, but somewhat sad that I couldn’t afford to be with them or support them somehow. They camped and marched and got pepper-sprayed in the sun, wind, and rain. I didn’t know if it would last.

got ney?

Soon, Occupy began to spread to Chicago, Boston, and LA. Lucky me, Anonymous organized an event in Jacksonville. The first General Assembly would be October 8th at noon. There would be signs, arguments, sharing, and media. I still can’t decide if the crowd turnout was more or less than I expected, but I was glad to be there regardless. We heard from children in high school, graduates that can’t find jobs, people who had jobs that can’t support their families, others struggling to support themselves, and the senior crowd supporting the future. There was also an outspoken eight-year old, “We are the 99%, we are the 99%!”

It was great to see people who felt strongly on certain topics and being able to voice their concerns to any camera willing to capture their opinion and share it with the world. There were mothers explaining this situation to their kids; they might not fully grasp it yet, but this concerns all the 99% and will greatly affect the 1%, also, if successful.

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First Wednesday Artwalk

Posted on October 5, 2011 by TheJessicaness

If it’s free, it’s me; that’s why we went the first time. We got to learn a little about the, history, architecture, hobbies, events, interests, and people, place we currently call home. Biking and foot traffic is not allowed over the many bridges into downtown and we aren’t familiar with the bus schedule so we park our car in the Downtown Garage on Clay and Adams that allows free parking on this night.

The center of the arts and crafts is at Hemming Plaza near the MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) that is free on Artwalk night. They are constantly updating their exhibits and we were able to enjoy Project Atrium: Melanie Pullen along with other new artists portrayed in the upstairs galleries. From here, we can walk to churches, cafes, the main library, apartment offices, barber and cell phone shops, banks, and other venues displaying local art.

There are paintings, bead work, homemade earrings, pottery, theater, live music, costumes, monthly themes, zoo animal visits, authentic cuisine and samples of local bakeries, dancing, scraps to sculptures, recycled plastic and glass being reused,  t-shirts, buttons, guys playing cards and dominoes, trinket boxes, decorative bags, wire art, face painting, wooden toys, healthcare and fundraising booths, book signings, pets, beer and wine, and enough Downtown Ambassadors and police to make sure the event goes smoothly.

The first time we went we used the paper map handout and attempted to see what we could. We haven’t used the map since. I enjoy “getting lost” as we meander the few blocks between Hemming Plaza and The Landing. We find new businesses starting out and others that have begun to display art to attract more attention; it works. We have enjoyed speaking with the artists about their methods and motivation. There was a mom and wife, the spokeswoman for her kids clothing line and husband’s novel The Unsolved Murder of Lynyrd Skynyrd Bassist.

Imagination Squared: A Community Response Project (902 boxes)

I used to under-appreciate art thinking, “well, even I can do that” and sometimes I still might. Seeing the art and hearing the artist describe their techniques and how much time it has taken them to create their project makes me appreciate art a lot more. Perhaps more now that I enjoy photography, writing, sometimes knitting, original paintings, wood and wire sculptures, other creative arts, and the fact that I know I can’t do what these artists do as I struggle to create myself. I enjoy supporting the arts in different media (when I can afford to) and give thanks to all the inspiration (other artists) out there that keep me thinking and enjoying other aspects of life.

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An Afternoon of Wandering

Posted on October 1, 2011 by TheJessicaness

working

We used to go to St Augustine frequently, the historic district. I love the small hometown feeling and the friendly businesses and colorful architecture. It seems that while I was in school we hadn’t found the time to visit, so this trip would be a special treat. The weather was a cool 68 degrees upon wakening and with a high of 80 we were guaranteed a crowded day in the city. Nothing like a hearty breakfast of one pancake, one egg, one sausage, 1/2 cup of grits, and a glass of orange juice to give us the energy to get going.

My Dad is going to Alaska next summer and I would like to believe that a miracle will happen where we can too. On our way to the historic district we stop at the Outlet Mall to compare prices on some harsh-weather clothing; it seems there are some places Caleb forgot to look up online as good money-saving places to shop. While we are near all the stores we will pick up a few needed things for the kitchen.

"Fire in the hole!"

We parked in our secret free-parking spot and made the short walk to picture-city. We weren’t the only ones that hadn’t been around in over a year and were amazed at all the new art shops and construction that had been completed and newly started. There was plenty of people watching to be had. We learned of the story behind a painting of the St Augustine lighthouse; the artist had taken a helicopter ride to capture the image. We saw original work (not for sale) by Dennis M Smith Jr  for his book Swamp Hattie.

There were pre-wedding photos and bridesmaids dresses that should’ve been longer. The free wax museum is now selling tickets. There is a new statue dedicated to the foot soldiers. We walked different streets full of new plants, bugs, shops, people, and the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. We saw beautiful and affordable art and then we saw price tags of $55,000 and more and all we could think about was how many places (Alaska, Australia, Colorado River, Hong Kong) we could see for that cost.

relaxing

We got to see art in the making, mason jars turned into wine glasses, and the train-friendly riders blowing their whistles while they wait to cross the street (I told the driver she had them ‘trained’). We saw more art, smelled some soaps, saw fish tanks in a gallery, and saw a Wells Fargo between a clothing boutique and a bakery. The historic district doesn’t allow all the fancy signs and billboards and doesn’t want fast food chains taking customers from the historic moment either, but I suppose big banks have enough of the consumers money to set up shop where they deem convenient.

We saw butterflies from around the world along with different size skulls of skunks, alligators, and horned creatures. There was a shop with squishy insoles for sale; perhaps if they weren’t $70 I’d have walked out with some. We had lunch at Barefoot Bill’s. Caleb ordered a bacon cheeseburger with an egg, green bell peppers, onions, lettuce, and ham on top. I’m not sure that’s everything but it was way better than the I’m-not-so-hungry, I’ll just get an appetizer of over greasy, soggy pickles to munch on with ranch dip.

shopping

To make up for the not-so-yummy lunch, we got ice cream for dessert. I got cookies ‘n cream in a cake cone and Caleb got peaches ‘n cream in a waffle cone. As we passed by the Taberna del Gallo we saw a pub crawl in progress. All the tour members got a group picture with the beer maids behind the bar. Just a peek into our favorite hot sauce place, The Pepper Palace, before deciding to call it a day.

We would arrive home to excited dogs, dirty dishes, and smelly sleeping bags. Walk and feed dogs, wash dishes, and off to the laundry mat for the first time in over five years to wash sleeping bags. There are washers for $6, $4.50, and $2.25. Ours fit in the medium. The dryer was 12 minutes for a dollar and it took us $2. The place is monitored 24 hours by camera but the guy that folds and irons leaves after 9:00pm. We were not short on entertainment. Caleb brought a book to read and I brought crosswords.

St Augustine's Finest

A minute later these two girls arrive with a two-year old in tow. The mom is too young to drink but is telling her friend about the argument that will ensue when she gets home to tell the boyfriend she is going out. The two-year old girl runs circles from inside to out and gets mom’s friend to put her in the washer. I suppose there is nothing wrong with a little fun, but being too busy with drama when your kid tells you they have to pee and then spanking them when they wet their pants – not my idea of good parenting.

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