WILLIAMS, Ariz., – While Glen Davis worked for a number of years on his novella, “A Shroud of Evidence,” he did not complete the futuristic tale of faith and chaos until recently. Davis, who works as a Web designer, an author, blogger and photographer, took some time out of his busy schedule to talk about his new book, published through LULU, and spoke about writing in general.
He said the genesis for “Shroud” came to him four years ago in 2005.
“Bill Mize, author of ‘Resurrection Angel’ and ‘Everlasting Life,’ told me about LULU,” Davis said. “I had a friend who asked me to do some research on gun control, which I used to practice making covers and moving around the LULU Web site. The result is ‘Concerning the Militia,’ which can be found on LULU.com. I picked up on ‘A Shroud of Evidence,’ again, at the end of 2008. It started flowing, so I just went with it. I thought it turned out pretty good, so I went ahead and published it with an ISBN. The cover came together very well and I even had a compliment from an artist friend. I mean, everything just seemed to fall into place with this one, so I went with it. And just so people know; it is a fictional account of events that could occur according to the book of Revelation. I was asked if I thought God wanted me to write this book. My answer is that God certainly did not tell me to write this book. I had no vision or anything like that. It is mainly a character generated story. But then again, he didn’t tell me that I couldn’t write it.”
For the past 7 years Microsoft has released security patches for their products on the second Tuesday of each month. Following tradition, Microsoft just issued its largest security patch ever on October 12th, Patch Tuesday. Let me say again that this is the largest patch ever from Microsoft. A total of 49 vulnerabilities are fixed with 16 patches and this far exceeds the previous record of 34.
One of the most notorious exploits, that was mostly fixed, was the Stuxnet virus. This is the virus that attacked the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran earlier this year. I think it was a mistake when we coined the word “virus” to describe these attacks. We forget that what we call a virus is a direct attack by an individual or group. It’s almost as if we accept virus activity like we would accept having a cold. Make no mistake, this virus is not about a few stolen credit card numbers. There is a war going on. There are good guys and bad guys. The good guys are called “White Hat Hackers”, the bad guys are called “Black Hat Hackers”, and they are locked in mortal combat.
The introduction of the Stuxnet Virus changed the game. It amazed and horrified all the current experts. The attack on Bushehr was and still is, a big deal. The Stuxnet virus attacked a physical plant, and a nuclear plant at that. No longer a simple attack on software but a full blown attack on hard objects.
Ubuntu 10.01 (Correction .04) may be the replacement you are looking for
™With word circling about the confusion on Windows™ 7 OEM end user license, some may be desiring to go with Windows™ XP. Though you may be allowed another chance at their “downgrade” rights.
There may, however, be another replacement that you hadn’t considered. And it is free.
I recently purchased a new MSI motherboard and had some other computer components laying about.
Ubuntu now has Version 10.04 on their web site available for download. Unless you have a solid connection, I recommend obtaining a copy from one of their outlets. The disks run about $4.99 and most have free shipping.
A Little History
I was impressed with Ubunutu until about version 8. I was able to restore older computers to usefulness, but then Ubuntu started getting too demanding for older machines.
I do not know how 10 will work on older machines. I haven’t tried it. Since I had the dual-core board and was waiting for parts, I decided to test it.
Installing
Ubuntu has narrowed the questions for installing to about six questions. Unlike Windows™, you do not have to have an internet connection, because you do not have to go through the Windows™ permission slip process. However, to upgrade and get the system working to par, you will.
I pieced together a test machine with the parts I had lying around. I tried to install Ubuntu and got an error message. I was frustrated, but I did make two copies of the ISO that I downloaded, so I tried the second. It installed fine.
The first thing that I noticed was the wireless in the top panel. I needed that to connect to the Internet, but it wasn’t connecting. I checked the hardware and it did recognize my cheap RelTek 8185 based wireless card. I was used to the other OS informing me with that annoying little cartoon balloon that there were wireless connections available.
I suddenly realized another advantage of Ubuntu. It does NOT keep giving you annoying balloons telling you that it demands that you do things. Aha! One more advantage to Ubuntu!
I clicked on the wireless icon and got the menu. There I found the wireless connections available. I selected one, entered the code and voila! I was connected.
The second problem that I encountered was the video player included with Ubuntu. It would not play DVDs. It gave me an error message and, after following the links, I found that they cannot include certain packages in the initial install due to legalities. You have to download and install those packages. After doing so, video DVDs played just fine.
Another advantage to Ubuntu is that there are a myriad of software packages that you can install for free. Simply click on Applications and go down to the last item on the menu to install.
There is a Synaptic package install that you get to through the Administration section, but I cannot remember the exact procedure to get to it. I do not have Ububuntu up right now, but you can find it. You can re-install packages and add other programs not available through the other Ubuntu install.
One thing to remember is that you get what you pay for. For support, you may have to dig for hours through support sites to find your answers. If you are good at search engines and can apply just the right keywords, you may find what you need with the first shot.
I recommend trying it by itself and not installing it on your Windows™ machine right away. It takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you might find it useful to have at least one separate Ubuntu machine available for use.
They do have antivirus software available, but generally Linux machines are attacked less than the other OS. Corporate machines using Linux are attacked, so if you are using it for business, make sure you understand the security before putting it online for your business.
Linux is OpenSource, so there are thousands of developers around the world looking to close any loopholes left open. There are some, but Linux has less open areas than the other OS.
There are hundreds of Linux distros out there besides Ubuntu. Ubuntu is Debian-based and the easiest that I have found to work with when switching from Windows.
2011 Patriot Journal now available.
The 2011 Patriot Journal is now available. It contains much of the same information as the Patriotic Observances Handbook, but includes a monthly calendar, two pages for appointments and journal pages for your thoughts. Few graphics to leave room for your notes.
A guide to the latest patriotic observances and legal Federal Holidays plus a perpetual calendar. Please remember that any graphics in the preview might be in color and they will be in color in the download version. they will be B&W in the print version A work in progress.
One of the projects that I have been supporting on the Pepsi Refresh project is the MEMission. That is difficult to do, because I am a Coke drinker. Pepsi, however, is doing a great thing with this grant project.
While supporting the Williams Youth Center Project with my vote, I ran across the MEMission—named after Mykel and Emily, founders of the organization—who is attempting to get five grand for their project. Their laudable goal is to inspire a love of literature by getting approximately 700 books a year to hand out to students on their birthday. Many of whom are homeless.
The latest news from their blog as of May 28, 2010 at 2:58 am is:
For the second month in a row it doesn’t look like we will be winning the grant. I believe we will be re-entered for June but I am not certain. I will keep you updated.
In the mean time if you have any donations please contact us! We will be more than happy to come by and pick them up or arrange a meeting place!
Emily and I have been really busy lately with the end of the year and finals. Even though we are really busy we will be more than happy to arrange something if you have donations. We apologize for not posting anything lately. Thank You for your support and understanding.
MEMission is on the web site in June, so if you are voting on the Pepsi Refresh project web site, you can vote for this project HERE. If not, go and sign up! It’s free and I haven’t received any spam email from them.
Whether they receive the grant, or not, you can always to go their blog and learn how to donate after.
Patriotic Observance Handbook
The Patriotic Observance Handbook and Patriot Calendar is being made available, though it is still in its formative stages. I went through a search of Title 31 of the U.S. Code, on a search for information on National Prayer Day and was amazed at how many holidays I did not know about. For example, Honor America Days and Gold Star Mothers Day.
I added significant dates concerning American History and the development of our American culture. Yes, Virginia, there is an American culture.
As I watched old tapes of the American War of Independence aired on the History channel years ago, they point out that—even under King George III—the colonies were the freest in the world.
Just finished adding a table with all of the States, dates they were admitted to the union, capitol cities and mottoes.
The work will continue as I have dates to add and some things, but I am hoping that it will help people find the time to study what made this country great—and why we should return to it.
Veterans Run for the Wall
What it's all about
WILLIAMS—(May 20) Vietnam, and other veterans, left Williams this morning on their ten-day journey in remembrance of the veterans whose names appear on the Vietnam Memorial wall in Washington D.C. Their motto, “We ride for those who cannot.” Their first stop every year is the northern Arizona City of Williams.
The Run for the Wall event occurs every year about this time and their first stop is in Williams. The riders came into Williams last night and were treated to a meal at the Cordova Post #14 American Legion hall.
PHOENIX — Favoring the constitutional right to bear arms over others’ concerns about gun safety, Gov. Jan Brewer on Friday signed into law a bill making Arizona the third state allowing people to carry a concealed weapon without requiring a permit.
The measure takes effect 90 days after the current legislative session ends, which likely puts the effective date in July or August.
“I believe this legislation not only protects the Second Amendment rights of Arizona citizens, but restores those rights as well,” Brewer, a Republican, said in a statement.
Alaska and Vermont now do not require permits to carry concealed weapons.
By eliminating the permit requirement, the Arizona legislation will allow people 21 or older to forego background checks and classes that are now required.
Supporters say the bill promotes constitutional rights and allows people to protect themselves from criminals, while critics worry it will lead to more shootings as people with less training have fewer restrictions on carrying weapons.
Some police officials are concerned the law will lead to more accidental gun discharges from people untrained in firearm safety, or that shooters in stressful situations will accidentally strike innocent bystanders with stray bullets.
