App Review: Axis 360 (1 star)

Application: Axis 360 (version 3.7.3 released 4/9/2018)

Developer/Published: Baker & Taylor

Platform: Android (version 7.0)

Device: Samsung Galaxy S7

Rating: 1 star

When it comes to Android apps that purport to provide me access to the digital resources of my local library, I’ve learned to not set the bar very high, if at all. All of the apps I’ve tried, and still struggle with, have slowly improved over the last couple of years, but whenever possible, I avoid using them for the same reason I only purchase audiobooks from Downpour: no proprietary software required and no DRM applied.

Continue reading “App Review: Axis 360 (1 star)”

A Dozen Years of DVD Home Delivery Ends

I am one step closer to cutting the cord.  Last month, after nearly a dozen years of DVD home delivery, I switched to a streaming-only Netflix account.  I joined Netflix in November 2005, before streaming was available, originally opting to have three DVDs available at once at home.  Back then, I joined because I really hated due dates, especially from the then very popular home video rental giant BlockBuster.  Where is BlockBuster now?  (Hint:  Netflix bought them)

I searched through my email archive to see the milestones in my Netflix account changes.  I added Blu-Ray discs as a preferred format in 2008 and I believe the “instant watch” or streaming plan became available in 2009.  In 2011, I changed from three to two DVDs at home at once, not wanting to give-up my ‘life-line’ to non-streaming movies and television shows.

Last month, my attitude changed because a couple of series I wanted to watch were not available via streaming nor physical media from Netflix or my local library.  Specifically, The Man in the High Castle, only available through Amazon Prime, and The Handmaid’s Tale, only available through HuluContinue reading “A Dozen Years of DVD Home Delivery Ends”

Lansing Community Library Snack & Chat Tonight

http://www.lansing.ks.us/CivicAlerts/#1331_SingleEntryView

The Lansing Community Library is hosting its first “Snack and Chat” on Tues., Nov.3 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Library, 730 1st Terr. This new quarterly event gives community members an opportunity to meet with the Library Board and Director. Patrons can share thoughts, suggestions and ideas.

For more information, contact Lansing Community Library Director Terri Wojtalewicz at 913-727-2929 or by email at twojo@lansing.ks.us.

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I made chocolate chip cookies and pumpkin bread.

Hope to see you there.

Posted from WordPress for Android via my Samsung smartphone. Please excuse any misspellings. Ciao, Jon

Article: California law says companies can’t punish customers who post negative reviews

California law says companies can’t punish customers who post negative reviews

http://gigaom.com/2014/09/10/california-law-says-companies-cant-punish-customers-who-post-negative-reviews/

Huzzah for California consumers!  Hopefully the other states in the union will quickly follow suit.

Article: Chromecast turns one: why this small streaming stick became such a big deal

Chromecast turns one: why this small streaming stick became such a big deal

http://gigaom.com/2014/07/24/chromecast-turns-one-why-this-small-streaming-stick-became-such-a-big-deal/

Happy Birthday Chromecast!

Best $35 I ever spent.  I’m looking forward to the updates promised in the article above.

Posted from WordPress for Android via my Samsung smartphone. Please excuse any misspellings. Ciao, Jon

Article: Finally, A Way To Find Movies Worth Watching On Netflix

Finally, A Way To Find Movies Worth Watching On Netflix

http://techcrunch.com/2014/07/09/finally-a-way-to-find-movies-worth-watching-on-netflix/?ncid=rss

I’ll give this site a try this weekend.  This is exactly why i don’t like Netflix streaming: I am not going to waste my time slogging through the slush pile of Rotten Tomatoes to find that one priceless pearl of a movie to watch.  There’s always a great book waiting on my shelf to read commercial free and quiet.

Posted from WordPress for Android via my Samsung smartphone. Please excuse any misspellings. Ciao, Jon

Video: The Problem with Facebook

Thanks to one of my astronomy Facebook friends, I watched a video on Faster Than Light Travel (don’t get your hopes up) by Veritasium (an element of truth), which led me to this excellent post on the Problem with Facebook:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9ZqXlHl65g?rel=0]

Devoted GM fan gets the ride of a lifetime at Fairfax plant – KansasCity.com

http://www.kansascity.com/2013/12/03/4667087/devoted-gm-fan-gets-the-ride-of.html

84 years young. Why do I get teary-eyed over these types of articles?  Read all the way to the last sentence and then maybe you’ll understand.

Posted from WordPress for Android via my Samsung smartphone. Please excuse any misspellings. Ciao, Jon

Article: Netflix Overhauls Its TV Interface To Create A Seamless Experience Across Connected Devices

Netflix Overhauls Its TV Interface To Create A Seamless Experience Across Connected Devices

http://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/11/13/netflix-overhauls-tv-interface-seeks-seamless-experience-users-across-connected-devices/

This will be interesting to try out with the Chromecast.

Posted from WordPress for Android via my Samsung smartphone. Please excuse any misspellings. Ciao, Jon

Article: This politician wants to blow up the cable industry’s stranglehold on what you watch

Information technology, net neutrality, video streaming, cable, satellite, broadband

This politician wants to blow up the cable industry’s stranglehold on what you watch

http://qz.com/146523/this-politician-wants-to-blow-up-the-cable-industrys-stranglehold-on-what-you-watch/

Yes!!! I need to contact my Congress men and express my fervent support fir this initiative.

Posted from WordPress for Android via my Samsung smartphone. Please excuse any misspellings. Ciao, Jon