Star Wars Geekery

Fermi Paradox and Elon

http://singularityhub.com/2014/10/05/elon-musk-is-right-colonizing-the-solar-system-is-humankinds-insurance-policy-against-extinction/

http://bigthink.com/videos/bill-nyes-answer-to-the-fermi-paradox

Arthur C. Clarke accurately describes the 21st century...in 1976 - CNET

While other futurists predicted flying cars and robots everywhere, Clarke was more interested in where communication was headed, and his predictions are remarkably accurate decades later.

IT Holiday Party Playlist

link to Spotify playlist for IT Holiday Party

Creating a Better Filing System

I found a great article on the Wirecutter about organizing your digital files, here's an overview:

-How long will it take-

It depends on how many files you have, a day to a week.

-Have a plan-

Start with categories, once everything is filed, file them into sub categories.

Keep in mind to use the same file structure (all singular or plural names, all caps or lowercase). It might be helpful to plot out the folder structure on paper.

-Use specific folders: resources, in progress, final, scrap-

Create a main folder called "Projects" and in that folder create subfolders called "Resources," "In Progress," "Final," and "Scrap" to use for the files you create during the process. Also use filenames like "01," "02," "03," etc in folders and files.

-For photos use: year > month > people > event

Using this structure for your folder allows you to sort by year and search by term: by month, person, or event.

-Pin folders to sidebar-

If you are working on a project or frequently accessing a specific folder or you need a folder with a long file path, you can drag the folder over to "Quick Access" on the left sidebar.

-Include descriptive file name and keywords-

Keywords will make files searchable by those terms.

Head over to the Wirecutter for their article on How to Organize Your Digital Files to get more details and examples.

All about Amazon and Cutting the Cord

I just updated my website with two pages for my parents and friends who are interested in cutting back on the cable bill ;)

Cord Cutting is still not mainstream, but it is gaining in popularity. If you’re curious about how it works or you want some help getting started then you’ll want to check out the resources I’ve curated on the subject.

TV Icon by Creaticca LTD shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license 

Part One: Save some money and Cut the Cable!

Coin bank icon by Laura Reen shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license

On this page, I have the following for you:

​​Advice on deciding which bundle or subscription to choose I would also suggest keeping a list of all of the shows, movies, and channels you like to watch... that will help you narrow in on which bundle or subscription makes the best sense for you

​Select a streaming device I think the best bet for most people is the Alexa Fire Remote with Voice (currently $25 for Amazon Prime Members) but you should choose the best streaming device for your needs... this section will give you the pros and cons of all of the major options

Still want local channels? Even if you opt out of cable, it’s easy and inexpensive to get local channels via a HD TV Antenna

Once you've Cut the Cord, here are some additional items for you to check out on that page: Additional Resources and Bonus Content

Part Two: All About Amazon

There are some really great benefits to Amazon Prime membership beyond free, fast shipping. Check out some of the great features you can take advantage of with your Amazon Prime membership.

Also on this page, I have tips and tricks for using Alexa.

Since the time I was in elementary school I wanted to become a marine biologist to study and swim with sharks.  Next summer I’m planning a trip to Australia and for my 40th birthday, *this* is what I plan on doing....  Check out the video here.  #dreamvacation

Great Whites circling the “ghost cage” video.  This was pretty amazing and would totally love to do this, but with a door that stayed closed!

Dear America: Meet Bernie Sanders. Properly, this time.

Time to set the record straight.

I need to collect all of the Bernie Sanders images/quotes I’ve collected from FB and turn them into an animated gif...  #project

I’m still skeptical... but out of all of the politicians he sounds like the best bet....

some links

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/h-a-goodman/bernie-sanders-can-become-president-has-replaced-i-like-him-but-he-cant-win_b_7733476.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/h-a-goodman/almost-every-major-poll-shows-bernie-sanders_b_7937906.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063

Formative vs Summative Assessment

Blacklisted: The Secret Government Rulebook For Labeling You a Terrorist

The Obama administration has quietly approved a substantial expansion of the terrorist watchlist system, authorizing a secret process that requires neither “concrete facts” nor “irrefutable evidence” to designate an American or foreigner as a terrorist, according to a key government document obtained by The Intercept. The “March 2013 Watchlisting Guidance,” a 166-page document issued last Read more

Exercising the Franchise of Digital Citizenship