Sunday, May 31, 2020
Some of you may remember, the WiredPages Reference page maintained a mini version of CIA's popular World Factbook.
The original interface, parsed the actual World Factbook site files to provide abbreviated data for WiredPages' visitors. As soon as they redesigned the site, my interface was dead. However, I have the original code for proof.
Several years ago, I found online, a 2013 SQL database of the World Factbook. Periodically, I work on the new interface, a Java Servlet that incorporates JDBC to access the underlying SQL data tables.
I am in no hurry to install the interface because my online server is too open and not secure enough. I have no desire to provide the data nor my interface to anyone who wants the data. Some justify, access to my servers by claiming an ongoing investigation. I have reminded the FBI and other legal authorities, they claimed in 2012 a huge mistake was made and they were looking at cleanup efforts. What are they investigating where I am concerned? I said no, I do not authorize illegal access to my sites. I repeat, FBI what questions do you have for me?
I am told that Q's Wire has been tampered with so much, those hoping to claim a libel suit, cannot, because the FBI knows about the tampering. My Thingamablogs [this blog, Remix] are maintained off-line so I do not have the same concerns.
That said, I keep all of the original text files for all posts to any blog on qisoftware.com. So, I can prove what I wrote and what I did not write. The other problem? Timeliness. There is a statute of limitations on a libel suit. I am also not malicious. I wanted others to notice the odd things about my case.
In any case, I stopped posting to Q's Wire long ago, however will add a post every now and again. This post is typical of the type of post I used to post to Q's Wire.
That said, as I have done with many of the interfaces ready to install however sitting safely in my briefcase or a hard drive that goes where I go, I provide a preview of what I am doing and how it will work.
This morning, I did a little more work on the World Factbook interface.
I did not anticipate any problems with development of the new World Factbook interface, just how to get it done in my local environment. You might be surprised by how hard it is to work in a secure area even in my local development environment.
I am pretty pleased with the number of interfaces I have ready to install on WiredPages. Part of the problem, malicious users might take my server down just playing around with the many tools. The other problem-- just too many have too much access to my online sites, and I said no... FBI this is repeated here.
Thursday, May 28, 2020
I have to be honest and explain I have been eating in- for awhile now, even before most U.S. and world communities began observing stay at home guidelines. The main difference in my situation- given the global health concerns, I rarely went to the market to shop before the guidelines were in place. Now, I do almost all of the shopping.
This to explain, why many of my old favorites from restaurants and Mom's kitchen have been part of my meal planning for years.
For example, I loved Duck Chang's (in Annandale, VA) and their Kung Pao Chicken and Sweet & Sour Pork entrées. So about once a week I make Kung Pao Chicken (once a year Sweet and Sour Pork). Photo below from Tuesday's lunch.
Another example, I loved the Western Omelets the JW Marriott (in Washington, DC) offered as part of their brunch service on Sundays. So, Wednesday for breakfast, I decided to make my own version.
Favorites from my Mother's Kitchen, included:
- Enchiladas
- Fried Chicken
- Roast Beef
- Chili
Though Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce has never been a favorite of mine it was one of my sister's, so growing up it was always on the menu. Sometimes, after I moved away from home-- coming home for dinner was just the best, even Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce. I rarely cooked when I moved away from home. Young, single, career minded. Actually, did not know how to cook.
Anyway, recently I purchased a four pound pack of lean ground beef that was on sale for $12, normally $20. I love catching deals like this. Before putting the meat into the freezer, I divided it into four, 1 pound portions and one quarter pound portion. I vacuum sealed each portion, and began planning what I would do with the meat.
This week I decided to try my Mother's Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce.
Earlier this month, I tried my version of her chili and enchilada recipes using ground beef I purchased in early March 2020. Did not take photos of the enchiladas.
Somethings you may want to consider for your own menu planning:
Okay, with all of this shopping and cooking, do I find time for other things? Yes, the shopping takes up a lot of my time, however I am getting other things done. Many of my new tools and interfaces are ready to be installed on my sites, just looking at the same security issues and eating a lot...
Monday, May 25, 2020
We decided not to venture far from home for the Memorial Day weekend, so we stocked up on a lot of favorites to insure we had plenty to eat.
These days, I do most of the shopping and though I try to include a wide variety for meal planning, I think I am purchasing more sweets than were purchased in the past.
We are now purchasing meats in bulk and using a vacuum sealer to repackage smaller portions for daily meals. I like the choices this affords when planning meals.
For example, the meal today consisted of two ½ inch pork loin chops, purchased from Costco in bulk a little over two months ago.
I like the vacuum sealer I purchased as a holiday gift for the house several years ago, however only recently started using it on a regular basis. Shown below, the sealer I have (no longer available) and a very popular unit- slightly more expensive. //personal.qisoftware.com/blog_images/VacuumSealerBags.png
I consider a vacuum sealer a great investment, and as I have already mentioned, love the fact I now have options in the freezer for meals.
Hope you are having a wonderful Memorial Day. Weather here- beautiful and I am finding lots to do around the house.
