Here’s why your Android phone can’t connect to SSL sites through WiFi
If internet access on your phone exhibits weird behavior including being able to browse to non-SSL web sites but not to SSL web sites, try turning off “Data Saver”.
How I remember my YubiKey
[The technique described here is obsolete. Please see this update.] I’ve recently started using a YubiKey NEO for two-factor authentication for sites that support it.1 Because I am using my YubiKey for more and more sites, I tend to leave it plugged in whenever I am in front of a computer for an extended period… Read More »
“CQ Engage” bulk mail service provider enters my global kill file
Recently, I wrote about what prompted me to add Blue State Digital to my global kill file. Today, CQ Engage, a service offered by CQ Roll Call, joins in that dubious honor. The things you need to do to be a reputable bulk mail service provider are actually very simple and straightforward: Publish an anti-spam… Read More »
The people who do customer support at Energizer are idiots
I recently submitted this question to Energizer via the customer support form on their web site: We’ve purchased Energizer batteries from CVS in the past, but we just went to buy some there yesterday and there weren’t any and one of the clerks said they don’t carry Energizer batteries. Then we called the local Staples… Read More »
Hack of the day: change your Netflix password from the command line
My kids watch a lot of Netflix. Some of them watch it too much, and my wife and I want to be able to turn off the spigot at night so that they’ll go to sleep without us having to confiscate all the phones and tablets in the house. Unfortunately, Netflix doesn’t have parental controls… Read More »
Action report: “Detention is Separation: Shut Down ICE” action, Boston, MA, June 30, 2018
A first-hand account of the June 30, 2018 Cosecha Boston pro-immigrant protest, and a call to action. Will you join me in fighting for the respect, digity, and human rights of immigrants?
Why Blue State Digital just joined my global kill file
If you are active online in liberal politics, you’ve probably received email from a company called Blue State Digital, even if you didn’t realize it. Blue State Digital is a digital advocacy platform used almost exclusively by liberal organizations and candidates. If you get email from Democratic candidates, a lot of it comes from Blue… Read More »
Withdrawing my previous recommendation for SunBug Solar
About seven years ago, I paid SunBug Solar a lot of money to install a solar panel array on my roof. As I wrote at the time, I was quite impressed by SunBug and preferred them over the many other installers I evaluated. Since then, I have recommended SunBug to numerous people considering solar installations. Unfortunately,… Read More »
Resorting to legal action against Netgear
As I wrote recently, Netgear introduced a severe bug into their router firmware around seven months ago, making all newer firmware releases since then unusable for many router owners. In the intervening time, numerous severe security holes in their routers have been publicized and patched by them. However, those of us who are running into… Read More »
Oh, please, Eversource, DO waste my time!
Eversource’s “Energy Savings Plan” application for estimating your energy usage and suggesting ways to reduce it is entirely bogus and useless. Don’t waste your time.