MADOC'S OPEN MIC THIS FRIDAY MAY 17 6:30 P.M. AT THE LEGION

Dear Friends:

Meet friends at the Madoc Legion this Friday eve to kick off your May Long Weekend enjoying Live Local Music at Madoc's Open Mic !!

EVERYONE is welcome !! Come out to play or just to enjoy local musical talent in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to seeing your there. (:

Then on Saturday, Sunday and Monday - join Elly, Robert and I at Elly's Farm 2601 Cooper Rd. 10 minutes north of Madoc - for the biggest best Yard Sale you've ever experienced ! :D 

At the Open Mic we have 2 mics and stands, monitors, music stand, remote plug ins and a great sound system (the previous one) - with Robert on sound.(:

Jerry's away this week - but will be back again May 31 for the 3rd Madoc's Open Mic this month. 3 OMs gets us off the Marmora Open Mic night which makes up happy.

Enjoy those warmer temps coming our way this week. AND see you this Friday!!

Elizabeth & Robert 

HOW TO SAFEGUARD YOUR OLDER PC

Fox News

 

How to safeguard your older PC

You can use old computer, but it can be security risk

By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Fox News

Published May 14, 2024 10:00am EDT

 

Whether you have an older PC lying around your home or you're considering buying a used/refurbished PC to save money, there's nothing wrong with doing this. However, there is one problem you should know about: older computers can be more vulnerable to security threats because they haven't been given updates in a long time. This not only puts you at risk, it can also make your computer run more slowly. Additionally, if you sell or giveaway an older PC without properly clearing out the system, you never know who could still have access to your files and data.

 

So, how can you make sure your old PCs – whatever you intend on doing with them – are up to date and don't pose a risk for you? Let's find out.

 

How to safeguard your older PC

 

What are the risks associated with using an older PC?

 

Using an older computer poses a number of security risks based primarily on the fact that the software it's running is outdated. This includes operating systems and applications that may lack essential security patches. These systems are more susceptible to known vulnerabilities and exploits, increasing the likelihood of malware infections and other potential cyberattacks.

 

Additionally, older hardware may have inherent vulnerabilities that simply can't be mitigated through any type of software update, and compatibility issues with modern security software that you could potentially install to mitigate this could only exacerbate the problem. Essentially, as newer systems receive more attention and updates, older computers become increasingly vulnerable and less capable of defending against evolving threats.

 

How to keep an older computer secure

 

Knowing the security risks that come with older computers doesn't mean you should always just resort to buying a new computer. But, it is important to take security seriously and ensure that old computer is as secure as any new one.

 

Here are five steps you can take to keep your system safe:

 

1) Regular updates: Ensure your operating system, antivirus and firewall programs are up to date. This helps patch security vulnerabilities and guards against known threats.

 

2) Consider upgrading your OS: Unsupported operating systems like Windows XP are particularly vulnerable. Consider upgrading to a newer OS or switching to a free alternative like Linux to access current security updates and support.

 

3) Use secure browsing alternatives: Opt for safe and private browsers instead of Internet Explorer, which has officially been retired and is out of support.

 

4) Have good antivirus software: The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information on your PC is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

 

5) Maintain best practices: Adopt good habits like shutting down your computer regularly, uninstalling unused programs and backing up your files to mitigate the risk of data loss due to hardware failure or cyberattacks.

 

How to speed up an old computer

 

Free up disk space: Remove unnecessary software and delete unused files to free up disk space, which can help improve overall performance. Tools like "Disk Cleanup" on Windows can be very helpful for this.

 

Defragment your hard drive: Regularly defragmenting your hard drive organizes data more efficiently, making it easier for your computer to access and improving its speed. This process is automated on modern versions of Windows (7 and later), so there’s no need to do it manually. However, if you’re using an older version, you can use the built-in defragmentation tool.

 

Consider adding more memory: Increasing the amount of RAM in your computer can significantly enhance its multitasking capabilities and overall speed. Research the type of RAM your computer uses and consider adding more if needed. If you’re not comfortable with this, a professional or a tech-savvy friend can help.

 

Update your drivers: Ensure your device drivers are up to date to prevent compatibility issues and optimize performance. Many drivers update automatically, but it's wise to check periodically. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website for instructions.

 

Manage start-up processes: Control which programs launch during startup to reduce boot time and improve performance. Disable unnecessary startup processes using guides tailored to your operating system. On Windows, you can use the "Task Manager" to disable start-up programs.

 

What to do if you sell an old computer?

 

Before selling or getting rid of an older computer, it's crucial to take steps to protect your personal information and ensure the next user doesn't have access to your data. Here's what you should do:

 

Back up your data: First, make sure to back up any important files, documents, photos or other data you want to keep. You can transfer these files to an external hard drive, cloud storage or another computer.

 

Securely erase data: Simply deleting files or formatting the hard drive may not completely erase your data, as it can still be recovered using specialized software. Consider using a data erasure tool or disk-wiping software to securely erase the entire hard drive, making it nearly impossible for anyone to retrieve your personal information. Check out our top data recovery software solutions by clicking here.

 

Sign out of accounts: If your computer is linked to any online accounts or services like your email, social media accounts or software subscriptions, make sure to log out of these accounts before resetting the computer. This prevents the next user from accessing your accounts unintentionally.

 

Remove external devices: Don't forget to remove any external devices connected to the computer, such as USB drives, external hard drives or printers, as they may contain personal data as well.

 

Perform a factory reset: Performing a factory reset is not only essential to wipe all your personal data from the computer and restore it to its original settings, it's often the easiest and quickest option instead of manually doing all the steps above. This process removes all files, applications and user accounts, essentially giving the next user a clean slate. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your computer model to initiate a factory reset properly, and make sure to check that it worked and none of your files are still there!

 

By following these steps, you can ensure that your personal information is safeguarded and that the next user receives a clean and secure computer.

 

Kurt's key takeaways

 

Computers that are regularly updated tend to have less security risk. But that doesn't mean you need to trade in your perfectly good PC for a new one. It just means you have to pay extra attention and take a few additional steps to keep your PC secure. Doing these steps can also ensure your older computer isn't slowing down either.

 

How has the evolution of technology influenced your decision-making when it comes to updating or replacing your devices? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

 

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter. 

MOM ALLEGEDLY BEAT TODDLER LIKE A RAGDOLL ON PLANE WHILE PASSENGERS TRIED TO INTERVENE

Fox News

 

California mom beat toddler 'like a rag doll' on plane as passengers tried to intervene: court docs

California woman Breanna Mistler allegedly kicked and backhanded her toddler, according to federal court documents

By Chris Eberhart Fox News

Published May 8, 2024 12:03pm EDT

 

A Sacramento, California, mom allegedly kicked and backhanded her 2-year-old daughter on a plane after her little one woke her up during a May 1 flight from Mexico, according to federal court documents.

 

Breanna Mistler, 33, allegedly shook her daughter "like a rag doll" while screaming, "Shut the f--- up," which sparked a fight with other passengers who tried to protect the child, court documents say.

 

Mistler allegedly turned her aggression toward the other passengers, and told them to "mind your f---ing business," court documents say.

 

This is the second time in less than six months that the Sacramento mother was charged with child endangerment. In December, she allegedly brought her daughter to burglarize her mother's home and slashed her mother's tires.

 

Mistler was arrested in Seattle when the Delta flight from Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, landed on May 1, and was charged in federal court with misdemeanor assault.

 

"Even by the horrific standards of child abuse cases, this is shocking," prosecutors wrote in the criminal complaint. "It is also the second time in six months that Mistler was charged with endangering her child."

 

Customs and Border Protection officers detained Mistler at the airport and noted bruises in multiple places on the toddler, federal prosecutors said in a press release. The Port of Seattle Police and the FBI took over the investigation.

 

The child was cared for by a victim witness specialist before Child Protective Services placed the 2-year-old with a relative.

 

The presiding judge ordered Mistler to be held behind bars "because (Mistler) had committed the assaults in front of so many people on a lengthy plane trip," court documents say.

 

The next hearing scheduled in the case is a preliminary examination scheduled for May 16.

 

Fox News Digital reached out to Delta Air Lines for comment. 

AH: Some people really shouldn't have children.

HOMEOWNER SENDS NEIGHBOUR A NOTE ASKING NEIGHBOUR TO NOT ALLOW THEIR CATS TO LOOK OUT THE WINDOW

PEOPLE

 

Homeowner Sends Neighbor a Note — and Asks Them to Not Let Cats Look Out the Window

Reddit users have weighed in on the letter, which asks the homeowner to "please keep your cats out of the window"

By Virginia Chamlee  Published on May 10, 2024 10:06AM EDT

 

A Reddit user is igniting viral conversation after sharing a letter sent by a neighbor requesting the poster keep their cats "out of the window," as the pets are causing the neighbor's dog to bark.

 

In a post shared to Reddit, the anonymous user wrote, "I own my own home, and I have three cats (plus two new babies I found outside). Two of them love to sit in the window when it’s nice out. They do nothing but sleep. We keep the windows open as we don’t have AC yet."

 

The cats' habit of sunning in the window apparently doesn't sit well with the neighbor, who sent a letter reading: "Hey neighbor! Can you please keep your cats out of the window? They are causing my dog to sit in the window and bark all day long. I work from home, so this is very difficult. Thanks."

 

The Reddit user shared an image of the letter alongside a photo of one of their cats.

 

Now, other Reddit users are weighing in and overwhelmingly siding with the original poster.

 

One commenter suggested the poster send their own letter to the neighbor, one reading: "please keep your dog out of the window, his presence is disrupting my cat's chakras and chill vibes. k thx"

 

Another suggested the cat-owner send the neighbor a "coupon for local dog trainer."

 

Others noted that there's little the cat-owner can do, save for placing their cats in a cage.

 

"Closing the blinds just results in broken blinds (and a cat in the window)," wrote one commenter, while another wrote, "You cannot stop a cat from sitting in a window. Cats WILL find a way."

 

But, as many noted, dogs tend to be easier to train.

 

"You absolutely can do a number of things to stop a dog from from barking at a window," wrote one commenter. "You can put up a shade, or you can train them not to react, or you can put them in a different room."

 

And while many commenters were quick to note that it's unfair for the original poster to discipline their cats, rather than the neighbor figuring out how to control their own dog, others were more blunt.

 

"Your neighbor is ridiculous," wrote one commenter. 

AH: Sounds like this person lives in the kind of place where folks don't get to know their neighbours and this story shows why not getting to know the people who live closest to you is a bad thing.

MCDONALD'S CONSIDERING FIVE-DOLLAR MEAL DEAL TO LURE BACK INFLATION-EFFECTED CUSTOMERS

Fox Business

 

Published May 10, 2024 7:08pm EDT

McDonald's considering $5 meal deal to lure back inflation-hit customers

News of McDonald's plans for a budget combo come as fast food restaurants see sales dip due to more consumers eating at home

By Breck Dumas

 

McDonald's Corp. is asking its U.S. franchisees to consider offering a $5 meal deal in an effort to convince price-conscious customers to return as fast food restaurants see sales dip due to inflation driving more folks to eat at home.

 

The proposed combo could include a McDouble or a McChicken along with fries and a drink, people familiar told Bloomberg, which first reported the plans. The outlet said this is the second time McDonald's has floated the budget option to U.S. store owners.

 

Global restaurant chains such as McDonald's and Starbucks have seen lower-income customers opting to eat more meals at home amid a cost-of-living crisis, forcing the companies to offer steeper promotions to attract them to their outlets.

 

McDonald's, which has a higher exposure to the lower-income cohort, saw its global sales growth slowing for the fourth straight quarter.

 

"I think it's important to recognize that all income cohorts are seeking value," CEO Chris Kempczinski said last month on a post-earnings call.

 

McDonald's shares were up about 2% at $272.80 following the news. The company did not immediately respond to FOX Business' request for comment.

 

Reuters contributed to this report. 

WHY ITS SO HARD TO RESIST THE PULL OF THE GOOD OLD DAYS

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

 

It's hard to resist the pull of the ‘good old days,' nostalgia researcher says—here's why

By Renée Onque,CNBC • Published May 11, 2024 • Updated on May 11, 2024 at 10:12 am

 

It’s hard to resist the pull of the ‘good old days,’ nostalgia researcher says—here’s why

 

Hearing a sound in passing or getting a whiff of a smell can transport you to a familiar time and place in your life, and more likely than not you'll get excited and want to think about the memory some more — that's nostalgia.

 

While making breakfast in my kitchen this week, I heard the sound of someone cleaning a window which instantly reminded me of a scene from the movie, "Coraline." Immediately, I felt that I wanted to watch the movie despite having seen it countless times, including in theaters this past August, 14 years after its initial release.

 

Even when we aren't looking for it, nostalgia finds us. But we're inclined to seek it out too.

 

Nostalgia is "a wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for return to or of some past period or irrecoverable condition," according to Merriam-Webster.

 

It's a "mixed emotional experience, so when we're nostalgic, we may experience a sense of loss and longing. But we also experience positive emotions such as happiness [and] gratitude," according to Andrew Abeyta, an assistant professor in the department of psychology at Rutgers University in Camden, N.J.

 

Adults playing Game Boys at bars, Gen Zers with flip phones and music artists sampling classic tunes in their new hit songs are all proof that nostalgia is something we gravitate towards, and are willing to pay for.

 

But what's so attractive about the feeling? We talked to Abeyta, who studies nostalgia, to get to the bottom of why the emotion is so desirable and if it's actually good for us. Here's what he says.

 

Nostalgia can foster connection and resilience

 

When Swiss physician Johannes Hofer coined the term nostalgia in 1688, it had a negative connotation, Abeyta notes.

 

"It was thought of as a negative thing, like a mental illness almost, that was brought on by being away from home," he says.

 

Yet, researchers like Abeyta are discovering that "it's not that nostalgia itself was producing negative feelings or negative emotions, but that people were driven to nostalgia because they were experiencing negative emotions."

 

Engaging in nostalgia when you're stressed or lonely can provide positive psychological benefits and be restorative. Thinking back on good memories like the smell of your grandmother's cookies or your mother's perfume can bring about memories of a simpler time and boost your happiness, especially if you're struggling emotionally.

 

"That sort of lets them know that there are people out there that love me and support me and have my back," Abeyta says. "And that makes me feel soothed, and now able to go face the challenges [and] harsh realities of my life."

 

"One of the most impactful benefits of nostalgia that I found in my research is nostalgia promotes a sense of what we call social connectedness," Abeyta says.

 

Often, the memories that make you feel the most nostalgic can be linked to times in your life when you were surrounded by family and friends. Those memories are usually tied to themes of love and belonging, he adds, which you may need during times of hardship.

 

Nostalgia can even help to break the ice if you run into an old friend and aren't sure how to start the conversation.

 

"Eventually, you sort of grease the wheels by talking about the good old days, talking about time spent together, 'Remember this person? Remember that time?' and that kind of gets the bonding kicked off."

 

The potential downside of nostalgia

 

Maybe a certain show or song reminds you of a bad experience from your past. For some, thinking about the memory can bring up negative emotions but end on a positive note. "We call this a redemptive narrative sequence," Abeyta says.

 

"[Someone] might say, 'I had this really terrible relationship, and this person was abusive, and really awful to me. But that experience helped me grow as a person and helped me to become stronger. So even though it was bad, I'm thankful I experienced it,'" he says.

 

While most people lean towards the redemptive narrative sequence, not everyone will think back on negative experiences and pull something positive from it.

 

The opposite side of the spectrum is what researchers call a contaminative narrative sequence.

 

"This is where it starts negative and ends negative, right? There's no redemption," Abeyta says. "These people don't engage in nostalgia very often. They don't really see it as a source of strength, and so they don't engage in it often."

 

Just like comfort food, nostalgia is good in moderation.

 

"Nostalgia is not always a bad thing. [Comfort food] is not always a bad thing. Oftentimes, we see comfort food as unhealthy and fattening. But comfort food is important because it helps us, sometimes, push forward," Abeyta says.

 

"Nostalgia does that too. [It] helps restore positive feelings and gives us this encouragement to go out there and live productive lives."

TEEN ADMITS THROWING LARGE ROCK ONTO HIGHWAY, KILLING 20 YEAR OLD DRIVER

PEOPLE

 

Teen Admits Throwing Large Rock onto Highway, Killing 20-Year-Old Driver

Alexa Bartell was killed when a rock was thrown through her window as she drove

By Liam Quinn  Published on May 11, 2024 08:00AM EDT

 

One of three Colorado teens charged in connection to a series of rock attacks, one of which killed a 20-year-old woman last year, has pleaded guilty to assault.

 

Alexa Bartell died on April 19, 2023, when a large rock was thrown through her windshield as she drove on a highway in Jefferson County, Colo., authorities said at the time. That night, multiple other cars were also struck by rocks in a series of attacks.

 

Joseph Koenig, Nicholas "Mitch" Karol-Chik, and Zachary Kwak, who were all 18 at the time, were arrested in connection with the attacks, and were initially charged with murder, PEOPLE reported at the time.

 

CBS News, The Denver Gazette and The Denver Post all reported that on May 3, Kwak, now 19, pleaded guilty to first-degree assault, second-degree assault and criminal attempt to commit assault as part of a plea agreement that saw his original charges, including murder, dropped.

 

According to the outlets, prosecutors and the defense agreed to a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum of 32 years. Kwak will be sentenced following the conclusion of the cases against the other two defendants, CBS reported.

 

CBS also reported that prosecutors said Bartell's parents agreed to the plea deal, and plan to speak at the sentencing hearing.

 

Online court dockets show that Karol-Chik is scheduled to go on trial in June, while Koenig’s trial is currently slated for July.

 

NBC reported last year, citing court documents, that after the rock attacks, the three teens allegedly returned to the crime scene to take a picture as a “memento." 

DISNEY WORLD CUTS CLASSIC CHARACTER FROM MEET-AND-GREETS AMID SCRUTINY

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

 

Disney World cuts classic character from meet-and-greets amid scrutiny

BY PATRICIA BATTLE THESTREET

UPDATED MAY 07, 2024 5:32 PM

 

Disney World has quietly axed one of its classic characters from doing meet-and-greets at the park, which is a move that comes after the character was flagged internally for its controversial portrayal in films.

 

Tinker Bell, a character from Disney's (DIS) 1953 "Peter Pan" movie, first disappeared from Disney World during the Covid pandemic, along with every other character, as closures shut down the entire resort. When the theme park reopened, Tinker Bell never returned, and now her signage has reportedly been removed from Town Square Theater at Magic Kingdom, the only location where she used to conduct meet-and-greets with fans.

 

Banners at the theater now only inform guests that they can meet “Master Magician Mickey Mouse,” and the only other places to spot Tinker Bell at the resort is during the Festival of Fantasy Parade, where you can see her waving at fans on the Peter Pan float. Fans can also see her take flight over the Magic Kingdom Park after the “Happily Ever After” fireworks show.

 

The move from Disney comes after it confirmed her disappearance from meet-and-greets at the resort in February.

 

“Disney character ‘meet and greets’ do change in the Disney Parks,” wrote a planDisney representative in response to a question about Tinker Bell’s disappearance. “It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the Walt Disney World Resort website for character updates”

 

Tinker Bell has reportedly faced scrutiny from Disney’s Stories Matter team ahead of the debut of Disney+ in 2019. The team reportedly flagged and labeled the character to Disney executives as "potentially problematic," claiming that she is “body conscious” and “jealous of Peter Pan’s attention,” according to a 2022 report from The New York Times.

 

Disney’s Stories Matter team was developed to spot and correct “negative depictions of people and cultures” in Disney’s products.

 

“We are reviewing our offerings beyond the screen, which include products, books, music and experiences,” reads the Stories Matter homepage on Disney’s website. “While advisories for negative depictions of people and cultures may be added to some offerings, others will be reimagined. We are also investing in new ways to better reflect the rich diversity of stories in our world. This work is ongoing and will evolve as we strive toward a more inclusive tomorrow.”

 

Disney’s initiative to clean up its portrayal of certain characters that it deems as problematic has been under scrutiny recently. Most notably, billionaire investor Nelson Peltz, who aimed and failed to land several seats on Disney’s board of directors last month, claimed that people don’t go to see Disney movies for its messaging.

 

“People go to watch a movie or a show to be entertained,” said Peltz in an interview with the Financial Times in April. “They don’t go to get a message.” 

AH: Doesn't sound like stories matter too much to Disney anymore.