Tuesday Sweep: 4 July 2017
Happy 4th of July! Hey, USA! We’re in serious need of some family counseling, but you’re worth the trouble. Democracy matters. Happy Birthday.
Welcome to your weekly reminder to back up your data, update software and otherwise pay attention to your digital environment.
If you have the day off an no plan until this evening… good chance to make some updates!
Jump in Here
- Welcome. If you haven’t been following along, it’s okay. You’re not behind, you’re just where you are.
- I highly recommend the coach tool at the Crash Override Network has a great step by step break down for many of the same introductory steps we did here.
- Feeling more ambitious? Review the list of OneThing articles and pick one to catch up on.
Sweep
The basics.
- Updated software recently? Pick a new device to check on today.
- Backups still up and running? When was the last time you made a clean disk image? Here’s a new great article on how to design a backup system.
- App and Password Gardening: Delete a low quality app from your phone or delete an account that you don’t need that doesn’t make you happy. Digital cruft builds up. Delete it. If you’re keeping it, can you move the password to your password manager (delete it from everywhere else) and add two factor authentication?
- Move to offline archive & delete your histories where you can find them.
- Double check privacy settings on your phone, social media accounts. The folks running the companies can change the TOS and add “features” before you notice them.
Learn: Weekly Round Up
Where do you scan for news?
I <3 Fireworks so we’re going to have a fireworks themed post today.
On the history of fireworks I’m turning to the Smithsonian, an amazing American institution that I am very grateful for. Finally established by congress in 1846, Smithsonian’s call to action for the US was to create as “an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” I like the sounds of that. If you do to, call your congressional representatives on Wednesday to let them know.
For videos on on how Fireworks work or are made
- How Fireworks Work? via The Curious Engineer (4:22 of the very basics.)
- The Chemistry of Fireworks via Reactions (6:31 interview with John A. Conkling, Ph.D., author of Chemistry of Pyrotechnics)
- The Science of Fireworks! via The Royal Institution (a riveting 1 hour+ lecture with loads of examples, leading with comment “The best thing about being a scientist is being paid to have fun”)
- The Science of Pyrotechnic Effects also via The Royal Institution (This time from the point of view of Pyrotechnician Matthew Tosh, 1 hour again)
- How It’s Made Fireworks
- Results for displays at the International Fireworks Competition at La Ronde (Montreal Canada)
Stay safe and enjoy!
Reflect
Feeling dumb or stupid about how not-l33t you are? Angsting over some silly thing you “know better than to do.” Stop. That isn’t useful. Regret is only of use if it prompts an actual change in behavior. Maybe it’s NOT you that sucks. Could be it’s the technology and you could come up with a fix that would help lots of people. Look forward and make a plan.
Engage
We are a community. You are a welcome part of it.
