Gear Review: KEEN Alamosa WP Hiking Boots

I'm really impressed with KEEN's waterproof Alamosa hiking boot.  You can watch my short video review here and/or read the text below:



This is a review of the KEEN Alamosa hiking boot that you see right here in front of you.  I've owned this boot for about 6 months now.  I've done a number of mid-length hikes in them: Grand Canyon (down and up) Mount Baldy in the San Antonio range in California, and some shorter ones in cooler weather up in Ontario and the Canadian Shield, which is where I live.

The construction of this boot is all very soft, very pliable leather.  Very lightweight.  I want to emphasize that... it's a lightweight hiking boot.  It's probably not going to give you the support of a full, heavier hiking boot.  But for what you're getting it's amazing.  Amazing support for this lightweight hiking boot.

Together they weigh less than 1 kg.  About 990 g, that's about 2.2 or 2.3 lbs for he pair, together.  So, nice and lightweight.

Being a KEEN, it's got the nice toe-stop here, and a very generous toebox, which is what I like.  This is a size 11, which is a European 44.5.  It fits me perfectly, my first pair of KEEN's actually but probably not my last.  Lots of room in the toebox which is what I like and then you can cinch up the ankle with the lacing.

One lace, lots of little pulls that are adjustable.  So if you see here, this will give if you want.  It's connected down here and around the back and it comes out again on the other side. So you can alce it up and get a really snug feeling all the way around your heel and that's really handy when you're going downhill, or encountering some difficult terrain, or carrying a heavy backpack.

IT's got the quick lace-up here, all plastic, no metal on this boot.  Nice plastic quick lace.  They've got a really nice eye in there so the lace grabs right in there and holds it really well, really tight.

It's a waterproof boot, and I can attest to that.  I've hiked through water that's probably up to about here.  At least ankle-deep water, and my feet have remained largely dry.  Maybe a little bit, you know, where it's crept in around the tongue, a little bit wet there.  But that's just a function of the water going too high.  It's got the KEENDry system.  What you can see is that it's brown up here and inside it gets a little silver lining.  The lining goes all the way around and that's what they call the KeenDry lining.  I'm not sure if it's a GoreTex or something like that but basically from this point all the way around it's covering down, so you stay nice and dry in there.

Good ventilation.  All of this is mesh, so very pliable, very breathable in the hot weather.  It was about maybe 30 C in the Grand Canyon and my feet didn't sweat too much.  And then the hikes I've done around here I've gone down to about 10 C below 0, in the snow and they've been nice and toasty, as long as I'm moving.  Great hiking boot as far as I'm concerned.

On the bottom, not amazing traction but you've got at least 4-5 mm in the tread depth.  I don't know how they come up with these patterns but it feels pretty good.  It's a little slippery on ice or frozen rock as you would expect.  But if you have any kind of dirt or wood on a hiking trail it feels really nice, really good.

Maybe I'll just show you here, you can see on the left foot there's a little fold on the leather, a compression.  No one's two feet are the same, so when you cinch it up you can really, you just gotta pull on the top and the whole thing, even down here ill really nicely cinch up.  You can bring the soft leather in and it really feels like it conforms around your foot.  Your heel really stays back here very nicely.

So, I don't know if they sell them any more actually.  I was looking online, I got these at Atmosphere, which is a Sport Expert knockoff.  But they're also on OutdoorGear, Amazon, etc. but I can't seem to find any recently.  So I'm not sure if they stopped manufacturing them.

But if you want a lightweight hiking boot that gives amazing waterproof and amazing support, this KEEN Alamosa is the one.

Thanks for watching, Subscribe if you liked the video and we'll see you soon with more gear reviews and how-to's!

Why I'm Not Applying for the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card

When Tangerine bank launched it's new Money-Back Credit Card earlier this fall the blogosphere was abuzz as everyone drooled over how much cashback they would make with a zero-fee credit card!   And it's true, at first glance the concept seems like a no-brainer.... plenty of cashback categories, free additional cards, and no fees.  I even signed up for the sneak preview and got my approval email yesterday.

But I'm not applying for Tangerine's new card.   Instead I will stick with my Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite that made its way into my wallet a year and a half ago.  Why?  Because the Scotia Visa gives me more cashback!

The Comparison

Assuming you want a credit card that will maximize your cashback (and I hope you do), you need to consider a few items:

1. The total value of your annual credit card purchases
2. How many people will use the account
3. What types of purchases you charge to your credit card (which stores/merchants/etc.)
4. How and when you want to receive your cashback
5. What other benefits are important

Total Purchases and Users (items 1-2)

My wife and I both use the same card (on the same account), and charge a combined dollar value of just over $30,000 per year.  Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite splits that up into 3 categories:

• Gas/Groceries  (4% cashback)
• Recurring Payments/Drugstore  (2% cashback)
• Everything Else  (1% cashback)

By contrast, Tangerine's new Money Back Mastercard has 10 spending categories, and allows you to pick 3 of them for 2% cashback.  Spending in any of the remaining 7 categories yields only 1% cashback:

• Grocery
• Eating Places
• Gas
• Drugstore
• Entertainment
• Furniture
• Hotel/motel
• Recurring Payments
• Home Improvement
• Public Transportation and Parking

Types of Purchases

The key to this whole process is understanding your spending patterns.  A financial budgeting and analysis tool like Mint.com really helps with this process (although I ended up sorting a lot of the raw data in a spreadsheet).  Our family's top 3 credit card spending categories are Recurring Bills (about 15%), Groceries (11%) and Gas (10%).  Eating Places is a close 4th at around 10%.  So obviously I would select those 3 categories as my 2% cashback options, electing to receive only 1% for remaining categories.   If you're paying attention you may have noticed that all those 3 categories fall in the Scotia Visa 4% or 2% cashback.  So instantly we see that I'm losing 2% in the Groceries and Gas bucket.  

The million-dollar question: is 2% enough to cover the fees associated with Scotia's Visa? Turns out in my case, it is.   I ran all the numbers in all 10 categories and my net cash back (that is, total cashback minus any fees associated with the credit card) was within $3 of each other, in Scotia Visa's favour!

Note Your numbers could be completely different, which is why you must run them and understand your spending habits to make an informed decision.  If your largest spending is in Hotels and Home Improvement, you would likely get better benefit from Tangerine's Mastercard.

The Rest of the Story (items 4-5)

Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite credits your cashback amount to your credit card statement each year in November no matter when you signed up (my Amazon.ca Rewards Visa, on the other hand, automatically provides a statement credit each time your cashback amounts to $20).  Scotia charges me $99 for the first card, and an additional $30 for a secondary card.  My total annual fees are $129, which were factored into the comparison earlier.  These fees are charged to the credit card every January.

I looked on the Tangerine site but didn't see the method or frequency of Tangerine's cashback procedure.  It is important to note that, for this card to make sense, you should deposit your cashback in aTangerine Savings account (if you elect not to do this, the amount of 2% cashback categories allowed drops from 3 to 2).  

Both cards provide some standard Purchase Assurance and Extended Warranty, but Scotia's Visa gives me a number of insurance products, including: Travel Medical Insurance, Trip Interruption Insurance, Flight Delay, Lost Baggage, Travel Accident Insurance, and Collision/Loss Damage Insurance for rental cars!  The Scotia Visa has a high (but standard) foreign currency exchange rate of 2.5%... Tangerine's Mastercard is only 1.5%.  This category isn't important to me as I use the Amazon.ca Rewards Visa for all foreign currency transactions (it doesn't charge any exchange fee!).

The Winner

The winner for me is clearly the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card.  It gives me the most net cashback (though only by a little), and it provides the highest cashback return on spending categories I know I will always have: Gas/Groceries, and Recurring Bills.  It also gives me a number of insurance benefits that I use regularly when travelling.  

That said, even though I won't be using Tangerine's Money Back Mastercard, it might be the right fit for you.  If you spend substantially less on a credit card in any given year, or if your spending categories are not mostly Gas, Groceries,and Recurring Bills, the Tangerine Mastercard may be a better overall choice.  Running the numbers is really the only way to tell!

How To fix cracked motorcycle fairings: Honda CBR125

Here's a quick video on how to repair the left side fairings of a Honda CBR 125.  This bike took a spill when my wife went over the handlebars on a corner (saving a busfull of nuns careening toward a group of bunnies).  The left fairing took some damage and broke a couple pieces that keep it secured to the frame.

In this video I go through a quick and dirty fix with plastic cement:

SNES Emulator on Elementary OS Linux

Getting SNES emulation to work on your linux machine is super easy.  I'm running elementary OS Freya on an Acer C720 chromebook.

The two main contenders for SNES emulation are SNES9x and ZSNES.  Between the two options, you want ZSNES.  SNEX9x is ok and much easier to use, but ZSNES offers more customisation and works better on my linux machine.

The best part is that it's already included in the repos: 

sudo apt-cache search zsnes
sudo apt-get install zsnes

I had to also install jstest-gtk in order to get my iBuffalo SNES retro usb gamepads to work.  Once installed, they worked like a charm and only required button configuration in ZSNES.  

sudo apt-get install jstest-gtk

Now head on over to DopeROMs and grab some of the classics.

HJC CL-17 Motorcycle Helmet Review

Here's a little review of HJC's CL-17 motorcycle helmet.  I picked this up from Royal Distributing early this riding season (also check out Canada's Motorcycle in Canada or Revzilla in the USA) and have been using it for 1-2 months.

The helmet review is mostly positive with really only a couple shortfalls.  Here's a link to the manufacturer page as well.

How to Change Motorcycle Engine Oil & Filter: Honda CBR 125

This is the 3rd of 3 videos showcasing some maintenance I'm performing on a 2008 Honda CBR 125 motorcycle for my wife.  The factory service manual recommends cleaning the oil filter (strainer) every 12,000 kms and this bike already has 16,000 kms... I can't confirm that it's every been done so why not do it yourself and provide some peace of mind!

TOOLS:
-12mm socket
-10mm deep socket
-Set of screwdrivers
-rubber mallet
-needlenose pliers



Previous video: How to Adjust Motorcycle Valve Clearances (CBR 125)

Make sure to subscribe and thanks for watching!

How to Adjust Motorcycle Valve Clearances: 2008 Honda CBR 125

This is the 2nd of 3 videos showing some maintenance on a 2008 Honda CBR 125 motorcycle I picked up for my wife.  In this video, I'm going through how to check & adjust valve clearances (valve lash).  It's pretty easy to do and really the only hardship is the small working space.



Previous Video: How to Fix Motorcycle Temperature Gauge (CBR 125)
Next Video: How to Change Engine Oil & Filter (CBR 125)

Thanks for watching! Remember to subscribe and check out the other videos on the channel.

How to Fix Motorcycle Temperature Gauge: 2008 Honda CBR 125

This is the 1st video of 3 showing some maintenance on a used 2008 Honda CBR 125 I picked up for my wife.  I bought the bike used, private sale with about 16,000 kms on the odometer.  The first thing I noticed was that the temp gauge wasn't moving at all (i.e. showing no temperature).  The previous owner wasn't helping out with any info so I decided to pull a few things apart and check things out for myself.



If you liked this video, consider subscribing to my channel.  Make sure to check out the next Honda CBR 125 maintenance instalment: How To Adjust Valve Clearances.

How to Change Car Engine Oil: 2003 Mazda Protege

Here's a quick video showing how to change the oil in your car.  This is for a 2003 Mazda Protege LX 2.0L... but the technique remains largely the same with most modern vehicles.

For this specific vehicle, I'm using:

• Fram 6607 oil filter
• 3.5 L of engine oil (this is the required amount with a filter change)
• 5w-30 for -30C to +40C (or 10w-30 for -20C to +40C)

Thanks for watching and feel free to post any question or comments to the youtube video feed.

How to Make Money on Youtube: Enable Monetization

Well, although I'll still keep this blog going I'm also starting to detail some projects and how-to's on youtube.  You can find my youtube account here, under the name anjpvideo.

Let's start where I'm starting: how to start making some money on youtube by enabling video ads.  This is done by enabling the overall setting called 'monetization'.  It's pretty simple to do and there are almost no prerequisites.  Take a look below!



If you like this video, you can subscribe to my channel and follow future tips, tricks, and how-tos.  Thanks for watching!

Acer C720 Linux Ubuntu Brightness Keys (ElementaryOS)

This is written for the Acer C720-3445 ("NX.SHEAA.019") running elementary OS Freya beta-1, but it should work for other Acer C720 models and/or other ubuntu-derived flavours.

After installing your favourite flavour of linux on your Acer C720 chromebook, you may notice that the special function keys above the numbers row do not work as anticipated.  These are actually just normal function keys (i.e. "F keys") that you see on a normal keyboard, but instead of being labelled F1, F2, F3... they are labelled with pictures.

You'll notice that you can use them just like normal Function keys.  For example, ALT + F4 (the fullscreen image key) will close a program and F1 (the "back" key) will pull up a Help Menu on most applications.  Getting the volume keys working is pretty straight forward.  The keys that normally control this function are XF86AudioMute XF86AudioLowerVolume and XF86AudioRaiseVolume, but we're going to change them to F8, F9, and F10, respectively.  In elementary OS and other ubuntu 14.04 derivations, this keybindings can be manually set quite easily from the System Settings > Keyboard > Media menu:

Settings the brightness keys is more difficult, since the option for brightness keybindings is not build into the elementary OS or ubuntu settings.  However, this can be accomplished through the custom keybindings settings in org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.media-keys custom-keybindings.  The goal is to use a package called xdotool to call the brighness keys behind the scenes.  We'll then bind this process to the F6 and F7 keys on the Acer keyboard.  Here's how it is accomplished:

First, grab the xdotool application.  It should already be accessible from the repositories:

sudo apt-get install xdotool

The keys we want are XF86MonBrightnessDown and XF86MonBrightnessUp.  You can test these commands by opening an terminal and running:

xdotool key XF86MonBrightnessDown
xdotool key XF86MonBrightnessUp

You should see your screen brightness decrease, then increase.  It should also tie in with elementary OS's info window.  Next is to check if you already have any custom keybindings.  Run:

dconf read /org/gnome/settings-daemon/plugins/media-keys/custom-keybindings

It should come back empty.... if not, you've probably already modified it and will need to make sure your current custom keybindings are not deleted.  Next, we will create two keybindings: one for brightness down and another for brightness up.  Let's call them custom1 and custom2, respectively:

gsettings set org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.media-keys custom-keybindings "['/org/gnome/settings-daemon/plugins/media-keys/custom-keybindings/custom1/','/org/gnome/settings-daemon/plugins/media-keys/custom-keybindings/custom2/']"

You can check these settings visually with dconf (dconf-tools):

All that's left is to set the name, binding, and command parameters.  Start with brightness down/ F6:

gsettings set org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.media-keys.custom-keybinding:/org/gnome/settings-daemon/plugins/media-keys/custom-keybindings/custom1/ name 'BrightnessDown'

gsettings set org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.media-keys.custom-keybinding:/org/gnome/settings-daemon/plugins/media-keys/custom-keybindings/custom1/ binding 'F6'

gsettings set org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.media-keys.custom-keybinding:/org/gnome/settings-daemon/plugins/media-keys/custom-keybindings/custom1/ command 'xdotool key XF86MonBrightnessDown'

And here's brightness up for F7:

gsettings set org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.media-keys.custom-keybinding:/org/gnome/settings-daemon/plugins/media-keys/custom-keybindings/custom2/ name 'BrightnessUp'

gsettings set org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.media-keys.custom-keybinding:/org/gnome/settings-daemon/plugins/media-keys/custom-keybindings/custom2/ binding 'F7'

gsettings set org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.media-keys.custom-keybinding:/org/gnome/settings-daemon/plugins/media-keys/custom-keybindings/custom2/ command 'xdotool key XF86MonBrightnessUp'

The keys should work as per the keypad now.  Note that this will likely screw up your native F6 and F7 functions, which was not a problem for me since those keys were never used for anything else.  I also had to restart my computer before the keybindings took affect.

Elementary OS Luna Configuration Script

Elementary OS 'Luna'  rocks!...... BUT, it does need some help out of the box.  Nothing crazy, mostly look & feel improvements, removing programs and adding others.  I'm in the middle of buying a new laptop, and am trying out lots of different installs.  To help save time (and sanity) I wrote a short script to configure Luna the way I want right after install.

Now, it's not perfect.... there may be a few hiccups but it basically turns this:

.
.
. . .into this:

I think it's a lot more polished look, so I'm sharing the script below to help my fellow elementary OS-ers.  

What it does

Uninstalls all these default applications:

• Midori (default browser) 
• Software Center (default software management)
• Scratch (text editor) 
• ModemManager (does anyone really need this?)
• Empathy (chat aggregator)
• Indicator-messages (empathy chat in the toolbar)
• Maya (default calendar)
• Geary  (mail app....because, really, nothing beats Gmail in the browser)
• Shotwell (photos)
• Totem (video player)
• Noise (I was going to replace this with Clementine but turns out I like Noise better)

Installs these (better?) applications:

• Google Chrome
• Firefox
• Zotero  (& Qnotero)
• Dconf tools
• Gedit (text editor)
• Gnome Partition Manager
•  VLC media player
• Lots of unzip and file packaging utilities
• Ubuntu Restricted Extras
• Pinta (image editor... yeah, I like it better than the Gimp)
• GPicView Image Viewer
• Elementary Tweaks (this rocks!)
• a bunch of Elementary Window, Icon & Plank themes
• Super Wingpanel & Synapse search indicator
• Skype
• Libreoffice & dictionaries
• QBitTorrent
• Conky

Makes some settings & config changes:

• Shortens window open/close animation time
• Reduces window shadows but about 90%
• Top-left hot corner shows all windows
• Default "list" in pantheon-files (instead of icons) and default double-click (instead of single)
• Change Plank icons (smaller) and apply HUD theme
• Apply elFaenza icon set to everything
• Configure Conky (a la custom elementary OS conky theme)
• a few other gedit and terminal settings changes

Some cavetats

• Some applications need 3rd party repositories.  These REPOSITORIES WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR APPROVED LIST
• You might need to make some edits to your conky script to get it working properly
• Super-Wingpanel and Conky might not work correctly until a reboot
• Many settings can be modified and tweaked via Elementary Tweaks.  Access this from your Settings application menu.

Ok, ok, where's the script?

Download it here or copy the full text below:

#!/bin/bash        

### Written by anjp on 04-November-2014
### http://justplainobvious.blogspot.com
###  
### Download Elementary OS from here:
### http://sourceforge.net/projects/elementaryos/files/stable/
###
### Save this script as Luna_config.sh and run in Terminal "sudo sh Luna_config.sh"


###  Function list
RunWholeScript(){
    while true; do
        read -p "Are you sure? Run with NO USER INPUTS (y/n)???" yn
        case $yn in
            [Yy]* )
                    ### Remove the eOS Junk                  
                    read -p "First is removing eOS default apps.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause
                    sudo apt-get autoremove --purge midori-granite software-center scratch-text-editor modemmanager empathy indicator-messages maya-calendar geary shotwell totem              
                    echo "Done removing eOS junk apps...\n"
                    ### Add all the new Repos
                    read -p "Next is adding new Repos.  Be patient.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause
                    sudo add-apt-repository ppa:pinta-maintainers/pinta-stable
                    sudo apt-add-repository ppa:versable/elementary-update
                    sudo add-apt-repository ppa:smathot/cogscinl
                    sudo apt-add-repository "deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ precise partner"
                    sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libreoffice/ppa
                    sudo add-apt-repository ppa:git-core/ppa
                    wget -q -O - https://dl-ssl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo apt-key add -
                    sudo sh -c 'echo "deb http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list'                  
                    wget https://raw.github.com/smathot/zotero_installer/master/zotero_installer.sh \    -O /tmp/zotero_installer.sh
                    chmod +x /tmp/zotero_installer.sh                  
                    echo "Done adding Repos...\n"
                    ### Update
                    read -p "Next is an apt-get update.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause
                    sudo apt-get update
                    echo "Done with update\n"
                    ### Install new software                                      
                    read -p "Next is installing all new software.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause                  
                    sudo apt-get install google-chrome-stable firefox dconf-tools gedit gedit-plugins gparted vlc unace unrar zip unzip xz-utils p7zip-full p7zip-rar sharutils rar uudeview mpack arj cabextract file-roller ubuntu-restricted-extras pinta gpicview elementary-desktop elementary-tweaks elementary-blue-theme elementary-champagne-theme elementary-colors-theme elementary-dark-theme elementary-harvey-theme elementary-lion-theme elementary-milk-theme elementary-plastico-theme elementary-whit-e-theme elementary-elfaenza-icons elementary-emod-icons elementary-enumix-utouch-icons elementary-nitrux-icons elementary-taprevival-icons elementary-plank-themes super-wingpanel indicator-synapse qnotero skype libreoffice libreoffice-style-human libreoffice-style-oxygen libreoffice-style-crystal libreoffice-style-sifr libreoffice-style-tango libreoffice-style-galaxy libreoffice-pdfimport hyphen-en-us mythes-en-us libreoffice-help-en-us qbittorrent git conky lm-sensors
                    sudo /tmp/zotero_installer.sh
                    sudo rm /tmp/zotero_installer.sh
                    echo "Done installing new software...\n"                                      
                    ### Gala Configs - Window Animations
                    read -p "Next is shortening Window Animations.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause                                      
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.gala.animations close-duration 260
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.gala.animations menu-duration 120
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.gala.animations minimize-duration 160
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.gala.animations close-duration 300
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.gala.animations snap-duration 120
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.gala.animations close-duration 300
                    echo "Done shortening Window Animations...\n"
                    ### Gala Configs - Change to Windows Min/Max/Close
                    read -p "Next is changing window min/max/close buttons.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause                                      
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.gala.appearance button-layout ":minimize,maximize,close"
                    echo "Done changing window buttons...\n"
                    ### Gala Configs - Change Hot Corner Top-Left
                    read -p "Next is changing top left hot corner.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause                                      
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.gala.behavior hotcorner-topleft "window-overview"
                    echo "Done changing window buttons...\n"
                    ### Gala Configs - Decreasing Window Shadows
                    read -p "Next is decreasing window shadows .  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause                                      
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.gala.shadows dialog-focused "['2','-1','0','1','190']"
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.gala.shadows dialog-unfocused "['2','-1','0','1','130']"
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.gala.shadows menu "['2','-1','0','1','130']"
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.gala.shadows normal-focused "['3','-1','0','2','220']"
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.gala.shadows normal-unfocused "['2','-1','0','2','150']"
                    echo "Done decreasing window shadows...\n"
                    ### Gala Configs - Files LIST VIEW and DOUBLE CLICK
                    read -p "Next is changing Files List View and Double Click.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause                                      
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.files.preferences default-viewmode "list"
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.files.preferences single-click false
                    echo "Done Gala Files configs ...\n"
                    ### Gedit Configs
                    read -p "Next are gedit formatting configs.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause                                      
                    gsettings set org.gnome.gedit.preferences.editor auto-indent true
                    gsettings set org.gnome.gedit.preferences.editor display-line-numbers true
                    gsettings set org.gnome.gedit.preferences.editor display-right-margin true
                    gsettings set org.gnome.gedit.preferences.editor wrap-mode none                
                    echo "Done gedit configs...\n"
                    ### Terminal Configs
                    read -p "Next is changing terminal forget tabs upon reload.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause                                      
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.terminal.settings remember-tabs false                  
                    echo "Done terminal configs...\n"
                    ### Super Wingpanel Configs
                    read -p "Next Super Wingpanel configs.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause                                      
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.super-wingpanel enable-slim-mode true
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.super-wingpanel hide-mode "Intellihide"
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.super-wingpanel slim-panel-edge "Curved 3"
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.super-wingpanel slim-panel-separate-launcher true
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.desktop.super-wingpanel slim-panel-margin 64
                    gsettings set org.pantheon.cerbere monitored-processes "['super-wingpanel', 'plank', 'slingshot-launcher --silent']"
                    killall wingpanel & super-wingpanel &        
                    echo "Done super-wingpanel configs...\n"
                 
                    ### Plank
                    read -p "Next is configuring Plank.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause
                    rm ~/.config/plank/dock1/settings
                    rm ~/.config/plank/dock1/launchers/*                                  
   echo "#This file auto-generated by Plank.
#2014-11-05T04:11:42+0000

[PlankDockPreferences]
#Whether to show only windows of the current workspace.
CurrentWorkspaceOnly=false
#The size of dock icons (in pixels).
IconSize=40
#If 0, the dock won't hide.  If 1, the dock intelligently hides.  If 2, the dock auto-hides. If 3, the dock elementary-hides.
HideMode=3
#Time (in ms) to wait before unhiding the dock.
UnhideDelay=0
#The monitor number for the dock. Use -1 to keep on the primary monitor.
Monitor=-1
#List of *.dockitem files on this dock. DO NOT MODIFY
DockItems=google-chrome-stable.dockitem;;firefox.dockitem;;zotero.desktop;;libreoffice-startcenter.dockitem;;pantheon-files;;switchboard.desktop;;pantheon-terminal.desktop;;gnome-screenshot.desktop
#The position for the dock on the monitor.
Position=3
#The dock's position offset from center (in percent).
Offset=0
#The name of the dock's theme to use.
Theme=HUD
#The alignment for the dock on the monitor's edge.
Alignment=3
#The alignment of the items in this dock.
ItemsAlignment=3" > ~/.config/plank/dock1/settings


echo "[PlankItemsDockItemPreferences]
Launcher=file:///usr/share/applications/google-chrome-stable.desktop" > ~/.config/plank/dock1/launchers/google-chrome-stable.dockitem

echo "[PlankItemsDockItemPreferences]
Launcher=file:///usr/share/applications/firefox.desktop" > ~/.config/plank/dock1/launchers/firefox.dockitem

echo "[PlankItemsDockItemPreferences]
Launcher=file:///usr/share/applications/zotero.desktop" > ~/.config/plank/dock1/launchers/zotero.dockitem

echo "[PlankItemsDockItemPreferences]
Launcher=file:///usr/share/applications/libreoffice-startcenter.desktop" > ~/.config/plank/dock1/launchers/libreoffice-startcenter.dockitem

echo "[PlankItemsDockItemPreferences]
Launcher=file:///usr/share/applications/pantheon-files.desktop" > ~/.config/plank/dock1/launchers/pantheon-files.dockitem

echo "[PlankItemsDockItemPreferences]
Launcher=file:///usr/share/applications/switchboard.desktop" > ~/.config/plank/dock1/launchers/switchboard.dockitem

echo "[PlankItemsDockItemPreferences]
Launcher=file:///usr/share/applications/pantheon-terminal.desktop" > ~/.config/plank/dock1/launchers/pantheon-terminal.dockitem

echo "[PlankItemsDockItemPreferences]
Launcher=file:///usr/share/applications/gnome-screenshot.desktop" > ~/.config/plank/dock1/launchers/gnome-screenshot.dockitem
                    echo "Done Plank configs...\n"
                 
                    ### Conky
                    read -p "Next is configuring Conky.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause                                      
                    wget http://anjp.comlu.com/scripts/.conkyrc
                    mv  ~/Downloads/.conkyrc ~/
                    wget http://anjp.comlu.com/fonts/Dotmatrx.ttf
                    wget http://anjp.comlu.com/fonts/PIZZADUDEBULLETS.ttf
                    wget http://anjp.comlu.com/fonts/STYLBCC_.TTF
                    wget http://anjp.comlu.com/fonts/openlogos.ttf
                    wget http://anjp.comlu.com/fonts/weather.ttf
                    mkdir ~/.fonts/
                    mv ~/Downloads/Dotmatrx.ttf ~/.fonts/
                    mv ~/Downloads/PIZZADUDEBULLETS.ttf ~/.fonts/
                    mv ~/Downloads/STYLBCC_.TTF ~/.fonts/
                    mv ~/Downloads/openlogos.ttf ~/.fonts/
                    mv ~/Downloads/weather.ttf ~/.fonts/
                    conky &
                    echo "Done ...\n"
                    read -p "Next is telling Conky to autostart.  Press ENTER key to continue..." pause                                      
                    mkdir ~/.config/autostart
echo > "[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Exec=conky -p 5
Hidden=false
NoDisplay=false
X-GNOME-Autostart-enabled=true
Name[en_CA]=Conky Launcher
Name=Conky
Comment[en_CA]=Conky!
Comment=Conky!" > ~/.config/autostart/Conky
                    echo "Done ...\n"
                 

                    # Change start menu to open with ONLY the Super key, instead of Super + Space
                    # gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.wm.keybindings panel-main-menu "['Super_L','F2']"
                    ### next line to change back ###
                    # gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.wm.keybindings panel-main-menu "['space', 'F2']"

                 
                    #Cleanup
                    sudo apt-get update
                    sudo apt-get upgrade
                    sudo apt-get autoremove
                    sudo apt-get autoclean
                    #All done
                    echo "\nNO USER INPUT script complete!\n"                  
                    read -p "Press ENTER key to exit..." pause            
                    exit;;
            [Nn]* ) break;;
            * ) echo "Please answer yes or no.";;
        esac
    done
}



echo "\n******************************************************"
echo "***********  eOS Luna configuration script  **********"
echo "******************************************************\n"
echo "This script will remove most of the eOS default applications and install more commonly used ones\n"
echo "See 'Luna_config.sh' for more info"
echo "Press CTRL + C at any time to exit...\n"
read -p "Press ENTER key to start..." pause


#### Option to just do everything without step-by-step
while true; do
    read -p "Do you just want to run the entire script WITH NO USER INPUTS (y/n)?" yn
    case $yn in
        [Yy]* )
                RunWholeScript
                break;;
        [Nn]* ) break;;
        * ) echo "Please answer yes or no.";;
    esac
done

### Starting user-input script
echo "\nStarting script with user input...\n"
echo "\n  Sorry, I got lazy and decided only to write the NO USER INPUT part!"
read -p "Press ENTER key to exit..." pause

Now just run the script in a terminal and follow the prompts:

sudo sh Luna_config.sh

I'm sure there will be some hiccups... post questions below and let me know what you did with all your time savings!

Elementary OS Conky Theme (Script)

Update: You can get this script and more desktop customizations through a new Freya Config script here.

In the last month or so I've switched over to elementary OS Luna (I've tried the Freya beta as well, but it's still not polished enough for my every day work laptop).  The switch to elementary OS necessitated a good conky theme.

Below are light theme (blue/grey) and dark theme (orange/black) options for a nice simple conky script that displays all the info I want at any time.  The main formatting and icons were taken from the vinDSL theme, but I removed the weather, calendar, and fancy lua bars.  I wanted this conky script to be lightweight and easy on the eyes.

Elementary OS "Light" conky theme:

Elementary OS "Dark" conky theme:

The first thing you need is conky itself and lm-sensors (for HD + GPU info):

sudo apt-get install conky lm-sensors

You might also need to run the following command to allow conky permission to pull wireless data:

sudo setcap cap_net_raw,cap_net_admin=eip /usr/bin/conky

Now it's a simple matter of grabbing the conky script (light theme here, dark theme here) and saving it as ".conkyrc" in your home folder. You will also need to grab the DotMatrix, PizzaDude, OpenLogos, and StyleBats icon font sets and place them in your ~/.fonts folder.  You can do this by executing:

wget http://anjp.comlu.com/fonts/Dotmatrx.ttf
wget http://anjp.comlu.com/fonts/PIZZADUDEBULLETS.ttf
wget http://anjp.comlu.com/fonts/STYLBCC_.TTF
wget http://anjp.comlu.com/fonts/openlogos.ttf
wget http://anjp.comlu.com/fonts/weather.ttf
mkdir ~/.fonts/
mv ~/Downloads/Dotmatrx.ttf ~/.fonts/
mv ~/Downloads/PIZZADUDEBULLETS.ttf ~/.fonts/
mv ~/Downloads/STYLBCC_.TTF ~/.fonts/
mv ~/Downloads/openlogos.ttf ~/.fonts/
mv ~/Downloads/weather.ttf ~/.fonts/

You can run conky anytime by executing:

conky

If you made a mistake or need to close conky, it can be stopped using:

killall conky

NOTE #1: This conky config looks like a desktop panel but just runs on the desktop. If you want it to act as a panel, change the variable 'own_window_type' from 'desktop' to 'panel' and remove 'undecorated' from own_window_hints

NOTE #2: Most of the variables are dynamic, but a few at the top info area (hardware model, gpu model) are hardcoded. Others (processor type) truncate at certain string lengths and may need some tlc

Here's the full 'light theme' code:

####
## Prerequisites (required)
#
#  conky-all 1.8.0 or 1.8.1-5
#  cURL - Command Line Tool
#  xsltproc - Command Line Tool
#  UTF-8 Compatible Text Editor
#
## Tips n' Tricks
## Several ppl (including myself) have experienced issues with conky-all 1.8.1-6
## In every instance, downgrading to conky-all 1.8.1-5 has solved the problem(s).
## I recommend using (and pinning) conky-all 1.8.1-5 until things get sorted.
## conky-all 1.8.1-5 can be downloaded here: https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/conky-all/1.8.1-5

####
## Installed fonts (required)
#
#  ConkyWeather (Stanko Metodiev)
#  Cut Outs for 3D FX (Fonts & Things)
#  Droid Font Family (Google Android SDK)
#  KR A Round (Kat's Fun Fonts)
#  OpenLogos (Icoma)
#  PizzaDude Bullets (Jakob Fischer)
#  Radio Space (Iconian Fonts)
#  StyleBats (Vinterstille)
#  Ubuntu Font Family (Canonical Ltd)
#  Ubuntu Title Bold (Paulo Silva - not included in link below)
#  Weather (Jonathan Macagba)
#
## Tips n' Tricks from Mr. Peachy, djyoung4, and 42dorian (Thanks!)
## Most necessary fonts can be downloaded here: http://ompldr.org/vOHdoag
## Unzip the fonts into your font folder, for example: /home/username/.fonts
## Run this command in a terminal (rebuilds font cache file): sudo fc-cache -fv

####
## Use XFT? Required to Force UTF8 (see below)
#
use_xft yes
xftfont DroidSans:size=8
xftalpha 0.1

####
## Force UTF8? Requires XFT (see above)
## Displays degree symbol, instead of °, etc.
#
override_utf8_locale yes

####
## This buffer is used for text, single lines, output from $exec, and other variables.
## Increasing the text buffer size (too high) will drastically reduce Conky's performance.
## Decreasing the size (too low) will truncate content and cause strange display output.
## Standard text buffer size is 256 bytes (cannot be less). Adjust YOUR buffer wisely!
#
text_buffer_size 640

####
## Daemonize Conky, aka 'fork to background'.
#
background yes

####
## Update interval in seconds.
#
update_interval 2.0

####
## The number of times Conky will update before quitting.
## Zero makes Conky run forever.
#
total_run_times 0

####
## Create own window in instead of using desktop?
#
own_window yes
own_window_transparent no
own_window_type desktop    ## (panel or desktop)
own_window_class conky-semi
own_window_hints undecorated,below,sticky,skip_taskbar,skip_pager

####
## Background color IF own_window_transparent set to "no"
own_window_colour 323232          ######## Default background color

####
## Some distros also require the following 2 lines.
#
own_window_argb_visual yes
own_window_argb_value 160     # 0 - 255 where 255 is opaque

####
## Force images to redraw when they change.
#
imlib_cache_size 0
255255
####
## Use double buffering? Reduces flicker.
#
double_buffer yes

####
## Draw shades?
#
draw_shades yes
default_shade_color 292421  

####
## Draw outlines?
#
draw_outline no

####
## Draw borders around text?
#
draw_borders no

####
## Draw borders around graphs?
#
draw_graph_borders no

####
## Print text to stdout?
## Print text in console?
#
out_to_ncurses no
out_to_console no

####
## Text alignment.
#
alignment top_right

####
## Minimum size of the text area.
## Syntax: minimum_size [width] [height]
#
minimum_size 200 1200

####
## Maximum width of the text area.
## Syntax: maximum_width [width]
#
maximum_width 200

####
## Gap between text and screen borders.
#
gap_x 6  ## Left / Right
gap_y 2  ## Top / Bottom

####
## Shorten MiB/GiB to M/G in stats.
#
short_units yes

####
## Pad % symbol spacing after numbers.
#
pad_percents 0

####
## Pad spacing between text and borders.
#
border_inner_margin 4

####
## Limit the length of names in "Top Processes".
#
top_name_width 10

####
## Subtract file system -/+buffers/cache from used memory?
## Set to yes, to produce meaningful physical memory stats.
#
no_buffers yes

####
## Set to yes, if you want all text to be in UPPERCASE.
#
uppercase no

####
## Number of cpu samples to average.
## Set to 1 to disable averaging.
#
cpu_avg_samples 2

####
## Number of net samples to average.
## Set to 1 to disable averaging.
#
net_avg_samples 2

####
## Add spaces to keep things from moving around?
## Only affects certain objects.
#
use_spacer right

####
## My colors (suit yourself)
#
color0 White #FFFFFF    ---
color1 6b6b6b #6b6b6b    Icons
color2 6b6b6b #323232    System/Processors/Mem/HD text
color3 Ivory3 #CDCDC1    Text
color4 6db9d5 #6db9d5   Headings
color5 Tan2 #EE9A49    ---
color6 323232 #323232    PizzaDude Icons
color7 323232     #323232    Processes Icons
color8 323232 #323232    Heading Lines
color9 6b6b6b #6b6b6b    BarGraphs


#### Color Schemes
#
# elementary bkgnd = f5f5f5
# elementary grey  = d3d3d3
# dark grey        = 323232
# lighter grey     = 6b6b6b or a4a4a4
# light blue       = 6db9d5
#
####


TEXT
##################################
##             LOGO             ##
##################################
${voffset 36}${font RadioSpace:size=14}${color3}${alignc}${uid_name 1000}@${nodename}${font}
${voffset 3}${font DroidSans:size=8.6}${color3}${alignc}HP Pavilion dv6428ca
##################################
##            SYSTEM            ##
##################################
${voffset 7}${font DroidSans:bold:size=8.25}${color4}SYSTEM${offset 8}${color8}${voffset -2}${hr 2}${font}
${voffset 4}${font OpenLogos:size=10}${color2}u${voffset -4}${font DroidSans:size=8.6}${color3}${offset 5}${pre_exec lsb_release -sd || cat /etc/*release}${alignr}${pre_exec lsb_release -r | cut -f 2| tr "[:upper:]" "[:lower:]"}${font}
${voffset 2}${offset -2}${font OpenLogos:size=12}${color2}Z${voffset -4}${font DroidSans:size=8.6}${color3}${offset 3}${sysname}${offset 3}${kernel}${alignr}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${machine}${font}
${voffset 2}${font StyleBats:size=10}${color2}d${voffset -2}${font DroidSans:size=8.6}${color3}${offset 5}nVidia GeForce 6150 G0${alignr}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${execi 60 nvidia-settings -query GPUCoreTemp | perl -ne 'print $1 if /GPUCoreTemp.*?: (\d+)./;'} °C
${voffset 2}${font StyleBats:size=10}${color2}A${voffset -1}${font DroidSans:size=8.6}${color3}${offset 5}${execi 1000 cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep 'model name' | sed -e 's/model name.*: //'| uniq | cut -c 1-20}${alignr 1}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${freq_g cpu0}${offset 1}GHz${font}
${voffset 2}${font StyleBats:size=10}${color2}q${voffset -1}${font DroidSans:size=8.6}${color3}${offset 5}System${offset 3}Uptime${alignr}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${uptime_short}${font}
##################################
##          PROCESSORS          ##
##################################
${voffset 8}${font DroidSans:bold:size=8}${color4}PROCESSORS${offset 8}${color8}${voffset -2}${hr 2}${font}
${voffset 4}${font StyleBats:size=9.9}${color2}k${voffset -2}${font DroidSansFallback:size=8.39}${color3}${offset 2}CPU1${offset 5}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${cpu cpu1}%${font}${color9}${alignr}${cpubar cpu1 6,120}
${voffset 2}${font StyleBats:size=9.9}${color2}k${voffset -2}${font DroidSansFallback:size=8.39}${color3}${offset 2}CPU2${offset 5}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${cpu cpu2}%${font}${color9}${alignr}${cpubar cpu2 6,120}
${voffset 2}${font DroidSansFallback:size=8.39}${color3}${offset 4}Load  ${loadavg}${alignr}(${execi 5 cat /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu0/cpufreq/scaling_governor})
##################################
##            MEMORY            ##
##################################
${voffset 8}${font DroidSans:bold:size=8}${color4}MEMORY${offset 8}${color8}${voffset -2}${hr 2}${font}
${voffset 4}${font StyleBats:size=10}${color2}l${voffset -2}${font DroidSansFallback:size=8.3}${color3}${offset 3}RAM${goto 97}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${mem}${goto 133}/${offset 5}${memmax}${alignr}${memperc}%${font}
${voffset 2}${font}${color9}${alignc}${membar 6,194}
##################################
##             HDD              ##
##################################
${voffset 8}${font DroidSans:bold:size=8}${color4}HDD${offset 8}${color8}${voffset -2}${hr 2}${font}
${voffset 6}${font StyleBats:size=9.9}${color2}x${voffset -2}${font DroidSansFallback:size=8.3}${color3}${offset 4}Root${goto 95}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${fs_used /}${goto 133}/${offset 5}${fs_size /}${alignr}${fs_used_perc /}%${font}
${color9}${voffset 2}${alignc}${fs_bar 6,194}
${voffset 6}${font StyleBats:size=9.9}${color2}4${voffset -2}${font DroidSansFallback:size=8.3}${color3}${offset 4}Swap${goto 95}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${swap}${goto 133}/${offset 5}${swapmax}${alignr}${swapperc}%${font}
${color9}${voffset 2}${alignc}${swapbar 6,194}
##################################
##             TIME             ##
##################################
${voffset 8}${font DroidSans:bold:size=8}${color4}TIME${offset 8}${color8}${voffset -2}${hr 2}${font}
${voffset -4}${font RadioSpace:size=32}${color3}${if_match ${time %l}<=9}${alignc 7}${time %H:%M}${else}${if_match ${time %l}>=10}${alignc -1}${time %H:%M}${endif}${endif}${font}
${voffset 2}${color3}${alignc}${time %A, %d %b %Y}
##################################
##         TOP PROCESSES        ##
##################################
${voffset 8}${font DroidSans:bold:size=8}${color4}TOP PROCESSES${offset 8}${color8}${voffset -2}${hr 2}${font}
${voffset 6}${font StyleBats:size=10}${color7}h${voffset -1}${font DroidSans:size=8.65}${color3}${offset 5}${top_mem name 1}${goto 120}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${top_mem mem_res 1}${alignr}${top_mem mem 1}%${font}
${voffset 1}${font StyleBats:size=10}${color7}h${voffset -1}${font DroidSans:size=8.65}${color3}${offset 5}${top_mem name 2}${goto 120}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${top_mem mem_res 2}${alignr}${top_mem mem 2}%${font}
${voffset 1}${font StyleBats:size=10}${color7}h${voffset -1}${font DroidSans:size=8.65}${color3}${offset 5}${top_mem name 3}${goto 120}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${top_mem mem_res 3}${alignr}${top_mem mem 3}%${font}
${voffset 1}${font StyleBats:size=10}${color7}h${voffset -1}${font DroidSans:size=8.65}${color3}${offset 5}${top_mem name 4}${goto 120}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${top_mem mem_res 4}${alignr}${top_mem mem 4}%${font}
${voffset 1}${font StyleBats:size=10}${color7}h${voffset -1}${font DroidSans:size=8.65}${color3}${offset 5}${top_mem name 5}${goto 120}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${top_mem mem_res 5}${alignr}${top_mem mem 5}%${font}
# ${voffset 1}${font StyleBats:size=10}${color7}h${voffset -1}${font DroidSans:size=8.65}${color3}${offset 5}${top_mem name 6}${goto 120}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${top_mem mem_res 6}${alignr}${top_mem mem 6}%${font}
##################################
##           NETWORK            ##
##################################
${voffset 8}${font DroidSans:bold:size=8}${color4}NETWORK${offset 8}${color8}${voffset -2}${hr 2}${font}
${voffset 4}${font StyleBats:size=10}${color6}l${font}${font DroidSans:size=8.65}${color3}${offset 5}SSID ${alignr}${wireless_essid eth1} @ ${wireless_bitrate eth1}
${voffset 0}${font PizzaDude Bullets:size=9.5}${color6}Z${font}${font DroidSans:size=8.65}${color3}${offset 5}Strength${font}${color9}${alignr}${wireless_link_bar 6,88 eth1}
${voffset 4}${font PizzaDudeBullets:size=9.5}${color6}T${font DroidSans:size=8.65}${color3}${offset 5}Download${goto 120}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${totaldown eth1}${alignr}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${downspeed eth1}${font}
${voffset 0}${font PizzaDudeBullets:size=9.5}${color6}N${font DroidSans:size=8.65}${color3}${offset 5}Upload${goto 120}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${totalup eth1}${alignr}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${upspeed eth1}${font}
${voffset 4}${font PizzaDudeBullets:size=9.5}${color6}a${font DroidSans:size=8.65}${color3}${offset 5}Private${offset 3}IP${goto 123}${alignr}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${addr eth1}${font}
${voffset 0}${font PizzaDudeBullets:size=9.5}${color6}a${font DroidSans:size=8.65}${color3}${offset 5}Public${offset 7}IP${goto 121}${alignr}${font DroidSans:size=8.3}${execi 1800 wget -q -O - checkip.dyndns.org | sed -e 's/[^[:digit:]\|.]//g'}${font}
###
### Some of the wireless commands require the following command to be run in terminal (one-time) before they work: (it's a permissions issue)
### sudo setcap cap_net_raw,cap_net_admin=eip /usr/bin/conky


#################################
##             END             ##
#################################

Did this script work for you?  Did you add any other variables to monitor?  Share in the comments below...

Elementary OS Fixes (shell script)

I'm really enjoying ElementaryOS Luna.  It's lightweight, fast, and easy on the eyes.  In fact, I'm running it on an old notebook right now but the plan is to throw it on an Acer C720 chromebook and run it instead of Chrome OS.  But it's not 100% turnkey (I'd say 90%, which is awesome).  The only thing I really felt had to be changed pronto was the uninstalling of some default software (and the installing of better replacement applications).   For example, the default browser is Midori.  Sure, it's ok.. but I'm entrenched into Google Chrome.  Same thing with Totem, Geary, and Empathy....there are just better applications out there.

So here's a bash script that uninstalls all the junk and replaces it with awesome programs!  You can run it as a script or just run each line.  Note that this is a modification of memoryleakx's original script here.

#Download Elementary OS from here:
#http://sourceforge.net/projects/elementaryos/files/stable/

#First you update your system
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

#Install Google Chrome
wget -q -O - https://dl-ssl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo apt-key add -
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list'
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install google-chrome-stable

#####If you prefer Firefox
#Install Firefox
#sudo apt-get install firefox

#Clean-up System (remove unnecessary ElementaryOS software)
sudo apt-get purge midori-granite
sudo apt-get purge noise
sudo apt-get purge software-center
sudo apt-get purge scratch-text-editor
sudo apt-get purge bluez
sudo apt-get purge modemmanager
sudo apt-get purge empathy
sudo apt-get remove --purge indicator-messages
sudo apt-get purge maya-calendar
sudo apt-get purge geary
sudo apt-get purge shotwell
sudo apt-get purge totem

sudo apt-get autoremove
sudo apt-get autoclean

#Install gedit (Text Editor)
sudo apt-get install gedit gedit-plugins

# Install VLC
sudo apt-get install vlc

#Install File Compression Libs
sudo apt-get install unace unrar zip unzip xz-utils p7zip-full p7zip-rar sharutils rar uudeview mpack arj cabextract file-roller

#Install Ubuntu Restricted Extras
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras

# Install Pinta Photo Editor
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:pinta-maintainers/pinta-stable
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install pinta

# Install Image Viewer
 sudo apt-get install gpicview

#Install Elementary OS extras
sudo apt-add-repository ppa:versable/elementary-update
sudo apt-get update
 ## Elementary Tweaks (System prefs)
sudo apt-get install elementary-desktop elementary-tweaks
## Elementary Themes
sudo apt-get install elementary-blue-theme elementary-champagne-theme elementary-colors-theme elementary-dark-theme elementary-harvey-theme elementary-lion-theme elementary-milk-theme elementary-plastico-theme elementary-whit-e-theme
## Elementary Icons
sudo apt-get install elementary-elfaenza-icons elementary-emod-icons elementary-enumix-utouch-icons elementary-nitrux-icons elementary-taprevival-icons
## Plank Themes
sudo apt-get install elementary-plank-themes
## Wingpanel Slim && Super Wingpanel
sudo apt-get install wingpanel-slim indicator-synapse
sudo apt-get install super-wingpanel

###################
#if not installed
#Install the Dynamic Kernel Module Support Framework
##### sudo apt-get install dkms
##### mkdir kernel
##### cd kernel
####################

#Install Kernel 3.12.2 on 32 Bit
wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.12.2-trusty/linux-headers-3.12.2-031202-generic_3.12.2-031202.201311291538_i386.deb
wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.12.2-trusty/linux-headers-3.12.2-031202_3.12.2-031202.201311291538_all.deb
wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.12.2-trusty/linux-image-3.12.2-031202-generic_3.12.2-031202.201311291538_i386.deb

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

cd ..
rm -rf kernel
#Reboot!

# Install Zotero for Linux
wget https://raw.github.com/smathot/zotero_installer/master/zotero_installer.sh \    -O /tmp/zotero_installer.sh
chmod +x /tmp/zotero_installer.sh
sudo /tmp/zotero_installer.sh

#Install Qnotero for Linux (Zotero toolbar companion)
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:smathot/cogscinl
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install qnotero

### Don't forget to install the ZotFile plugin manually from www.zotfile.com

#### Install some Handy Indicator Applets ####
#Install CPU Freq Indicator
sudo apt-get install indicator-cpufreq
### copy icon files to elementary theme pack
sudo cp /usr/share/icons/ubuntu-mono-dark/status/22/indicator-cpufreq* /usr/share/icons/elementary/status/22/
sudo gtk-update-icon-cache -f /usr/share/icons/elementary
killall super-wingpanel
#Install Multiload Indicator
sudo apt-get install indicator-multiload
#Install Weather Indicator
sudo apt-get install weather-indicator

#Install Skype
sudo apt-add-repository "deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ precise partner"
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install skype

#Install Libre Office (most recent)
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libreoffice/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install libreoffice
#Install LibreOffice themes
sudo apt-get install libreoffice-style-human libreoffice-style-oxygen libreoffice-style-crystal libreoffice-style-sifr libreoffice-style-tango libreoffice-style-galaxy
#Install PDF editing
sudo apt-get install libreoffice-pdfimport
##Install Support for US English
sudo apt-get install hyphen-en-us mythes-en-us libreoffice-help-en-us

##Install Support for UK English
sudo apt-get install libreoffice-help-en-gb libreoffice-l10n-en-gb myspell-en-gb hunspell-dictionary-en-gb myspell-dictionary-en-gb hyphen-en-gb libreoffice-grammarcheck-en-gb mythes-en-gb

#Remove extra LibreOffice icons from Slingshot Start Menu (leaves only main 'LibreOffice')
cd /usr/share/applications
sudo rm libreoffice-base.desktop libreoffice-draw.desktop libreoffice-impress.desktop libreoffice-writer.desktop libreoffice-calc.desktop libreoffice-math.desktop

#Install the Clementine Music Player
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:me-davidsansome/clementine
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install clementine

#Install the latest git Version
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:git-core/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
sudo apt-get install git

# Change start menu to open with ONLY the Super key, instead of Super + Space
gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.wm.keybindings panel-main-menu "['Super_L','F2']"
### to change back
# gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.wm.keybindings panel-main-menu "['space', 'F2']"

#Make sure everything is up to date all over again
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get autoremove
sudo apt-get autoclean

Let me know if you think I missed some anything awesome that should be added to eOS. Happy customising!

How to Fix Netflix (Google) DNS on Roku Update

This post will show you how to fix the Netflix's hardcoded Google DNS on the Roku.

Roku rolled out an update sometime in the last week in which the Netflix application switched from using global DNS settings to hardcoded 8.8.8.8 Google DNS settings.  I have nothing against Google DNS, but I need to use custom settings because I use Unblock-Us to trick Netflix into giving me USA content....and I'm in Canada.   My Roku is currently on version 5.4 build 3340.

Now, Roku is the only network device in my home that does not allow custom DNS settings.... but that's a different complaint for a different post.  Suffice to say that to trick any application on the Roku, custom DNS must be configured at the router level.

I'm going to outline 2 different router-level methods for fixing the Netflix hardcoded DNS: (1) Rerouting 8.8.8.8 to your gateway, and (2) outright blocking any communication with 8.8.8.8

Method 1 - Rerouting to your Gateway

The first step is to log in to your router.  If you don't know how to do that, stop reading and call your go-to tech support family member.  If you're feeling adventurous, see How to Find Your Router's IP Address.  Save the router's address for the configuration we're doing below.

In this example I'm using an old TRENDNET TEW-432BRP with local ip 192.168.10.1

Find your Routing Table settings.  In mine, it's under Routing > Static.  We're going to create a new static route so that every time the Roku (or any network device) looks for 8.8.8.8, it will be automatically directed to the 192.168.10.1 router ip.  As long as the 192.168.10.1 router is configured for custom DNS, it's bye-bye 8.8.8.8.  Enter the following settings:

Network Address: 8.8.8.8
Network Mask: 255.255.255.255
Gateway Address: 192.168.10.1 (router IP)
Interface: LAN
Metric: 2

Make sure you add & enable the route and that's it.

Method 2 - Blocking Google DNS

Get to your router's configuration page as per Method 1, and find your IP Filter configuration settings. On my TRENDNET, it's under Access > Filter > IP Filter.  Now, simply add the range 8.8.8.8 to 8.8.8.8 (the lone IP address) and enable the filter.  Now, all traffic trying to reach 8.8.8.8 will be blocked and timeout.  In the case of Roku's Netflix, it will timeout and default to the global DNS settings.

How to find Your Router's IP Address in Windows

This post explains how to find the IP address of your wireless or wired router.  In my case, this takes place on Windows 7, but it will also for for Windows XP, Windows Vista, etc.

Step 1 - Command Prompt

From the start menu, run the application Command Prompt or just search for "cmd"

Step 2 - Ipconfig

Type the following code and press enter.

ipconfig

Write down the default gateway IP address.  In my case below, I am connecting over WLAN (wireless) and my router default gateway address is 192.168.10.1

Step 3 - Browser

Launch your favourite browser and type the router (gateway) IP in the address bar and hit Enter.

192.168.10.1

You are now at your router's landing page and ready to configure.  Your router might need a password (usually "admin" / "admin")

How to Rename Android Device on Network

Android devices don't have nice default names on a local network.  This can be confusing, especially if you have to type "android-cfd55432173d6d3e" often.  But, if your android device is routed, it's just one line in a terminal (as superuser) to change this:

setprop net.hostname THE_NEW_HOSTNAME

Here's a screenshot:

How to Update Wii Shopping Channel v21 (Homebrew Hack)

If you have hacked/homebrew wii, you'll notice that Nintendo released a new Shopping Channel update (v21).  In order to download the new update, you need to upgrade your wii system.  I'm on wii system 4.2 and for some reason Nintendo won't let me download the new system update.  So here's how to install the new Shopping Channel without updating the wii system...

1. Download the Shopping Channel v21 wad and stick it on the /wad folder on your SD card.

2. Use either Multi Mod Manager or Wad Manager, from the Homebrew Channel.  If you don't have the homebrew channel, see here.)

3. Either 'Load another IOS' or load the wad directly.

4. It might take a few moments, but the wad will install.  Exit the app, exit homebrew, and open the Shopping Channel.  It should be working again.

--- Donezo!

How to Set Up a Slackline

Setting up a slackline is pretty easy.  Unless you're going for one of those Gibbon gucci slacklines with the thick webbing and ratcheting come-along, your entire setup can be purchased for $50 or $60 (probably less in the USA).

Equipment 

Here's what you need (clockwise in above photo):

• 1" Tubular webbing - The rolled, blue tubular webbing above is 15 m of climbing-strength webbing, rated for 17 kN.  MEC sells it for $1.30/meter here.  This is obviously the main part of your setup and should be good quality.  15 - 20 m should be good.
• 1" flat webbing (anchors) - Above I have 2x rolls of 4 m (8 m total) flat webbing.  You need something like this to wrap around your trees.  The larger the tree trunk, the longer the anchor must be.  The webbing above is accessory webbing and is not intended for climbing.  It's only rated for about 11-12 kN and is sold for $1.00/meter at MEC.  This should be fine, but if you want something of a higher grade, try MEC's flat climbing webbing.
• 4x oval carabiners - Do they have to be oval?  No, D-carabiners would work too.... BUT, Ds are more expensive to purchase and they don't hold webbing as nicely.  The Black Diamond biners above are $5.25 ea. at MEC and work great.
• 2x descending rings (optional) - Optional because they're not required for the setup, BUT they will ensure you do not need to tie knots in your webbing.  Knots weaken the webbing and distort its strength ratings.  Plus, I don't want to spend their time tying and untying knots.  MEC says they carry descending rings but my location does not stock them.  Wilderness Supply stepped up to bat and sold me the above rings (20 kN) for less than $4 ea.  Line lockers or padded chain links would work just as well.

Set Up

1. Find two trees (~ 25+ cm diameter) between which to set up your line.  Ensure you have about 5 m more webbing than distance.  
2. Wrap your anchors around the trees, several times if necessary (doubled if possible).  I sewed loops in both ends of my anchors for easy set up (if you do this, make sure you know how to sew the correct patterns for max breaking strength).  If no loops, use a water knot to connect the ends of the webbing together (see below)

3. Connect an oval carabiner to one anchor and fix your main line (tubular webbing) to it using the descending ring and a bight + line locker.  If you're not sure how to do this, check out these instructional steps.  If you didn't buy descending rings, you'll need to tie your main line to the carabiner.
4. Bring your main line to the other anchor (ensure no twists).  Add another carabiner + descending ring to the main line about 1 m from the anchor when taut, or about 20% of the total distance.
5. Steps 5 thru 8 will give a 3:1 mechanical advantage to tighten the slackline.  Add two carabiners to the anchor webbing and feed the main line through one of them.  If the top one, feed the line top to bottom.  If the bottom, feed it bottom to top.
6. Bring the main line back to the biner/descending ring combo and feed it through the carabiner the same way you did in step 5 (top to bottom or bottom to top).  
7. Bring the line back to the anchor and feed it through the other ring, the opposite way from step 5.
8. Feed the main line back to the the carabiner in step 6 and bring it under the webbing from step 6.  You should now have a tension lock and the line should hold itself up.  It should look something like this:

9. Finally, grab that loose end and pull!  Keep pulling until you tighten to the desired amount of 'slack'.  You may want to enlist the help of a friend.  The line is under a tension lock and will hold itself... BUT just to be safe, tie off that extra webbing in a knot as a backup.

Happy slacklining!