Monthly Archives: June 2019
Jun 25 2019
Electric Car EV Charging Sharing Challenge Solution

Having had an electric car since 2011 you experience all the challenges of an EV owner. One of them is finding charging stations, which has improved significantly in the past few years. With Tesla having their own charger network, which is faster it helps with users not leaving their cars plugged in after it is charged. But with the rest of the chargers you will see cars plugged and not drawing power, or not even plugged in, or plugged in over the designated time limit, or completed and still plugged in, even cars that are not EV just parked in the spots designated for EV, in Burbank, I see city vehicles parked in EV spots, sometimes occupying two parking spaces leaving no room for an EV to park. This is like blocking the pumps at a gas station. It would not over very well with the gas station owner. Imagine I pull up to a gas pump with my EV and just park there and leave for an hour. My car would be towed, in a matter of minutes. What shift needs to occur to have the same happen for EV charging? I understand that people may leave their car plugged in longer than the posted limits and that enforcement by the city is a slippery slope.

If you encounter a situation like this what do you do? What’s the best approach here, as it seems apps like Greenlots are challenged by implementing reminders or alerts when your car is fully charged, or setting time reminders. One possible idea is as a responsible owner you place a note on the charger, or on your car. That makes it easy for another EV owner to contact you if your space is needed. I certainly would not mind moving my car for a fellow EV owner who is in need of a charger more so than myself.

One possibility is to have apps like Greenlots and Chargepoint facilitate the communication with a person plugged into a charger that you are requesting to use. But that assumes that the charger is in use. The charger networks along with the cities can do more to streamline the process. As EV owners we need to ask the network owners to add functionality and support the EV community. Greenlots owned by Shell, seems to have the most opportunity to enhance the experience, but barely seems to provide a basic feature set in the app. Should cities hold companies like Greenlots accountable to improve the experience? I would say yes, If a city is allowed a charger network on city property, then there should be a basic set of criteria that is required, uptime, maintenance, and features, the city officials signing off on the installation should use the service themselves or know people who do. The key longer term is to have faster charging, where you basically stay with your EV while it is charging or batteries are being swapped, etc.. Whatever the mechanism is to get charged as long as it is “fast”, then this issue of parking and use challenge would be eliminated, Yes these are growing pains, and take many years to resolve, meanwhile there will be thousands of EV vehicles that will be a generation or two behind or that do not support the newest charging technology.

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Jun 25 2019
Bitcoin Surging Past $11,000 #btc Will the Rise Continue?

In the past seven days Bitcoin has surged from $9,000 on June 18 to over $11,300 June 25 and climbing. Has Bitcoin reached no stable support? That’s a 20% gain in 7 days!

Will it continue? Some speculate that it could be on track to see new highs over $20,000. Is Bitcoin an investment or a currency? It is a little of both. With Facebook getting into the crypto space is what appears to have boosted Bitcoin, other crypto has not benefited as much as Bitcoin, with renewed interest it will be interesting to see what the coming weeks brings.

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Jun 25 2019
The First, The Last, The Original: Come Celebrate 10 Tasty Years One Last Time At The 10th Annual LA Food Fest! @LAfoodfest #LAfoodfest #stretchypants

Angelenos, it’s time to dust off your stretchy pants one last time and be part of the 10th Annual LA Food Fest that will take place on Saturday, June 29th, 2019 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the grassy infield of Santa Anita Park!

The LA Food Fest was born as the LA Street Food Fest in 2009 founded by Shawna DawsonFounder + CEO of Angeleno, Inc. (Sauce LALA Food FestArtisanal LA and Clean Made). She officially kicked off her very first event in Downtown Los Angeles in February 2010. With a lofty goal to not only to fill a gap in the event scene by creating something that was the first of its kind, Dawson created a culinary community and a platform to support independent small businesses that has traveled from Los Angeles Center Studios in DTLA, the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Exposition Park, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseumand to its final destination Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, cementing the LA Food Fest as L.A.’s premier street food event. LA Food Fest was also the first event to support their vendors by subsidizing the participation of nearly every participant, leading many other events to do the same. And in 2016, Dawson saw an opportunity to do good and help make this amazing city we call home a little better, so she decided to make LA Food Fest LA’s first Zero Food Waste event. Says Dawson, “We couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished over the years. The thousands of restaurants, chefs and caterers we’ve had the pleasure of working with. The bevy of events we’ve inspired all over the country, and the world. Not to mention, making the term “Food Fest” a common expression everywhere!”

The 10th Annual LA Food Fest is a community event thatpromises not to disappoint bringing 5,000 foodies and 100+ restaurants, carts, stands, trucks, bars, beer, wine and craft cocktail makers together including some of the city‘s Top Chefs, Restaurants and International Guest Chefs.

Highlights from this year’s 10th Annual LA Food Fest include:

The Nuevo Gastropub is where the LA Food Fest says adiós with an international lineup for the books! Guest chefs include the grill guru Dante Ferrero (Dante Brasa y Fuego, Mexico City) returning for his third year; Olivier Deboise (Aperi, San Miguel de Allende) with his eclectic approach on sustainable cuisine; the daring gastronomy of Sergio Meza (Villanos en Bermudas, Mexico City), co-owner of one of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, and one of the youngest executive chefs in the world, Rafael Covarrubias (Hexagon and 7 Enoteca, Ontario, Canada). Joining the team, Eduardo Morali (Pangea, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon) executive chef of one of 2019’s Best Restaurants in Mexico said Latin America’s Best 50 Restaurants 2019, and the talented French pastry chef Emmanuelle Deboise (La Casa Caramel, San Miguel de Allende). All will bring unique dishes created just for the event and an unforgettable culinary show. The theme for this year’s Nuevo Gastropub is “parrilada” (translates to BBQ), and will include dishes for every palate, from Dante’s primal cuts grilled over coals on site, to organic vegan tacos, ethnic bites (Charbroiled shrimp tostada with peanut salsa macha, mushrooms and grilled onions duxelle, dill aioli; Grilled Street Corn with black garlic and huitlacoche), experimental appetizers (Charbroiled beet with mascarpone cheese, pistachios and black lemon dust) and refreshing fusion desserts (Grilled banana sandwich with avocado mousse, fresh goat cheese, and honey). As in previous years, the Nuevo Gastropub will also feature an extensive Top Shelf Tequila Tasting and Mexican beers like Border X, Cabotella and CALIDAD.

This year, guests will also get a very special taste of Gordon Ramsay’s UNCHARTED, featuring an exclusive preview of the upcoming National Geographic series and sample dishes inspired by the show in the NatGeo Lounge.

As in past years, the Fest will also help a number of New Chefs and Restaurants make their debut including Cuizina (Filipino street food), Quiadaiyn (authentic vegan mole), The Burristas, Cevicheria las Olas, African Chop, El Chef Taco, Ken’s Ramen, POKEBAR, Big Grandma’s Kitchen, Sushi Roku, Oak Smoke BBQ, EK’BALAM Yucatan Cuisine (formerly Delicias Yucatecas), The Vegan Salvi and Always Coffee, alongside neighborhood faves like Maquina Taco, Pasta Sisters, Eagle Rock Public House, Comfort LA, Pinches Flautas, Barranco Lounge by Chef Walther, Fishin for Brews, Low Key Burritos, Luckdish Curry, Takami Sushi, Bearology, Humbleburgerz, Bite Me Gourmasian, Pez Cantina, Padthai Boran, Mama Musubi, Nature Well, Café de Leche and more.  

The Ice Cream Social is back with treats from The Donuttery, Pie Hole, You Had Me at Helado, Communitea Bakery, Down South Treats, Dearly Beloved Confections, Tastee Flavors New Orleans style shaved ice, Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Cheesecake, 12 Oaks Desserts and many more.

To keep the party going, Birds & Bees and Mister O’s Rafael Jonathan Barba brings some amazing bar talent to the mix alongside bars from local Citrus Grove Distillers doing both cocktails and mocktails, Revel Spirits and Broken Shed Vodka. Plus, Pez Cantina micheladas.

For the wine drinkers, local Riboli Wines return, plus a new Wine Garden sponsored by Obvious Wines featuring acoustic tunes from Sylvia Bosco andgames of pétanque from La Boulisterie Los Angeles. And for the beer drinkers there’s the Stella Airstream, Golden Road, Eagle Rock Brewery, CALIDAD, Border X, Elysian Brewing IPA, Glutenberg Beer, Hop Valley Brewing and Michelob Gold Organic, plus Common Cider and Hard Kombucha. Plenty of non-alcoholic drinks will be on hand from Spindrift, KeVita, Honest Tea and more.

In the VIP Lounge find plenty of shaded seating, an exclusive HotPoint Lightbox Photo Booth, Alexander’s Steakhouse, FrankieLucy Bakeshop and wines from Napa’s Wedell Cellars.

This year’s event also features a grassy new GA Lounge area. While you’re taking a food coma break, meet friendly Martians and other enthusiastic communicators from JPL. Hear about the latest news and discoveries about NASA exploration across our universe and those made by the rovers, the InSight lander, and NASA orbiters currently at Mars. Take a selfie with various NASA & Apollo backdrops – make a flower crown with Crown Bloom Co. and grab a bottle of cold Essentia Water from the refresh station while you’re there!

Roving Live Entertainment, Mariachi, DJ, a performance on the stage by Black Crystal Wolf Kidsface painting and henna for the (little and big) kids round out the experience.

A complete lineup and event map will be announced closer to the event date. Stay tuned!

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A portion of the proceeds from the 10th Annual LA Food Fest will directly benefit Food Forward, this year’s charity partner. Food Forward fights hunger and prevents food waste by rescuing fresh surplus produce, connecting this abundance with people in need and inspiring others to do the same. Food Forward is synonymous with food waste reduction in Los Angeles and the LA Food Fest could not ask for a better partner as they head into their third and final year of being LA’s only Zero Food Waste event

Thank You to Our Friends who help make this event possible: Essentia Water, National Geographic, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Entercom, Baja Brewing, Golden Road, Calidad, Tequila Cocula, Corazon Azul Spirits, Aguirre Tequila, Tequila Don Nacho, Spindrift, KeVita, Good Farms, Kumana Foods, 4th & Heart and more.

Ticket Information: The LA Food Fest will take place on Saturday, June 29th, 2019 on the grassy infield at Santa Anita Park. To ensure all guests enjoy the event to its fullest, the LA Food Fest attendance is capped at just 5,000 all-inclusive (pre-sale only) tickets. A VIP Power Hour + Early Entry ($99) will be held from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm and VIP Check-in will start at 1:30 pm. General Admission ($69) will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and General Admission Check-in starts at 2:30 pm. This event is for all ages and family friendly. Children age 10 and under are free with a paying adult. ID is required for a 21+ wristband and 21+ wristbands are required for all craft beer, cocktail bars, wine and spirit tastings. For more information on the 10th Annual LA Food Fest and to reserve tickets today, please visit www.LAFoodFest.com.               

Location:  Santa Anita Park (Gate 6) – 275 Colorado Place, Arcadia, CA  91007

Transportation and Parking: Guests are encouraged to utilize car services or alternative transportation such as  Lyft, Uber, Taxi, Rideshare, Metro, etc., since this event does serve alcoholic beverages. Guest parking for the LA Food Fest is available onsite via Gate 6 at Santa Anita Park for $5 per car (cash only). Complimentary parking is also available for VIP Guests.

LA Food Fest Pro Tips & FAQS: The LA Food Fest is a festival for foodies and a good strategy for the day is the best Fest companion! To ensure an awesome time, check out the Insider Pro Tips & FAQS

For the latest, follow LA Food Fest:

Instagram:  @LAfoodfest

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LAFoodFest/

Snapchat: @LAfoodfest

Twitter:  @LAfoodfest

2019 Hashtags:  #LAfoodfest #stretchypants

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Jun 14 2019
Grilling Safety

Grilling Safety

Are you prepared to grill safely?

Post Date: 06/14/2019

Charcoal Grill

Outdoor grilling is popular throughout the year. It’s important to be careful around the grill to prevent fires, burns, and property damage.

To keep you and your family safe while grilling, follow these guidelines:

  • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets away at least three feet away from the grill area.
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.

For more information, please visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website at www.nfpa.org/grilling.

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Jun 10 2019
Healthy Spot Coming to Pasadena @HealthySpot

Offering pet friendly events, small dog daycare, dog grooming, training, and more, Healthy Spot joins an increasing number of locations catering to pet owners in the Pasadena area.

https://goo.gl/maps/KSab2kS7AiHaYzAf9

614 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101

The West Los Angeles is scheduled to be opening July 13, 2019, which means the Pasadena location is probably not too far behind.

You can see the events that are coming up at the current locations and those coming. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/healthy-spot-8204785257

We stay true to our core values of supporting our community and providing our customers with a shopping experience that sets us apart. That is why we will continue to bring our customers fun events like our monthly Yappy Hours and Play Dates. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events. 

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Jun 10 2019
Howlin’ Ray’s Chicken Coming to Pasadena @howlinrays @626food

Howlin Ray's Hot Chicken

From Nashville to LA, to now Pasadena.

The second location of Howlin’ Rays is slated for early to mid 2020.

800 S Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, CA 91105

https://goo.gl/maps/p6Veb8dDP3sMNKpj9

All Natural, hormone & antibiotic-free chicken, fried in 100% peanut oil.

Far East Plaza (Chinatown LA)
727 N. Broadway #128
LA, CA 90012
(213) 935-8399

Nashville Hot Chicken in Chinatown L.A. hello@howlinrays.com

http://www.howlinrays.com/
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Jun 3 2019
Quest Diagnostics Data Breach Affects Nearly 12 Million @QuestDX

Quest Diagnostics data breach affects nearly 12 million patients/accounts. Financial and personal info compromised, but “no proof” or admission that health lab records compromised. Now the question is what do these criminals do with this data. But some reports are that medical records have been exposed in the data breach.

How much will this breach cost Quest? Will they be fined under HIPPA laws? If so it could run into the billions in fines if imposed.

This is the news release posted on the Quest page:

SECAUCUS, N.J., June 03, 2019 — American Medical Collection Agency (AMCA), a billing collections service provider, has informed Quest Diagnostics that an unauthorized user had access to AMCA’s system containing personal information AMCA received from various entities, including from Quest. AMCA provides billing collections services to Optum360, which in turn is a Quest contractor. Quest and Optum360 are working with forensic experts to investigate the matter.

AMCA first notified Quest and Optum360 on May 14, 2019 of potential unauthorized activity on AMCA’s web payment page. On May 31, 2019, AMCA notified Quest and Optum360 that the data on AMCA’s affected system included information regarding approximately 11.9 million Quest patients. AMCA believes this information includes personal information, including certain financial data, Social Security numbers, and medical information, but not laboratory test results.

AMCA has not yet provided Quest or Optum360 detailed or complete information about the AMCA data security incident, including which information of which individuals may have been affected.  And Quest has not been able to verify the accuracy of the information received from AMCA.

Quest is taking this matter very seriously and is committed to the privacy and security of our patients’ personal information. Since learning of the AMCA data security incident, we have suspended sending collection requests to AMCA.

Quest will be working with Optum360 to ensure that Quest patients are appropriately notified consistent with the law.

We are committed to keeping our patients, health care providers, and all relevant parties informed as we learn more.

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Jun 3 2019
Apple iOS Profile Added Via Link Email – How to Remove

If you are like some people who have recently been on a website and have opted in to some emails and as a result now have a completely new account and profile added to your iPhone or iPad.

It seems that many people are being affected by this. The real question is what else is being affected by this profile that is being added to your device.

According to Apple.

You might be asked to install a configuration profile that was sent to you in an email, or one that is downloaded from a webpage. You’re asked for permission to install the profile and, when you open the file, information about what it contains is displayed. You can see the profiles you have installed in Settings

 > General > Profiles & Device Management. If you delete a profile, all of the settings, apps, and data associated with the profile are also deleted.

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