Technology Security
We should all be aware of how to best secure our devices and data
I do want to travel again internationally, so I’m trying to decide the best ways to be prepared with phone and laptop security. The only reason I worry about possibly getting targeted is that I’m very outspoken and wrote a book that’s against capitalism.
I wanted to have a phone to bring to protests as well as travel, so I just ordered an AGM M6 phone. It’s a rugged dumb phone that will work on practically any cell network in the world. My intention is to use it only with prepaid SIM cards. I can load some important phone numbers into it, and I'm good to go. It would be for short-term or emergency use.
For my new laptop, I decided to upgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 11 Pro. The license key cost me $30 through this website that was recommended in a Reddit thread. The hardware is still the same, but Windows 11 Pro has a built-in encryption feature called BitLocker that shows up after you upgrade. (Update on this: as sometimes happens, I was sold a software key that was already in use. They’ve given me a new one now, and hopefully that will be good.)
If you enable BitLocker, supposedly, no one can just copy your drive and be able to see any of your actual data. I need to do some more research on it. You've really got to save the decryption key, or you'll lose all your files.
I also have a feature on my newest Android phone that lets you create a secret, secure folder to put apps into and then hide it. I’m not sure this would help if your phone were copied (as is apparently allowed by Homeland Security).
I’m creating a checklist of items I could remove from my everyday phone when coming back through customs and easily re-add later. I'm not sure I could get around a foreign country with only a dumb phone, although I do love a challenge!
Since I want to travel again in the near future, I am trying to be prepared to do that in a way that doesn’t compromise my safety or privacy.
Making Sprouts
I decided to try out some of the High Mowing sprouting seeds I recently purchased. It was the first time I’d used the sprouting attachment for my Mason jars, and it worked really well. The stand on the lid allows the jar to drain over an included tray to catch any water dripping out. This sprout mix was nutty and made a great snack. The directions called for using 2 tablespoons of seeds, but I would probably use a quarter cup next time.
I just realized these sprouts would be great in a sprout, hummus, and cucumber sandwich! Stay tuned for that.
Food Rescue
I try very hard not to waste food because it's precious and expensive. I took these stale crackers and renewed them in the oven so they wouldn’t go to waste. (There’s nothing worse than soggy crackers.)
Then I took some of the canned mussels I recently purchased and turned them into dinner. I’d never had canned mussels before. They tasted good, but left an intense fish taste in my mouth that was hard to remove.
New Booklet
I was inspired by this Substack post to create a booklet titled "Know Your Enemy." It's about who we should be fighting and who we shouldn't. I will be giving it away for free as a printed booklet and as a PDF. You can download the PDF here.
I took some with me to No Kings, but didn't end up handing any out. I did hand out some fun stickers that matched one of my signs.
I’m really having fun being creative while creating valuable educational materials that can help and inspire people.
Last Chance to Sponsor Me
Tuesday (March 31st) is your last day to sponsor me in the Bridge to Rutland arts marathon fundraiser. It’s a great cause and a time when asylum seekers could use some extra love. Their minimum suggested donation is only $12.
They’ve almost reached their fundraising goal, and every little bit helps!
⏰️ Currently
📒 Enjoying creating resources that I feel are very valuable
🔨 Feeling good about continuing to gather a few more tools to get me through challenging times
🌱 Basking in a feeling of having more purpose