Category Archives: Computers

Apologies…computer problems have surfaced again

I know it’s been a problem to get to iLind.net for the past several days. It’s been off-line periodically. And I’ve been blocked from access most of that time as well.

The problem is apparently heavy external traffic that overloads the host’s resources. I’m still trying to understand what/who to blame, and figure out how to fix it.

And there’s a potentially related issue. Several people who have subscribed in the past report they have not been getting the emails alerting them to new posts.

This is all above my computer pay grade, so I’m struggling to cope. Hopefully I’ll get it resolved before too long!

In the meantime, cross your fingers!

A mind-blowing demonstration of AI for reporters

I’ve been reading about the advances in generative AI and large language models, and started looking for recommendations for systems that would benefit an investigative reporter like myself. Surprisingly, I didn’t find much in the way of discussion or recommendations suited to individual reporters.

So I asked a friend who has been involved in reporting on the tech world for several decades for his recommendations. His first suggestion was to check out Google’s NotebookLM.

Knowing nothing about it at all, I went to my Google account and there was an invite to try it out. So I did.

The quick results were amazing, to me at least.

Continue reading

Check out these online resources

I stumbled across the state’s list of online services, ranging from auctions by the Attorney General’s Asset Forfeiture division to “vessel services” (renew your vessel registration, or search for registered boats by registration number, last name of owner, or business name) and water bill payments in three counties.

Some items of the list allow you to search agency data, while others allow you to submit applications for services, pay bills, etc.

Some go both ways. The link for Honolulu building permits allows you to submit a permit application, or search the DPP system for properties or permits, which can provide some interesting details about properties of interest.

It is going to take me a while to browse through the list looking for interesting and useful items (not necessary the same).

And here’s another resource, a list of the social media accounts of state officials and agencies, as well as some county contacts as well.

If you find things of interest as you go through these lists, please share!

Happy hunting.

Technical issues have swamped this site

Yes, I know. Everything is slowed almost to a halt today.
I’m trying to get assistance to solve the technical issues.
But, for the time being, this is as good as it gets.

I’ll update as soon as I have additional news.

Update at noon: It seems that the crisis has passed, and the site is (for now) pretty much back to normal. Fingers crossed!