A Technical Digression / Resetting iPhone Password

I recently inherited an iPhone 4, and I had no idea how to change its Apple password--necessary to install updates and acquire new applications.  I stopped by to ask at the local Mac Store, and the young clerk assured me that it couldn't be done.  That being the case, I thought I'd explain how simple it was to actually do.  I'm doing this for people like myself who find a legitimate need to do this, but I'll also end with some suggestions to improve overall device security.


I'll begin with mentioning that the relative from whom I inherited this device left no password information, except a few cryptic security phrase notes in his wallet and a couple references to password reset when I searched the iPhone itself.  He was a security expert, so I didn't have much hope in coming up with the correct password through trial and error.


When attempts to crack the password the traditional way were unsuccessful, I eventually received a message inquiring whether, or not, I wanted to reset the Apple password.  I indicated that I did and, since his e-mail still resided on the device, I requested to reset the account using his e-mail.  The e-mail arrived moments later, and I created the new password.  That was indeed thankfully easy.


Bear in mind that the Apple password is not the same as the pass code or screen lock.  Fortunately, this iPhone had no screen lock, or my job would have been much more difficult.  On earlier iPhones, however, this can be broken by selecting emergency call from the lock screen, then navigating away.  I don't know whether this particular vulnerability remains in the later models.    


Should you wish to make your iPhone more secure, you may wish to consider requiring a screen pass code.  In addition, I recommend registering your device through Aps such as Find iPhone.  


If you have many electronic devices on which you've stored important family information and records, it's strongly recommended that you retain your passwords somewhere with the rest of your important papers.  Should something happen to you, it makes the settling of your affairs a little simpler.


(By the way, changing the device name can easily by right-clicking on it within iTunes.  I suggest also that you create a new Apple id, then sign-out of the old, and sign-into the new.)

Interview of Carlos Espinosa (Holy Wood Acting Studio Founder)

Max, StellaMaris, Karla, and Carlos Espinosa

Today's interview features Carlos Espinosa, founder of the Holy Wood Acting Studio in Los Angeles.  He offers a unique and fascinating look into what it means to be an actor and artist for God in today's world.  Thank you very much, Carlos, for taking the time to answer these questions so honestly! 

1.  What can you tell us about Holy Wood Acting Studio?  What do you see as its mission?

Even if they not know it, actors are called to be leaders.  Leaders tend to be the center of attention which is a huge peril for them and his/her followers if the first are not properly instructed and trained. We can see the devastating effects on many actors after they have just a little success doing what their vocation is telling them to do. An actor that fulfills his call in its entirety would be guiding the audiences to the light, to a happier life towards God. This is the mission, to train future actors to be torches of light to the world and by that being the happiest persons on earth.

2.  What prompted you to start the business?  How is your faith reflected within this vocation? 

My son Max worked for an actor and they were always approached by many who wanted to be actors and actresses but didn't know where to be trained. We saw that there is no place anywhere that trains actors (or any other activity) that forms the person before the actor, so we did it and trough prayer and discernment; a very effective program was created.

3.  Has the field and business of acting changed a great deal in the last twenty years, or has it remained much the same--as everything around it has changed? 

Acting has been a magnet for people who understand its immense power to guide masses. So, this God given craft has changed and developed into a more driven ability and its artist must convey a message that most of the times is not the best for the families and the world. 

4. There seems to be a tendency among some Christians to look at the field of acting and drama with suspicion.  Why do you think actors are often negatively stereotyped by those of faith?  What can be done about this? 

Holy Wood Acting Studio is the answer to their prayers, because God keeps giving His children His own power to create beauty and fill the hearts of many with hope and joy but up until today there was no other place where a talented person could get a proper training to avoid the cause of that rightful suspicion which is the dangers of bad-managed fame, power and money. 

5.  Being a great actor isn't enough for the successful performer these days.  He/she also needs to be an expert promoter, business person, negotiator, etc.  Do your students sometimes question the value of learning those kinds of life and business skills necessary to achieve (and maintain) success later in their careers? 

If a future actor wants to succeed, he needs to know how to move and effectively ascend the ladder of the hard world of acting, and he needs to know it as much as the best (or more).  The business of acting is one of many of our classes and each and every one of the teachers and coaches are not only experts in coaching, but also have worked many years in the movie industry. Passion, is a must and that is our fuel so needed for the talented one also.

6.  I interviewed Sean Astin last summer, and one of the things he remarked on was the thankfulness he has just to find good work.  It seems that an actor's life is often feast and famine.  If this is true, how do you teach a student to prepare for periods of professional and private hardship? 

Personal Growth and Development is a class that teaches them how to love themselves as much as God loves them, and that is the key to have a sound and really strong confidence. When you have that, you not only never worry for the mountain of rejections you may face, but you feel that those, and all the problems they may encounter, are but a preparation for a greater mission.  The bigger the challenge, the greater the mission, and you experience that He, Your Father provides all your needs (including difficult exercises of faith, hope and love, of course).

7.  Was there a particular point in your life where you made a conscious decision for Christ, a "Second Conversion?"  (As converts from the Evangelical tradition, this is an area of interest.  I'm going to try to usually ask this question in the future interviews.) 

My wife and I were rescued by Jesus for a second time (from being lukewarm Catholics) and by the Grace of God His Spirit grants us His passion of Love for Jesus almost 20 years ago. My son Max and daughter Karla have had their own passioned affair with Our Lord and God Jesus.

8.  Technology has so changed the face and voice of media over the past decade, or so.  What do you see as some of the greatest challenges for actors in coming years? 

I see that if an actor focuses his/her life in a disciplined life of prayer and study, the effect of the technology which is so great especially on un-educated people will be used by them to make a bigger success for Jesus, for them, for their families and the for the world.

9.  Is there a saint or two for whom you share a special affinity or appreciation? 

We try to see Our Lady in the same way Jesus was seeing Her when He was a baby... totally dependent, abandoned, and confident on Her. St. Padre Pio makes his rounds of checking everyday though...

10.  Has your friend Jim Caviezel ever stopped by Holy Wood Acting Studio to talk or work with students?  Are there well-known actors and actresses involved in the process?  What do you think about actors as role models? 

I met Jim only once in a dinner party, and he hasn't come (yet) to our facility.  The culture of celebrity is way too strong to even grasp by our minds, so we try not to look for it nor depend upon it for our support. If an actor wants to endorse us, it's is a blessing, but if not we know that we always count with the full support and love of the Only Real Celebrity.

11.  What would you say is the hardest thing for your students to learn or accept? 

Humility (the hardest for me too!), which we understand it as the source of real power and real authority over ourselves and over others. 

12.  Suppose that there is a young man or woman reading this who would love to pursue an acting career, but they don't know where to begin.  What advice would you offer them today? 

To read every page of our web site where everything is explained in detail and to call 310-428-6165 for further information, but before that... to pray, pray, pray!!! 

Internet Ramblings

Ever thought about how the internet has changed communication?  I don't mean speed.  We all know it's fast, but what's the tradeoff for that blazing speed?  Take the publishing field, for instance.  It's very common to send an e-mail to an editor or fellow writer and for the response to take so long (if at all) that one almost forgets what the original question was about.  If you're like me, non-responses are a pet peeve.  In my day job, they are easy enough to understand, but I tend to be more irked by them as a writer.  (Suggestion of the day, use an "out of office" automatic reply to tell senders when to expect a response.  It's courteous and informative.)


The thing is, though, that more than likely the person can't manage their e-mails and Farmville simultaneously.  So, while we let petty annoyances build over such silly things as unanswered e-mails, there's probably a good chance the person hasn't even seen the message--or whatever else you may be waiting for the person to address.  For all you know, then, there is no reason at all to let yourself be annoyed by it.  Want to feel better?  Just imagine the fellow staring blankly at a growing e-mail inbox.  It works for me.   (Pink flamingos on their front lawn are also always a nice touch.)


I know I've trudged along some of this dusty trail before with the "Connection Illusion," but the internet's effect upon how we communicate greatly interests me.  I don't know the statistics, but the anecdotal evidence certainly suggests that writing quality for students within the halls of higher education is becoming poorer.  Between e-mail, instant messaging, and Facebook, it seems that it's hard to write is a decent sentence it is.  LOL.    (Joke, people.)  


Researching topics is another interesting area.  Do young people even know how to write a research paper without the internet?  I know when I looked it up on Google, it said that...  Oh, never mind.

Anyway, that's it for today.  Sorry it was such a rotten post, but I have to check my Facebook.

Update:  Please visit my friend's Deborah King's blog on this general issue, too.  See also "Why I Left Facebook."

Nook Book Update

Happy to announce that my short story entitled "Stars Within the Glass" is now available through Barnes and Noble.  Hope you can take a look at this Nook Book!  It's also available at iBooks and at Lulu.


Psst...  A certain seagull reminded me to mention a particular children's tale by the name of Tristan's Travels.  It can be found at select independent bookstores, as well as online at Rafka Press and Amazon!  

Parting Thougts on the Occupy Movement and Higher Education

It's not my intention to stay on this topic too much longer, but I'd like to raise a few more points today.  One of the frequent gripes of the movement is the cost of higher education.  While I agree with the complaint, I differ with them on their approach for rectifying it.  I do want to point out that I agree that something is wrong with the higher and higher costs for attending universities.  Our daughter is at this stage now, and the costs are indeed stunning.  Why the dramatic increase in tuition--far outpacing inflation?  I'm no economist, but I suspect that the "education bubble" has much to do with rising healthcare costs as well as the willingness for some students and families to take on huge debts to finance education.


This touches on a personal pet peeve.  Lately on social media, I've seen several versions of a photograph of young person holding up a handwritten sign praising his own sound financial and life choices.  These choices usually boil down to living below one's means and attending public university instead of an expensive private university.  Besides the self-congratulatory or prideful tone, I object to this dismissive characterization of all private universities.  


Don't get me wrong.  There's nothing wrong with a good public university education, and I'm sure there are many cases where it's better than private.  Still, there's a sense in these kind of exchanges that private education is being viewed something like a name brand vs generic product, and that's where it needs to be pointed out that education is more than a retail commodity.  Yes, there is a commonsense cost/value awareness that needs to be taken into the equation, but university is more for the learning and less about the diploma--isn't  it?


Our daughter, for example, is looking for a solid Catholic education.  She looks forward to learning more about her faith from professors--not student teachers.  Private schools by and large (especially Catholic or Evangelical) offer a much deeper education in these areas.  If smaller class size is important, private schools are also the way to go.  If you have a pair of binoculars you enjoy using to watch your professor in the large lecture hall, go for it! 


Lastly, I've been hearing from any number of people that it's possible to attend private university for less than public if you're successful with your aid search.  As I understand it, there's often more aid available for the private universities than the public.  So, don't dismiss a family's sacrifice for a private education, if the student is looking for more than just the diploma.  Education is too important to compromise.  (If your family is looking for a good Catholic university in the Pacific Northwest, may I suggest University of Portland.)


Lastly, below is a response to a friend's concerns with regards to my last blog post.  Without her permission, I'm not comfortable mentioning her by name or linking to her thoughtful essay, but I thought I'd offer this--for what it's worth.

You make some interesting points. While I agree with some of your individual suggestions, I don't concur with your conclusions or logic. I think the central and simplest perspective is to analyze what is meant by social and "economic equity." That's just Socialism by a different name. Striving to address legitimate social justice issues such as poverty, homelessness, and lack of opportunities are laudable goals, but it's entirely different than "economic equity," which suggests (to me anyway) a redistribution of wealth to take everyone to the same standard. 


Since that involves the taking of assets not otherwise belonging to you, I see that as a breaking of the 7th Commandment; whether, or not, the government is doing the confiscating and redistribution, it is morally comparable to theft. If that's all Occupy Wall Street is about, that's just as greedy as the people they are supposedly protesting. While consumerism itself is not a good thing, economic activity and prosperity are. They represent the livelihood of individuals, families, and communities. While we may wish for a simpler--agrarian, for instance--life, that bell can't be unrung. (See my "Connection Illusion" blog post for more.) Instead, we as Catholics need to constructively engage our culture and demonstrate the love of Christ--not Socialism. (You might want to read the CCC, Part 3, Section 2, Chapter 2, Article 7.) 

Occupy Wall Street's Retreat from Relevancy--& Suggestions!

I have to admit I turned and watched the Occupy protesters as I drove past their little camp in downtown Salem earlier today.  They're an interesting bunch, and in some ways I feel a real ambivalence towards what they're doing--or trying to do, at least.  For several years early in our marriage, we were so poor that we made church mice look filthy rich.  Even at the worst of times, though, I think the idea of protesting our situation would have seemed pretty silly to me.  Instead, I worked three pretty rotten jobs to hold things together, and I was always looking and competing for that dream job.  I suppose it's the fact that I've survived with little myself that I don't have a lot of patience for complainers--especially complainers who can't seem to say anything of consequence regarding their movement or its goals.

If they're complaining about not having jobs, it's just possible they might have more luck if they put down those signs and actually began looking for work. I am not saying it will be easy process, but it's a good starting point.  

My impression is that (1) they can't articulate what they're actually protesting against except in vague generalities, and (2) the union involvement in the Occupy movement belies their claims for financial accountability.  (Let's face it, unions aren't exactly the poster children for accountability or financial transparency.)  

So, I figure that this would be an opportune moment to put on my rain-soaked sweater, dirty jeans, and smelly dreadlocks (clip-ons) to really give these misguided folks some thoughtful advice for turning things around, not just achieving numbers but aiming for meaning, too.

First, remind everyone how terrible a proposition President Obama's stimulus package really was.  Second, point out the foolish and over-reaching pursuit of Obamacare in the midst of this Great Recession.  Third, while their hearts might have been in the right place, the latest round of banking and credit card regulations have really added insult to economic injury for the American people.  Yes, Bank of America corporate leadership may need a good spanking, but the most significant thing you can do is to...close your account.  President Obama's misguided policies have created an ecomonic environment of uncertainty and speculation.

It's unfortunate that these protesters can't recognize the irony and humour of the situation (as suggested in the photograph I shared above).  They're protesting corporations and capitalism itself while simultaneously reaping the benefits and innovations of both.  The power of social media, for instance, is being put to great use by these Occupy organizers.  While they've achieved the flash mob status, there not sure what to do now--or what demands to even seek.

On the other hand, the few protesters that can successfully articulate what they're looking for too often betray a Socialist mindset.  Read the following quote, for instance, from Occupy Portland chat forum.

Why do we care if the people are behind us? I am against "democracy" as a political system for this very reason. We, a minority know that this empire needs to be brought down so why do we care if we are in the minority? Why do we care about trying to convince the majority to be on our side. Are we trying to convince people or change the political structure?

After all, socialism has such a fine track record of economic success and environmental stewardship, doesn't it?  It's sad...a good protest is such a terrible thing to waste.

In conclusion this evening, I'd like to share a wise observation Father Robert A. Sirico of the Acton Institute made recently on EWTN's World Over.  The following is his response when he was asked about the moral obligation of "economic equity."

...I don't think economic equity is the real question.  What we care about most is the vulnerability of the poor.  It's not the gap between the rich and the poor; it's the floor.  That is, how well are the poorest and most vulnerable people living?  So, the fact that Warren Buffet has less money than Bill Gates is not the moral dilemma.  The Gap is not the moral dilemma, and I think they're focusing on the wrong question.  The question is not how do we distribute money, but how to create it...

By the way, be sure to read my second post on this general topic.  

Top 10 Blog Recap for Singing in the Wood

I was shocked to realize today that my blog has existed now for longer than a year.  Granted, its present format  is younger than that, but I'm still pleased (and a bit surprised) that I've managed to keep it going this long. While I'm sure its continued existence may only annoy any number of good people, here's to another great year ahead of us!
  

In a sort of belated birthday extravaganza, I thought I'd post the top ten most popular blog posts first, then I'd share ten of my personal favorites.  (That's not to say some of the most popular group might otherwise be in my personal favorite list, too.)  It's hard to say what makes a post one of my favorites.  Sometimes, my favorite is because of the topic, but it's also often because of the wonderful feedback I receive from my readers.  While I may not have a great many regular followers as yet for my relatively new blog, it's always exciting to note the far-reaching locations where visitors originate--from London to Spain and all across the USA.  I appreciate my readers very much, and I hope the content continues to appeal and interest you in the year(s) to come!  Lastly, I'd also like to extend a special thank you to those people who have graciously given of their time to facilitate the interviews I've shared here: Sean Astin, Raymond Arroyo, and Lino Rulli.  More coming...

Most Popular Blog Posts

1.  Sean Astin Interview

2.  A Short Review of Sean Astin's There and Back Again

3.  An Open Letter to Father Corapi

4.  The Black Wolf's Den (Fr. John Corapi)

5.  Sourdough Bread for Dummies

6.  Raymond Arroyo Interview

7.  Jambalaya and the Fixin's--& Chocolate?

8.  Lunch at Grand Lux Cafe (Dallas Galleria)

9.  Sing the Triumph of the Cross

10.  Kimberly Erickson Art Sale

Some of Karl's Personal Favorites

1.  Breath of Life: A Most Unusual Anniversary

2.  Oregon Coast Clam Chowder

3.  Karl's Famous Pretzels

4.  Is Worrying a Sin?

5.  Why Does God Allow Suffering?

6.  It's All About Me?

7.  Be Not Afraid

8. The Connection Illusion

9.  Is Anything Sacred?  ("Glimmers of Heaven")

10.  A Quest for Beauty in Northeast Oregon

"Honorable Mentions"

1.  A Good Dinner at Home

2.  In Loving Memory of Phil Rand

3.  Time to Let that Dream Go?

4.  "Just" a Stay-at-Home Mom

5.  Gnawing, Biting, Breaking, Hacking, Burning..."The Shack" 

* Links updated and corrected on November 1st.