facetime eavesdropping bug

29 Tuesday Jan 2019

Posted by in computers, devices, iphone

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Well, this is alarming. You have probably already heard about this, but in case you haven’t… TURN OFF FACETIME ON ALL YOUR DEVICES NOW.

It turns out that anyone can call you on your iPhone and, before you answer, simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen and add your number to a Facetime group. From then on, your iPhone will start transmitting audio to this person, even if you didn’t answer the call. And even worse! If you press the power button on your iPhone you will start transmitting video as well.

I have now disabled Facetime, which I never use anyhow, on my iPhone and iPad. This also affects Mac computers.

help save taberna el gallo!

26 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in andalucia, history, spain, tapas, tapas bars

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Taberna El Gallo is probably the most emblematic traditional bar in Córdoba. Great wines and food too! It is my favourite spot in the city. So I was very sad to read that it was going to close after the death of the owner, who ran the business with her husband. Rent issues, along with the ages of its present staff, some of whom have recently retired, have led to the bar closing its doors after 83 years.

Then I saw that someone has started a Change.org petition to preserve the bar and keep it going. Presumably under new management, but hopefully retaining its charm, character and heritage. Here is the link so you can sign the petition and help save Taberna El Gallo.

Change.org: La Taberna El Gallo No Se Cierra

anybody listening?

25 Friday Jan 2019

Posted by in casa azahar, cats, life stuff

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I have long been in the habit of talking to the cats when I am at home. In fact, I tell them everything! But lately I have noticed the somewhat alarming habit of speaking my thoughts out loud when I am out of doors. Alone.

Seriously. I’ll be in the supermarket and say – OUT LOUD – oh! I almost forgot to get coffee!. Or out in the street I will comment – OUT LOUD – on something that catches my eye. Stuff like that. And I can’t seem to stop myself. Heck, I probably don’t even notice I’m doing it half the time.

Then I remembered how we used to think that people talking to themselves in the street were, well, nuts. But now it’s commonplace to see people talking to their mobile phones with an  earphone/microphone set up, so it’s more likely these days that we will assume the person seemingly yakking away to themselves is taking a call, not crazy in the head.

Hence my new plan to wear a earphone/microphone set while out and about, with the jack end of the cord just tucked into my top. That’ll keep ’em guessing!  🙂