Admin_01

I am reluctant to give details about the procedure used during the registration validation process (at least not in a public forum). I will say that IP addresses are part of the internal procedure used. The IP address used for that registration was not on any of the published spam operations lists. Going only a bit further, we have an online "Watch List" that is used for suspect memberships, and it is turning out to be very effective. That particular member was on the Watch List from the get-go. We appreciate your interest and assistance in this matter.

The above post was split off into a new topic to avoid going "off-topic".

To answer this question really requires understanding the calendar channel on CL. The upcoming events display is simply an extract from the calendar events. This Q&A is not intended to teach you how to place an event on the calendar; we are talking here only about how the calendar and the upcoming events display interact. First the Calendar in Overview The calendar is one of the "channels" of information in this website. It is accessed by clicking on the Calendar sub-tab when displaying the Browse options (see top left of the window). An entry in the calendar is called an event, and events must have a start date and a title (and optionally an end date that is different from the start date, and optionally a start time and end time). The calendar channel is where members can review all events. Normally the calendar display shows one month at a time. The current month is the first display. When you click on the calendar, the display defaults to showing all events for the current month. You can change the display for week, day or event stream by clicking on the appropriate button just below the name of the month at the top center of the calendar display. You can look at prior/future months by clicking on the "PREV MONTH" or "NEXT MONTH" buttons located at the top of the calendar on the left or right side. Note that the calendar channel on CL is configured with three discrete calendars: Community Calendar - events display in sapphire blue Panama National Holidays - events display in dark brown (reserved primarily for administrators) Crime Reports Calendar - events display in dark green (reserved primarily for administrators and those involved in security activities) Almost all calendar events will be placed (and should be placed) on the Community Calendar. Now For the Upcoming Events Display The upcoming events display box is nothing more than an extract of events from the Community Calendar and the Panama National Holidays calendar. The upcoming events display is shown in three places on CL: the forums index page the blogs homepage the activity stream Part of the question posed was how to see more events in the current events display box. The upcoming events display box is currently configured to show upcoming events during the next seven calendar days or a maximum of ten (10) events, whichever occurs first. We might expand those configuration limits, but also need to be mindful of people using tablets and mobile devices because of their smaller display screens. Thus, if you wish to see a more complete event list (actually the entire event list), then you should shift from the upcoming events box to the full calendar view for the month(s) that you are interested in. How to Use Upcoming Events and the Calendar to Best Advantage If you are associated with a club or group, and wish to plan and schedule an event, we recommend that you first look at the calendar for the month of your event, not the upcoming events display box. If you see something already planned for that date, you might want to reconsider your scheduling. If you don't see anything else for that date, then you probably also want to check other sources of information, such as other websites or emails that are distributed by various organizations and services. As a service to our members to assist in researching other events, CL has several archived "news feeds" of information distributed by: News Boquete - http://www.chiriqui.life/forum/87-news-boquete/ TV Chiriqui - http://www.chiriqui.life/forum/98-tv-chiriqu%C3%AD/ Tuesday Morning Meetings - http://www.chiriqui.life/forum/82-tuesday-morning-meeting-tmm/ Boquete Jazz and Blues Festival - http://www.chiriqui.life/forum/100-boquete-jazz-and-blues-festival-bjbf/ There are countless other sources of information, such as Facebook, Twitter, etc., as well as other local, regional, national, and global websites. Once you have picked a date, then enter your event on the Community Calendar so that others won't trample over your event.

A question from a CL member was received via private message. Her question was about how to take advantage of the upcoming events part of CL so that community groups and organizations can coordinate their activities. She also wants to know how to see more than just a couple of entries of upcoming events on the homepage.

Done,

Dottie, Please try clearing your browser's cache and see if the situation improves. We know there is a problem. It has been reported by others (including my wife) as happening periodically. I know exactly what you are talking about. We have a software upgrade scheduled, which should have happened last week, but with the US holidays things are a bit slow. Hopefully sometime this week. When the upgrade happens, I will post an announcement. It is my understanding that the real fix for this problem is coming in the upgrade. (BTW, the pending upgrade will not be any where as traumatic as the last one.) If you wish, I will clean out the errant text in your posting.

I had a bit more time today, and dug into the HTML code used by the US Consulate. (As an aside, what I saw was startling, bordering on atrocious.) Anyway, I think I have uncovered the correct URL specifications for the flawed URL highlighted in yellow above. Try this link: Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts

Based on this information, Admin_01 has put an event of the calendar.

Admin_01 footnote to the above message. The URL link for "Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts" quoted below from the above message is flawed, and I cannot repair it. All other URLs have been tested.

Subject: Worldwide Travel Alert, November 23, 2015 Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2015 20:34:31 +0000 From: STEP Notifications <STEP-Notifications@STATE.GOV> Reply-To: STEP Notifications <STEP-Notifications@STATE.GOV> To: ACS_ALL_LISTS@CALIST.STATE.GOV The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats. Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da'esh), al-Qa'ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests. This Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016. Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da'esh return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services. In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali. ISIL/Da'esh has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner in Egypt. U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowed places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events. U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Persons with specific safety concerns should contact local law enforcement authorities who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country. U.S. citizens should: Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions. Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency. Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Foreign governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. Authorities continue to conduct raids and disrupt terror plots. We continue to work closely with our allies on the threat from international terrorism. Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats. For further information: See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Your account closed per your request.

Subject: Security Message for U.S. Citizens: TRAVEL ALERT - WORLDWIDE Date: Wed, 25 Nov 2015 15:30:50 +0000 From: Panama-ACS@state.gov Reply-To: Panama-ACS@state.gov The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats. Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests. This Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016. Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services. In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali. ISIL/Da’esh has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner in Egypt. U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events. U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Persons with specific safety concerns should contact local law enforcement authorities who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country. U.S. citizens should: Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions. Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency. Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Foreign governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. Authorities continue to conduct raids and disrupt terror plots. We continue to work closely with our allies on the threat from international terrorism. Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats. For further information: See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Subject: Message for U.S. Citizens: FRENADESO and SUNTRACS Protests Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2015 12:54:51 +0000 From: Panama@state.gov Reply-To: Panama@state.gov FRENADESO and SUNTRACS announced protests from Porras Park to the National Assembly today (November 24, 2015). Expect major traffic disruptions throughout the city. For up-to-date information on security, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at travel.state.gov. Further information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Panama are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.

An interesting topic here. Given that I am very dependent on reliable computing resources, I tend to stay behind the cutting edge on both software upgrades and operating system upgrades. All of my computers (seven of them, ouch ) have remained on Windows 7 Ultimate until recently. About ten days ago I upgraded a less important machine to Windows 10, and have regretted it ever since. Will be going back to Windows 7 Ultimate on that machine. That retrograde will be done as a complete re-imaging, not a downgrade. My suggestion for those considering upgrading to Windows 10 is to go into new operating systems very slowly. I do understand that many people have upgraded and are happy with Win 10. I am happy for them. Wish I could be one of them, but experience tells me otherwise. On a related matter, because of the pain of this recent Win 10 upgrade experience, I decided to venture into Linux land. Used my oldest machine, which was still functional but of little utility, and as of yesterday I am now running Linux on it. The conversion was quite simple. The functionality is impressive. Everything works, and the bottom line for me is that machine probably has been given a new life because of the conversion to Linux. I used it this morning for the complete review/management duties of our CL website, and there were absolutely no problems. For the technically curious, I went with Ubuntu Linux, version 14.04.3 LTS Desktop. And the best part is that it was all free. Took less than 2 hours. Granted, all data was lost on the C: drive, given the manner in which I chose to install, but even that is not a requirement. If anyone wishes to check into Ubuntu a bit more, click here: http://www.ubuntu.com/.

Not a self-actuated method. CL membership can be cancelled by a simple request to an administrator via email to support@chiriqui.life or private message to admin_01. We would ask two questions: what the issue is, but there is no requirement to answer, and a preferred disposition of any posted content, which would be complied with provided there would be no negative impact on the intrigity of the content of CL.

Thanks for the explanation of your policy. We are told by many expatriates that they do not wish to participate in the STEP program for many varying reasons. We don't judge, but rather provide an information service as best we can for the community. Don't know what you are talking about regarding the URLs. They work just spiffy. Let me know if you need some help.

Thanks, but we have this under control.