Downloading YouTube Videos To Your Android

Yes, we have another post about the android phone. I figure since there are multiple android phones in the household including the one my wife uses with wifi access only I might as well include info about them here, especially if it's something that can benefit others.

How many times have you been watching a video on YouTube only to go back to it later and find it removed either by the user or YouTube itself? There are a number of utilities you can put on your desktop or laptop machine to download and save these movies, but what if you find the movie while you're browsing around on your phone? Or better yet, you want them on your phone to watch later?

I tried a lot of different apps and found that they either didn't work completely or not at all. I finally found one that worked and you guessed it, it was removed from the app store. I really do understand the benefits of having people come back to YouTube for advertising and brand recognition, but does Google really need to be that worried about videos being downloaded? I should have the option when I post my videos to allow online only or available for download. This would eliminate their need to "protect" my copyrights. But that's a whole other subject for a different blog. If you're reading this I'm sure you just want to know how to save the videos to your phone.

TubeMate is the answer to your needs. Since it is not in the app store you will need to change the settings in your phone to allow installation of apps from unknown sources. Don't worry about the security of your phone, it will not open it up to random downloads. You still maintain control of what you install. Once the app is installed, use it instead of your regular YouTube app and when you tap the video to play it will give you the option to play it or download it.

That's it, nice an simple and easy to use until Google changes the YouTube code around again, but the guys at TubeMate have been pretty good about keeping it updated.

-mike

How to install ringtones on your LG Optimus M

OK, I know this is supposed to be a blog about country life and simpler ways, but there is no reason you can't have technology too. They can never make things easy and since you bought the phone, you should be able to put anything on it you want. Putting your own ringtones on this phone is a pain so I thought I'd write out the steps and have them archived here if anyone needs them.

While some people may find something usable amidst the pre-installed options on the LG Optimus M, others might prefer a wider selection.

Fortunately, it couldn't be easier to install custom ringtones and notification tones on your LG Optimus M.

First, you'll need to find some ringtones you like.

Just Another Mobile Test

Changed phones again. The previous one was one that I had hacked to work with metropcs but had issues if I was too far from my home area. They had a sale so I got this one. The camera resolution isn't as high but it should work for here. The advantage is I can give the other one to Deb and she can use it without phone service but still have internet access if she's near a wifi connection.

New phone to blog from

Got a new phone that will let me blog out in the field. This is my view for lunch today

Self Sufficient Farming On One Acre

Mother Earth News has a great article in this edition of their magazine about starting a 1 acre self sufficient homestead. While it's true that no two farms will ever be the same, but they cover the basics of how to get yourself started. This is one of the magazines that I feel is definitely worth subscribing to. The article can be read online here. http://www.motherearthnews.com/modern-homesteading/self-sufficient-homestead-zm0z11zkon.aspx

System Updates

Decided to spend some more time with the design and layout of the blog. Just trying to make it as easy to navigate as I can while making it look like a part of me. I also want to try and tie together all the different accounts, facebook, twitter, etc. 

Let me know what you like and what you don't. 

-mike

Wow, things have been so crazy I almost forgot about this blog. We had our vacation although we spent most of the time either working on the Jeep or avoiding the water in our tent. The Jeep's water pump decided to give out but even in that God's hand was in it as it went out the day after we arrived and were in town less than a mile from the parts store. Got the pump, already had the tools, and was able to swap it out with no problems.

We no longer have two lots there in Oklahoma. When we left on the trip we had a 10 acre lot and a 2.5 acre lot. We re-negotiated with Scott and backed out of the 2.5 acre lot. The reason? Another 20 acres attached to the 10 was available and we now have 30 acres that is covered in Black Oak trees and about 7 acres of that is on top of a hill. Gonna be a perfect place to build a house.

I'm going to go into details here soon on what we want to build and out timetable to get started. In the meantime I leave you with a quick slideshow I put together of our trip.

-mike

About That Time

Well, we'll be leaving here in about 96 hours. (I love it when the countdown changes from days to hours) and I can't wait to see what Oklahoma holds in store for us. We'll be driving straight through which should put us there around 12-1 on Wednesday. weather.com shows scattered thunderstorms for the area the first few days we're there, but since when has the weather man ever been right.

We ended up buying an extra cargo carrier for the jeep. Who would have thought you would need to take so much stuff for 10 days.