Good News: No Depressing Microsoft Stories Today

Every once-in-a-while, I get to do a Microsoft-free day. Oh, there are plenty of stories out there…trust me on that one. Just none that are really important. Today, I want to keep everything on a mostly positive note. The first story is a bit of a bummer, but the rest are interesting and may be of help to you.

My two favorite stories this day are #2, about the 10 new features now in Feedly…and #3 about the latest update to one of my favorite apps, Flipboard.

Feedly has become my RSS reader of choice. I hardly look at Google Reader any more. I’ve been able to customize Feedly to meet my needs…and the 10 new added features really make it better.

As for Flipboard, it is one of my most used apps on the iPad. Now, with the release of V.2, I can easily create my own beautiful magazines in just seconds. I’ve created two so far and am enjoying the experience. The good news is that I can also add stories to my magazine direct from the Web browser on my desktop computer. The bad news is no one can see my magazines unless they have Flipboard installed. I hope they fix that so my magazines can be seen by all. 

As I’ve said here before, I dislike publishing rumors as so many do not come to pass. Too many tech journalists publish rumors as if they are facts. But, occasionally, I will let you know some of the most possible rumors…just as long as you know they are rumors.

Current rumors floating around the tech world: Apple will announce its own streaming music service this summer; Another Apple rumor says the iPhone 5s will be announced in June; Facebook will announce their own branded Android phone next week; and some new code released by Microsoft indicates they may produce 7” Surface tablets in the future. Take them all with a grain of salt.

There is some other good information here including Part 5 of setting up a home network; some pricing comparisons for all the cell phone carriers; and some good info on charging your devices…some of it surprised me. So let’s get right to it. - JRC

Who's To Blame For The Huge Cyberattack Slowing The Web? Your ISP

The Internet is groaning today under the load of a huge cyberattack - one of the worst on record - that's clogged some of its most vital systems. almost no one is talking about the real villains here: the world's Internet service providers.

Feedly Updates with 10 New Features to Help Ease Your Google Reader Transition

Feedly has updated their interface to make it a bit more friendly to Google Reader converts, while making it easy to switch between all its different views. Its List View is denser now, similar to what Google Reader fans are used to, while also adding keyboard shortcuts, better sorting, and more.

Flipboard 2.0 Lets You Curate Your Own Stunning Digital Magazines

Flipboard remains one of the most beautiful ways to peruse the day’s news, photos and social media sharings. While the first iteration of Flipboard was all about consumption and discovery, today’s update adds a new dimension to the experience: content creation and curation.

Google Keep vs. OneNote vs. Evernote: We name the note-app winner

Think of these tools as sticky notes on steroids. They're great for managing day-to-day errands and stashing rich media content, but also exceptional for organizing tasks at work. (Hint: its not Keep)

What’s the best way to charge your mobile devices?

You're packing for a trip. You've already crammed the chargers for your smartphone and laptop into your bag. Then you ask yourself: "Do I really need to bring them all? Wouldn't one or two chargers do the trick?"

Google, LinkedIn, and Microsoft prove no cloud is too big to fail

Crashes are inevitable in the cloud. The trick to a successful cloud strategy is to design for the impending failure.

Home networking explained, Part 5: Setting up a home router

CNET editor Dong Ngo explains the best way to set up most Wi-Fi routers: via the Web interface. This guide can be applied to all consumer-grade routers in the market, save those from Apple.

4G data plans: Less choice than the competition might indicate

AT&T vs. Sprint vs. Verizon vs. T-Mobile. T-Mobile debuts its 'radical' data plans, which tend to cost less than competitors, but overall expenses are similar.

The 6 Most Popular eBook Formats To Know About

Here are the top e-book formats used by today's e-book readers, phones, and tablets. Tip: the terrific free program, Calibre, can convert one format to another to accommodate your device.

Calibre Portable Download

Calibre Portable is program to manage your e-book collection. It acts as an e-library and also allows for format conversion, news feeds to eBook conversion, as well as e-book reader sync features and an integrated e-book viewer. The most important companion you can have for any e-book reader.

New Microsoft Stuff Designed to Promote Mediocrity

Sadly, Windows 8 is back in the news with one update and one peek at Windows Blue. If you use Windows 8, you will be happy to get updated fixes for three built-in Metro Apps. But be warned, the fixes still don’t make them top-of-the-line applications. Far from it.

But, even bigger news was the very unofficial peek (substitute the word “pirated” here) of the Windows 8 Blue update due this summer. As our second story points out, Window Blue is less-than-exciting and changes very little in the Windows 8 operating system.

But, several key Windows experts point out that the update is yet another signal that Microsoft intends to kill off the desktop environment over time, leaving everything to run in the Metro environment. Over my dead body…not mention the bodies of most consumers and corporate customers. I hate printing rumors and speculation here, but this was too important to skip. Again I ask, what is Microsoft thinking?

The bottom line…it’s Microsoft’s way or the highway.

Besides the Microsoft stories, there are some other interesting news and features here. In an effort to boost sales, T-Mobile is doing away with cell phone contracts. That bears knowing about and I’ve got the story here.

Also there is the new app from Google, “Keep.” It’s a note-taking application designed to rival Evernote and Microsoft’s OneNote. I’ve looked at it…no big deal…but you decide. After what Google did to Reader, I would not trust them to keep any application. Stick with Evernote and OneNote…much, much better anyway. 

If that is enough, there is still more information that you might find of interest. So, away we go!! -JCR

Major Windows 8 built-in app updates due Tuesday, Google Calendar sync will be disabled

Microsoft is preparing some major updates to its built-in Windows 8 applications starting today. The company is refreshing its communication apps: mail, calendar, and people.

Windows Blue: We waited for this?

A pirated copy of Windows Blue has hit the ether, and it may be the least interesting update to Windows ever

Windows Blue: a video preview of what's next for Windows 8

The Blue upgrade to Windows 8 looks like it's going to bring a host of improvements, fixes, and some new built-in apps too, but the biggest changes are on the UI side.

No Windows desktop mode!? No!

The early look at Blue have some Windows experts thinking that Microsoft is getting ready to dump Windows 8's desktop mode once and for all in favor of Metro. No!

T-Mobile USA kills traditional cell contracts in subscriber boost bid

By killing traditional cell phone contracts, the fourth largest US cellular network hopes to undercut its rivals who have taken on most of its defecting customers. Also, the iPhone is now available on T-Mobile.

Google Keep, an Overdue Answer to Evernote, Arrives

Google Keep stores photos, notes, voice recordings and checklists in Google Drive, so users can access their reminders from the web or any Android device — as long as its running Ice Cream Sandwich or newer.

Email forever! Why social apps can't replace it

The reality is that email is very good for what it does, and nothing out there is better. Email isn't about to go away, and trying to kill it is silly at best.

Get Organized: Keep or Delete?

Your computer likely houses a number of files that you don't actually need, but if you delete the wrong one, all hell could break loose. How do you know which ones to save and which to delete?

9 classic hacking, phishing, and social engineering lies

Whether it is on the phone, online, or in person, here are 9 lies hackers, phishers, and social engineers will tell you to get what they want

Best Free Online Applications and Services

With online applications and services, you do not need to download and install them into your computer for using them—you just need to open up a browser to access them online. We have compiled a list for best free online applications and services

8 Hidden Secrets Of Your Computer Mouse

Most computer users don’t know the hidden secrets of computer mouse. Here are some of the best computer mouse tips and tricks which help you to increase your overall productivity while on the computer.

Is the Desktop Dead? No Frigging Way!!

Sorry to be behind in publishing this blog, but have been entertaining house guests for the last several days and they keep me quite busy. Not that I mind.

Anyway, here is the latest roundup of news and tech tips that will keep you up to date and keep your computers working in your favor. -JRC

Microsoft to push Windows 7 Service Pack 1 to users starting March 19

Microsoft is starting to push Windows 7 SP1 to Windows 7 users via Windows Update, ahead of the early April end-of-support date for the RTM version of the product.

We're buying smartphones and tablets, but PCs still reign supreme

Forget what the so-called experts say…the PC is still the top dog when it comes to gadgets. In U.S. homes with Internet access, 93 percent had PCs

'Chameleon Botnet' takes $6-million-a-month in ad money

The botnet has targeted at least 202 Web sites that serve 14 billion ad impressions. The botnet apparently accounted for 9 billion of them.

Microsoft Ending Support for Windows Phone 8 Next Year, But What’s Coming Next?

The revelation instantly led to a flurry of speculation among Windows Phone users, wondering what will happen to their phones after the deadline has expired.

Samsung Galaxy S4 preview: a bigger, faster upgrade to the world's most popular Android phone

The most popular new phone is the Galaxy S4...and its not even available yet. The S4 succeeds the wildly popular Galaxy S III, and brings with it a litany of new features and tweaks - though at first glance, you might not even notice it's different.

6 Free Google Reader Alternatives

Here are six applications that are web based that have (mostly) apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android.

500,000 Google Reader users convert to Feedly

When one door closes, another one opens, and that statement proves very true for Feedly. After Google's shocking announcement that it's going to shut down its Google Reader service, Feedly's user base has increased phenomenally.

Google Keep, an Overdue Answer to Evernote, Arrives

Google Keep stores photos, notes, voice recordings and checklists in Google Drive, so users can access their reminders from the web or any Android device — as long as its running Ice Cream Sandwich or newer.

Home Maintenance by Brightnest Makes Keeping Track of Cleaning and Maintenance a Breeze

We're fans of the Brightnest Webapp for keeping track of what needs to get done in your house, and now the service has an iPhone app that works along with it. For iOS only.

Evernote Clearly

I’ve mentioned this great app before, but it bears repeating. If you are tired of opening a Web page and seeing tons of clutter and ads? Get Evernote Clearly for your browser...and just like magic, the clutter is gone. Only the important stuff remains. It's my most useful browser tool.

Google’s Wakeup Call: It’s Their Net, Not Ours

Google has again reminded us they are in charge, not us. They can cancel any product they want, no matter how many users they have. Last night, they announced the demise of Google Reader…and stopped the sale of all products in their Play store that block ads.

Google Reader is used by millions of people, including me, to gather news and information from the Internet and aggregate it all in one place. I mainly use to gather information and stories for this blog. Currently I have 113 sites feeding their latest stories to my Google Reader…and I go through most of them. It’s very important to many folks besides me. No matter, Google says it’s going and there is nothing we can do about it. Personally, I am already investigating a replacement. All of us have until June 30 to figure out alternatives.

As for the ad-blockers, such great programs as Ad Blocker, AdBlock Plus, AdAway and AdFree are no longer available in the Google Play store…meaning you can no longer block ads displayed in Google products such as the Chrome Browser or Android apps. Google says the apps are in violation of their terms of service…meaning developers can’t interfere with other’s services. 

My plan from this point off is to start limiting my use of Google products…not because I am angry at them (well maybe a little), but because they cannot be trusted. For instance, I will be discontinuing Google Drive as I cannot trust them with my data ( I will use BOX instead…they recently gave me 50GB of free storage). I seldom use the Chrome Browser and am thinking now of using something else…even though my ad blockers still work…I think. I’ve never been crazy about Chrome anyway.

There are alternatives to most of Google products, and I will check them out. I will still use Google Search, of course, because it is the best of the search engines…and they won’t discontinue it as it is their big cash cow.

But, today’s events reminds us we must be careful of the apps we use on the Net, because they could be yanked tomorrow. Always have a backup plan.

There is some good information on-tap today…including part 4 of the series on home networking…so let us get to it! -JRC

Google Reader Is Shutting Down; Here Are the Best Alternatives

Google announced today that it'll be closing Google Reader's doors on July 1st of this year, meaning you'll need to find a new way to get your news fix. Here's how to export all your feeds and put them into a new reader.

Google kicks ad-blocker apps off Play store

Advertising blocking apps Ad Blocker, AdBlock Plus, AdAway and AdFree were all taken off Google Play overnight after Google enforced a term in its developer agreement prohibiting developers from disrupting others' services.

Android to overtake iPad as top tablet platform this year

A growing variety of smaller and cheaper Android tablets from Google, Amazon and others will catch on this year and chip away at the dominance Apple established with the first iPad in 2010, according to research house IDC.

Fixing Windows 8: Advice for Users and for Microsoft

I like Windows 8, but it could be better. Here's how we get there today…and here’s how to make Windows 8 much better if you have no choice.

A hidden Patch Tuesday gem: A Windows 7 hotfix rollup

Even though Microsoft supposedly is done releasing service packs for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, the company is still doing hotfix rollups. Surprise!

Home networking explained, Part 4: Wi-Fi vs. Internet

This edition explains the difference between Wi-Fi and (wireless) Internet and answers frequently asked questions on connectivity matters.

RedBox Instant launches movie streaming after testing

RedBox Instant is seeking to differentiate itself from Netflix and others by mixing streaming with its network of 35,000 kiosks nationwide that offer newly released DVDs.

Prizefight: Roku 3 vs. third-generation Apple TV (video)

Two of the best media-streaming devices, the Roku 3 and the third-generation Apple TV, renew their bitter rivalry. Complete with a video

Projectors vs. TVs: Giant-screen pros and cons

What you should know about big screen projectors for you living room...vs just buying a big hi-def TV.

Best Online Free File Sharing and Storage Tools: SkyDrive vs Google Drive vs iCloud vs Dropbox

You can store, share and modify your files and folder online on cloud using these free cloud tools. Microsoft SkyDrive, Google Drive, Apple iCloud and Dropbox are the best free online sharing and storage cloud tools available for you.

Improve Your PC Desktop with these Icons that You Didn’t Know You Had

I suspect that most PC users are unaware that there are well over a thousand different icons stored in various Windows system files.

Come on China…Knock it Off!!

The White House is on the warpath…this time its against China and their attempts to break into the computer systems of U.S. firms. That should scare the hell out the Chinese! Yea, right. There is no fist in that glove. Well, it makes for good PR and good reading. 

I tried to limit my stories about Microsoft and Windows in this edition, since I blasted them so hard last time. But I could not resist this one story…how Microsoft reminds us so much of the Republican Party…trying to expound on long dead issues while the world has moved on. It’s a good comparison.

Two more Microsoft boo-boos made headlines this week…the EU is fining them almost $800 million for failing to offer a browser ballot that is supposed to be in all new Windows operating system sold in Europe. It was their originally, but disappeared 18 months ago. Microsoft said it was their fault. Stupid mistake.

The other goof-up was Microsoft bought a company in Denmark that the government of that country says owes $1 billion dollars in back taxes. So Microsoft is on the hook for that. Due diligence anyone? So there is nearly $2 billion dollars of Microsoft money down the toilet. Amazing!

Well enough the boys from Redmond. Let’s take a look at the big stories that might be of interest to you. - JRC

White House Calls On China To Cease Cyberattacks On U.S. Firms

The White House called upon China to address three points: crack down on Chinese hackers; come to the table for talks on global standards; and recognize the severity of the problem.

Security will get worse before it gets better

One day we will get the safer Internet we deserve. The question is: How much more damage needs to occur before we that happens?

Patch Tuesday: Microsoft to fix four critical flaws, all versions of IE at risk again

Prepare your systems (and a strong pot of coffee): Patch Tuesday is on deck for another month. Microsoft will release patches for seven security vulnerabilities, four of them considered 'critical.'

Why Microsoft Is Like The GOP

Call me stupid, but with a lame duck board, the only solution might spring from shareholder dissatisfaction and rebellion. That is extreme but it might, in the end, offer the only chance for Microsoft to rebound.

Cloud haters: You too will be assimilated

It seems some of you find the cloud ... threatening. Well, I got news for you, Cloud Haters. The cloud is coming for you whether you like it or not. The cloud cannot be stopped. Your data and user experience will be assimilated.

Facebook's Revamped News Feed: What's New?

Facebook took the wraps off a new News Feed, which gives the social network a more contained, organized look while also providing the option to drill down on things like photos and games.

Google now redirects Picasa Web Albums to Google+ Photos

It's another nail in the coffin for Picasa Web Albums as its URL now brings users to their photo albums on Google+. But you can get back to Picasa very easily.

LibreOffice 4.0 is out - Is it Right for YOU?

Within the Suite you get Writer (MS Word Replacement), Calc (MS Excel Replacement), Impress (MS PowerPoint Replacement), Base (MS Access Replacement), Math (no MS equivalent) and Draw (MS Visio and Publisher Replacement)...all free.

Loads of Troubleshooting Help From Microsoft, All In One Place

If you're having a problem on your PC, you probably start by searching for the solution with Google. However, a better route might be to go straight to Microsoft's web site. The trouble, if course, is knowing where to start.

Free Computer and Internet Audiobooks and Courses Online

This is a listing of sites that legally offer free audiobooks within the Computers & Internet genre. There is also a listing here of Places For Free Computer & Internet eBooks Online.

Dear Microsoft, Get Real, Make Changes at the Top

Please realize that I have been a Microsoft Windows user (and DOS before that), long before I started this blog. I think it was the mid-80’s when I became a regular Microsoft customer. I’ve liked most of their products all the way through Windows 7 and Office 2010. Long time readers know I loved Windows 7 before it even hit the shelves. They put out some marvelous products for years and years (with a few misses along the way).

But lately, they have lost their way…some of their current products and plans for the future are a travesty. Just look at our first few stories and see what I mean. Nobody wants Windows 8, nobody wants Windows Surface RT, and few want Office 2013 or Windows Surface Pro.

Their prized security software, Windows Security Essentials is failing test after test at independent testing labs. Just today a friend called me with a computer problem. After hearing the symptoms, I knew something got into his machine. Two WSE scans yielded nothing. I had him uninstall WSE and install Avast anti-virus. It found 3 dangerous pieces of malware almost immediately.

This is just one example of product failure. Frankly, the Microsoft organization is a mess. Know one knows what anyone else is doing. Their only answer is to put out propaganda about how good their products are…and few are buying into it. You are what your sales and customers say you are!

I realize this is a bit of oversimplification.  Other smarter people have offered greater detail as to Microsoft’s recent failures. Even some of their strongest supporters in the tech press are shaking their heads.

But it comes down to this: it is time to fire Steve Ballmer and other Microsoft key executives for letting this happen. It is time to start bringing order back to the chaos that is Microsoft. If they started today it would probably take a few years for the ship to be righted. Things are that bad.

Microsoft needs to learn that we want operating systems, software and hardware that get things done, not crap that gets in our way. The Apple method is to offer simple tools that get the job done. Simplicity is an unknown commodity in Redmond. Dear Microsoft: WAKE UP!!

Thanks for letting me rant. You know the name of this blog is Rants and Raves. Now you know what a rant is. But there are some good things included here that I rave about.

For instance, I have included details of the new Roku 3 box. I’ve owned a Roku 2 for a couple of years now and it is the best product of its kind. I love mine, but the new one looks even better and I will probably get one shortly.

I’ve also included some important articles on security issues. Make sure you look at them. And of course, there are some app recommendations. So, once again, thanks for letting me beat up on Microsoft…but let’s get on with the business at hand. – JRC.

Microsoft Cuts Windows, Office Prices For Manufacturers - Is Windows 8 In Trouble?

Unable to light a fire under Windows 8, Microsoft is holding a fire sale instead. Microsoft is offering significant additional discounts on both Windows 8 and Microsoft Office to PC makers that will include the software in small laptops that include touchscreens.

Samsung confirms it will stop selling its Windows RT tablet in Germany

The sales of the tablet will also be halted in other European countries. A halt of Samsung Windows RT tablets does not bode well for Microsoft and is another sign of the lackluster uptake of RT devices that market observers have already noted.

Surviving your first hour with Office 2013

If you’ve looked into Office 2013′s “improvements,” they might have struck you — as they did me — as largely gratuitous, cumbersome, and designed more to add to Microsoft’s coffers than to improve Office productivity. Fortunately, there are ways rid yourself of Office 2013′s worst changes — if you know the tricks.

Microsoft restores transfer rights for retail Office 2013 copies

As part of its shift to a subscription model, Microsoft introduced a controversial "no transfer" restriction with Office 2013. Now, after an intense outcry from customers, the company has reversed course and agreed to allow users to transfer retail Office licenses between devices.

The New Roku 3

The new streaming-video box clearly has its sights set on the Apple TV ($99), addressing many of Roku's earlier shortcomings with an overhauled user interface, refreshed design, and faster processor, while maintaining its unmatched content selection of more than 700 channels.

You Got Hacked! What Now?

Somebody has taken over your email or maybe your social media accounts. All your friends are mad at you. How can you recover—and keep the problem from happening again?

Ghostery for Firefox Freeware

Ghostery is a browser add-on for Firefox that enables you to see what kind of tracking techniques are used by the current website, including tags, web bugs, pixels and beacons. Also available for IE and Chrome browsers.

Are you leaking too much of your real life online?

Thieves and predators constantly search Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for telltale information. Think before you post!

Test Your PC's Security From The Outside

If you haven't tried out the Shields Up service, from Gibson Research's web site, give it a try. It does just that. It attempts to "hack" your PC, by remotely connecting to your computer over a number of internet communication channels (known as ports).

Must-have apps for photography nuts

Want to get more out of your photography? Your tablet can be a valuable tool in the pursuit of picture perfection. A variety of apps are now available that can expand your camera's featuresy, making it easier to shoot and edit.

Get Organized: Planning for Your Next Phone Upgrade

Don't get rushed into buying a new phone, or you could lose a lot of money and wind up terribly dissatisfied. These tips will help you prepare a plan for your next phone upgrade.

SyncFolders Freeware download and reviews

SyncFolders enables you to synchronize or backup your files and folders. You can create multiple sync profiles (rules) for different folder locations, each with it's own synchronization or backup settings.

A Plethora of Great Information

I just love that word, “Plethora.” If I wrote this blog in November, I would us “cornucopia” in deference to Thanksgiving. Descriptive words are just fun to find and use.

Anyway to the business at hand: I went to a fascinating lecture yesterday given by Ken Segall…the man who put the “i” in Apple products. For many years he worked as the creative director for Steve Jobs at Apple and Next. He wrote a book titled “Insanely Simple,” which describes Apple’s methodology to a tee. Why are they successful? Simple…they keep it simple.

That was the motto of Apple under Steve Jobs. And it works. His products are simple in design and almost anyone can use them. Here is another example of simple: Dell has 42 different laptops for sale…HP has 49…Apple has 6. That’s it…and Apple outsells them both…combined. 

Segal worked for Dell and IBM and others. According to him, they are the opposite of simple. They are mired in complexity. Jobs ran his company as a startup…they had no committees…just the best people he could find for the job. Remember when Jobs took over Apple, they were near bankruptcy. Now they are one of the most valuable companies in the world. Simplicity, if done right, seems to work. But it is not easy. Keeping products simple is complex job for product developers.

As a side note, if you want to see a short, but hilarious video that compares Steve Jobs to Steve Ballmer, head over to YouTube and enjoy. It’s worth it.

This edition has some good information in it: Part 3 of the series on home networking; a good look at Microsoft’s free Office on line; the 100 best iPad apps; and Evernote’s honest and correct response to being hacked. So let’s get on with it! - JRC

Online note service Evernote latest firm to get hacked

Company behind application used by about 50 million people says some user data was accessed and it requires all users to reset passwords.

White House: It's time to legalize cell phone unlocking

White House's stance is that "neither criminal law nor technological locks should prevent consumers from switching carriers when they are no longer bound by a service agreement or other obligation."

The 8 mobile OS upstarts that want to topple iOS and Android

Ubuntu, Firefox, Tizen, Sailfish, WebOS, Nokia Series 40, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone want a piece of the pie, but it won't be a cakewalk

47% Of Potential Tablet Buyers Want An iPad

This survey should be very worrisome to Windows 8 tablet makers as only 1% of those surveyed wanted to purchase a Surface or Surface Pro. Dell and Acer, two popular Windows 8 tablet makers, also scored pretty low on the list.

Are Microsoft's free Office Web Apps good enough for you?

When you think of Microsoft Office, you probably think of retail software that commands a premium price. Surprise! The latest iteration of the Office Web Apps are free and surprisingly powerful. How do they stack up against Google's offerings?

Home networking explained, Part 3: Taking control of your wires

This edition of home networking explains how to get down and dirty with network cabling.

Best Free Instant Messaging Client

These applications not only allow you to connect to multiple IM networks, but they are also advertisement free, more secure, and have features that allow you to easily manage your various IM accounts.

Canon vs. Nikon: Choosing the Right Camera System

Canon and Nikon are the two largest players in the digital SLR market. We break down the differences between the two systems to help you choose the right camera and lens combination.

How to Sync Your Browser Data in Any Browser and Access it Anywhere

Browsers were once self-contained pieces of software that ran on a single computer, but most popular browsers now offer integrated synchronization services and mobile apps.

The 100 Best iPad Apps

The App Store contains some truly magnificent apps and some... that are not. So the vital question is this: How do you find the gems?