Removing Google search bar on Android

Posted on November 9, 2018 by Ben Wilder

If you have an Android device like I do, first of all you’re awesome, and secondly, you may have noticed in a recent update there’s a handy dandy search bar locked in at the bottom of your home screen. As customizable as phones are, I hated to say “locked in” but that’s exactly the case! Take a look at my home screen and see what I’m talking about at the bottom.

Something about it is just awkward. Maybe it’s too close to the 3 bottom touch buttons. Is it one of those things we’ll grow to like and then wonder how we ever survived without it being at the bottom? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure– without third-party help, SearchBarGate is a real thing and per to my conversation with Nokia support (I have a Nokia 6.1), the search bar cannot be moved, removed, or in any way fixed. Here’s the conversation.

I have to give kudos to Nokia for having sympathy, and appearing to be as annoyed as I am with #SearchBarGate.

Also kudos to you for searching out my books on Amazon… great Christmas gifts for children you love, or even just sorta like.

Ok, there is a solution to this dilemma Google has caused. I found a message board that recommends Nova Launcher, an app that can be used to customize your phone’s home screen, apps, and most importantly, remove the search bar. I’ve downloaded it and so far so good. I’ll update more as the ongoing saga continues but until then, keep being your awesome self… and if you feel motived to make a change, voice your complaints in the social atmospheres using #SearchBarGate.

Any advice or tricks up your sleeve, share in the comments below!

-Out of the Wilderness

Making lyric videos

Posted on October 5, 2018 by Ben Wilder

In the past few years, I’ve really taken a liking to putting together lyric videos using music by popular artists. One of the first was for NeedtoBreathe’s “Multiplied” which I’ll post at the bottom. But I’m so happy with how my latest project went. Equipment used: GoPro Hero3, Roxant handheld stabilizer, DJI Mavic Air, edited on Final Cut Pro X.

Here’s my take on Lauren Daigle’s “Rescue”…

and NeedtoBreathe, “Multiplied”…

Borking, anything but boring

Posted on September 27, 2018 by Ben Wilder

Today is pretty historic in the confirmation hearings of a potential U.S. Sepreme Court judge, Brett Kavanaugh.

I’ve heard the term “borking” more in the past few days than ever in my life. It was used by Mr. Kavanaugh in his opening statement today, so what does it mean?

In a nutshell, it means an attempt to take a nominee down by way of character assassination. It’s why there is a confirmation hearing to begin with.

I’m captivated watching this play out on TV today. It’s clearly a battle of Democrats vs. Republicans, and the prosecution of “an attacker” (and/or facts about the alleged attack) almost doesn’t even matter. Here’s the heart of the matter…

Democrats work from emotion. Republicans work from logic. The only wrong is when one uses all of one and none of the other.

-Out of the Wilderness

Janice from “Friends” was also on “Seinfeld”? Mind blown!

Posted on September 27, 2018 by Ben Wilder

I’m just now watching the entire Seinfeld series for the first time ever, and in the middle of season 3, who should appear? JANICE!!! Oh. My. Gosh.

Maggie Wheeler (Janice) plays a character named Cynthia, who regretfully dates George for as long as one episode.

And what’s even more of a riot… George comments on how much he loves her “mellifluence” voice. Years later on Friends, she is best known for her voice… but because of how annoying it is (and of course, her obnoxious laugh).

So Maggie Wheeler had roles in the 2 biggest sitcoms of the 90s, and perhaps in the history of modern television – Seinfeld and Friends.

-Out of the Wilderness

Florida State’s “turnover” backpack

Posted on September 8, 2018 by Ben Wilder

Seminole football may be in the spotlight but for an embarrassing reason. Whenever the defense gets a turnover, one of the players involved “gets to” wear this Dora the Explorer inspired backpack. Tell me, Noles, do Chanel accessories conflict with your Nike deals?