Building your own Network Attached Storage at home

Posted on by Cesar Ramirez
Not my server, for illustrations purposes only.

Friend — For the longest time I’ve been a geek of audio and video. Many of you know I’ve been a DJ and a video editor because I love media that much. It’s a fun pass time hobby to make these edits. Especially during this Covid 19 downtime, I’ve worked on some pretty cool stuff.

As I sit here next to my fireplace on this chill winter Thanksgiving day with a bit of overcast, I’m happy to write to you that it’s been a cool project to build your own media server at home. What exactly is a media server? Think of Netflix + Your cellphone data + your computer data all in one and you can access that content from anywhere.

I’ve collected digital content for years (since the 90s) as a method of backing up my physical copies. Many DJs that are vinyl junkies even eventually moved to Serato as a mixing system because of the ease and ability to be able to drop a song on the fly for guests. They all laughed at me in the beginning but I saw the trend coming and guess what, most professional DJs these days use just that – Digital media to mix. Don’t get me wrong, original vinyl sounds are much better because of that fullness sound wave but not practical to flip through a crate when your guests want their song to be played next.

With that in mind, I’ve collected every single top forty song from the 40s until today. It sits in the corner somewhere in my server room. I’ve collected every single picture from my young adult life as a photographer to now from people I came in contact with during these years. I’ve collected my favorite movie and tv shows that you’ll not be able to find in many places because they’ve been dumped as old media. Over 30 years of content!

There is no better place to run all this content than through using Plex as a media server. I originally bought the Plex server to use on Windows platform and it has grown far and beyond what it use to be. The latest updates of Plex have allowed for the use of streaming live TV and recording those streams in a DVR format. I haven’t come across any other server platform that can do this smoothly and efficiently. And I was a fan of Kodi for many years.

Kodi – before there was Kodi there was XBMC (Xbox media center). I say this with a heart of love for this community — I was at the early stages of tweaking and learning this with the first xbox that came out. I give a big shoutout of love to all the developers who kept this platform open source. It still is to this day and freeware. Unfortunately, these ideas got robbed and put for sale when the XBOX360 came out as a media center. Now most game consoles have a media center after this discovery.

 

Back to Plex, I’ve been a big fan of Plex for years for the simple fact that I can use it anywhere I go from my Tesla, mobile devices, to my Smart TVs. I highly recommend you look into it for yourself. You can visit them at Plex.tv for more information. I started my first server with a basic Windows 10 workstation. Although this method is ok, it can be a bit heavy on resources. So then I started to study other platforms and along came…

 

FreeNAS – FreeNAS is exactly what is in its name. It’s a FREE Network Attached Storage (NAS) platform running under the FreeBSD platform. It utilizes ZFS. What is ZFS? Best described from the FreeNAS site: “ZFS is an enterprise-ready open source file system, RAID controller, and volume manager with unprecedented flexibility and an uncompromising commitment to data integrity. It eliminates most, if not all of the shortcomings found in legacy file systems and hardware RAID devices. Once you go ZFS, you will never want to go back.”

FreeNAS also has many plugins that allow for the install of “apps”. These plugins get created in the form of a jail. A jail is an instance of your FreeNAS OS through a “port” or a “virtual IP”. For example to be able to see what jails are currently installed, you will have to have SSH enabled if you’re a command line geek, you can type in jls. After you see your list of jails and you pick that number, you’ll have to “jail in” to that jail using the command “jexec # csh”. Frankly, I’m not sure what the different shells (csh, tcsh, etc) do but maybe you as a reader can share the insight on that. I just get in there and make some edits to the scripts and file permissions (ie. chown and chmod).

For those that are wondering how I’m running IPTV with the ability to record (DVR) inside my Plex system you can review xTeVe. It took a bit to understand how to install and pull the IPTV content with EPG but once it’s setup it’s pretty rad. Not all the logos get imported in so you may have to tweak your own and add the thumbnails. Here’s a screenshot of my xTeVe.

My current server setup is maxed out almost. I’m at 84% utilization. I have 5 * 10TB drives. All RAID which means I can lose up 2 drives and the system will still function. I will have to most likely buy more drives and my External hard drive enclosure can take up to 8 total drives.

One of your plugins that you may be interested in adding is NextCloud. It’s like running your own Dropbox and you can move files to that “jail” from your cellphone or any computer. It’s nice when you have Terabytes available to you on a box and it’s not costing you a monthly fee. Actually that goes true for most of these services / plugins because they’re open source.

Feel free to message me with any questions regarding this topic. I’m very passionate about YOU housing your own data.

Credits and shoutouts: To all those developers out there that believe in the open-source world. Additionally, my great friend Liam who I’ve known and geeked out with since 6th grade for assisting me with the understanding of the BSD / Linux Platform a bit more. I’ve been rusty but now use it daily.

Enjoy a movie on me,

Cesar Ramirez

 

The 2020 Challenge For All

Posted on by Cesar Ramirez

Hello Fam,

It’s been a minute since I’ve shared my life on my blog. What brings me back here as always is that social media isn’t a place you own. More so now in 2020 where major sites like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. have been filtering out your posts with “Fact Checkers.” So much for freedom of speech right? I did a recent post that says “He who owns the data, can bypass the law??”.

New years 2020 was like any other New Years for many until you actually entered into it. For all, we have had many challenges. For some it’s financial reasons. For others it may be separation of family and friends not being able to come together. For many others, there are mental challenges of feeling alone and leading into depression. In my opinion, and this is only my opinion, it’s better to live your life doing what you love without limits, than living under a rock arriving at your grave safely.

Point example, I lost two sales mentors to a plane crash. They were out hustling and doing their thing living their lives doing what they love. If you do what you love it doesn’t become a shore / work. I’ve been in different sides of the candle and like one would say its hard to burn both sides of the candle to be able to work in your favor. It’s quite surreal to say the least..

As an entrepreneur and Computer Engineer, I’ve been blessed with some amazing mentors and business and also some amazing co-workers in a Corporate setting. As always, the mindset of a sales person has to be in high energy because drama / negative energy can take them down to not have a productive day. You’ve heard it said before, “you are the five people you surround yourself with.”

A lot has change in my entrepreneurship journey. In the last 5 years I have publicly stated my love for Jesus through his Catholic church he started with Peter (Matthew 16:18). My life has changed in a more positive way ever since I’ve been allowing Jesus to Uber me around. I’m the dude in the back of the car asking my Heavenly Father for requests and He delivers! I use to be the guy that didn’t want to offend anyone by keeping Religion and Politics in the closet, but frankly it doesn’t serve the lost souls that are looking for something greater than themselves.

You see, when I started to not make my life about me or my family but rather include everyone in the human race and how I can support them to improve their lives financially, that was cool. It was paying me spiritually back because I was helping families. At the same time, I knew there was a greater purpose why I was put on this earth. It wasn’t to look for handouts but rather to provide hand-ups to those in need. If you spend enough time improving on yourself, you’ll realize that very few people around you bother you anymore. You’ve outgrown that drama. Life is good. Really good.

Don’t stop the faith and keep growing.

Cheers,

Cesar Ramirez

My Biggest Regret

Posted on by Cesar Ramirez
My biggest regret:
 
This post is to inspire other men and woman to support those men and woman to deny the decision of ANY FORM of contraception…
 
8 years ago I got a vasectomy due to some peer pressure from close friends and you can say it is what society teaches if you hang out with folks that don’t move you where truth lives.
 
I knew in my heart at the time that it wasn’t right but for secular reasons I proceeded with the procedure. I made up things in my mind about I only have 3 seats in the back of my car so I couldn’t possibly have a family of 6+… And I was too cool for a van…etc. Especially in California, where the focus is on the wrong things like money, titles, success, etc. You really want to know what truly makes your soul happy? Read on…
 
I grew up with 10 aunts and uncles from my dad’s side and I truly remember the happy Sunday gatherings at Grandma and Grandpa’s Ranch house. So being around big families was a beautiful thing for me.
 
4 years ago I was challenged by a Non-Denominational Christian of why I’m a Catholic. He attacked me hard and I didn’t know how to defend myself. Honestly, I didn’t know the fullness of my faith. I was on a hunt for seeking truth and not just checking off a box on Sundays. I joined RCIA, listened to Immaculate Heart Radio, Lived my Cursillo (De Colores!), became a Knight of Columbus and my heart was hungry for more. I learned that missing Mass on Sundays is a ‘Mortal Sin’… Additionally, practicing ANY FORM of contraception is a ‘Mortal Sin’.
 
For those that don’t know what a Mortal Sin is: “A mortal sin, in Catholic theology, is a gravely sinful act, which leads to damnation if a person does not repent of the sin before death. A sin is considered to be “mortal” when its quality is such that it leads to a separation of that person from God’s saving grace.” Even though I confessed this deepest regret, I made a promise to God that I will reverse it since I made that decision when I thought I was in control and playing Him – God..
 
About a year and a half ago, a new Parish opened up in town that practices “The Traditional Mass.” Which means that anything after the 1960s (Vatican 2) isn’t practice. The music, the people, the Eucharist is all practiced as it should, in reverence. Therefore, about 5 months ago we transferred completely to Holy Martyrs Catholic Church after making a decision as a Father that this will be the Parish that my boys get a solid foundation of their Catholic Faith from. As a former expert lukewarm Catholic – There’s a major difference. For those parents that “let their children choose their faith life” I’m praying for you. Your children are a gift from God and not raising them under the best foundation is just wrong.
 
As I sat in The Holy Mass one day at Holy Martyrs, I saw several large families. The Holy Spirit literally tugged at my heart and said to me, “it is time”. Imagine an emotional feeling of love and compassion smack you upside the head. Tears of love came soon after…
 
I reached out to several Catholic brothers about reversing my vasectomy but very few knew anyone that’s gone through it..
 
Until I spoke to my friend Wes, who led me to a doctor in California who is Catholic. The doctor stated that even if he wanted to charge me $500, the clinic fees alone are $5000. Therefore, I reached out to Wes again asking if he knew someone else a bit more affordable, and he said yes. There is a gentleman by the name of Greg Alexander who actually went through the same situation. He lives in Texas and he will be able to help. So Greg listened to my story and we spoke for about an hour. He pointed me to the Catholic Doctor that did the reversal for him. Greg has a ministry with his wife called The Alexander House that covers this topic and more about marriage life. Greg, my brother – I love you sir, keep fighting the good fight.
 
I booked the appointment on July 1st, 2019 in Texas and just had my surgery 19 days ago from writing this post. What helped me through the procedure was doing a Rosary and I was completely relaxed. I would like to give a big shoutout to Dr. Roeder Loddie F Jr MD from Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal, 189 E. Austin Street, Ste. 101, New Braunfels, Tx 78130 – 830-629-0180 – His heart is in the right place. They prayed with me before the surgery and I knew I was in the right place.
 
I am very open about this private topic because I believe that more men and woman have to hear it from someone who was chasing the wrong “things” in life. I see big families as a completeness of God’s divine LOVE if he wills it. I’m not sure where we got off on hating big families but my only guess can be the attack on the woman’s body in the 1960s (Margret Sanger, Planned Parent Hood, The rise of Liberal Feminism, etc.) and the idea to destroy Masculinity in Men. We can never be equal when it comes to God’s divine creation because each woman and man has a special trait that cannot be duplicated. I know for a fact my wife has more patience than I do when it comes to being the nurturer of the family. I cannot be that person but I am definitely the Man of the family and put my foot down to lift my boys up (and hopefully future children) to become the best they can be under God.
 
Through this journey, I have been called to be Pro-Life. It’s difficult to be Pro-Life if you’re not open to life… Make sense?
 
Even if God doesn’t will us new life, I have committed myself to him to be put back together the way he created me. Bucketlist checked Lord.
 
Since the procedure, my relationship with my wife has become much stronger and loving. I’ve been less “Pissed Off.” Working together in peace. Financially, God has opened up new doors for us. As it turns out, doing the right thing does work out. We encourage all of you to follow the path that is right under God and not follow society’s pressure.
 
May this story inspire you and change your heart as it did mine. God Love You. In the name of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit… Amen.
 
Feel free to reach out to me in private. I’m open ears.
 
Share this Post if You Know Anyone that has struggled through the same emotions.
 
My Heart is Complete.
 
#MakeLotsOfBabies
 
 
Update 1.11.2022 – My wife Xochitl became pregnant 3.15.2021. Our son Emilio Joseph was born on 1.5.2022. A miracle child indeed and a gift from God. We are giddy in the Ramirez household…

What’s The Big Deal About Water From Tlacote Mexico? Active Hydrogen, of Course!

Posted on by Cesar Ramirez

It is reported that Magic Johnson traveled to Tlacote, Mexico for water for medicinal purposes and later had it shipped directly to him in the U.S.  Fortunately for Magic he discovered Kangen Water and is now able to produce his own FRESH active hydrogen water in the comfort of his own home.

Magic Johnson took a proactive and holistic approach to his AIDS problem.  Whatever he’s been doing, it’s obviously worked well for him.   Over 20 years since his AIDS diagnosis and still going strong!  Go Magic!  Go Kangen!

Over 40 years ago a group of Japanese scientist set out to study “miracle waters” from around the world (including Tlacote, Mexico).   They found that the properties of these waters CAN be scientifically engineered so they began producing active hydrogen, restructured water and installed these powerful water ionizers in their hospitals in Japan.  Today, these medical grade devices are available for home use and the health benefits of those drinking Kangen water are nothing short of “miraculous”.

I’ll bet you couldn’t pry Kangen water away from Magic Johnson, Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Jillian Michael’s, Martha Stewart, or anybody else fortunate enough to be drinking this water.   Nothing would make me give mine up!

What about you?  Will you travel to Tlacote, Mexico or will you opt for an endless supply of active hydrogen, miracle water in your own home?  That should be a no-brainer for you.  It was for me when I saw what the water did over 10 years ago to my son Adam when he was dealing with a health issue. I’ll be happy to share the story offline during a phone call… just ask!

CHANGING THE WAY THE WORLD LOOKS AT WATER…

ONE DROP AT A TIME!

Contact me for Active Hydrogen Water!

 

Cesar Ramirez
760-297-0366
[email protected]

The Balance of Life in an Online Business

Posted on by Cesar Ramirez

It truly takes an out of the box thinker to be able do what I have done. My journey will be briefly summed up below and I hope it inspires someone out there chasing that all mighty dollar to riches.

When I was in college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo studying for my Bachelors of Science in Computer Engineering, I knew that soon after graduation, I’d have to start living a life of joining the working class American. If you have heard my story before, you would have known that after working 4 summer internships with Hewlett-Packard (Mountain View, CA and San Diego, CA)  and one of those internships over at Xerox in Los Angeles I was left with a cancelled job offer upon graduation. It was not fun and dating my wife Xochitl at the time, my dreams crumbled. It wasn’t easy finding work without the proper connections and building those trusting relationships.

So I went rogue. I dove into the world of Network Marketing in 2001 to truly learn real world experiences of being rejected in sales and understanding how to build myself up for objections. For those that can build a genuine attitude in the industry of network marketing, you can absolutely succeed. I took a lot of education in network marketing and brought it to all the jobs and businesses I built over the years.

There is one misleading portion that should be clear when you run any business. If you don’t build a passive income business, the business will run you. We see it with people who own restaurants where the business doesn’t grow outside of the family business. It won’t ever scale and unless you’re willing to let go of control, it won’t scale out of your hands. What exactly do I mean? You’re running a business like a job. Yep like a job! The moment you stop showing up, the business stops generating money / processing orders. Now don’t get me wrong, it takes a very special recruiter to find someone to treat your business like theirs. A very special person. We are living in a push button society where folks just don’t hustle like they use to.

After not having much success in several passive businesses, I knew what I had was I was highly motivated. In 2009, I went heavy into learning how to market on the internet without sounding like a robot. How to essentially be a magnet where people want to join you instead of you chasing them. This concept known as Attraction Marketing absolutely changed the game for me. In 2010, I was able to link up with some top online marketers who had lists bigger than mine and people that trusted them. We did what’s known as Junior Venturing (JVed) to be able to sell and scale up a course I developed to help folks get traffic to their website. After generating over $35,000 in commissions on this product I knew there was a need for education. Being super techy, I found my niche of helping the average Joe.

In 2011, after applying the strategies to my Network Marketing companies I was involved in, my wife Xochitl was looking for something to do online. So I found Drop-shipping to be a great place to start. I moved into teaching her how to drop-ship but at the same time I saw value in teaching those how to go sell items they would enjoy online. At first I gave the training to my list for free for them joining me in a network marketing company and then eventually turned the system to what it is known today as EliteDropShippers.com  The concept helped so many people that we trained just shy of 800 people. The video modules are broken down from new members to more advanced members.  Additionally, some folks I trained on how to build their own branded store outside of dropshipping from eBay / Amazon so that they can keep the 12%+ commissions that these sites were taking from them.

In 2015, I got a call that forever changed my life. It was in a way of walking closer to my faith life and I answered the Lord’s call to move into a different direction of having passion to help build my wife on her next business to allow her to still work from home and be with the kids. It had to be this way as we have been home schooling them. We launched an ecommerce store and that store has kept us busy since then. The nice thing is that it’s a physical product niche so we’re not just sitting in our chairs all day on the computer. This business has been alive and well still growing in love. She found something that she enjoys doing and I support her in that. Needless to say, she triples what she use to bring home as a first grade teacher in California. Amazing right? We definitely need to take care of our teachers more.

Now in 2019 – I find myself reinventing myself of what is working now in marketing. The key thing is staying plugged in. It is said that content marketing daily will produce you traffic within 48 hours. Therefore, learn to enjoy and blog your heart out. I actually enjoy writing topics like these because of my personal experience. Ultimately, you will always do better on things you can get excited about.

Finally, there is nothing wrong with having a job. I see a lot of marketers out there knocking on jobs, but if it wasn’t for our jobs in the past, we wouldn’t have been able to fund our next business venture without getting into heavy debt. I think if you invest $1000 and you are getting a return in your investment within 3 months or less, re-evaluate your time/process and either continue investing or move away from what you’re currently investing your time in.

Side note: By no means am I a professional writer, so forgive me, I do my best to bring quality content to my readers. Stay strong in your Plan A… Plan B… or C. Commitment is key. Consider spending 1…2 hours a day on your business part-time connecting with customers who have interest.

To your success,

Cesar Ramirez

P.S. If you still haven’t found a method to build up wealth, here’s a cool project that I’ve been a part of since 2013 silently. It has survived the test of time and at the end of the day, it’s a business that can truly build from your cell phone without having to chase your family or friends (unless you want to of course). [Click Here]

P.S.S. If you’re stuck on how to automate your online marketing efforts, let’s do a quick 15 minute discovery call so I can maybe assist you on growing your currently opportunity. If I cannot help, no big deal, let’s stay connected. Click here so I understand what areas of help you need assistance.