Elisa Lam Fact sheet + theory

Elisa Lam    April 30, 1991 - February 1, 2013

Full story

Timeline

• June 19, 2013 - Autopsy Report released
• February 19, 2013 - Body Found 
• February 13, 2013 - Modified elevator video posted by LAPD 2/13/2013
• February 6, 2013 - Tumblr updated 
• Using Queue feature, or someone found lost phone and turned it on. Maybe connected to Wifi and offline stuff updated.?? 
• February 1, 2013 12:22AM - Last sighting
• Elevator cam Actual time and speed 
• January 31, 2013 - Supposed to check out
•  {need fact checking} 
• January 29, 2013 - Arrived in LA Cecil Hotel 
• January 27, 2013 - No cell phone - Lost Cell Phone

The Speakeasy WAS AWESOME
except I lost a cellphone
SIGH
#and it's not even mine #it's my friends old blackberry #that he's lending to me #and ughhh #well not lend #he doesn't want it anymore #but UGHHH #STUPID #caliblah

• January 26, 2013 - Going out to Speakeasy

I’m going out tonight
I really hope no creeper comes near me
Seriously though
those Italian and Mexican guys go after you STRONG
Show the slightest inclination and they hound you
#GOOD GOD I JUST WANT TO LISTEN TO SOME LIVE JAZZ #UGHKLAJSDL:KAJS #ok ok #caliblah

• January 24, 2013 - Hostel at San Diego

Today I slept, took a long hot shower, stuffed myself silly with a $3 dinner. It has been most productive and enjoyable.
I seriously have done nothing in San Diego that is out of the my normal routine at home.
I DO WHAT I WANT
After all, I like my home comforts and every now and then I do something entirely impulsive and reckless like tell a guy I just met I like him…….
I do like people watching at the hostel.

Now that I’m rested and well, starting tomorrow I should venture outside more.
1. Seaworld
2. The Zoo
3. Museum because it’s free!!!!
4. Whale watching at Coronado/Point Loma ?
#caliblah #OK OK ENOUGH OF THE HOUSEPLANTING #It's time to get down to business

• January 22, 2013 -  Though she missed connection

I got lost in the airport and missed my connecting flight
UGHH. Sleepover at the airport again.
Oh well. It could be worse.
United Airlines provides blankets

I have wifi and I can pretend I’m Tom Hanks in the Terminal (not at all similar but SURELY if a fictional character in a movie can live in an airport than so can I)
#caliblah #this trip is STARTING OUT GOOD #the movie did not mention that vacuum cleaners are really loud #it's a lot comfier than ottawa for sure

• January 21-22 - Packing

  I’m too tired to pack

• January 7, 2013 - Original flight schedule

I just got my flightbook'd
Vancouver: Jan 18 - 22, San Diego: Jan 22 - 27
and the rest is to be written…
#caliblah

• January 5, 2013 - Original plans DID include LA

Next leg of my whirlwind adventure: the West Coast
Meet-up applications now accepted for Vancouver, San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Luis Opispo, Santa Cruz, San Jose and San Francisco.
SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS HIGHLY HIGHLY APPRECIATED AND NEEDED!!!!
#caliblah

Other info and resources:

• Last Tumblr posts
• Elisa Instagram 
• Missing person flyer
• Yahoo News article body found
• Autopsy Report
• Wikipedia page 
• Facts discussion
• Discussion board
•  Cecil Hotel
• Yelp
• Fire escapes
• Elevator alternate View
• 2 Elevators
• Chinese investigation
• Street view 
• Fire Dept - LAFD Station #9
• The Elevator Game
• Dark Water Movie 
 

Facts still need checking

• Katie Orphan owner of "THE LAST BOOKSTORE" recalls talking to Elisa on Jan 31st in her book store
• Bought gifts to take home
• What about invisibility cloak?
• Missing Facebook and Twitter
• Need records of fire alarm going off or dispatch on that date.
• Possible Source
• Was known for posting pictures from rooftops to facebook
•  Contacted family every day until Feb 1
• Was originally checked in to 5th floor, but moved to 4th floor after roomates complained about behavior
• Hostel had shared bathrooms, unsure about shared rooms.
• Did Elisa see the film Dark Water, or have any history with it

My Theory:

• It was her last day on vacation before going home.
• Either she was being adventurous and enjoying the last night.
• or she was locked out of her room
• Could not get in room. 
• Check out would have been Jan 31, 2013 - around 11am
• Elevator video from Feb 1, 2013 12:22am
• May have been looking for safe spot to stay/sleep and ventured to the roof
• Could be debunked if shared room guests would let her in?
• Tried 15th floor roof access door before getting in elevator.
• Most speculation is that she was on the 14th floor
• Either looking to hide for the night for a place to sleep
• or being adventurous
• Possibly set off alarm and was hiding from security, or expecting security.
• May have been accidental by opening alarmed roof door
• If alarm was going off in elevator footage
• Could explain why doors wouldn't close
• Maybe elevator resumed operation after alarm was reset
• Explains behavior
• Calm when first entering elevator
• Panics when doors don't shut
• When reentering after standing in hall, hands appear to be covering ears.
• No glasses on
• Bent to see buttons when first entering elevator
•  Pushed hold button or open door button instead of floor so elevator didn't close.
• Stayed open while talking or looking in the mirror
• may have held button on outside of door.
• Unclear what she is doing outside of elevator
• Could have been talking to security about alarm.
• Climbed fire escape ladder to rooftop
• May have been common for her
• However it would have been dark and no glasses
• Climbed to higest platform above water tanks on roof, up another ladder
• Likely just adventurous
• Could have fallen or jumped in to water tank
• If jumped, obviously didn't foresee the lack of a way out.
• May not have known there was water in there
• It's dark, and it was a hatch... possibly open
• May have stripped before or after falling in
• after to aide in staying afloat
• unsure if clothes were found inside tank

Conclusion 

It was one Youtube comment that led me in the direction of the Fire alarm. I couldn't find any evidence to back this up, but her elevator actions could be better explained if she had just done something wrong.
She didn't appear to be scared for her life as much as she appeard to fear being in trouble.
I don't know the circumstances that led her to be in the tank, but I believe she wanted to be on the roof.
So, no mystery solved, but another unbiased logical opinion.
This started out as a note sheet for myself, but due to the popularity of this case, I thought another reference sheet could be useful to others.

Time Warner BYO Cable Modem

Thanks to Time Warner's greed feeling that their rates weren't high enough, they decided a couple of years ago to charge extra for the privilege of using their hardware.
I'll try to leave my opinions aside, and explain how to get around this extra fee.

1. Order a Netgear CG3000D from Amazon, or wherever you'd prefer.
1. It is not the greatest available, but is about the least expensive DOCSIS 3 modem I could find that is confirmed to work.
1. DOCSIS 2 does not support the higher speeds
2. These devices are not supported by Netgear, and firmware updates are not available.
1. The best support I've found is in the Amazon Reviews section
3. They do work with Time Warner
2. Plug into your home network, or another computer
1. DHCP is enabled by default, so your computer should obtain an IP from the CG3000D
3. Default settings are
1. IP - 192.168.100.1
2. Web - http://192.168.100.1
3. Admin login
1. admin
2. password
4. Super Admin login
1. MSO
2. changeme
4. Advanced hidden settings
1. NAT Control - to disable routing functions and use only as a cable modem
1. http://192.168.100.1/RgNatControl.asp
2. Advanced Firewall services
1. http://192.168.100.1/RgServices.asp
3. Advanced Firmware update
1. http://192.168.100.1/__SeContents.html
2. Attempting a fake firmware upgrade is said to resolve some issues, (although it fails)
5. Configure as you wish. 
1. You can use the modem as a router and Wireless access point if needed
1. Many have complained about the wireless, but I haven't used enough to know.
6. If you choose to disable NAT,and use your own router;
1. Perform a factory reset by holding the reset button on the bottom of the router for 30 seconds.
2. The router should obtain a WAN IP from the CG3000D's DHCP server
3. Immediately login to the CG3000D to disable NAT
1. http://192.168.100.1/RgNatControl.asp
4.  Wait a minute.
5. If your router does not obtain a public IP after a minute
1. Power cycle the CG0000D 
2. Then power cycle your router.
6. Once your router has a public IP, you can disable the wireless radio on the CG3000D
7. Once everything is set up on the modem
1. Call Time Warner to provision your new hardware
1. I believe you will need to speak with a rep to provide the new MAC address
2. Return Time Warner's modem and power cable to them.
8.  Enjoy the $5.99 you save every month!

Personal Computer FAQ and Tips

Personal Computer FAQ and Tips

Computer/Virus cleanup

• First off, know how to use the internet safely
• No matter if you are looking for games, programs, porn, or videos... you should not download or install any software unless you are 100% certain it is safe to install.
• If you have the Recommended apps (see below) installed, you should not need to install anything else to view that video, or read an email. Many sites are set up to trick you with ads, popups, etc. that convince you to install their "software" (malware, phishing, virus, etc)
•  Infected Computers
•  If your computer is extremely slow, try these steps
• Press Ctrl-Alt-Del and click on Task Manager
• Click on Processes, and tick the box to Show All Processes.
• Click the CPU column header to sort by CPU largest to smallest
• Find the largest CPU hogs and end the process
• This may kill something important, but the damage is undone once you reboot
• You can ignore System Idle Process.
• iexplore is Internet Explorer
• svchost is used by Windows, but also by viruses
• Killing it can be good or bad depending, but is worth a shot
• Eliminate startup programs with WhatInStartup
• If you are really infected, just remove everything in the list.
• Scheduled Tasks
• Start - Control Panel - Scheduled Tasks or
• Start - Control Panel - Administrative Tools - Task Scheduler
• Some Virii hide in here. 
• You can pretty safely remove any tasks that are not in the Microsoft folder
• Download TDSSKiller
• Scan computer and remove threats
• Reboot if prompted
• Install MalwareBytes
• Opt out of the professional trial when installing
• Update, Scan and Remove all infected Malware
• Install Microsoft Security Essentials
• Update, Scan and Remove all infected items
• Browser Toolbars
• Remove ALL toolbars and suspicious add-ons from each browser
• Internet Explorer
• Tools - Settings - Manage Addons
• Firefox
• Tools - Addons - Extensions, and Plugins
• Chrome
• Settings - Extensions
• Change Search provider to Google as default
• Download and run Cleanup to clean Temp files and free up space
• Please see my warning about Cryptolocker
• If this applies, seek immediate attention
• This will destroy all of your files, and leave  "HOW_TO_DECRYPT" files in your folders.

New computers/Windows 8 

• Windows 8
• Windows 8 can be improved with the Installation of Classic Shell 
• This will give your start menu back, and nearly eliminate the Metro start screen. 
• Startup - Speedup
• Eliminate startup programs with WhatInStartup by Nirsoft
• Extract/open the zip file and run the exe program
• Never do this unless you trust the origin - but you can trust me now
• You can pretty safely delete everything in here to speed up your computer and eliminate background programs.
• Once you've removed everything, reboot for the changes to take effect.
• Keep this program, and check it again in a month, things tend to reappear and need to be cleaned out regularly

Applications

• Installing
• Be careful installing ANY programs that are downloaded from the internet.
• Even if you know it's safe, click through the installer carefully. Almost every installer now contains additional "sponsored" software that you don't need. 
• ie. Ask toolbar, Safesearch, MyPCBackup, Trial antivirus, Trial professional versions, etc.
• Use the links below to get the apps
• They go to the best source to download them
• Safe applications
• You can find many free, useful and safe apps at Sourceforge
• Any application that is "Open Source" is generally safe to install
• Highly Recommended for every computer
• All of this software is free but can contain sponsored software, so again - Be careful
• Necessities
• Java
• Flash Internet Explorer
• Flash Firefox
• File unzip
• 7-Zip
• Internet
• Firefox
• Install the following add-ons for the best experience
• AdBlock Plus
• Pictures
• Irfanview
• Video
• VLC
• Email
• Thunderbird
• This has many add-ons available to integrate calendar, sync with Google contacts, etc.
• I recommend Gmail for free email as it allows you to sync email, contacts, and calendar with nearly any Android, PC, or Apple device.
• Microsoft Office
• MS Office is not free, but there are alternatives
• Office Viewers  (allow you to view but not edit files)
• Just install the latest version for each program
• Google Docs
• Create or login with your Gmail account
• drive.google.com
• Open Office
• This is a free competitor to MS Office
• If you have an older version of Office and want to open newer files, just install the Compatibality Pack
• PDF viewer
• Adobe Reader 
• Be sure to uncheck the optional offer before downloading
• Notes
• Evernote
• Permits you to save and sync notes from any device
• Removing programs
• You can uninstall most programs in the Control Panel
• Start - Control Panel - Programs and Features
• You may need to change the View by to Large Icons, or classic view
• Windows XP is Start - Control Panel -Add/Remove Programs
• Any program listed here that you do not currently use is generally safe to Uninstall

Everything Else

• If I have forgotten anything, please let me know in comments and I can add it.
• Bookmark and check this blog as needed, I will try to keep it up to date.
• If you don't know how to do something Google it

Cryptolocker Virus Alert

I normally do not panic about new virus alerts, but this one has caught a lot of attention because of the potential destruction.
The links in this page are safe, but are a perfect example of how viruses spread through email. Do not trust unknown links (except for this). One way to verify links are by hovering over with your mouse, the destination address should appear in the bottom left corner of the browser window.

What does this virus do?

When this virus infects a system, it immediately encrypts the user's data and possibly the data on any external drives (such as USB/thumb drives) or network share drives to which the machine is currently connected. Once the data has been encrypted, the virus prompts the user to pay money ($300) by a specified deadline to decrypt the data. If there is no response before the deadline, the key to decrypt files specific to the encrypted machine is destroyed. Once the files are encrypted there are no other alternatives EXCEPT to recover the data from an offline backup. Read more here

Will your Antivirus program protect you?

At this time, both Vipre and other major antivirus vendors have updated signatures to this virus and prevent its infection. However, they do NOT not have a way to decrypt the files once they have been encrypted.  It is critical that you keep your antivirus active and updated daily. They are still not 100% fool proof, and the best defense is user education and excessive caution when opening email attachments or files downloaded from the internet.

What you can do to protect your computer and your data?

• Do NOT open attachments from people you are not expecting to get attachments from. This includes emails from printers saying they have sent you a scanned document, or from shipping companies stating there is a customer support issue.
  
• Continue to keep your antivirus signatures updated.
• Importantly, the only sure way to beat this virus and others like it is to make regular backups of your data and store them offline.  If you backup your files to an external hard drive, do not leave it connected to your computer unless it is in the backup process.

What should I do if I get infected?

• Immediately turn off your computer by holding the power button down for 10 seconds.
• Do not attempt to move files or circumvent the problem.
• Immediately contact your local computer support group

What should I do at home?

• Backup your important data regularly to an external USB drive, and keep the drive disconnected.
  
• Be sure you are running up to date Antivirus software
• Microsoft Security Essentials is recommended due to it's cost (free) and minimal impact.
• Scan your computer now for Malware and  Rootkits.
• Malwarebytes
• Kaspersky TDSSKiller
• Do not trust links or attachments sent through email unless you are absolutely sure of what you are downloading.
• Do not connect to an office network or VPN if you are unsure that your computer is clean.
  

What about other devices?

At this point Linux, Apple and Android computers and devices are not affected.
Cloud storage such as Dropbox, Google drive, etc. can be affected by this and other viruses if an infected computer is synchronized.

Dear ___Upset Gun Owners_____

Dear ___Upset Gun Owners_____,

Where the hell have you been?
Didn't you notice the groups out there fighting for years to salvage freedom in this "land of the free"? That's not even scratching the surface of the rest of the world. Now it's finally affecting you personally, and holy shit!

I'd be happy to summarize the past 12 years for you if you're finally interested. Which, again is just scratching the surface of the other 500 years of American corruption.
Or do your own research...and NOT from the American "news" channels! I think you can still trust Google (**subject to change).
Google - Start with the Patriot act and NDAA. This gives the feds full right to silence the opposition with force (btw, you are currently the opposition). Also, if you care about freedom of speech, and want to be able to voice your opinions, keep googling; SOPA, PIPA, CISPA, etc. Once those bills become law, you may not be posting so freely on Facebook.
 

Let's be honest, when this "democratic government" decides to take your guns, there is not a damn thing you can do about it. It's too late. And good luck "not going down without a fight"... Have you seen their military that you've bought for them, and maybe even volunteered for? I'm pretty sure the number of automatic weapons and amount of ammo you own is irrelevant.
 

To be honest, I have been waiting for this “wake up America” for a long time. I just hope this is the real one, and not just another hot topic that will be forgotten next month when there’s new “Breaking News”. I hope they send the secret police door to door for this one. So far they've been smart and sneaky, destroying the constitution in moderation. This one actually caught some attention. Let's hope it's enough.

Sincerely,
Another Upset ___American______

Sonicwall NetExtender and Snow Leopard

I called Apple, and their "TOP" level support's best advice was to reinstall the OS. Since I've done this 2 times already, I refused.
The problem is with Bonjour, and it's split DNS. It is about 50% Apple and 50% Sonicwall' problem, but Sonicwall would be the actual cause.

Problem
DNS fails all lookups with NetExtender installed.

Solution - Although this only works until reboot
from http://www.fuzeqna.com/sonicwallkb/consumer/kbdetail.asp?kbid=8386&catID2=41&catID1=549
sudo su
Enter password
$ cp /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.mDNSResponder.plist ~/com.apple.mDNSResponder.plist.orig
$ /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c "Add :ProgramArguments: string '-StrictUnicastOrdering'" /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.mDNSResponder.plist
$ launchctl unload /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.mDNSResponder.plist
$ launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.mDNSResponder.plist

I was able to get this working by just unloading/loading

Permanent solution
Remove Netextender
Delete contents of \Library\Receipts and \Library\Updates
Install VPN Tracker

More information
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2140119&start=135&tstart=0
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4030
http://superuser.com/questions/84144/how-is-dns-used-by-individual-processes

Backup script

This script can be scheduled to run automatically to backup all or some of your local drives. It is self contained, and customizable.

All files that are backed up are logged to a logfile within the backup directory. The logfile opens automatically upon completion of backup. This has been tested on Windows Vista/Windows 7, but should work on most windows systems. Some functions have changed with the different Windows versions, so minor debugging may be necessary for previous versions.

The Source and Destination can be customized per directory, and should work fine with UNC names as well as mapped network drives. If scheduling this to run automatically, you should consider removing the START /MAX NOTEPAD LOGFILE line to prevent Notepad from opening under the Scheduler account. Also keep in mind that anything run ad a scheduler account may not have access to mapped network drives, or UNC paths.

The script uses XCOPY switches to copy only the files that have been created or changed since the last backup. If you would like multiple copies of a backup, consider appending %DATE% to the destination path.