The Cyberculturalist is actually a part of The Weirding, as are all of our blogs. We chose to use blogs to comprise the site because it is a text-intensive site; creating HTML pages for every article we wan to publish is more work than it's worth, pus blogs are easier to manage. Anyway, I had to give The Cyberculturalist its own domain for various reasons, but I have not promoted it much as its own URL.
However - again for various reasons - I need to do a little promotion of the site on its own so we can get some action going here, and I wanted to mention it. Oftentimes, this results in a slight flurry of activity for a moment, then things settle back down. It may also see me making changes to the template and all that, so things may be a little... what's the word? "Busy?"
Anyway, we focus on Cyberculture here, because the majority of my life is spent online - by choice. I work online, hang-out online, communicate over the Internet, etc. It really is different from IRL (aka, "The Real World") even though that line is becoming more blurred with every passing day, as the WWW becomes more integral to regular peoples' everyday life. That's what we observe and comment on here. Yes, there are computer tips and commentary on the industry and all such as that, but what separates The Cyberculturalist from other "tech" sites is that we're focused on online life, not just "the Web" or "computing" or whatever.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Judge Closes Gmail Account for Receiving Wrong e-Mail!
A truly clueless judge has set an incredibly dangerous precedent by ordering a man's Gmail account closed because he accidentally received a misaddressed e-mail sent by a bank!
After a Rocky Mountain Bank employee sent a spreadsheet full of customers' personal data to a random Gmail account holder, the bank wanted the account closed - why, no one knows - but Google refused to comply without a court order. The Rocky Mountain Bank got a court order, decreeing the account must be closed, from U.S. District Court Judge James Ware! Again, no one knows why.
Apparently, U.S. District Court Judge James Ware is a clueless dolt. What, exactly, does closing an innocent man's e-mail account accomplish and how does it protect the bank? It may actually violate a slew of privacy laws, though this is not certain yet. One thing that is certain: this ruling could set a terrible precedent which companies of all stripe, and possibly even individuals, could abuse.
If I understand the ruling, I could send a file containing personal information to any e-mail account I wish, then demand its closing! And while targeting an e-mail account for closing by this means is one thing, the Rocky Mountain Bank employee in the above suit sent the information to a random account! All of our e-mail accounts are now threatened!
Anyone's e-mail account could be demanded closed - at random!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
After a Rocky Mountain Bank employee sent a spreadsheet full of customers' personal data to a random Gmail account holder, the bank wanted the account closed - why, no one knows - but Google refused to comply without a court order. The Rocky Mountain Bank got a court order, decreeing the account must be closed, from U.S. District Court Judge James Ware! Again, no one knows why.
Apparently, U.S. District Court Judge James Ware is a clueless dolt. What, exactly, does closing an innocent man's e-mail account accomplish and how does it protect the bank? It may actually violate a slew of privacy laws, though this is not certain yet. One thing that is certain: this ruling could set a terrible precedent which companies of all stripe, and possibly even individuals, could abuse.
If I understand the ruling, I could send a file containing personal information to any e-mail account I wish, then demand its closing! And while targeting an e-mail account for closing by this means is one thing, the Rocky Mountain Bank employee in the above suit sent the information to a random account! All of our e-mail accounts are now threatened!
Anyone's e-mail account could be demanded closed - at random!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
My Other Drive
A virtual drive is a wonderful thing, and though there are many to choose from, My Other Drive aims to be the best. My Other Drive can host your files, store files, allows you to collaborate with others, provides online backup for multiple computers through one account, and much more.
My Other Drive is just like any other hard drive, except that it exists online. You can control who has access to which files and folders, setup automated backup of your physical computers and other systems, and more. You have as much control over your My Other Drive virtual hard disks as you do those on your computer (or removable drives you connect to them). And all of this is yours for one low price.
Follow the link provided to learn more about My Other Drive!
My Other Drive is just like any other hard drive, except that it exists online. You can control who has access to which files and folders, setup automated backup of your physical computers and other systems, and more. You have as much control over your My Other Drive virtual hard disks as you do those on your computer (or removable drives you connect to them). And all of this is yours for one low price.
Follow the link provided to learn more about My Other Drive!
Twitter Now a Billion Dollar Enterprise?
Twitter representatives acknowledged the firm received a "massive" influx of funds from several unnamed sources. However, they failed to elaborate on expert speculation that the money put Twitter over the $1bn mark.
Co-founder, Evan Williams, posted on the company blog that they had "closed a "significant round of funding" which brought some $100 million. Further, Twitter is set to allow advertising on its services, which allows users to send 140-character messages to "Followers."
While some point-out that the site has no visible means of making money, the more important thing is that Twitter is actually just a function! Technically, Twitter allows you to "mass" IM - that's all! In time, it will be absorbed into sites which offer actual content and have a real purpose; it is set to provide a function as part of the larger, Web 2.0 model. Sites like Yahoo! (a portal) will provide Twitter as its "announcement" function.
That is, if Twitter's uselessness continues to confound. Yahoo!, and pretty much everything else, already has "announcement" features mirroring Twitter - it's called Yahoo! Groups. However, Yahoo! Groups may be cut, if it follows the pattern Yahoo! set by canceling GeoCities, as newsgroups have been all but abandoned in recent years.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Co-founder, Evan Williams, posted on the company blog that they had "closed a "significant round of funding" which brought some $100 million. Further, Twitter is set to allow advertising on its services, which allows users to send 140-character messages to "Followers."
While some point-out that the site has no visible means of making money, the more important thing is that Twitter is actually just a function! Technically, Twitter allows you to "mass" IM - that's all! In time, it will be absorbed into sites which offer actual content and have a real purpose; it is set to provide a function as part of the larger, Web 2.0 model. Sites like Yahoo! (a portal) will provide Twitter as its "announcement" function.
That is, if Twitter's uselessness continues to confound. Yahoo!, and pretty much everything else, already has "announcement" features mirroring Twitter - it's called Yahoo! Groups. However, Yahoo! Groups may be cut, if it follows the pattern Yahoo! set by canceling GeoCities, as newsgroups have been all but abandoned in recent years.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Reporters Last to Know
A new survey found that a mere 5% of respondents would be willing to pay for their "favorite" (cyber) news provider, were it to charge. Even as the newspaper industry folds and the print magazine industry feels the crunch, these Luddites still don't seem to grasp the whole digital thing. But that isn't all there is; the long and short of it is an industry trying its very best to force its relevancy on a world which no longer finds it relevant.
A simple adoption of technology would go a long way in keeping these reporters afloat. Blogging is journaling, not journalism, but the technology itself is specifically keyed to the delivery of news, yet too many in the news business are wasting their time arguing the point. Newspapers remain just this side of viable only until the technology in development becomes commercially available - technology like folding screens, affordable "e-readers," and the like.
The folding screen technology, in particular, is designed around the newspaper and magazine - this technology will bring to life the "screamsheets" of Cyberpunk fiction: a folding display which provides digital content and refreshes itself. Some companies have even been developing this technology as disposable. If this latter model comes into vogue, the technology will be indistinguishable (practically speaking) from its predecessor. And even if digital reading devices never become widely affordable, the technology they use (which makes digital text easier to read, easier on the eyes, and etc.) will quickly be integrated into existing displays and software. Regardless, print periodicals are ridiculous in this day and age; print is dead.
And yet, print periodicals will take years to die-out, completely. Issues of portability, readability, et.al. aside, print is still viable low-tech to a large sector of the American population, and an even larger portion of the world market. Many people are unable to afford a computer or digital delivery in any form; others have a preference for mobile phones; and some even still listen to the radio and watch TV! The newspaper is likely to find its "rebirth" in local areas, where it provides the kind of coverage the larger outlets do not: what's going on in your immediate locale and the surrounding neighborhoods.
The Internet, alone, is far from the newspaper's lone killer. The entire world is bombarded by news from every angle - radio, subscription radio, TV, cable, satellite, specialty magazines, trade publications - and has been for years. Younger generations aren't even aware of a time when newspapers were the primary source of news -newspapers haven't been the primary method of news delivery since before I was born! The death of the newspaper is no great loss to America, only to newspaper industrialists who were too stubborn and short-sighted to consider their industry from a practical point-of-view before things got too far gone.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
A simple adoption of technology would go a long way in keeping these reporters afloat. Blogging is journaling, not journalism, but the technology itself is specifically keyed to the delivery of news, yet too many in the news business are wasting their time arguing the point. Newspapers remain just this side of viable only until the technology in development becomes commercially available - technology like folding screens, affordable "e-readers," and the like.
The folding screen technology, in particular, is designed around the newspaper and magazine - this technology will bring to life the "screamsheets" of Cyberpunk fiction: a folding display which provides digital content and refreshes itself. Some companies have even been developing this technology as disposable. If this latter model comes into vogue, the technology will be indistinguishable (practically speaking) from its predecessor. And even if digital reading devices never become widely affordable, the technology they use (which makes digital text easier to read, easier on the eyes, and etc.) will quickly be integrated into existing displays and software. Regardless, print periodicals are ridiculous in this day and age; print is dead.
And yet, print periodicals will take years to die-out, completely. Issues of portability, readability, et.al. aside, print is still viable low-tech to a large sector of the American population, and an even larger portion of the world market. Many people are unable to afford a computer or digital delivery in any form; others have a preference for mobile phones; and some even still listen to the radio and watch TV! The newspaper is likely to find its "rebirth" in local areas, where it provides the kind of coverage the larger outlets do not: what's going on in your immediate locale and the surrounding neighborhoods.
The Internet, alone, is far from the newspaper's lone killer. The entire world is bombarded by news from every angle - radio, subscription radio, TV, cable, satellite, specialty magazines, trade publications - and has been for years. Younger generations aren't even aware of a time when newspapers were the primary source of news -newspapers haven't been the primary method of news delivery since before I was born! The death of the newspaper is no great loss to America, only to newspaper industrialists who were too stubborn and short-sighted to consider their industry from a practical point-of-view before things got too far gone.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Lawn Furniture
Cozy Days takes your basic outdoor furniture that extra step - from "lawn" or "patio" furniture to full-fledged, outdoor living accessories. Of course, outdoor furniture is exactly that and has to be able to withstand the rigors of the elements, sun, and weather. Cozy Days' assortment does all of this in style, and then some, and their website gives you brief, solid tips on outdoor living and getting the most out of your outdoor furniture.
If you are strapped for cash, why not buy only the cushions, then surround your outdoor feature(s) with them. Later, you can buy actual chairs, but none of your guests will know you don't have them; guests will compliment your sense of style, thinking it was in your plan all along. Other great tips can be found on Cozy Days' site.
If you are strapped for cash, why not buy only the cushions, then surround your outdoor feature(s) with them. Later, you can buy actual chairs, but none of your guests will know you don't have them; guests will compliment your sense of style, thinking it was in your plan all along. Other great tips can be found on Cozy Days' site.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Economics of Web 2.0
Yahoo!'s recent update has been termed a "relaunch," though it's basically just a new design. The major upgrade, and definitely a technological one, is Yahoo!'s inclusion of third-party "apps," which allow you to add functions from, and snapshots of, sites outside the Yahoo! brand network. Of course, this "network" approach has been Yahoo!'s Achille's Heel throughout its history.
Yahoo! never figured out that the Web is an entirely new medium and attempted to force what it knew of other mediums onto the Web; Yahoo!'s former idea of a portal was offering everything in one place, instead of offering access to the services you are already likely to use. Although it may seem that including external websites is an invitation to Netizens to leave your site, this should actually make the personalized My Yahoo! page "stickier." After all, if you have no new Friend Requests on Facebook, and no new mail at MySpace, you might not bother logging-in, which leaves you on My Yahoo!, looking at other options.
New management has been upfront about taking this approach, and the new deal with Microsoft exemplifies it. Yahoo! will carry the Bing search engine, but retains 88% of the ad revenue it generates. Actually, Yahoo! will only carry the "Power by Bing!" logo; Yahoo! will determine how the search results are garnered, and may key them to individual accounts, allow users to customize them, and more. The primary motivation here is to upset Google's market share.
Both Yahoo! and Microsoft will benefit from the combined search technology, and Yahoo! estimates a $500 million increase in operating finances within the next three years. But the agreement is for 10. While the combo is steadily taking a larger piece of that market, search is far from the only product either company offers - but search is far from the only thing Google offers these days. Google's Chrome OS is set to usher-in a new technology posited to change the landscape yet again: Netbooks and cloud computing.
The Browser Wars didn't end well for either side, and allowed browsers with smaller market shares to make great strides. Google and Microsoft are both leaders in their flagship field, but Yahoo! needed a deal like this to keep it afloat. Maybe now, Yahoo! will maintain its leadership and become the hub of "your online life."
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Yahoo! never figured out that the Web is an entirely new medium and attempted to force what it knew of other mediums onto the Web; Yahoo!'s former idea of a portal was offering everything in one place, instead of offering access to the services you are already likely to use. Although it may seem that including external websites is an invitation to Netizens to leave your site, this should actually make the personalized My Yahoo! page "stickier." After all, if you have no new Friend Requests on Facebook, and no new mail at MySpace, you might not bother logging-in, which leaves you on My Yahoo!, looking at other options.
New management has been upfront about taking this approach, and the new deal with Microsoft exemplifies it. Yahoo! will carry the Bing search engine, but retains 88% of the ad revenue it generates. Actually, Yahoo! will only carry the "Power by Bing!" logo; Yahoo! will determine how the search results are garnered, and may key them to individual accounts, allow users to customize them, and more. The primary motivation here is to upset Google's market share.
Both Yahoo! and Microsoft will benefit from the combined search technology, and Yahoo! estimates a $500 million increase in operating finances within the next three years. But the agreement is for 10. While the combo is steadily taking a larger piece of that market, search is far from the only product either company offers - but search is far from the only thing Google offers these days. Google's Chrome OS is set to usher-in a new technology posited to change the landscape yet again: Netbooks and cloud computing.
The Browser Wars didn't end well for either side, and allowed browsers with smaller market shares to make great strides. Google and Microsoft are both leaders in their flagship field, but Yahoo! needed a deal like this to keep it afloat. Maybe now, Yahoo! will maintain its leadership and become the hub of "your online life."
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Brand New Yahoo
The best-known web portal showed a new side this week: Yahoo got a facelift. The My Yahoo feature remains the same (though Mine is highly-customized), but the Yahoo homepage has a host of new features and beautiful new icon palette. Yahoo has firmly adopted a Web 2.0 approach, offering even more third-party functions and services.
This is exactly what Yahoo should have done a decade ago, but Until its recent deal with Microsoft, it really never had. Yahoo branched-out fast in the late 1990s, attempting to replicate every success online; Yahoo Auctions, Yahoo Wallet, Yahoo Geocities, Yahoo Internet Life magazine - Yahoo's approach was all over the map! The brand was diluted and revenue ceased.
The deal between Yahoo and Microsoft didn't bring Yahoo any cash right now, but Yahoo has needed to cut-back and refocus on its role for 10 years - literally. Microsoft's Steve Ballmer said of the deal, "It's about relevancy," and Yahoo hasn't had much of that in years. While the new look is nice and clean, and it is more functional than the last incarnation, Yahoo is still behind the curve.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
This is exactly what Yahoo should have done a decade ago, but Until its recent deal with Microsoft, it really never had. Yahoo branched-out fast in the late 1990s, attempting to replicate every success online; Yahoo Auctions, Yahoo Wallet, Yahoo Geocities, Yahoo Internet Life magazine - Yahoo's approach was all over the map! The brand was diluted and revenue ceased.
The deal between Yahoo and Microsoft didn't bring Yahoo any cash right now, but Yahoo has needed to cut-back and refocus on its role for 10 years - literally. Microsoft's Steve Ballmer said of the deal, "It's about relevancy," and Yahoo hasn't had much of that in years. While the new look is nice and clean, and it is more functional than the last incarnation, Yahoo is still behind the curve.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Don't Get Burned
You can spend a bank-breaking fortune on diets, exercise plans, and dietary supplements which are supposed to help you lose weight, but either do not work for you or simply do not work at all. FatBurners.org tries to cut through some of the hype with a site dedicated to reviewing the best fat burners on the market. You should have some specific ideas before you even get this far, though.
The first thing is to assign a weight-loss goal. Narrow your research to plans and supplements aimed at meeting just your goals - for instance, if you want to lose 30 lbs. in 60 days, you do not need a mega-fat-burning supplement developed for the chronically obese. At this point, you should be looking for user-provided testimonials, regimens with the product, and so forth.
The first thing is to assign a weight-loss goal. Narrow your research to plans and supplements aimed at meeting just your goals - for instance, if you want to lose 30 lbs. in 60 days, you do not need a mega-fat-burning supplement developed for the chronically obese. At this point, you should be looking for user-provided testimonials, regimens with the product, and so forth.
Monday, September 21, 2009
FCC Denies Two-Tier Internet
The newly-appointed chairman of the FCC has dashed the hopes of ISPs who wanted to develop a two-tier system that would have allowed them to decide which applications, activities, sites, and users received more bandwidth. For years now, many ISPs and communications networks have favored a system which would allow them to deprecate the bandwidth non-paying Netizens use, as well as for those using bandwidth-sucking apps and services, such as streaming media. The Chairman said "all Web traffic should be treated equally." This is the first time chairman Julius Genachowski has spoken on the matter.
While it may sound like a Socialist declaration in direct opposition to the fundaments of a Capitalist society, the firms in favor of such a system would waste no time making deals with the companies of various services and apps - creating "packages" of "preferred" programs and services - which would severely curtail both the expansion and improvement of the internet, which he called a "vital... engine of innovation, economic growth, competition and democratic engagement." For as anti-Democratic as his edicts may seem on the surface, this is the only way to ensure fair-use and internet access for all consumers; otherwise, those who cannot afford high-priced, "top-shelf" internet service packages would no longer be able to watch video, listen to music, and more.
"I believe the FCC must be a smart cop on the beat preserving a free and open internet. This is not about government regulation of the internet," he added. "It's about fair rules of the road for companies that control access to the internet," Chairman Genachowski said.
This concept of "Net neutrality" was championed by President Obama during his campaign and is even supported by online monopoly, Google!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
While it may sound like a Socialist declaration in direct opposition to the fundaments of a Capitalist society, the firms in favor of such a system would waste no time making deals with the companies of various services and apps - creating "packages" of "preferred" programs and services - which would severely curtail both the expansion and improvement of the internet, which he called a "vital... engine of innovation, economic growth, competition and democratic engagement." For as anti-Democratic as his edicts may seem on the surface, this is the only way to ensure fair-use and internet access for all consumers; otherwise, those who cannot afford high-priced, "top-shelf" internet service packages would no longer be able to watch video, listen to music, and more.
"I believe the FCC must be a smart cop on the beat preserving a free and open internet. This is not about government regulation of the internet," he added. "It's about fair rules of the road for companies that control access to the internet," Chairman Genachowski said.
This concept of "Net neutrality" was championed by President Obama during his campaign and is even supported by online monopoly, Google!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Pepsi Inserts Video Into... Magazines?
Yes, Pepsi Max and CBS are the first advertisers to try the bizarrely backward marketing idea of inserting video into print. No, really: the video devices are made from cardboard and contain both speakers and a slimline screen! Those who have seen it say it makes the magazine uncomfortable and takes several seconds to load, but a spokesperson for Pepsi said the company called it "an extraordinary way to refresh how we interact with consumers."
The screen is the size of a mobile phone's and contains rechargeable batteries. It can contain approximately 40 minutes of footage. While neither advertiser is talking about the actual cost, the firm which makes the embedded video player said the cost was probably around $20 per unit.
The video embed is in the new Entertainment Weekly.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The screen is the size of a mobile phone's and contains rechargeable batteries. It can contain approximately 40 minutes of footage. While neither advertiser is talking about the actual cost, the firm which makes the embedded video player said the cost was probably around $20 per unit.
The video embed is in the new Entertainment Weekly.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
BugZip
Have you ever laid down in your own bed or (hopefully) another one and suddenly started itching? You may have thought about fleas, chiggers, and other outside bugs which can be common nuisances, but chances are, you were lying in a morass of bedbugs! Yes, the very same insects that old nursery rhyme warned you about. They are real, they are small and fire-red, and they are apparently present in most hotel and motel beds, as well as a majority of homeowners' personal beds at home.
Once you have them, it is an uphill battle to get rid of them, and professionals suggest bagging your personal effects to keep the issue from spreading to other rooms in the house, or other beds outside the home. BugZip's new bed bug encasement packages are specifically prepared for this.
Technically speaking, it would be optimal if BugZip encasements were proliferate throughout the vacationing community, so that you could leave your "old" encasements for the staff to collect, as you really shouldn't use them twice, but for now, just be sure you keep the encasements separated as best you can. Re-using the encasements only leads to the possibility of carrying the bugs to another location. Bagging your clothing and effects and continually treating the problem is the only way to rid yourselves of an infestation once it has taken-hold. Bug Zip's products go a long way toward helping you achieve this.
They are great for vacations and overnight visits, as well. Bedbugs are not always easy to spot and most recent studies have shown that many who have them aren't even aware of it. A particularly troublesome infestation can be spread and passed back and forth for long periods of time without any of the unwilling participants even knowing it. Use BugZip bags to avoid it.
Once you have them, it is an uphill battle to get rid of them, and professionals suggest bagging your personal effects to keep the issue from spreading to other rooms in the house, or other beds outside the home. BugZip's new bed bug encasement packages are specifically prepared for this.Technically speaking, it would be optimal if BugZip encasements were proliferate throughout the vacationing community, so that you could leave your "old" encasements for the staff to collect, as you really shouldn't use them twice, but for now, just be sure you keep the encasements separated as best you can. Re-using the encasements only leads to the possibility of carrying the bugs to another location. Bagging your clothing and effects and continually treating the problem is the only way to rid yourselves of an infestation once it has taken-hold. Bug Zip's products go a long way toward helping you achieve this.
They are great for vacations and overnight visits, as well. Bedbugs are not always easy to spot and most recent studies have shown that many who have them aren't even aware of it. A particularly troublesome infestation can be spread and passed back and forth for long periods of time without any of the unwilling participants even knowing it. Use BugZip bags to avoid it.
Facebook Husband Jailed for Life
31-year old Brian Lewis, who stabbed his common law wife to death after she changed her Facebook status to "single" was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. He must serve at least 14 years.
Lewis and girlfriend, 26-year old Hayley Jones, had been together for some 13 years and had four children together. Lewis stabbed her to death as she lie in a sleeping bag and two of their children listened to the attack from the top of the staircase. One of the children testified against his father, who had told friends and family he would kill his wife before losing her to an assumed suitor she was communicating with online.
Lewis later admitted he had no idea whether or not Jones was actually cheating on him or even had an online relationship with anyone.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Lewis and girlfriend, 26-year old Hayley Jones, had been together for some 13 years and had four children together. Lewis stabbed her to death as she lie in a sleeping bag and two of their children listened to the attack from the top of the staircase. One of the children testified against his father, who had told friends and family he would kill his wife before losing her to an assumed suitor she was communicating with online.
Lewis later admitted he had no idea whether or not Jones was actually cheating on him or even had an online relationship with anyone.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Myrtle Beach
Technically, the vacation season is more or less over, but it will still be summer in South Carolina for a few more weeks! Why not head out of town to recharge your batteries and give everything else a chance to settle?
Myrtle Beach is America's second most-visited vacation locale. With so much to see and do, as well as the beaches, it is the perfect getaway destination for anyone. Whether taking the family or going it alone, Condo World has great Myrtle beach vacation rentals available right now.
Don't wait for next year when you already know you are just going to put it off again; rent a great condo in Myrtle Beach and enjoy what's left of summer in style!
Myrtle Beach is America's second most-visited vacation locale. With so much to see and do, as well as the beaches, it is the perfect getaway destination for anyone. Whether taking the family or going it alone, Condo World has great Myrtle beach vacation rentals available right now.
Don't wait for next year when you already know you are just going to put it off again; rent a great condo in Myrtle Beach and enjoy what's left of summer in style!
28-Year Old Stole 130m Card Numbers
28-year old Albert Gonzalez faces wire fraud and conspiracy charges for hacking into companies' sites to steal customers' data. Investigators believe Gonzalez and at least two Russian co-conspirators used a "SQL injection" attack to infiltrate the databases of many large corporations. By exploiting errors in coding, they found a way in the databases and "injected" new coding which basically rerouted sensitive customer data. Investigators believe Gonzalez may have gained access to as many as 130 million card numbers!
While authorities note this particular attack was a well-organized and highly-sophisticated operation, the method of attack was actually fairly "standard" and codes which can accomplish the same thing are readily available online. However, there is little customers can do to combat it, aside from closely monitoring monthly statements for any unauthorized transactions.
If convicted, Gonzalez could spend up to 25 years in jail.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
While authorities note this particular attack was a well-organized and highly-sophisticated operation, the method of attack was actually fairly "standard" and codes which can accomplish the same thing are readily available online. However, there is little customers can do to combat it, aside from closely monitoring monthly statements for any unauthorized transactions.
If convicted, Gonzalez could spend up to 25 years in jail.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Most Teens Have Seen Internet Porn
According to a study by the Edith Cowan University, commissioned by the Federal government, most (84%) boys aged 16-17 and 2/3 (60%) of females the same age have viewed porn online, though the majority claim they were accidentally exposed to it. 10% of all teens surveyed said they had been victimized by cyberbullies.
The study is part of a federal plan to restrict access to certain content across the Web. Though free speech advocates and other activists oppose the plan, all parties agree parents should provide the first line of defense. Under this new plan, the British government will no longer offer free filtering software; instead, it plans to block "the worst of the worst," including bestiality, "before it reaches the home."
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The study is part of a federal plan to restrict access to certain content across the Web. Though free speech advocates and other activists oppose the plan, all parties agree parents should provide the first line of defense. Under this new plan, the British government will no longer offer free filtering software; instead, it plans to block "the worst of the worst," including bestiality, "before it reaches the home."
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Formal Tuxedos
If you plan on attending college, it is probably a good idea to buy your own tuxedo. There are many formal, social affairs which require one - it is not just for your highschool prom - and renting one will cost you far more in the long run.
Formal Tux dot Com carries a full selection of tuxedos, tuxedo shirts, and all accessories and peripherals. All of their apparel is brand new and has never been used or worn by anyone else. Formal Tux also has shirts and clothing for the service industry, as well as a line of formal wear for females. They also offer a line of discount tuxes and clothing, so everyone can afford their own tuxedo, regardless of their budget.
If you only intend to wear your tuxedo once in your life, then you may be better off renting one; but if you own your own formal wear, you will find more events and reasons to wear it - weddings, funerals, social dances, and more.
Formal Tux dot Com carries a full selection of tuxedos, tuxedo shirts, and all accessories and peripherals. All of their apparel is brand new and has never been used or worn by anyone else. Formal Tux also has shirts and clothing for the service industry, as well as a line of formal wear for females. They also offer a line of discount tuxes and clothing, so everyone can afford their own tuxedo, regardless of their budget.
If you only intend to wear your tuxedo once in your life, then you may be better off renting one; but if you own your own formal wear, you will find more events and reasons to wear it - weddings, funerals, social dances, and more.
Carrier Pigeon Beats Broadband
An Unlimited IT staffer complained about the speed of South Africa's broadband, saying information could be shared faster "by carrier pigeon." Unlimited IT decided to put the claim to the test, and so requisitioned one Winston: Carrier Pigeon.
A 4GB stick was strapped to Winston's leg and he was sent from Unlimited's call center hometown, Howick, to the firm's home offices in Durban. Meanwhile, an ADSL connection between computers in the towns was established and a file transfer of the same data was started.
Winston made the trip in one hour, eight minutes; it took another hour to upload the information from the 4GB stick to the computer system - a grand total of just over two hours. The ADSL transfer was at 4%!
Three new lines are being laid around the African continent to improve Internet connections.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
A 4GB stick was strapped to Winston's leg and he was sent from Unlimited's call center hometown, Howick, to the firm's home offices in Durban. Meanwhile, an ADSL connection between computers in the towns was established and a file transfer of the same data was started.
Winston made the trip in one hour, eight minutes; it took another hour to upload the information from the 4GB stick to the computer system - a grand total of just over two hours. The ADSL transfer was at 4%!
Three new lines are being laid around the African continent to improve Internet connections.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Facebook Lite
Facebook has released a stripped-down version of the popular social networking site which makes it faster and easier to load for those with slow Internet connections, older OS, and the like. Facebook Lite does away with all the apps, games, and add-ons the regular network has. You can still check your messages, Friend Requests, and perform other, core operations, but you have to logon to the regular site to access any of the third-party applications.
Lite was originally created to cater to countries outside the U.S., where Internet connections are slower. However, so many U.S.-based netizens preferred t to the regular version that Facebook decided to release it to America first. It is now working to translate the Lite version into other languages so it can be launched worldwide.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Lite was originally created to cater to countries outside the U.S., where Internet connections are slower. However, so many U.S.-based netizens preferred t to the regular version that Facebook decided to release it to America first. It is now working to translate the Lite version into other languages so it can be launched worldwide.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The Source
The Source remains true to its name. From TVs to cellphones to gaming systems to computers, it is your source for all things in home electronics. But The Source is not just another online tech sales site; it also offers a range of related services, including repairs, software, and online photo-finishing. You no longer have to create and maintain accounts on numerous sites in order to get the most from your home electronics; The Source is your single source for all of these things.
The Source even offers customer reviews for each of the products it carries. You save money on gas, don't have to worry about pushy salesmen, don't have to fight crowds or wait in line, and you have access to literally everything you want to know about the product(s) for which you are shopping. Surf over to the site and take a look at their netbooks for an example. The Source offers free shipping to any Circuit City store, so you save money on shipping, too.
Instead of spending hours online, poring through dozens of websites - each dedicated to an increasingly smaller portion of the information you need to make your purchase - go to The Source.
The Source even offers customer reviews for each of the products it carries. You save money on gas, don't have to worry about pushy salesmen, don't have to fight crowds or wait in line, and you have access to literally everything you want to know about the product(s) for which you are shopping. Surf over to the site and take a look at their netbooks for an example. The Source offers free shipping to any Circuit City store, so you save money on shipping, too.
Instead of spending hours online, poring through dozens of websites - each dedicated to an increasingly smaller portion of the information you need to make your purchase - go to The Source.
English Cybercrime Hotspots
According to research by The Third Man, Europe's top credit card anti-fraud company, the msall town of Shildon is a cybercrime hotspot. The firm says nearly 25%, of 1/4, of all online sales made there last year were fraudulent, charged to stolen credit cards. Even more mind-boggling is the fact that police believe all of these crimes were likely committed by one, maybe two, criminals working from the area!
The Third Man represents about 20% of online companies in the UK and estimates more than $600 million was lost to fraud last year. Cybercrime in the UK rose 13% from 2007 to 2008, but has risen 243% since 2001! Card Not Present fraud, The Third Man's specialty, now accounts for some 54% of all credit fraud cases. In one case, a woman was duped into receiving stolen goods - entire truckloads of stolen goods! She was then sending them off to people in - wait for it... Nigeria!
While electronics (specifically TVs and laptops) are the most commonly stolen items according to police, beds are a surprising entry on that list. Apparently, many cybercriminals enter Europe from abroad and a bed is their first necessity.
Despite the fact that everyone in the Internet, business, and law enforcement communities are calling for more action, cybercrime is hard to investigate and this is why it's so lucrative.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The Third Man represents about 20% of online companies in the UK and estimates more than $600 million was lost to fraud last year. Cybercrime in the UK rose 13% from 2007 to 2008, but has risen 243% since 2001! Card Not Present fraud, The Third Man's specialty, now accounts for some 54% of all credit fraud cases. In one case, a woman was duped into receiving stolen goods - entire truckloads of stolen goods! She was then sending them off to people in - wait for it... Nigeria!
While electronics (specifically TVs and laptops) are the most commonly stolen items according to police, beds are a surprising entry on that list. Apparently, many cybercriminals enter Europe from abroad and a bed is their first necessity.
Despite the fact that everyone in the Internet, business, and law enforcement communities are calling for more action, cybercrime is hard to investigate and this is why it's so lucrative.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Tweet with Glee Tonight
It appears someone at FOX actually gets it:
Last night, the rerun of Fringe included a scrollbar across the bottom 1/3 of the screen which ran tweets from fans, castmembers, and production staff. Most of the creators' comments had to do with behind-the-scenes things, like how hard it was to film a particular scene and etc. Fans could pose questions or simply discuss the show with other Twits. The idea has been compared to the commentary one gets with most DVDs.
Tonight, FOX is going to do the same with the one-hour comedy, Glee. I caught the premiere Wednesday night and though I was busy doing 100 other things and so couldn't pay close attention, what I did see of it just great! It's pretty rare for a sit-com to actually be funny, but Glee is just that. Politically incorrect and intentionally heavy-handed, Glee was a joy to watch and I now have my calendar set to remind me to watch it every Wednesday.
FOX' VP of marketing and communications, Joe Earley, dismissed the idea that adding tweets was merely a gimmick. "What we want to make sure of is that fans get something out of this," Earley told reporters. "We did not just want to have a scroll across the bottom of the screen, where hundreds of unidentified people were sending messages through. You're getting to interact with the talent." Fringe contains a lot of dialogue and background and is nearly impossible for new viewers to latch onto; the Twitter scroll was meant for the true, hardcore fans.
FOX is not the first to do this; the most famous instance was when Current added a Twitter scroll to the screen during President Obama's inauguration. Still, it is an important step for many reasons - not the least of which being that this experiment is taking place on a mainstream network; not even people with cable/satellite watch Current...
I'll comment on the show later tonight and I'm adding them to my Twitter account, so you just might see a tweet or two from yours truly crawling across the bottom of your TV set. But... probably not; I'm not a big Twit. You can follow the Twitter banner across the TV or online and send Tweets to the cast and crew as you watch the show. All tweets are monitored before they are added to the scroll; inappropriate tweets will not make it to the screen.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Last night, the rerun of Fringe included a scrollbar across the bottom 1/3 of the screen which ran tweets from fans, castmembers, and production staff. Most of the creators' comments had to do with behind-the-scenes things, like how hard it was to film a particular scene and etc. Fans could pose questions or simply discuss the show with other Twits. The idea has been compared to the commentary one gets with most DVDs.
Tonight, FOX is going to do the same with the one-hour comedy, Glee. I caught the premiere Wednesday night and though I was busy doing 100 other things and so couldn't pay close attention, what I did see of it just great! It's pretty rare for a sit-com to actually be funny, but Glee is just that. Politically incorrect and intentionally heavy-handed, Glee was a joy to watch and I now have my calendar set to remind me to watch it every Wednesday.
FOX' VP of marketing and communications, Joe Earley, dismissed the idea that adding tweets was merely a gimmick. "What we want to make sure of is that fans get something out of this," Earley told reporters. "We did not just want to have a scroll across the bottom of the screen, where hundreds of unidentified people were sending messages through. You're getting to interact with the talent." Fringe contains a lot of dialogue and background and is nearly impossible for new viewers to latch onto; the Twitter scroll was meant for the true, hardcore fans.
FOX is not the first to do this; the most famous instance was when Current added a Twitter scroll to the screen during President Obama's inauguration. Still, it is an important step for many reasons - not the least of which being that this experiment is taking place on a mainstream network; not even people with cable/satellite watch Current...
I'll comment on the show later tonight and I'm adding them to my Twitter account, so you just might see a tweet or two from yours truly crawling across the bottom of your TV set. But... probably not; I'm not a big Twit. You can follow the Twitter banner across the TV or online and send Tweets to the cast and crew as you watch the show. All tweets are monitored before they are added to the scroll; inappropriate tweets will not make it to the screen.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Blow It Out Your...
Many gastroenterologists call the stomach your "second brain." As those of us who have suffered with related problems can attest, your stomach is far more sensitive than many would think and pretty much everything in and about your body is connected to it in some way - and not just because it's where your food goes and is digested.
A whole host of seemingly unrelated health issues are directly or indirectly connected to your tummy - many of them things you would never, in a million years, consider. Just for one example, a persistent cough may be caused by a clogged colon. Even mental and emotional health issues are sometimes the fault of an unhealthy colon! But you don't necessarily need to see a doctor or specialist to find this out or even correct it; regularly cleansing your colon can solve everything.
Check out this great site, listing all the best colon cleansers, along with great information, prices, reviews, and more. Don't waste time or money trying out different products before you take a moment to research this fantastic resource.
A whole host of seemingly unrelated health issues are directly or indirectly connected to your tummy - many of them things you would never, in a million years, consider. Just for one example, a persistent cough may be caused by a clogged colon. Even mental and emotional health issues are sometimes the fault of an unhealthy colon! But you don't necessarily need to see a doctor or specialist to find this out or even correct it; regularly cleansing your colon can solve everything.
Check out this great site, listing all the best colon cleansers, along with great information, prices, reviews, and more. Don't waste time or money trying out different products before you take a moment to research this fantastic resource.
YOU'RE FIRED!
Capitalizing words in IM and e-mail is called "typing in all caps" and is indicative of "yelling." However, certain fields and industries - such as Law - require various words, phrases, and even entire sentences be capitalized, usually to make the selected text easier to read (as opposed to emphasizing it). While "all caps" is considered rude, a New Zealand boss took his observance of proper Netiquette a bit too far when he fired an accountant for sending electronic correspondence in all caps.
In 2007, Vicki Walker was fired for "creating disharmony in the workplace" with her "confrontational" typing style. While the company claimed Walker had sent a number of so-called "confrontational" e-mails which led to her dismissal, only one was ever entered into evidence. In it, a time and date was capitalized and set in red boldface. Another sentence, also boldfaced and capitalized, read, "TO ENSURE YOUR STAFF CLAIM IS PROCESSED AND PAID, PLEASE DO FOLLOW THE BELOW CHECKLIST." The corporation further cited Ms. Walker for asking to view complaints made against her by her co-workers. She had worked for the company for two years prior to her sacking.
Walker won her first wrongful termination case against the corporation, but was awarded just over $15k, which she says is nowhere near enough. "I have spent thousands defending myself and there are so many issues that are unresolved," she said. She also told reporters she was forced to re-mortgage her home and borrow money from her sister, as she is a single mother who was out of work for several months afterward. The reward included the first 13 weeks she was out of work, but Walker says she did not find full-time employment until October 2008! Walker plans on further pursuing the matter.
The Employment Relations Authority found that Walker's use of red, boldface typeset, and - especially - all caps did promote disharmony in the workplace, but not to the extent that it justified her termination.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
In 2007, Vicki Walker was fired for "creating disharmony in the workplace" with her "confrontational" typing style. While the company claimed Walker had sent a number of so-called "confrontational" e-mails which led to her dismissal, only one was ever entered into evidence. In it, a time and date was capitalized and set in red boldface. Another sentence, also boldfaced and capitalized, read, "TO ENSURE YOUR STAFF CLAIM IS PROCESSED AND PAID, PLEASE DO FOLLOW THE BELOW CHECKLIST." The corporation further cited Ms. Walker for asking to view complaints made against her by her co-workers. She had worked for the company for two years prior to her sacking.
Walker won her first wrongful termination case against the corporation, but was awarded just over $15k, which she says is nowhere near enough. "I have spent thousands defending myself and there are so many issues that are unresolved," she said. She also told reporters she was forced to re-mortgage her home and borrow money from her sister, as she is a single mother who was out of work for several months afterward. The reward included the first 13 weeks she was out of work, but Walker says she did not find full-time employment until October 2008! Walker plans on further pursuing the matter.
The Employment Relations Authority found that Walker's use of red, boldface typeset, and - especially - all caps did promote disharmony in the workplace, but not to the extent that it justified her termination.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
YouTube, PRS Return Music Videos to UK Viewers
Back in March, YouTube blocked tens of thousands of music videos to UK visitors after they failed to reach an agreement with PRS for Music, a British songwriters' group. Though some official music videos and fan videos featuring music in question continued to thrive, YouTube did what it could to block them from UK viewers while the two groups worked to reach a settlement.
YouTube has since paid PRS for Music an undisclosed sum backdated to January of 2009 and lasting through 2012. Many of the songwriters involved makes less than $10k US, according to a spokesperson for the group, and residuals are a big part of their income. The new agreement includes music videos, as well as the songs themselves (which are often used in user-generated videos, as well as TV shows, et.al.). It also covers new content featuring the materials in question.
Originally, PRS for Music was "outraged" by YouTube's decision to remove the content while negotiations continued, but YouTube said the group had raised its price by "many, many factors." The MPA (Music Publishers' Association) sided with PRS for Music against Google - just like many companies and corporations are being forced to do these days - and urged the monopoly to reconsider their actions. The music associations referred to YouTube's removal of the videos as "punishment." The correct word is "extortion." The situation also prompted many in the industries, as well as fans, to once again call upon music companies, corporations, and artists to embrace new technology instead of treating it as a threat.
The blocked content will start "reappearing" over the next several days.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
YouTube has since paid PRS for Music an undisclosed sum backdated to January of 2009 and lasting through 2012. Many of the songwriters involved makes less than $10k US, according to a spokesperson for the group, and residuals are a big part of their income. The new agreement includes music videos, as well as the songs themselves (which are often used in user-generated videos, as well as TV shows, et.al.). It also covers new content featuring the materials in question.
Originally, PRS for Music was "outraged" by YouTube's decision to remove the content while negotiations continued, but YouTube said the group had raised its price by "many, many factors." The MPA (Music Publishers' Association) sided with PRS for Music against Google - just like many companies and corporations are being forced to do these days - and urged the monopoly to reconsider their actions. The music associations referred to YouTube's removal of the videos as "punishment." The correct word is "extortion." The situation also prompted many in the industries, as well as fans, to once again call upon music companies, corporations, and artists to embrace new technology instead of treating it as a threat.
The blocked content will start "reappearing" over the next several days.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Charitable Gifts
We all know the adage about it being better to give than receive, and gifts of charity are a great way to illustrate this. However, altruism aside, there are right times and wrong times to give such gifts. While the gift of a donation to a charitable cause in someone's name is always a nice gesture, it is not always an appropriate gift; for the most part, these generally should not be given for personal holidays and commemorative events, such as birthdays and baby showers. Anniversaries over, say 20-25 years are acceptable, and the gift of a charitable donation is always appropriate for business gifts.
Also important is to be sure you are supporting a cause the receiver supports - or, at the very least, one to which he would not object! Charity Choice supports over 100 charitable causes, so you are certain to find a worthy charity from amongst the many they offer. Perhaps best of all, charitable gifts are 100% tax deductible.
Also important is to be sure you are supporting a cause the receiver supports - or, at the very least, one to which he would not object! Charity Choice supports over 100 charitable causes, so you are certain to find a worthy charity from amongst the many they offer. Perhaps best of all, charitable gifts are 100% tax deductible.
Traditional Lightbulb Banned in Europe
The EU has banned the conventional lightbulb, in use now for over a century. The 100-watt and frosted incandescent lightbulb are the targets of a law agreed upon by some 27 European countries last year. Several other countries, including Australia and the United States, have announced plans to phase-out the traditional lightbulb, as well. The idea is to force consumers to switch to newer halogen bulbs which use up to 80% less electricity.
While created last year, the law is only now starting to be enforced and consumers are stockpiling the "old-fashioned" bulbs for various reasons, including objections to the high cost of new lightbulbs, as well as good, old-fashioned nostalgia. Some say the newer bulbs provide harsher light which can cause headaches and even rashes in sensitive people.
The law is one of many approaches countries are taking to help the environment, as well as to adapt to the ever-growing Earth's population which is depleting resources at a phenomenal rate. Traditional lightbulbs are hoped to be phased-out entirely by 2012.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
While created last year, the law is only now starting to be enforced and consumers are stockpiling the "old-fashioned" bulbs for various reasons, including objections to the high cost of new lightbulbs, as well as good, old-fashioned nostalgia. Some say the newer bulbs provide harsher light which can cause headaches and even rashes in sensitive people.
The law is one of many approaches countries are taking to help the environment, as well as to adapt to the ever-growing Earth's population which is depleting resources at a phenomenal rate. Traditional lightbulbs are hoped to be phased-out entirely by 2012.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
eBay to Sell Skype
eBay reached a deal to sell Skype for $2bn, while retaining a 35% share in the VoIP company. Purchased for about $3bn in 2005, Skype's number of users increased from 53 million to over 400 million since eBay purchased it, helped in no small part by being featured in major TV talk shows, such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, and a word-of-mouth ad campaign.
Skype's new owners include Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Netscape, and Index Ventures, the firm which originally invested in Skype. Though eBay will keep the 35% stake mentioned above, it had been trying to sell the company for a while now, as it isn't exactly compatible with its business model.
Novel idea, eh, Google?
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Skype's new owners include Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Netscape, and Index Ventures, the firm which originally invested in Skype. Though eBay will keep the 35% stake mentioned above, it had been trying to sell the company for a while now, as it isn't exactly compatible with its business model.
Novel idea, eh, Google?
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Save 10% on Clarks Now!
One of the criterion for good footwear is that it should be flexible. Athletic footwear can be casual, but is specifically for (obviously) athletic pursuits; dress shoes are similar. Most people wind-up with several pair of shoes for this very reason.
However, Clarks shoes straddle the boundaries. While nice enough for semi-formal occasions - a lot of their styles are suitable for many formal occasions! - Clarks shoes are also casual enough for most everyday pursuits. Most men's varieties are leather and either black or brown, though some of the higher-end styles are suede and kid leather. With Clarks shoes, you can throw-out half of those shoes cluttering the bottom of your closet!
Best of all, Footwear, Etc. is having a sale on all Clarks shoes right now: get 10% off select styles, and even more on others! Just follow the link above to learn more.
However, Clarks shoes straddle the boundaries. While nice enough for semi-formal occasions - a lot of their styles are suitable for many formal occasions! - Clarks shoes are also casual enough for most everyday pursuits. Most men's varieties are leather and either black or brown, though some of the higher-end styles are suede and kid leather. With Clarks shoes, you can throw-out half of those shoes cluttering the bottom of your closet!
Best of all, Footwear, Etc. is having a sale on all Clarks shoes right now: get 10% off select styles, and even more on others! Just follow the link above to learn more.
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