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Aug 10, 2008
CNN Reports Fraudulent Emails
For the past week or so, email in-boxes have been filled with mail reportedly from CNN.
CNN has officially responded to mass emails that are reportedly being sent out from CNN. The subject line in the emails read "CNN's TOP 10." These emails are not being sent out by CNN. Some users report receiving emails titled "CNN Alerts" are also being mailed en mass.
Users are reporting they are receiving emails that appear to be from the news-site CNN, when in fact, they are not. It is reported that when some unsuspecting users click on any of the links in the fraudulent email, malware is installed onto the users computers. Often times, official looking emails from banks, credit card companies, businesses and auction companies are sent to unsuspecting recipients, hoping users will click on a link. Many times, these emails are not legitimate and may result in identity theft, installation of a virus, trojan or malware.
Keep your antivirus software current and up-to-date. It is important to note, emails that look suspicious, are from someone you don't know or are from a source you did not register with, should be deleted. Do not click on a link or install an attachment unless you know the source. When in doubt, don't do it.
Jul 31, 2008
New Search Engine Launched
Move over Google. A new search engine is in town!
In case you haven't heard, a new search engine was released this week.
Cuil, pronounced "cool", launched earlier in the week, giving Google a run for their money.
Although there are numerous search engines available today, Cuil has an interesting history. Several of Cuil's team members actually helped develop the super-popular Google search engine! They know their search engines!
Some of the features include:
- Searches 3 times as many webpages as Google
- Pictures are included in the search results.
- Includes a Safe Search filter to prevent children from accessing adult and inappropriate content
- Choice of 2 or 3 columns
- Rollover definitions
The founder of the company happens to be Irish and the name Cuil is actually a Gaelic word that means knowledge and hazel.
Why not check it out and see what you think?
Jul 24, 2008
Oldest Bible Now Available Online
Portions of the world's most historical manuscript, the Codex Sinaiticus, is now available on the Internet.
Parts of the world's oldest New Testament are expected to go online today and the rest of the book is expected to be published online later this year.
Handwritten in Greek, the Codex Sinaiticus, will include photographs of each page and links to English and German translations. The book also contains portions of the Old Testament as well as numerous books that were not included in the Bible.
The process has been quite difficult as the priceless Bible has been divided and resides in four different countries. Experts from all over the world have united in order to make this historical manuscript available for all to see.
To see the manuscript, visit the
Codex Sinaiticus website. As of this writing, the website is "temporarily unavailable" due to high demand. Keep trying!
Jul 15, 2008
The Little Girl with the Big Heart
A very special girl had a special dream. And she made it happen.
Working with over 500 children a week can be more than challenging. Although the work is physically and emotionally draining, you never know what to expect when working with so many kids! My job is never boring, that's for sure.
My work as an advocate for online safety is something I am more than passionate about. For four years, I have educated children, parents and teachers on issues and concerns regarding the Internet. The information is always serious and can sometimes be very difficult to deal with on an emotional level. As the economy struggles, gas prices go up and foreclosures worsen, it seems we are simply inundated with negative news on a constant basis. But every so often one hears an uplifting story that warms the heart, especially when it concerns children and animals.
When I heard about 12-year-old Mimi Ausland, I knew she was extra special. Many people have ideas, visions and dreams but few carry them out to fruition. Mimi had an idea and made it happen in a big way. She is 12! Because of her vision, determination and unending compassion, this young girl is helping feed discarded, forgotten and abused cats and dogs across America. And with your help, all of us can help.
Read Mimi's inspirational story
here.
Jul 6, 2008
Summer Fun
Happy summer!
For our American and Canadian friends, I hope you had a wonderful and safe July holiday!
For me, the Fourth of July normally means summer is about half over. I have the luxury of having the entire summer off. Before working for the school district, I was thrilled when I had two weeks vacation. But having two and a half months off in a row is fabulous and I feel very blessed!
Here are a few articles for your summer time enjoyment that will also save you time and money:
Save Cash on Gas - The cost of gasoline is skyrocketing! Save money by finding the cheapest gasoline prices in your neck of the woods.
Free Text Messaging Services - If you have children of a certain age, chances are they have a cell phone. And if they have a cell phone, chances are they text. Now we can text message our children or friends and family by using our computer. For free!
Jun 24, 2008
AP Cracks Down
Bloggers beware. What you write may cost you.
The Associated Press has been in the, well, news lately for cracking down on a popular blog.
The AP recently filed seven take down requests against the Drudge Retort for copyright infringement. The letter asked the six blogs and one user comment entries be disable or removed "EXPEDITIOUSLY."
The blogs in question reportedly contained short excerpts containing up to 79 words. The situation is now resolved.
In order to cite text from the Associated Press, the following fees have been implemented, known as the
Excerpt for Web Use Policy. Fees vary depending on use.
- 5-25 words = $12.50
- 26-50 words = $17.50
- 51-100 words = $25.00
- 101-250 words = $50.00
- 251 words and up = $100.00
Sources:
Cadenhead
Jun 9, 2008
Father's Day
Father's Day is going to be here before you know it. If you are looking for Father's Day cards, games or activities, look no further!
Father's Day is right around the corner. Here are a few family fun articles to help you celebrate this important day! Embrace him and treasure these special moments.
My dad passed away almost a year ago, so this Father's Day will be quite different. It feels sad, reflective and empty. It is impossible to fathom, almost surreal, knowing a parent is no longer on this earth. It seems like only yesterday my father was this vibrant, full of energy and brilliant man. Knowing he is gone, I'll never hear his voice or see him smile is overwhelming. I will miss you, Dad.
Free Father's Day Cards - Send dad a free electronic greeting or make one yourself.
Father's Day Fun and Games - Although these are for dad, the entire family can get in on the action. Loads of fun online and offline games, free of course.
Father's Day Printables for Kids - If you are looking for some activities for the kids, here ya go. These printables are not only fun, they are totally free.
Happy Father's Day!
May 21, 2008
Memorial Day
It must be May.
The weather is
finally getting warmer, and winter is yet a another memory. Now that the "battle of the Davids" and the winner of that elusive Disco Ball are concluded, summer is right around the corner. School is over for some, and winding down for others-me included. Those of us still in school are looking forward to the quiet that summer brings. May is filled with special days including Mother's Day, graduation, weddings and Memorial Day.
In America, Memorial Day is often thought to officially "kick-off" summer. But the true spirit of Memorial Day needs to be remembered. Read
Memorial Day Projects for Children for educational, informative and online activities for children.
Planning a wedding can be exciting, nerve-wracking and stressful. Save time with this money-saving article,
Affordable Wedding Flowers.
Enjoy!
May 16, 2008
Juicy Campus
JuicyCampus is a very disturbing and hurtful "gossip" social networking website frequented by college students. 20/20 will be airing a segment on JuicyCampus May 16th.
Juicy Campus is a popular website frequented by college students. The website, launched in 2007, allows students to post whatever they want, totally anonymously. Students post comments about other students, including their entire name, anonymously. Once a message is posted, people are able to "vote" on comments. Once published, postings can not be edited or deleted.
To say the postings are disturbing is an understatement. The comments I have seen have been hateful, derogatory, inflammatory, and hurtful. While some name the most “promiscuous” college student, others publish untrue posts such as the biggest druggie or seller on campus.
The JuicyCampus slogan states, "Always Anonymous. Always Juicy."
- "There is no way for someone using the site to find out who you are. And we at JuicyCampus are not keeping track of who you are or what you post. In fact, we prefer not to know who you are."
- There is a disclaimer on JuicyCampus for those children under 18, "some content may be considered inappropriate and harmful to minors".
JuicyCampus users agree they will not post anything that is:
- "Unlawful, threatening, abusive, tortious,defamatory,obscene, libelous, or invasive of another's privacy."
- "You can’t post lies about people or groups – that’s called defamation and it’s illegal....
New Jersey’s e-commerce unit began investigating possible violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.
While these types of websites can provide an outlet for students and provide a venue for freedom of expression, anonymous students are able to post cruel, malicious, hateful and inflammatory remarks about named people, anonymously.
It deeply saddens me to see websites like this. As an advocate for children's safety, freedom of expression is important. But when people are encouraged to post anonymous messages that are cruel and hateful about a named person, that is concerning.
ABC’s 20/20 will broadcast a segment on JuicyCampus Friday, May 16th. Please watch.
May 4, 2008
Mother's Day Fun and Games
Celebrate the most important lady in your life this year, with loads of family fun activities, games and printable projects.
Mother's Day is right around the corner. Celebrate mom with the many family fun activities, games, printables and other entertaining projects.
Visit the websites listed below for child-friendly, kid-safe and just plain fun Mother's Day articles.
Free Mother's Day Cards - This article provides a plethora of fantastic greeting cards for that special lady in your life. From free electronic eCards to unique printable cards, a wide array of greetings are listed.
Mother's Day Brain Games - This fun article lists many brain games, silly games and teasers for mom and the entire family. Most are played online but several can be downloaded for offline fun. All are free, of course.
Free Mother's Day Printables - Why not make something for mom from the comfort of your own home? There are plenty of free printable projects listed in this read.
Enjoy!
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