Archive for ::: | Life | :::
Malware :: One Question…Why?
Posted by: | Comments
Just the other day, I was browsing the internet and clicked on a link that someone had posted on Twitter. It wasn’t a “work from home” link or “make millions by eating Doritos” scam; it was simply a link to a website with some interesting info.
At least that’s what I thought.
Thankfully, Google Chrome (my internet browser of choice) was smart enough to fend off my apparent stupidity, taking me to what could basically be described as a “are you really sure you want to load this, because I’m quite certain it will ravage you computer?” page. Funny thing is, I actually gave it a thought. I’d never run into this before and considered it might be a silly ploy to get me to click something and be courted by a new, better, sleeker virus protection software. But it wasn’t that at all. It really was threatening. Chrome wasn’t just messing with me.
So I backed off and left it alone.
Shortly after, I started wondering exactly what Chrome was protecting my computer from when it said there was “malware” on the site I was attempting to access. After doing about 90 seconds of research, I quickly found that malware is basically anything that falls under the scope of malicious software: i.e. viruses. These are broad terms, understandably, but Wikipedia defines malware as “…software designed to infiltrate a computer system without the owner’s informed consent. The term ‘computer virus‘ is sometimes used as a catch-all phrase to include all types of malware, including true viruses.”
OK, so I get the basic gist of this. Good software vs. bad software. Good vs. evil. Right vs. wrong.
The nagging question for me, however, is why? Read More→
On Tiger Woods and Grace :: To Forgive or Not to Forgive
Posted by: | Comments
As I watched Tiger Woods stand behind the podium on Saturday morning, delivering his “statement” to the general public, a few thoughts ran through my head.
- I know this is well-rehearsed and scripted, but is it sincere?
- Is there any way to know for sure?
- Even if I feel it is sincere, what are others thinking?
The only question I found a solid answer for was the first. I felt as I watched Tiger say the words “I’m so sorry…” that he actually meant them. I’m a Tiger Woods fan. I love watching him play golf and I was devastated on some deep level when I found out what he had been up to. Not that I felt he was perfect or above reproach, but I simply thought he had things together. No dirt was ever brought up on him. No bad press. No tabloid talk.
Nothing serious, anyway. Read More→
Getting Hit On :: What Does Real Love Look Like?
Posted by: | Comments
It’s been a long time, but I do remember what it feels like to be single. I remember being overly concerned with my appearance at all times. I remember being on the lookout for attractive girls without rocks on their fingers. I remember what it felt like to be hit on.
At least, I thought I did.
Truth be told, I think being married, being 30, and being completely disassociated with the dating scene makes you forget some things; I forgot completely, I think.
This Saturday, the day before Valentine’s Day, I was out at the mall doing a routine spinal screening for work. It was early in the morning and we were setting up the booth when a couple girls (mid to late 20′s) walked by and saw the sign that read “Free 5 Minute Massage With Each Spinal Screening.” The reply that followed left me a bit red in the face.
“So, are you the one doing the massage?” I was asked.
“No.” I laughed it off and continued, “Our masseuse will be here in a little while.”
“Can I pay extra to get you?” the girl flirtatiously replied.
“Nah.” was my witty come-back as they went on, giggling a bit at their frankness, I suppose. Meanwhile, I was left standing there with a face as red as a tomato, a bit speechless. I just got hit on I thought to myself. I made a few comments to my boss and to a friend who was there witnessing the whole thing and then carried on with my job. I was really eager to tell Tricia, though. I’ve still got it! Read More→
All the Buzz…or Not :: Google’s Feeble Attempt at Social Media
Posted by: | Comments
Let me make something perfectly clear to start this post; I am a big fan of Google. Scratch that, I’m a huge fan. Other than getting booted unfairly from their AdSense program, I’ve been happily using many of Google’s free and useful web applications for a couple years, now. Gmail, Google Docs, Google Calendar, Google Maps, Google Contacts, Google Reader, Google Feedburner, Google’s Picasa and most important, Google’s peerless search engine have all been part of my daily routine for some time, now. I also own a Palm Pre, which takes advantage of all these, wirelessly updating and syncing my personal data for me while I’m on the go. Trust me, if there is a Google fan, it’s me! I even keep myself updated on what’s going on with their mobile operating system, Android, just because I love their innovative style.
I’m creating this post using Google Chrome, their most-impressive, sleek, and super-fast web browser.
I love Google. I really do.
Easily one of the largest and most profitable businesses in the world, Google has little to fret about. Their search engine dwarfs all others in usage numbers. Their web apps are used by millions. Their Google-branded phones are selling like hotcakes with thousands of developers writing apps for them. All said and done, Google is doing very well.
Enter Buzz, Google’s newest creation. ”Share updates, photos, videos, and more.
Start conversations about the things you find interesting.” This is the title statement at the top of the page at google.com/buzz. All the millions of Gmail users around the world will be redirected to this site on their very next trip to their inboxes and will be confronted with Google’s latest “innovation.” Read More→
Conan’s Out, Jay’s Back :: What Do You Make of The Late Night Mess?
Posted by: | Comments
If you haven’t heard already, Conan O’Brien’s stint on NBC’s The Tonight Show will officially end following tonights airing. After a short 7 month run, the heir apparent will be making his exit from late night talk show stardom. Jay Leno will re-assume the position as host of The Tonight Show, returning after his retirement, subsequent launching of a new prime-time show, and it’s gigantic failure. There are tons of stories, articles and videos about this whole debacle that can be read and reviewed at your leisure.
Just ask Google.
But that’s not what I’m after. You see, my opinion on the situation is: it sucks. I happen to like Conan, his comedy and the fact that he stuck it out on the 12:30am Late Nite show for 16 years in hopes of one day taking the prized Tonight Show position. It was promised to him. It was waited for. It was given to him as successor to Jay Leno. Simple. This was Conan’s show to take on for the next couple decades, and I was excited to see what he would do with it given some time.
NBC chose, however, to gamble a bit on Jay Leno’s prime time disaster. They lost the bet. It all went belly-up and their hand was forced. Affiliates on the local level were upset by loss of viewers, caused enough stink to make NBC make some choices, and Conan O’Brien is getting the raw end of the whole deal.
My opinion? Read More→
