Windows Shortcut Exploit Protection Tool

This is a tool that will protect you from the recently discovered Windows shortcut problem, where the shortcut file can be modified to run malicious code on your system. This affects ALL versions of windows, old and new. There is currently no real fix for this (other than disabling all/most of your icons on your computer so they just show up as white squares) and there are confirmed attacks out there using this issue today. This tool is a clean install/uninstall so when Microsoft does fix the issue you can uninstall this tool.

The tool basically checks links in shortcuts before it is passed on to the operating system and prevents the malicious code from executing if it exists. You can read more details about the tool at the Sophos site and you can read more about the exploit on Security Now! Episode #258

Safe Eyes Software

I've been using SafeEyes software for a couple of years and it does a very nice job protecting our information and keeping info we don't want out of our house (read computers).  We've got it installed on all of our computers (Mac/PCs) and each family member has their own account, which auto loges them in when they log on to their computer (or their side on the shared computer).  It logs everywhere everyone goes, its very configurable but very easy to use.  We use it in conjusction with opendns.org which is a free DNS filter and together they do a very nice job.  We even have a timer setup in SafeEyes to limit the amount of time each child has available to them, and the hours they are allowed on the internet, cause we all know what mom says, " nothing good ever happens after midnight!" :o)  If you're interested they have a FREE 30 day trial. 

Marketing: Study Says Most Brands Still Irrelevant on Twitter - Advertising Age - Digital

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I've always thought that the media and companies over-hyped Twitter. It works for them cause its a one place for information gathering but its not great for marketing if only 7% of the consumers are even on twitter(of course they don't say 7% of what, could be 7% of all people on earth and that would be completely different than 7% of the US popluation with computers).

Marketing: Study Says Most Brands Still Irrelevant on Twitter - Advertising Age - Digital

PSI - Software Security Scanner

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This software by security firm Secunia, and recommended by security professional Steve Gibson, from GRC.com, is FREE for home use.  The software looks at your installed software and will notify you of old, vulnerable software so that you can patch it or remove it if you don't use it any longer.  Just one more tool in the toolbox for protecting your self from bad software and/or identity theft.

PSI - Consumer - Products

Spicy peppers may hold a key to weight loss...

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I've always liked hot peppers but not for weight loss.  I've used 'em to fight off colds and just for the joy of it.  Back in college we used to buy those cheap frozen burritos and the hottest peppers we could find.  Then at the first signs of a cold we'd pile on the peppers and sweat and burn the cold out!  Seemed to work, but we always paid for it the next day (if you know what I mean :).   

Spicy peppers may hold a key to weight loss, scientists say | Booster Shots | Los Angeles Times

Beekeeping - An Introduction and a Different Approach

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Introduction:
This is a great site to learn the basics about Beekeeping if you're interested or even just curious.  They put together short beekeeping lessons that are useful and easy to read.  They also have a site where you can buy beekeeping equipment from.

Different Approach:
Last Tuesday I went to the Holland Beekeeping association and heard Mel Disselkoen  talk about an alternative method of beekeeping.  Not a different type of hive just a different philosophy on what to do with the bees and when to do it.  It was very interesting and I'm going to do some more reading on his site:  http://www.mdasplitter.com/

Tour de France 2010

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Watch the le Tour on Sat. for the time trials where we'll know for sure if Contador can keep his yellow jersey, of if Schleck will surprise everyone and pull off a surprise ride!


Tour de France 2010