50 things you are not supposed to know

Truth or not, you be the judge.

Source: 50 things you are not supposed to know
By: Russ Kick

1. The Ten Commandments We Always See Aren’t the Ten Commandments
2. One of the Popes Wrote an Erotic Book
3. The CIA Commits Over 100,000 Serious Crimes Each Year
4. The First CIA Agent to Die in the Line of Duty Was Douglas Mackiernan
5. After 9/11, the Defense Department Wanted to Poison Afghanistan’s Food Supply
6. The US Government Lies About the Number of Terrorism Convictions It Obtains
7. The US Is Planning to Provoke Terrorist Attacks
8. The US and Soviet Union Considered Detonating Nuclear Bombs on the Moon
9. Two Atomic Bombs Were Dropped on North Carolina
10. World War III Almost Started in 1995
11. The Korean War Never Ended
12. Agent Orange Was Used in Korea
13. Kent State Wasn’t the Only ? or Even the First ? Massacre of College Students During the Vietnam Era
14. Winston Churchill Believed in a Worldwide Jewish Conspiracy
15. The Auschwitz Tattoo Was Originally an IBM Code Number
16. Adolph Hitler’s Blood Relatives Are Alive and Well in New York State
17. Around One Quarter of "Witches" Were Men
18. The Virginia Colonists Practiced Cannibalism
19. Many of the Pioneering Feminists Opposed Abortion
20. Black People Served in the Confederate Army
21. Electric Cars Have Been Around Since the 1880s
22. Juries Are Allowed to Judge the Law, Not Just the Facts
23. The Police Aren’t Legally Obligated to Protect You
24. The Government Can Take Your House and Land, Then Sell Them to Private Corporations
25. The Supreme Court Has Ruled That You’re Allowed to Ingest Any Drug, Especially If You’re an Addict
26. The Age of Consent in Most of the US Is Not Eighteen
27. Most Scientists Don’t Read All of the Articles They Cite
28. Louis Pasteur Suppressed Experiments That Didn’t Support His Theories
29. The Creator of the GAIA Hypothesis Supports Nuclear Power
30. Genetically-Engineered Humans Have Already Been Born
31. The Insurance Industry Wants to Genetically Test All Policy Holders
32. Smoking Causes Problems Other Than Lung Cancer and Heart Disease
33. Herds of Milk-Producing Cows Are Rife With Bovine Leukemia Virus
34. Most Doctors Don’t Know the Radiation Level of CAT Scans
35. Medication Errors Kill Thousands Each Year
36. Prescription Drugs Kill Over 100,000 Annually
37. Work Kills More People Than War
38. The Suicide Rate Is Highest Among the Elderly
39. For Low-Risk People, a Positive Result from an HIV Test Is Wrong Half the Time
40. DNA Matching Is Not Infallible
41. An FBI Expert Testified That Lie Detectors Are Worthless for Security Screening
42. The Bayer Company Made Heroin
43. LSD Has Been Used Successfully in Psychiatric Therapy
44. Carl Sagan Was an Avid Pot-Smoker
45. One of the Heroes of Black Hawk Down Is a Convicted Child Molester
46. The Auto Industry Says That SUV Drivers Are Selfish and Insecure
47. The Word "Squaw" Is Not a Derisive Term for the Vagina
48. You Can Mail Letters for Little or No Cost
49. Advertisers’ Influence on the News Media Is Widespread
50. The World’s Museums Contain Innumerable Fakes

Articles can be found here

---

PC Housekeeping

A good housekeeping is also needed by your PC. Overtime, it accumulates little tidbits of unneeded data stored in your PC that you are most likely unaware.

1. Enter CCLEANER:
CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it's fast and contains NO Spyware or Adware! :)

While other opposes touching the registry, so far I got no issues encountered using its registry cleaner. Advanced features to remove unused and old entries, including File Extensions, ActiveX Controls, ClassIDs, ProgIDs, Uninstallers, Shared DLLs, Fonts, Help Files, Application Paths, Icons, Invalid Shortcuts and more... also comes with a comprehensive backup feature.

2. Enter Revo Uninstaller:
Revo freeware Uninstaller helps you to uninstall software and remove unwanted programs installed on your computer even if you have problems uninstalling and cannot uninstall them from "Windows Add or Remove Programs" control panel applet.

If you have already uninstalled a program and wants revo to do a clean-up, you need to install the program once more and use revo to uninstall it. I think that is the only way that revo sense and analyze things to be removed.

With its advanced and fast algorithm, Revo Uninstaller analyzes an application's data before uninstall and scans after you uninstall an application. After the program's regular uninstaller runs, you can remove additional unnecessary files, folders and registry keys that are usually left over on your computer. Even if you have a broken installation, Revo Uninstaller scans for an application's data on your hard disk drives and in the Windows registry and shows all found files, folders and registry keys so you can delete them.

3. Enter Defraggler:
Defraggler is the freeware defragmentation tool that came from the makers of ccleaner.

Clean-up + Organize = PC housekeeping

Best of all, it is free, what else can you ask for!
That's it!

Thanks for reading.

Malware on the Rise

A Malware is a program that behaves like a virus. These software programs are pretty annoying and sometimes destructive if continues to run.

What are the signs that you have a any in your system?

• your pc slows down as it do normally


• you cannot access popular websites, ex. yahoo, google, FB, etc.


• a popup appeared that says you are infected, infiltrated, unsecure, etc.


• ...and many other tactics to invade your PC

What to do?

• Use firefox: I am a fan. It restricts running activeX application. ActiveX is a program that runs using your browser. It could do a lot of things depending on the program application.


• Disable pop-ups: These are the ones that asks consent to run a malicious program.


• put adblock addon: more info here.

And finally install and run the following FREE programs:

1. Combofix
2. MalwareBytes
3. Super Antispyware
4. A-Squared Antimalware

Notes:

• the anti malware programs are the free version
• keep a good antivirus (I commend ESET or Kaspersky)
• do not active all the programs at one time.
• Use it only when needed (regular maintenance ans check up)
• after the scan, check if the infected files are really infected (false positive)
• make a habit to regularly scan your PC

That's it, have a safe computing and thanks for reading!

My Ballad Playlist

This is my playlist, these was my old favorites. I can review my exam while listening to these songs back in the days.

1. Steelheart - I'll Never Let You Go (live)
   
2. Skid Row - I Remember You (live)
   
3. Poison - Every Rose Has Its Thorn (live)
4. Winger - Miles Away (live)
5. Trixter - Surrender
6. Firehouse - When I Look Into Your Eyes
   
7. Tesla - Love Song
8. Nelson Twins - After The Rain
9. Nelson Twins - Only Time Will Tell
10. Bad English - When I See You Smile
11. Def Leppard - Two Steps Behind
12. Def Leppard - Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad
13. Def Leppard - When Love and Hate Collide
14. Def Leppard - Miss You In a Heartbeat
15. Harem Scarem - Honestly (live)
16. Harem Scarem - Something To Say
17. Journey - Faithfully
18. Journey - Open Arms
19. Poison - Life Goes On
20. Skid Row - Wasted Time

If you got a loud speaker, and SRS audio loaded, crank up the volume. These sounds are made to be played loud (unless somebody objects!)

Enjoy!

on Online Shopping

Just wanted to share...

If you are doing online hunt for good deals, you need to clear your browser cookies. Some websites are tracking your browsing habits and tend to give you a higher price.

To give you an example, if you are looking for cheap air tickets and visit the same website several times a day. The website will know this by tracking a cookie.

I am unaware of this, but based on experience, online price changes from session to session on some 'tricky' websites.

All Digital TV Broadcast

Had you ever noticed how clear the digital broadcast on your CRT tv? Men, it is so crisp and clear that you would not need a flat screen tv of the same screen size. Not unless you really want your tv be hanging on your kitchen wall.

Links:
* DTV.gov
* CRT TV article

Cheers!

Free International Roaming

First a note: This is based on an article a stumble upon some moments ago. I, personally hasn't tried this but theoretically should work.

If you have an Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) enabled phones like these. It is capable of making calls using the Wi-Fi access. Just be sure to turn off the your operator network access and use only wi-fi. This calling feature is called Wi-Fi calling which only consumes your regular calling minutes (on-air time) as if you are in your local network.

Thats it.

Reference:
* Wikipedia

DNS Server

About two weeks ago, I was experiencing some DNS troubles. This was the instance that makes your browser to take time looking up the website that you want to go. Even if it is the popular ones like google and yahoo to name a few.

Thanks to the forums and blogs this issue was now solved. It was due to my ISPs DNS resolution. I then switched to OpenDNS servers and solved this problem.

Here are the IPs of the OpenDNS.
208.67.220.220
208.67.222.222

You can try it too, change your DNS IP on your router or set this IPs on your NIC if you are not using the router.

Further instructions, visit this link.
https://www.opendns.com/start/

All Digital/HDTV from Comcast

Because I was neither unaware/uninformed...

Did you know that(depending on your subscription), you can get all digital/HD channels from Comcast?

Try tuning in to the 600+ channel numbers from your HD cable box.
It appears that the broadcasting channel show HD when available in these channels.

What I am looking for is the clear QAM (HD-ATSC) channels so as to justify putting up the HTPC in place of the cable box. Though that is not going to happen due to cablecard issues, there is an ample online HD streaming sources, and growing. The TV card can tune in to OTA HD/Digital channels come July 2009 the least.

my new favorite

is the Studio XPS 13!

These are the my reasons.

1. Relatively small display screen. At 13" it is a sweet size, anything bigger than that, ill go for a desktop.
2. back-lighted keyboard, if you like to stay on facebook late at night, this feature may come in handy.
3. Latest, fastest processor available for a laptop at this category.
4. Edge to edge display makes cleaning a breeze
   

What I don't like:

1. Obstructed vent, due to display hinge design
2. Slot DVD drive, I still prefer the drawer type since I have a few smaller size DVD camcorder discs.
3. *EXPENSIVE* at a price level of US$1500, this is the turn off.

I'll buy it at the outlet website when my current laptop raises a white flag. A few days ago, this item was priced at about US$700 with Dell coupon. may still bring down the price when this item hits mainstream.

Free Ground Coffee Sample

Online Image Storage

How about a free online image storage for your picture?
Enter IMgboot.com!



Find out yourself how it fares.

Chao!

---

T-Mobile Account: Block Spam

I had received several unsolicited messages to my handset. These messages are those which came from four digit service numbers, usually starts with 3###.

I do not have messaging plan so every time I receive this messages I incur 20¢ up from 15¢ since last month. So I called t-mobile (that was like four months ago) and asked them to block SMS (txt messaging) totally. He said that they cannot do that since SMS is an inherent feature of the GSM system. But I had doubts about that.

Just recently I found the answer. I went to my account online (T-Mobile website) and under my account, there is a change plan option. In there you can customize your account to your liking. Some at a cost and some are free. Here’s a screen shot of what I am talking about.



You need to know some account holder specifics to confirm the changes on the account.
I didn’t know when t-mobile added this feature selection. I just came to that page to explore my account…

That’s it!

Hope this helps.

Dive into Linux

But not ready yet or still undecided which one to use. Here’s a link that could help you choose.

http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/



The best reason of having to use linux is it is free. But being free means you got no support but don’t frown, Linux has a whole world of individual supporters and enthusiasts that are willing to help. Just google it…

Have a safe internet day!

The Google Chrome Incognito Promise

Google chrome browser offers browsing anonimity (to browse webpages anonimously) and not leaving any tracks after your session.

Google states that:

Going incognito doesn't affect the behavior of other people, servers, or software. Be wary of:

• Websites that collect or share information about you


• Internet service providers or employers that track the pages you visit


• Malicious software that tracks your keystrokes in exchange for free smileys


• Surveillance by secret agents


• People standing behind you

Read more information here.

---

Google chrome - ad blocking

I think this particular function is a handicapped Google chrome feature: The ability to block ads

As everybody knows, a major contributing part for the billion USD revenue of Google is through online advertisements. Blocking it will be similar to denying oneself of existence. Although there are other source of revenues, this is just my opinion.

I am a happy Firefox user and the adblock function is doing its job most of the time. But adblock plugin isn't perfect, it may block a particular portion (or script) that contains its blocking keyword. This is all up to the user to tune up to its taste.

Google is a supporter of open source so thanks to their effort it wouldnt be long for a third party app to be loaded. In relation to this item, you can read from this article.

Other tweaks that are mushrooming can be found here.

OK, enjoy your halloween weekend.

---

Special message from Cities I've Visited

 

 

From:
Cities I've Visited [mailto:apps+m-umdkkm@facebookmail.com]

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 12:32 PM

Subject: Special message from Cities I've Visited

 

This email was sent by Cities I've Visited.

---

Hi Alex,

Just as you use Facebook to stay connected to your friends, now we're asking you to connect to some great causes - in a way that can really make a difference.

On November 12th, we'll be donating $1 million to 5 charities. Here's where you and your friends come in. We need you to help us decide how to split the gift. With just a simple vote, you can support a great cause.

You've probably pinned some of the places these charities help on your map. Each group is doing amazing work to help people and communities around the world. Voting takes only a moment, so please speak up for a good cause.

Vote now!

Thanks,
The Cities I've Visited Team at TripAdvisor

---

Help TripAdvisor Decide How to Donate $1 Million

TripAdvisor is donating $1 million to five great causes and I just voted on how the money should be split up - can you help out and vote too?

read more | digg story

Web Service Closings

I got several online hangouts that did not succeed on their endeavors. For what reason, I don't know, perhaps failure to generate enough revenue to support themselves or it is not attractive enough to advertisers.

They are:

Ringo: http://www.ringo .com

As of June 30, 2008 their services ended

MSN Groups: http://groups.msn.com/

MSN groups service will end on February 2009. They are transferring their service to Multiply. MSN groups website offer migration process for current account managers.

AOL Pictures: http://pictures.aol.com/

ALO pictures is closing their service by the end of this year, December 31, 2008, They had partnered with American Greetings Photoworks to continue the service but you have to transfer your pictures. OLS website is offering assistance on transferring your photos.

There are also other sites that didn't succeed AFAIK, a lot in fact. But I know only those that I happen to join. One such casualty is Narple. Although there are failure, there are also successes, most of them are social start up that evolved to a multi functional fun to browse with webpages.

 

 

ORBIT Downloader

I am one of the happy users of mozillas Firefox 3. I have also loaded some of its useful add-ons that I frequently use specially in downloading files from the net. I believe that Internet Explorer (IE) cannot surpass that 'add-ons flavor' of Firefox (FF). Among those add-ons that I have installed is down them all and video download helper which sits on the top of themost popular FF download add-ons.

I have found out that the add-ons I installed is not capable of downloading flash media in one step. It needs few more steps and the speed is horrible.

Enter Orbit downloader. Click on the link on the left to find out more and what other user says.
Here is my first impression, I only used it today and I find it very useful though it has some pros and cons as to what I observed. I listed it down as follows:



Pros:

• Download Speed:

Orbit has a significantly faster download speed as compared to down them all (dTA). Perhaps it is due to the P2P algorithm where Orbit is based.


• Flash format download

Orbit is capable of downloading flash streams formats, both audio and video.


• Multi-format support

It is capable of downloading a lot of formats.


• FREE! Does this needs any explanation?

Cons:
Orbit is a stand alone program which loads into the system memory at start-up. But you have an option to run it as needed (I did). For this program to work, you have to open the Grab++ window, and to get, you open the main program window. After your session you need to terminate the Orbit process to free up the used resources which is about ~8MB. The memory used is about average as compared to other windows programs.

I liked it better than dTA and video download helper combined.
Thats my take!
Thanks

---