Cybergangs? Scams? Oh the horror!
With that out of the way I must bring to queation why this is just now making the news?
I’m pretty sure plenty of users have seen this scenario one tooooooo many times.
Read the full article “Scareware’s pitches for fake security show up in odd places” at USA Today’s website
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-06-09-cybergangs-scareware-hackers_N.htm
Today marks the tenth anniversary of one of the darkest moments in recent US history. Columbine is notoriously etched in history as one of the most horrific school shootings to happen on US soil in the past twenty years.
Then I was in seventh grade and was quite shocked with what happened in Colorado (as I was a VA student). Weeks later students were expelled at my own school for a similar plot.
Ten years passes by fast. What have we truly learned since then?
I’m pretty sure those of you that follow the website have wondered as of late why I haven’t posted much. To be quite honest, it’s due to timing, crappy health, and lack of interest in writing.
However, I have a few write-ups coming.
- Why we should still consider ie6
- 4/16/07 reflection
- Journey into the world of drupal
- Sharam ‘Get Wild’ album review
Thanks to those that continue to visit.
The fortunate thing about a blackberry is I can write quick blogs about random thoughts.
- Thanks to all of the mentors in my life that pushed me to find answers and formulate educated opinions (meaning find the facts; hypothosize results from both arguments in the long term and THEN formulate my own opinion or choice of action).
- Ever wondered why companies are not as productive / feeling the heat of the economic stalemate? Seems like a big problem without a definite solution at the present time. Capitalism could be your best friend if you can find the solution.
- I really enjoy working with Virginia Tech. The people here are one-of-a-kind.
- Break is over… More thoughts to come….
Ok, I’m quite sure this will be the post that people will be the most angry about. Hopefully those of you that read this will take it with an open mind and see that its just to open thoughts and not shun.
Don’t spend what you don’t have.
This is a no-brainer for anyone wanting to get ahead in the world. Granted - it is indeed necessary sometimes to borrow money or seek investors to start a company. It goes with the saying “to make money - you have to spend money”. But overall, a lot of the time it turns out that people simply spend money that they will never earn. If you think about it, if you have millions upon millions buying more than they can afford, a government borrowing more money then it is earning, and the combo of the residents and the goverment itself spending money without turning that money around within the borders - you can easily see that some way, some how - the framework will have to eventually crumble. When it does - it will be nearly impossible to regain that super power strength.
Focus on what you need to get by
I’ve noticed in my own experiences and with many of my friends that we always like to buy things we simply don’t need. New video games, computers, cameras, shiny new clothes, and more add up to the purchases that we make on a monthly basis. I’m the most guilty of going to GameStop and buying games that are marked-down or on the $9.99 clearance rack. Do I need them? No. Do I play them and get my money’s worth? Maybe 50% of the time. Do I have the money to cover it? Yes.
The question at the end of the day though - if i cut all of those out… how much would I save each month?
Don’t bite off more than you can chew
This seems entirely like the first point that I made. Believe it or not, it is a different point entirely. Simply with the modern media, people are constantly overwhelmed with the idea of what the American dream is, how we should be living, and more. Sadly the idea has become that EVERYONE should own a big house, have a picket fence, a few pets, children, etc. The fact is - not everyone can afford to “ride the train” as my late grandpa would have put it.
What should one do? Buy what they can afford. Is a 2-bedroom house more affordable? Does it mean cutting off having a family for a few more years? Is it really a big sacrifice if it means there will be more security in the future?
Look for other ways to produce happiness
It is an age-old saying, but money doesn’t always buy happiness. Look for substance in life. Find things that may bring out a part of you that will do nothing more than bring you fufillment or happiness. This could include volunteering, exercising, helping others, taking up a hobby, going for a walk, and more. Be creative - its a wild, widespread, and adventureful life out there.
Although we live in a time of great risk, we’re not going to solve any problems by borrowing money we can’t pay back, spending money we don’t have, and by trying to over-save every dime and nickel that comes through our hands.
America is no longer a producing country and relies heavily on the service industry. Do remember that if there isn’t a money flow, the companies that assist you may not stand a chance of being around tomorrow. Together, if we are careful with our transcations, do our best to help the community and ourselves, and avoid from the doom and gloom picture painted by the media - then we can take the economy to where it needs to be.
And if you must ask…
We can bring the economy back to a point of pride - where Americans are producing for Americans, not worrying about saving a few pennies, and together strengthening the economy on the basis for which this country was founded.
It was expected that Washington D.C. Would see a lot of spectators for the historic inaguration of Barack Obama. Although, I bet network admins around the world may have not expected the large amount of online spectators.
I will post more thoughts later this evening.
*image credit to 
http://obamamedia.wordpress.com/*
One of my goals for 2009 is to launch at least 2 fan-related web sites. One that I launched in 2007, MichaelJackson1Stop.com, never really got the attention it deserved. It was a project I launched during my crucial last semester of college with a full-time 90 hour week work schedule (sounds fun right?).
The original idea was for a site that brought together various RSS feeds to produce a single web site that fans could go to to reach the various news/content/media related to Michael Jackson. However, I only found time to put up a simple Michael Jackson discography, biography, and limited links.
I have now uploaded a new layout and content to the site, which was very bare beforehand. New features include:
Check it out at www.michaeljackson1stop.com.
So I’ve joined the tech revolution and purchased a blackberry. Now I can really commit to short quickie posts.
For those that probably don’t know - I wasn’t always a web developer. Once I was realllllllllllllllyyyyyy big into pro-wrestling.
Ironically.. that’s how the web design/development thing came along.
Back in the day my friend Travis Alley and I did a lot with the backyard wrestling scene on the internet that was pretty popular form 1997-01. Running a few sites here and there got my gears going, and eventually down the road after I hurt myself in wrestling (yes, I went professional for awhile, touring the indies) I decided to take the web gig seriously.
For kicks, here is one of the sites Travis and I launched in late 2000 for our backyard fed - MAWA.
http://www.geocities.com/overdose85/index2.html
Boy how design, the internet, and the world has changed since then……..
It is very safe to say that the modern work industry is not only fast-paced but also an easy place to find yourself distracted. Below are five helpful tips that help me throughout the week.
Don’t Take On Too Much At Once
This is something we’re all guilty of. We want to jump out, show we can take on a heavy workload and get the job done. What we don’t realize is that after time it takes a threatening toll on our health, focus, and ability to perform. Pay close attention to the amount of time you have and the amount of time it will take to complete the tasks you take on. Remember - sleep and time outside the office dictate how stressed you get in the long run!
When Stumped, Dont’ Google Solutions First
What? We live in a digital age and I’m not recommending to hit Google first? That’s correct! Yes - there are a ton of message boards out there you can find through Google that have probably come across the same issue that you’re having. Sadly though, by going this route first you put yourself into dangerous area for procrastination.
If you’re stumped, try walking away from the situation for five minutes or so to catch your thoughts. Then, once back in the office, try drawing out your project and how you think it should work. Trace your steps and go into more detail on the task at hand. Weirdly enough, this has usually helped me find areas that I may overlook to being caught up in finishing a project.
Coordinate
Sometime’s it is tough to build a routine in the IT industry. If you can, try to implement certain elements of your day into a set schedule. Maintenancing your e-mail early in the morning, reviewing your calendar for tomorrow’s activities in the late afternoon, finishing projects in the early morning can all be effective ways to combat procrastination and loss of time. Try tackling projects early on in the day while you are the most awake and energetic. Finish your day off with the least important activities or the ones that require the least amount of energy.
Read Up!
It’s rather nice to keep up with all of the news in your related field. Although it may not relate to your company at large, a lot of what happens in the industry can either help or disrupt you in the long run. Keep up-to-date with whats going on. As cliche as it sounds, knowledge truly is power.
Retouch Your Skills
In this industry, it is impossible to use your entire skillset in one single day or week. I’ve found that retouching certain skills, techniques, or software can maintain your knowledge of the respective area. Who knows, you may even learn more about it than you knew before.
As you can see, these are 5 random points of advice. The IT industry is truly growing and with that comes with responsibilities that will only grow in time. Keep your mind healthy, knowledgeable, and free to think and you will find much more comfort in your abilities and career.
