Beware MSN Messenger SPAM
I have been on MSN Messenger for a long time. Admittedly, it’s not the best IM client out there but the simple fact is that most of my friends use it. Apparently it’s the #1 of IM client in Canada while AIM is #1 in the United States (go figure?).
A potential problem that I have started to see is the IM Spam that I have been receiving. I would estimate, at least a few times a week I would suddenly receive an unsolicated IM message:
(9:39:03 PM) curtissmalzahnzmbx667@live.com: 2252128559Hey check out hxxp://cobatra.com/gdr43
It’s fairly obvious that this is some kind of malware website. I can only imagine how many people fall for it and click on the link mostly likely with the famously insecure browser, Internet Explorer 6.
As always, keep your system up to date with virus and firewall protection and of course, use the just released, Firefox 3 web browser.
**EDIT**
Just got this one:
(10:33:46 PM) vitiwovazig84@hotmail.com: heyy. how are you? I’m doing OK. lonely though
… can you come watch me strip on my webcam??? pleaasee. i’ll love you forever.. go here http://2iN3ZBpcygOP6.blogspot.com see ya there! =) i am waiting!!
Tag Galaxy
A phenomenal and impressive use of Abobe Flash to create a space themed visualization for Flickr images via tagging. Enjoy.
Site: Tag Galaxy
Review: GrandCentral
Synopsis: Great in theory, not so great in execution
GrandCentral is a “free Google-owned internet service that uses VoIP to link customers’ phone numbers together”. It is currently in private beta and there have not been any invites available since March 14, 2008. Lucky for me, I managed to snag a “blogger invite” just before the deadline to sign myself up for an account.
Some Features include:
- Screen Callers - Know who’s calling and screen unknown callers
- ListenIn - Hear why someone is calling before taking the call
- Call Record - Record calls on the fly and access recordings online
- Block Callers - Unwanted callers won’t be able to reach you anymore
- Notifications - Receive voicemail notifications via email or SMS
- Ring Different Phones - One number that rings different phones based on who’s calling
- Greetings - Personalize your voicemail greetings by caller or group
- WebCall Button - Let people call you from a web page without showing your number
- CallSwitch - Switch phones in the middle of a call
It has allowed me to setup one US based phone number that forwards calls to my Canadian based number. In this case, it goes to my cell phone but I can also set it up to direct to various other phone numbers, all controlled via a easy to use web interface. This effectively allows people in the United States to call me for free since they simply call the US based number which is local for them and it will automatically call my phone number in Canada.
Not only that, through the web interface, it allows me to call any US based number for free as well. It basically provides a middle layer. All this for free….at least for now. Sounds great doesn’t it? It is great in theory and when it works, it’s a phenomenal service.
The main problem is that it is simply not reliable. On too many occasions, there have been sudden dropped calls and inability for calls to get through. There has been one major service disruption, and just today, apparently they almost forgot to renew their domain name!
This past weekend, all Canadian number seemed to be blocked and had me worrying that they suddenly decided to change their policies. It has since been restored. They are not the fastest on replying to support requests, however, I will give them credit since one of the customer service reps did call me to verify that things were resolved. A pleasant surprise.
You can get an idea about these and other issues by checking out their discussion rooms. I think most people agree that it’s simply not reliable and not quite ready for prime time. Would not use for business purposes until they’ve ironed out the kinks.
You would think that things would improve once Google got their hands on it but I am wondering if it’s just another one of their acquisitions that they put on the back burner as far as development is concerned (can we say Google Talk?)
Feel free to give me a call on GrandCentral
Definition of Web 1.0 to Web 3.0
A great article Explaining Web 1.0, Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 that provides a simple explanation of the popular buzzwords that have defined how our Internet experiences has changed through web movements.
Quick Summary:
- Web 1.0 - books, news, music and everything else being moved into a digital format
- Web 2.0 - the sharing of data and social networking
- Web 3.0 - data being integrated and applying it into innovative ways
The author’s definition of Web 3.0 is a little ambiguous considering it hasn’t happened yet but it seems like the next logical step. I would also throw in mobile web services, data mining and aggregation. I also suspect that security and privacy will be critical topics as there is just so much data available to be analyzed and used.
Anything else you can think of that will make up Web 3.0? Predications?
Torontoh.com - Toronto News on one page
For those who don’t use RSS or even know what it is (and probably could care less), a new Toronto based site www.torontoh.com has recently launched that puts the latest Toronto news all on one page. It pulls information from different sources - from mainstream news organizations to local Toronto based blogs. Inspired by popurls.com, it’s simple and to the point - a great snapshot of whats happening right now for Torontonians. Keep an eye on torontoh.com, and don’t be surprised to see other sections added beyond news as well as other cities.
TechCrunch vs Wired
TechCrunch’s Michael Arrington recently announced that TechCrunch articles will now be appearing on WashingtonPost.com. Nothing spectacular in regards to breaking news but it seems that Mr. Arrington took offense to a Wired blog post on the same subject and decided to use twitter to voice his “concern”:
Wow. Interesting to see the differences between mainstream journalists and “mainstream” or “journalist” bloggers.
Gotta love google maps
You just never know when a camera is around. Google maps catches some guy falling. Go north and pan to the right 
Click here in case you missed it.
Decline of Newspapers
Great TechCrunch article “Decline Of US Newspapers Accelerating“. I think the same can be said about Canadian Newspapers. Come to think of it, I can’t even remember the last time I have read or even paid for an actual newspaper. Now I just read it online.
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Unscientific and unsupported theories on life, sports, tech and all things important to me.
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