Monday, July 13, 2009

Shorten URLS - Beware, Be Safe

When you take a URL like this: http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/vulnerabilities/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=218401098&cid=nl_IW_daily_html and use a service like Twitter or HelloTxt, it gets shorten to something like this: http://tiny.cc/YOuJ8. This is the only way to communicate a link if you want to include more than just the link in a short message.

The shortening of the URL has concerned me more and more as I see it spread across all social networks -- Twitter, Facebook, MySpace. Can you trust the links that your friend sends?

Alas, no. I recently got one, a link from a trusted friend on my MySpace account. I read the message, and it was a weird one. Good old search engine was able to find me an app that will expand the shortened link. It was still mumbo jumbo. DO NOT trust mumbo jumbo links. So, I texted ;) her to go look to see if she did that. Guess what? Her account got hacked and that person is spreading poison to her friends.

Folks, don't trust shorten urls, even from friends. I'm using Firefox and have added a plug-in that will expand shorten urls. I put my cursor on top of the link. It pops up a bubble that shows the real link. Now you can see where it may take you. COOL!!!

The plugin or add-on I installed for Firefox is LongURL Mobile Expander. You can also use their website LongURL.org.

Extracted from MakeUseOf.com Blog of Cool Links, they offer another one that can be used. Untiny. Want more information about Untiny, check out Untiny: Extract the Original URL Behind The Short URL.

Please be safe than sorry.

Oh, read the article link that I used in the first paragraph. It talks about the same thing I am. You may need to close an ad if it appears.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

4th of July Fireworks

Okay, I'm sitting here using my sister's laptop, checking my Google Readers Service and decided to write this blog. On the tellie is the NYC Fireworks on the Hudson River. The terrace door is open and lots of booming, banging, popping coming through. And, it's loud. It beats the tellie.

I think I've been spoiled by Disney. The NYC Fireworks does not interest me. My condo complex is at a high point in Jersey with a great view of NYC. I'm sure I would get a fabulous view of the going ons on the Hudson River. I'm not interested. I'm sure there are mosquitos lurking in the grassy area on the ridge.

Yes, Disney has definitly spoiled me. When I'm at Disneyland or Walt Disney World, I try to catch the fireworks. When I do, it's always close up. I always enjoy it and listening to fellow guests who see it for the first time.

It also does not help when my neighboring towns are booming, banging and popping louder than the offering of NYC fireworks. I definitely did not care at all for the fireworks or I would not be writing this blog while it's going on :)

My heart felt thanks to the service men who ensure we continue to have our freedoms.

Did you enjoy this year's fireworks in celebrating the birth of America?

Friday, July 3, 2009

Webdesigner Depot

I found a new website that gathers some great artwork from the worldwide web. It's the Webdesigner Depot. Besides the artwork they find, "Webdesigner Depot is an exciting new platform designed to explore different web and graphic design techniques, great examples and best practices." I've added them to my Google Reader Service so I will always know when they've posted something new. I dabble, but I might go into web design one of these days.

Here are some of their art collections.

Do you love the designs baristas top your favorite coffee? Check these out - 50 Beautifully Delicious Coffees. Since I've always have my coffee to go, I've never had the opportunity to see a talented barista at work. Have you?


Did you know you can do a bit more with your panoramic pictures? Look at these 50 Dazzling Examples of Polor Panorama Photography. Are you now tempted to try this yourself? I will when I find more than one spare moment. Otherwise, it gets added to my growing list of things I want to try when I retire.

Last week, we lost one of our greatest musician, Michel Jackson. See how some artists paid homage to the King of Rock. They are beautiful pictures. I'm glad we will always have Micheal's music and music videos to keep his memory alive. I was blessed to be able to see him in concern twice. Both times were GREAT!!!

What sites do you check out periodically for art?

Picture credits: Webdesigner Depot