A Random Pattern

Archive for July, 2005

Safer (and Better) Browsing

Monday, July 11th, 2005

An independent security firm’s look at browser vulnerabilities in 2004. This is a big part of why I use Firefox, not IE (the biggest reason for me is actually tabbed browsing and other tools that are more easily and safely used with Firefox than with IE). A Year Of Bugs For those of you complaining that Firefox might have as many issues if it was as popular: Maybe, maybe not. Doesn’t really matter, now, does it? Right now it is undisputedly safer, and it is very trivial to switch between the two. So why not just run Firefox, and click the fox instead of the blue E? It’s recommended by every security expert or PC magazine or site I’ve seen, and it really couldn’t be much easier. If you need help, ask your geeky relative (or ask me in the comments).

Of course, those of you using a proprietary dialup client may be stuck in an IE derived browser. If so, keep the product and your windows software up-to-date (and good luck).

“Windows” maintenance and protection

Monday, July 11th, 2005

It must say something that 8 of the top 25 downloaded applications exist solely to help protect or repair Windows from applications that take advantage of the many security and design flaws. It’s a little sad that so much energy is spent maintaining something that was supposed to make our lives easier. At least for now, Apply computers are safe from the spyware, adware, and viruses that require us Windows users to reformat our drives or just buy new computers so frequently. Hmmmm….there’s plenty more speculation that can be done along these lines. Anyways, check out the top 50 freeware and shareware apps on CNet’s site. (I only counted through the top 25 b/c I’m lazy, feel free to append your count in the comments).
Reviews and free downloads at Download.com

UFO:Aftershock – coming soon

Sunday, July 10th, 2005

The follow-up to the popular UFO-Aftermath, and in the vein of the X-COM series, UFO-Aftershock will reportedly be out in September!! UFO:Aftershock

I’ve been eagerly awaiting this since I first heard it was in the making (shortly after Aftermath was released). I’ve been following the website since it was first created, and was just a single page with no information or pictures. The latest pictures finally give us a taste of what in-game play will actually look like, and they’ve done some awesome work on the interface. It looks like it will be much easier to navigate and KILL ALIENS (which is how you save the planet). ‘Course I still haven’t finished Aftermath – maybe one of these days….

CG Rocks!

Sunday, July 10th, 2005

This is my church’s site. It just got a major upgrade, thank goodness, and looks much better! Check out the recent tubing pics, and if you’re in the area, drop by the Theatre Sunday mornings!!
Common Ground Christian Church — Home

.heretoday. is AWESOME!!!!!

Saturday, July 9th, 2005

Go to .heretoday. and check these guys out (they’ve got a link to some of their music on purevolume). I just went to one of their shows, and these guys are AWESOME live!! They had lots of energy, and very accessible, powerful rock. Definitely give Breakout a listen – these guys are taking off in a big way!

UPDATE: I still love “Breakout”, but after repeated listening to their demo I have a new favorite – “Neverland”. This song is destined to be a big radio hit (at least in my humble opinion).

The Japan Times Online

Saturday, July 9th, 2005

Here’s an interesting snapshot of where fuel cell technology stands today. I’ve followed transportation improvements for awhile, and we seem to be gaining ground. There’s still a lot of hurdles to overcome, though. Is this the way of the future? Where do you think transportation is headed?
The Japan Times Online

7 July 2005 London bombings – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Saturday, July 9th, 2005

7 July 2005 London bombings – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sad. And Sobering – let this bring focus and purpose to your worldview. We so often get wrapped up in the details of the daily grind, we forget there is a bigger picture. My prayers are with the families and the wounded.

God save us.

Still More Cool Firefox Tools

Saturday, July 9th, 2005

Still More Cool Firefox Tools

I found and added several cool extensions today. This article mentions a few of them, and also explains a little about why, and how, to use Firefox.

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Friday, July 8th, 2005


We conquered South River Falls, near Skyline Drive! (June 2005, the summer of the turtle)
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Friday, July 8th, 2005


Family Portrait Summer 2005
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