Reporting & the Internet - Citizen Journalism by Rhenny

Protect Yourself Online, the Internet is Dangerous.

2011-11-21T20:57:00.001-05:00

This blog entry really hits home to me as it is not the first time something like this has happened and I also feel like the Internet is a stomping ground for criminal activity. Let’s start with last Sunday. I noticed my bank account was losing money and it was from transactions I never made. I had to call my bank, cancel my credit / bank cheque card, order new cards, dispute the transactions, and late fees. I now have to wait until the Bank investigates the incident and luckily my credit union put the money back in my account. This however, is not the first time I have experienced problems using the internet.

In 2007, I had a PayPal account. I never saved my information online. However, a person did get my banking info and ordered a computer over $500.00 I noticed the charge, called my credit union, and they refunded my money and cancelled the transaction right away. All I knew of the incident from this point was that the authorities got involved and they were looking into the claim. I am reserved about using online methods to pay my bills now and will warn any person to be careful when they make payments online using a credit card or with their banking information.

But I got off easy! Imagine all the other things that happen on craigslist. I know of at least one murder, multiple scams and issues with privacy, amongst a slew of other issues. I read this article regarding a man looking for employment and that he was found murdered in Ohio. This involved a man from FL (murdered) and a man from South Carolina (shot but survived). Read here for more information:

Florida Craigslist Job Seeker Found Dead in Ohio

My point is there are so many things that could happen to you on the internet that you might not have considered. Or you might think, this would never happen to me. I can assure you, at some point you will experience at least a mild issue of fraud or a person who has tried to obtain your personal information. I sure hope nothing as bad as what happened on Craigslist will happen but it seems to be a trend.

The question is How Do I protect myself? Well, do not store your personal or banking information online or on your computer. Do not engage in activities online that involve meeting strangers or cash transactions. Do not read emails or download links from people or sources you do not know. This might sound like the basics, but I just feel like these types of occurrences keep happening and the stories just keep getting worse.

Please protect yourself when online. On a happy note, have a safe, happy Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy it with your family and friends.

Daylight Savings Time, Thank you for this hour!

2011-11-07T09:08:00.001-05:00

I recently read an article by Laura Schocker; “Daylight Saving 2011: How Time Change Affects our Health”.

As an early riser, (5am every day, even weekends) the extra hour of sleep meant that when I woke up, the sun was there to greet me with warmth. I agree that this is a good news story, most people do welcome the extra hour in winter opposed to the hour we lose each Spring.

What is your opinion?

An interesting fact is that some studies have found a link between the spring-forward clock change and an increase in accidents and heart attacks.

Falling back does come with some troubles. Winter, oh winter, you make me cringe. The real story is that we go into winter after getting back one little precious hour.

According to Dr. Rosenberg, “Getting bright light in the morning is absolutely key to health and performance and everything that goes with it.” This statement rings true with me. When it was dark on my drive to work, the moment of joy was when the sunrise popped in view over the horizon. A sigh and smile came with the change of day.

Daylight savings time is important to getting refreshed and revitalized. Sleep deprivation can cause serious health issues, so try to keep a steady schedule which might include a quick powernap or two. Here is to good sleep, regular hours, and final wish for joy to all during this holiday season.

Gwar Guitarist Cory Smoot AKA Flattus Maximus found dead on tour bus (11/4/201111)

2011-11-05T13:55:00.000-04:00

Gwar guitarist Cory Smoot aka “Flattus Maximus” was found dead on their tour bus yesterday.

Having just finished a show in Minneapolis, it is determined Smoot died sometime during the night or in the morning. Gwar is well known for elaborate sci-fi meets horror costumes, and their politically charged themes.

The band was touring for their most recent album, Bloody Pit of Horror. When the band arrived at the US / Canadian border; band mates tried to wake up Cory and found he had passed away, the cause of death is unknown.

Gwar is a satirical / theatrical band, who dresses up as Monsters. They are known to satire the human race as scum or dogs. Their music is moral and political in nature.

David Brockie, the frontman of Gwar founded the band in 1984. In a statement he said; “It is with a sense of profound loss & tragedy that the members of Gwar must announce the passing of their longtime guitarist and beloved friend Cory Smoot.”

Gwar is famous for killing political figures and musicians in their live acts. They have killed Obama, Hillary Clinton, George Bush, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, and many others on stage and a big part of their act is when they decapitate the person fake blood is sprayed on the crowd.

I am including a few videos in honor of Flattus. RIP, Cory Smoot.

Video 1:

Gwar - Let Them Slay

Video 2:

Gwar Kills Osama Bin Laden

The Travel Channel You're One Stop Channel For Action Packed with Shows and Travel Tips!

2011-10-16T13:08:00.007-04:00

If you spend your time watching TV shows like No Reservations, Man vs. Food Nation, Ghost Adventures, or Off Limits, then great news! You’re a fan of the Travel Channel parent company Scripps Network Interactive.

The Travel Channels goal is based on a single idea. To connect people to the power and joy of human journeys that inspire, surprise and entertain. Consumers are going to experience storytelling, shared human connections, and engaging talent that celebrates the surprising encounters that happen right here and right now.

As a fan of travel, local and international, I am drawn to these TV shows and find myself spending countless hours getting ideas for places to travel, new foods to eat, seeing places I’ve never been to and getting the crap scared out of me.

One show I am going to watch is The Layover, Anthony Bourdain. See a sneak preview here
The Layover Sneak Peak Travel Channel Show

http://www.travelchannel.com/
The website has sections for videos, weekly pictures, and travel tips.
The videos range from clips of hit shows on Travel Channel and places to travel. There is a weekly picture gallery that includes this photo.

In the Places & Trips section, you can look at various ideas to plan a trip you’re interested in taking and in which location of the world. You can also review host central, where the TV show hosts have reviewed travel destinations.

In a world filled of reality show and celeb stalker madness, the Travel Channel offers me a glimpse into real life and actual situations that I can experience.

The First Person to Blog

2011-10-04T22:07:00.001-04:00

Do you know who the first person to Blog was and what was the name of the Blog?

Read on…

Answer: Jorn Barger started his Robot Wisdom site in February 1995

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorn_Barger

Based on the photo I would have guessed the missing member of ZZ Top or Rob Zombies father.

He is most famous for his blog Robot Wisdom & noted as one of the most influential people on the web. Info World Magazine counted his blog Robot Wisdom among the very few weblogs that were "worth a visit,"Brills Content claimed that it presented "news the way web pioneers envisioned it—hyper textual, wide-reaching, and exhaustive,".

His blog has links to daily, weekly, and semi-weekly news sources like the New York Times, PBS, pictures and links to other Blogs.

Dive in and take a look at how it all began!!