Tech Tidbits - Safer Emailing - Some "Best" Practices, incl. use "Bcc" and delete header email addresses

I received this some time ago from a family member. It was actually an email intended on keeping us safer and not unwittingly sharing others' email addresses, or spewing misinformation (ie. email hoaxes). I believe something WORTH forwarding in an email rather than the average B.S. offer to win a "free" laptop.

Please read through the points below and feel free to share this Blog info, or comment / correct it if you have other information. Sadly, I have no firm attributions / references for these recommendations yet, other than verbal approval from several Network Administrator colleagues of mine. Please share any other sources if you have them.

-Bald E

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SAFER EMAILING PRACTICES


This is advice from a Network Administrator responsible for all of the computers at a very large corporation. It is an excellent message that ABSOLUTELY applies to ALL of us who send emails. Please read the short letter below, even if you're sure you already follow proper procedures.



Do you really know how to forward emails?

50% of us do; 50% DO NOT.

Do you wonder why you get viruses or junk mail? Do you hate it?




Every time you forward an email there is information left over from the people who received the message before you did, namely their email addresses and names. As the messages get forwarded along, the list of addresses builds, and all it takes is for one person to get a virus, and his computer can send that virus to every email address that has come across his computer.

Or, someone can take all of those addresses and sell them or send junk mail to them in the hopes that you will go to the site and he will make five cents for each hit. That's right, all of that inconvenience over a nickel!

How do you stop it? Well, there are several easy steps.


Try the following if you haven't done it before:

1) When you forward an email, DELETE all of the other addresses that appear in the body of the message (at the top). Highlight them and delete them, backspace them, cut them, whatever it is you know how to do. It only takes a second. You MUST click the 'Forward' button first and then you will have full editing capabilities against the body and headers of the message. If you don't click on 'Forward' first, you won't be able to edit the message at all.

2) Whenever you send an email to more than one person, DO NOT use the TO: or CC: fields for adding email addresses. Always use the Bcc: (blind carbon copy) field for listing ALL the email addresses!!! If you don't see your Bcc: option click on where it says to: and your address list will appear. Highlight the address and choose Bcc: and that's it, it's that easy. When you send to Bcc: your message will sometimes say "Undisclosed Recipients" in the 'TO:' field of the people who receive it. If your email program won't let you send an email without anyone in the 'TO:' field, then it is a good habit to put your own email address in there - ie. send it to yourself in the "TO", and Bcc everyone else.

3) Remove any 'FW :' in the subject line. You can re-name the subject if you wish or even fix spelling.

4) ALWAYS hit your Forward button from the actual email you are reading. (You may have had to open numerous other pages before you got to the real forwarded message!) Ever get those emails that you have to open 10 pages to read the one page with the information on it? By Forwarding from the actual page you wish someone to view, you stop them from having to open many emails just to see what you sent.

5) Have you ever gotten an email that is a petition? It states a position and asks you to add your name and address and to forward it to 10 or 15 people or your entire address book. The email can be forwarded on and on and can collect thousands of names and email addresses.



A FACT: The completed petition is actually worth a couple of bucks to a professional spammer because of the wealth of valid names and email addresses contained therein.

DO NOT EVER put your email address on any petition. If you want to support the petition, send it as your own personal letter to the intended recipient. Your position may carry more weight as a personal letter than a laundry list of names and email addresses on a petition. (And don't believe the ones that say that the email is being traced; it just ain't so!)

ACTUAL FACT: Most e-mail petitions that are forwarded with just a list of names are worthless because they do not fully identify the signer by street address, etc. Nor does it prove that the signer really signed it.

DO NOT FORWARD THEM. Some of the other emails to delete and not forward are:

a) The one that says something like, 'Send this email to 10 people and you'll see something great happen.' Or sometimes they'll say 'something really cute will happen.' IT WON'T HAPPEN!!!!
b) ..and don't let the bad luck ones scare you either, they should get trashed.
c) Before you forward an 'Amber Alert, or a 'Virus Alert, or some of the other emails floating around nowadays, check them out before you forward them. Most of them are junk mail that's been circling the net for YEARS! Just about everything you receive in an email that is in question can be checked out at www.snopes.com or www.hoax-slayer.com. It's really easy to find out if it's real or not. If it's not true, please DON'T pass it on.


So please, in the future, let's stop the junk mail and the viruses. Also get rid of the advertisements at the bottom of your emails! You pay for your Internet why advertise free for them? If they want advertisement let them pay you to use your space!!!!

Deep Thoughts by Bald E - Musical Moments

When a favourite song hits that favourite beat - you are reminded about why life is great. It just makes you smile and feel warm, despite the cold wind and rain.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Deep Thoughts by Bald E - Musical Ignorance

If you have music blaring blissfully on your portable player, you can pretend that your pant-ripping flatulence didn't make a sound, because you can't hear it.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

H1N1 Vaccination SUMMARY - Links

Since I am at high risk of being too verbose, I thought I'd try and provide a more succinct list of links for everyone to peruse. Here they are. I recommend you DO NOT make a decision one way or another without reading BOTH sides of the story, as we have been doing in the past days. Personally, I won't engage in a discussion on the subject with anyone who hasn't read them all like we have.

For each position on the debate, I've ordered them in order of relevance as well (my opinion only) - ie. read the top articles first, then proceed downwards. Enjoy.

-Bald E

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PRO-H1N1 VACCINE

1. Maclean's Article "Swine Flu Fiasco"
http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/10/19/swine-flu-fiasco/#more-87249

2. Globe and Mail Article - H1N1 Myth Busters http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/h1n1-swine-flu/h1n1-myth-busters/article1340101/

3. An Epidemic of Fear: How Panicked Parents Skipping Shots Endangers Us All
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/ff_waronscience/ (make sure you also read their article "H1N1 Flu Shot: 3 Major Fears Debunked" within this series!)

4. Science-Based Medicine
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=2353

5. Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/index-eng.php

6. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

7. World Health Organization (including information on threat of GBS)
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/vaccine_preparedness/safety_approval/en/index.html

8.
Safety / Facts on Squalene Adjuvant / MF-59
http://www.who.int/vaccine_safety/topics/adjuvants/squalene/questions_and_answers/en/



CON-H1N1 VACCINE

1.
National Vaccine Information Centre (US non-profit org)
http://www.nvic.org/vaccines-and-diseases/h1n1-swine-flu.aspx

2. Dr. Frank Lipman - The Truth About The Flu Shot
http://drfranklipman.com/the-truth-about-the-flu-shot/

3.
Dr.Russell Blaylock: Vaccine May Be More Dangerous Than Swine Flu
http://socioecohistory.wordpress.com/2009/07/15/dr-russell-blaylock-vaccine-may-be-more-dangerous-than-swine-flu/

4. Dr. Joseph Mercola's Special Swine Flu Update
http://swineflu.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/21/Special-Swine-Flu-Update.aspx

5. Health Sciences Institute
http://hsibaltimore.com/2009/08/24/h1n1-prevention/
http://hsibaltimore.com/2009/10/12/jefferson/

6. Dr. Carol Robin's Websites
http://www.carolrobin.com/
http://www.guidedcds.com/index.html
(Dr. Robin is a strong advocate of Natural Healing. Although her website doesn't offer much, her newsletter does have a lot of condensed information. Or you can give her money and buy her Guided CDs / MP3s.)

7. GlobalResearch
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=14312

Deep Thoughts by Bald E - Reasons to Love the Fall and Winter

As a tribute to my old favourite SNL short skits "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy", here is a new series of my own Deep Thoughts, by Bald E.

This first installment is a re-post of my Facebook note of reasons to embrace rather than fight the inevitable arrival of the cold here in Canada.

-Bald E

===============

The weather (here in Canada, at least) is turning cold, and the Summer fun has come to a close. So while some of us must begin to winterize our homes, cars and selves, I think we must keep in mind some things to look forward to in the coming months.

Here’s a list of things that make me look forward to this Fall and upcoming Winter. Please feel free to comment and add your own...


1. Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year) celebrations with loved ones

2. The colours of autumn leaves..

3. Thanksgiving - including spending it as a long birthday celebration weekend in Montreal

4. Apple Picking on Thanksgiving weekend

5. Visiting the Pumpkin Patch

6. Pumpkin carving

7. Halloween Trick or Treating

8. Halloween Candy - that is, helping keep the boys healthy by reducing the pile of candy

9. Halloween Parties and Halloween drinking..

10. Using more power-toys: leaf blower, snow blower..

11. Hanukkah with family

12. Christmas with family

13. Boxing Day Open House party - and drinking/eating myself into a bloated heap

14. New Years’ Celebrations and baffoonery..

15. Tobogganing and no one getting injuries

16. Downhill skiing

17. Snowboarding and not getting any concussions this time..

18. Cross-country skiing

19. Nude skiing

20. Skating - on the longest skating rink in the world - The Rideau Canal Skateway - even though I can’t skate well at all

21. Snowball fights..

22. Snow angels - snow smurfs, snow sculptures

23. Building anatomically correct snow-people

24. Ottawa’s Winterlude

25. Not having to mow the lawn nor clean the pool

26. Icicles - and sword fights with them..

27. Apres-ski drinking - with or without the skiing!

28. Hockey Season (for those who follow it)

29. Cross-border shopping for gadgets and goodies on U.S. Black Friday..

30. Spacious Natural Beer Fridge: beer chilling in the snow

31. Hot cocoa with marshmallows in front of an open fire..

32. Hot tubbing, with a drink in hand, lightly snowing, with a toque on

33. Wearing my favourite sweaters, jackets, toques, slippers and cozy clothes to help lounge around the house..

34. Breaking out the flannel sheets and down comforter

35. Seeking warmth - in bed, with Kim. Giggity Giggity.

36. NO BUGS!

37. Cabane à sucre (sugar shack) - complete with horse-drawn wagon ride, and tubby-licious taffy/maple syrup on snow

38. Warming up by eating a delicious Beavertail (my fave garlic & cheddar)

39. Drifting (oversteer), handbraking while taking tight corners, doing donuts on the snowy road.

40. Superbowl - game, commercials, half-time show, beer, chili and all that goes with it. (contributed by proxy from my physiotherapist)

H1N1 Vaccination in Canada: In Search of Useful Unbiased Facts

Here is my meagre attempt at a more balanced view on the issue of H1N1 Vaccination - specifically here in Canada. Our family is now sifting through all the facts - from BOTH sides, instead of submitting to the fear-mongering we are getting from BOTH schools of thought.

I suggest to all that we weigh the vaccination pros and cons to make an educated, and not fear-induced decision. In the end, I am looking for an educated answer on the REAL threats. For example, can anyone give me these two percentages?

1) If someone is "high risk" what is the (estimated) probability that they will get severely ill or worse from the H1N1 virus, if they're unvaccinated (here in Canada)?
2) For that same "high risk" person what is the (estimated) probability that they can get severely ill or worse after getting the (Canadian) vaccine?

Those should be simple questions, with one simple percentage each that will yield a recommendation on whether to get vaccinated or not; but why can't I get simple the answers?

According to TWO of our past/present children's Doctors, the City of Ottawa, Government of Ontario, Government of Canada, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention AND the World Health Organization we should get vaccinated. So then why the opposition? I know, the 1976 outbreak and failure of the vaccine, as well as the reduced testing with this one. Or is it the conspiracy theories? Can so much really be attributed to conspiracy theories of Pharmaceutical companies getting too rich and lining the governments' pockets? No doubt that is present to a degree, but what are the FACTS?!?.. I've also found the Doctors / groups advocating "natural" alternatives have a vested interest themselves - if you buy into their services, you can find out more.

I'm tired of just individual horror stories and looking for actual trials, tests, statistics and facts. Duly noted that the new vaccine hasn't been extensively tested - so, we've been advised, wait a bit. What's "a bit"? How long? But then what? I am searching for facts from unbiased sources (good luck says an inner voice).

I have been informed from our Doctor that our vaccine is being manufactured differently than it is in the US, as such, there will be less risk of a re-occurrence of the GBS fiasco in 1976. (Proof? Stats? Sources?)

Furthermore, one interesting point that is too often glossed over by the pro-natural / anti-vaccination camp, assuming that vaccination will work, getting yourself immunized will protect the "herd" (known as "herd immunity"). The thought is that if at least 70% of the population gets immunized, the virus would be effectively stopped in its tracks. So, if you decide NOT to get immunized, get sick anyway, you are putting others around you at risk as well. So although it is an individual choice, not getting immunized (according to the "experts") puts not only yourself, but others at risk.

Please have a read of the links below and feel free to share any links / information that you have from either side. In the mean time, stay healthy: wash your hands frequently, eat well, sleep well, keep fit. Cherish the ones you love. Give them a hug. But make sure you wash your hands first.. and after you hug them too, just to be "safe". *sighhh*

-Bald E

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PRO-H1N1 VACCINE

Maclean's Article "Swine Flu Fiasco"
http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/10/19/swine-flu-fiasco/#more-87249

Globe and Mail Article - H1N1 Myth Busters
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/h1n1-swine-flu/h1n1-myth-busters/article1340101/

An Epidemic of Fear: How Panicked Parents Skipping Shots Endangers Us All
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/ff_waronscience/

Science-Based Medicine
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=2353

Dr. Oz (hey if Dr. Oz says so, it's GOT to be true, right? well maybe not, but some additional info)
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/swine-flu-prevention

H1N1 Flu Shot: 3 Major Fears Debunked
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/ff_waronscience_h1n1myths

Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/index-eng.php

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

World Health Organization (including information on threat of GBS)
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/vaccine_preparedness/safety_approval/en/index.html


Safety / Facts on Squalene Adjuvant / MF-59
http://www.who.int/vaccine_safety/topics/adjuvants/squalene/questions_and_answers/en/


ANTI-H1N1 VACCINE

National Vaccine Information Centre (US non-profit org)
http://www.nvic.org/vaccines-and-diseases/h1n1-swine-flu.aspx

Dr. Frank Lipman - The Truth About The Flu Shot
http://drfranklipman.com/the-truth-about-the-flu-shot/

Dr.Russell Blaylock: Vaccine May Be More Dangerous Than Swine Flu
http://socioecohistory.wordpress.com/2009/07/15/dr-russell-blaylock-vaccine-may-be-more-dangerous-than-swine-flu/

Dr. Joseph Mercola's Special Swine Flu Update
http://swineflu.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/21/Special-Swine-Flu-Update.aspx

Dr. Carol Robin's Websites
http://www.carolrobin.com/
http://www.guidedcds.com/index.html
(Dr. Robin is a strong advocate of Natural Healing. Although her website doesn't offer much, her newsletter does have a lot of condensed information. Or you can give her money and buy her Guided CDs / MP3s.)

Health Sciences Institute
http://hsibaltimore.com/2009/08/24/h1n1-prevention/
http://hsibaltimore.com/2009/10/12/jefferson/

GlobalResearch
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=14312

Time Not Wasted - Ballroom Dancing

Started great new program with Kim - the SEAMEDANCE Dance Research Project. http://seamedanceresearch.ning.com/. Great stuff - learned some Rumba and Jive, all in the first class. Sundays at 3:30pm. More welcome - STILL room open! Just have to be military or "close" to military members. See website or contact me for more details. It is a great time to re-connect with your partner.

Tech Tidbits - Open Source Software Series - XBMC

First favourite Open Source Software (OSS) to blog about would be XBMC (XBox Media Centre). Snazzy look and feel, quite capable. One of the contenders for our next home theatre / media centre. http://xbmc.org/