Google Fudged Up...

    ...things worse than they already were for social networks. I've been a Gmail advocate for years (since the early days of beta testing and invite only) and was shocked to learn that all Google accounts were turned on to the "Buzz" network ...by default! This to me, is akin to installing software you didn't ask for or know existed while installing an application of interest; or as some might say, an unexpected drive by shooting! At best these offerings of the "Google Buzz Social Network" should've been left to the individuals discretion and initially turned off by default.

After all, when you log-in to your Gmail account via a browser for the first time once "Google Buzz" was kicked off, you got a page asking you to check it out. Off to the lower right of things on that page is a little link that says "na-just go to my account" (or something to that effect). The assumption here, is that once you click that link your back to business as usual, "Google Buzz" is no threat and turned off until you get to it to learn what it is, and are none-the-wiser thinking all is as normal and that the new social network is something to look at and decide later if it's of interest. As well, one assumes they have the option of turning it on after fully reading all about it and understand what it is.

I have friends and family members that have accounts on MySpace, Facebook, Classmates, and the like, and I've warned them for years of this very situation by putting to much info out there for anyone to recognize and pinpoint who and where you are!

What Google has done was unthinkable, not to mention unethical and irresponsible toward the safety and privacy of their clientele/users!

For some, the damage is done and all-but-irreversible by Googles blatant assumption that everybody wants their new product, turning it on by default without the users knowledge, being deceptive in the process by placing a link on the intro page to ones email account giving the impression that they're bypassing this feature/service until they have time to review it, and exposing peoples private and personal info in such a manner ...without their realizing it!

I offer other bloggers views here and here of this atrocious assumption at the users expense on the part of Google.

This is the same organization that refused to give the US Government access to their email server system and users info under the guise of 'Homeland Security' during the Bush administration after all the other major email service providers (AOL, Yahoo, etc.) just rolled right over and handed them the keys to their respective systems and users personal private info without blinking an eye!

Granted, without encryption, no email service is private. Even that could be questionable given enough desire/need to invade such communication(s).

Folks, blogging and/or posting info on-line at social networking sites and on public forums is akin to standing on the street corner and broadcasting said info to any passer-by with no regard for your own privacy and safety, or that of others you blab about that have confided in you.

Think!

The screen door doesn't guard the house any more!

Wake up people!

This is the truthful reality of just how dangerous an on-line presence can be if one doesn't put into perspective what they are using and/or doing in the process of enjoying this wonderful technology we have. It's a plethora of knowledge at our fingertips from the comfort of our homes and on the go, yet it can also be "the key to your safe", and "become the doorway to your worst nightmare" if your ignorant of it's pitfalls and inherent dangers.

Hopefully this message will reach the global community at large through my efforts and others, that "the Internet can be your best friend, ...or your worst enemy". People have to pay attention, decide what's best on their own, and act accordingly. Don't rely on big corporations to protect you and yours! Pay attention and put these idiots-(Google!?) that do such irresponsible things in their place by speaking up and/or boycotting them and their services until they change their ways, or at least correct their blunders.


Googles latest social network offering and the way it was implemented is one of the biggest blunders by a corporation regarding the safety and privacy of it's clientele I've ever seen. 

Shame on you Google!

To fix this blatant move by Google and turn off the "Buzz" network, sign-in to your Gmail account via a browser interface and scroll down to the bottom of your In-box page. Second line from the bottom, left click on "turn Buzz off". You can turn it back on here as well if you decide later that you want the service. The other thing you need to do is either turn off Blue Tooth services on your mobile phone and devices, or at the very least, learn how to make it secure and private so that your in control of the info your broadcasting (or not) to those at large who would rather do you and yours harm, than simply meet for coffee and/or have a chat.

There may be other areas effected throughout the Google account services network that I'm not aware of, but I believe this will cure what ales you regarding turning off "Google Buzzes" broadcasting features.

Knowing where you are and what your giving out to whom at all times, ...is more important today than it's ever been!


Regards,
BigThunder1

Long Time Gone.

Although I've been MIA for several years here on my blog, I have not abandoned it. Life has had it's twists and turns. Some good, some bad, but I will once again posts random items of interests here and there. Since I was last active here my father has passed away. It's been a difficult time adjusting for all the family, but life goes on and we strive to continue as best we can without him. He's always in our hearts and minds, and may he rest in peace forever hereafter.

There's no time frame or schedule to my postings, just random postings when I feel in the mood as the title suggests. To that end, enjoy your day as though it was the only day you have. Be kind to one another and I'll see you the next time I feel the urge to post.


Regards,
BigThunder1

Free: 3D Software

If your interested, Digital Art Zone (DAZ) is offering free downloads of 3D software applications. DAZ|Studio link goes directly to DAZ. Bryce5.0 link goes to Download-dot-com which is the only place you can dwnld Bryce5 from (latest Bryce version is v6.0). This is a limited time offer that DAZ informed me via email, had no closeing date established, meaning they could drop this offer at any time. Don't waste time if your interested in this award winning 3D software! Dwnld it now because tomorrow may be too late! Don't know how long this will last. Bryce was already offered free once at download-dot-com via DAZ (the new owners of Bryce) for a period and closed recently. They re-opened the offer due to over whelming requests for an indefinate period. Get it today if you are interested in createing 2D & 3D CG's. DAZ|Studio 3D is a great compliment to Bryce. Get both as they will work togeather throughout your design process. You can dwnld as many copies as you want. Each copy will need to be registerd seperately with a user account at DAZ. Tell all your friends or anybody that's interested. Feel free to copy and paste this info so the word gets out.

* DAZ|Studio 3D

Links are at the bottom of the page. This software will remain free as long as possible according to DAZ.

* Bryce 3D v5

Bryce is a 3D creation software that will do everything from start to finish including render your final work. Will work hand in hand with DAZ|Studio3D.

* Bryce Presets for v5

Must have Bryce 3D v5 Installed first prior to installing the presets.

Note;
During installation of Bryce 3D you will come to a box that has the product registration code (make note of it for reference just in case). There will be a link to take you to DAZ for your Serial#/activation code. You must open a member account at DAZ using an active email account (no other info is requested except a user screen name for your new DAZ account). (Be sure to look at the check boxes for news letters ect. before clicking 'OK'.) Once this is done you will be directed to a page with your new serial#/activation-code to activate Bryce so you can use it. MAKE SURE TO WRITE IT DOWN! You can copy/paste it into the box to activate Bryce and your done! Now you can install the Bryce Presets 5 pkg you downloaded. DAZ now owns Bryce and offers free models of the week, various software for artists, and a large selection of items and models for CG needs.


Regards,
BigThunder1

deviantART: BigThunder1

deviantART: BigThunder1

I've added some works to my site that I'm proud of. It's growing little by little and I've made some new friends there as well! I've found some beautiful pieces done by other artists and have show cased them in my favorites gallery. There are to many to list, so come on by and have a look for yourself. I feel my works pale in comparison to others, but then, is it not true that an artist is their own worst critic? Some of my works are show cased in other artists' favorites gallerys so I must not be to far behind in some respects. I am honored to say the least!

On another note, I haven't found the time to see about making the themes from Maple.nu compatible with Thunderbird. I will try to make time to look into this chore, but mind you, I've never attempted anything such as this and I remind you to not hold your breath for my undertaking. It may or may not come to pass as I myself have many things of more importance on my list for the time being.

To that end, I bid you a great day, and many more to come. Til the next rumbling.....

Regards,
BigThunder1

Firefox Themeing... (aka; Skinning)

A subject I'm becoming interested in. I have no formal knowledge/training in this area myself. So do not rely on me as a source for knowledge or schooling in this area. However... thanks to the gracious owner of the blog-site ' Unofficial Orange Update ' who was kind enough to respond to a request I made in regards to making the Fx themes 'Black' & 'Orange' compatable with the Thunderbird email client, I have newfound hope that this may become a reality. I will persu this task when time permits, but don't hold your breath just yet. It may be some time (if ever) as I'm very busy myself with things. Of course if and when this comes about I will certainly not post the results without the permission of the themes' originator (out of respect) which is ' Maple.nu '. (Maple.nus' Mozilla profile page can be found here.)

For those of you that may be interested in persuing the area of themeing for Fx etc., a good place to start your quest is via the Mozillazine forum related to themeing. The thread 'Unofficial Orange Update' referred me to is an excellent place to start, which you can find here. Take the time to view the other posts there too, as you'll find a great deal of knowledge and links within those postings for tools, code, and other related things to help you on your way. Obviously there is a lot to know and learn here. So be patient and don't give up on your quest.

In reference to the 'Black' & 'Orange' themes, if someone takes this task on and produces a working version for Thunderbird v1.5+, PLEASE come back and inform me (I'm personally a fan of 'Black'). I will post a link here for all whom would enjoy. I have been in contact with the originator of these themes and was informed that he just doesn't have time currently to update them due to his own site management (link above), but will do so when he can. I requested a version for Thunderbird, but he did not respond as to weather he will or will not create one. To that end, I hope you find this info helpful, or at least informative. Feel free to post comments. If you leave an email address I'll be sure to respond asap.

Regards,
BigThunder1

The Beginning...

This is a new blog in progress. In time I will add rumblings of various subjects. For now, if you'd like to post a comment or just say hi, feel free to do so. Take a moment and view my art page at Deviant Art . You can post comments about your likes and dislikes of my works, or just leave a note that you came by. I'll try to answer/reply to all as soon as I reasonably can. I'm very busy with a lot of things for the time being. As winter sets in, it gets colder outside and the daylight becomes less, I will spend more time with this blog and my art amongst other internet related stuff. For now I've got to take advantage of the weather! Thanks for stopping by!

Regards,
BigThunder1