Thursday, June 14, 2012

e.paypal.com Scam?

I received an email from "paypal" telling me my May account statement is ready to view. It strikes me as a little strange this late in June but whatever. I turned the google lab on to display a key next to paypal emails to authenticate paypal. This email I received looked authentic in every way (i edited pic in Paint which turned it into a super compressed jpeg)except that it came from an e.paypal.com domain. It also struck me as weird that the link in the email to log in is pointed at a secure session (https://email-edg.paypal.com/r/DXWSIIO7/NPZBI/NKSSIIG/GKP0I5/44RHO/AW/h) which when you go to the link it looks like a session you had and is asking you to log back in. It looks like a MITM (man in the middle attack) to me. I could be totally wrong but better to follow safe practices and open up a browser yourself and type in the paypal address yourself. Do Not Ever click on links emailed to you. If it's your friend emailing you a funny youtube link, ask them what it is first. Their answer will confirm whether it is from them or not. Email addresses can be easily spoofed through SMTP relays.

From Nov 19, 2011

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

What did you learn?

I learned last weekend that Edward Bernays (Friend of Sigmon Freud) started the idea that "you should buy something because you deserve it." That idea is so ingrained in us that to me, I'm not sure he even spawned the idea, maybe instead provoked it. I watched a documentary called "Ethos" on Netflix. Great documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson. Ethos cleverly debates the problems with our economy and suggests a real simple answer on how to fix it. The answer is very simple and able to be employed by anyone. I can't tell you the answer here because it could too easily be misinterpreted.

Ethos

Friday, June 8, 2012

Dime Time

I was practicing guitar for a minute last night. I've been focusing on playing and learning new things. I discovered something last night that is elementary for most advanced guitar players (a group of players I do not consider myself to be a part of). While practicing my phrasing and licks I started looking at the blues pentatonic scales. I started linking the positions together and playing in the vein of Dimebag Darrell. Easy when you've been practicing Pantera licks. I realized this a lot of what made up Dimebag's lead style. It's one thing when someone tells you something (answer to a question), it's a lot more exciting when you discover it and feel and practice the answer yourself.
I challenge you to learn something this weekend and apply it, even if it is something really small; just make it something you like. When you apply a technique/answer it becomes yours. If you already do this a lot you probably already know what I'm talking about. It feels great.
I've been using my camera a lot lately and doing things I wouldn't normally do because my little friend Kate wants me to take her picture in almost every kind of lighting condition except optimal. It's forced me to experiment with ISO, shutter speed, f stop and all that jazz. Knowledge is great but Wisdom will kick it's ass every time.
No pics to go along with this post, but I will learn something this weekend and post it here. Please don't be afraid of making mistakes or looking stupid. You're capable of really great things, I'm serious.