Category: techno

Firefox plugin protects children

From Lifehacker:

New Firefox extension Glubble whitelists parent-approved web sites for kids and locks down the browser to create a child-friendly, safe browsing environment.
Once Glubble’s installed, you create your own “Glubble world” and add yourself as a “controller.” Then you add individual usernames and passwords for each of your kids. From there you approve web sites that are ok for the children to visit. Essentially Glubble sets up an extra login to get into Firefox. When the kids log in, they’ll see a bright and colorful Firefox skin with lots of graphics and access only to approved destinations. If the child happens upon a site that’s not whitelisted, a request is sent to the controller. Then, next time you (the parent controller) log on, you can approve or deny the requested site.

From Glubble:

Glubble gives you the peace of mind to know your child can only see web sites that you trust for them. Think of Glubble as being better than sitting next to your child all the time because the software lets your loved ones see what you already approve and blocks everything else, even on search engine results from Google or Yahoo!

Laurie and I were just talking about how we definitely plan to limit our (FUTURE) kid’s Internet use. This looks like a great way to do it. And you’re still using Internet Explorer? Why?

Crazy Google Street View sightings

Well, when you run a camera through the streets of town its sure to pick of any number of crazy pictures.
There’s probably a lot captured that we would otherwise think nothing of it.
But thanks to the Internet and Google’s new Street View maps, folks around the world are enjoying seeing pictures of the surroundings in San Francisco, New York, Las Vegas, Miami, and Denver.
Mashup has put together a list of the Top 15 Google Street View sightings
For more mapping fun, visit googlesightseeing.com for images found on Google Earth and Google Maps.

Blogs with local flair

If you’re looking for some other blogs with “local flair” (i.e. Ellis County) there are more and more popping up.
Of course you have mine and my life’s blogs – www.casadeblundell.com/laurie
There’s also the encounter blog which is primarily contributed to by myself and Brian – www.encounterthis.com/blog
My friend Marni as a personal blog online on blogger – herigns.blogspot.com
If you’re looking for news (mainly press releases from various state officials) check out the Waxahachie Daily Light’s blog – www.waxahachiedaily.blogspot.com
Most of the other blogs I’ve found in Ellis County are related to local or national politics.
There’s Democratic blogger Natalie Guyoll at Another Voice – anothervoiceus.blogspot.com
Ellis County Republican Chair Rusty Ballard has a blog at – ellisgopblog.blogspot.com
A new Red Oak blogger, Steve Miller, has started his own blog, focused on Red Oak issues – rowindow.blogspot.com
Folks in Bardwell, are “Exposing Bardwell, Texas city officials, issues and the corruption within” at the Bardwell Intruder – bardwellintruder.blogspot.com
And then you’re sure to find Joey Dauben’s blogs if you do a Google Search.
Other than that I haven’t seen many other Ellis County bloggers. Anybody else know of any?

CNN/YouTube debates

CNN and YouTube are joining forces for the next round of presidential debates.
Not only is CNN planning on sharing their video footage with YouTube, but YouTube users can submit their own video questions for the debate.
The candidates will not only watch the video question but have to answer them as well.

Anderson Cooper will host the live debates.
The Democratic debate will be July 23rd – the Republican debate will be held September 17.
What would you like to ask the candidates?


Submit your questions online – or just share them with us

WSJ says, “Build at Railway Stations”

Well, maybe the Wall Street Journal doesn’t actually say, “Build at Railway Stations” but they do have an interesting story about smaller towns who are planning big development around transit rail.
Hmmm… smaller towns with transit rail… where have I heard that before 😉
According to the WSJ:

“There’s a lot of research that shows that if the public sector puts money into a transit system, they can expect three to five times that amount in private money” for adjacent development, says Marilee Utter, president of Citiventure Associates LLC, a Denver firm that has worked with a number of cities on development around light-rail systems.
These developments can pay off for cities in several ways. Research shows that the value of commercial and residential properties close to transit stations often rises — and that translates into higher real-estate tax revenues in that area. Economists from the University of North Texas, for instance, found that between 1997 and 2001, office properties near suburban Dallas Area Rapid Transit stations increased in value 53% more than comparable properties not served by rail. Values of residential properties rose 39% more than a control group not served by rail.

Why do YOU like Mike?

The Mike Huckabee campaign is asking you to share why you like Mike on YouTube
Watch the following example and then post your video on YouTube, tagged with Huckabee…

And be sure and let us know what you post.
I’m curious though as to when the Mike Huckabee campaign will move from Exploratory Committee to Presidential Campaign.