The Royal Heffernans


Quite possibly the best family ever

Thursday, October 31, 2013

NSA has Nothing on the Internet!


Lightbeam Firefox add-on

Look, we all know it happens. Every web site you visit collects data on you, and will try to leverage that into ads and getting you to click other websites. Of course, over time this creates a profile on you. For me, I don't really care. For some, this is a pretty big deal. So for the crazies out there who won't drive a GPS-enabled car because the government can track you (I know a couple people like that) Mozilla will become your new best friend!

There is a new Firefox add-on called Lightbeam. It's a free, quick install, and it runs quietly in the background. It monitors your internet use, and shows the different 3rd party sites that are tracking you. It does it in a pretty graphic format too, that is super easy to use. I literally just installed it, and visited 2 sites, Google and Blogger. From that, 31 3rd party sites connected with me. That is absolutely insane!

Look, there is just no way around it. The internet offers literally unlimited options to learn, purchase, explore, entertain, connect to friends or whatever. For the most part it's ALL FREE! If you want this awesome tool, you have to accept that there are people trying to make a buck off you. Keep your passwords safe, use virus/webscan software, and don't visit file stealing sites or porn. You'll be fine.

In the meantime, switch to Firefox (it's the best browser anyway) and install this little add-on. It's very, very interesting.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Ender


I am a total sucker for infographics. When I saw this one which doubles as a movie poster, I immediately had to post it.  

Look, we all love the book, but I have no idea if the story will work as a movie. I have been literally holding my breath in anticipation of this one. The story has the potential to be one of the best sci-fi movies ever. It could also fall flat. I have avoided all reviews, but I see it's tracking at about 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, so there is hope. In a never before momentous event, Ali and I got a sitter and will meet Mom and Dad for dinner and a movie in glorious IMAX on Friday! I would recommend everyone see it soon. If it turns out to be awesome*, I will be forced to immediately post!

*Awesome is defined as me wiping because I "got something in my eye".

Monday, October 21, 2013

Ready for Thanksgiving!



Let all the youngin's know, tractor rides are open for business! Took the cart for a test spin yesterday around the neighborhood. It fit Ali and the girls no problem. I even have 2 bungee cords that can be fastened as makeshift seatbelts.

Still working on a fun course. I was hoping to go through the trails, but the bridges are too narrow for the tractor. It will be plenty fun and bumpy though!