Privacy on Facebook

I ran across an interesting article yesterday concerning the privacy settings on Facebook. I think it's a good read for all people on Facebook, especially the overactive ones that constantly alert me that they are cooking dinner or doing laundry...

After reading this list, I'm going to start cutting down on all those mindless quizzes and freebie contests. And I'm gonna start segregating my friends into different groups because I know who the real friends are and who the "friend collectors" are. But I'll continue to snap pictures of people at parties, especially the popular people, you know, the ones with over 500 friends! I mean if you're gonna post unflattering pics, might as well shoot the people with the largest audience! Am I right? In fact, tonight I'll be attending a party where just three of the people alone have a combined 2000 friends! Stay tuned.

So if you want to stay out of people's view, but still want to be on Facebook, here are some things to look out for as you take another look at your settings.

1. Some of your information is viewable by everyone.

Everyone can see your name, your profile photo and the names of work and school networks you're part of. Ditto for pages you are a fan of. If you are worried about a potential employer finding out about a quirky fetish or unorthodox political leaning, avoid becoming a Facebook fan of such groups. You can't tell Facebook you don't want those publicly listed. Your gender and current city are also available, if you choose to specify them. You can uncheck "Show my sex in my profile" when you edit your profile if you don't want it listed, and you can leave "Current City" blank.

2. Your list of friends may also be public.

Facebook also considers your friends list publicly available information. Privacy advocates worry that much can be gleaned from a person's list of friends — even sexual orientation, according to one MIT study. But there is a way to hide the list. Go to your profile page and click on the little blue pencil icon on the top right of your box of friends. Uncheck "Show Friend List to everyone." Either way, those you are already friends with can always see your full list.

3. You can hide yourself from Web searches.

There is a section for "Search" under Facebook's privacy settings page, which is accessible from the top right corner of the Web site under "Settings." If you click the "Allow" box next to "Public Search Results," the information that Facebook deems publicly available (such as photo, fan pages and list of friends), along with anything else you have made available to everyone, will show up when someone looks up your name on a search engine such as Google. The stuff you've limited access to in your profile will not show up.

This is useful if you want people you've lost touch with, or potential work contacts, to be able to find your Facebook page. If you'd rather not be found, uncheck this box.

A second setting, controlling searches within Facebook, lets you refine who can find you once that person has logged on. Limit searches to friends only if you think you have all the friends you need and don't want anyone to find you when they type in your name to Facebook.

4. Beware of third-party applications.

Quizzes and games are fun, but each time you take one, you first authorize it to access your profile information, even if you have made that available only to your friends. You're also letting the app access some information on your friends.

Under "Application Settings," Facebook lists all the apps you have opened your profile up to. If you no longer want to authorize access to "Which Golden Girl Are You?" you can always remove it by clicking on the "X" next to its name. Apps you use regularly, such as Facebook for Android if you update your status from your mobile phone, should stay.

Next, by clicking on "Applications and Websites" on the privacy settings page, you can edit whether your friends can share your birthday, photos and other specific information. Remember that applications can access your "publicly available information" no matter what.

The security firm Sophos recommends users set their privacy settings for two of Facebook's own popular applications, notes and photos, to friends only.

5. Go over your list of friends.

The average Facebook user has 130 friends. But many people interact with a much smaller group when commenting on status updates, photos and links. So it doesn't hurt to occasionally review your list of your friends to get an idea of just who can view your status posts, vacation photos and funny links you've shared over the years. Don't feel obligated to add anyone as a friend, even if that person adds you first. For professional acquaintance you don't want to snub, send them to a LinkedIn profile you can set up. Some workplaces and schools have rules about Facebook interactions between bosses and employees or students and teachers.

6. Create custom friends groups.

If you have friended a lot of people, sort them. Think of the groups you interact with in real life — co-workers, college buddies, girlfriends, grandma and grandpa — and organize your Facebook friends in these groups, too. Go to "All Friends" under the "Friends" button up top, click on "Create New List" and fire away. Then decide what aspects of your profile, and which status posts and photos, these people will have access to. Or, simply create a "limited" list for acquaintances or distant relatives and limit their access.

7. Customize your status posts.

Type "I'm hungry" into your status update box. Click on the little lock icon. You'll see a range of privacy controls pop up, letting you either allow or limit access to the post. If you want, you can even hide it from everyone by clicking "Only Me" under the custom settings. Click on "Save Setting." Repeat with each post, or create a default setting for most updates and increase or decrease privacy as you see fit.

8. Let your friends know you have boundaries — in person.

Many of us have woken up on a Sunday morning to find that an overzealous friend has posted dozens of photos from that wild party we barely remembered — the good, the bad and the hideous. Chances are, they didn't do this to embarrass you, though if they did you have bigger problems. Rather, they probably don't know that you don't want these photos posted. Sure, tweak your photo privacy settings on Facebook. But if someone starts snapping pictures of you at a party, ask them to check with you before posting it anywhere.

9. Never assume complete privacy.

Even for the most tech-savvy person, unflattering photos, incriminating text messages or angry status posts about work have a way of worming their way out in the open. Just saying.

Operation Chokehold this Friday

It's coming. This Friday at noon. If you have trouble accessing your data, don't say I didn't warn you. And if you're participating, have fun. I wish I could join you. Unfortunately, I'm on T-Mobile.

As an iPhone user, do you think it's a good idea? I'm curious to see what happens. But before you start feeling sorry for AT&T, keep in mind that they had $40 billion in revenues and $10 billion in profits just in the last nine months. I think they SHOULD invest a bit more in their network. Heck, I still can't get a cell phone signal at my house! HELLO!!!!



From Fake Steve:

On Friday, December 18, at noon Pacific time, we will attempt to overwhelm the AT&T data network and bring it to its knees. The goal is to have every iPhone user (or as many as we can) turn on a data intensive app and run that app for one solid hour. Send the message to AT&T that we are sick of their substandard network and sick of their abusive comments. THe idea is we’ll create a digital flash mob. We’re calling it in Operation Chokehold. Join us and speak truth to power!

From the Operation Chokehold website:

iPhone users in the United States are frustrated. We love our phones, but we hate the service. Dropped calls. Slow data. No data at all. No service at all. For some people, it's an everyday occurrence.

Dan Lyons, known to many as Fake Steve Jobs has come up with a simple solution: Show AT&T that we want change. In his description of Operation Chokehold, he encourages iPhone users around the country to overwhelm AT&T with data requests and bring down their 3G network.

Why? Because AT&T isn't doing anything about the problem...yet. They're continuing to provide us with bad service (which they have done little or nothing to improve), refuse to provide us with tethering (a service that almost every other carrier in the world does for free), and threaten to impose fines on users who actually make use of their service.

For those of us who use iPhones and rely on AT&T, we've had enough. It's time to show AT&T that it's time to suck it up and improve their stupid network.

Many people have complained about this campaign already, claiming that they need cell service in the case of an emergency or other need. Our response? Use a landline phone, or another carrier's phone. Those things still exist, right? AT&T calls us irresponsible, but in reality, it's them who have been irresponsible about the service that we pay them for.

YFC Christmas Party

Here are some photos from our annual YFC Christmas party. This year over 70 people showed up for $5 prime rib (although they were a few shameless people who were still hungry and went to mooch off the YAF party in the next room). We had a very fun and competitive treasure hunt this year. My team came in first, so we got to line up for food first! Woohoo!

Like any other YFC meeting, one moment everyone is fine, the next they just start getting wierd.

"Phone, keys, kids.... hmm, what else am I missing?"

30 pounds of prime rib and LOTS of gravy, courtesy of the of the SF Fongs.

"Unk Hunk" is what Justine calls him.

Josh-E makes his long awaited debut. That's a lot of hair for 11 weeks!
Unfortunately they were left starving because Myron's team came in last.

Future choir members.

Friday Fun: DudePerfect

Yes, it is all real. And better yet, they are all followers of Jesus. Read about their story and see more videos at their website.

http://dudeperfect.com/

Next Friday is Black Friday

Hard to believe Black Friday is just around the corner again. This will be my 3rd year blogging about it. You can read about my previous year's lessons that are still applicable today, HERE and HERE. Main rule of thumb: Do NOT go out alone! I recommend networking with several people and each of you hit a store with each other's shopping list. Go in pairs if possible so one can stand in line while the other shop.

To preview all the deals, I recommend TGIBlackFriday.com for the most comprehensive list.

Here are my favorite deals for 2009:

32" LCD TV at Target for $246
The best overall value for a HDTV. It was priced $399 last year.

500gb portable hard drive at Target for $59.88
The cheapest I saw this all year was around $90. Very convenient storage that won't require a power adapter. Great place to store all those videos you shoot with your digicam.

8gb flash drive at Staples for $12.99
Nice to have in your backpack in case your friend has a huge file for you.

8" Digital picture frame at Walmart for $29
For lazy people who never print their photos. Last year it was $40 everywhere.

Kenmore front loading washer and dryer for $579.98
We actually bought this last year as an impulse buy. It was backordered until February when we finally received it. We've been loving it ever since. This year they're only selling what they have in stock, so you'll have to go super early.

Samsung front loading washer and dryer for $999.98
This is a great deal if you need something bigger or missed out on the $579 Kenmores.

Craftsman 19.2v 4-pc drill/combo set for $69.99
Every man needs a drill. The saw is handy too. This is the cheapest I've ever seen by at least $40. If you buy it, I'll give you $10 for the flashlight. Note: This deal is for Thursday.

Pyrex 18-pc storage set for $12.88
We love these bowls. Because of BPA, we're moving away from plastics and going toward glass. Save on Saran Wrap.

44-piece emergency road kit for $9.99
At Walmart, the jumper cables alone are $15. Get one for each of your cars.

Perfect stocking-stuffer for the women in your life

Is this a great invention or what? It's called a FUD (Female Urination Device). So for all you women who ever experienced penis envy, this product is for you! No more standing in line. No more pulling out those seat liners. No more hovering over a filthy can. Just find a tree/bush/private corner and go, like God intended throughout the ages.

It even comes in a 3-pack, so get one for your sister, mother, daughter, whoever. Or keep an extra one in your backpack for those long bike rides, or in your glove compartment for those tailgate parties, or in your purse when those porta-potties are too disgusting... the scenarios are endless where this may come in handy.

I bet next year they'll introduce a deluxe model where the end has a nib where you can screw a plastic bottle into. Hmm, maybe I should suggest that to them.

LINK:
http://www.go-girl.com/

Halloween Freebies

For all you non-Halloween participants that will be missing out on all the free candy, here are a few destinations to feed your hungry monsters.
From the Chipotle Facebook page:

Come dressed like any item on the menu and receive a free meal! There is no catch.
Really all you need to do is wear a piece of aluminum-foil around your arm and you'll be eligible. However, the more you put into it the better!
They make take your picture and a possibility you could make it onto the website!
Spread the word :)

http://www.chipotle.com/email/09-all-005.htm

Almost free:

Google Voice is soooo cool!!

Oh no, not another phone number!! YES! But this is THE ONLY number you'll ever need to consolidate ALL your numbers. For now and forever on.

I'm so excited! I just signed up and got my free Google Voice phone number. I was given about 100 phone number choices in either Oakland or San Leandro (there were none available in the Hayward, Fremont or San Jose zip codes). There were also quite a few for the San Ramon 925 area code. Hopefully they'll add more as I'm sure they'll all get scooped up quickly.

During my first week I can already think of some great situations for Google Voice:

• For your unsuspecting spouse who thinks you go to work everyday but instead you're really playing golf.
• For Craigslist transactions: After the deal is done, you can block/screen their number in case they call back complaining about how the thing you sold them doesn't work.
• For your boss, your ex, your mother-in-law... so that when they call you, you can automatically kick them into voice mail.
• For all those business (banks, Priceline, Amazon, etc.). Sure, you want them to have your real number in case it's something urgent, but at the same time you're worried that they may use your number for solicitation.
• For your kids' school or any other place where they must reach you in case of an emergency.
• For that cute guy you met at Starbucks you wished you haven't given your number to after coming home, you Googled his name to find out he's a registered sex offender.
• To that nerdy salesman at BestBuy you agreed to exchange numbers with if he lets you use his employee discount.
• For that long lost friend you reconnected on Facebook that keeps wanting to get together but you're not sure if he/she is mentally stable.
• For anyone else you don't want to give out your real phone numbers.

I'm sure you can think of many other situations where Google Voice would be handy, like free calls to continental U.S. and Canada. From what I've tested so far, the sound quality is a lot better than Skype. I think the single best feature is that all voice mails are transcribed into and emailed to you as an incredibly accurate text message! Very cool! For kicks, I tried leaving a message in Cantonese. Unfortunately, it doesn't do translatation. It just attempts to transcribe into English sounding words. Pretty funny nonetheless. I wonder what would happen if you played some rap music...

Set up is a breeze, configuring everything online like you do your email. No more "Press 1 to continue in English". You can create groups and customize who gets through and who is forever banished to voicemail purgatory. All callers are prescreened with their recorded voice before you can can accept their call. It's like having a secretary answer all your calls. You really got to try it!

Currently there is a waiting list, so sign up for your invitation here ASAP. It took about three weeks for mine to arrive. In the near future I'll be able to personally invite three lucky souls to Google Voice. Soooo, you all can start sucking up to me at any time :)


LINK: GOOGLE VOICE

Social justice, ghetto style

WARNING: Lots of violence and obscenities. Turn down volume because action speaks louder than words.

This video was uploaded yesterday from the 10 a.m. Muni bus in SF Chinatown.

As someone who grew up in Oakland, I've been intimidated on the bus countless times. So to see someone fight back, I feel a sense of justice finally being served (30 years later). Like, finally... someone standing up to thug. I know this is a very rare occasion, and violence is never the answer, especially when the Bible tells us that vengeance belongs to the Lord and that we should turn the other cheek... But I do feel the need to defend ourselves and not be a doormat to the scum of the earth. So please forgive me for taking a little bit of pleasure in seeing the old Chinese lady open a can of whoop-a** on the unsuspecting aggressor – Like did I see a flying kick in there??

Now had this been in Oakland on AC Transit, and the roles were reversed, you know someone is gonna get killed. True that!

On the serious side, obviously an assault occurred. But Muni is more concerned in investigating why the driver didn't report the incident than the crime itself. Unbelievable! Oh yeah, and I hear a "significant number" of cameras on Muni buses don't work. Beware.

LINK: Matier and Ross

DIY Laminate Flooring

There was a weekend last month where I had a free Saturday. I was already headed out early to Chinatown that morning and I needed to kill some time while waiting for my mom's dental appointment. I decided to visit Sincere Hardware and before I knew it, I was jamming 11 boxes of laminate flooring into my compact car.

Prior to this visit, I had been doing some research on laminate flooring: checking out color selections, materials, prices, and watching a lot of YouTube installation videos. I was convinced that this was something I could do on my own. I already had most of the equipment, I just needed a pullbar and a pushcut saw for the door jams.

The cheapest laminate flooring was 7mm thick @ 99¢/sq. ft. This is the standard 12"x48" that is most common. It has a printed pattern and plank marks. One look and you know it is laminate. I never liked this look because as time goes, the supposed invisible crevices where the planks meet will gather dirt and will become very visible. If you ever go to Ikea, look at their sample floor that people walk on. It's filthy.

I decided to get the 5"x48" individual planks @ $1.59/sf. I liked how they meet together like real hardwood planks. The grooves are real grooves so they look a lot more like real wood. Plus they were a lot thicker at 12mm, which is more warp-resistant and has better sound dampening.

I could have gone with real wood for as little as $2.99/sf., but wood dents more easier. To test the resiliency on the store sample, try digging your fingernail into it. If it leaves a dent, then it's too soft. Most hardwood would resist denting to an extent. But if you go further and dig in your car keys, laminate holds up better. In my mind I already knew laminate was the way to go in terms of durability and cost, especially when you have a house full of kids.

After a whopping six hours to move all the crap out of the office, remove the carpet, remove the carpet tacks, remove closet doors, and pop off the base mouldings, I was spent. Man, I had no idea it would be that much work... and I had not even begun installation! I guess that's the price I pay for being spontaneous. And I can't stop now. I'm at the point of no return.

Once I started, it took over an hour to lay down just three rows of planks. Keep in mind that since I got 5" planks instead of 12", I more than doubled the workload – ughh. Later as my brother-in-law came over to help, we were able to do 10 rows/hour, woohoo! I did all the sawing while he hammered away. Too bad he was only there for one hour because once he left, the workflow slowed big time. Yes boys and girls, do not attempt this by yourself, or else you'll be in for a long, looooooong day.

As I reached the final row, things got a little tricky with the door jams and that's when I realized I should've started on the door side and moved toward the window. Doh! Oh well, live and learn. So after a little bit of improvisation and ingenuity, I completed the job. And I was even able to save one unopened box for return!

I love the new floors now. Much better than the white carpeting I constantly had to keep clean. The only bad thing is now my computer chair rolls too fast and keeps crashing into the desk. But all in all a wonderful improvement and a great learning experience. Would I want to do it again? Ahh, no.

Final Stats: 11'x16' room, 6 hours prep, 8 hours install, $398, and 4 bandaids.

Removing the carpet tack strips from the concrete was a big pain
(and the cause for at least one bandaid).
Removing the base moulding wasn't too easy either (another bandaid).
And to make life even harder, the carpet pad was glued down (a little foul language).

How the bare floor looks like. The drizzle marks are the glue holding the carpet padding.

At the end of the first day.

I had to finish in time for our Friday mahjong party.

Absolute sharks! What kind of people get that many good tiles so early in the hand?