August 21 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #231 Mark Donaldson

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NOW AVAILABLE FOR SAFARI USERS. This is what the COOLSITES Toolbar looks like. Click here for more info: http://luem42.com/toolbar.html Click here to get it: http://luem42.OurToolbar.com


I have published the August 21 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #231 Mark Donaldson.

The following is an excerpt from this weeks newsletter. To see the full newsletter with all of the COOLSITES links please click and bookmark this link: http://luem42.googlepages.com/coolsites.html and check it each week. Thank you. Mark.


August 21 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #231 Mark Donaldson


This newsletter is late due to a computer problem. This morning, while checking links, something I've done dozens of times, my system became slow and then locked up. After trying all of the tricks I know I did a power off reset. When the system booted it wouldn't recognize my hard drives. I checked the BIOS configuration and found no hard drives listed. I ran several "live" CDs to try to recover the master boot record but nothing worked. Later in the day I decided to reset the BIOS by removing the CMOS battery. After reinstalling the battery the system recognized the drives and booted properly. I ran every diagnostic I have and everything is fine. I don't know what caused this error but Saturday morning I will buy a new battery at Walmart (I thought I had a spare). Mark.



Major changes to this newsletter are coming soon

Google is discontinuing Google Pages and will be moving my archive to Google Sites. However their hosting rules will also change. My html files will not be allowed due to "security reasons". This means I would have to use Google's online webpage creation program which would be more time consuming for me and bigger webpages that load slower for you.

I have checked other free hosts and can not find any that will allow me to continue as before without cost. Therefore I will have to change things. What this will mean for subscribers is very little difference. What this will mean for non-subscribers who view the newsletter online and people accessing old newsletters, "Just The Links" and "Specialized Search Engines" webpages may be drastic. I will keep you informed. Mark.


Subscribers who don't receive the newsletter, due to stupid filters, may use a private link to download the newsletter in the text ( .txt ), html ( .html ) and the MS Word Doc ( .doc ) format in a zip file. I will upload the zip files to my archive site right after I send out the newsletter on Friday morning. If a subscriber doesn't receive the newsletter, by 9am ET, they can quickly download it, unzip it and peruse it offline. You can also read it online from there.

If you are a subscriber and don't know the private link you can email me for it. These zip files are less than 40K which is smaller than the 100K or more for the newsletter.
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Semper Gratis (forever free) of cost

COOLSITES is a list of safe, fun, useful, informative and just plain cool websites and programs that are FREE, FREE and FREE. All of the programs and websites I list are free. If I list anything that is so good but isn't free I will list the price with it.

My website is Dialup Friendly. All pages except "Just The Links" and "Specialized Search Engines" load up in under 15 seconds.

Wherever you go if you see the user name LUEM42 that's me
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Pirillo's Picks for February 13 2007

"And if you think that's a lot of links, you should see how many http://luem42.com/ collects every day. It's enough to make you wanna never leave the house again as long as you live" Yours Digitally, Chris Pirillo http://chris.pirillo.com/
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Clif Notes Newsletter, Feb 2007 http://freewarewiki.com/ClifNotes

"The COOLSITES Newsletter - find the coolest links here. This fella named Mark Donaldson has been sending out his lists of cool sites since 2003. I'd never heard of him before last week. One day I was Googling myself to see who was posting links to my newsletter, and I found his website. I guess he's mentioned my newsletter at least 3 times. I like the COOLSITES website too, but I think it could use some reformatting to make it a bit easier to read. What I really like is the content there. Mark must really read a lot of stuff on the web and he takes the best links then tells you about them." http://freewarewiki.com/CoolSitesNewsletter


Welcome to Clif Notes Newsletter
Aug 2, 2009

I'm back sooner than expected. Let me know if you have any problems at
viewing the newsletter.

Here are the headlines from this week's newsletter.

What free software do you need?
CurrPorts - Find Out Who Is Spying On You
How to Create Gradient Desktop Wallpapers
STP - Tiny but Full Featured MP3 Player
JHoodsoft Newsletter
Awesome photos from Tiffany
Internetfixes Weekend Windup
COOLSITES Newsletter

Latest newsletter http://freewarewiki.com/ClifNotesNewsletter090802 No new newsletter since this one. Mark.
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Security News and Links

I get these links and news from good sources however I do not test the programs myself because I just don't have the time. The definitive source of rogue info is Spyware Warrior- Rogue-Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm


An I.D. Theft Story

The victim, Mark Donaldson (Hey that's me!), who suffers from insomnia wakes up at 5am, on Monday 7-27, satisfied that his sleeping medication gave him 5 decent hours of sleep. After taking care of his normal functions he checks his email. One email is from the bank that handles his credit card informing him of an online charge of $25.96 on Sunday that he never made. He immediately called the credit card company, at 6:30 am, and informed them of a possible I.D. theft. The credit card company said they would close that card's number and send him a new card along with a charge dispute form. He doesn't go online for his daily checking of websites because he has an 8am doctors appointment for a scheduled routine check-up. While at the doctor's office his wife, Dee, receives a computer phone call from the credit card company to call them back. When he returns home, at 10:30 am, he calls them and finds another charge, for over $400, was attempted after his card was suspended. The representative told him that the charge was denied and that a fraud investigator will review this and call him later in the week. He eats a late breakfast since he had fasting blood tests and decides to take a nap to prevent sleep deprivation. After a short but refreshing nap he scans his computer with Avast, SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. Avast found nothing. SUPERAntiSpyware found 2 tracking cookies. One was from Fox News and they other was from a computer discounter. They were deleted. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware said that Registry Trash Keys Finder 3.7.0 was Malware.packer. Since this was a standalone/portable program installed on the secondary drive and has never been used it is improbable that it was causing a problem and may be a false positive. To be sure the program was deleted. He then goes online for his daily sites knowing that there was never a security breach on his end and some company he's done business with probably had their data stolen.

Cost to secure my credit card......Nothing

Time needed to correct problem......Less than 30 minutes

How it feels to be secure......Priceless


Update August 7 2009. I was never contacted by a fraud investigator. Mark.

Update August 14 2009. I received a letter from the fraud department saying to call them if I have any questions. Mark.

Update August 21 2009. I received the statement for the acount and the original $25.96 charge had been removed so I don't even have to file a dispute. Case closed. Mark.



They Tried To Scam Me

I got 2 new scam emails this week along with another "NOKIA MOBILE SWEEPSTAKES PROMO" which I got before. You can see them online today at http://luem42.googlepages.com/sub.html or tomorrow at http://luem42.googlepages.com/coolsites.html . Mark

Here They Are

Exactmax Hongkong Industry Holdings Limited,(Toyota camry and $570,000USD cash)have been awarded to you with MICROS ID (DVT-57010-JHN-624TM-2XL). contact below email with your details:
Your Full Name:
Address:
Country:
Phone number:
Age:
Occupation:
Micros ID:
Your Qualification number is: (DVT-00110-WIN-108YR-8XJ)
Mr.Lee Chin Wilson
Email: mr_lee.chin.wilson.TakeThisOut@windowslive.com


Dear Friend,

My name is Mrs.Susan Hillyard the wife of Late Mr. Scoth Hillyard, a British merchant based in Malaysia who died of cancerous attack years ago. I have been Diagnosed with Esophageal cancer presently and it has defied all forms of medical treatment,and right now I have only about a few months to live, according to medical experts.

I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone (not even myself) but of my business. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focused on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world. I believe when God gives me a second chance to come to this world I would live my life a different way from how I have lived it. For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and looses his soul.

Now that God Is About To Call me, I have willed and given most of my property and assets to my immediate and extended family members as well as a few close friends. I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul, I have decided to give also to charity organizations, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth. So far, I have distributed money to some charity organizations in Africa and Asia including the tsunami victims.

Now that my health has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this myself anymore. I once asked members of my family to close one of my husband accounts and distribute the money which I have there to charity organization they refused and kept the money to themselves. Hence, I do not trust them anymore, as they seem not to be contented with what I have left for them before I became ill. Presently, I am still having a deposit (Undisclosed) with a Finance house that is yet to be disposed off to a God fearing, reliable and trust worthy person. I Beg You In The Name of God to Help Me Carryout This Charitable Assignment by Building an Orphanage Home In Your Country which will be named after I and My Late Husband (Hillyard's foundation). I Believe That You Would Offer This Service For Humanity Sake.

Note:any forther enquires should go to my attorney, barrister Nicolas Miller (bnicolasmiller@yahoo.de). I Await Your Early Response.

Regards.
Billi Barone,
Personal Secretary to Mrs. Susan Hillyard



IE8 'Safest' Among Leading Browsers, Report Says by NSS: http://go.infopackets.com/e20090817-05

New. Hotspot Shield gives you a simple solution to maintain your anonymity and protect your privacy when accessing free wi-fi hotspots: http://www.anchorfree.com/hotspot-shield/

New. QtWeb is a lightweight, secure and portable browser having unique user privacy features: http://www.qtweb.net/

Office, Windows get critical patches: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=347873281-be56918137808c8d29d6177...a633af-

Rogue Facebook apps steal log-in data, send spam: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=355582035-be56918137808c8d29d6177...a633af-

Security experts have discovered two new pieces of malware targeting Apple computers: http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/mac-xxxx-hackers-lay-booby-trap/...9/06/15

Security firms discover botnet on Twitter: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=347873277-be56918137808c8d29d6177...a633af-

Update. a-squared Free 4.5.0.11 Free of charge Anti-Virus, Anti-Trojan, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Dialer and Anti-Worm Software - Freeware!: http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/

Update. AVG AntiVirus Free 8.5.409a1634: http://free.avg.com/

Update. Norman Malware Cleaner 2009.08.14: http://www.norman.com/support/support_tools/58732/en
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Consumer News and Links


Just another good reason to subscribe and get this info before it expires


From http://www.consumerworld.org/

Some Clunker Traders Being Hosed by Dealers

Some car buyers are being asked to sign agreements guaranteeing to pay car dealers the value of the clunker rebate -- an extra $3500 - $4500 -- should Uncle Sam renege. The DOT has said that consumers are not required to sign such a provision, and Consumer World recommends that you do not. Here are two more things to watch out for when trading in your clunker.


Issuers Cut Back on Credit Card Rewards
10 Things Home Builders Won't Tell You
Top 10 Recalled Kids' Products
Meat From a Test Tube Might be in Our Future
FCC Mulls Issuing Cell Handset Rules
USAA to Allow Check Deposits Via iPhone App
Getting Theater Bargains in NYC (besides TKTS)
Bing Doubles Cashback; Ways to Increase That Too
Will All Your Digital Records Work 50 Years Hence?
If Your Home Equity Line is Reduced or Frozen...
Net Shoppers Look for Free Shipping, User Reviews
10 Ways to Spot Work at Home Scams
New Doctor Visits: Turn on PC and Say "Ah"
GM's Electric Volt May Get 230 MPG in the City
Some Card Issuers Drop Over the Limit Fees
Corporate-Sponsored Blogs Need Disclosures
Medical Safety Reforms Would Save Lives and Money
Judge Rules DVD Copying Illegal, Sort of
At Checkout, Some Shoppers Learn Their Credit Card was Cancelled
Beware Free Public Wi-Fi HotSpots
Best Buy Reneges on $9.99 HDTV Price Mistake
How Health Insurers Deny Coverage to the Ill
Palm Pre Phones Home Daily with Your Data
Airlines Lose Baggage Loss Expert's Own Bags
40 Traditions that Newer Technology Has Replaced
Bank of America Drops Mandatory Arbitration
Expect Huge Price Increase in Sugary Products
Prepaid Debit Cards: High on Fees, Low on Protections
New Worries About Kids & Cell Phones
Cash Customers Soaked Paying Medical Expenses
Help for Students Facing Massive Loans



From: The TopSavings.com Team http://www.TopSavings.com

Eat Free @ Arby's on Wednesdays w/ Purchase (US)

You can go to Arby's every Wednesday and get free food. Here is the schedule:


August 26th - Free Regular Beef 'n Cheddar with any soft drink purchase



5 College Scam Tricks That Will Hurt Your Wallet, Your Education or Your Reputation. Scambusters.org: http://www.scambusters.org/collegescam.html

Auto Dealers Paid for Just 2 Percent of 'Clunkers' Claims, Congressman Says: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/16/auto-dealers-paid-just-perc...-clunke

Cash for Clunkers ending. With money running out, $3 billion Cash for Clunkers program will end on Monday. The tally so far- 457,000 cars and $1.9 billion in rebates: http://money.cnn.com/2009/08/20/autos/cash_for_clunkers_end/index.htm?...tversio

Chegg.com - Cheap Textbook Rentals. Search for Used Textbooks and Rent College Textbooks at Chegg.com.: http://www.chegg.com/

Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports Short Circuits GM's 230 MPG Claim for the Chevy Volt: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/08/reality-check-230-mpg-in...e-chevr

Exploding iPhones Are Latest Headache for Apple: http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/Exploding-iPhones-Are-Lat...-Headac

How to Book a Hotel Cheaply on Priceline. how to manipulate your bids on Priceline: http://www.checkbook.org/newsletter/lowest_price_hotel_rates.cfm

JetBlue offers $599 pass for unlimited flights in a month: http://money.cnn.com/2009/08/12/news/companies/jetblue_unlimited_fligh...ass/ind

NY dealers pull out of clunkers program citing delays in getting reimbursed by the government. What did they expect from the federal bureaucracy. Mark.: http://apnews.myway.com//article/20090819/D9A63RC80.html

Sizzling Samples is a freebie website designed to provide our audience with the latest the web has to offer in free samples, handouts, and money-saving tips: http://www.sizzlingsamples.com/

The Best Time To Buy Guide For 45 Products and Services: http://www.freeshipping.org/blog/best-time-to-buy-guide

Top American Hospitals - US News Best Hospitals: http://health.usnews.com/health/best-hospitals

WII 4-DOCK BATTERY RECHARGE STATIONS RECALLED The chargers were sold under the Psyclone and React brand names. Visit Psyclone's site to learn more about the recall: http://www.psyclonegamer.com/Wii4Dock/index.asp?bhcp=1


Kids Eat Free at IHOP (US)

Through September 13, 2009, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., you can get a free Kid's Meal with each Adult Entree purchase at IHOP. Valid for children 12 and under. View details at their site. http://www.topsavings.com/index.asp?ID=26028&tfsnews=yes
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Windows Secrets Newsletter

Free content posted on Aug. 20, 2009

TOP STORY
By Woody Leonhard
Use any version of Windows 7 free for 120 days
How to extend Win7's trial to a full four months
How to install Win7 Ultimate now, pay less later
Convert Win7 Ultimate to Pro or Home Premium

KNOWN ISSUES
By Dennis O'Reilly
Add Adobe to the list of update opportunists
Gmail activity log defeats a hack attack
Most recent Java update may not be offered

WACKY WEB WEEK
By Stephanie Small
Annoying tweeters meet their zombie demise

http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/090820
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Make My Start Page Your Home Page I have updated it on 6-25-2009 with Twitter

Try my start page and make it your home page by clicking "Click here to make my start page your default homepage".

It has the following convenient logins and links such as: Google Mail Login, Yahoo Mail Login, Windows Live MSN HotMail Login, Froogle Price Search, Google Maps, MySpace Login, Lockergnome Cool Web Links, Weather Radar, BugMeNot, E! Online, Zap2it TV Guide, Snopes, Scambusters, YouTube, FaceBook, Twitter and links to my webpages. You can also google the web or my website. It also has a link for your suggestions so you can help me make it better.

The best thing about it is it's simple, small and loads up on dialup in less than one second. Check it out today at: http://luem42.googlepages.com/start.html
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COOLSITES 134 cool links

I harvest what I believe to be the best links from the best sources that are safe, fun, informative, useful and just plain cool. I categorize them and edit their descriptions for clarity. I may make comments about the links but you will know because I always sign them with "Mark".

see the full newsletter with all of the COOLSITES links please click and bookmark this link: http://luem42.googlepages.com/coolsites.html and check it each week. Thank you. Mark.