September 25 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #236 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 September 25 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #236 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.


September 25 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #236 Mark Donaldson



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


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


They Tried To Scam Me

I got 4 new scam emails this week.


Here they are:


United Nations Trust Fund
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Palais des Nations CH-1211 Geneval 10
Switzerland.

Congratulations Beneficiary,

your email has been selected by the United Nations(UN) for a cash grant
award of EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND EURO(€850,000.00EURO),for
this year 2009 Grant Award.

This grant is been aided by the United Nations development programme and
the united nation trust funds for human security.Your cash grantpin number
is(UNO-154/4456/011)you are to provide the following.

1.FULL NAMES OF DONATION BENEFICIARY:..................
2.RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS:.................................
3.DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH:.............................
4.WINNING EMAIL:.......................................
5.PHONE/FAX NUMBERS:...................................
6.NAME AND ADDRESS OF NEXT OF KIN:.....................
7.SEX:.................................................
8.OCCUPATION:..........................................
9.MARITAL STATUS:......................................
10.COUNTRY:............................................
11NATIONALITY:.........................................

Do contact our payment office immediately with the informations
below.****************************************************************

Payment Officer:Dr.Brown Spencer
Email:drbrownspencer@untrustfundsdept.com
***********************************************************************
Regards,
Mr BAN KI-MOON.
UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL




I am Mr.Roy Paulson executive director Klassic Loan plc, I offer Legitimate Loans
without collateral at the low interest rate of 3% with maximum guarantee and
assurance.apply today, and your long awaited desire will be achieved within 2-4 days of
your application. Email:(mr.roy_loanlender@9.cn)

BORROWERS INFORMATION
(1)Full Name:
(2)Parmanent Address & Country:
(3)Sex & Age:
(4)Occupation
LOAN INFORMATION
-----------------
(1)Amount Needed:
(2)Loan Duration:
(3)Monthly Income:
(4)Valid Telephone/Fax:

Thanks.



"Websense® Security Labs(TM) ThreatSeeker(TM) Network discovered a new spam campaign that is targeting players of the Monopoly game.

The Monopoly World Championships take place every four years, and Las Vegas is the host city of 2009. Because the Monopoly Regional Championships are going on all over the world and many Monopoly enthusiasts take part, the spammers utilize this chance to play their tricks.

Our email honeypot systems detected over 30 thousand Monopoly spam messages on September 21, 2009 alone. The spam uses a social networking technique to "invite" you to play the online board game. It then provides a link to the fake Monopoly game download site, which in fact downloads a Trojan.

Websense Messaging and Websense Web Security customers are protected against this attack.
To view the details of this alert http://securitylabs.websense.com/content/Alerts/3481.aspx "



"Websense® Security Labs(TM) ThreatSeeker(TM) Network has discovered rogue antivirus sites returned by Google searches on Ann Minch. Ann Minch launched a one-woman "Debtors Revolt" against her bank for an unjustified APR increase on her credit card. She posted a video on YouTube two weeks ago sharing her thoughts. Her video made a huge splash and was viewed over a quarter of a million times.

When searching for Ann Minch and related terms in Google, rogue antivirus sites, ranked as high as top match, can be returned. These sites lead to fake antivirus pages which claim your computer requires an immediate antivirus scan and prompt you to download malicious files. These files have very low AV detection. (SHA-1: 314c7d8c16ff4a43e9f6994a39eee614d02e4924)

Websense Messaging and Websense Web Security customers are protected against this attack.

To view the details of this alert http://securitylabs.websense.com/content/Alerts/3482.aspx "



Clampi Trojan on the rise. The Clampi Trojan is targeting financial Web sites: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/techno...y/artic

LogMeIn can control some PCs, even when off: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=432747857-be56918137808c8d29d6177...a633af-

Microsoft to release free security software soon: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=432747835-be56918137808c8d29d6177...a633af-

Microsoft unveils shield for critical Windows flaw as attack code looms. Urges users to run single-click tool before hackers exploit 'decently wormable' flaw: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/print/9138278/Microsoft_unveils...ield_fo

Survey- Half of businesses don't secure personal data: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=432747833-be56918137808c8d29d6177...a633af-

Twitter phishing scam spreads via direct messages: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=432747834-be56918137808c8d29d6177...a633af-

Twitter Scam Incidents Growing- The 5 Most Common Types of Twitter Scams -- and 10 Ways to Avoid Them. Scambusters.org: http://www.scambusters.org/twitterscam.html

Update. Spybot Search and Destroy Detection Updates 09-23-2009: http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html

Update. Spyware Terminator 2.6.1 realtime spyware protection. Adware but can be unchecked during installation: http://www.spywareterminator.com/

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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/


NYTimes.com Runs Fake Antivirus/Malware Ad
Kohl's Fined for Selling Kids' Clothing w/Drawstrings
Nigerian Scams Evolve but Don't Disappear
Locksmith Uses Fake Local Listing, Lowballs Prices to Lure Customers [This is happening around the country]
Medical Journal Articles Often Ghostwritten by Drug Companies pdf
Congress Needs to Act to Get Rid of Forced Arbitration
Average Closing Costs of Mortgages State by State
Cable TV Company to Use Interactive Banner Ads
Chase Unveils "Blueprint" to Let Card Holders Payoff Different Purchases Differently
NY-AG Settles with Dell on Consumer Tactics
Dell Settlement Claims Forms for NY Residents
Consumer Reporter John Stossel Says Goodbye in His Own Words
Airline Ticket Fees/Taxes Support Private Airports
10 Most Trusted Companies for Privacy Policies
The Two Big Weaknesses that Enable Cyber Attacks
Environmental Report Card Issued for Cruise Lines; Disney, Royal Carib Flunk
Toxic Chemicals Found in Everyday Items
Work at Home Scams Spread Thru Social Networks
They Claim Food Prices are Dropping on Some Items
Ticketmaster Profits by Outwitting Brokers/Scalpers
Mfrs Urged to Come Clean on Chemicals in Household Cleaners
Microsoft Sues Scareware Purveyors
UN to Solicit Donations When Buying Air Tickets
CA May Outlaw Energy-Guzzling Big Screen TVs
FTC Mulls Banning Upfront Fees by Mortgage Fixers
Which Cheap Beer is Best?
GPS Navigation via Cellphones Hit or Miss
Why Does Check Clearing Take So Long?




10 Dirty Little Restaurant Secrets: http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/21/10-dirty-little-restaurant-secrets

10 Things Your Lawyer Won't Tell You. things they don't want you to know: http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/deals/10-things-your-lawyer-wont-te...you-147

Apple Examines iPhone Battery Woes. Users are complaining that the iPhone OS 3.1 software decreases battery life, hinders logging in to Exchange accounts, and causes random shutdowns: http://www.informationweek.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml;jsessioni...2ZA4JR3

Are Outlet Malls for Suckers. are you being taken at outlet malls: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SmartSpending/ConsumerActionGuide...e-outle

AT&T, Sprint introduce cheaper unlimited calling plans on clarkhoward.com: http://clarkhoward.com/liveweb/shownotes/2009/09/10/16628/

Consumer Reports. Dollar Store Deals & Dangers. merchandise sold in dollar stores: http://pressroom.consumerreports.org/pressroom/2009/07/dollar-store-ma...-deals-

Free 2009 Consumer Action Handbook: http://www.consumeraction.gov/caw_orderhandbook.shtml

Free Bounce Dryer Bar Sampling Program: https://www.viewpoints.com/sampling/optin/Bounce?utm_source=sampling_b...ce_emai

Free online coupons, deals and promotions at Any Coupons: http://www.anycoupons.com/

Freezly - What's free on the Internet. Freezly is a service that finds free stuff on Twitter and posts it for your review: http://freezly.com/

How Much Do Store Brand Groceries Really Save You. compared the price of the store brand to the name brand: http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/09/15/slash-your-grocery-bill-w...-store-

Mouse Print. Fat Chance. Get a Free Month of Weight Watchers: http://www.mouseprint.org/

What is happening in the world!- 20 most bizarre Craigslist adverts of all time: http://b-l-o-g-b-l-o-g.blogspot.com/2009/09/20-most-bizarre-craigslist...verts-o

You're Never Far From A McDonald's. Wherever you are in the contiguous U.S., you will never be more than 107 miles away from the nearest McDonald's: http://www.telovation.com/articles/youre-never-far-mcdonalds.html
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Windows Secrets Newsletter

Free content posted on Sept. 24, 2009:


TOP STORY
By Scott Dunn
More tricks to evade keyloggers on public PCs
The Clipboard's no safer than the keyboard
Other strategies for blocking keyloggers
Can freeware provide the privacy you need?

WACKY WEB WEEK
By Stephanie Small
Oh, the sweet, sweet power of temptation

http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/090924




You get all of the following in our paid content:

LANGALIST PLUS
By Fred Langa
Driver update triggers Vista reactivation
Microsoft anti-piracy tool returns for encore
XP's volume controls reset themselves
Why don't virus scanners dump temp files first?
Can I eliminate the Recycle Bin in Windows?

INSIDER TRICKS
By Michael Lasky
Can Windows Mobile catch iPhone and BlackBerry?
Microsoft tries to get on par with other phones
Multitasking, touch-screen features limited
Want the new browser? You must buy a new handset
Struggling for a piece of the smart-phone pie

PATCH WATCH
By Susan Bradley
Important security patches available for Firefox
Apply these Firefox updates as soon as possible
Application updates are more vital than ever
Watch out for unintended Silverlight updates
Microsoft offers proactive Conflicker protection
Apple's iPhones get an encryption update
Be quick about this QuickTime update
Sun's Java updates fix non-security bugs


Get our paid content by making any contribution. There's no fixed fee! Contribute whatever it's worth to you Readers who make a financial contribution of any amount by Sept. 30, 2009, will immediately receive the latest issue of our full, paid newsletter and 12 months of new paid content. Pay as much or as little as you like — we want as many people as possible to have this information.

A portion of your support helps children in developing countries
Each month, we send a full year of sponsorship to a different child. Your contributions in September are helping us to sponsor Allan, a 6-year-old boy from a village in Ecuador. Children International channels development aid from donors to Allan and his community. We also sponsor kids through Plan USA and other respected agencies.
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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 100 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".

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.