Updates Galore--Junk Mail, Wildfires, Windows Vista
Steve brings you up-to-date on recent developments, plus a terrific card trick and instructions on how to hide a factory.Steve Bass
A few weeks ago I told you how to opt out of lots of junk mail lists (see "Find Missing Money, Get Marketers Off Your Back").
Just recently, readers have sent me messages about two new free services. Both send your contact info to a hefty assortment of marketing baboons and tell them that you want your name removed from their mailing lists.
The first service is ProQuo. The site lists 17 direct marketing firms; you can opt out of most with one click. Some demand you send an actual paper letter that you'll need to mail. Like with a stamp. However, ProQuo supplies the letter along with your name and address filled in. All you need to do it print and mail it.
Catalog Choice tackles individual catalogs, such as L.L. Bean, Ann Taylor, Smith & Hawken--well over 100 companies. Catalog Choice has an ulterior motive: stewardship of the Earth's resources. It wants to help reduce unwanted catalogs while conserving our natural resources.
Dig This: If you have a Web page--and some HTML skills--add Arthur's Magic Cards to your site. Visitors will love it. It's a Java-based card trick, and you'll be surprised how many people will be fooled by it. Try it here--and then grab a copy (it's a freebie).
Wait a minute--you say you want to post the card trick to your site, but don't know HTML from the Queen of Hearts? Check out "Web Editors: Your Web Toolbox" from an article that a colleague wrote a few years ago (the info's still valid).
California Air Quality, Wildfire Photos
A while back I reported on the California wildfires and pointed to some online resources that would keep you updated.
The wildfires may be mostly under control, but there are still things to worry about. Pete Guria, a representative from the from Homeland Security Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, reports that the air quality in southern California isn't so good.
Here are a few links with additional information:
Here are some links to photos posted on the Web.
Dig This: Do you know to hide an airplane factory? It's easy if you know how to use camouflage. [Thanks, Paul.]
Dig This, Too: The wind is misunderstood. Don't believe me? Watch this public service announcement and come to your own conclusions. [Thanks, cousin Judy.]
Windows Vista Still Sucks
I don't know what's going on at Microsoft. They just can't seem to get anything right. Don't believe me? Read on...
Recently Tom Spring wrote "Vista Is Still Plagued by Incompatibilities." In the piece, Tom has evidence of hardware and software products that still aren't compatible with Vista.
Not too long ago, a woman sparred with Microsoft CEO Steve Balmar about how, as an early Vista adopter, she ended up switching back to XP. Read "Mother's Ire Puts Ballmer on Defense Over Vista."
BTW, did you hear about this? "Newest Windows Update Snafu Puzzles Microsoft." I'm never surprised when Microsoft doesn't have a clue. And instead of getting a clue, they start pointing fingers, as you'll see when you read "Microsoft: We Didn't Change Automatic Updates."
But wait, it's not over. In this never-ending saga, we discover that "Microsoft OneCare Silently Changes Automatic Updates." It turns out the tool modifies Windows automatic update settings as it installs. Microsoft, of course, begs to differ.
If you haven't had enough, you'll find Stu Johnston's bug report a must-read: "Bumper Crop of Instant Messaging Bugs" (along with a new vulnerability in Windows XP).
Dig This: If you're still not convinced about Vista, check out this video. It's a parody, sure, but it gets to the heart of Vista's problems--and it's very well done.