How to know if that email is true.

Have you ever received an email with some amazing store or been told to ban a product because of their attack on Christianity or that a virus named Osama vs. Bush will erase your entire hard drive if you answer the question it asks or that forwarding an email will help earn support for a little girl with cancer? Have you ever wondered if these emails are true? Quite often I've learned these emails are either hoaxes or email rumors, sometimes called urban legends.

How to spot a email rumor or hoax.

1. Note whether the text you've received was actually written by the person who sent it. Did anyone sign their name to it? If not, be skeptical.
2. Look for the telltale phrase, 'Forward this to everyone you know!' The more urgent the plea, the more suspect the message.
3. Look for statements like 'This is NOT a hoax' or 'This is NOT an urban legend.' They typically mean the opposite of what they say.
4. Watch for overly emphatic language, as well as frequent use of UPPERCASE LETTERS and multiple exclamation points!!!!!!!
5. If the text seems aimed more at persuading than informing the reader, be suspicious. Like propagandists, hoaxers are more interested in pushing people's emotional buttons than communicating accurate information.
6. If the message purports to impart extremely important information that you've never heard of before or read elsewhere in legitimate venues, be very suspicious.
7. Read carefully and think critically about what the message says, looking for logical inconsistencies, violations of common sense and blatantly false claims.
8. Look for subtle or not-so-subtle jokes — indications that the author is pulling your leg.
9. Check for references to outside sources of information. Hoaxes don't typically cite verifiable evidence, nor link to Websites with corroborating information.
10. Check to see if the message has been debunked by Websites that debunk urban legends and Internet hoaxes (see below).
11. Research any factual claims in the text to see if there is published evidence to support them. If you find none, odds are you've been the recipient of an email hoax.

Source: About: Urban Legends and Folklore


The danger of forwarding one of these emails.

If you decide to forward a potential hoax or email rumor to all your contacts, it makes available all your friends and families email addresses to just about anyone. The average person will just click forward and entire address book and then send. I seen some of these emails with loads of email addresses in them and could easily be added to someone's spamming list. It would behoove you to use the BCC option in your email message which sends a message to multiple recipients in such a way that what they receive does not contain the complete list of recipients. This can help avoiding giving your friends and families email addresses out freely, but it doesn't help the poor folks whose email addresses are already on the email, unless of course you copy and paste the main story to a new email message.

How to verify if an email is hoax, rumor, or truth.

Here are a couple websites for you to bookmark and use for the next potential email hoax or rumor comes into your inbox.

• Scambusters - Helped People Protect Themselves From Clever Internet Scams, Identity Theft and Urban Legends Since 1994
• Snopes - lots of stuff here broken down into specific categories, seems to have a lot of popups though.
• Truth or Fiction - a website to find out whether an eRumor that has been forwarded to them is true or not. My favorite email hoax and rumor site to use.

I hope this helps you eliminate some of these emails from your inboxes and outboxes. Maybe you could send a link to this post here at TGP to help others fight email hoaxes and rumors.

PC World: Living With Vista: First 30 Days

Windows Vista was suppose to "wow" us Windows users. The only thing it did for me was cause a lot of frustration and headaches. In fact, I've gone back to using Windows XP and my computer has been running a lot better. I do like Vista and the interface is rather cool, but I've had too many driver issues and I cannot stay with Vista until that changes. You would think that the hardware developers would have been ready for Vista since it was 5 years in the making. Oh well, enjoy the article.

"Last February, Bryce Parkhurst brought home a new Toshiba Satellite notebook with Vista Home Basic installed. The 33-year-old Easton, Pennsylvania, circuit designer bought the PC to enjoy music, but it soon hit sour notes. Everything seemed to run a little slower under the new operating system. His Alesis Photon X25 MIDI controller hardware no longer worked. When he tried to run his favorite DJ software, it didn't work properly; when he tried to quit the program, Vista rebooted him into Safe Mode. Any system change instigated a seemingly endless series of "Accept or Cancel" messages from Vista's User Account Control feature..."

Source: PC World

Companies see increase in productivity with technology

According to this latest study, companies and organizations can see productivity increase when they spend more money in computers and technology. I think must of us would say, "duh." Computers and technology can make us more productive.
My Lifedrive has been a huge help in me being more productive and in getting things done. If you aren't a big user in a computer or a PDA/smartphone, you might want to take the time and look at one and see all that it can do for you. I think you will definitely find that the positives out weigh the negatives.

"Money spent on computing technology delivers gains in worker productivity that are three to five times those of other investments, according to a study being published today. But the study also concluded that the information technology industry itself was unlikely to be a big source of new jobs.

The 69-page report is a wide-ranging look at the role that information technology plays in the economy, based on an assessment of existing research and the authors’ analysis. The study was done by a year-old research organization, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, whose work is supported by companies like I.B.M., Cisco Systems and eBay, as well as by the Communications Workers of America and foundation grants. It will be available at www.itif.org."

Be sure to share the way technology helps you in your life or ministry in the comments below.

Source: New York Times

Stain, stains, go away...

It happens to me all the time- stains. I hate it. My shirt, my pants, my tie, my jacket, they all collect spills and food from time to time. It's rather embarrassing to boot. Well, what can you do about stains. My Grandma gave me a stain chart when I first started college and I used it quite a bit to help me get rid of stains. However, I've lost that chart and I'm still getting stains on my clothes.
Well, I've found a site that can help me and I'm sure some of you with your stain problems. One might also want to carry a Tide-to-go pen or Shout wipes. These things should be in every pastors glove box and desk drawer. I've used both and they have met my needs sufficiently.

A Word About Stains - There's no escaping it:
	Fresh stains are easier to remove than old ones.
	Avoid machine drying or ironing until you've exhausted all stain removal efforts.
	Time and heat can set some stains permanently.
	Laundry tests show using Clorox® bleach for stain removal produces the best results.
	For washable, non-colorfast clothes substitute powdered or liquid color-safe bleach, such as Clorox 2®.
	Don't forget the prewash soil and stain removers like Stain Out®, that release stains and help detergents work more effectively.

Freeware Download: Google Desktop

Unfortunately, Windows Vista did not take to my current PC. I'm still waiting on drivers for my video card from nvidia of which they said would be able later in 2007. I think it may be- never!
One feature I liked from Vista was the sidebar. I had tried other sidebars and never did like them all that much. The Vista Sidebar worked for me and now that I'm using Windows XP again, I miss the Vista Sidebar.
Well, I had never really gave Google Desktop a real good go and so today I installed it. My main reason for installing Google Desktop is to be able to view my Google Calendar on the sidebar and see my agenda for the day. Google Desktop can do this rather easily and it looks great. Having a widescreen monitor does help with a sidebar. So if you are looking for a sidebar like Windows Vista, consider the Google Desktop. It may not have all the bells and whistles of other sidebar apps, but it does look good and seems to keep things simple.

RUMOR: Palm Treo WiMax device

Engadget has an interesting Palm rumor for us Palm fans. Apparently, Palm may release a WiMax Treo device this fall on the Sprint network. At this point the rumor is completely without solid evidence. Still, it would probably take a device like that to put Palm back on the map.

"Plant this firmly in the "unsubstantiated rumor" category and take it with a boulder-sized grain of salt, but there's one thing here we can say with certainty: whether it sells or not, Palm is in desperate need of fresh product. Like, not a new Treo with a little more memory or a slightly better camera -- we mean seriously fresh product..."

Here is some good news in regards to Public schools

According to Yahoo! News, Georgia is getting close to introducing Bible classes in Georgia Public schools next year. The article states that it would be considered a literature class and I'm sure there will be many who will attempt to knock down and discredit the Bible in these classes. I'm also sure that the ACLU will be sending their lawyers over to help those who oppose these classes.

How ironic that it's always God, Jesus, the Bible, prayer, and Christians that people seem to dislike and yet those same people preach and teach tolerance. Something isn't right with this picture.

"ATLANTA - Georgia is poised to introduce two literature classes on the Bible in public schools next year, a move some critics say would make the state the first to take an explicit stance endorsing — and funding — biblical teachings.

The Bible already is incorporated into some classes in Georgia and other states, but some critics say the board's move, which makes the Bible the classes' main text, treads into dangerous turf."

Source: Digg

Cellphones ok in hospitals according to US study

When my 2nd born was born on December 10 in Buffalo, NY, it would have been nice to have called everyone from inside the hospital building instead of outside- in the cold! We all know the rule about cellphones in a hospital especially us preachers. It's not allowed- at all. However, that could be changing according to this latest study. Read on...

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Calls made on cell phones do not affect hospital medical devices, U.S. researchers said on Friday, but store anti-theft alarms might make implanted heart devices misfire.

Tests at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota showed normal use of cell phones, also called mobile phones, caused no noticeable interference with patient care equipment, they said.

But a portable CD player caused an abnormal electrocardiographic (ECG) reading when a patient used it near one of the leads of the device, according to one of several reports in the March issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

And at least two reports suggest that anti-theft devices set up near the doors of retail stores can cause implantable rhythm devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators to malfunction."

Source: Reuters

Change.

For a while now, the Lord has directed me to begin looking at moving on from my current place of ministry. I'm not one for mentioning things like this as I keep things to myself. My church family knows that I am looking at moving to the next place of service and seeking God's will in the matter.

I must admit that the beginning hasn't been easy. I struggle with what to do, where to go, and when it's going to happen. I'm sure that is no different from anyone else that looks for their next job or place of service.

My wife, kids, and I are excited about this and we do look forward to God providing us with the right place at the right time. I'm seeing this time in my life as God using this as a test of my faith and a showing of His Providence in my life. I always love looking back and saying, "Wow, look how God worked that all out." That to me is what makes being a Christian so exciting and wonderful.

From time to time, this process will slow down the TGP and posting news, tips, etc. I will do my best to keep up with the posts as I've found this to be an excellent way for me to relax and share things I have learned or read about. So, if you would, please pray for my family and me as we work through these next steps in our ministry.

Palm Responds to the iPhone

New York Times reports on another move by Palm to help them keep their dominance in the smartphone market. Palm has hired software designer Paul Mercer, a former Apple computer engineer. Obviously, Palm is looking to revamp the aging look of the Garnet the current Palm operating system. I must say that I'm quite tired of the current Palm look and I would welcome a new look to the Palm OS. I'm not sure how helpful Mr. Mercer will be for Palm and I don't know how much of a difference this will make for Palm.

I still believe that a Palm or Treo device can be a huge help in your ministry and if you haven't considered or even looked at one of these devices, you are missing out. A Palm device could help you stay on top of things in your ministry. We are all busy and can be overwhelmed at times and a PDA or smartphone device could prove to be a huge help during those times.

Here is an excerpt of the afore mentioned article:

"Palm Inc., the maker of hand-held computers, has hired a top Silicon Valley software designer as it seeks to respond to the challenge posed by Apple’s new iPhone.

The designer, Paul Mercer, a former Apple computer engineer, began work three weeks ago at Palm on a line of new products, a company spokeswoman said, but she declined to comment further on the project.

Mr. Mercer, 39, joined Palm with two employees from Iventor, the independent design firm that he headed in Palo Alto, Calif., but Palm did not acquire the company, said the spokeswoman, Marlene Somsak. Palm is based in nearby Sunnyvale.

Apple’s iPhone is still several months away from being available, but its flexible interface is already shaking up the cellphone industry, including Palm, which makes the hybrid phone-organizers known as smart phones."

Giraffe video conferencing robot to weird employees out .

Engadget reports about a new robot that will allow you to be away from the office, but still be able to check up on your employees. The Giraffe robot has a built-in video camera and speaker that can allow you to video conference with your employees. It also can roam the office as well. It listens, it turns, it views, it's you!
This seems just way creepy for me. I think I'd be a bit concerned that my boss had to have one of this things in the office. Of course, this could make an effective door-to-door witnessing tool- OK so maybe it lacks that personal touch.

Receipt shows possible iPhone discounts.

This news is a bit old, but still worth a mention here at TGP. One cingular/AT&T customer who traded in his old cellphone for a Blackberry Pearl noticed an interesting tag on the receipt.
The picture was taken from his receipt and it mentions a savings on the iPhone of a $150. Now, this could mean that an 4 GB iPhone from cingular/AT&T costs $650 and if you sign up for a 2 year contract it will only cost you $500. Or it could mean that the iPhone will only cost you $350 after you sign a 2 year contract. I sure hope it is the latter as that will be easier on my wallet.

Honestly, an iPhone has me intrigued quite a bit. I'm looking to replace my Lifedrive as I've mentioned before and my first choice is an iPhone. Having wifi on the device will be a huge help to me. I use a PDA to help keep track of my appointments, access commentaries and books via eBible, send email, etc. with it and I think the iPhone will be a good replacement of my Lifedrive.

Source: 5thirtyone

How to clean your keyboard

Lifehacker has posted a great tip on how to clean your keyboard. It's funny as I was planning on mentioning something similar here at TGP. The reason for it was I dropped some food onto my keyboard at work and I couldn't get it out. So I was wondering how one goes about cleaning a keyboard. My worst fear is taking apart the keyboard and breaking or losing a key. If I didn't spend so much money on my keyboards, I'd probably just buy a new one and some myself some time.

Tips for Scripture memorization

Over the years, my methods for memorizing Scripture have changed. As a child, I eagerly memorized the Word of God and enjoy every minute of it. Towards my teen years, memorizing Scripture was a chore or homework. In college, memorizing Scripture was part of a test or a quiz. Now, it's different. I want to memorize and be able to retain this for a lifetime. Not like college, not like a teenager, but more like I was as a child. Eager to memorize, eager to learn, and many of those verses never left my heart.

Today, I found a site with some tips on memorizing Scripture. As servants in the Lord's ministry, we must be memorizing Scripture so that we can defend ourselves from temptation and give a comforting word to another believer.

This website I found has a few chapters to it, so it is not some quick read. I myself have not yet finished reading the site, but I have picked up a few pointers and tips that should aid in my Scripture memorization. I know many people have their own techniques and if you would like to share please do so, as I'm sure others would appreciate any help and tips.

I know there are a couple Palm programs that allow you to use your PDA or Treo device as a tool to help you memorize Scripture. They are:

Scripture Memory System
This freeware application is based on the Topical Memory System designed by The Navigators. A desktop companion version that allows you to edit the verse database on your computer available for a separate purchase.

MyVerses
by Scott Hansen
A Scripture memory system for Palm OS 4.0 and higher devices with interactive tools, a learning counter, and a personal review schedule to help you regularly practice memory verses.

Memorize! for Palm
Designed to help you memorize scripture, including daily reminders to work on your memory verses. Also works with MyBible.

Lamp Light
A free Scripture memory coach for Palm OS handhelds. Uses a system of daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly reviews to help you remember all verses learned.

Music Recommendation: Awesome God: An a Cappella Worship Series

Finding great Christian music can be difficult, especially finding something that is uplifting and fresh. Having Godly, Christian music is also very important to raising a family in my opinion. It helps your children understand what is good music and what is bad music.
I recently purchased from iTunes, Awesome God: An a Cappella Worship Series. My wife and I both love this CD. It only cost $9.99 on iTunes and we've already listened to it many times over. The song selection is great and has been quite a blessing to us. It comes with a good recommendation and if you are not an iTunes lover, you can purchase the CD on Amazon for $18 plus shipping. I've listed a few of the songs you'll find on this wonderful CD.

1. Awesome God

2. Ain't No Rock

3. Great Are You Lord

4. We Trust in the Name of the Lord

5. Give Thanks to the Lord

6. My Life Is in You

7. Wonderful Merciful Savior

8. Lamb of God

9. Hide Me Away, O Lord

10. Open My Heart

11. Open the Eyes of My Heart

12. In Your Presence

13. I Stand in Awe of You

14. Lord Reign in Me

15. Covenant of Love

16. There Is No Other Name

17. It's All Right

18. We Will Glorify

Please take the time to share you favorite music selections with us! Leave them in the comments section below.

Could Palm be open for a buyout? Part II

Well, it looks like there is more to the Palm buyout rumor. Riding in to work this morning I heard on our local news radio station that Palm is working with Morgan Stanley on options. Is this an option for a buyout? I honestly don't know, but I do know that I have not heard any mentions of Palm on my local news radio station because of past rumors. This looks a lot more real. Now, nothing may happen, but this does make it interesting for us Palm users. Will our Palm devices be better or worse because of a buyout?

Sermon of the week: 5 Steps to Genuine Revival

Here is my latest sermon recommendation for TGP- 5 Steps to Genuine Revival. This message was preached by Dr. Ian R. K. Paisley. I'm most familiar with him from his books, I don't think I've ever heard him preach. Real revival is something that is lacking sorely in our world today. I believe much of the revival we hear about wasn't real revival, but an emotional event. The Great Awakening had lasting impacts and other revivals like it had the same impact on society at those times. I think we all could use some Great Awakening revivals in our lives and I think this message will be a help to you. The file is only 3.3 mb and the sermon lasts about 28 minutes.

May God bless your services tomorrow.

Source: Sermon Audio

Could Palm be open for a buyout?

Palminfocenter is reporting that there are takeover rumors that have continued to inflate Palm's stock. This could just be a rumor that is meant to boost Palm's stock price, but I think it could be possible at some point. I hope Palm stays the way it is, but you just never know.

The Perfect Bluetooth Mouse for those on the go

If you frequently take your laptop with you while you travel, you know how cumbersome it can being having to carry accessories for it in your bag. Well, I found one gadget that might make a bit more room in your bag. It is the Newton Peripherals MoGo Wireless Bluetooth Mouse. This mouse actually slides into your laptop's PC card slot for storage and to be recharged. This would be the perfect device to replace that mini mouse in your laptop bag. This gadget has even been featured on CNN. Reviews from Tigerdirect users also give it high ratings. At $69.99, it might be a little steep, but to help take less with you as you travel, it just might be worth it.


"MoGo MouseBT is a business-card sized, Bluetooth-enabled mouse that stores and recharges neatly inside…that’s right, inside…your laptop computer’s PC card slot when it’s not being used. MoGo MouseBT is a technologically advanced wonder, featuring patent-pending optics and a system that automatically levers the mouse up into your hand as you work. With no batteries to replace, the MoGo MouseBT recharges in less than an hour in the PC card slot of your laptop.

MoGo MouseBT is specifically designed for road warriors who hate carrying around full-sized, bulky mice, but who also despise laptop trackpads and trackpoints. MoGoMouseBT provides them with a solution to their problem, making it easier for them to work on the road.

Other mice, even those meant for road warriors, just don’t cut it. Mini-mice (the “walnut shells”) get lost in your hand and are difficult to maneuver, and the ideas of carrying a full-sized mouse defeats the entire purpose of mobility on the go, making MoGo MouseBT a natural.

The MoGo MouseBT is compatible with any laptop, either PC or Macintosh, which is equipped with a PC slot, Bluetooth hardware and software."

From Wired: CompUSA Ready To Deal?

It looks like CompUSA is planning on closing half of their stores. That means you could be looking at some good clearance and discounts in the near future. We've got a CompUSA here in Buffalo and it was just recently remodeled. While I don't go to CompUSA all the time, it still is a favorite place for me to shop and look at new gadgets.

Source: Wired