The world’s largest Adserver

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January 16, 2012

The writing was on the wall for Google, when in April, 2007, it bought DoubleClick for $3.1 Billion.

Google, as a Search Engine, has been on the decline every since that time. The mantra, “Do No Evil” .. no longer applied as Google integrated DoubleClick into it’s core ads function.

DoubleClick: A history

“DoubleClick is often linked with the controversy over spyware because browser HTTP cookies are set to track users as they travel from website to website and record which commercial advertisements they view and select while browsing. DoubleClick is considered to be malware by several commercial organizations (Adaware, Symantec, Spybot) which detect it and provide the tools to block/remove it.

DoubleClick has also been criticized for misleading users by offering an opt-out option that is insufficiently effective. According to a San Francisco IT consulting group, although the opt-out option affects cookies, DoubleClick does not allow users to opt out of IP address-based tracking.

DoubleClick with MSN were shown serving malware via drive-by download exploits by a group of attackers for some time in December 2010.”

Google, in it’s early years, stood out to most, as a shining city on the hill when it came to search. Over the years however, Google has wandered away from it’s core as a search engine. It began the shift upon after the purchase of DoubleClick.

I used to block out the DoubleClick. I’d remove DoubleClick’s influences from my local machine at every opportunity .. I’ve since even refused to use Google’s toolbar (or any toolbar) and Google’s Web Browser Chrome.

Adservers are just that … Adservers. And over the years it’s become quite evident to me that this is what Google has become .. The Largest Adserver in the world.

“In other words, the search results that we supposedly value so highly are themselves paid placements, just like Google’s keyword ads. It’s just that in the case of search results, link owners have paid for SEO (search-engine optimization) to get Google’s attention instead of paying for SEM (search engine marketing) to make Google give their links prominence. Either way, though, searches are mostly just producing ads by any other name.” This, according to Peter Yared of CNET

The article above makes references to the Google+ and of how it’s felt that Google is Ditching Search ..

Google has been trying to ditch search for years.

There’s no money in search.

All of the greats, HotBot, Alta Vista, Excite .. All of them failed as a result of not being able to make search pay for itself. As soon as the venture capital left, so did they … No one has ever quite figured out how to monetize search .. This is why Google bought the technology of DoubleClick .. it needed an out, even as early as 2007.

Just Fix It

By

Alan

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January 14, 2012

Here are a few simple fix-it’s in list form to help you to get through your day:

1. If you’re choking on an ice cube, simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat.
Presto — The blockage will instantly remove itself.

2. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold the vegetables while you chop.

3. Avoid arguments about the toilet seat — Use the sink

4. For high blood pressure sufferers — Simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure on your veins. Remember to use a timer.

5. A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you will be afraid to cough.

7. You only need two tools in life — WD40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn’t move and should, use the WD40. If it shouldn’t move and does, use the Duct Tape.

8. Remember — Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

9. If you can’t fix it with a hammer, you’ve got an electrical problem.

10. Crayons are just like M&Ms — They taste the same no matter what color they are.

… and finally

Daily Thought:

Some people are like slinkies — Not really good for anything, but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.

Be sure to stay tuned in for more fix-it tips and tricks.

Thanks for the read.

Happy Trails

Canadian Forces Snowbirds — 2011 Abbotsford Airshow

By

Alan

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January 12, 2012

Canadian Forces Snowbirds, officially known as 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, are the military aerobatics flight demonstration team of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Taking advantage of a beautiful sunny day, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds perform their fantastic high routine during the first day of the 2011 Abbotsford airshow.

Friday, August 12, 2011.

Air show video:

Although less imposing than a Blue Angels F-18 or a Thunderbirds F-16, these magnificent Canadair Tutor jets are elegant and beautiful to watch. And the fact that there are nine of them instead of six adds to the variety and beauty of the patterns and maneuvers they fly.

For more info about the Snowbirds please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/showcasing/snowbirds.html

Note:

The Snowbirds were formed in 1971, taking over from previous teams like the Golden Centennaires, and have since become a symbol of national pride, showcasing the skill, professionalism, and teamwork of Canadian Forces personnel. Their history is deeply rooted in Canadian military aviation, with the squadron’s numerical designation (431) harking back to a World War II bomber squadron.

They fly the Canadair CT-114 Tutor, which, despite its age, has been part of their formation for decades. There’s been discussion and planning for replacing these aircraft due to obsolescence, with a project aimed at procuring new aircraft between 2026 and 2035.

The Snowbirds perform across Canada and sometimes internationally, showcasing at air shows and special events. Their schedule for 2024 included performances from May through October, covering various cities in Canada and a few in the U.S., like Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and Reno, Nevada.

They were the first aerobatic team to use music in their air shows, adding a unique element to their performances. In 1990, they introduced red smoke to mark significant anniversaries. Their performances often include live commentary from pilots, enhancing the audience’s experience.

The Snowbirds often generate positive media coverage due to their spectacular displays and their role in community engagement and morale boosting, especially highlighted during times of national or global significance.

On the job with Dustin

By

Alan

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January 4, 2012

Dustin – Christmas vacation was a real treat for our little man. At any given time, we could find Dustin from Galveston to South Houston … working hard, playing hard, and enjoying the time away from school.

This is what it’s all about .. Dustin, seen here, on a pour in La Marque, Texas, supervises the job with skill and tact ..

Guy Sweens – In Search of the Truth

By

Alan

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December 29, 2011

The music of Guy Sweens can be described as lively, melodic, passionate and spiritual and is often a mix of exotic and Western musical styles. He uses traditional instruments from all over the world in combination with synthesizers and percussion. Sweens draws inspiration from myths, legends, Indian traditions, medieval and Celtic history and the Inca Empire.

Check out the fan generated video below;

His albums are concept albums that are always about one specific subject and where the instruments match the subject.

You can learn more about Guy Sweens and his music by visiting his website: https://www.guysweens.com/

Note:

Sweens’ work is characterized by its fusion of various global musical elements with modern synthesis and technology. His compositions frequently incorporate a wide array of instruments from around the world, creating a rich, textured sound that can be both meditative and dynamic.

Over the years, Guy Sweens has released numerous albums, notable among them are “Gaya of Wisdom” (2005), “Kamadeva” (2007), and more recently, “Odin’s Raven” (2023). These albums showcase his versatility, from themes inspired by Indian mythology to Norse mythology and beyond, indicating his broad cultural and musical interests.

He has worked with other artists in the new age and world fusion genres, including collaborations with Medwyn Goodall, Terry Oldfield, and Sangit Om. An example of such collaboration is the track “Mahayana,” where Sweens composed and produced with solo contributions from these artists.

One of his tracks, “Son of Krishna” from the album “Kamadeva,” was featured in the movie “The Letters” in 2014, showcasing his music’s appeal in visual media.

While not as universally recognized as mainstream artists, within the new age and world music communities, Sweens has built a reputation for crafting immersive soundscapes that transport listeners to different cultural and historical settings.

Guy Sweens’ music, therefore, serves as a bridge between cultures, using the universal language of music to explore themes of spirituality, history, and human experience. His work continues to evolve, with each album offering a new journey through sound, reflecting his ongoing exploration of global musical traditions and innovations.