Golf Course Rendering Completed »

Last week, we (well, 3D guru Rodney mainly ) put the finishing touches on a new architectural rendering for Bear Trail Golf Course in Jacksonville, NC.  They are working on creating a brand new clubhouse area that will include a beautiful pool and will even have a playground area for the kids.

We are really looking forward to seeing the finished structure and thank them for the opportunity to help out!

States Taxing iTunes? »

Economically, things are tight everywhere you look these days and State budgets are feeling the pinch too.  This year, States have seen drastic reductions in collections from income tax (if a person’s income drops, so does their tax), sales tax (people are not buying as much) and property tax.

Well, the Governor of New York is proposing one measure that is sure to get music lovers up in arms: impose a state tax on iTunes and “digitally delivered entertainment services.” Awesome!

Governor Peterson’s proposal still needs the approval of New York State Legislators, but I am sure there are 49 other states paying close attention to the outcome of the iTunes tax bill (or iPod tax, as they are calling it).

So, your $0.99 music download might be going up to $1.06 .  If bills like that are passed, I bet there will be a marked increase in music and movie file sharing.

Koobface Virus Shows Up on Facebook »

Facebook has quickly become one of the most popular Social Networking websites around and that is something that virus writers, hackers and other bad guys have certainly noticed.

There have been reports of those wacky Nigerians hacking into Facebook accounts and impersonating the user to try to scam money from their friends and reports of a Facebook javascript bug.

Now, there are reports of a virus called Koobface in circulation on Facebook.  Here is how it works:

• A hacker infects a Facebook user’s PC
• The hacker then sends messages to the user’s Facebook friends.  The messages say something like “You look just awesome in this new movie” or something seemingly innocent like that.
• A link contained in the message sends the recipient to a website where they are prompted to download a supposed update of Adobe’s Flash Player, so they can “view the video”.
• If the recipient clicks the link, their PC is infected and the cycle continues.

The hackers are taking advantage of the climate of trust the exists on Facebook.  Friends feel that any message they receive from one of their friends on Facebook should be trusted because of the privacy features in place.  We tend to let our guard down and not think that our friend’s account could have been hacked or that a message we receive could contain a malicous virus like Koobface.

What Kind of Moron Would Shoot a Swan? »

This post is certainly not technology related, but I cannot help but wonder about the thought process of some people.

According to a report from Wilmington NC television station WECT, some residents are saying that hunters are shooting Swans in Hewlett’s Creek.  These Swans are the kind that children feed with bread crumbs, in some cases they will eat right out of your hand.  Shooting an animal like that is wrong on so many levels:

1. The animal does not fear humans and so cannot distinguish the threat.  So they are not really “hunting”, are they?
2. It is illegal to shoot animals in Wilmington City Limits.
3. It’s a Swan – it is not like they are killing a wild boar or a bear.  I suppose these guys need something that presents a little less of a challenge.

The residents that say they have witnessed Swans being shot also say that the hunters are covering up their boat numbers so that they cannot be identified.  Evidently, they know that what they are doing is wrong and would probably be embarrassed to get caught.

Hopefully, the residents will get some evidence on camera.

If you are one of the “hunters” who shoot animals as they innocently swim close to you, please leave a comment because there are lots of people who would love to see if you can create a complete sentence with your words .

North Carolina Man Steals Child’s Identity »

According to Alamance County Deputies, 44 year old Mebane, NC resident Michael John Maris stole the social security number and identity of a 3-year-old child.  He then used it to get natural gas service and a telephone.

Maris was charged with two counts of obtaining property by false pretense and one count of identity theft.  His bond has been set at $5,000.

The child’s grandmother, Linda Raker, was alerted to the problem when a collection agency contacted her requesting payment for the natural gas bill – which was in her granddaughter’s name.  That, of course, raised red flags (what child needs natural gas service, afterall ) and the grandmother notified the authorities.

It also seems that Mr. Maris is related to the grandmother, but the Sheriff did not disclose the exact nature of the relationship.

Identity theft is quickly becoming a serious epidemic.  In fact, the United States FBI website says that you cannot prevent the theft of your identity – yikes!  If you think you are a victim of identity theft, contact the authorities first and then follow these other steps