| Eligible households can get discounted high-speed internet service. |
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Thursday, March 9, 2023
Find out if you or someone you know qualifies for discounted internet service
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Washington Post: On TikTok "is no more risky than Facebook. That’s not entirely a compliment"
"As calls to ban TikTok grow, should you quit the app?For the average user, TikTok is no more risky than Facebook. That’s not entirely a compliment.I’ve been hearing from Washington Post readers concerned that the Chinese-owned app is handing our data to the Communist Party. So I looked under the hood at what TikTok knows about us, and quizzed both the company and the senators calling on us to stop using it.So far, the arguments to ban TikTok are more rooted in fears than actual evidence. The best thing that could come of this scare is that Congress finally realizes we need privacy rules and guardrails for kids across all apps — not just the ones with Chinese owners."
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| To TikTok, or not to TikTok, that is the question. (Video: Illustration by Elena Lacey/The Washington Post; iStock) |
Sunday, January 1, 2023
GBH Forum Network: "Meme Wars: how the internet changed politics from Occupy to the insurrection"
Just published! 👉 https://t.co/kXqZEphvrK or https://forum-network.org/lectures/meme-wars-how-internet-changed-politics-occupy-insurrection/
A talk with @ShorensteinCtr @BostonJoan and @brianfriedberg moderated by @BostonGlobe @anissagardizy8 on meme wars and their impact on American democracy. https://t.co/w7BAfa3fe3Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/GBHForumNetwork/status/1604964817072279582
Saturday, December 10, 2022
What did you consent to do? Use of social media tools getting riskier - links to 3 articles
"This week, millions came face to face with AI-generated versions of themselves thanks to the app Lensa, which uses machine learning to spit out illustrations based on photos you provide. People took to social media to reflect on how the portraits made them feel — and who stands to lose when AI art goes mainstream.“I think I have a fairly decent self-image, but I looked at the images and I was like, ‘Why do I look so good?’” said James, a Twitch streamer who declined to give his last name to keep his social media presence separate from his day job. “I think it shaved off a lot of my rough edges.”
"Sure, that drunk selfie you posted on Instagram might be personally embarrassing. Now imagine that selfie is also training fuel for an artificial intelligence system that helps put an innocent person in jail.Welcome to the age of artificial intelligence. What you do with your face, your home security videos, your words and the photos from your friend’s art show are not just about you. Almost entirely without your true consent, information that you post online or that is posted about you is being used to coach AI software. These technologies could let a stranger identify you on sight or generate custom art at your command."
"Tens of thousands of websites belonging to government agencies, Fortune 500 companies and other organizations host Twitter computer code that sends visitor information to the social media giant, according to research first reported by The Cybersecurity 202.And virtually none of them have used a Twitter feature to put restrictions on what the company can do with that data, said digital ad analysis firm Adalytics, which conducted the study.The presence of Twitter’s code — known as the Twitter advertising pixel — has grown more troublesome since Elon Musk purchased the platform."
- Don't fall to any one of the meme's (What Game of Thrones character are you?) or tools like Lensa
- Install DuckDuckGo (https://duckduckgo.com) on your browser to prevent the tracking cookies from doing their thing
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| Lensa interpretations of reporter Tatum Hunter. These images were created by AI. They were not taken by a camera. |
Sunday, November 27, 2022
The Stanley Chilson film archives are now available online
"Lifelong resident, Stanley Grant Chilson, was a graduate of Dean Academy in Franklin and Worcester Polytechnic Institute -- and he lived for photography. Still camera images he took in profusion, capturing in detail the activities of the Franklin Fire Department -- and other departments in the region. He also assembled an annual collection of film clips for each year from 1935 to 1963. His films, preserved, and then digitized in the early 2000s, have now been made available online -- just few clicks away -- on the Franklin Library's Internet Archive page, by Reference Librarian Vicki Earls.
You can access the collection at any time by selecting Local History and Genealogy from the left hand menu on the Franklin Library website. From there, click on Stanley Chilson Films of Franklin online at the Internet Archive."
"The term Paparazzi was just coming into existence toward the end of Stanley Chilson’s career as a photographer chronicling Franklin, his home town, as well as other towns in the region. The credit or blame for the term goes to Federico Fellini who’s La Dolce Vita included an obsessive photographer of that surname.And while Chilson might have objected to the pejorative associations of the term, the general idea of an ever-ready photographer continually catching life as it was being lived fits him perfectly.And who was Stanley Grant Chilson? For a man with a definite public persona, not much is apparent about him other than his early and consistent passion for photography, a passion only rivaled by his interest in the fire service, a topic he chronicled exhaustively.... there are literally hundreds of photographs of fire and rescue activities in the town in the years he was active."
- From the Library home page https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library
- To the Genealogy Club page https://vbuchanio.wixsite.com/franklinlibgenclub/testimonials
- To the Internet Archive page for Stanley Chilson https://archive.org/details/@stanley_chilson_films_of_franklin
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| The Stanley Chilson film archives are now available online |
Monday, October 17, 2022
Washington Post: "See if you qualify for discounted internet service"
"If you or someone you know has been struggling financially or if someone in your household receive certain kinds of government benefits, you might be owed a discount on your internet bill.Help Desk: Technology coverage that makes tech work for youFor many families, that means savings of $30/month. And for those living on tribal lands, that discount is as high as $75/month.These price breaks come courtesy of the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which launched earlier this year to try to narrow the country’s digital divide. And even if you don’t benefit from the program directly, you could be doing someone in your life a real favor by letting them know the ACP exists, so take minute with us to learn how it works."
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Get Internet -> Claim Your Affordable Connectivity Program Benefit
"As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden and Vice President Harris worked with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to create the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills. ACP-eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
To deliver maximum cost savings to families, the Biden-Harris Administration has secured commitments from 20 leading internet providers to offer ACP-eligible households a high-speed internet plan for no more than $30 per month. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost."
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| Get Internet -> Claim Your Affordable Connectivity Program Benefit |
Monday, December 20, 2021
Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research
"Providing secure, accurate and accessible land record information, coupled with our on-site customer service center, is central to our work here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds," stated Register O'Donnell.
Elaborating on the Registry's research capabilities, O'Donnell noted, "Users are able to research land record information by multiple options, including the name of the property owner and property address. Members of the public can access our internet-based document research system for many endeavors such as determining property ownership, researching land titles, reviewing land plans (only plans which are recorded at the Registry) and finally to confirm that documents affecting a person's property, such as mortgage discharges, have been recorded."
Through technology and the Registry of Deeds modernization initiatives there are a tremendous amount of documents for viewing. For example, our website www.norfolkdeeds.org allows people to look up and view over 13 million scanned images with some 41 million pages of land documents dating back to the Registry's beginnings in 1793. Our Registry on-site IT Technology Department and Customer Service Center work to help anyone in need of internet research help find what they are looking for.
"A few years back, the Registry of Deeds completed a project which transcribed all our hand-written land documents that were recorded from 1793 to 1900. Prior to this effort, these hand-written documents were in many cases difficult to near impossible to read. With the transcription project completed, over 450,000 hand written documents were transcribed. Both the handwritten and the transcribed text can be viewed from the comfort of your home or business via our website www.norfolkdeeds.org."
It should be noted that while the transcribers made a best effort to translate these hard to read documents, their accuracy is not guaranteed. "These transcribed documents," noted O'Donnell, "are not legal documents in and of itself, and are not considered binding on the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds or its employees. It is considered merely a convenient reference for Registry users. For documentation purposes, users should refer to the scanned image of the original document instead of the transcribed image."
The Registry's website also provides information on how to obtain certified copies of land documents. The Registry's certified copy charges are $1.00 per page plus an additional $1.00 per document for postage.
In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "Our core mission here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds includes providing our users with first-class customer service each and every day. Norfolk County residents and businesses deserve a Registry of Deeds that provides them with access to land record information in an easily accessible and consumer friendly manner. The Registry website www.norfolkdeeds.org does that by bringing the Registry records into your homes and businesses."
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
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| Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research |
Thursday, July 8, 2021
ICYMI - Recent MA News
Annual reading of Frederick Douglass
We are excited to once again co-sponsor the annual reading of Frederick Douglass’ “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”
Join us this Friday (July 9) at noon at the @MAAHMuseum & listen or participate in a community reading of this thought-provoking speech.
Hope to see you there! https://t.co/UCtvu357cL
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| annual reading of Frederick Douglass’ “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” |
#VaxExpress is back
The #VaxExpress is back, with stops at selected commuter rail stations July 7-11. Free food, music, a $25 grocery store gift card, and a chance for prizes. Details: https://t.co/nu6MgmCnii @MBTA @KeolisBoston @BCBSMA #TrustTheFacts #GetTheVax https://t.co/Gn3vBvsknx
Federal Internet subsidy available
Few in Massachusetts taking advantage of new federal Internet subsidy https://t.co/8MBtTBKVAI
VaxMillions Giveaway registration is open
Massachusetts VaxMillions Giveaway
Win $1 million or a college scholarship
Get vaccinated today! You can't play if you aren't vaccinated.
Registration is now open
ENTER TO WIN NOW https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-vaxmillions-giveaway
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| "Massachusetts VaxMillions Giveaway" registration is open |
Sunday, May 16, 2021
MA Consumer Affairs: COVID-19 vaccine survey alert; Emergency broadband benefit announced
"FRAUD ALERT: COVID-19 Vaccine Survey Scam"
"Distribution of the approved COVID-19 vaccines is well underway, but fraudsters are gaining access to vaccine-related data almost as fast as the rollout. According to Google’s vaccination statistics, over 7 million people in Massachusetts have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine – that’s over 60% of the state’s population.
After getting the first dose of any approved iteration of the COVID-19 vaccine, some consumers may receive imposter emails or texts posing as Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson and Johnson. These messages often claim to be “post-vaccination surveys,” however none of the current vaccine providers are conducting surveys at this time. Special Agent William McNamara from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says “consumers receive the surveys via email and text message, and are told that, as a gift for filling out the survey, they can choose from various free prizes, such as an iPad Pro.” This is a scam – do not respond!"
Continue reading the article online http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/fraud-alert-covid-19-vaccine-survey-scam/
"The Federal Communications Commission Offers New Emergency Broadband Benefit"
"Staying connected has taken on a whole new meaning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The orders to shelter in place over the past year have created a surge in our digital landscape. This transition happened quickly and caused some to be left behind as work, school, health, and social activities moved to online platforms. To make internet service more affordable, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is providing Emergency Broadband (EBB) discounts to struggling families through a temporary program which just launched this week.
The EBB will provide eligible households with a monthly discount of up to $50 towards broadband service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. See link for EBB details: GetEmergencyBroadband.org."
Continue reading the article online https://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/the-federal-communications-commission-offers-new-emergency-broadband-benefit/
Friday, March 5, 2021
"pandemic baby bust" and "broadband access... an equity issue"
"Signs are pointing to a sizable pandemic baby bust"
"The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown the country into an economic recession and an unprecedented restructuring of our work and social lives. Early on, some likened the public health crisis to a blizzard, imagining that people would stay home, cozy up with their romantic partners and make babies.These playful visions have given way to a more sobering reality: The pandemic’s serious disruption of people’s lives is likely to cause “missing births” — potentially a lot of them. Add these missing births to the country’s decade-long downward trend in annual births and we can expect consequential changes to our economy and society in the years to come. Unfortunately, there are no easy fixes."
"broadband access... an equity issue"
"Newly confirmed US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said Thursday the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted significant gaps in broadband Internet access across the country, and vowed to take a “bold” approach to expand that service.In her first television interview as commerce secretary, the former Rhode Island governor said on MSNBC that her first order of business is getting Americans back to work after a year where unemployment skyrocketed because of restrictions implemented to curb the virus.“We need to go fast and we need to go big,” Raimondo said, referring to broadband access. She called it an equity issue."
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
5 Tips for Safer WIFI via EWG (video)
"Whether working remotely, attending school online or just staying in touch with family and friends during the pandemic, you’re probably also relying more than ever on Wi-Fi and cell service.While these technologies can empower us to keep working and learning while staying safe, they also come with their own risks.Learn 5 simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure to radiofrequency radiation while staying connected.To keep up with EWG's latest research on radiofrequency radiation, head to www.ewg.org/cellphone-radiation"
Sunday, February 7, 2021
Go Viral Game
"A 5-minute game that helps protect you against COVID-19 misinformation"Fun and insightful to play. Give it a try. How well do you do?
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Boston Globe: "Mass. offers Internet access help for unemployed"
From the Boston Globe:
"Massachusetts is offering to help the unemployed find work by providing subsidies for Internet access, and in some cases doling out free equipment.
Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito announced a program Tuesday at the Springfield Innovation Center that will offer subsidies and tech assistance to unemployed residents, with the goal of helping them find work.
Unemployed individuals are eligible for a subsidy if they live in a Charter or Comcast service territory; residents of other communities may be eligible for a personal cellular hot spot from Verizon. The agency implementing the new service, MassHire, is also connecting individuals with a vendor that is handing out Chromebooks if they do not have a device at home."
"Today our Administration launched 3 programs to boost internet connectivity for residents across MA:
- Rightwards arrow New subsidy to assist job-seekers within @MassHireCenter
- who face tech barriers
- Rightwards arrow WiFi hotspots targeted to Gateway Cities
- Rightwards arrow Expanding @MassBroadband hotspots in Western MA"
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| 3 programs to boost internet connectivity for residents across MA |
Saturday, January 2, 2021
Boston Globe: MA "lawmakers oppose Comcast’s plan to charge home Internet users extra"
"Dozens of Massachusetts lawmakers are calling on Comcast to rescind its plan to charge home Internet users extra fees for exceeding monthly “data caps.”“We strongly urge Comcast to discontinue this plan, and to reconsider any future attempts at imposing a data cap,” 71 state senators and representatives said in a letter to Comcast this week.Subscribers to Comcast’s Xfinity home broadband service will have to pay extra if they use more than 1.2 terabytes of data per month. While the new fees will technically take effect Jan. 1, Comcast is waiving them for several months to prepare customers."
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
“They go where the money is”
"Places such as Baltimore and Atlanta have been hit with massive cyber-attacks in recent years, but it’s not just major cities that are at risk of losing data or having their systems hacked. Smaller municipalities are also targets.
According to a 2019 report from the International City Management Association, approximately one in three local governments do not know how frequently their information system is subject to attacks, incidents and breaches. Of those that do, 60 percent report they are subject to daily cyber-attacks, often hourly or more.
Tiffany Schoenike, chief operating officer for the National Cyber Security Alliance, warns smaller municipalities are just as likely as larger cities to be the target of an attack. This could include anything from sensitive data being lost or stolen to systems being locked with the only recourse paying the hacker to regain access.
“Sometimes funding levels make things worse,” Schoenike said. “This could be from not being able to afford the right kinds of technology, or not being able to hire the best people for the job.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190723/as-new-threats-arise-is-your-local-government-safe-from-cyber-attacks
One of the keys to successful online processing is to ensure the site you are dealing with uses https. The Town of Franklin site does use this feature: https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/
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| One of the keys to successful online processing is to ensure the site you are dealing with uses https |
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Internet & Social Media Safety For Students - March 27
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Friday, March 15, 2019
Internet & Social Media Safety for Students - March 27
Social networks involve a lot of sharing, including photos, videos, links, and personal information - and it’s not always good. Many kids and teens enjoy sharing these things with their friends, but they may actually be sharing information with more people than they realize. For example, accepting friend requests from strangers. This means their "friends" may not be people they can trust.
Internet & Social Media Safety for Students, will take place on Wednesday, March 27 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Franklin High School. Participation is open to all area middle school students. The class is FREE but registration is required.
For more information and to register, go online www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com and click on Lifelong Community Learning. You can also call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480.
Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing diverse and enriched education and experiences for all area residents and children – a resource for all ages.
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| Internet & Social Media Safety for Students - March 27 |
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Internet Archive holds copies of the FHS Yearbooks
https://archive.org/details/franklinhighschool
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| Internet Archive holds copies of the FHS Yearbooks |
Thanks for the tip via Twitter
https://twitter.com/Franklin_HS_Lib/status/1052634965433864194
Friday, March 9, 2018
Franklin Public Schools: Schools are in session but .... Operations of Systems in Our School Buildings
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| Franklin Public Schools: Schools are in session but .... Operations of Systems in Our School Buildings |