Nonprofit going after the online advertising revenue to stop disinformation online sets new target

An internet search result is provided free because the provider gets ad revenue from other sources. By following the money in the online advertising world, this nonprofit aims to take the advertising dollars out of the disinformation revenue streams.  

"A nonprofit aiming to defund disinformation online that has taken money out of the pockets of several prominent far-right websites now has its sights set on its most formidable target yet: Fox News. 

The group, Check My Ads, is hoping the success it has had in stripping advertising dollars from right-wing provocateurs including Steve Bannon, Glenn Beck and Dan Bongino will give it momentum as it attempts to confront a powerful media empire. 

On Thursday, the outfit announced a new campaign directed at Fox's website and its popular YouTube channel calling on the public to pressure online ad exchanges to stop doing business with Fox. It comes just as the House committee investigating the Capitol riots kicks off a series of hearings focused on violence that unfolded on Jan 6."

https://www.npr.org/2022/06/09/1103690822/group-aiming-to-defund-disinformation-tries-to-drain-fox-news-of-online-advertis

Check my Ads new campaign -> https://checkmyads.org/fox/

The video explanation on how they do this -> https://youtu.be/yHkf1wTOLLo

Claire Atkin (left) and Nandini Jammi founded the nonprofit group Check My Ads, which aims to defund disinformation online. Now, they have launched a campaigned aimed at Fox News' online empire. Jon McMorran

How to Spot Misinformation Online - Self-directed course, free, start anytime

Attention seniors (but anyone who wants to know really!) 

"This free short course from MediaWise for Seniors will teach you how to tell what’s true and false on the internet. By looking at examples of political, health, travel and climate misinformation, you will learn techniques for identifying false information and how to seek out trustworthy sources.

Christiane Amanpour, Joan Lunden, Lester Holt, Hari Sreenivasan and Dave Jorgenson — MediaWise Ambassadors — will also pop in to share their advice as experienced journalists to help you navigate information on platforms like Google, Facebook and more."

You can register for a Poynter account, then register for the free course.

https://www.poynter.org/courses/how-to-spot-misinformation-online/

How to Spot Misinformation Online - Self-directed course, free, start anytime

This is not the only course available via MediaWise for Seniors 

https://www.poynter.org/mediawise-education-resources/

Spring Fling Online Auction starts May 8, closes May 18

The Franklin Federated Church is holding a "Spring Fling Online Auction."

• Bidding begins Sunday, May 8 at 11 AM
• Bidding ends  Wednesday May 18 at 8 PM

Bidders can begin viewing items at https://www.32auctions.com/ffc2022  or by going to franklinfederated.org and clicking on the 32auctions link

Download a copy of the flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jwGCsgfLAUW-KVT-TYGhNivobx9Mu1tW/view?usp=sharing

Spring Fling Online Auction starts May 8, closes May 18

Registration Is OPEN At Lifelong Community Learning (LCL)

Check Out The Classes Coming Your Way!

Registration is OPEN And we are looking forward to seeing you soon! Click here to REGISTER Click here to download Catalog For additional details visit: www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

FPS - Lifelong Community Learning | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Washington Post: "Be on guard for free-shipping deals that could end up being fake"

"It wasn’t just the pandemic that pushed more people online. Long before COVID, more shoppers decided to skip the crowds and simply click for their holiday gifts.

And I get it. I hate shopping — especially during the holidays. There’s the hunt for a parking space, the throngs of customers, the long checkout line at stores with 10 lanes but only three cashiers working the registers.

The old phrase “Shop till you drop” has become more like “Shop till you want to scream.”

So it makes sense that for the first time in Gallup’s look at holiday spending trends, a majority of Americans — 56 percent — say they are very likely to do their Christmas shopping online. That’s up eight percentage points from 2017."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/11/24/safe-online-holiday-shopping-tips/

(Wilfredo Lee/AP)

"UMass Global will undoubtedly be a national powerhouse in online education”

"THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS system will expand its online education footprint in an attempt to reach more adult learners after formally affiliating with a California-based university known for work on the digital front, officials announced Thursday.

School officials finalized a decision to transfer control of Brandman University, which currently serves 22,000 students as an independent part of the Chapman University System, from Chapman to UMass. Effective immediately, Brandman University is now known as “UMass Global,” which officials described as an independent, non-profit UMass affiliate.

The deal broadens online learning available under the UMass banner, and UMass Global will focus in particular on expanding talent pipelines and helping adult learners access new educational opportunities."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/umass-acquiring-california-digital-university/ 

"UMass Global will undoubtedly be a national powerhouse in online education” 

Franklin Residents: Pay Your Real Estate, Personal Property, Motor Vehicle Excise & Water/Sewer/Trash Bills Online

Pay Your Real Estate, Personal Property, Motor Vehicle Excise & Water/Sewer/Trash Bills Online

Click here for details

https://unipaygold.unibank.com/customerinfo.aspx

"Go For The Green!" Online Silent Auction - opens March 7

 
Big Fundraising News!!
The "Go for the Green" Online Auction
Is coming in March

Welcome to our exciting virtual fundraiser!

Bidding will last 10 days, from March 7^th @ noon to 

St. Patrick's Day-March 17th @ 8 pm

 

In March, we will explain how to access the auction and spread the word.
 

Join the fun! Help us help Franklin Federated Church. 

      More information to follow before March 7. For updates check out franklinfederated.org

 

Trinity Rep performs A Christmas Carol - "Brimming with creativity and innovation"

A Christmas Carol Online = Unlimited free streaming through Jan. 10

Trinity Rep's A Christmas Carol Online is now streaming for free. Simply register at the links below for your access link. Watch as many times as you want and on your schedule!

"The results offer delightful contrasts — traditional yet trendy, spooky yet warm, edgy yet endearing — that will prove appealing to audiences of all ages...streaming for free through Jan. 10, is a show for the ages, brimming with the creativity and innovation Trinity audiences have missed for months...  - Providence Journal

"...bringing invention and tradition together in a celebration of innovative spirit and holiday cheer...In a year when we have lost so much and so many, Trinity Rep's A CHRISTMAS CAROL ONLINE is an inspired holiday transformation that - much like Scrooge's own - feels nothing short of a Christmas miracle." - Broadway World

For detailed information about viewing the show, including tips for technical set up, view our FAQ page  https://www.trinityrep.com/box-office/how-to-watch-faqs/

Check out our Viewer Guide to read more about the show and artists, and get family activities, games, and recipes   https://www.trinityrep.com/app/uploads/2020/12/ACC-viewer-guide-2020.pdf

A Christmas Carol Online = Unlimited free streaming through Jan. 10

Town Council Recap: Sep 2, 2020 - Building Dept update, plot line changes approved, gifts accepted

Recap: The Town Council heard from the Building Commissioner, Gus Brown as he provided an update on the work of the department and coordination with Planning, Planning Board, ZBA, Inspections, etc. The presentation included photos of the variety of projects worked on recently.

This is one of a series of department updates to the Town Council to increase awareness of the work being done by some of the 'less known' departments. Board of Health coming up next.

The 4th set in the series of plot line zoning changes was covered in a public hearing and then ultimately moved to a second reading. Over time a particular plot of land may have ended up straddling 2 or in some cases 3 or more zoning categories. This clean up moves the plot into a single zone. 

The Town Council approved a series of donations. They also accepted a sewer line extension for a single property off Daniels St not currently served by sewer and where the ground can not handle a septic system.

---------

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tc0902
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0902?src=hashtag_click 

• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting #tc0902 Chair Tom Mercer opens with the meeting statement and protocol. Meeting is available via local cable Verizon/Comcast and live stream via Town website
• Statement from Town Clerk on a number of early voting ballots not counted as of last night, the matter is being addressed and the results will be shared when available #tc0902
• Citizens comments: Dale Kurtz reminding bricks on sale for veteran walkway #tc0902 Laura Stevens speaking about kitchen use when she doesn't have a commercial grade kitchen. Can't use shared space due to COVID-19 requirements.
• Moving to approval of minutes from July 29, motion to approve via roll call 8-0 (1 absent - Earls) #tc0902 opening public hearing on lot line changes along Beaver and Oak St, 4th of this session. Previously voted on by planning board and EDC
• Most of the property owned by Town where FHS and school complex is #tc0902   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver-oak_streets.pdf Abutters and owners notified prior
• Bissanti raises concern on reducing amount of Res 4 zoning. Zoning doesn't really apply to town property, usage or value doesn't change. Simplifies the zoning map as part of the overall plan. #tc0902 motion to close hearing, second, via roll 8-0 (1 absent - Earls)
• Gus Brown, building commissioner to provide update. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._building_department_09-16-2020_tc_presentation_0.pdf  doc linked here. #tc0902
• FYI over 30 participants for the Zoom portion of the meeting, also available via cable via Verizon and Comcast as well as live streamed via Town web site #tc0902 Bruce Hunchard of ZBA speaks to their role
• Viewpoint online permit process implemented in July 2019 if not the building permit process would really have stopped during COVID-19 #tc0902 thanks to multiple folks by Gus for their help in getting online.
• Examples of work done #tc0902
• More examples #tc0902
• First of series of presentations scheduled for TC update, Board of Health coming up next. #tc0902 unregistered cars are not allowed on private property, some say one is, not ever is Gus' time has one been allowed.
• "Change is a tough process but sometimes it is for the better" #tc0902 virtual inspections performed, pictures were taken and reviewed thoroughly, going back out now to sites where they do have pictures to confirm.
• Pellegri can't remember a complaint during the time she worked with him as town clerk #tc0902 vacant property bylaw (not blight) did get money via fines from some of the banks, property owners for vacant property
• Solar project in on Spring st will be paved to the new parking lot for access to both SNETT and Town forest trails. The rest of Spring st will be decommissioned sometime #tc0902 Jamie provides updates on solar project
• Audience opportunity, no one takes it up. Gus makes closing comments thanks Jamie for leadership and Council for guidance #tc0902 
• Moving to subcommittee reports; budget meeting 9/16 . EDC met earlier tonight recorded and broadcast Chandler joined to take Earls place
• Motion on gift acceptance https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-51_-_veterans_department_gift.pdf  #tc9902 seconded, passed 8-0 (1 absent) Attny Cerel chimed in that with all Council present no need for roll call This closes VFW info for the walkway, xfers funds to Town; ledger coming to help with location
• #tc0902 motion on change of date from Nov 11 to the 4th https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-52_updated_2020_tc_schedule.pdf  Motion carried 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 regular transfer of cable funds to cable group https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-53_-_peg_funds.pdf  Motion passes 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 motion to accept gift for senior center https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resolution_20-54_gift_acceptance_-_senior_center.pdf  Motion passes 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 acceptance of deed and easement https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-55_roadway_easement_-_rossi.pdf   motion passes 8-0 (1 absent) housekeeping issue, easement referenced but not formally declared previously compensation was made 20 years ago
• #tc0902 zoning bylaw for the plot line changes for the public hearing earlier in this session. Move to 2nd reading https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver-oak_streets.pdf   Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0 (1 absent)
• #tc0902 sewer system extension proposal https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20g._bylaw_amendment_20-859_-_sewer_system_extension_100_daniels_street.pdf Motion to move to second reading, seconded, passes 8-0 (1 absent) property owner has no other options. Owner will maintain line; consider a public extension? Would require pump station for public
• Town administrator report, all set. Requesting item for beer, wine licenses for consideration during this pandemic. #tc0902 Councilor comments, Chandler thanks for EDC Davis Thayer study? Jamie to forward link. Chandler censured on facebook for first time. Hamblen grants coming
• Pellegri questions on report of museum, good reminder report should be forthcoming. Time spent initially on getting the vendor contract signed. CPA info session coming up Sep 8. #tc0902 unfunded mandates from schools? Jones asked before and hasn't seen yet.
• Mercer on south meeting house, light on? Can we turn it off? Or for safety? #tc0902 Gus Brown came back to thank the town folks and contractors for their patience. Motion to adjourn, passed 8-0. That's all tonight, catch you next time

Town Council agenda doc  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-sep-2.html

Photos captured during the virtual meeting broadcast   https://photos.app.goo.gl/3Fc56adksVZyJvt1A 

Building Commissioner Gus Brown

What to do when you (and your kids) are online at home

What to do when you (and your kids) are online at home by Jennifer Leach, Associate Director Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC If you have kids in school, there's a good chance they're kicking off their school year…in your living room. All the while, you might be working away, yourself, in some carved out corner at home. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/08/what-do-when-you-and-your-kids-are-online-home This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Franklin Residents: Purchase Your FY 2021 Recycling Center Permit and Pre-Pay for Item Drop Off Online

Purchase Your FY21 Recycling Center Permit and Pre-Pay for Item Drop Off Here!

Attached is listing of accepted materials, hours of operation and fees

The Recycling Center is open regular hours for full services. No cash or checks will be accepted. 

1. All residents who wish to use the recycling center for item drop off will need to go online prior to pay the required fee(s). 
2. The online payment portal for recycling fees is on our Viewpoint site (https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1078).  If you do not have a Viewpoint account, please follow the instructions to create one.
3. A printed slip detailing the fees paid will be required to show proof of payment at the Recycling Center.
4. No material that includes a fee will be accepted at the Recycling Center without prior payment online with printed receipt.

Attached is a copy of materials accepted, fees and hours at the Recycling Center and Curbside costs.

For additional information or to purchase your Recycling sticker over the phone, please call the DPW Administration office during regular office hours at 508-553-5500.

Please observe social distancing guidelines.

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/purchase-your-fy21-recycling-center-permit-and-pre-pay-item-drop-here

Franklin Residents: Purchase Your FY 2021 Recycling Center Permit and Pre-Pay for Item Drop Off Online

Board of Health Recap: - Weds, Aug 5, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #boh0805

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0805&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting underway for the Board of Health meeting. #boh0805
  
• Cathleen Liberty spending at least 6 hours per week on the school re-opening process providing guidance from the health perspective. #boh0805
• EDS drive through discussion, plan sounding good, process handbook best seen thus far, logistics to be worked; include Senior Center and Housing Auth in planning for this flu clinic. #boh0805
  
• Arbovirus report, DPH reports first human EEE case in Plymouth County, individual has recovered. Norfolk County mosquito control webpage has info on testing process. #boh0805 all applications now online for permits via ToF page
• BOH members sharing kudos for Cathleen, Ginny and Tyler for their efforts on everything along with COVID-19 #boh0805 intern generated survey, initial results showed depression widespread among Community. New survey got over 800 responses, not related to school process
• Food inspections found 3 problems, resulted in one establishment getting closed down (name not revealed - assumed a quick turn on issue) #boh0805 safe celebration document to be shared. 2 businesses were notified by MA DLS for non-compliance with COVID-19 violation
• Calls on RI about their status change per MA change, work exemption applies should be only point to point and not for recreational purposes. DPH will send spreadsheet to BoH for tracking on quarantine #boh0805 next meeting, Weds Sep 2. No citizen comments/questions
• Motion to adjourn, approved. Meeting ends. Catch you all next time #boh0805

The agenda for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda-aug-5.html

Board of Health Recap: - Weds, Aug 5, 2020

Register O’Donnell Promotes On-Line Access to Registry Records During COVID-19 Pandemic

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reminded county residents that even though the Registry of Deeds building is closed to the general public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the Registry’s records are available for viewing online via the www.norfolkdeeds.org website.

Register O’Donnell stated, “Despite the constraints we continue to work under due to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing secure, accurate and accessible land record information remains central to our work here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. We also have a customer service center staffed with professionals who have been trained to answer any of your land document related questions. They can be reached at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.”

Elaborating on the Registry’s research capabilities, O’Donnell noted, “By utilizing our website www.norfolkdeeds.org, users are able to research land record information online 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, reviewing land plans (only plans which are recorded at the Registry) and also determining that documents affecting an individual or family’s property, such as mortgage discharges, have been recorded. Users can also print non-certified copies of documents and plans free of charge.”

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 noted, “During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has remained operational. Land documents have been recorded allowing buyers and sellers of Norfolk County real estate to complete their transactions, and users have been able to reap the benefits of historically low interest rates. The net result has been the Norfolk County real estate market remaining viable which has benefited users, real estate brokers and agents, lending institutions, legal firms, title companies and many others. None of this would have been possible here in Norfolk County without a state-of-the-art computer system that is available for use by individuals, businesses and real estate professionals alike. The Registry website www.norfolkdeeds.org does all that by bringing the Registry land document 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.

Register O’Donnell Promotes On-Line Access to Registry Records During COVID-19 Pandemic

Lifelong Learning: Dedicate some time to yourself this month

Check out our online courses today!

Lifelong Community Learning This is a great time to learn something new! In partnership with Ed2Go, we offer online courses on a wide variety of topics. So take some time to gain business or personal skills from home. New sessions begin July 15th OR many courses also have a self-paced option that you can start anytime. We have a few suggestions below, or you can review the full array of career training and/or professional development courses using the links at the bottom of this email. Understanding Adolescents Uncover the secrets of the adolescent mind. This course provides valuable information on how adolescents feel, how their identities develop, and how you can best meet their needs. https://www.ed2go.com/franklined/online-courses/understanding-adolescents/ Introduction to Guitar Learn to play guitar, and become the musician you've always wanted to be! In these fun and informative lessons, you'll build basic guitar skills step-by-step with the help of hands-on exercises, audio and video recordings, and detailed illustrations.  https://www.ed2go.com/franklined/online-courses/guitar-introduction/ Introduction to Natural Health and Healing Would you like to learn more about natural health but don't know where to start? In this course, you'll learn about the various stages of health and illness and discover that true health means wholeness of the mind, body, and spirit. https://www.ed2go.com/franklined/online-courses/natural-health-and-healing-introduction/ Want to Learn Something Else? Career Training Programs Professional Development

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools   218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!