Chances are you’re probably using Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE6 or IE7) to view this blog. In fact, you probably have a ton of stories regarding security loopholes while using this popular browser. Of course, you’re probably familiar with words such as spyware, hijack attempts, unauthorized installations and malicious phishing. And despite several updates by Microsoft for IE6, many of these problems still remain, while leaving you (and countless others) wishing for better security.

We all know that people can be defiant to change. Going beyond our zone of comfort can be an unsettling experience, especially when it comes to using browsers other than IE. Humans are also naturally lazy. Perhaps we’re too complacent to familiarize ourselves with alternative products because IE is convenientlty built into WindowXP (and the upcoming Windows Vista operating system). Or maybe we just don’t care at all, as proven by the 85% market share held by Internet Explorer.

Just recently (and after six long years), Microsoft finally released their latest web browser. IE7 now features improved security, tabbed browsing and various features already found with competing web browsers, like the increasingly popular Moziilla Firefox.

After using IE7 and the beta for several months, its proven to be a worthy successor over the previous version. Unfortunately, IE6 was already an outdated browser that set the bar very low. Any improvement was bound to look great. Moreover, the interface of IE7 leaves a lot to be desired. Overall, IE7 feels more like a reactive move by Microsoft than a pro-active one.

Will the release of IE7 be enough to halt any momentum gained by Firefox? There’s already been numerous reports of security holes and flaws with IE7. These flaws may even prevent you from downloading it. I hope it doesn’t take another five years for a major update to appear.

The new version of the Firefox web browser was released yesterday. Containing major enhancements and a cleaner interface, Firefox 2 improves upon an already fast and secure browser.

Here are some features that makes Firefox 2 a superior web browser:

1. Enhanced spell checking
2. Reliable phishing protection
3. Security from spyware
4. Stability
5. Cross platform functionality with Mac or Linux
6. Open source development and constant updates
7. Additional RSS features

Another main reason for Firefox’s increasing popularity is the user’s ability to extend its functionality through extensions. There are countless extensions available for download to help you get the most out of this browser. They’re also FREE!

Here are my top 10 extensions for Firefox:

1. Adblock - Removes ads and promotional tools
2. Adblock Filterset.G Update - Used in conjunction with Adblock that updates new sets of filters to prevent any new ads from appearing
3. Fasterfox - Performance and network tweaks
4. Allow Right Click - This extension will bypass any script that stops you from using the right click button
5. NoScript - Extra protection that prevents Javascript, Java and other plugins
6. Flashblock - Replaces flash objects with a button so you can click to view them
7. GooglePreview - Inserts web site previews in google and yahoo search results
8. Add Bookmark here - A convenient way to add bookmarks
9. IE Tab - Allows you to view IE pages within Firefox
10. Tab Mix Plus - Tab browsing with an added boost

As you probably can tell by now, as evidenced by the blue button on the right sidebar, I’m an avid Firefox user. Until Microsoft comes up with constant upgrades, reliable security features and extensions supported by Firefox, I’ll be staying away from IE7 for a very long time.

Why not take a chance? Download Firefox 2. You won’t be dissapointed (unless your resistant to change).

Until then, I hope you don’t fall prey to any IE7 flaws and security issues.

I have a pretty busy lifestyle. Apart from eating stale doughnuts, and drinking tequila, my business ventures keeps me pretty busy during the day. This includes answering emails, processing orders, updating my websites, delivering packages and, of course, my daily exercise regimen at “Fitness Hole” (a.k.a. “Fitness World”).

I’ve been a member of Fitness World for the past four years. It’s a pretty interesting place to exercise due to the many locations and different type of people at a each location.

I usually work out at the Langley location. It’s quite spacious and well built to allow natural light into the building. For those of you who don’t know, The city of Langley is a fast growing city in Southwest, British Columbia, Canada (a victim of urban sprawl and a hot real estate market). Mind you, this area was once synonomous with rednecks, blue collar workers and uneducated hillbillies. In some areas, I feel this stereotype remains true; nevertheless, I’ll leave the real answer to some brainiac statistician.

It’s hard not to notice other people when I workout. Like I said before, each Fitness World location has a unique set of people, which represents a typical surrounding community or popular demographic.

As we all know, any popular gym is a cest pool of overbloated masculinity or machoism. The Fitness World - Langley Location is really no different. In fact, I typically see the following everytime I work out:

1. Someone with a nuclear glow tan staring at the mirror (for more than 5 minutes)
2. 1 out of 5 guys wearing a Fire Department, Police Department, Union or Social Services T-shirt
3. Fat men (who think they are buff) drinking a protein shake
4. 3 out of 5 IDIOTS (you know who you are) who don’t wipe down their machines after use
5. An overabundance of men with basically the same tattoos

The fifth point is something I find way too funny. Perhaps I am getting old or not man enough to stick ink-filled needles into my arm. Maybe I’m not a big enough fan boy or shill that watches popular trends on TV. In fact, I am debating whether I should take more time out of my day to watch those motorcycle building shows or start plastering “West Coast Chopper” stickers all over my pimped out black Cadillac Escalade.

Let’s take a look at the tattoo of a popular WWE Wrestler “Randy Orton”.

Does the thorny tattoo on his left bicep look familiar? Of course it does! I see many guys (at the Langley Fitneess World) wearing some derivative of this design. Yes, I know tattoos are supposed to reflect some personal meaning, symbolism, or whatever an artist can pen into skin. But whatever happened to orginality? Did these men put on a “Stupid” cap when they finalized a design on their tattoos? Or do they simply watch too much TV and music videos?

If I ever decide to get a tattoo, it would be very unique and different from what I see on a daily basis. My design will (obviously) steer away from thorns, hearts, skulls, “I Love Guido” or “Fan Boy” Trends.

Oh well, if people want to express themselves by copying others. It’s fine by me.

However, if you ever decide to get a tattoo, I do have a word of advice

“There is something in your head called a brain. If you use it properly, it can conjure up some pretty interesting ideas.”

But if you end up settling for a popular design, go ahead. Do it! Truly, you are about as interesting as watching a slug move slowly across a large rock.

Yes, I finally got my new template up and running.   It’s a cleaner look, and more pleasant to view.  A special thanks to ImaginaryDiva for helping me out with those dreaded CSS scripts!

If you haven’t noticed already, Google and eBay ads have been incorporated to my new template.  Someone suggested that I start including a revenue model for this blog so I can earn enough cash to buy the next DVD release for Battlestar Galactica and Stargate.

Hmm…not a bad idea at all.

I hope my fellow Canucks had a great Thanksgiving and long weekend. Like every other year, we had a big family dinner to celebrate the holiday. Our house was packed with relatives as the food was ready to be served and eaten. A good time was had by all during our diinner.

I grew up with a lot of support from my Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. We retain a close bond thats proven everytime we spend a holiday moment together. In fact, my family will make any excuse to get together or party, especially when a distant relative or friends comes to visit us. And yes, we like to eat and be merry.

On another note, I’ll be updating this blog with a new template. It will retain the same color scheme but the new template will have more functionality and flexibility for my blogging needs. If you know of any good templates for WordPress, feel free to contact me.