Internet Access Lets People Exploit their Silliness Publically

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Thanks to companies like EarthLink, most of America has internet access (or at least access to a library or public service with internet).  This has led to a growth in online shopping, communication (through email, social media, and the like), blogging, news availability, and…silliness.

We’ve all heard about the online trend of posting photos of planking (taking a photo lying flat as a board in a public place), and now it seems the internet wants to one-up itself, because “milking” has started cropping up.  “Milking” is the (silly) practice of pouring milk over your head whille in a public or outside space.  …that’s it.  See the photo to the right.

Whatever you use the internet for, do it responsibly.  And even if you don’t want to participate, perhaps we can all be glad that the internet provides an outlet for even the most pointless of silly activities?

Quick Tips on Holiday Photo Sharing

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With holiday dinners, parties and gatherings coming up, it’s a fact that pictures will be taken.  Lots of pictures.  EarthLink put together this short tip sheet to let you know how to get the most our of your photos using technology.

1) If a friend or relative can’t join your for the holidays, stage a photo with a space for them to remind them you miss them

  • What could be sweeter than emailing someone a photo of you at Christmas dinner with an empty chair reserved for them?
  • A visual representation of how you miss someone is a sweet gesture

2) Properly post party pictures

  • Make sure that the people you are posting pictures of approve the photos ahead of time; no one likes a post-eggnog photo going public
  • If the event was private or intimate, make sure you shore the photos only with people from that group so your other friends don’t feel left out

3) Sparingly share pictures of your presents

  • Feel free to show the world a few of your most appreciated presents (like the scarf a friend made), but uploading pictures of all your spoils could come across a bit “braggy.”

The Top 3 Fake Hurricane Sandy Photos Being Shared on Social Media

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Hurricane Sandy is everywhere on the news, and (for those with a reliable internet connection), on social media as well.  Many first hand accounts are being spread through social media, but so are a few fakes.  Here are the top three faked Hurricane Sandy photos to be aware of.

  1. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
    • This photo has been circulating as being taken during a downpour brought on by the hurricane hitting DC.  While it is a real photograph, it’s from September of this year, and was not taken during Sandy.  Below is a photograph that The National Guard shared that is actually from the beginning of the storm.
  2. Waves Around the Statue of Liberty
    • This photo makes the storm look more than terrifying; it makes it seem apocalyptic!  And there’s a reason…it’s actually from a movie.  Specifically, the screen shot is from the movie “The Day After Tomorrow” in which NYC is flooded.  Someone added a news bar at the bottom to make it seem realistic, but the picture is indeed a fake.
  3. Clouds Over the Statue of Liberty
    • This photo is actually a composite made from two photos: one of New York Harbor, and one of a cloud formation from 2004 (that wasn’t even in New York!).

Which Internet Connection Are You?

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Like favorite colors, everyone has an internet connection that fits them best.  Find out which connection YOU are with this fun guide:

You are DIAL-UP if…
…you want internet that is basic, universal, and inexpensive.  Dial-upinternet is a good choice for basic web users.  It isn’t the fastest internet connection available (though EarthLink does provide a free dial-up accelerator that lets you surf up to 7x faster than regular 56K dial-up), but it can be installed into any home in America with a phone line.  And it’s incredibly cost-effective: Prices are as low as $9.95/mo for the first three months!

You are DSL if…
…you need a reliable connection, but require more speed than dial-up (to watch a lot of videos, stream content, etc). DSL internet is up to 100x faster than dial-up access, and is perfect for those who spend a lot of time online.  With low pricing like $14.95/mo for the first three months, it’s also a great value!

You are CABLE if…
…you like to spend a lot of time downloading/uploading content, streaming full-length movies, playing detailed online games, (etc.). Though offers vary by location, a cable internet connection can start at only $29.95/mo, and can be up to 250x faster than dial-up access.  It’s a great solution for people who feel the need for online speed!

(NOTE: if you live in a rural area that doesn’t have access to cable or DSL, but desire more speed than dial-up, EarthLink offers satellite internet to make sure your needs get met!)