Want to learn how to code?

There's still time ... Code Year (a project via Codeacademy just started) and it sounds like a pretty cool way to learn how to code.  They'll email you a new interactive programming lesson every Monday and they promise you'll be building apps and websites before you know it!  Check it out and sign-up.

25 Worst Passwords --- is your password listed?

As I hear more about online accounts getting compromised, this article from Yahoo/Forbes.com shares some really good tips.
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If you see your password below, STOP!

Do not finish reading this post and immediately go change your password -- before you forget. You will probably make changes in several places since passwords tend to be reused for multiple accounts.

Here are two lists, the first compiled by SplashData:
1. password
2. 123456
3.12345678
4. qwerty
5. abc123
6. monkey
7. 1234567
8. letmein
9. trustno1
10. dragon
11. baseball
12. 111111
13. iloveyou
14. master
15. sunshine
16. ashley
17. bailey
18. passwOrd
19. shadow
20. 123123
21. 654321
22. superman
23. qazwsx
24. michael
25. football

Last year, Imperva looked at 32 million passwords stolen from RockYou, a hacked website, and released its own Top 10 "worst" list:

1. 123456
2. 12345
3. 123456789
4. Password
5. iloveyou
6. princess
7. rockyou
8. 1234567
9. 12345678
10. abc123

Click here to read the entire article.

Season's Greetings ... Blessings and Peace this Christmas day!

Give Hope. Give Love. Tapulanga Christmas Giving

As some of you may know, my wife Kate and I help support a school that my sister runs in the Philippines.  Some of you were there to join us at the "Eat. Share. Love." event at Kahler Hall last September and we shared that we will be visiting the Philippines this year.  Our trip is coming up and one of the highlights is a Christmas party for the scholars on December 20.  We're looking forward to sharing Christmas cheer with the scholars and having our kids (Maggie, Anna and Carlo) meet the students.

We've inviting everyone to join our Christmas Giving Program this year.  For only $15, you can give a Tapulanga Foundation scholar a gift that their families can enjoy. Your donation will buy a pair of shoes, a nice shirt and a food basket.

You will also have the opportunity to print or email a holiday gift card to tell your loved ones that you have honored them with a gift that truly matters.  Please visit http://www.tapulanga.org/christmas2011.php to send your gift!

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GRAND OPENING of Howard County Library's New Charles E. Miller Branch & Historical Center

The Grand Opening of the new Charles E. Miller Branch & Historical Center is on Saturday, December 17.  This free event is open to the community.

Festivities begin at 9:30 am with music by Mt. Hebron High School's Dixieland Jazz Band. County Executive Ken Ulman will deliver a brief opening address, followed by remarks from U.S. Congressman Elijah Cummings, State Senator Jim Robey, State Delegate Guy Guzzone, and County Council Chair Calvin Ball. Doors will open after the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

When:
Saturday, December 17

9:30 am - Musical Entertainment
9:45 am - Remarks
10 am - Ribbon Cutting and Doors Open
10 am to 6 pm - Ongoing tours and activities

Where:
Howard County Library
Charles E. Miller Branch & Historical Center
9421 Frederick Road
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Questions:    Call 410.313.7750 or visit hclibrary.org.

Raffle Tickets still available for the iPad 2, nook Color, and Kindle!

We still have a few more raffle tickets available!  3 great prizes --- iPad 2, nook Color, and Kindle.  We're only selling 125 tickets @ $25/ticket!

Purchase Raffle Tickets

The drawing is this coming Sunday (18th) at the Eat. Share. Love. benefit at Kahler Hall in Columbia.   If you are unable to attend the event, we will notify you if you are the winner by mail, email or phone.

Thank you Steve Jobs!

Check out this video from 1984.  Even back then he was already classy and confident in showing off his new products.  In leaving his role as CEO of Apple while his company is at the top and his products are loved worldwide, he is leaving with style and grace, and we hope that his remaining days/months (and who knows maybe even years) as Chairman will be fruitful.



My very first computer was an Apple and I still have a Mac Classic sitting on the floor in my office.  It's been amazing to see one man's genius and persistence shape (and reshape) an industry ... quite a ride.  Best wishes Steve and thank you for sharing your talent (and magic) to the world!

2 days to go till Hocoblogs Party at Stanford Grill!

2 days to go till the Hocoblogs party on the 11th (Thursday, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm).  Please join us at the Stanford Grill in Columbia.  Event is open to the public (please register at http://hocoblogs-baltsun.eventbrite.com).