You Digital Identity Is Worth Protecting

Lunch Time – Friends go shopping on a Chicago street, as construction workers take a lunch break. Monochrome Photograph. Copyright 2008 Frank J Casella.

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In today’s digital landscape, the concept of identity has taken on a whole new dimension. With the prevalence of online services and the constant stream of personal data being generated, it has become increasingly important to safeguard our identities. And one of the key components of our digital identity is our email address.

When it comes to email, many people rely on Gmail as their go-to provider. It offers a user-friendly interface, robust features, and seamless integration with other Google services. However, what often goes unnoticed is how Gmail plays a significant role in shaping our online identity.

You see, when you use Gmail, you are essentially always logged in to your Google account. This means that Google can connect various pieces of information about you, such as your search terms, GPS location, photos, YouTube views, and more, all tied back to your real-life identity. It’s a comprehensive picture that Google can paint about who you are and what you do.

Furthermore, every time you sign up for a new service and provide your email address to create an account, Gmail is the one that knows about it first. It acts as a central hub, recording your digital footprints across different platforms and services. While this convenience may seem appealing on the surface, it also raises some privacy concerns.

However, it’s worth noting that securing your communications is just the first step towards reclaiming your online identity. It goes beyond simply protecting the content of your emails. It’s about understanding the intricate web of data collection and taking back control over how your personal information is used and shared.

Taking proactive measures to protect your online identity involves being mindful of the data you willingly disclose, being vigilant against phishing attempts, and regularly reviewing your privacy settings across various platforms. It also means diversifying your online presence, utilizing encrypted communication channels when necessary, and being selective about the services you choose to engage with.

Email is no longer just a means of communication; it’s an integral part of our digital existence. As such, safeguarding our email accounts and the associated data is essential in preserving our privacy and maintaining control over our identity. By taking steps to protect our identities online, we can navigate the digital world with confidence and enjoy the benefits it has to offer.

Significance and Meaning

Clouds and Trees Black and White – Copyright 2021 Frank J Casella

I found the moving clouds passing over the silhouetted tree branches to be an interesting juxtaposition of shapes and elements. The contrast between the dark branches and the ever-shifting shades of gray in the sky creates a captivating scene. Black and white photography accentuates this interplay, allowing us to focus solely on the intricacies of the natural world.

Have you ever taken a moment to lie on your back, gaze up at the towering trees, and contemplate their beauty? It can be a profound and meditative experience. As you study the branches, observe how they entwine and intersect, creating an intricate tapestry against the canvas of the sky. This simple act can offer respite from the noise and distractions of our busy lives, allowing us to reconnect with nature and find solace in its tranquility.

In these moments, I often marvel at the wonder of creation. Reflecting on how God orchestrated the formation of the sky, the dance of the clouds, and the majestic presence of the trees, we can’t help but recognize the meticulous attention to detail in His grand design. The harmonious relationship between these elements speaks to a greater plan at work, a profound interconnectedness that extends beyond the natural world.

Just as the sky and the trees complement each other seamlessly, so too does God’s plan for our lives intertwine with our own unique journeys. Each one of us is part of a grand tapestry, with our own joys, struggles, and purpose. It is a comforting thought to know that the Creator of the universe has intricately woven us into His divine plan, and that our lives have significance and meaning.

So, next time you find yourself beneath the canopy of trees, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and harmony of nature. Let it serve as a reminder of God’s extraordinary craftsmanship and His loving provision for our lives. Embrace the stillness, listen to the whispers of the wind, and find solace in the truth that you are an essential part of a greater design.

Tech and Community

Photo: ‘Community At The Farmers Market‘ – In the town where I live, on Saturday mornings in the summer months, there is a Farmer’s Market by the Boutique Hotel who serves breakfast in the Community Courtyard. Live music is provided by students from the local music store. It has become quite an event for people to chat and catch up on life from week to week. … almost like a weekly fest. I think it’s important to develop positive relationships, to build community, to help each other make it through life, and have fun while doing it all. (Copyright 2017 Frank J Casella)

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“Technology is best when it brings people together.”

~ Matt Mullenweg, Social Media Entrepreneur

The internet has been around for a few decades now, thanks to (mostly) Sir Tim Berners Lee, and is intended to be open sharing with each other and make our world a better place to live. But some people and platforms have closed it and have taken from us (and our privacy) without the idea of giving back.

So now Sir Tim is working to make the internet to bring poeple together again, with the development of what he calls Web 3.0, which is not exactly what others are calling Web3. The difference he says is that Web 3.0 does not involve Blockchain and other elements. In fact, the Web3 crowd is even stating that Web3 and Web3.0 are the same thing. So, my view is that this will be more of the same of not following the vision of the founder of the internet for their own personal interests. This is very similar to how the vision or formula of the founder of a company gets watered down when his/her kids or a new CEO take over the company. … it ultimately flounders unless they go back to the original vision.

Blogging is one form of open internet. Because it links blogs from different platforms into a sort of community. It is not closed like present day social media, and provides for all of us to do our part, and the right thing, to make the (online) world a better place to live. I’ve been blogging since at least 2009, and I’ve also enjoyed engaging on community forums or groups, and have made friends from across the globe, which would not have happened without the internet.

In searching online about all of this, I came across the quote at the top of this post by Matt Mullenweg of Auttomatic. He elaborates on it a bit here and I couldn’t agree more:

“Many years ago I said “Technology is best when it brings people together.” This quote has taken on a life of its own on motivational posters and images. When I first said it I think I had in mind WordCamps and meetups and other physical gatherings; this year it transformed for me seeing how technology brought together those separated by the pandemic. This year has appeared divisive, so it’s easy to overlook how many times people came together.”

I’m also glad to see that as a Catholic, my church is encouraging guidelnes for engaging online and be community. There are many people online that I don’t agree with but learn from, because every person has a right to their own opinion, but do not have a right to their own facts. It’s just a part of life both online and offline.

Allegiance

Photo: ‘Life and Liberty‘ – Color Photograph of American Flag and Flowers – Copyright 2020 Frank J Casella

I was drawn to this moment of an American Flag mounted on a tree with blooming flowers below it, in the country morning sunlight, because it reminds me of how this Flag is a symbol of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”, a well-known phrase in the United States Declaration of Independence. The phrase gives three examples of the “unalienable rights” which the Declaration says have been given to all human beings by their Creator, and which governments are created to protect. Without it we have chaos.

The American flag is a symbol of our nation and our people. It is a reminder to us that we are all united under one banner, and that we are all fighting for the same cause. It is a sign of our strength and our resilience, and it is a symbol of our commitment to our values and our way of life.

The American flag is a symbol that means that we serve everybody equally without discrimination, but we do not show favoritism. Many American flags are displayed in my Midwest community, as it represents the strong support there is for the country among average people. Seeing these flags reminds me that there are still people in America who are willing to fight for our freedoms and the American way of life – even when it seems like the situation is not looking good. This proud sight will make everyone who sees it feel proud and patriotic.

Our woke overlords want us to think that America is a nation that needs to be destroyed in order to atone for the injustices that it has committed in the past. The “progressive” ideology is rooted in victim-hood and requires that America be dismantled in order to rebuild it in their own image. America was founded on the principle of individual liberty and self-reliance, so it’s no surprise that they don’t understand or appreciate this. Why do you have to have the Pride flag shown on government property to be represented? You’re already represented. We already know who you are.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, allegiance is “the faithful observance of an obligation, especially a sworn declaration or pledge of allegiance.” In this context, the American flag is an object of allegiance. Contrary to what some people might think, the flag does not restrict freedom of speech. In fact, it is one of the few things that can unite people from all walks of life under one banner. To show allegiance to the American flag is not a political statement, but a demonstration of patriotism.

The national flag of the United States of America (or the American flag) consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specifically as the ‘union’) bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars.

The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that rebelled against the British monarchy and became the first states in the Union.

Nicknames for the flag include the ‘Stars and Stripes’, ‘Old Glory’ and ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’

Thus the American Flag unites American’s as One Nation under God with Liberty and Justice for All.

Social Media Sales Truths

Photo: ‘Morning Lit Magnolia‘ – Copyright 2015 Frank J Casella

I’ve noticed recently as I go to and from my days between meetings and conferences, and kids sporting events, that most everyone keeps tabs with their smartphone. As I walk by and glance at what’s so important, I can say most of the time it’s Facebook …. still.

Though I have personally dumped my FB account since 2016, it seems that I’m in the minority. I also don’t have a smartphone, rather a flip phone … still.

When I am out on the street I make a concentrated effort to be with people, and not be distracted … especially while driving the car. I do use social media however on the computer, as an artist, and be very intentional with it.

Many of you who have followed my writing know how much I’m inspired by the Zig Ziglar Corporation. I have pulled together bits and pieces of what they teach about the timeless truths in a Social Media sales world. I practice them, and have come to believe in these:

1) Don’t hide behind Social Media – don’t confuse activity with accomplishment.
2) Write your own blog – example your expertise, integrity, and reputation.
3) = Critical = When posting always include knowledge and information that is valuable to the reader – even if they never contact you. They may refer you.
4) Selling is a transfer of feeling – amplification is key!

That last point, by amplification I don’t mean to say that you post your content everywhere you can. Rather you post content that is valuable enough that others share it and amplify your work and your Brand.

There is nothing more important than (what is known as) a third-party endorsement. In other words, it’s not who you know, but who knows you … and then, who THEY know. Get it!

I also believe that email is the original Socal Media, as your mails can be shared just as easy as any of the others. And now a close second is Masodon, which works very similar to email.

Thank you for reading. Enjoy your day!

Springtime Blossom

Photo: ‘Springtime Blossom‘ – Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella.

Many times the key factor of a great photograph comes from it having strong composition. Yes, the story is important but, without strong composition the story gets lost I think.

The inspiration for this photograph came to me when I was out for a walk with my wife and dog, and saw this out from the corner of my eye. The story here is that I love how this moment says new life that brings hope. The colors are catchy and a favorite of many.

I used negative space composition, which is a basic, but often overlooked principle of design, that gives the eye a “place to rest,” increasing the appeal through subtle means. This together with the square format, makes this suitable for framing with a wider matboard.

Likewise, in life, what are the things that get lost because of things you overlook from being too busy and not taking time to rest and think it through?

Bird Cottage

Photo: ‘Bird Cottage‘ A small house in the country, for birds. We have much to learn from birds of nature about solitude – Copyright 2013 Frank J Casella.

Delete the App, Use the Browser

Photo: ‘Purple Flowers by the Trail‘ – Color Photograph Copyright 2020 Frank J Casella.

My Love And Hate With Social Media.

If, like me, you don’t want to give up social media, because it’s not going away, but you do need a way to seriously cut back, the best way I have found is go off the usual path by deleting the apps and using a browser to access your accounts instead.

Many people don’t think of the browser as its own app or operating system, however, when you use a browser like Vivaldi it also blocks ads and trackers unlike using the apps.

Both the mobile and desktop browser versions are similar to using the social media apps, but with many of the same reduced features distractions. And if you are on Instagram (which I am no longer), then look at this feature of the Vivaldi browser.

You see, I learned from Cal Newport this solution that works extremely well at curbing my social media usage, the pared down version gave me a noticeably better experience. Less distractions, no noise, and better protects you from tracking and data mining.

One thing I do as an artist to keep it manageable, is follow no more than a dozen other artists whos work inspires me. Then a couple times a week I login to check out what they are doing, while I post my latest works. And doing it this way you don’t have to worry about the data mining as much, though it is still a good idea to use a privacy centered browser and platforms.

One final thought is to download the Vivaldi browser for desktop becuse it has a great side panel that makes social media like platforms shine. And their mobile browser works very smooth with platforms like Mastaton and MeWe.

Walking In The Raindrops

Photo: ‘Walking In The Raindrops’ – City Of Chicago – Lovers walk hand-in-hand through the raindrops on the streets in Chicago, Illinois – Copyright 2008 Frank J Casella.

The Thing About Email Domains

Photo: ‘Friends Walking the Wetlands Trail’ – Color Photo Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella

Just thinking, I have to say that email service domain names are a bad online ID that we use for most everything. We all have an email address, or usually need one for subscribing to social media and the like, even though an email address was never meant to be secure (but that is for another blog post). Many of us got our first email address from our phone company or Internet Service Provider (ISP), but they all have awful domain names that benefit the brand more than those of us using them. And the free and paid services have mostly done the same. The two exceptions I know of are mail.com and fastmail.com, they have both a good brand name that says what they do and benefits the user, plus they offer dozens of other domain names to choose that say what we do. On the other hand, protonmail had a good name until it went to just ‘proton’, and vivaldi.net (I have to mention because it hosts this blog) is a memorable name, though I think should do the opposite and change to vivaldimail.net (or vmail.net or VM.net), it has a better ‘ring’ to it and personally makes me smile. As humans we often take the path of least resistance, and this is why I think there is no real demand for better email service domain names. As long as the service works and meets our needs, we don’t care if it benefits the brand we are using, never mind the best way for them to be in business is to serve the customer.