My dad sent me an article from the New York Times this morning and entitled the e-mail Read and Heed. If you send or upload photos from your cell phone, be sure to read the full article!

When Adam Savage, host of the popular science program “MythBusters,” posted a picture on Twitter of his automobile parked in front of his house, he let his fans know much more than that he drove a Toyota Land Cruiser. Adam Savage, host of the popular science program “Mythbusters,” posted a picture on Twitter of his automobile parked in front of his house that was geotagged. The ICanStalkU.com Web site provides step-by-step instructions for disabling geotagging on the iPhone. Instructions on how to disable the geotagging feature of an Android phone. Embedded in the image was a geotag, a bit of data providing the longitude and latitude of where the photo was taken. Hence, he revealed exactly where he lived. And since the accompanying text was “Now it’s off to work,” potential thieves knew he would not be at home. Security experts and privacy advocates have recently begun warning about the potential dangers of geotags, which are embedded in photos and videos taken with GPS-equipped smartphones and digital cameras. Because the location data is not visible to the casual viewer, the concern is that many people may not realize it is there; and they could be compromising their privacy, if not their safety, when they post geotagged media online. Mr. Savage said he knew about geotags. (He should, as host of a show popular with technology followers.) But he said he had neglected to disable the function on his iPhone before taking the picture and uploading it to Twitter. “I guess it was a lack of concern because I’m not nearly famous enough to be stalked,” he said, “and if I am, I want a raise.” Still, Mr. Savage has since turned off the geotag feature on his iPhone, and he isn’t worried about the archived photo on Twitter because he has moved to a new residence.

The article goes on to give more information about the this technology and gives a website that teaches people how to turn off the phone feature.

The Web site ICanStalkU.com provides step-by-step instructions for disabling the photo geotagging function on iPhone, BlackBerry, Android and Palm devices.

Gotta love technology! Read the full article here.

Over 1000 people attended Bubba’s funeral service.

Here is the audience singing “I’ll Fly Away” together.

Seventeen Year-Olds

This has been a difficult last couple of days, and the number seventeen seems to the theme. First, seventeen year-old Steven Batt was killed in Owatonna on Tuesday. Then seventeen year-old Bubba Bye died on Wednesday. Even though I didn’t know either young man personally, I know people who have been touched by Bubba’s unexpected death.

This morning at 12:30 am, my daughter received a call from some teenaged friends who were in a car accident swerving to avoid a deer, not far from where Bubba’s accident occurred. We rushed there to see what we could do to help. While all three people were okay, the truck was crushed when it rolled and they all received some minor injuries.

I’m so thankful that they were okay, but I hope people, including my own children, learn to drive safely at ALL times.

Aaron Jacobson lost two friends when six people were killed in the Isanti accident back in April 2010. He was quoted as saying, “It only takes a millisecond for something to go wrong … You never know when something is going to go wrong driving a car. Stuff happens every day and its super unfortunate and it hurts down deep.”

One really sad part of this morning’s accident is that one of Bubba’s friends came over to stay the night with us for a reprieve from the sadness she had been feeling. I know that seeing the accident scene was very difficult for her.

Brianna

The irony of all of this for me is that today would have been the 17th birthday of my daughter Brianna, who died when she was nine years old back in 2002. She died in her sleep and not in an accident, but the emotions surrounding the events of her death, funeral and life afterwards remain very similar. The hours and days after her death are just a whirlwind in my mind. We had family and friends to help us with the funeral details, burial arrangements, food and cleaning, and emotional support. I received word of prayers being sent our way from around the country and even overseas. Friends helped care for my 8 other children so we could deal with everything we needed to. We had meals to eat for many days after the funeral. I found great comfort in the closeness of those around me and I was very grateful for their help and presence.

Time went on, and people went back to their own lives. The shock of her death dissipated and was replaced with deep sadness. The days went by very slowly. Then the anniversaries started. She died the day before Halloween, so Halloween is not my favorite holiday. The first Thanksgiving Day without her. First Christmas. First New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July. Especially hard was her first birthday after her death. We started a tradition of going to the cemetery for cake and a party each year.

The most difficult first was the one year anniversary of her death, but I was so relieved that we were finally finished with those “Firsts.” Along the way I had many people send cards and emails letting me know that they remembered us and Brianna.

My Thoughts on How to Help Bubba’s Family and Others Who Suffer Loss

I have learned a lot about Zimmerman and the surrounding Sherburne Area in the two years I’ve lived here. I’ve met many wonderful residents, law enforcement and government officials, educators, business people, volunteer workers and religious leaders. People rally together in a crisis – they are willing to provide assistance. I’ve seen much unselfishness and charity. We see the newsworthy events that make the headlines and television broadcasts, but we don’t usually see the small things people do behind the scenes. However, I can attest that those things are much appreciated.

The Bye family, Bubba’s friends, teachers, coaches, and the community will say their goodbyes on Monday. But keep these people in your thoughts and prayers in the days, weeks, and months to come. Remember them on the special anniversaries and on just ordinary days.

Sometimes just a nod, a kind word, a pat on the back or comforting hug, can make all of the difference. Trust your feelings, your gut instincts. If one of Bubba’s loved ones comes to your mind out of the blue, give them a call and check on them. I believe that we receive divine guidance to direct us to others who may need our help.

Have you ever said, “Something told me to do that, but I didn’t listen?” Be sure to listen – don’t miss an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life!

Today

I have every assurance that we will see Brianna again one day, and on special days like today, we are blessed to feel her near us. Yet two of my daughters still had tears in their eyes this evening as we remembered Brianna and celebrated her birthday with a cake together as a family.

I received a lovely email from one of my sisters today, letting me know that she was thinking of us. She does not know how much that means to me. The pain does lessen over time, but kind words from family and friends are very important to me, even eight years later.

Thank you so much to those who still remember our little Brianna – she is still an important part of our life!

Here is Bubba’s obituary from the Star Tribune:

Bye, Glen “Bubba” age 17, of Zimmerman, passed away unexpectedly as a result of a car accident on August 4, 2010. Preceded in death by his cousin, Breanna Hoffman. Survived by his parents, LeAnne and Terry Bye; brother, Evan; grandparents, Kate Hunter, Rose Bye, Charlie and Mary Bye; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Also survived by special friend, Heather Bean, Coach Kish, Coach Kraus, Coach Hamlin and many teammates and friends. Bubba was blessed by God with family, friends and athletics. He lived life to the fullest with courage, loyalty and was a role model to many. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of life 11 AM Monday at Zimmerman High School, 25900 W. 4th St., Zimmerman. Visitation 4-8 PM Sunday at River of Life Evangelical Free Church, 21695 Elk Lake Road, Elk River and one hour prior to service Monday at the High School. Interment Orono Cemetery. Dare’s Funeral Home 763-441-1212

If you wish to sign the Guestbook:
http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/startribune/guestbook.aspx?n=glen-bye&pid=144491400&cid=full

Glen was a friend to one of my early morning students, and I know his death has affected her and her family. It’s always sad to lose someone so young. While I didn’t know him, the fact that so many people have such good things to say about him means a lot.

This article appeared in the Elk River Star News today:

Glen Bye, 17, dies in motor vehicle crash

by Elizabeth Nelson
Staff writer

Glen Bye, a 17-year-old Zimmerman High School student, died this morning at the scene of a motor vehicle crash on the 24400 block of Sherburne County Road 75 in Orrock Township north of Big Lake.

Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott said when deputies responded to the report of an accident at 5:33 a.m. and arrived to find a 1999 black Oldsmobile Alero that had left the roadway and struck a tree.

The juvenile could also be seen pinned inside the car.

The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene, Brott said.

There were no other passengers in the vehicle.

Brott said investigators were called to the scene and believe the teen may have fallen asleep while driving.

He was also not seat belted at the time of the crash, Brott said.

Bye, known as Bubba, would have been a senior in high school and a quarterback for the Zimmerman High School football team. He was reportedly on his way to a leadership class at the time of the accident, according to a school official.

The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office will be mapping and reconstructing the crash.

No drug or alcohol use is suspected and the Ramsey County Medical Examiners Office will conduct an autopsy, Brott said.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Big Lake Fire Department and the New River Ambulance Service.

Source: http://erstarnews.com/content/view/13302/94/

My prayers go out for his family and friends.

There is a Facebook page created in his honor:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/RIP-Glen-Bubba-Bye/141700769183974

Here is a YouTube tribute:

More News:

Kare11’s story on Glen

Video from WCCO

Residents of Pine Tree and Pine Cone Manors in Zimmerman gathered in the recreation/dining area  to enjoy coffee and cookies as part of their National Night Out get-together. They welcomed Roxanne Schreder of the Sherburne County Sheriff’s department. Deputy Schreder spoke about safety and ways that they can protect themselves against crime in their area.

Several concerns were addressed, including what to do about intruders in the area, safety while walking outside, how to handle phone call requests for information from strangers, and even tornado safety.

Several informational pamphlets were available on various safety topics as well as whistle key rings and other helpful items.

Fire Chief, Ryan Maloney also met with residents and answered questions. He also passed out fire helmets for the residents’ grandchildren to enjoy. Marge is seen here enjoying her hat!

Ryan Pokorny, of local Boy Scout Troop 99, appeared before the Zimmerman City Council this  evening to give his final Eagle Scout project report.

Ryan, who will be a senior at Zimmerman High School, approached the city in June 2009 regarding a possible Eagle Scout project. The council determined one needed service would be painting the light poles on County Road 4 to improve the appearance of the city’s main thoroughfare.

Upon inspecting the poles, Ryan found that they were faded, peeling and beginning to rust. His goal was to keep the poles from deteriorating any further.

Ryan worked with Dave Horvath, Public Works Director to set up the project. The city provided the necessary paint and Ryan worked several hours to complete the necessary tasks, including edging the tops and bottoms of the pole, the electrical box, and painting the poles themselves.

Safety was an important part of the project. Workers wore safety vests and the roadway was blocked off with cones to alert drivers. The project was successful and Ryan painted 72 light poles in all.

Mayor Dave Earenfight thanked Ryan and his father, Robert, on behalf of the City of Zimmerman, for all of the time and effort donated to complete the project.

Council member Karen Michels asked Ryan to let the council know when his Eagle Scout Court of Honor would be held.