Monday, January 31, 2011

Security Theater

We'll never get past this lock!


Image from Roger's Security Blog.

Via Bruce - he should start every presentation about security theater with that picture.

Picking a Gun, Picking a Holster

Pick a gun for a new shooter. I started with a Walther P22 as my first gun. It is a good trainer for many semi-autos. The sights have a lot of air in them, but it is an easy gun to shoot. The mag release is in the trigger guard, but I actually like it there. I don't recommend starting with a Kel-Tec PF-9.

Pick a holster*.

The author does not mention if he gave the holsters the extreme test.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Queen Ukulele Style

He starts rocking it out around the four minute mark.

TSA Bribes Ticket Agent to Put Bomb on Plane

A JetBlue ticket agent was willing to put a suitcase on a plane under another passenger's name for the princely sum of $100.00.

Bruce Schneier says this plot isn't something to get too excited about. The terrorists couldn't bank on this being successful. I think this story serves as a warning to airline employees more than it does to ward off a terrorist attack.

Long Live the King. The King is Dead.

Snarky Alan points out that e-books are outselling the dead-tree variety at Amazon. I find that almost unbelievable. I figured it would happen eventually, but not in 2011.

I guess the convenience outweighs the potential downside of DRM and someone else being the administrator of system that controls your access. What's the worst they could do - delete a book you bought?

Saturday, January 29, 2011

New Rifle

I just got permission from the boss to get a new rifle. I'd like to pick one up in case all the rumors about President Obama rolling out gun control legislation is true. I've been looking at the Smith and Wesson M&P15 (the big brother to my M&P15 in .22LR). Maybe S&W will start the promotion for 5 free magazines with the purchase of the rifle. Given the focus on high capacity magazine bans, it would make sense.
From Brick O'Lore

From Brick O'Lore

As a bonus, she told me I had to get a gun safe if I was going to buy a rifle!

Your State is #1 at Something Bad

Article: The United States of Shame - What is your state the worst at?

I was surprised to see Tennessee at #1 for corruption. I'd like to think that we are just good at (eventually) rooting out the few cases of corruption while other states are underreporting their problems, because the criminals are never caught and prosecuted.

Via Exurban League.

CZ P07 USB Drive

Neat, but not sure it is a good idea.


Available at the CZ shop.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Guns at Schools - Not what you might think.

New legislation to allow staff to carry guns on campus - Bill SB 0051.

The way I read the second part of this section suggests that staff with permits can carry without the special training and approval.
"This bill authorizes full-time faculty and staff at any public postsecondary institution in Tennessee, who are not otherwise prohibited by law, to carry handguns at all times on the premises of the public institution where they are employed upon receiving a directive from the head of the institution and upon completing an annual firearm training program of at least eight hours duration. In addition, this bill authorizes full-time faculty and staff at any public postsecondary institution in Tennessee who possess a valid handgun carry permit to carry handguns at all times on the premises of the public institution where they are employed."

OLPC - QRP PC Style

I love projects like the OLPC. I believe that the Internet is the great equalizer and the more people we can get on-line, the better the world will be. Battery evolution seems slow, so it is fantastic that they can make the laptop faster while reducing the power requirements. The QRP hams have to think this is cool, too.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

How Tech Affects Reading Habits and Patterns

So mobile devices not only change where we read, but when we read. According to the analysis, we prefer iPads to computer monitors and our Lazy Boys to desk chairs.
And now the bad news... the nice, neat fonts and pretty display of the iPads are negatively impacting our reading comprehension. Messy handwriting makes our brains work harder and that translates into better learning and retention.

Via Slashdot.

GPS with Repeaters as Points of Interest

You can load a list of repeaters into your GPS. The list is available from the Point of Interest Factory including bonus items like a repeater icon. Now, if they'd just import the frequencies to the radio.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Fortune Cookie

"If strength were all, tiger would not fear scorpion."

Ham Radio Bill

H.R. 81 Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2011 (PDF)
"The objective of the bill -- which is supported by the ARRL -- is for the Secretary of Homeland Security to study the uses and capabilities of Amateur Radio communications in emergencies and disaster relief and to identify and make recommendations regarding impediments to Amateur Radio communications, such as the effects of private land use regulations on residential antenna installations."
Via the ARRL.

Blank Area Networks

LAN - Local Area Network
WAN - Wide Area Network
MAN - Metro Area Network
PAN - Personal Area Network

and now we have the MBAN - Medical Body Area Network.
"The MBAN radio spectrum would create a wireless body sensor network for remotely monitoring critically and chronically ill people via small wireless devices so that medical workers can track the person's health status as well as take swift action in emergencies."
The impacted frequencies:
"The bandwidths being requested for MBANs -- 2360-2400 MHz; 2300-2305 MHz and 2395-2400 MHz; 2400-2483.5 MHz; or 5150-5250 MHz -- reside next those now used by Bluetooth devices."

Ten-Tec Video

I went to the Hamfest at Ten-Tec in September. They have tailgating, plant tours, and a demo area. The plant is interesting because one half the plant looks like a traditional, industrial facility while the other part is more of a clean room. The surface mount area was neat to see. They were showing of the new Eagle radio. It's cool to have one of the few ham radio manufacturers in my backyard.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Hams Help

Hams help and not just with EmComm...

General Motors asks hams for help with an antenna problem.

NASA asks hams for help with tracking a nanosatellite.

Cool Tool - RJ45

This is a neat idea from Platinum Tools - the RJ45 connector allows the 8 wires to pass through the end. It makes it easier to verify the order of the wires and you don't have to worry about trimming them too short or long.


I See What You Did There.

And this is why I put electrical tape over my laptop's camera.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Cyber War - Yes, it is. No, it's not.

Yes, it is. Compromised government and military sites are for sale.

No, it's not. Cyberwar is over-hyped.

Yes, it is. Stuxnet may have been a government attack.

Obligatory Monty Python video:

Nigerian Radio - Kencomsu

There has been a lot of discussion about Chinese radio imports for the amateur market on some of the Yahoo groups to which I subscribe. Discussion may be too generous - rants may be more appropriate. As an owner of a Wouxun KG-UVD1P, you may guess I don't have a problem with letting the markets work.

After seeing the success of the Wouxun ,I did get excited for the business potential of another import when I saw this post:
"The ones that the Nigerian company "Kencomsu" makes, but they can't get them out of Nigeria because they need an export license. In order to get an export license, they need a partner in the USA who will import the radios. So, if someone in the USA will just put up $10,000 for export permits, he/she can get 1000 amateur radios delivered, which the USA partner can sell for a profit and share the revenue with the Nigerian company for all their trouble.

Want me to provide more details?"
Then I realized it was joke. I would love to run a small business like Ed at wouxun.us.

Improv Everywhere - Where's Rob?

After I discovered the Best Gig Ever, I make it a point to occasionally check out Improv Everywhere.

I found myself laughing out loud as I read about poor Rob getting lost at a basketball game.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Dot Torture

I thought I would try to bring some structure to my shooting. A simple principle, but if you don't measure something, you won't know if you are improving.

I ran the Dot Torture drill three times today at Coal Creek Armory. The drill involves shooting small dots at relatively close range. It was hard to judge the distance, but I think I was at about 4 yards. The instructions include slow shooting, drawing and shooting, doubles, off-hand, strong hand, reloads, etc. for a total of 50 rounds/points. The rules at CCA prohibit drawing and firing, so I just pressed out from a low ready. I ran a 18, 17, and 22 using my CZ 75 SP-01 and Federal 9mm 115 grain FMJ RN ammunition.

I learned that I am horrible with my off-hand. I was 0 for 15. I have a baseline and hope I can go back soon to repeat the exercise. I may want to move in to 3 yards until I get more proficient.

From Brick O'Lore

Should Employees Provide Their Own Hardware and Software?

A discussion on Slashdot.org about employees providing their own computers.

I'm not sold on this as a good idea for computers or even mobile phones. If we were to implement VDI of one flavor (VMware) or another (Microsoft), then the underlying hardware could be a non-issue.

We are currently providing limited support to a couple of Apple iProducts that employees have brought to the office. It gives us a chance to see what might evolve and build a business case without a significant investment or taking on risk.

Top Shot 2

Top Shot 2 premieres Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 10/9 on the History Channel.

Shooting Classes in Knox Vegas

Les Jones is trying to help find a shooting instructor in Knoxville. It is a timely question as I have been thinking about taking a class. I'm relatively new to guns and have only been shooting for about a year. I took the basic handgun course and the carry permit class at Coal Creek Armory.

I'm considering a personal session with Rick Newstrom. He did the permit class and I liked his style.

A co-worker’s son took a tactical pistol course with instructor Eric Matson. He really enjoyed it.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Running Out of IPv4 Addresses

They've been talking about it for years, but I'm sure they are correct. We are closer to running out of IPv4 addresses, but like most things, crisis will inspire change.

I'm not really worried about this... what's the worst that can ..%@^$%#*...NO CARRIER...

I Wondered Why the Skype Plugin was Disabled

This window popped up yesterday.

Turns out Firefox pushed the kill switch on it, because the Skype Plugin was causing lots of problems. I like the pressure that can put on a third party to provide good code, but it is also scary that Firefox can reach out and disable some functions. As I understand it, the plugin can be re-enabled if you prefer.

Benton's is Cool

Tennessee is awesome.

Great bacon at Benton's Hams in Madisonville, TN. I love the bacon.

Lots of guns at Benton’s Shooter Supply in Benton, TN. I've not been yet, but looks like I need to make a road trip.

MLK Guns

The holiday was a few days ago, but I didn't have time to post. Even Martin Luther King, Jr. felt the need to have guns as a counter to the bad guys. It is a shame that he was denied a permit because of his race. Again and again, we see how laws are applied to attack, directly or indirectly, the Second Amendment.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Awesome Holster Review

You can have some faith that your pistol won't fall out of this holster.



Via ENDO.

Ask What You Can Do For Yourself

I've seen the "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country" quote for years, but not thought much about it. My grandmother even had it on a wall hanging.

This article reminds us of Milton Friedman's response.

Isn't language fun? As a friend has suggested, maybe I need a course in rhetoric.

I had always thought it was promoting the sort of solidarity I saw after 9/11. I never considered that it was promoting the good of the government over that of the people. Or that it was encouraging dependence on the government like this:

Thursday, January 20, 2011

I Blame the Parents and Schools

How can a "journalist" get so many things wrong in an article about guns?

"The semi-automatic version isn’t much less lethal, either — that much is made clear by the Army’s decision to use M-16s that fire semi-automatically in up to three-round bursts, rather than full-autos. Semi-auto fire can be more accurate than “spraying,” the Army found."

Um, okay.

The columnist responds in the comments. I don't expect him to be an expert, but he needs to check his facts.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Guns

Here is a Facebook post from a friend of mine and then my response follows.
What a week! Happy Friday to everyone.

Just a thought to share this morning and a post that is unusually not about my Megan. In response to the gun talk either for or against this week I have to take a side. 3 out of the 4 early morning news stories today included stories about shootings and or guns - nothing good came from any of them.

http://www.wkrn.com/Global/story.asp?S=13839429 (boy accidently shoots brother in middle TN)

http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=13833132 (Second Harvest pulls out of firing range fundraiser to shoot Kiffen bobblehead dolls - was this something that they should have signed up for even before Tucson?)

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/01/13/1978007/at-least-2-wounded-in-sc-shooting.html (two men airlifted after gunshot wounds after arguing over property lines and trees - really???)

These three strories were proof once again to me that whether acciental or with intentional malice guns are a threat to all of us. If we have such a great military and police forces across this country to protect and serve why does anybody else need them?

I understand and support the sport of hunting - I get it. I agree that a hunter's license and gun owners license for that purpose alone makes sense. Beyond that though handguns in the hands of anyone other than military and police is senseless forever and always, period.

Not asking for any responses, just wanted to take a rare opportunity on FB to post one of my longest standing and strongest beliefs outside of religion and politics. One day I hope that I can be a part of the change through the system to support real change in our laws.

On a lighter note the two ladies from Williamson County who beat up a home intruder with a Shark vacuum cleaner are my new heros!!

My response:
I did not grow up around guns. I did not have strong opinions on the matter until recently. I did not own guns until recently. I normally do not post on controversial topics either, but I likewise feel compelled to add my voice to the discussion.

There are bad people in the world. There is no way to make all the guns in the world disappear. Bad people will get access to guns. Jenny has said that she hates that we live in a world where we might need a gun. I agree, but this world was defined by original sin and we can only work to make it better.

More laws simply guarantee that the people that follow the law will be unarmed. The bad people do not care what the laws are. New York Republican Rep. Peter King said he will introduce legislation to ban the carrying of any firearm within 1,000 feet of what he described as “high-profile government officials.” Ask yourself if such a law would have stopped Jared Loughner. He already ignored the law that said you shouldn’t murder.

More people will be killed in car accidents than from gun related deaths this year. Should we outlaw cars?

Guns sales have risen over the last few years. During that same period, violent crime has decreased. Even if there is no causation, we can say that more guns have not lead to show-downs at high noon on the streets.

If someone was breaking into your house and seconds mean the difference between life and death… the police are only minutes away. A bit trite, but it makes the point. The police cannot be everywhere.

I wish Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom had been armed.

The Supreme Court recently reaffirmed our 2nd Amendment rights in District of Columbia v. Heller and McDonald v. Chicago.

Ben Franklin wrote “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

Some of the worse crimes against humanity have been perpetrated by dictators who have taken all gun rights away from their citizens.

Even during this tragedy, the father of 9-year old Christina Green understands the importance of our freedoms – “This shouldn't happen in this country, or anywhere else, but in a free society, we're going to be subject to people like this. I prefer this to the alternative.”

We should be spending more time talking about mental health issues. The root cause of the shooting was that Jared Loughner was sick.

If you would like to go shoot sometime, I’d be happy to host.

Women can take a free handgun carry permit course at Bass Pro Shop in Sevierville.

I did not include specific links to back up may facts, but I could have - most of them came from the bloggers you see on the Gun Links above. I also tried to make connections on multiple levels by providing stats; asking challenging questions; making a spiritual link; reminding her of tragic, emotional events from the Knoxville area; and discussing the larger issues of rights and mental health.

Brick of Borg

A interesting view from Amber Case... people + technology = cyborg. In the past, tools were an extension of our physical selves, e.g. a club. Today, these little external brains (aka smart phones) are an extension of our mental selves.



These devices eliminate the barriers of time and space, so that we can be connected to anyone at anytime from anywhere. She has a concern that this always connected world leaves little time for self-reflection. As a classic INTJ, I really get that. I love being able to listen to people on the repeater, review Facebook updates, and send e-mail/txts, but I need time downtime to recharge my batteries.

A Small World: Stephen Hunter & Glen Reynolds

If you don't know Glen Reynolds, he's a professor at the University of Tennessee and is also know as the "Blog Father" for his InstaPundit website.

He interviews Stephen Hunter, whose Bob Lee Swagger books, I've been reading. Worlds collide! Hunter looks like an author, but he nothing like I would have expected. I guess I always think the characters are a reflection of the author.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Friday, January 14, 2011

Big Ed's

Big Ed's Pizza in Oak Ridge made USA Today's top pizza places. I like Big Ed's, but I'm not sure why. The place is a dive and not exactly cheap. And, if you have any left-overs, they don't seem to heat up as well as other pizzas.

I'm a big fan of Barley's Tap Room in Knoxville's Old City. If you are there in the fall, ask a waitress for a "pump nut." If you don't get slapped, it means you will end up with a fantastic half pumpkin and half hazelnut beer.

Smart Phone

As you may have gathered from a recent post, I now have an Android phone - a Droid Pro using Verizon Wireless to be exact. After years on a Blackberry, I made the move... and two weeks later, they announce that the iPhone will be with Verizon. I'm happy with the Droid so far, so that doesn't really bother me.

But I do wish I could get a Magpul Executive Field Case for my Droid Pro. It is very high speed, low drag!

Orange-neck Fun

Hopefully no one thinks shooting Lane Kiffin bobble-heads is anything, but some good orange-neck fun.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Android App: Ham Radio Study

I just found a neat app for Android phones for studying for your ham radio license. TNJeffofAllTrades - you should download it.

Looks like there are Morse Code trainers, scanner apps, and other goodies too.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

President Obama's Speech in Arizona

Full text of his speech here.

I was surprised. He took the high road and did not make it political. Lee Doren called it "Reaganesque."

Survival Prep

An InstaPundit article about being prepared and a follow-up.

My key takeaways... I'm sure there are better lists, but there were good reminders about meds, pets, and diapers.

Food: canned goods, beef jerky, water, pet food
Tools: flashlight, battery-powered or hand crank radio, duct tape, garbage bags, can opener, multi-tool, pocket knife
Shelter: blankets, tarps
Clothing: diapers
Medicine: medication, first aid kit
Money: Cash

Neat tricks:
Write the contents of cans on the lids in case you lose the label, also write purchase date
Re-use 2 liter bottles for water storage - placing them in the sun will allow the heat to kill any nasty organisms in the water
Keep an extra propane tank for your grill

Get your stop watch ready!

Sharp as a Marble likes to make you think.

Bad guy attacks you with a gun.
You take the gun away from the bad guy.
You shoot the man in self defense.
In your state, it is illegal to possess a gun.

Did you break the law by holding the gun long enough to defend yourself? If you held it for less or more time, would it be more or less legal?

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

If you shoot someone with a .22...

... they'll be mad if they find out.

Italian man shot with a .22 sneezes out bullet.

Via TNJeffofAllTrades.

Crime Reports on the Web

I was excited when I saw Knoxville News-Sentinel story about the Knox County Seriff's online crime reporting web site: http://www.crimereports.com/.

You can view a map of crimes in your area and sign-up for e-mail reports. When I read the article I thought it might send real-time alerts, but it appears to have a lag. Also, the e-mail report just sends you a link back to the web site. I'd rather get a simple list of the recent crimes along with the link if I wanted to map it.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Your e-papers, please.

I don't care if it is the Commerce Department. It's the government.

I'm sure there are benefits to a national internet identity, but I'm even more certain that it will create more problems than it will solve.

"We are not talking about a national ID card," Locke said at the Stanford event. "We are not talking about a government-controlled system. What we are talking about is enhancing online security and privacy and reducing and perhaps even eliminating the need to memorize a dozen passwords, through creation and use of more trusted digital identities."

"I don't have to get a credential if I don't want to," he said. There's no chance that "a centralized database will emerge," and "we need the private sector to lead the implementation of this," he said.

No chance, huh? His assurance makes me feel much better.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Local Police use iPads

Speaking of tech in the car, our local constables are using iPads in their cruisers.

Police Can Search Mobile Phones

What? If you've been arrested police can search your phone. What?

So the authorities can have access to my personal e-mail, my work e-mail, contacts, calendar, my Twitter account, my Facebook account, and my Angry Birds' score? Outrageous. Yet another place where the law isn't in sync with technology. You can't arrest someone on the street, drive to their house, and start reading their snail mail. Get a warrant and then have at it! As I've said before, we get blinders on when things move from the physical world to the cyberspace.

Via Slashdot.org

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Gaming the Markets with High Speed Technology

Using technology to game the market system is another place that really makes me rethink my laissez-faire philosophy. Don't get me wrong the technology is cool, but I prefer it when companies provide a good or more traditional service (like changing my oil, performing surgery, etc.).

Another Story about Tech Enabling the Bad Guys

Instead of just disabling your phone, thieves can use your wireless entry and ignition systems to steal your cars. So does this require a minimum level of sophistication, thus the net gain is positive as your run of the mill thief will be stopped? Or are there going to be downloadable executables for script kiddies?

But that won't stop us from wanting more tech in our cars. How did we get around without remote starters, status reports via e-mail, integrated Pandora, Microsoft SYNC, etc? Horsepower is for Luddites.

Via Slashdot.org and Slashdot.org

Friday, January 7, 2011

The Next Problem with SMS

Texting while driving is dangerous. Kids are sending inappropriate sexts.

Now it appears that the bad guys can send text messages that will disable your phone. As mentioned in the link, there are a large number of free services that could be used to send these self-destruct messages to the most popular phones and create mucho chaos.

Power Line Broadband and SmartMeters

The UK is using the rollout of smart meters to try broadband over powerlines again.

Meanwhile, the ARRL is filing a complaint that broadband over power lines creates harmful interference and that IBEC isn't playing nice in the sandbox.

And back at the ranch, we find the same state that wants to outlaw incandescent bulbs has now banned Smart-meters. Quoting:

"Among the reasons given are privacy concerns associated with measuring energy usage data moment by moment and the potential for adverse impact on emergency communication systems used by first responders and amateur radio operators."

I'm glad to see they have their priorities straight.

Via Slashdot.org, eHam.net, and Slashdot.org

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

China is scary.

I heard or read that China is pushing for more Chinese language web pages. They are also preparing to move against VoIP providers.

It is scary how much control the government has. It is even scarier how accepting the Chinese people are of the government as patriarch. I've been to China several times and the people I work with don't know that there is any other way. Perhaps the pace of progress has kept everyone happy. They've come so far they don't know that they are missing anything including the freedom of choice. The Great Firewall of China remains important to limiting the exposure of the average person to the world - otherwise the it could all change.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Echolink

Echolink is a tool for accessing repeaters via a computer. You connect over the internet using Echolink to Echolink enabled repeaters and you can converse with other hams that are likewise using a PC or are transmitting via a radio. You can get into repeaters all over the world if they are running the software. Echolink will require you to prove that you are a licensed operator before granting you access to the network.

My father-in-law is not interested in Echolink. He says he has no interest in making his computer talk to someone else's computer. I think it is a neat way for someone to get on the air in a very inexpensive fashion. You could spend $15 to get your license and (assuming you have a PC and internet) be on some 2M repeaters with no other expense.

In addition to the PC client, you can install mobile versions for your iPhone/iPad or Android device.

Monday, January 3, 2011

FCC Net Neutrality

Lots of talk about Net Neutrality.. usually I am pro-business, but I view the Internet as essential infrastructure and worry that without Net Neutrality, innovation would be stifled. I think some things just cannot come out of big organizations. Most of these articles are from Slashdot.org.

A simplified view of the Net Neutrality issue.

Obama's FCC Caves on Net Neutrality

Do we really need Net Neutrality?

A Regulated Internet?

The Right's War on Net Neutrality

Zombie Returns to Life!

Via Slashdot.org...

A zombie satellite has been brought back to life. I've always been amazed by what we can do in space. Is the Mars Rover still going?

From Brick O'Lore

Sunday, January 2, 2011

A quick look at my mobile rig

Just the basics...



I bought the radio from Ed at Wouxun.us. You can find the same radio for slightly less, but Ed was fantastic. He was very responsive to pre-sales questions I asked. I ordered on a Saturday and had it on Monday! He is an active participant in the Wouxun Yahoo group, too.

UPDATE: The original video had audio problems, so I've replaced it.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Book Review: Black Light

I finished Black Light last night. It was the second book in the Bob Lee Swagger series by Stephen Hunter. This story flashes back to the events surrounding the death of Earl Swagger, Bob's father, as Bob tries to discover what actually happened. I enjoyed the book, but liked Point of Impact slightly more. Hunter does other books about Earl and I think those might be a better read without the jumping back and forth in time. Up next is A Time to Hunt, but I've got to do some reading for my Sunday School class, so it may be a while before I continue with Bob Lee's adventures.

Black Light

EU Standardizes Mobile Phone Chargers

I have mixed feelings about the EU's required standardization of mobile phone chargers. As someone that supports a fleet of mobile phones, I think it is a great idea. As a fan of letting markets work, I hate to think that this might limit the next big (or little!) thing in connectors.

Beware the Hacker!

It gets good around 9 minutes. If you want to skip ahead, the background is that this guy got his computer stolen and tracked it down after more than a year. I laughed out loud more than once.