Extreme Coding

A firm is hiring programmers to work in the nude. After seeing the article, my first thought was "I wouldn't want to work there. They are still using CRTs!"

Via Slashdot.org

I Before E Except After C = You Lie!

I'm always amazed to see how our minds work. Apparently, context impacts our ability to think logically.

Ban on Bodies of Water

I think we should ban large bodies of water. Too many people drown because of large bodies of water.

What you say? Swimming lessons? That's just crazy talk. Next thing you know, you will want people to have basic firearm safety training, too.

Guess I need an AK

Slim has been after me to buy an AR-15 lower, but after reading this, I think I need an AK.

"The AK is ideal if you’ve got a lot of poorly motivated and led illiterate peasants without a lot of technical skill or supply depth.

The AR is more demanding to build, maintain, and train on, but is also more rewarding of that effort."

I'm not illiterate, but I'm not highly trained, have minimal technical skill, and no supporting supply options.

Also, not currently a peasant.

My First "Data Center"

Since Slim doubts my anal retentive nature, I present visual evidence that I've been this way for a long time. My first "data center" at my first real job:



My desk (with dual 575 boxes!) was a little messier. I think I was rocking a USR 28.8 Sportster modem.

Game of Thrones

I'm sure that the HBO series coming out didn't add any pressure for him to publish the next book, but, despite my frustration with his non-existent sense of urgency, I may have to order HBO. I hear they have some show about mobster vampires or something like that, too.

House Stark Feature

You can also follow Game of Thrones on Twitter.

HTTPS Here and There

Facebook announced that they are implementing the option for using an encrypted connection. Twitter announced that they are implementing the option for using an encrypted connection.

And for some unexplained reason, Slashdot.org posted a question asking why everyone doesn't run https? Seriously? It is the same reason that other security measures aren't implemented. It adds complexity. It adds costs. While the specifics may change, the evaluations usually goes something like this - the likelihood of an attack multiplied by the damage done equals the risk. (There are many versions of this formula and I'm sure I've oversimplified, but you get the idea.) The risk calculation can then be used to compare risks, make organizational decisions about risk tolerance, etc. Some companies just don't care about security or they don't care as much as the next company. My company does not spend lots on IT security. I'm sure we spend less (on a percentage basis) than many others in Knoxville.

I'm not saying that implementing https is a bad idea. I am saying that it is more than just a technical decision.

Twitter notice via Slashdot.org
Previously HTTPS Everywhere and Encrypted Google Search.

Cough Syrup

My wife calls this cough syrup. I don't have a problem with that, but she also claims it is a preventative. (Just kidding.)

Scotch and Ham Radio

The Moray Firth Amateur Radio Society will be running some special event stations for the Speyside Whisky Festival. Speyside single malts include Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan, and several others. The stations will be running April 28 through May 2 during the festival and use the following calls:

GB2SWF
GB4SWF
GM1TGY

Via KD8BIG

Employer Protection

Bill passes that offers protection to employers who allow guns at the office. Of course, the lawyers for most businesses are going to advise that maintaining policies prohibiting guns on site is in their best interest. We need a law that prohibits the employers from imposing any rules about guns on their property. The anti-gun groups win when they can get companies to implement policies they cannot legislate. They win when they get enough confusing limitations on the books that keep an honest citizen from carrying because they are afraid of accidentally breaking the law. They win when they get the international community to back control laws that restrict international gun sales.